bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive oxygen species overproduction and MAP kinase phosphatase‐1 degradation are associated with gastroparesis in a streptozotocin‐induced male diabetic rat model
Authors: Smiley R. , Naik P. , McCallum R. , Showkat Ali M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Diabetic gastroparesis in human and animal models suggest different developmental causes in females vs males. Previously, we demonstrated that although male and female diabetic gastroparetic rats exhibited similarity in disease pathology, molecular mechanisms were different: slow gastric emptying in male diabetic gastroparetic rats was not associated with the level of expression and dimerization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase α in gastric tissues, as was demonstrated in females. Male gastroparesis may involve other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress. We hypothesize that sustained increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degradation of MAP kinase phosphatase‐1 with subsequent unregulated activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38MAP kinase pathways are associated with gastroparesis in a male diabetic rat model.

Methods

Using a male rat model of diabetic gastroparesis, we analyzed serum and pyloric tissue for ROS and antioxidant enzyme levels using ELISA; MAP kinase phosphatase‐1, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases, and p38MAP kinase levels utilized western blotting techniques and phospho‐specific antibodies.

Key Results

Both diabetic and diabetic gastroparetic rats demonstrated overproduction of ROS. However, loss of MAP kinase phosphatase‐1, a MAP kinase pathway negative regulator, with subsequent activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 2 and p38MAP kinase pathways, were observed only in diabetic gastroparetic rats. Diabetic rats without gastroparesis had no significant pathway activation.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results suggest that sustained, increased ROS and degradation of MAP kinase phosphatase‐1, with subsequent unregulated activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38MAP kinase pathways, are likely to be factors in diabetic gastroparesis phenotype in a male diabetic rat model.
Relationship between symptoms and quality of life in fecal incontinence
Authors: Bedard K. , Heymen S. , Palsson O. S. , Bharucha A. E. , Whitehead W. E.
Published: November 2017

Background

Most measures of fecal incontinence (FI) severity assess the frequency of solid and liquid FI, but may incorporate other features. We compared two scales—the Fecal Incontinence Severity Score (FISS) and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI)—to determine which questionnaire and which individual questions predict FI Quality of Life (FIQOL).

Methods

A national sample of American adults completed a health questionnaire, and 234 with monthly FI were selected. Participants completed assessments of FI severity, FIQOL, and somatization. Stepwise linear regression models evaluated whether FISS and FISI total scores, or individual items on the FISS and FISI predicted FIQOL after adjusting for gender, age, income, and somatization (Brief Symptom Inventory‐18).

Key Results

Reliable responses were provided by 186. Age was 49 years, and 52% were women. The mean FISS score was 8.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.0‐8.9, 13 questions) and mean FISI was 29.9 (95% CI 27.4‐32.4, 62 questions), indicating moderate FI severity. The mean FIQOL was 2.6 (95% CI 2.4‐2.7, 5 questions). Lower income, greater somatization, and total FISS and FISI scores explained 69% of FIQOL; and total FISS and FISI scores were independent predictors. On the FISS, frequency, amount, and urgency to defecate were independently associated with FIQOL. After adding somatization, all but amount remained significant. For the FISI scale, solid and liquid FI and gas were significant predictors, but adjusting for somatization excluded solid FI.

Conclusions and Inferences

Five variables independently explained FIQOL: overall frequency of FI, frequency of liquid and gas leakage, urgency, and somatization.
Sublingual dermoid cyst: Case report and a review of the clinical, radiological and histological aspects of this rare condition
Authors: Lee M.H.A. , Lee C.S. , Sim C.Q.X. , Nagadia R.
Published: November 2017

Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth is a rare condition. It usually present as a non‐tender, slow growing swelling at the sublingual region. The clinical presentation may be similar to several other conditions. We report a case of an adolescent female who present at our institution with a sublingual swelling which was initially diagnosed as a plunging ranula. The lesion was excised together with the sublingual gland and then diagnosed histologically as a dermoid cyst. Post‐operative healing was uneventful. This report will also review the current literature on the clinical, radiological and histological aspect of the dermoid cyst to give the reader a greater understanding of this rare condition.
CXCL‐10 and Interleukin‐6 are reliable serum markers for vitiligo activity: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Abdallah Marwa , El‐Mofty Medhat , Anbar Tag , Rasheed Hoda , Esmat Samia , Al‐Tawdy Amira , Fawzy Marwa M. , Abdel‐Halim Dalia , Hegazy Rehab , Gawdat Heba , Bassiouny Dalia , Ibrahim Mona A. , Sany Iman , El‐Bassiouny Mahy , Khalil Mohamed , Abdel‐Aziz Abeer , El Maadawi Zeinab M. , Mostafa Wedad Z. ,   Egyptian Vitiligo Group
Published: November 2017

