bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ancient Cultivations at Housesteads, Northumberland
Authors: Hedley W. Percy 
Published: August 2016

The Roman Fort of Borcovicium at Housesteads in Northumberland should need no introduction to anyone interested in archaeology. During the last year it has been brought into great prominence by being presented to the Nation by Mr John Maurice Clayton, and through its close proximity to the portion of Hadrian’s Wall recently threatened by quarrying operations.The fort at Housesteads was one of the earliest to be examined by British antiquaries, but although it has received so much attention its environs have been almost entirely disregarded. On both sides of the Military Way leading out of the west gateway was an extensive civil settlement, and traces of buildings can be seen on the south side of the fort. The hillside sloping to the southward is covered with the remains of early cultivations. These have generally been accepted as of Romano-British age. There are, however, two distinct systems of early cultivation. To the southwest of the fort there is a series of terraces running along the hillside, but on the southeast of the fort there are lynchets running north and south at regular interva up and down the hillside. From the hill to the south of Housesteads it can be clearly seen that where there is terrace cultivation it has been superimposed on the earlier system of lynchets, and this is also shown in air photographs.
The Dual Character of the Beaker Invasion
Authors: Clark J. G. D. 
Published: August 2016

In his classic work on the Bronze Age pottery of Britain the late Lord Abercromby adopted the old division of the class of beaker pottery into three types originally proposed by Dr Thurnam as far back as 1871. In order that Abercromby may not be misrepresented I propose to quote the essential portions of his definitions. In type A, the ‘ high-brimmed globose beaker ’, ‘ the body is more or less globular ; the upper part, separated from the body by a constriction, frequently very defined, spreads out like the calyx of a flower and forms a brim or neck that almost equals the body in height. The sides of the neck or rim . . . are straight and not recurved at the lip ’. In type B, the ‘ ovoid beaker with recurved rim ’, ‘ there is no distinct demarca- tion between the body and the rim, but the one glides into the other by a gradual curve ’. Finally type C, the ‘ low-brimmed beaker ’, ‘ may be regarded ’, in Abercromby's own words, ‘ as a debased variety of our first type ’.It should be clear already I think that in labelling his types A, B, and C Abercromby has given the false impression that we have three types of beákers, whereas what we really have are two types, of which one has a ‘debased variety’. We therefore suggest that a less misleading classification would be, for instance, A(x), A(Y), and B. This may seem a trifling point but we believe it has helped to obscure the proper recognition of the true dual character of the Beaker invasion of this country. We propose to substantiate the validity of our suggestion in the course of this short paper.
Beads from Nineveh
Authors: Beck Horace C. 
Published: August 2016

One of the most important finds made during last (1929–30) season's excavation at Nineveh, is the collection of beads from 0 what Dr Campbell Thompson, the Director, calls the bead- layer. This layer was about 6 feet thick and situated at a depth of from 27 to 33 feet below the surface on a portion of the site called A and B. In addition, some other beads were found at lesser depths on the part of the site called H, which I think I can show are very closely connected with those from the bead-layer.How such a large number of beads came to be collected together here it is difficult to explain. As they were found in what appears to be the bed of a small rivulet they may have been washed down.1 The lie of the land at this point makes it probable, but if so they must have been washed out from a large cache at a period when they were very much stronger than today. In their present condition a few minutes rolling in a stream would disintegrate most of the faience beads. Possibly they came from the remains of a bead factory, and the fact that a number of pieces of slag have been found tends to make this theory plausible.
Further links between Ancient Sind, Sumer and elsewhere
Authors: Mackay Ernest 
Published: August 2016

