bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two new Paleozoic Asteroidea (Echinodermata) and their taxonomic and evolutionary significance
Authors: Blake Daniel B. , Koniecki Joseph 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSertulaster keslinginew genus new species (Palaeasteridae) andDelicaster hotchkissinew species (Permasteridae) are asteroid echinoderms described, respectively, from the Ordovician and Carboniferous of eastern North America. The new genus and species help to document diversity within taxa of lower rank.S. keslingiis similar to the Early OrdovicianEriasterBlake and Guensburg, 2005 but exhibits less differentiation of the skeletal elements from beyond the ambulacral column, that of the so-called extraxial skeleton, whereas the comparatively robust construction ofDelicaster hotchkissiclearly departs from that of the type species,D. enigmaticus(Kesling, 1967). Small sample sizes and incomplete exposure of available specimens illustrate ambiguities typically encountered in the study of fossil asteroids.UUID:http://zoobank.org/fb44075c-396b-4f95-b997-29cdf3c4f3c1
Easy access: new dynamics in long-distance African intimacies
Authors: Hannaford Dinah 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article examines how African transnational relationships in the twenty-first century differ from their manifestation in previous periods of mobility and long-distance intimacy. I argue that the possibilities for and expectations of immediate communication and co-presence facilitated by the current technological landscape distinguish this era from earlier ones and fundamentally alter the ways in which African migrants connect to those at home. Although time–space compression allows for the potential of new practices of virtual intimacy, it also creates an imperative of availability for migrants that is reinforced not only on micro- and meso-levels by families and communities but also on macro-levels by neoliberal state policies that target migrants as agents of development and providers of social services.
Letting the mask slip: the shameless fame of Sierra Leone's Gongoli
Authors: Anderson Samuel Mark 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGrotesque and vulgar, the masked character Gongoli upends the codes of Mende decorum in his madcap pursuit of laughs. His impropriety goes so far as to allow his mask to fall, comically revealing the identity of his dancer and subverting the anonymity so elemental to his fellow spirits’ vaunted status. Yet despite such transgressions, he stands among the most beloved figures of Sierra Leone's rich performance traditions. Gongoli's popularity hinges on his irreverence towards the fundamental laws of masked dance, laws that also regulate the balance between individual agency and communal responsibility, between internal desire and external restraint. The only quality necessary to play Gongoli is shamelessness (ngufe baa), and the greatest performers are acrobats braving risks that are not physical, but social. This article follows Siloh, an itinerant performer whose celebrity inheres in his uncanny similarity to the Gongoli he often plays. The composite figure Siloh Gongoli exemplifies a comic aesthetic relished throughout Sierra Leone in storytelling, ritual, festivals, videos and radio shows. Although mobilized for different ends, each of these conventions undermines principles of self-effacement, gerontocratic privilege and esoteric power by shamelessly playing with and within the existential tensions between interior and exterior selves.
Seeing the unseeing audience: women and West African power association masquerades
Authors: Gagliardi Susan Elizabeth 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFor more than a century, observers have noted that the West African power associations known as Komo and Kono prohibit women from seeing their performances and assemblages. Reportedly fearful of seeing something they are not permitted to see, women and children run for shelter and shut the doors. Yet, in western Burkina Faso today, certain Komo and Kono chapters authorize some women to view their arts, and women who are not authorized still interact with performers during events, consult with the organizations’ leaders at other times or assist power association leaders in other ways. A focus on the unseeing but ever-present audiences of Komo and Kono reconfigures our understanding of audiences. Scholars of theatre audiences in different times and places have sometimes used ‘spectators’ as a synonym for ‘audience’, implying a group of people who are physically present for an event and can see it. Unseeing audiences are physically present at a live performance and interact with performers even though they are prohibited from actually seeing the event other people can see. Shifting our focus to women as members of unseeing audiences also reveals women's varied contributions to organizations and arts that have long been framed as institutions that operate squarely within men's domains.
Ambiguous agency: Dan/Mau stilt mask spirit performance as ontology in Côte d'Ivoire and the US
Authors: Reed Daniel B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this article, I describe the belief system at the centre of Mau and Dan mask spirit performances and some implications of these beliefs in practice, and I suggest an ontological framework for interpreting the ambiguous agency embodied in such performances. I ground my discussion of this ontological framework by juxtaposing ethnographic material about non-commercial, community-based mask spirit belief and practice with details of the career of an international ‘star’ mask spirit performer, Vado Diomande. I propose that the ambiguous agency at the heart of these performances is best understood using a performance framework that locates being in process. My interlocutors’ discourse about and practices of these performances suggest that, rather than looking for ontologyinperformance, we understand ontologyasperformance – or perhaps better yet, performance as ontology. Such a framework illuminates both the challenges and the strategic advantages that ontological ambiguity presents to mask spirit performers in immigrant settings in the US. This framework also provides a philosophical grounding for theories positing African art as process, and sheds light on the ways in which mask spirit performers manoeuvre in the interstices of display and disguise, addressing both belief and market demand.
