bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Neuraminidase in Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Receptor Binding
Authors: Benton Donald J. , Wharton Stephen A. , Martin Stephen R. , McCauley John W. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Influenza A(H7N9) viruses have caused a large number of zoonotic infections since their emergence in 2013. They remain a public health concern due to the repeated high levels of infection with these viruses and their perceived pandemic potential. A major factor that determines influenza A virus fitness and therefore transmissibility is the interaction of the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) with the cell surface receptor sialic acid. Typically, the HA is responsible for binding to the sialic acid to allow virus internalization and the NA is a sialidase responsible for cleaving sialic acid to aid virus spread and release. N9 NA has previously been shown to have receptor binding properties mediated by a sialic acid binding site, termed the hemadsorption (Hb) site, which is discrete from the enzymatically active sialidase site. This study investigated the N9 NA from a zoonotic H7N9 virus strain in order to determine its possible role in virus receptor binding. We demonstrate that this N9 NA has an active Hb site which binds to sialic acid, which enhances overall virus binding to sialic acid receptor analogues. We also show that the N9 NA can also contribute to receptor binding due to unusual kinetic characteristics of the sialidase site which specifically enhance binding to human-like α2,6-linked sialic acid receptors.

IMPORTANCE
The interaction of influenza A virus glycoproteins with cell surface receptors is a major determinant of infectivity and therefore transmissibility. Understanding these interactions is important for understanding which factors are necessary to determine pandemic potential. Influenza A viruses generally mediate binding to cell surface sialic acid receptors via the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein, with the neuraminidase (NA) glycoprotein being responsible for cleaving the receptor to allow virus release. Previous studies showed that the NA proteins of the N9 subtype can bind sialic acid via a separate binding site distinct from the sialidase active site. This study demonstrates for purified protein and virus that the NA of the zoonotic H7N9 viruses has a binding capacity via both the secondary binding site and unusual kinetic properties of the sialidase site which promote receptor binding via this site and which enhance binding to human-like receptors. This could have implications for understanding human-to-human transmission of these viruses.
Effectors of Filamentous Plant Pathogens: Commonalities amid Diversity
Authors: Franceschetti Marina , Maqbool Abbas , Jiménez-Dalmaroni Maximiliano J. , Pennington Helen G. , Kamoun Sophien , Banfield Mark J. 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARY
Fungi and oomycetes are filamentous microorganisms that include a diversity of highly developed pathogens of plants. These are sophisticated modulators of plant processes that secrete an arsenal of effector proteins to target multiple host cell compartments and enable parasitic infection. Genome sequencing revealed complex catalogues of effectors of filamentous pathogens, with some species harboring hundreds of effector genes. Although a large fraction of these effector genes encode secreted proteins with weak or no sequence similarity to known proteins, structural studies have revealed unexpected similarities amid the diversity. This article reviews progress in our understanding of effector structure and function in light of these new insights. We conclude that there is emerging evidence for multiple pathways of evolution of effectors of filamentous plant pathogens but that some families have probably expanded from a common ancestor by duplication and diversification. Conserved folds, such as the oomycete WY and the fungal MAX domains, are not predictive of the precise function of the effectors but serve as a chassis to support protein structural integrity while providing enough plasticity for the effectors to bind different host proteins and evolve unrelated activities inside host cells. Further effector evolution and diversification arise via short linear motifs, domain integration and duplications, and oligomerization.
Association of physiological and psychological health outcomes with physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Garcia Jeanette M , Cox Daniel , Rice David J 
Published: March 2017

