bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peatland bryophyte responses to increased light from black spruce removal
Authors: Leonard R. , Kettridge N. , Krause S. , Devito K.J. , Granath G. , Petrone R. , Mendoza C. , Waddington J.M.
Published: November 2016

The ecohydrological impact of tree‐canopy removal on moss and peat, which provide a principal carbon store, is just starting to be understood. Different mosses have contrasting contributions to carbon and water fluxes (e.g., Sphagnum fuscum, Pleurozium schreberi) and are strongly influenced by tree‐canopy cover. Changes in tree‐canopy cover may therefore lead to long‐term shifts in species composition and associated ecohydrological function. However, the medium‐term response to such disturbance, the associated lag in this transition to a new ecohydrological and biogeochemical regime, is not understood in detail. We investigate this medium‐term (4 years) ecohydrological, biogeochemical, and species compositional response to tree‐canopy removal using a randomized plot design within a northern peatland. This is the only study to test for the influence of increased light alone. We demonstrate that changes in treatment plots 4 years after tree‐canopy removal were not significant. Notably, P. schreberi and S. fuscum remained within their respective plots post treatment, and there was no significant difference in plot resistance to evapotranspiration or carbon exchange. Results show that tree‐canopy removal alone has little impact on bryophyte ecohydrology in the short or medium‐term. This resistance to disturbance contrasts strongly with short‐term changes observed within mineral soils, suggesting that concurrent shifts in the large scale hydrology induced within such disturbances are necessary to cause rapid ecohydrological transitions. Understanding this lagged response is critical to determine the strength of medium to long‐term negative ecohydrological feedbacks within peatlands in addition to carbon and water fluxes on a decadal timescale in response to disturbance.
Top‐down control of methane emission and nitrogen cycling by waterfowl
Authors: Winton R. Scott , Richardson Curtis J.
Published: November 2016

Aquatic herbivores impose top‐down control on the structure of wetland ecosystems, but the biogeochemical consequences of herbivory on methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N) are poorly known. To investigate the top‐down effects of waterfowl on wetland biogeochemistry, we implemented exclosure experiments in a major waterfowl overwintering wetland in the southeastern United States over two growing seasons. We found that herbivory inhibited the oxidation of CH4, leading to a mean increase in emission by 230% over control plots, and prevented nitrification, as indicated by low nitrate availability and undetectable emissions of nitrous oxide. Herbivory reduced belowground biomass of macrophytes, retarding the subsequent spring emergence of aerenchymous stems, effectively starving wetland soils of oxygen necessary for CH4 oxidation and nitrification. The recognition that important populations of aquatic herbivores may influence the capacity for wetlands to emit greenhouse gases and cycle N is particularly salient in the context of climate change and nutrient pollution mitigation goals. For example, our results suggest that (1) annual emissions of 23 Gg CH4/yr from ~57 000 ha of publicly owned waterfowl impoundments in the southeastern United States could be tripled by overgrazing and that (2) waterfowl impoundments may export as much N as agricultural fields. We discuss potential implications for habitat management in the context of historic wetland loss and waterfowl population recovery.
Echocardiographic screening for non‐ischaemic stage B heart failure in the community
Authors: Yang Hong , Negishi Kazuaki , Wang Ying , Nolan Mark , Saito Makoto , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: November 2016

Aims

Incident heart failure (HF) continues to pose a common and serious problem. We sought to examine the value of echocardiographic predictors of new HF in a community‐based elderly population at risk for HF, independent of and incremental to clinical evaluation.

Methods and results

Asymptomatic patients ≥65 years old, with ≥1 HF risk factor (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or obesity) were recruited from the community; patients with valve disease, reduced ejection fraction (EF), and atrial fibrillation (AF) were excluded. Patients underwent standard clinical evaluation including calculation of the Charlson co‐morbidity score and a comprehensive echocardiography including global longitudinal strain (GLS). Functional capacity was assessed by 6 min walk test. New HF and cardiovascular death were assessed after a mean follow‐up of 14 ± 4 months by three independent cardiologists using Framingham criteria. Of 410 subjects (median age 70 years; 48% men), the prevalence of stage B HF was 13% [by LV hypertrophy (LVH)], 12% (by abnormal E/e'), 33% (by impaired GLS), and 31% [by left atrial enlargement (LAE)]. New HF symptoms developed in 49, and 2 died of cardiovascular causes, giving an event rate of 104/1000 person‐years. These patients were older (P = 0.012), had a higher Charlson co‐morbidity score (P < 0.001), larger LV mass and left atrium, higher E/e', and lower GLS (P < 0.05). LAE, LVH, abnormal GLS, and E/e' were independent predictors of new HF. In sequential models, LV mass and GLS added incremental information to clinical parameters. GLS significantly reclassified individuals (P = 0.002), but no reclassification improvement was identified using LV mass index, E/e', and left atrial volume index.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic assessment (especially GLS and LV mass) provides incremental value in predicting incident HF.
Global left atrial failure in heart failure
Authors: Triposkiadis Filippos , Pieske Burkert , Butler Javed , Parissis John , Giamouzis Gregory , Skoularigis John , Brutsaert Dirk , Boudoulas Harisios
Published: November 2016