This cross‐sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate serum CXCL‐10, as an activity marker for vitiligo, and compare it with other putative serum and tissue markers. Serum CXCL‐10 was compared to interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and IL‐17 using ELISA in 55 non‐segmental vitiligo patients (30 active and 25 stable) and 30 healthy controls. Marginal skin biopsy was taken for immunohistochemical evaluation of CD8+T cells and CXCL‐10+ve cells. Serum levels of CXCL‐10, IL‐17, and IL‐6 were elevated in all vitiligo patients compared to controls (p < .05). All investigated serum markers were higher in active versus stable vitiligo. Tissue expression of CXCL‐10+ve cells and CD8+ve T cells was stronger in vitiligo patients compared to controls, and tissue CXCL‐10+ve cell expression was stronger in active versus stable cases. Positive correlations were noted between the different serum and tissue markers. CXCL‐10 was the most specific, whereas IL‐6 was the most sensitive serum marker to distinguish active from stable disease.
Cumulative incidence of Kawasaki disease in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Yamashita Maho , Aoyama Namiko , Otaki Ushio , Ozeki Yukie , Sano Takashi , Kojo Takao , Ae Ryusuke , Aoyama Yasuko , Makino Nobuko , Kotani Kazuhiko
Published: November 2017

Background

Although the incidence rates of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Japan have been determined in nationwide surveys, the cumulative incidence, that is, the proportion of those with a history of KD in the general population of 10‐year‐olds, is currently unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the cumulative incidence of KD in Japan.

Methods

Using the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rate of KD in Japan from the results of the nationwide surveys, incidence probabilities, that is, the age‐specific number of KD patients divided by the population used in the vital statistics, and cumulative proportions of those not affected by KD up to the end of 9 years of age, were calculated. The cumulative incidence was then defined as 1 minus the cumulative proportion. The observed age classes were 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5–9 years. All data were calculated by sex.

Results

The cumulative incidence was 0.004833 for boys and 0.003474 for girls in 1991, but was 0.015284 and 0.012145 in 2014, respectively. According to these figures, 15.284 per 1,000 boys and 12.145 per 1,000 girls have been affected by KD by the age of 10 years. The birth‐cohort cumulative incidences had similar trends.

Conclusions

More than 10 persons in 1,000 have a history of KD at age 10 years in Japan.
Implicit ambivalence of significant others: Significant others trigger positive and negative evaluations
Authors: Zayas Vivian , Surenkok Gizem , Pandey Gayathri
Published: November 2017

Despite the rich literature on implicit partner evaluations, there has been scant attention to a defining feature of significant other mental representations—their affective complexity. Recent findings (Zayas & Shoda, 2015), however, provide an empirical demonstration that significant others automatically and simultaneously activate positive and negative evaluations—a phenomenon we refer to as implicit ambivalence. A primary aim of this paper is to extend extant theory by elaborating on the features of the dyadic context that may contribute to the formation of implicit ambivalence. Particularly, drawing from research from relationship science, social cognition, and social neuroscience, we focus on the ability of significant others to dynamically and simultaneously confer rewards and threats, the attunement of perceivers to potential social rewards and social threats, and aspects of sense‐making of another person's mind that may give rise to implicit ambivalence. From this new perspective, implicit ambivalence is not a pathological or rare state. Quite the opposite, implicit ambivalence may be a normative, typical process, that is triggered even by people who are highly positive in one's network. We identify future directions for social cognition and relationship science.
Effects of manipulations to detect sliding hiatal hernia in dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome
Authors: Broux Olivier , Clercx Cécile , Etienne Anne‐Laure , Busoni Valeria , Claeys Stéphanie , Hamaide Annick , Billen Frédéric
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of manipulations aimed at increasing the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient on the gastro‐esophageal junction (GEJ) of dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS), and to identify the manipulation that most improves the detection of GEJ abnormalities and sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) in dogs with BAOS.

Study design

In vivo experimental pilot study and prospective clinical study.

Animals

Five purpose‐bred Beagles and 20 dogs diagnosed with BAOS.

Methods

Respiratory and digestive clinical signs as well as respiratory and GEJ abnormalities were scored. The presence of SHH was investigated using radiography and endoscopy in standard conditions. Endoscopic investigation was repeated after manipulations including manual pressure on the cranial abdomen (MP), Trendelenburg position (30°), or temporary complete endotracheal tube obstruction (ETO).

Results

No SHH was detected in any normal dog under any condition. Sixty‐five percent of dogs with BAOS presented with digestive clinical signs, including vomiting and/or regurgitation. SHH was observed in only one dog via radiography and was not detected via endoscopy. Manipulations during endoscopy influenced GEJ abnormalities and allowed the detection of SHH in 2 (30°), 4 (ETO), and 5 (MP) dogs, respectively. Digestive clinical signs correlated with GEJ abnormalities observed only in dogs with ETO (P = .02).