During my leave to England in the spring of 1930, I revisited Iraq to acquaint myself further with the objects on view in the Baghdad Museum. As a result of excavations since I left that country the museum had acquired a large increase of material that I was not familiar with before, and I am now able to add to the links between the cultures of the Indus Valley and of Sumer which I have already pointed out in Mohenjo-dam and the Indus CiviZization,' to be published almost immediately.On plate 146,fig. 43, of that book there is reproduced a red carnelian bead, bearing a somewhat elaborate design in white, that was found in the uppermost levels of the vs area. Several almost exactly similar beads found by Woolley in the early graves at Ur are now in the Baghdad Museum. The slight difference between the two designs, in that there are concentric circles on this first found Indian bead of the type in place of the single circles on the specimens from Ur, is negligible in face of the general similarity ; and especially in view of the fact that another of these beads has since been discovered at Mohenjo-daro with single circles, so that the design is identical with that on the beads from Ur (fig. 2).
Performance of Dynamically Simulated Reference Patterns for Cross-Correlation Electron Backscatter Diffraction
Authors: Jackson Brian E. , Christensen Jordan J. , Singh Saransh , De Graef Marc , Fullwood David T. , Homer Eric R. , Wagoner Robert H. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHigh-resolution (or “cross-correlation”) electron backscatter diffraction analysis (HR-EBSD) utilizes cross-correlation techniques to determine relative orientation and distortion of an experimental electron backscatter diffraction pattern with respect to a reference pattern. The integrity of absolute strain and tetragonality measurements of a standard Si/SiGe material have previously been analyzed using reference patterns produced by kinematical simulation. Although the results were promising, the noise levels were significantly higher for kinematically produced patterns, compared with real patterns taken from the Si region of the sample. This paper applies HR-EBSD techniques to analyze lattice distortion in an Si/SiGe sample, using recently developed dynamically simulated patterns. The results are compared with those from experimental and kinematically simulated patterns. Dynamical patterns provide significantly more precision than kinematical patterns. Dynamical patterns also provide better estimates of tetragonality at low levels of distortion relative to the reference pattern; kinematical patterns can perform better at large values of relative tetragonality due to the ability to rapidly generate patterns relating to a distorted lattice. A library of dynamically generated patterns with different lattice parameters might be used to achieve a similar advantage. The convergence of the cross-correlation approach is also assessed for the different reference pattern types.
Entropy analysis of stable isotopes in precipitation: tracing the monsoon systems in China
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Jiansheng , Li Ling 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDue to the complexity of monsoon systems and random behaviors of isotope tracers, conventional methods are not adequate for uncovering detailed information about monsoon activities from typically limited precipitation isotope data. We developed a new approach based on the entropy theory to analyze such data with a focus on the monsoon systems in China, dealing with the complexity of these systems and data deficiency. Using precipitation isotope data from 42 selected stations in and around China within the GNIP network, we computed entropies associated with D and 18O. These entropies were found to relate linearly to each other with a proportionality factor close to unity. The spatial variations of the D and 18O entropy in the study area revealed the origins, extents and pathways of the Chinese monsoon systems, as well as their interactions. While further investigation is needed at a greater (global) scale, this study has demonstrated how the entropy theory enables an in-depth analysis of precipitation isotope data to trace the pathway and determine the range of a monsoon system.
A Functional Polymorphism (rs937283) in the MDM2 Promoter Region is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Retinoblastoma in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Jiao Yongfa , Jiang Zhongming , Wu Yuxia , Chen Xiaochong , Xiao Xing , Yu Haiying 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at MDM2 has been investigated in several cancer types. Three MDM2 SNPs(rs937283, rs2270744 and rs769412) have previously been suggested to be positively correlated with cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of rs937283, rs2270744 and rs769412 polymorphisms with retinoblastoma (RB) risk, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis. Compared with wild-type genotype AA at rs937283, individuals carrying AG and GG genotype had a significantly increased risk for developing RB (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.13–3.08; OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.10–5.62, respectively). RB patients with allele G at rs937283 were more susceptible to invasion and high tumor aggression (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.43–4.11; OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.27–3.64, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank results revealed that RB patients harboring genotype GG and G allele at rs937283 had worse survival (P < 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the A to G substitution at rs937283 significantly enhanced the transcription activity of the MDM2 gene in vitro. In vivo, we found that MDM2 mRNA and protein were overexpressed in individuals who carried the G allele at rs937283. This study suggested that the MDM2 rs937283 polymorphism is a novel functional SNP both in vitro and in vivo as well as a biomarker for poor prognosis in RB.
Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Zhang Li , Zhu Tingting , Huang Jichong , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal survival and growth and promotes synaptic plasticity. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the relationship between peripheral BDNF levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the findings are inconsistent. We undertook the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with healthy controls. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before February 2016. Fourteen studies involving 2,707 participants and 1,131 incident cases were included. The meta-analysis provided evidence of higher peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.18–1.08; P = 0.006]. Subgroup analyses revealed higher BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls for both serum [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.11–1.04; P = 0.02] and plasma [SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.92–1.61; P < 0.001]. Studies of childhood yielded similar cumulative effect size [SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.31–1.26; P = 0.001], while this was not true for the studies of adulthood [SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −1.72–1.80; P = 0.97]. This meta-analysis suggests that peripheral BDNF levels are a potential biomarker of ASD.