The left atrium plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular and neurohumoral homeostasis in heart failure. However, with progressive left ventricular dysfunction, left atrial (LA) dilation and mechanical failure develop, which frequently culminate in atrial fibrillation. Moreover, LA mechanical failure is accompanied by LA endocrine failure [deficient atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) processing‐synthesis/development of ANP resistance) and LA regulatory failure (dominance of sympathetic nervous system excitatory mechanisms, excessive vasopressin release) contributing to neurohumoral overactivity, vasoconstriction, and volume overload (global LA failure). The purpose of the present review is to describe the characteristics and emphasize the clinical significance of global LA failure in patients with heart failure.
Benchmarking Uranyl Peroxide Capsule Chemistry in Organic Media
Authors: Neal Harrison A. , Szymanowski Jennifer , Fein Jeremy B. , Burns Peter C. , Nyman May
Published: November 2016

Uranyl peroxide capsules are a recent addition to polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry. Ten years of development has ensued only in water, while transition metal POMs are commonly exploited in aqueous and organic media, controlled by counterions or ligation to render the clusters hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Here, new uranyl POM behavior is recognized in organic media, including (1) stabilization and immobilization of encapsulated hydrophilic countercations, identified by Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, (2) formation of new cluster species upon phase transfer, (3) extraction of uranyl clusters from different starting materials including simulated spent nuclear fuel, (4) selective phase transfer of one cluster type from a mixture, and (5) phase transfer of clusters from both acidic and alkaline media. The capsule morphology of the uranyl POMs renders accurate characterization by X‐ray scattering, including the distinction of geometrically similar clusters. Compositional analysis of the aqueous phase post‐extraction provided a quantitative determination of the ion exchange process that enables transfer of the clusters into the organic phase. Preferential partitioning of uranyl POMs into organic media presents new frontiers in metal ion behavior and chemical reactions in the confined space of the cluster capsules in hydrophobic media, as well as the reactivity of clusters at the organic/aqueous interface.
Iron(III) Oxide Nanoparticles as Catalysts for the Formation of Linear Glycine Peptides
Authors: Georgelin Thomas , Akouche Mariame , Jaber Maguy , Sakhno Yuriy , Matheron Lucrece , Fournier Frederic , Méthivier Christophe , Martra Gianmario , Lambert Jean‐Francois
Published: November 2016

We have studied the behavior upon thermal activation of glycine adsorbed on three well‐characterized Fe3+ oxide nanoparticle phases, maghemite, hematite, and akaganeite. The behavior of the adsorbed molecules and of the nanoparticle surfaces was monitored by four main experimental techniques, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), XPS, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and mass spectrometry. Glycine polymerizes by peptide bond formation in the 180–190 °C temperature range, which is somewhat higher than on previously studied oxides such as silica or alumina, giving mostly short linear peptides. At slightly higher temperatures, under an inert gas, the iron oxyhydroxides act as stoichiometric oxidants and cause oxidative degradation of the peptides formed in the previous step while they are reduced to FeO; under air, dioxygen causes reoxidation of the nanoparticle surfaces so that the overall effect is a catalytic oxidation by O2. While the direct formation of linear peptides may be beneficial to the growth of prebiotic complexity, the redox reactivity of the supports limits the temperature stability range of the oligopeptides.
Fuel oil and dispersant toxicity to the Antarctic sea urchin (Sterechinus neumayeri)
Authors: Alexander Frances J. , King Catherine K. , Reichelt-Brushett Amanda J. , Harrison Peter L.
Published: November 2016

The risk of a major marine fuel spill in Antarctic waters is increasing, yet there are currently no standard or suitable response methods under extreme Antarctic conditions. Fuel dispersants may present a possible solution; however, little data exist on the toxicity of dispersants or fuels to Antarctic species, thereby preventing informed management decisions. Larval development toxicity tests using 3 life history stages of the Antarctic sea urchin (Sterechinus neumayeri) were completed to assess the toxicity of physically dispersed, chemically dispersed, and dispersant-only water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of an intermediate fuel oil (IFO 180, BP) and the chemical dispersant Slickgone NS (Dasic International). Despite much lower total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations, physically dispersed fuels contained higher proportions of low-to-intermediate weight carbon compounds and were generally at least an order of magnitude more toxic than chemically dispersed fuels. Based on concentrations that caused 50% abnormality (EC50) values, the embryonic unhatched blastula life stage was the least affected by fuels and dispersants, whereas the larval 4-armed pluteus stage was the most sensitive. The present study is the first to investigate the possible implications of the use of fuel dispersants for fuel spill response in Antarctica. The results indicate that the use of a fuel dispersant did not increase the hydrocarbon toxicity of IFO 180 to the early life stages of Antarctic sea urchins, relative to physical dispersal. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1563–1571. © 2016 SETAC
Mendelian randomization analysis of a time‐varying exposure for binary disease outcomes using functional data analysis methods
Authors: Cao Ying , Rajan Suja S. , Wei Peng
Published: November 2016