Conclusion

Manipulations aimed at increasing the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient during endoscopy in BAOS dogs allowed the detection of GEJ abnormalities and SHH that were not detected under standard conditions. Although MP allowed detection of SHH in more dogs than ETO, scores under MP did not correlate with digestive clinical signs. Therefore, ETO may be more accurate manipulation for the detection of GEJ abnormalities in BAOS dogs.
Interactions among Stock Price and Financial Ratios: The Case of Turkish Banking Sector
Authors: Meriç Ekrem , Kamışlı Melik , Temizel Fatih
Published: November 2017

One of the important variables for investors is the price of stocks and so that the variables that affect the price of the stocks. There are many indicators and methods such as fundamental and technical analysis that investors can use in valuing these instruments. Fundamental analysis, and financial ratios are tools that are generally used in investments process. Especially price-earnings ratio and dividend yield ratio are traditional financial ratios which are used to forecast the performance of the stock. In this context, the purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between the price, price-earnings ratio and dividend yield ratio of the companies that are listed at BIST Banking sub-sector. In this context, in line with the aim of the study monthly price, price-earnings ratio and dividend yield ratio of VAKBN; ISCTR; HALKB; GARAN; AKBNK stocks between 2008M10-2017M3 will be analyzed by VAR methodology. Results show that the relationships between the abovementioned variables changes in size and direction from bank to bank.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: November 2017

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 6Aaron Morey, University of Melbourne, AustraliaAli Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAsad K. Ghalib, Liverpool Hope University, UKAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanDyah Wulan Sari, Airlangga University, IndonesiaErdal Gumus, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TurkeyEyup Kadioglu, Capital Markets Board, TurkeyGeorge Theocharides, Cyprus International Institute of Management, CyprusGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIbrahim Baghdadi, Lebanese University, LebanonIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineJin Yong Yang, Hankook University of Foreign Studies, KoreaKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaLuca Giordano, IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions), ItalyMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMahmoud Mohammed Sabra, Al Azhar University-Gaza, PalestineMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMohammed Al-Mahish, King Faisal University, Saudi ArabiaMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyNicolas Afflatet, University of the Federal Armed Forces, GermanyNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalOlena Sokolovska, Research Institute of Fiscal Policy, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, UkrainePatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaSzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, JapanVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaWoodrow Clark II, Clark Strategic Partners, United States, USAZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USANikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Values Education in 4th Grade Social Science Courses from the Perspectives of Teachers
Authors: Turan Mehmet , Bozkurt Eyüp
Published: November 2017

In today's changing and developing world, the most important elements that enable people to live together in society are values. The education of such values start in the family and the social environment that they are in, from the moment a person is born and do continue in school as the child starts to study. Schools teach values to their students through the programs they practice. One of the most important courses that these values are taught is the social sciences. Social sciences, which is formed to prepare the students for social life is also one of the fundamental courses for the education of values. This study was carried out in order to review the values taught in the 4th grade social science course program, from the vantage point of the teachers. In order to realize this, the achievements in the program were determined and a survey form was created. The study is in a screening model and is descriptive. The study group of the study is composed of 199 classroom teachers working in the province of Elazığ in the academic year of 2016-2017. The data obtained from the research is analyzed using "arithmetic mean" "percentage" and "frequency"; The degree of influence of teacher opinions on variables based on demographic data was also tested using independent t test. According to the results of the research, teachers think that levels of most of the values taught in social sciences course fit the level of understanding of the students. Again, the vast majority of the teachers participated reported that they face a small amount of problems during the teaching of these values to student.
Myocardial infarction does not affect circulating haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell self‐renewal ability in a rat model
Authors: Kröpfl J. M. , Spengler C. M. , Frobert A. , Ajalbert G. , Giraud M. N.
Published: November 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Although peripheral blood haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are potentially important in regeneration after acute myocardial infarction, their self‐renewal ability in the post‐acute phase has not yet been addressed.

What is the main finding and its importance?

In rat peripheral blood, we show that myocardial infarction does not negatively affect circulating haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell self‐renewal ability 2 weeks after acute infarction, which suggests a constant regenerative potential in the myocardial infarction post‐acute phase.

Given the importance of peripheral blood haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPCs) in post‐acute regeneration after acute myocardial infarction (MI), the aim of the present study was to investigate the number and secondary replating capacity/self‐renewal ability of HPCs in peripheral blood before and 2 weeks after MI. In female Lewis inbred rats (n = 9), MI was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery, and another nine underwent sham surgery, without ligation, for control purposes. Myocardial infarction was confirmed by troponin I concentrations 24 h after surgery. Peripheral blood was withdrawn and fractional shortening and ejection fraction of the left ventricle were assessed before (day 0) and 14 days after MI or sham surgery (day 14). After mononuclear cell isolation, primary and secondary functional colony‐forming unit granulocyte–macrophage (CFU‐GM) assays were performed in order to detect the kinetics of functional HPC colony counts and cell self‐renewal ability in vitro. The CFU‐GM counts and cell self‐renewal ability remained unchanged (P > 0.05) in both groups at day 14, without interaction between groups. In the intervention group, higher day 0 CFU‐GM counts showed a relationship to lower fractional shortening on day 14 (ρ = −0.82; P < 0.01). Myocardial infarction did not negatively affect circulating HPC self‐renewal ability, which suggests a constant regenerative potential in the post‐acute phase. A relationship of cardiac contractile function 14 days after MI with circulating CFU‐GM counts on day 0 might imply functional colony count as a predictive factor for outcome after infarction.
Flame Dynamics Intermittency in the Bistable Region Near a Subcritical Hopf Bifurcation
Authors: Ebi D. , Denisov A. , Bonciolini G. , Boujo E. , Noiray N.
Published: November 2017