Effect of long-term low-dose folic acid supplementation on degree of total homocysteine-lowering: major effect modifiers
Authors: Wang Binyan , Wu Hongxu , Li Youbao , Ban Qianyun , Huang Xiao , Chen Lulu , Li Jianping , Zhang Yan , Cui Yimin , He Mingli , Tang Genfu , Yin Delu , Li Junnong , Huo Yong , Qin Xianhui , Xu Xiping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe sought to examine the potential modifiers in the association between long-term low-dose folic acid supplementation and the reduction of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) among hypertensive patients, using data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). This analysis included 16 867 participants who had complete data on tHcy measurements at both the baseline and exit visit. After a median treatment period of 4·5 years, folic acid treatment significantly reduced the tHcy levels by 1·6 μmol/l (95 % CI 1·4, 1·8). More importantly, after adjustment for baseline tHcy and other important covariates, a greater degree of tHcy reduction was observed in certain subgroups: males, the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677TT genotype, higher baseline tHcy levels (≥12·5 (median) v. <12·5 μmol/l), lower folate levels (<8·0 (median) v. ≥8·0 ng/ml), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1·73 m2 (v. 60–<90 and ≥90 ml/min per 1·73 m2), ever smokers and concomitant use of diuretics (P for all interactions <0·05). The degree of tHcy reduction associated with long-term folic acid supplementation can be significantly affected by sex, MTHFR C677T genotypes, baseline folate, tHcy, eGFR levels and smoking status.
Lysozyme-rich milk mitigates effects of malnutrition in a pig model of malnutrition and infection
Authors: Garas Lydia C. , Hamilton M. Kristina , Dawson Matthew W. , Wang Jane-Ling , Murray James D. , Raybould Helen E. , Maga Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMalnutrition remains a leading contributor to the morbidity and mortality of children under the age of 5 years and can weaken the immune system and increase the severity of concurrent infections. Livestock milk with the protective properties of human milk is a potential therapeutic to modulate intestinal microbiota and improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop an infection model of childhood malnutrition in the pig to investigate the clinical, intestinal and microbiota changes associated with malnutrition and enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) infection and to test the ability of goat milk and milk from genetically engineered goats expressing the antimicrobial human lysozyme (hLZ) milk to mitigate these effects. Pigs were weaned onto a protein–energy-restricted diet and after 3 weeks were supplemented daily with goat, hLZ or no milk for a further 2 weeks and then challenged with ETEC. The restricted diet enriched faecal microbiota in Proteobacteria as seen in stunted children. Before infection, hLZ milk supplementation improved barrier function and villous height to a greater extent than goat milk. Both goat and hLZ milk enriched for taxa (Ruminococcaceae) associated with weight gain. Post-ETEC infection, pigs supplemented with hLZ milk weighed more, had improvedZ-scores, longer villi and showed more stable bacterial populations during ETEC challenge than both the goat and no milk groups. This model of childhood disease was developed to test the confounding effects of malnutrition and infection and demonstrated the potential use of hLZ goat milk to mitigate the impacts of malnutrition and infection.
New cancer cases attributable to diet among adults aged 30–84 years in France in 2015
Authors: Shield Kevin D. , Freisling Heinz , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Touvier Mathilde , Marant Micallef Claire , Jenab Mazda , Deschamps Valérie , Hill Catherine , Ferrari Pietro , Margaritis Irène , Bray Freddie , Soerjomataram Isabelle 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to estimate the number of new cancer cases attributable to diet among adults aged 30–84 years in France in 2015, where convincing or probable evidence of a causal association exists, and, in a secondary analysis, where at least limited but suggestive evidence of a causal association exists. Cancer cases attributable to diet were estimated assuming a 10-year latency period. Dietary intake data were obtained from the 2006 French National Nutrition and Health Survey. Counterfactual scenarios of dietary intake were based on dietary guidelines. Corresponding risk relation estimates were obtained from meta-analyses, cohort studies and one case–control study. Cancer incidence data were obtained from the French Network of Cancer Registries. Nationally, unfavourable dietary habits led to 16 930 new cancer cases, representing 5·4 % of all new cancer cases. Low intake of fruit and dietary fibre was the largest contributor to this burden, being responsible for 4787 and 4389 new cancer cases, respectively. If this is expanded to dietary component and cancer pairs with at least limited but suggestive evidence of a causal association, 36 049 new cancer cases, representing 11·6 % of all new cancer cases, were estimated to be attributable to diet. These findings suggest that unfavourable dietary habits lead to a substantial number of new cancer cases in France; however, there is a large degree of uncertainty as to the number of cancers attributable to diet, including through indirect mechanisms such as obesity, and therefore additional research is needed to determine how diet affects cancer risk.