A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis is performed to analyze the causal effect of an exposure variable on a disease outcome in observational studies, by using genetic variants that affect the disease outcome only through the exposure variable. This method has recently gained popularity among epidemiologists given the success of genetic association studies. Many exposure variables of interest in epidemiological studies are time varying, for example, body mass index (BMI). Although longitudinal data have been collected in many cohort studies, current MR studies only use one measurement of a time‐varying exposure variable, which cannot adequately capture the long‐term time‐varying information. We propose using the functional principal component analysis method to recover the underlying individual trajectory of the time‐varying exposure from the sparsely and irregularly observed longitudinal data, and then conduct MR analysis using the recovered curves. We further propose two MR analysis methods. The first assumes a cumulative effect of the time‐varying exposure variable on the disease risk, while the second assumes a time‐varying genetic effect and employs functional regression models. We focus on statistical testing for a causal effect. Our simulation studies mimicking the real data show that the proposed functional data analysis based methods incorporating longitudinal data have substantial power gains compared to standard MR analysis using only one measurement. We used the Framingham Heart Study data to demonstrate the promising performance of the new methods as well as inconsistent results produced by the standard MR analysis that relies on a single measurement of the exposure at some arbitrary time point.
The functional role of human right hippocampal/parahippocampal theta rhythm in environmental encoding during virtual spatial navigation
Authors: Pu Yi , Cornwell Brian R. , Cheyne Douglas , Johnson Blake W.
Published: November 2016

Low frequency theta band oscillations (4–8 Hz) are thought to provide a timing mechanism for hippocampal place cell firing and to mediate the formation of spatial memory. In rodents, hippocampal theta has been shown to play an important role in encoding a new environment during spatial navigation, but a similar functional role of hippocampal theta in humans has not been firmly established. To investigate this question, we recorded healthy participants’ brain responses with a 160‐channel whole‐head MEG system as they performed two training sets of a virtual Morris water maze task. Environment layouts (except for platform locations) of the two sets were kept constant to measure theta activity during spatial learning in new and familiar environments. In line with previous findings, left hippocampal/parahippocampal theta showed more activation navigating to a hidden platform relative to random swimming. Consistent with our hypothesis, right hippocampal/parahippocampal theta was stronger during the first training set compared to the second one. Notably, theta in this region during the first training set correlated with spatial navigation performance across individuals in both training sets. These results strongly argue for the functional importance of right hippocampal theta in initial encoding of configural properties of an environment during spatial navigation. Our findings provide important evidence that right hippocampal/parahippocampal theta activity is associated with environmental encoding in the human brain. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1347–1361, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inference on Self‐Exciting Jumps in Prices and Volatility Using High‐Frequency Measures
Authors: Maneesoonthorn Worapree , Forbes Catherine S. , Martin Gael M.
Published: November 2016

Dynamic jumps in the price and volatility of an asset are modelled using a joint Hawkes process in conjunction with a bivariate jump diffusion. A state‐space representation is used to link observed returns, plus nonparametric measures of integrated volatility and price jumps, to the specified model components, with Bayesian inference conducted using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. An evaluation of marginal likelihoods for the proposed model relative to a large number of alternative models, including some that have featured in the literature, is provided. An extensive empirical investigation is undertaken using data on the S&P 500 market index over the 1996–2014 period, with substantial support for dynamic jump intensities—including in terms of predictive accuracy—documented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk and Prevention of Fracture in Patients With Major Medical Illnesses: A Mini-Review
Authors: Cummings Steven R , Eastell Richard
Published: November 2016

Patients with several medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease, recent stroke, HIV, and heart failure, have a high risk of hip fracture. These patients will also have more severe consequences of a hip fracture, including a greater chance of dying and more prolonged disability. Together, there are nearly as many patients with medical conditions that substantially increase the risk of hip fracture as there are people with osteoporosis by femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). The contributions of falling and decreased bone mass to the increased risks with these conditions are not certain. Although there are few data about whether and what type of treatments these patients receive to prevent fracture, it is likely that few receive pharmacologic treatments that have been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture. There is a need to show that drug treatments that strengthen bone also reduce fracture risk in patients whose risk may be owing in greater part to traumatic falls than osteoporosis. Assuming that treatments are efficacious in these patients, there is a major opportunity to substantially reduce the incidence and consequences of hip fracture by reaching more of them with drug treatments to reduce the risk of hip fracture. This will require engagement of specialists who have little expertise and perhaps limited interest in preventing fractures, or new approaches to delivering drug treatments to prevent fracture directly to the patients at risk. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
TRAF6 Mediates Suppression of Osteoclastogenesis and Prevention of Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by a Novel Prenylflavonoid
Authors: Tan Ee Min , Li Lei , Indran Inthrani Raja , Chew Nicholas , Yong Eu-Leong
Published: November 2016