We report experimental evidence of thermoacoustic bistability in a lab-scale turbulent combustor over a well-defined range of fuel–air equivalence ratios. Pressure oscillations are characterized by an intermittent behavior with “bursts,” i.e., sudden jumps between low and high amplitudes occurring at random time instants. The corresponding probability density functions (PDFs) of the acoustic pressure signal show clearly separated maxima when the burner is operated in the bistable region. The gain and phase between acoustic pressure and heat release rate fluctuations are evaluated at the modal frequency from simultaneously recorded flame chemiluminescence and acoustic pressure. The representation of the corresponding statistics is new and particularly informative. It shows that the system is characterized, in average, by a nearly constant gain and by a drift of the phase as function of the oscillation amplitude. This finding may suggest that the bistability does not result from an amplitude-dependent balance between flame gain and acoustic damping, but rather from the nonconstant phase difference between the acoustic pressure and the coherent fluctuations of heat release rate.
Shooting and Arc-Length Continuation Method for Periodic Solution and Bifurcation of Nonlinear Oscillation of Viscoelastic Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Liu Fan , Zhou Jinxiong
Published: November 2017

A majority of dielectric elastomers (DE) developed so far have more or less viscoelastic properties. Understanding the dynamic behaviors of DE is crucial for devices where inertial effects cannot be neglected. Through construction of a dissipation function, we applied the Lagrange's method and theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics of DE and formulated a physics-based approach for dynamics of viscoelastic DE. We revisited the nonlinear oscillation of DE balloons and proposed a combined shooting and arc-length continuation method to solve the highly nonlinear equations. Both stable and unstable periodic solutions, along with bifurcation and jump phenomenon, were captured successfully when the excitation frequency was tuned over a wide range of variation. The calculated frequency–amplitude curve indicates existence of both harmonic and superharmonic resonances, soft-spring behavior, and hysteresis. The underlying physics and nonlinear dynamics of viscoelastic DE would aid the design and control of DE enabled soft machines.
Experimental Investigation of Friction and Slip at the Traction Interface of Rope and Sheave
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Pan Yalu , Shi Xi
Published: November 2017

In this paper, an exclusive testing rig was built to experimentally investigate the friction and slip at elevator traction interface under different traction conditions. The experimental results indicated that slipping occurs at both ends of contact arc first and then expands to the middle region gradually until the full slip along the sheave occurs. In addition, the full slip occurs earlier under lower rope pretension. Meanwhile, by setting similar boundary and loading conditions as in the experiments, the finite element analysis was performed. The simulation results agree with the experiments very well but reveal more details about traction behavior.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Models of Bicuspid Aortic Valves: The Effects of Nonfused Cusp Angles
Authors: Lavon Karin , Halevi Rotem , Marom Gil , Ben Zekry Sagit , Hamdan Ashraf , Joachim Schäfers Hans , Raanani Ehud , Haj-Ali Rami
Published: November 2017

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common type of congenital heart disease, occurring in 0.5–2% of the population, where the valve has only two rather than the three normal cusps. Valvular pathologies, such as aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis, are associated with BAVs, thereby increasing the need for a better understanding of BAV kinematics and geometrical characteristics. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the nonfused cusp (NFC) angle in BAV type-1 configuration on the valve's structural and hemodynamic performance. Toward that goal, a parametric fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling approach of BAVs is presented. Four FSI models were generated with varying NFC angles between 120 deg and 180 deg. The FSI simulations were based on fully coupled structural and fluid dynamic solvers and corresponded to physiologic values, including the anisotropic hyper-elastic behavior of the tissue. The simulated angles led to different mechanical behavior, such as eccentric jet flow direction with a wider opening shape that was found for the smaller NFC angles, while a narrower opening orifice followed by increased jet flow velocity was observed for the larger NFC angles. Smaller NFC angles led to higher concentrated flow shear stress (FSS) on the NFC during peak systole, while higher maximal principal stresses were found in the raphe region during diastole. The proposed biomechanical models could explain the early failure of BAVs with decreased NFC angles, and suggests that a larger NFC angle is preferable in suture annuloplasty BAV repair surgery.
Jacobian-Based Topology Optimization Method Using an Improved Stiffness Evaluation
Authors: Jin Mohui , Zhang Xianmin , Yang Zhou , Zhu Benliang
Published: November 2017