Vitamin E intake and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Wang Lihua , Ning Shujun , Liu Zichun , Lin Hao , Chen Shuli , Zhu Jiaying 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFindings from observational studies on the associations between vitamin E intake and stroke risk remain controversial, and the dose–response relationship between vitamin E intake and risk of stroke remains to be determined. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective studies aiming to clarify the relationships between vitamin E intake and risk of stroke. Relevant studies were identified by searching online databases through to June 2018. We computed summary relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95 % CI. Among 3156 articles retrieved from online databases and relevant bibliographies, nine studies involving 3284 events and 220 371 participants were included in the final analyses. High dietary vitamin E intake was inversely associated with the risk of overall stroke (RR=0·83, 95 % CI 0·73, 0·94), and with the risk of stroke for individuals who were followed-up for <10 (RR=0·84, 95 % CI 0·72, 0·91). There was a non-linear association between dietary vitamin E intake and stroke risk (P=0·0249). Omission of any single study did not alter the summary result. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that there is a significant inverse relationship between dietary vitamin E intake and stroke risk. This meta-analysis provides evidence that a higher dietary vitamin E intake is associated with a lower stroke risk.
‘This strange little palaeoniscid': a new early actinopterygian genus, and commentary on pectoral fin conditions and function
Authors: COATES Michael I. , TIETJEN Kristen 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe early actinopterygianMesopoma plantiis reassigned to a new genus on the basis of data obtained from high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of an unusually well-preserved specimen from the Early Pennsylvanian of Lancashire, UK. The formerM. plantiis joined by two furtherMesopomaspecies from the Late Mississippian of Scotland. CT scans of the keyplantispecimen bring to light new details of the dermal skull, pectoral girdle and fin. Among the cranial features, CT data reveal a specialised, anteriorly projecting preopercular bone, the location of the spiracular duct opening, presence of a so-called coronoid process on the lower jaw and the full three-dimensional shape of the snout. Of the pectoral girdle and fin, for the first time in a Palaeozoic actinopterygian it has been possible to complete a three-dimensional reconstruction of the entire endoskeleton in articulation. The fin presents new diversity within a conservative general pattern, revealing for the first time a double propterygium. Girdle shape shows that the fin orientation is derived: rotated with the leading edge dorsalmost. These details are used to identify unexploited character states for use in phylogenetic analyses, while functional implications of the fin and girdle suggest advanced locomotory control emerging among different groups of post-Devonian ray-finned fishes.
Ultrasound and contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of acute aortic pathologies
Authors: Negrão de Figueiredo Giovanna , Müller-Peltzer Katharina , Schwarze Vincent , Rübenthaler Johannes , Clevert Dirk-André 
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Conventional ultrasound is worldwide the first-line imaging modality for the prompt diagnosis in the daily practice because it is a cost-effective and easy to perform technique. The additional application of contrast media has been used to enhance the intravascular contrast and to improve the imaging diagnostic accuracy in the detection, classification and follow-up of vascular pathologies. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has the advantage of being a safe, fast and dynamic non-invasive imaging tool with excellent results in the diagnosis of acute aortic pathologies, especially the detection of endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair. This review describes the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging in the most common vascular pathologies such as aortic dissections, aneurysms and endoleaks. Keywords: Endoleak, contrast media, ultrasonography, aorta
An ultra-compact integrated system for brain activity recording and stimulation validated over cortical slow oscillations in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Pazzini Luca , Polese Davide , Weinert Julia F. , Maiolo Luca , Maita Francesco , Marrani Marco , Pecora Alessandro , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Fortunato Guglielmo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe understanding of brain processing requires monitoring and exogenous modulation of neuronal ensembles. To this end, it is critical to implement equipment that ideally provides highly accurate, low latency recording and stimulation capabilities, that is functional for different experimental preparations and that is highly compact and mobile. To address these requirements, we designed a small ultra-flexible multielectrode array and combined it with an ultra-compact electronic system. The device consists of a polyimide microelectrode array (8 µm thick and with electrodes measuring as low as 10 µm in diameter) connected to a miniaturized electronic board capable of amplifying, filtering and digitalizing neural signals and, in addition, of stimulating brain tissue. To evaluate the system, we recorded slow oscillations generated in the cerebral cortex network both from in vitro slices and from in vivo anesthetized animals, and we modulated the oscillatory pattern by means of electrical and visual stimulation. Finally, we established a preliminary closed-loop algorithm in vitro that exploits the low latency of the electronics (<0.5 ms), thus allowing monitoring and modulating emergent cortical activity in real time to a desired target oscillatory frequency.