Given the limitations of current therapeutic options for postmenopausal osteoporosis, there is a need for alternatives with minimal adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of icaritin (ICT), a natural prenylflavonoid, on osteoclastogenesis both in vitro and in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model and investigated its underlying molecular mechanism(s) of action. ICT inhibited osteoclast formation in two osteoclast precursor models, RAW 264.7 mouse monocyte cell line and human PBMC. ICT also inhibited sealing zone and resorption pit formation in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ICT inhibited RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK/AP-1 pathways to suppress gene expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1, the master transcription regulator of osteoclast differentiation. ICT, by inhibiting the TRAF6/c-Src/PI3K pathway, suppressed NADPH oxidase-1 activation to attenuate intracellular ROS production and downregulate calcineurin phosphatase activity. As a result, NFATc1 nuclear translocation and activity was suppressed. Crucially, ICT promoted proteasomal degradation of TRAF6, the critical adaptor protein that transduces RANKL/RANK signaling, and the inhibitory effect of ICT on osteoclastogenesis was reversed by the proteasomal inhibitor MG 132. ICT administration inhibited OVX-induced bone loss and resorption by suppressing osteoclast formation and activity. Consistent with cellular studies, ICT downregulated TRAF6 and NFATc1 protein expression in CD11b+/Gr-1-/low osteoclast precursors isolated from OVX rats. Put together, we present novel findings that ICT, by downregulating TRAF6, coordinates inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK/AP-1, and ROS signaling pathways to reduce expression and activity of NFATc1. These results demonstrate the potential of ICT for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and point to TRAF6 as a promising target for novel anti-osteoporotic drugs. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Four cases of pulmonary thromboembolism diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound
Authors: Erer Onur Fevzi , Cimen Pinar , Unlu Mehmet , Katgi Nuran
Published: November 2016

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a technique for the detection of mediastinal abnormalities. A total of 548 EBUS procedures were performed for various indications, and in four cases (0.7%), filling defects in central pulmonary arteries were demonstrated fortuitously during the procedure. Subsequently, all patients underwent contrast‐enhanced CT of the thorax to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). In three of the four cases, there was a concomitant lung cancer. PTE can be incidentally detected during EBUS; therefore, pulmonary arteries should be examined carefully during EBUS in all patients, particularly in patients with suspected or proven malignancy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:441–444, 2017
Preparation and preclinical evaluation of 131I‐trastuzumab for breast cancer
Authors: Kameswaran Mythili , Gota Vikram , Ambade Rajwardhan , Gupta Sudeep , Dash Ashutosh
Published: November 2016

Trastuzumab that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) is known to benefit patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. The objective was to explore the potential of 131I‐trastuzumab for treatment of breast cancers. Radioiodination of trastuzumab was carried out by chloramine‐T method, purified by using PD‐10 column, and characterized by size exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography on a gel column. In vitro studies were carried out in HER2+ cells to determine the specificity of the radioimmunoconjugate. Uptake and retention of 131I‐trastuzumab were determined by biodistribution studies in tumor‐bearing non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency and normal severe combined immunodeficiency mice. The radiochemical purity (RCP) of 131I‐trastuzumab was 98 ± 0.4% with retention time of 17 minutes by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In vitro stability studies exhibited RCP of more than 90% in serum at 37°C after 120 hours of radioiodination. In vitro cell binding with 131I‐trastuzumab in HER2+ cells showed binding of 28% to 35% which was inhibited significantly, with unlabeled trastuzumab confirming its specificity. Kd value of 131I‐trastuzumab was 0.5 nM, while its immunoreactivity was more than 80%. Uptake of more than 12% and retention were observed in the tumors up to 120 hours p.i. 131I‐trastuzumab prepared in‐house‐exhibited RCP of more than 98%, excellent immunoreactivity, affinity to HER2+ cell lines and good tumor uptake thereby indicating its potential for further evaluation in HER2+ breast cancers.
Polymerization of supramonomers: A new way for fabricating supramolecular polymers and materials
Authors: Song Qiao , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: November 2016

Supramolecular polymers and materials are attracting more and more attention nowadays due to their dynamic properties such as reversibility, stimuli‐responsiveness and self‐healing. Conventionally, bifunctional or multi‐functional monomers are first covalently synthesized, followed by the supramolecular complexation to form supramolecular polymers and materials. Recently, we have proposed the supramonomer concept to construct supramolecular polymers and materials in a different way. Supramonomers are bifunctional or multi‐functional monomers fabricated by noncovalent synthesis, but can undergo traditional covalent polymerization. In this highlight article, we will summarize and discuss the fabrication of supramonomer and covalent polymerization methods of supramonomers; fabrication of multi‐responsive supramolecular polymers from supramonomers; and fabrication of supramolecular materials from supramonomers. It is highly anticipated that the supramonomer concept will enrich the methodology towards supramolecular polymers and materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 604–609
Complex coacervate‐based materials for biomedicine
Authors: Blocher Whitney C. , Perry Sarah L.
Published: November 2016