A Jacobian-based topology optimization method is recently proposed for compliant parallel mechanisms (CPMs), in which the CPMs' Jacobian matrix and characteristic stiffness are optimized simultaneously to achieve kinematic and stiffness requirement, respectively. Lately, it is found that the characteristic stiffness fails to ensure a valid topology result in some particular cases. To solve this problem, an improved stiffness evaluation based on the definition of stiffness is adopted in this paper. This new stiffness evaluation is verified and compared with the characteristic stiffness by using several design examples. In addition, several typical benchmark problems (e.g., displacement inverter, amplifier, and redirector) are solved by using the Jacobian-based topology optimization method to show its general applicability.
Adaptive Surrogate Modeling for Time-Dependent Multidisciplinary Reliability Analysis
Authors: Hu Zhen , Mahadevan Sankaran
Published: November 2017

Multidisciplinary systems with transient behavior under time-varying inputs and coupling variables pose significant computational challenges in reliability analysis. Surrogate models of individual disciplinary analyses could be used to mitigate the computational effort; however, the accuracy of the surrogate models is of concern, since the errors introduced by the surrogate models accumulate at each time-step of the simulation. This paper develops a framework for adaptive surrogate-based multidisciplinary analysis (MDA) of reliability over time (A-SMART). The proposed framework consists of three modules, namely, initialization, uncertainty propagation, and three-level global sensitivity analysis (GSA). The first two modules check the quality of the surrogate models and determine when and where we should refine the surrogate models from the reliability analysis perspective. Approaches are proposed to estimate the potential error of the failure probability estimate and to determine the locations of new training points. The three-level GSA method identifies the individual surrogate model for refinement. The combination of the three modules facilitates adaptive and efficient allocation of computational resources, and enables high accuracy in the reliability analysis result. The proposed framework is illustrated with two numerical examples.
Development and Feasibility of a Robotic Laparoscopic Clipping Tool for Wound Closure and Anastomosis
Authors: Krieger Axel , Opfermann Justin , Kim Peter C. W.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports the design, development, and initial evaluation of a robotic laparoscopic clipping tool for single manipulator wound closure and anastomosis (tubular reconnection). The tool deploys biodegradable clips and clasps with the goal of (i) integrating grasping and suturing into a single device for single hand or manipulator use, (ii) applying the equivalent of interrupted sutures without the need of managing suture thread, and (iii) allowing for full six degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) laparoscopic control when mounted on a robot arm. The specifications, workflow, and detailed design of the robotic laparoscopic tool and injection molded bio-absorbable T shaped clip and locking clasp are reported. The clipping tool integrates forceps to grab and stabilize tissue and a clip and clasp applier to approximate and fixate the tissue. A curved needle is advanced on a circular needle path and picks up and drags clips through tissue. The clip is then tightened through the tissue and a clasp is clamped around the clip, before the clip is released from the needle. Results of several bench test runs of the tool show: (a) repeatable circular needle drive, (b) successful pick-up and deployment of clips, (c) successful shear of the clip to release the clip from the needle, and (d) closure of clasp on clip with an average of 2.0 N holding force. These data indicate that the robotic laparoscopic clipping tool could be used for laparoscopic wound closure and anastomosis.
Crosslinkable photoacid generators for ultrahigh loading in epoxide functionalized molecular resists
Authors: Narcross Hannah , Sharp Brandon L. , Tolbert Laren M. , Henderson Clifford L.
Published: November 2017

A series of ionic onium salt photoacid generators (PAGs) functionalized with epoxide or phenolic groups capable of participating in the cationic polymerization of epoxides have been synthesized and investigated for use in ultrahigh PAG loaded negative tone epoxide functionalized molecular resists. An epoxide functionalized PAG [tris(4-glycidylether-3,5-dimethylphenyl)sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate] was found to be capable of use at loadings up to 100 mol. % in an epoxide functionalized resist [1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl)ethane (4-Ep)] without inhibiting its ability to form fully crosslinked features, and was able to resolve 50 nm features under 100 keV electron-beam lithography at PAG loadings exceeding 50 mol. %. A phenol functionalized PAG [tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate] was similarly capable of use at loadings up to 50 mol. % in 4-Ep without inhibiting cross-linking, and was able to resolve both 50 and sub-50 nm features at PAG loadings exceeding 30 mol. % using 100 keV electron-beam lithography. Initial results from this study indicate that the functionalized PAGs can enable higher PAG loadings in these negative tone resists than was previously possible; however, increasing PAG loading beyond at least 30 mol. % has a negative impact on sensitivity when using 100-keV high energy e-beam exposures.
The changing hydrology of a dammed Amazon
Authors: Timpe Kelsie , Kaplan David
Published: November 2017

We characterized the type and magnitude of hydrological changes brought about by existing dams across the Brazilian Legal Amazon.
Adaptability as the key to success for the ubiquitous marine nitrite oxidizer
Nitrococcus
Authors: Füssel Jessika , Lücker Sebastian , Yilmaz Pelin , Nowka Boris , van Kessel Maartje A. H. J. , Bourceau Patric , Hach Philipp F. , Littmann Sten , Berg Jasmine , Spieck Eva , Daims Holger , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Lam Phyllis
Published: November 2017