PurposeTo examine the association between change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) over a 6-month period with physiological and psychological factors in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsParticipants included 26 middle-aged (mean age=56.1±10.8 years; 42% women), overweight/obese (mean body mass index (BMI) =37.22±8.78 kg/m2) adults who had been diagnosed with T2D within the past 5 years (mean HbA1c=7.81%). Participants underwent a physical examination, blood tests, and psychological questionnaires, including a self-report questionnaire that assessed the consumption of high glycemic and low glycemic load foods. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer for 7 days to assess MVPA and SB. All measures were collected at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. Spearman rank correlations and regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between activity variables, and the association of activity measures with health outcomes at the 6-month follow-up.ResultsDecreases in duration of SB bouts and increases in MVPA were associated with decreased levels of HbA1c (p<0.05). Over 50% of the variance in HbA1c levels could be attributed to changes in MVPA and SB.ConclusionsMVPA and SB were independently associated with diabetes-related health outcomes. Results suggest that emphasis should be placed on increasing MVPA while decreasing SB, particularly duration of SB bouts. This suggests that even small changes in daily behavior may contribute to improvement in diabetes-related health outcomes.
Non-technical skills and gastrointestinal endoscopy: a review of the literature
Authors: Hitchins Charlotte R , Metzner Magdalena , Edworthy Judy , Ward Catherine 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundNon-technical skills (NTS) have gained increasing recognition in recent years for their role in safe, effective team performance in healthcare. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure-based specialty with rapidly advancing technology, significant operational pressures and rapidly changing ‘teams of experts’. However, to date there has been little focus on the effect of NTS in this field.ObjectivesThis review aims to examine the existing literature on NTS in gastrointestinal endoscopy and identify areas for further research.MethodA systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus and PubMed databases was performed using search terms Non-Technical Skills, Team Performance or Team Skills, and Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, OGD, Gastroscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography or Endoscopic Ultrasound.ResultsEighteen relevant publications were found. NTS are deemed an essential component of practice, but so far there is little evidence of their integration into training or competency assessment. Those studies examining the effects of NTS and team training in endoscopy are small and have variable outcome measures with limited evidence of improvement in skills or clinical outcomes. NTS assessment in endoscopy is in its early phases with a few tools in development.ConclusionsThe current literature on NTS in gastrointestinal endoscopy is limited. NTS, however, are deemed an essential component of practice, with potential positive effects on team performance and clinical outcomes. A validated reliable tool would enable evaluation of training and investigation into the effects of NTS on outcomes. There is a clear need for further research in this field.
Transfer of dynamic motor skills acquired during isometric training to free motion
Authors: Melendez-Calderon Alejandro , Tan Michael , Bittmann Moria Fisher , Burdet Etienne , Patton James L. 
Published: March 2017

Recent studies have explored the prospects of learning to move without moving, by displaying virtual arm movement related to exerted force. However, it has yet to be tested whether learning the dynamics of moving can transfer to the corresponding movement. Here we present a series of experiments that investigate this isometric training paradigm. Subjects were asked to hold a handle and generate forces as their arms were constrained to a static position. A precise simulation of reaching was used to make a graphic rendering of an arm moving realistically in response to the measured interaction forces and simulated environmental forces. Such graphic rendering was displayed on a horizontal display that blocked their view to their actual (statically constrained) arm and encouraged them to believe they were moving. We studied adaptation of horizontal, planar, goal-directed arm movements in a velocity-dependent force field. Our results show that individuals can learn to compensate for such a force field in a virtual environment and transfer their new skills to the actual free motion condition, with performance comparable to practice while moving. Such nonmoving techniques should impact various training conditions when moving may not be possible.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provided early evidence supporting that training movement skills without moving is possible. In contrast to previous studies, our study involves 1) exploiting cross-modal sensory interactions between vision and proprioception in a motionless setting to teach motor skills that could be transferable to a corresponding physical task, and 2) evaluates the movement skill of controlling muscle-generated forces to execute arm movements in the presence of external forces that were only virtually present during training.
Effect of Age and Sex on the QTc Interval in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 and 2 Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Vink Arja S. , Clur Sally-Ann B. , Geskus Ronald B. , Blank Andreas C. , De Kezel Charlotte C.A. , Yoshinaga Masao , Hofman Nynke , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Blom Nico A. 
Published: March 2017

Background—
In congenital long-QT syndrome, age, sex, and genotype have been associated with cardiac events, but their effect on the trend in QTc interval has never been established. We, therefore, aimed to assess the effect of age and sex on the QTc interval in children and adolescents with type 1 (LQT1) and type 2 (LQT2) long-QT syndrome.