Association between angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and renal scar risk in children vesicoureteral reflex: a reappraise meta-analysis
Authors: Ai Jin-Wei , Zeng Xian-Tao , Liu Ying , Fu Yu , Liu Tong-Zu , Pei Bin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractVesicoureteral reflex(VUR) is a common disease in children. Some studies indicated that the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism associated with the renal scar in VUR, but not all researchers agreed with it. To clarify the effect of ACE I/D polymorphism on renal scar risk in children with VUR, we performed the present meta-analysis. PubMed, CNKI, CBM, and Embase databases were searched for studies that examined the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and renal scar risk in children with VUR. The Stata 12.0 software was used for statistical analyses. 11 case-control studies with 1,032 VUR patients were analyzed. The results showed that the DD genotype and D allele were associated with renal scar risk in overall VUR patients, DD vs. DI + II: OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.04–2.49, P = 0.03; DD vs. II: OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.20–2.65, P < 0.01; D vs. I: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.02–1.86, P = 0.04. Similar results were revealed in Turks, but not in Caucasians and Asians. Our meta-analysis indicated that the ACE DD genotype may increase the risk of renal scar in children with VUR.
Template-mediated Synthesis of Hollow Microporous Organic Nanorods with Tunable Aspect Ratio
Authors: Li Qingyin , Jin Shangbin , Tan Bien 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHollow microporous organic nanorods (HMORs) with hypercrosslinked polymer (HCPs) shells were synthesized through emulsion polymerization followed by hypercrosslinking. The HMORs have tunable aspect ratios, high BET surface areas and monodispersed morphologies, showing good performance in gas adsorpion.
Structural basis of unique ligand specificity of KAI2-like protein from parasitic weed Striga hermonthica
Authors: Xu Yuqun , Miyakawa Takuya , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Nakamura Akira , Imamura Yusaku , Asami Tadao , Tanokura Masaru 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe perception of two plant germination inducers, karrikins and strigolactones, are mediated by the proteins KAI2 and D14. Recently, KAI2-type proteins from parasitic weeds, which are possibly related to seed germination induced by strigolactone, have been classified into three clades characterized by different responses to karrikin/strigolactone. Here we characterized a karrikin-binding protein in Striga (ShKAI2iB) that belongs to intermediate-evolving KAI2 and provided the structural bases for its karrikin-binding specificity. Binding assays showed that ShKAI2iB bound karrikins but not strigolactone, differing from other KAI2 and D14. The crystal structures of ShKAI2iB and ShKAI2iB-karrikin complex revealed obvious structural differences in a helix located at the entry of its ligand-binding cavity. This results in a smaller closed pocket, which is also the major cause of ShKAI2iB’s specificity of binding karrikin. Our structural study also revealed that a few non-conserved amino acids led to the distinct ligand-binding profile of ShKAI2iB, suggesting that the evolution of KAI2 resulted in its diverse functions.
Inhibition of VEGF165/VEGFR2-dependent signaling by LECT2 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Chi-Kuan , Yu Wen-Hsuan , Cheng Tsu-Yao , Chen Min-Wei , Su Chia-Yi , Yang Yi-Chieh , Kuo Tsang-Chih , Lin Ming-Tsan , Huang Ya-Chi , Hsiao Michael , Hua Kuo-Tai , Hung Mien-Chie , Kuo Min-Liang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relies on angiogenesis for growth and metastasis. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a cytokine and preferentially expressed in the liver. Previous studies have found that LECT2 targets to both immune and tumor cells to suppress HCC development and vascular invasion. Although LECT2 did not affect HCC cells growth in vitro, it still suppressed HCC xenografts growth in immune-deficient mice, suggesting other cells such as stroma cells may also be targeted by LECT2. Here, we sought to determine the role of LECT2 in tumor angiogenesis in HCC patients. We found that LECT2 expression inhibited tumor growth via angiogenesis in the HCC xenograft model. Specifically, we demonstrated that recombinant human LECT2 protein selectively suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LECT2 reduced VEGF receptor 2 tyrosine phosphorylation and its downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase and AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, LECT2 gene expression correlated negatively with angiogenesis in HCC patients. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that LECT2 inhibits VEGF165-induced HCC angiogenesis through directly binding to VEGFR2 and has broad applications in treating VEGF-mediated solid tumors.
Methotrexat bei atypischer nicht arteriitischer anteriorer ischämischer Optikusneuropathie
Authors: Lenk J. , Hermann C. , Matthé E. , Pillunat L. , Sandner D. 
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund: Erkrankungen des N. opticus können multiple Ursachen haben, so spielen im klinischen Alltag vor allem vaskuläre, entzündliche und toxische Prozesse eine Rolle. Diese Erkrankungen sind meist von einer progredienten Verschlechterung in der statischen Perimetrie und Visusabfall begleitet. Allerdings ist es oft schwierig, eine eindeutige Ursache zu eruieren.
Methoden: Wir stellen eine 74-jährige Patientin vor, die sich bei uns mit progredienten Gesichtsfeldausfällen und Papillenschwellung am linken Auge vorstellte und unter der Verdachtsdiagnose nicht arteriitische anteriore ischämische Optikusneuropathie (NAION) behandelt wurde. Unter Prednisolon kam es zunächst zu einer Befundbesserung. Nach Ausschleichen der Therapie trat untypischerweise unmittelbar ein neuer Krankheitsschub auf. Die Patientin wies bis auf eine Mikropapille und eine arterielle Hypotonie keinen der typischen Risikofaktoren für eine NAION auf. Es wurde eine Therapie mit 10 mg Methotrexat (MTX) 1×/Woche begonnen. Der Krankheitsverlauf wurde über 2 Jahre kontrolliert.
Ergebnisse: Unter nachfolgend eingeleiteter MTX-Therapie waren diese Defekte regredient mit Rückgang der Papillenschwellung. Im Verlauf zeigte sich Befundstabilität unter 15 mg 1×/Woche MTX, auch nach komplettem Ausschleichen von Prednisolon. Eine Optikusatrophie, oft infolge einer abgelaufenen anterioren ischämischen Optikusneuropathie (AION) vorhanden, trat nicht auf, was den Verdacht auf eine zusätzliche autoimmunologische Genese bestärkt. Nebenwirkungen unter MTX wurden nicht dokumentiert.
Schlussfolgerung: Im Zweifel kann bei atypischen Krankheitsverläufen ein zusätzliches autoimmunologisches Geschehen vermutet werden und eine Immunsuppression mit MTX sinnvoll sein, da Prednisolon zwar den Krankheitsschub günstig beeinflusst, aber aufgrund seines Nebenwirkungsprofils nicht dauerhaft in einer Dosis oberhalb der Cushing-Schwelle gegeben werden kann.
Midgut microbiota and host immunocompetence underlieBacillus thuringiensiskilling mechanism
Authors: Caccia Silvia , Di Lelio Ilaria , La Storia Antonietta , Marinelli Adriana , Varricchio Paola , Franzetti Eleonora , Banyuls Núria , Tettamanti Gianluca , Casartelli Morena , Giordana Barbara , Ferré Juan , Gigliotti Silvia , Ercolini Danilo , Pennacchio Francesco 
Published: August 2016