A globally distributed yet previously overlooked marine nitrite oxidizer can reduce nitrate, produce N
2
O, and oxidize sulfide.
Laboratory unraveling of matter accretion in young stars
Authors: Revet Guilhem , Chen Sophia N. , Bonito Rosaria , Khiar Benjamin , Filippov Evgeny , Argiroffi Costanza , Higginson Drew P. , Orlando Salvatore , Béard Jérôme , Blecher Marius , Borghesi Marco , Burdonov Konstantin , Khaghani Dimitri , Naughton Kealan , Pépin Henri , Portugall Oliver , Riquier Raphael , Rodriguez Rafael , Ryazantsev Sergei N. , Yu. Skobelev Igor , Soloviev Alexander , Willi Oswald , Pikuz Sergey , Ciardi Andrea , Fuchs Julien
Published: November 2017

When matter accretes onto a young star, a shell of dense material can form around the impact, reducing its x-ray emission.
Genomic models predict successful coral adaptation if future ocean warming rates are reduced
Authors: Bay Rachael A. , Rose Noah H. , Logan Cheryl A. , Palumbi Stephen R.
Published: November 2017

Population genomic simulations predict coral adaptation only under mitigated climate change scenarios.
Wind causes Totten Ice Shelf melt and acceleration
Authors: Greene Chad A. , Blankenship Donald D. , Gwyther David E. , Silvano Alessandro , van Wijk Esmee
Published: November 2017

Wind upwells warm water from the deep ocean off the East Antarctic coast, leading to ice-shelf melt and glacier acceleration.
The abundance of metabolites related to protein methylation correlates with the metastatic capacity of human melanoma xenografts
Authors: Shi Xiaolei , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Huang Fang , Hu Zeping , Morrison Sean J. , DeBerardinis Ralph J.
Published: November 2017

Erasing histone H3 trimethylation marks suppresses the metastasis of human melanomas.
Gut microbes shape response to cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: November 2017

Planned trial will manipulate patients' microbiomes.
Underwater network hunts for mysterious slow quakes
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: November 2017

Gentle shifts could reduce risk of future disasters in Mexico.
Spindle asymmetry drives non-Mendelian chromosome segregation
Authors: Akera Takashi , Chmátal Lukáš , Trimm Emily , Yang Karren , Aonbangkhen Chanat , Chenoweth David M. , Janke Carsten , Schultz Richard M. , Lampson Michael A.
Published: November 2017

How selfish genes get their way

At the core of Mendelian genetics is the concept that gametes are equally likely to carry either of the two parental copies of a gene. Selfish genetic elements can cheat, however, by subverting Mendelian segregation to increase their representation in the gametes. Akera
et al.
show how the inherent asymmetry of female meiosis is translated to an asymmetry within the spindle machinery that segregates the chromosomes (see the Perspective by McNally). Experiments in mouse eggs revealed how asymmetry is exploited by selfish genetic elements to increase their transmission to the egg.

Science
, this issue p.
668
; see also p.
594
Gut microbiome modulates response to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients
Authors: Gopalakrishnan V. , Spencer C. N. , Nezi L. , Reuben A. , Andrews M. C. , Karpinets T. V. , Prieto P. A. , Vicente D. , Hoffman K. , Wei S. C. , Cogdill A. P. , Zhao L. , Hudgens C. W. , Hutchinson D. S. , Manzo T. , Petaccia de Macedo M. , Cotechini T. , Kumar T. , Chen W. S. , Reddy S. M. , Szczepaniak Sloane R. , Galloway-Pena J. , Jiang H. , Chen P. L. , Shpall E. J. , Rezvani K. , Alousi A. M. , Chemaly R. F. , Shelburne S. , Vence L. M. , Okhuysen P. C. , Jensen V. B. , Swennes A. G. , McAllister F. , Marcelo Riquelme Sanchez E. , Zhang Y. , Le Chatelier E. , Zitvogel L. , Pons N. , Austin-Breneman J. L. , Haydu L. E. , Burton E. M. , Gardner J. M. , Sirmans E. , Hu J. , Lazar A. J. , Tsujikawa T. , Diab A. , Tawbi H. , Glitza I. C. , Hwu W. J. , Patel S. P. , Woodman S. E. , Amaria R. N. , Davies M. A. , Gershenwald J. E. , Hwu P. , Lee J. E. , Zhang J. , Coussens L. M. , Cooper Z. A. , Futreal P. A. , Daniel C. R. , Ajami N. J. , Petrosino J. F. , Tetzlaff M. T. , Sharma P. , Allison J. P. , Jenq R. R. , Wargo J. A.
Published: November 2017

Good bacteria help fight cancer

Resident gut bacteria can affect patient responses to cancer immunotherapy (see the Perspective by Jobin). Routy
et al.
show that antibiotic consumption is associated with poor response to immunotherapeutic PD-1 blockade. They profiled samples from patients with lung and kidney cancers and found that nonresponding patients had low levels of the bacterium
Akkermansia muciniphila
. Oral supplementation of the bacteria to antibiotic-treated mice restored the response to immunotherapy. Matson
et al.
and Gopalakrishnan
et al.
studied melanoma patients receiving PD-1 blockade and found a greater abundance of “good” bacteria in the guts of responding patients. Nonresponders had an imbalance in gut flora composition, which correlated with impaired immune cell activity. Thus, maintaining healthy gut flora could help patients combat cancer.