Methods and Results—
QTc intervals of 12-lead resting electrocardiograms were determined, and trends over time were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. The study included 278 patients with a median follow-up of 4 years (interquartile range, 1–9) and a median number of 6 (interquartile range, 2–10) electrocardiograms per patient. Both LQT1 and LQT2 male patients showed QTc interval shortening after the onset of puberty. In LQT2 male patients, this was preceded by a progressive QTc interval prolongation. In LQT1, after the age of 12 years, male patients had a significantly shorter QTc interval than female patients. In LQT2, during the first years of life and from 14 to 26 years, male patients had a significantly shorter QTc interval than female patients. On the contrary, between 5 and 14 years, LQT2 male patients had significantly longer QTc interval than LQT2 female patients.

Conclusions—
There is a significant effect of age and sex on the QTc interval in long-QT syndrome, with a unique pattern per genotype. The age of 12 to 14 years is an important transitional period. In the risk stratification and management of long-QT syndrome patients, clinicians should be aware of these age-, sex-, and genotype-related trends in QTc interval and especially the important role of the onset of puberty.
Sex‐ and Race‐Related Differences in Characteristics and Outcomes of Hospitalizations for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Goyal Parag , Paul Tracy , Almarzooq Zaid I. , Peterson Janey C. , Krishnan Udhay , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Wells Martin T. , Karas Maria G. , Sobol Irina , Maurer Mathew S. , Horn Evelyn M. , Kim Luke K. 
Published: March 2017

Background
Sex and race have emerged as important contributors to the phenotypic heterogeneity of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, there remains a need to identify important sex‐ and race‐related differences in characteristics and outcomes using a nationally representative cohort.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project—Nationwide Inpatient Sample files between 2008 and 2012. Hospitalizations with a diagnosis of
HF
p
EF
were included for analysis. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and age‐adjusted comorbidity prevalence rates were compared between men and women and whites and blacks. In‐hospital mortality was determined and compared for each subgroup. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify and compare correlates of in‐hospital mortality for each subgroup. A sample of 1 889 608 hospitalizations was analyzed. Men with
HF
p
EF
were slightly younger than women with
HF
p
EF
and had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity score. Men experienced higher in‐hospital mortality compared with women, a finding that was attenuated after adjusting for comorbidity. Blacks with
HF
p
EF
were younger than whites with
HF
p
EF
, with lower rates of most comorbidities. Hypertension, diabetes, anemia, and chronic renal failure were more common among blacks. Blacks experienced lower in‐hospital mortality compared with whites, even after adjusting for age and comorbidity. Important correlates of mortality among all 4 subgroups included pulmonary circulation disorders, liver disease, and chronic renal failure. Atrial fibrillation was an important correlate of mortality only among women and blacks.

Conclusions

Differences in patient characteristics and outcomes reinforce the notion that sex and race contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of
HF
p
EF
.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Pharmacodynamic Effects of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Troponin‐Negative Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Ad Hoc Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Sweeny Joseph M. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Franchi Francesco , Rollini Fabiana , Waksman Ron , Raveendran Ganesh , Dangas George , Khan Naeem D. , Carlson Glenn F. , Zhao Yonggang , Teng Renli , Mehran Roxana 
Published: March 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus (
DM
) is associated with enhanced platelet reactivity and impaired response to oral antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel. This post hoc analysis investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel loading dose (
LD
) in troponin‐negative acute coronary syndrome patients with or without
DM
undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the Ad Hoc
PCI
study.