SignificanceBacillus thuringiensisand its toxins are widely used for insect control. Notwithstanding the remarkable importance of this insect pathogen, its killing mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Here we show that the microbiota resident in the host midgut triggers a lethal septicemia. The infection process is enhanced by reducing the host immune response and its control on replication of midgut bacteria invading the body cavity through toxin-induced epithelial lesions. The experimental approach used, leaving the midgut microbiota unaltered, allows identification of the bacterial species switching from resident symbionts to pathogens and sets the stage for developing new insect biocontrol technologies based on host immunosuppression as a strategy to enhance the impact of natural antagonists.
Peptide- and proton-driven allosteric clamps catalyze anthrax toxin translocation across membranes
Authors: Das Debasis , Krantz Bryan A. 
Published: August 2016

Significance
High-resolution structural information on anthrax toxin allows for elucidation of detailed molecular models of transmembrane translocation. The toxin’s translocase channel component, protective antigen (PA), utilizes a series of polypeptide clamp sites, which serve as binding sites. It is not known how these clamps catalyze the translocation of large proteins while avoiding kinetic traps in which the translocated protein would remain tightly bound inside the channel. Here the clamp sites in PA are revealed to operate allosterically, allowing for the coordination of their activities and the avoidance of kinetic traps that would impede translocation. The ability of the translocating peptide to form a helix correlates with the observed allostery and supports an allosteric helix-compression model for translocation.
Crystallographic snapshots of sulfur insertion by lipoyl synthase
Authors: McLaughlin Martin I. , Lanz Nicholas D. , Goldman Peter J. , Lee Kyung-Hoon , Booker Squire J. , Drennan Catherine L. 
Published: August 2016