Science
, this issue p.
91
, p.
104
, p.
97
; see also p.
32
Self-assembled three-dimensional chiral colloidal architecture
Authors: Ben Zion Matan Yah , He Xiaojin , Maass Corinna C. , Sha Ruojie , Seeman Nadrian C. , Chaikin Paul M.
Published: November 2017

Precise chiral colloidal assembly

A challenge for particle assembly is to bring different colloids together in a controlled and uniform way that goes beyond making lattice structures. Ben Zion
et al.
used DNA origami to pattern colloidal particles and assemble them into clusters with controlled chirality and composition. DNA belts wrapped flat along the curvature of a colloidal particle in an L-like shape. This meant that other achiral colloidal particles, each furnished with a specific complementary DNA belt, could only attach in one orientation.

Science
, this issue p.
633
ER-mitochondria tethering by PDZD8 regulates Ca
2+
dynamics in mammalian neurons
Authors: Hirabayashi Yusuke , Kwon Seok-Kyu , Paek Hunki , Pernice Wolfgang M. , Paul Maëla A. , Lee Jinoh , Erfani Parsa , Raczkowski Ashleigh , Petrey Donald S. , Pon Liza A. , Polleux Franck
Published: November 2017

Making the right contacts

Contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria mediate key physiological processes such as Ca
2+
exchange and lipid biogenesis. wiIn yeast, ER and mitochondria are tethered by a complex of four proteins called ERMES. However, no functional orthologs of these ERMES complex proteins have been identified in metazoans. Hirabayashi
et al.
identified PDZD8 as a structural and functional ortholog of the yeast ERMES protein MMM1 (see the Perspective by Lombardi and Elrod). PDZD8 was found at ER-mitochondria contact sites and was required for ER-mitochondria tethering in mammalian cells. In neuronal dendrites, PDZD8 regulated synaptically evoked Ca
2+
dynamics, which underscores the importance of interorganelle membrane contacts in cell physiology.

Science
, this issue p.
623
; see also p.
591
Antibody-dependent enhancement of severe dengue disease in humans
Authors: Katzelnick Leah C. , Gresh Lionel , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Mercado Juan Carlos , Kuan Guillermina , Gordon Aubree , Balmaseda Angel , Harris Eva
Published: November 2017

Too much or too little—better than some

Dengue fever is caused by a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus resembling Zika virus. Both viruses can cause severe diseases in humans with catastrophic sequelae. It has been suspected in humans, and shown in animal models, that the host's immune responses can make disease worse. Katzelnicket al.examined data from a long-term study of Nicaraguan children exposed to dengue virus (see the Perspective by Feinberg and Ahmed). They confirmed that antibody-dependent enhancement of disease occurs at a specific range of antibody concentrations. Low levels of antibody did not enhance disease, intermediate levels exacerbated disease, and high antibody titers protected against severe disease. These findings have major implications for vaccines against flaviviruses. Indeed, recent vaccine trials have shown evidence of severe disease in some recipients who were previously exposed to virus.

Science, this issue p.929; see also p.865
Femtosecond laser reshaping yields gold nanorods with ultranarrow surface plasmon resonances
Authors: González-Rubio Guillermo , Díaz-Núñez Pablo , Rivera Antonio , Prada Alejandro , Tardajos Gloria , González-Izquierdo Jesús , Bañares Luis , Llombart Pablo , Macdowell Luis G. , Alcolea Palafox Mauricio , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Peña-Rodríguez Ovidio , Guerrero-Martínez Andrés
Published: November 2017

Laser-shaping nanoparticles

For many applications of the plasmon resonances of metal nanoparticles, it is necessary to have narrow resonance lines. However, most methods for synthesizing nanoparticles create a distribution of sizes and shapes that broaden the resonance lines. González-Rubio
et al.
annealed gold nanorods dispersed in an aqueous solution of a surfactant with carefully tuned ultrafast (femtosecond) laser pulses. This approach reshaped the nanoparticles to create a near-uniform distribution with resonance lines nearly as sharp as for a single nanorod.

Science
, this issue p.
640
Structure of the mitochondrial inner membrane AAA+ protease YME1 gives insight into substrate processing
Authors: Puchades Cristina , Rampello Anthony J. , Shin Mia , Giuliano Christopher J. , Wiseman R. Luke , Glynn Steven E. , Lander Gabriel C.
Published: November 2017

Feeding a protease step by step

Proteins that degrade damaged or misfolded mitochondrial proteins are essential for mitochondrial function. A key player is the hexameric protease YME1, in which each subunit is anchored in the inner mitochondrial membrane by a helix and has an adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) domain and a protease domain in the intermembrane space. Puchades
et al.
report a high-resolution structure that shows that the ATPase domains form an asymmetric spiral staircase that stacks above a planar protease ring. Conserved tyrosine residues in the central pore of the spiral staircase interact with a substrate peptide. The ATP hydrolysis cycle is sequential and coordinated with changes in the position of the tyrosine residues that result in stepwise translocation of the substrate into the protease chamber.