Methods and Results

Patients randomized (1:1) to receive ticagrelor 180 mg
LD
or clopidogrel 600 mg
LD
were assessed by diabetic status. Platelet reactivity (P2Y
12
reaction units [
PRU
] on VerifyNow
®
assay) was measured pre‐
LD
, at 0.5, 2, and 8 hours post‐
LD
, and at the end of the percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint was
PRU
levels 2 hours post‐
LD
; secondary endpoints included rates of high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (
PRU
≥208). Of 100 randomized patients, 51 received ticagrelor (
DM
, n=20; non‐
DM
, n=31) and 49 clopidogrel (
DM
, n=16; non‐
DM
, n=33). At 2 hours post‐
LD
, mean (
SD
)
PRU
levels in
DM
patients were 130.1 (111.7) with ticagrelor versus 287.6 (71.9) with clopidogrel (mean [95%
CI
] difference −157.5 [−225.3, −89.8];
P
<0.001); in non‐
DM
patients, they were 75.3 (75.7) versus 243.0 (72.4) (mean difference −167.7 [−207.1, −128.3];
P
<0.001). High on‐treatment platelet reactivity rates at 2 hours post‐
LD
were also significantly (
P
<0.001) reduced with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in
DM
and non‐
DM
patients. Between‐treatment differences for
PRU
and high on‐treatment platelet reactivity were not significant at earlier time points but were at 8 hours post‐
LD
(
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor achieved faster, enhanced platelet inhibition and reduced high on‐treatment platelet reactivity rates, in
DM
and non‐
DM
patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01603082.
Supramodal Theta, Gamma, and Sustained Fields Predict Modality-specific Modulations of Alpha and Beta Oscillations during Visual and Tactile Working Memory
Authors: van Ede Freek , Jensen Ole , Maris Eric 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Flexible control over currently relevant sensory representations is an essential feature of primate cognition. We investigated the neurophysiological bases of such flexible control in humans during an intermodal working memory task in which participants retained visual or tactile sequences. Using magnetoencephalography, we first show that working memory retention engages early visual and somatosensory areas, as reflected in the sustained load-dependent suppression of alpha and beta oscillations. Next, we identify three components that are also load dependent but modality independent: medial prefrontal theta synchronization, frontoparietal gamma synchronization, and sustained parietal event-related fields. Critically, these domain-general components predict (across trials and within load conditions) the modality-specific suppression of alpha and beta oscillations, with largely unique contributions per component. Thus, working memory engages multiple complementary frontoparietal components that have discernible neuronal dynamics and that flexibly modulate retention-related activity in sensory areas in a manner that tracks the current contents of working memory.
Searching for a Foil to Charicleia
Authors: Ciocani Vichi Eugenia 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Set at a narratologically crucial moment of Heliodorus’ novel, the hymn to Thetis precedes and foreshadows the appearance of the protagonists, Theagenes and Charicleia, within the religious festival at Delphi. While the parallel between Neoptolemus and Theagenes is rather clear and explicit, the hymn honours Thetis in a distinctive way which does not correspond symmetrically to the depiction of Charicleia. The paper will argue that this hymn alludes to the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and contrasts the various figures of Thetis, Demeter and Persephone to Heliodorus’ heroine. This interpretation explains the meaning of the hymn to Thetis both in its immediate context and within the larger ideology of the novel.
Akinesis in Physocypria schubarti Farkas, 1958 (Podocopida, Cyprididae) does not fully explain its low consumption by predatory Chaoborus larvae in a Brazilian lake
Authors: Maroneze D. M. , Pujoni D. G. F. , Maia-Barbosa P. M. 
Published: March 2017