There has been increasing interest in complex coacervates for deriving and transporting biomaterials. Complex coacervates are a dense, polyelectrolyte‐rich liquid that results from the electrostatic complexation of oppositely charged macroions. Coacervates have long been used as a strategy for encapsulation, particularly in food and personal care products. More recent efforts have focused on the utility of this class of materials for the encapsulation of small molecules, proteins, RNA, DNA, and other biomaterials for applications ranging from sensing to biomedicine. Furthermore, coacervate‐related materials have found utility in other areas of biomedicine, including cartilage mimics, tissue culture scaffolds, and adhesives for wet, biological environments. Here, we discuss the self‐assembly of complex coacervate‐based materials, current challenges in the intelligent design of these materials, and their utility applications in the broad field of biomedicine. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1442. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1442

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Theories for Psychotherapeutic Genetic Counseling: Fuzzy Trace Theory and Cognitive Behavior Theory
Authors: Biesecker Barbara , Austin Jehannine , Caleshu Colleen
Published: November 2016

Psychotherapeutic genetic counseling is an increasingly relevant practice description. In this paper we aim to demonstrate how psychotherapeutic genetic counseling can be achieved by using psychological theories to guide one's approach to working with clients. We describe two illustrative examples, fuzzy trace theory and cognitive behavior theory, and apply them to two challenging cases. The theories were partially derived from evidence of beneficial client outcomes using a psychotherapeutic approach to patient care in other settings. We aim to demonstrate how these two specific theories can inform psychotherapeutic genetic counseling practice, and use them as examples of how to take a psychological theory and effectively apply it to genetic counseling.
Is Divorce More Painful When Couples Have Children? Evidence From Long-Term Panel Data on Multiple Domains of Well-being
Authors: Leopold Thomas , Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: November 2016

Theoretical models of the divorce process suggest that marital breakup is more painful in the presence of children, yet little is known about the role of children as a moderator of divorce effects on adult well-being. The present study addresses this gap of research based on long-term panel data from Germany (SOEP). Following individuals over several years before and after divorce, we investigated whether the impact of divorce on multiple measures of well-being varied by the presence and age of children before marital breakup. Three central findings emerged from the analysis. First, declines in well-being were sharper in the presence of children, and these moderator effects were larger if children were younger. Second, domain-specific measures of well-being revealed gender differences in the moderating role of children. Mothers sustained deeper drops in economic well-being than did fathers; the reverse was true for family well-being. Third, most of these disproportionate declines in the well-being of divorced parents did not persist in the long term given that higher rates of adaptation leveled out the gaps compared with childless divorcees.
Forward psychiatry – early intervention for mental health problems among UK armed forces in Afghanistan
Authors: Jones N. , Fear N.T. , Wessely S. , Thandi G. , Greenberg N.
Published: November 2016

Background

This observational study examined return to duty (RTD) rates following receipt of early mental health interventions delivered by deployed mental health practitioners.

Method

In-depth clinical interviews were conducted among 975 UK military personnel referred for mental health assessment whilst deployed in Afghanistan. Socio-demographic, military, operational, clinical and therapy outcomes were recorded in an electronic health record database. Rates and predictors of EVAC were the main outcomes examined using adjusted binary logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall 74.8% (n= 729) of personnel RTD on completion of care. Of those that underwent evacuation home (n= 246), 69.1% (n= 170) returned by aeromedical evacuation; the remainder returned home using routine air transport. Predictors of evacuation included; inability to adjust to the operational environment, family psychiatric history, previously experiencing trauma and thinking about or carrying out acts of deliberate self-harm.

Conclusion

Deployed mental health practitioners helped to facilitate RTD for three quarters of mental health casualties who consulted with them during deployment; psychological rather than combat-related factors predicted evacuation home.
Nociceptor‐like rat dorsal root ganglion neurons express the angiotensin‐II AT2 receptor throughout development
Authors: Benitez Sergio , Seltzer Alicia , Acosta Cristian
Published: November 2016