Efficient immunoaffinity chromatography of lymphocytes directly from whole blood
Authors: Mohr Fabian , Przibilla Sabine , Leonhardt Franziska , Stemberger Christian , Dreher Stefan , Müller Thomas R. , Fräßle Simon P. , Schmidt Georg P. , Kiene Marie-Luise , Stadler Herbert , Busch Dirk H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe show that defined lymphocytes can be rapidly purified by immunoaffinity chromatography starting directly from whole blood. The method relies on low-affinity Fab-fragments attached to a column-matrix combined with the reversible Strep-tag technology. Compared to established cell enrichment protocols, the Strep-tag affinity chromatography of cells is independent of erythrocyte lysis or centrifugation steps, allowing for simple cell-enrichment with good yields, high purities, and excellent functionality of purified cells.
Electrospun nerve guide conduits have the potential to bridge peripheral nerve injuries in vivo
Authors: Frost Hanna K. , Andersson Tomas , Johansson Sebastian , Englund-Johansson U. , Ekström Per , Dahlin Lars B. , Johansson Fredrik 
Published: November 2018

AbstractElectrospinning can be used to mimic the architecture of an acellular nerve graft, combining microfibers for guidance, and pores for cellular infiltration. We made electrospun nerve guides, from polycaprolactone (PCL) or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), with aligned fibers along the insides of the channels and random fibers around them. We bridged a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect with the guides, and, in selected groups, added a cell transplant derived from autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF). For control, we compared to hollow silicone tubes; or autologous nerve grafts. PCL nerve guides had a high degree of autotomy (8/43 rats), a negative indicator with respect to future usefulness, while PLLA supported axonal regeneration, but did not outperform autologous nerve grafts. Transplanted cells survived in the PLLA nerve guides, but axonal regeneration was not enhanced as compared to nerve guides alone. The inflammatory response was partially enhanced by the transplanted cells in PLLA nerve grafts; Schwann cells were poorly distributed compared to nerve guide without cells. Tailor-made electrospun nerve guides support axonal regeneration in vivo, and can act as vehicles for co-transplanted cells. Our results motivate further studies exploring novel nerve guides and the effect of stromal cell-derived factors on nerve generation.
Somatic alterations compromised molecular diagnosis of DOCK8 hyper-IgE syndrome caused by a novel intronic splice site mutation
Authors: Hagl Beate , Spielberger Benedikt D. , Thoene Silvia , Bonnal Sophie , Mertes Christian , Winter Christof , Nijman Isaac J. , Verduin Shira , Eberherr Andreas C. , Puel Anne , Schindler Detlev , Ruland Jürgen , Meitinger Thomas , Gagneur Julien , Orange Jordan S. , van Gijn Marielle E. , Renner Ellen D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES), a group of primary immunodeficiencies clinically overlapping with atopic dermatitis, early diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate therapy and prevent irreversible complications. Identification of underlying gene defects such as in DOCK8 and STAT3 and corresponding molecular testing has improved diagnosis. Yet, in a child and her newborn sibling with HIES phenotype molecular diagnosis was misleading. Extensive analyses driven by the clinical phenotype identified an intronic homozygous DOCK8 variant c.4626 + 76 A > G creating a novel splice site as disease-causing. While the affected newborn carrying the homozygous variant had no expression of DOCK8 protein, in the index patient molecular diagnosis was compromised due to expression of altered and wildtype DOCK8 transcripts and DOCK8 protein as well as defective STAT3 signaling. Sanger sequencing of lymphocyte subsets revealed that somatic alterations and reversions revoked the predominance of the novel over the canonical splice site in the index patient explaining DOCK8 protein expression, whereas defective STAT3 responses in the index patient were explained by a T cell phenotype skewed towards central and effector memory T cells. Hence, somatic alterations and skewed immune cell phenotypes due to selective pressure may compromise molecular diagnosis and need to be considered with unexpected clinical and molecular findings.
Overlooked Trends in Observed Global Annual Precipitation Reveal Underestimated Risks
Authors: Lausier Anne M. , Jain Shaleen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNumerous human and environmental systems are sensitive to the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation, including agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems. Trends in observed precipitation form an important line of evidence to understand how changes may increase system vulnerabilities. Linear trends reported in US and global climate assessments reflect changes in mean annual precipitation. Mean trends may not reflect changes across other quantiles in the precipitation probability distribution, including the tails (very high and low precipitation levels), leading to systematic mischaracterization of climate risk. Here we reanalyze global annual precipitation using quantile regression to reveal overlooked trends. We find trends in the tails inconsistent with the mean in 44.4% of land area and 40.7% of rainfed agricultural regions. Previously undetected trends offer a more accurate view of the changing climate. This work enables reappraisals of risk aggregated over thresholds in human and environmental systems, enabling revaluation of threats and identification of appropriate adaptation strategies.