Significance
Lipoic acid, an enzyme cofactor in central metabolism and a livestock feed supplement, is produced on an industrial scale by a costly multistep synthesis. Nature makes lipoic acid in one step by the chemically challenging addition of two sulfur atoms to an inert fatty acid chain. The sulfur source in this reaction has been controversial, and its identity has implications for engineering microorganisms to overproduce lipoic acid. Structural characterization of a lipoyl synthase enzyme captured in the middle of catalysis shows unequivocally that the enzyme obtains its sulfur atoms by cannibalizing an iron–sulfur cluster, another ancient and essential cofactor. This result reveals an alternative strategy for sulfur mobilization and an unexpected self-sacrificial role for iron–sulfur clusters in biology.
Bilateral Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Hoang Don , Chen Vivi , Saber Sepideh , Patel Ketan , Carey Joseph 
Published: August 2016

Summary:
The authors present a new technique in surgically treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a debilitating skin condition. In HS, surgical treatment is often the best option because of the high recurrence rates despite extensive medical treatment. A commonly successful surgical method is using skin flaps after excision of the affected area. A superficial inferior epigastric artery flap is demonstrated here as a new alternative approach to treating a case of extensive HS of the groin. By using the pedicled superficial inferior epigastric artery flap for groin reconstruction, inguinal HS can be widely excised and reconstructed with minimal donor-site morbidity and a good aesthetic outcome.
Progressive Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Atrophy Associated With Enlarging Peripapillary Pit
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Kim Tae-Woo 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:
To report a case in which progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) atrophy was observed along with enlargement of the peripapillary pit.

Patients and Methods:
A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and followed up for 4 years with regular ophthalmic examinations. Both eyes were myopic (−10 D, OD and −10.5 D, OS), and untreated intraocular pressures were 18 mm Hg (OD) and 16 mm Hg (OS).

Results:
A subtle depression of the superotemporal peripapillary area was deepened and emerged as a peripapillary pit during the follow-up period. With the enlargement of the peripapillary pit, a RNFL defect at the location of pit widened and thinned continuously. The enlargement of the pit was documented by the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography posterior pole scanning.

Conclusions:
Progressive RNFL atrophy was observed with enlargement of the peripapillary pit. The finding suggests that tensile stress derived from the scleral stretching may have significant influence on the integrity of the RNFL.