AT2 receptor (AT2R) plays a functional role in foetal development. Its expression declines in most tissues soon after birth but stays high in sensory areas of the adult nervous system. In the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) the expression pattern of AT2R during development and the identity of the subpopulation expressing it remain unknown. Using a combination of semi‐quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry we examined the expression of AT2R at mRNA and protein levels in rat DRGs from embryonic day 15 (E15) until postnatal day 30 (PN30). We found that both AT2R mRNA and protein levels exhibited only minor (statistically non‐significant) fluctuations from E15 to PN30. Detailed quantitative analysis of ABC/DAB AT2R staining showed a) that the receptor was present in most neurons at E15 and E18 and b) that postnatally it was predominantly expressed by small DRG neurons. Given that small neurons are putative C‐nociceptors and the proposed role of AT2R in neuropathic pain, we next examined whether these AT2R‐positive neurons co‐localized with Ret and trkA embryonically and with IB4‐binding postnatally. Most AT2R‐positive neurons expressed trkA embryonically and bound IB4 postnatally. We found strong positive statistically highly significant correlations between AT2R cytoplasmic%intensities and trkA at E15/E18 and with Ret only at E18. Cytoplasmic AT2R also strongly and positively correlated with IB4‐binding at PN3, 15 and 30. Our demonstration that a subpopulation of C‐nociceptor‐like neurons expresses AT2R during development supports a role for this receptor in neuropathic pain.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Preoperative Planning in Brain Tumour Surgery
Authors: Lau Jonathan C. , Kosteniuk Suzanne E. , Bihari Frank , Megyesi Joseph F.
Published: November 2016

Background:Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is being increasingly used for the preoperative evaluation of patients with brain tumours.Methods:The study is a retrospective chart review investigating the use of clinical fMRI from 2002 through 2013 in the preoperative evaluation of brain tumour patients. Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected. The specific fMRI protocols used for each patient were recorded.Results:Sixty patients were identified over the 12-year period. The tumour types most commonly investigated were high-grade glioma (World Health Organization grade III or IV), low-grade glioma (World Health Organization grade II), and meningioma. Most common presenting symptoms were seizures (69.6%), language deficits (23.2%), and headache (19.6%). There was a predominance of left hemispheric lesions investigated with fMRI (76.8% vs 23.2% for right). The most commonly involved lobes were frontal (64.3%), temporal (33.9%), parietal (21.4%), and insular (7.1%). The most common fMRI paradigms were language (83.9%), motor (75.0%), sensory (16.1%), and memory (10.7%). The majority of patients ultimately underwent a craniotomy (75.0%), whereas smaller groups underwent stereotactic biopsy (8.9%) and nonsurgical management (16.1%). Time from request for fMRI to actual fMRI acquisition was 3.1±2.3 weeks. Time from fMRI acquisition to intervention was 4.9±5.5 weeks.Conclusions:We have characterized patient demographics in a retrospective single-surgeon cohort undergoing preoperative clinical fMRI at a Canadian centre. Our experience suggests an acceptable wait time from scan request to scan completion/analysis and from scan to intervention.
National Perspectives on the Training of Neurosurgery Residents in Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Witiw Christopher D. , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Nassiri Farshad , McDonald Patrick J. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Zadeh Gelareh , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: November 2016

Background:Despite the critical role played by neurosurgeons in performing radiosurgery, neurosurgery residents in Canada have limited exposure to radiosurgery during their training. A survey of neurosurgery residents and faculty along with radiation oncology faculty was conducted to analyze perspectives regarding incorporating formal radiosurgery training into the neurosurgery residency curriculumMethods:An online survey platform was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize center and respondent characteristics. Categorical variables were compared using odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess statistical significance. A value ofp<0.05 was considered significantResults:The response rate was 31% (119/381); 87% (102/119) of respondents were from the neurosurgical specialty and 13% (17/119) from radiation oncology. Some 46% of residents (18/40) were “very uncomfortable” with radiosurgery techniques, and 57% of faculty (42/73) believed that dedicated radiosurgery training would be beneficial though impractical. No respondents felt that “no training” would be beneficial. A total of 46% of residents (19/41) felt that this training would be beneficial and that time should be taken away from other rotations, if needed, while 58% of faculty (42/73) and 75% (28/41) of residents believed that either 1 or 1-3 months of time dedicated to training in radiosurgery would sufficeConclusions:Canadian neurosurgeons are actively involved in radiosurgery. Despite residents anticipating a greater role for radiosurgery in their future, they are uncomfortable with the practice. With the indications for radiosurgery expanding, this training gap can have serious adverse consequences for patients. Considerations regarding the incorporation and optimal duration of dedicated radiosurgery training into the Canadian neurosurgery residency curriculum are necessary.
Collagen Extraction and Stable Isotope Analysis of Small Vertebrate Bones: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Cersoy S , Zazzo A , Lebon M , Rofes J , Zirah S
Published: November 2016

Bone remains of small vertebrate fossils provide valuable information for paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions. However, direct radiocarbon dating of small vertebrates remains challenging as the extraction of sufficient good quality collagen is required. The efficiency of eight collagen extraction protocols was tested on seven samples, representative of different ages and burial environments, including both macro and small vertebrate taxa. First, the samples were prescreened using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to quantify collagen content in archaeological bones, revealing that one should be discarded for 14C dating. Then, the quantity of protein extracted (yield) and collagen integrity were checked using conventional elemental analysis. The results show that one protocol was not able to accurately extract collagen from the samples. A soft HCl-based protocol seems more appropriate for the pretreatment of archaeological small mammal bones, whereas a harsher protocol might be more efficient to extract a higher amount of collagen from large mammals as well as amphibian bones. The influence of the tested protocols on carbon and nitrogen isotope values was also investigated. The results showed that isotopic variability, when existing, is related to the interindividual differences rather than the different protocols.
Structural and kinematic analyses of the basement window within the hinterland fold-and-thrust belt of the Zagros orogen, Iran
Authors: SARKARINEJAD KHALIL , DERIKVAND SOMAYE
Published: November 2016