Science
, this issue p.
eaao0464
Arbitrary spin-to–orbital angular momentum conversion of light
Authors: Devlin Robert C. , Ambrosio Antonio , Rubin Noah A. , Mueller J. P. Balthasar , Capasso Federico
Published: November 2017

From spins to spirals

The polarization state of light can be used in imaging applications and optical communications. Light can also be structured into vortices that carry optical angular momentum, which can be used for micromanipulation and enhancing the capacity of optical communication channels. Devlin
et al.
present a metasurface converter for optical states that transforms polarization states into optical angular momentum states. The coupling between arbitrary spin and optical angular momentum states of light in a compact planar structure may find applications in producing complex structured light fields.

Science
, this issue p.
896
How are DNAs woven into chromosomes?
Authors: Nasmyth Kim
Published: November 2017

New findings may explain how DNAs are organized into chromatids during cell division
Mediating ER-mitochondrial cross-talk
Authors: Lombardi Alyssa A. , Elrod John W.
Published: November 2017

An ER-mitochondrial tethering protein regulates mitochondrial calcium uptake in neurons
The Arctic Science Agreement propels science diplomacy
Authors: Berkman Paul Arthur , Kullerud Lars , Pope Allen , Vylegzhanin Alexander N. , Young Oran R.
Published: November 2017

Amid geopolitical tension, science aligns common interests
Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Isolates Are Resistant to Antibiotics That Influence Their Swimming and Swarming Motility
Authors: Brunelle Brian W. , Bearson Bradley L. , Bearson Shawn M. D. , Casey Thomas A.
Published: November 2017

Salmonella
is one of the most common causes of bacterial foodborne infections in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control consider multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella
a “Serious Threat Level pathogen.” Because MDR
Salmonella
can lead to more severe disease in patients than that caused by antibiotic-sensitive strains, it is important to identify the role that antibiotics may play in enhancing
Salmonella
virulence. The current study examined several MDR
Salmonella
isolates and determined the effect that various antibiotics had on
Salmonella
motility, an important virulence-associated factor. While most antibiotics had a neutral or negative effect on motility, we found that kanamycin actually enhanced MDR
Salmonella
swarming in some isolates. Subsequent experiments showed this phenotype as being dependent on a combination of several different genetic factors. Understanding the influence that antibiotics have on MDR
Salmonella
motility is critical to the proper selection and prudent use of antibiotics for efficacious treatment while minimizing potential collateral consequences.
Novel Genes Required for the Fitness of Streptococcus pyogenes in Human Saliva
Authors: Zhu Luchang , Charbonneau Amelia R. L. , Waller Andrew S. , Olsen Randall J. , Beres Stephen B. , Musser James M.
Published: November 2017

The human bacterial pathogen
Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A streptococcus [GAS]) causes more than 600 million cases of pharyngitis annually worldwide, 15 million of which occur in the United States. The human oropharynx is the primary anatomic site for GAS colonization and infection, and saliva is the first material encountered. Using a genome-wide transposon mutant screen, we identified 92 GAS genes required for wild-type fitness in human saliva. Many of the identified genes are involved in carbohydrate transport/metabolism, amino acid transport/metabolism, and inorganic ion transport/metabolism. The new information is potentially valuable for developing novel GAS therapeutics and vaccine research.
Early academic achievement in children with isolated clefts: a population-based study in England
Authors: Fitzsimons Kate Jane , Copley Lynn P , Setakis Efrosini , Charman Susan C , Deacon Scott A , Dearden Lorraine , van der Meulen Jan H
Published: November 2017

Objectives

We used national data to study differences in academic achievement between 5-year-old children with an isolated oral cleft and the general population. We also assessed differences by cleft type.

Methods

Children born in England with an oral cleft were identified in a national cleft registry. Their records were linked to databases of hospital admissions (to identify additional anomalies) and educational outcomes. Z-scores (signed number of SD actual score is above national average) were calculated to make outcome scores comparable across school years and across six assessed areas (personal development, communication and language, maths, knowledge of world, physical developmentandcreative development).

Results

2802 children without additional anomalies, 5 years old between 2006 and 2012, were included. Academic achievement was significantly below national average for all six assessed areas with z-scores ranging from −0.24 (95% CI −0.32 to −0.16) forknowledge of worldto −0.31 (−0.38 to −0.23) forpersonal development. Differences were small with only a cleft lip but considerably larger with clefts involving the palate. 29.4% of children were documented as having special education needs (national rate 9.7%), which varied according to cleft type from 13.2% with cleft lip to 47.6% with bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Conclusions

Compared with national average, 5-year-old children with an isolated oral cleft, especially those involving the palate, have significantly poorer academic achievement across all areas of learning. These outcomes reflect results of modern surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approach. Children with a cleft may benefit from extra academic support when starting school.