Behavioral responses are important in zooplankton species exposed to invertebrate predators. In a Brazilian natural lake, the ostracod Physocypria schubarti Farkas, 1958 is abundant, despite the presence of predatory Chaoborus Lichtenstein, 1800 larvae. This is intriguing as this predator controls several microcrustacean populations in nature. Therefore, we analysed the interactions between fourth instar Chaoborus larvae and ostracods of two body sizes in laboratory. We evaluated (1) the behaviour of P. schubarti during Chaoborus attacks, (2) the probability of Chaoborus larvae ingesting them during such interactions and (3) the prey survival and predator ingestion rates after 24 h. When attacked, ostracods of both sizes frequently ceased to move and passively sank in the water column. This anti-predation strategy (“akinesis” or “dead-man response”) was observed in over 80% of the interactions involving physical contact. Surprisingly the probability of Chaoborus larvae eating prey that exhibited, or not, this reaction was close or equal to zero. After 24 h, over 92% of the prey survived and the ingestion rate of the chaoborids was practically nihil. Our results suggest that, although akinesis is a very common behaviour, additional features of P. schubarti may be as or more important in explaining its low vulnerability when in high spatial overlap with Chaoborus larvae.
A Method to Estimate Reflection and Directional Spread Using Rotary Spectra from Accelerometers on Large Ice Floes
Authors: Sutherland Graig , Rabault Jean , Jensen Atle 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe directional wave spectra in sea ice are an important aspect of wave evolution and can provide insights into the dominant components of wave dissipation, that is, dissipation due to scattering or dissipation due to viscous processes under the ice. A robust method for the measurement of directional wave spectra parameters in sea ice from a three-axis accelerometer—or a heave, pitch, and roll sensor—is proposed. The method takes advantage of certain aspects of sea ice and makes use of rotary spectra techniques to provide model-free estimates for the mean wave direction, directional spread, and reflection coefficient. The method is ideally suited for large ice floes—that is, where the ice floe length scale is much greater than the wavelength—but a framework is provided to expand the parameter space where the method may be effective.
Sulfhydrylbystrite, Na5K2Ca(Al6Si6O24)(S5)(SH), a new mineral with the LOS framework, and re-interpretation of bystrite: cancrinite-group minerals with novel extra-framework anions
Authors: Sapozhnikov A. N. , Kaneva E. V. , Suvorova L. F. , Levitsky V. I. , Ivanova L. A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSulfhydrylbystrite, Na5K2Ca(Al6Si6O24)(S5)(SH), cell parameters a = 12.9567(6) Å, c = 10.7711(5) Å, space group P31c, is a new mineral belonging to the cancrinite group. It was found at Malaya Bystraya lazurite deposit, Lake Baikal area, Eastern Siberian Region, Russia, associated with lazurite, calcite, diopside, phlogopite and pyrite. The mineral develops at the margins of masses of lazurite, replacing it in some areas with the formation of nonequilibrium lazurite-diopside-sulfhydrylbystrite association. It is translucent, yellow to orange, with vitreous lustre, yellow streak and Mohs hardness of 4.5–5. The empirical formula, based on 12 (Si + Al), is Na5.17K1.87Ca0.99[Al6.01Si5.99O24](S5)0.862–(SH0.86)Cl0.07, Z = 2. The crystal structure of sulfhydrylbystrite may be described as an ABAC stacking of six-membered rings of SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra and extra-framework cations and anions located within structural cages. There are two type of cages, cancrinite and losod, stacked into chains at (0, 0, z) and (⅔, ⅓, z), respectively. The cancrinite cage hosts Ca2+ and (SH)– ions, whereas the (S5)2– polyanion is in the losod cage associated with Na+ and K+ cations. In addition, (SH)– and (S5)2– anions are detected in the structure of a mineral for the first time.For comparison, a structural and compositional study of a bystrite sample from the same deposit was carried out. Bystrite is confirmed to contain pentasulfide anions in the losod cages, similar to those of sulfhydrylbystrite, in contrast to previous studies. However, bystrite has chloride in cancrinite cages, whereas sulfhydrylbystrite has hydrosulfide in that position. The unit-cell parameters are distinctly different: bystrite has a = 12.8527(6) Å, c = 10.6907(5) Å in the same P31c space group.