The Zagros hinterland fold-and-thrust belt is located in the central portion of the Zagros Thrust System and consists of the exhumed basement windows associated with NW-striking and NE-dipping flexural duplex structures that contain in-sequence thrusting and related folds. Mylonitic nappes of the basement were exhumed along deep-seated sole thrusts of the Zagros Thrust System. Lattice preferred orientation (LPO) c-axes of quartz show asymmetric type-1 crossed girdles that demonstrate a non-coaxial deformation under plane strain conditions. Based on the opening angles of quartz c-axis fabric skeletons, deformation temperatures vary from 425±50°C to 540±50°C, indicating amphibolite facies conditions. The estimated mean kinematic vorticity evaluated from quartz c-axis of the quartzo-feldspathic mylonites (Wm = 0.55±0.06) indicates the degree of non-coaxiality during mylonite exhumation. The estimated angle θ between the maximum instantaneous strain axis (ISA1) and the transpressional zone boundary is 17°, and the angle of oblique convergence is 57° in the M2 nappe of the basement involved. This indicates that the mylonitic nappe was formed by a combination of 62% pure shear and 38% simple shear during oblique convergence.
Ultrafast and nanoscale diodes
Authors: Zhang Peng , Lau Y. Y.
Published: November 2016

Charge carrier transport across interfaces of dissimilar materials (including vacuum) is the essence of all electronic devices. Ultrafast charge transport across a nanometre length scale is of fundamental importance in the miniaturization of vacuum and plasma electronics. With the combination of recent advances in electronics, photonics and nanotechnology, these miniature devices may integrate with solid-state platforms, achieving superior performance. This paper reviews recent modelling efforts on quantum tunnelling, ultrafast electron emission and transport, and electrical contact resistance. Unsolved problems and challenges in these areas are addressed.
Eye movement patterns and visual attention during scene viewing in 3- to 12-month-olds
Authors: HELO ANDREA , RÄMÄ PIA , PANNASCH SEBASTIAN , MEARY DAVID
Published: November 2016

Recently, two attentional modes have been associated with specific eye movement patterns during scene processing. Ambient mode, characterized by short fixations and long saccades during early scene inspection, is associated with localization of objects. Focal mode, characterized by longer fixations, is associated with more detailed object feature processing during later inspection phase. The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of these attentional modes. More specifically, we examined whether indications of ambient and focal attention modes are similar in infants and adults. Therefore, we measured eye movements in 3- to 12-months-old infants while exploring visual scenes. Our results show that both adults and 12-month-olds had shorter fixation durations within the first 1.5 s of scene viewing compared with later time phases (>2.5 s); indicating that there was a transition from ambient to focal processing during image inspection. In younger infants, fixation durations between two viewing phases did not differ. Our results suggest that at the end of the first year of life, infants have developed an adult-like scene viewing behavior. The evidence for the existence of distinct attentional processing mechanisms during early infancy furthermore underlines the importance of the concept of the two modes.
Monte Carlo study on effective source to surface distance for electron beams from a mobile dedicated IORT accelerator
Authors: Hosseini Aghdam Mir Rashid , Baghani Hamid Reza , Mahdavi Seyed Rabi , Aghamiri Seyed Mahmoud Reza , Akbari Mohammad Esmail
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The effective source to surface distance (SSDeff) for different combinations of energy/applicator size of the electron beam produced by the light intraoperative accelerator, a mobile dedicated intraoperative radiotherapy accelerator, has been calculated in this study.

Methods

Both ionometric dosimetry and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation were followed to obtain the SSDefffor different combinations of electron energy/applicator size. Simulations were performed using Monte Carlo Nuclear Particles (MCNP) MC code. Measurements were performed by Advance Markus chamber and inside a polymethyl methacrylate slab phantom. Inverse square law method was employed to determine the SSDefffrom acquired dosimetry data.

Result

With increasing the applicator diameter at a given energy, SSDeffis also increased. The same result is obtained with increasing the electron beam energy for a given applicator size. The results of MC-based SSDefffor 10 cm diameter reference applicator at different energies were in a good accordance with those obtained by ionometric dosimetry. The maximum and mean differences between the results were 1·1 and 0·6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that SSDeffof intraoperative electron beam is highly dependent on the applicator size and is a mild function of electron beam energy. These facts are in accordance with those reported for conventional electron beam. The good agreement between the results of MC simulation and ionometric dosimetry confirms the application of MCNP code in modelling of intraoperative electron beam and obtaining the intended parameters.
Modeling Rainfall Runoff
Authors: Hall Shannon
Published: November 2016

New framework unifies existing models for better analysis of the flowing water produced by heavy rain events.
A strict experimental test of macroscopic realism in a superconducting flux qubit
Authors: Knee George C. , Kakuyanagi Kosuke , Yeh Mao-Chuang , Matsuzaki Yuichiro , Toida Hiraku , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Saito Shiro , Leggett Anthony J. , Munro William J.
Published: November 2016

Macroscopic realism is the name for a class of modifications to quantum theory that allow macroscopic objects to be described in a measurement-independent manner, while largely preserving a fully quantum mechanical description of the microscopic world. Objective collapse theories are examples which aim to solve the quantum measurement problem through modified dynamical laws. Whether such theories describe nature, however, is not known. Here we describe and implement an experimental protocol capable of constraining theories of this class, that is more noise tolerant and conceptually transparent than the original Leggett–Garg test. We implement the protocol in a superconducting flux qubit, and rule out (by ∼84 s.d.) those theories which would deny coherent superpositions of 170 nA currents over a ∼10 ns timescale. Further, we address the ‘clumsiness loophole’ by determining classical disturbance with control experiments. Our results constitute strong evidence for the superposition of states of nontrivial macroscopic distinctness.
Long non-coding RNA GAS5 controls human embryonic stem cell self-renewal by maintaining NODAL signalling
Authors: Xu Chen , Zhang Yan , Wang Qiaoling , Xu Zhenyu , Jiang Junfeng , Gao Yuping , Gao Minzhi , Kang Jiuhong , Wu Minjuan , Xiong Jun , Ji Kaihong , Yuan Wen , Wang Yue , Liu Houqi
Published: November 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known players in the regulatory circuitry of the self-renewal in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, most hESC-specific lncRNAs remain uncharacterized. Here we demonstrate that growth-arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5), a known tumour suppressor and growth arrest-related lncRNA, is highly expressed and directly regulated by pluripotency factors OCT4 and SOX2 in hESCs. Phenotypic analysis shows that GAS5 knockdown significantly impairs hESC self-renewal, but its overexpression significantly promotes hESC self-renewal. Using RNA sequencing and functional analysis, we demonstrate that GAS5 maintains NODAL signalling by protecting NODAL expression from miRNA-mediated degradation. Therefore, we propose that the above pluripotency factors, GAS5 and NODAL form a feed-forward signalling loop that maintains hESC self-renewal. As this regulatory function of GAS5 is stem cell specific, our findings also indicate that the functions of lncRNAs may vary in different cell types due to competing endogenous mechanisms.
Rad18-dependent SUMOylation of human specialized DNA polymerase eta is required to prevent under-replicated DNA
Authors: Despras Emmanuelle , Sittewelle Méghane , Pouvelle Caroline , Delrieu Noémie , Cordonnier Agnès M , Kannouche Patricia L
Published: November 2016

Translesion polymerase eta (polη) was characterized for its ability to replicate ultraviolet-induced DNA lesions that stall replicative polymerases, a process promoted by Rad18-dependent PCNA mono-ubiquitination. Recent findings have shown that polη also acts at intrinsically difficult to replicate sequences. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate its access to these loci remain elusive. Here, we uncover that polη travels with replication forks during unchallenged S phase and this requires its SUMOylation on K163. Abrogation of polη SUMOylation results in replication defects in response to mild replication stress, leading to chromosome fragments in mitosis and damage transmission to daughter cells. Rad18 plays a pivotal role, independently of its ubiquitin ligase activity, acting as a molecular bridge between polη and the PIAS1 SUMO ligase to promote polη SUMOylation. Our results provide the first evidence that SUMOylation represents a new way to target polη to replication forks, independent of the Rad18-mediated PCNA ubiquitination, thereby preventing under-replicated DNA.
Interfering TAL effectors of Xanthomonas oryzae neutralize R-gene-mediated plant disease resistance
Authors: Ji Zhiyuan , Ji Chonghui , Liu Bo , Zou Lifang , Chen Gongyou , Yang Bing
Published: November 2016

Plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas possess transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) that activate transcription of disease susceptibility genes in the host, inducing a state of disease. Here we report that some isolates of the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae use truncated versions of TALEs (which we term interfering TALEs, or iTALEs) to overcome disease resistance. In comparison with typical TALEs, iTALEs lack a transcription activation domain but retain nuclear localization motifs and are expressed from genes that were previously considered pseudogenes. We show that the rice gene Xa1, encoding a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein, confers resistance against X. oryzae isolates by recognizing multiple TALEs. However, the iTALEs present in many isolates interfere with the otherwise broad-spectrum resistance conferred by Xa1. Our findings illustrate how bacterial effectors that trigger disease resistance in the host can evolve to interfere with the resistance process and, thus, promote disease.