bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marking Identity through Cultural Cranial Modification within the First Sedentary Communities (Ninth to Eighth Millennium BCE) in the Near East: Tepe Abdul Hosein, Iran
Authors: Lorentz K. O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper explores bioarchaeological evidence for cultural cranial modification (CCM; a.k.a. headshaping) in early Neolithic Near East and at Tepe Abdul Hosein (TAH), Iran, in particular. Skeletal remains from 12 Neolithic individuals (n = 12) recovered from eight mortuary contexts were analysed for evidence of intentional CCM. The TAH remains are among the earliest Neolithic human skeletal remains in the world, dated to around 10 000 years ago. Five adult individuals have sufficient cranial remains to allow assessment of CCM. Of the remaining seven individuals, three are foetuses or perinates, for which no in vivo CCM was expected to be observed, two are subadults with no assessible cranial remains, and two adults have no associated cranial remains. Of the five adult individuals, which could be assessed for CCM, four display circumferential CCM, instigated by the use of two bands. Three are male, while the sex of the fourth cannot be estimated. The fifth individual displays no modification and is female. While all the modified individuals that can be sexed at TAH are male, the sample size is too small to draw extensive inferences as to the potential connection of CCM with any gendered sociocultural practices. Other possible motivations for CCM at TAH include elaboration of status differentiation or group affinity, the former of which can most likely be ruled out based on current understandings of early Neolithic societies in the region. The extent of the two‐band circumferential modification at TAH is significantly more pronounced than at Ganj Dareh, a contemporaneous site located within the same watershed. The discovery of different extents of headshaping within the same watershed, in relatively close proximity to each other, has a bearing on the understanding of the first sedentary Neolithic communities in southwest Asia and the elaboration of bodily difference and identity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of statin use on the efficacy of abiraterone acetate in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Harshman Lauren C. , Werner Lillian , Tripathi Abhishek , Wang Xiaodong , Maughan Benjamin L. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Nakabayashi Mari , McKay Rana , Pomerantz Mark , Mucci Lorelei A. , Taplin Mary‐Ellen , Sweeney Christopher J. , Lee Gwo‐Shu Mary , Kantoff Philip W. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundStatins compete with DHEAS for influx through the SLCO2B1 transporter, which may prolong time to progression (TTP) on androgen deprivation therapy. Abiraterone acetate (AA) may also undergo SLCO‐mediated transport. Based on preclinical findings showing antagonism, we hypothesized that statins may compete with AA for influx via SLCO2B1 and could negatively impact drug efficacy.MethodsWe queried two institutional clinical databases (Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute [DFCI], Johns Hopkins University [JHU]) for CRPC patients treated with AA. Treatment duration was a surrogate for TTP. Associations between statin use and AA duration were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression modeling adjusted for known prognostic factors.ResultsOf the 224 DFCI and 270 JHU patients included, the majority (96%) had metastatic disease. Nearly half (41% and 45%) were statin users. In the DFCI cohort, there was a trend toward longer AA duration in statin users: 14.2 versus 9.2 months (HR 0.79, 95%CI: 0.57‐1.09, P = 0.14). There was no association between statin use and AA duration in the JHU cohort: 8.3 versus 8.0 months (HR 0.89, 95%CI: 0.69‐1.16, P = 0.38) in the statin users versus non‐users, except for a trend in patients that had not previously received docetaxel or enzalutamide (HR 0.79; 95%CI: 0.57‐1.10).ConclusionsContrary to our initial hypothesis, there was a trend toward longer (rather than shorter) AA duration in statin users in the entire DFCI cohort and in the enzalutamide‐ and docetaxel‐naïve JHU patients. Together, these results do not support the hypothesis that statins interfere with AA efficacy.
Immunoaffinity based methods are superior to kits for purification of prostate derived extracellular vesicles from plasma samples
Authors: Brett Sabine I. , Lucien Fabrice , Guo Charles , Williams Karla C. , Kim Yohan , Durfee Paul N. , Brinker C. J. , Chin Joseph I. , Yang Jun , Leong Hon S. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe ability to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes or microparticles is an important method that is currently not standardized. While commercially available kits offer purification of EVs from biofluids, such purified EV samples will also contain non‐EV entities such as soluble protein and nucleic acids that could confound subsequent experimentation. Ideally, only EVs would be isolated and no soluble protein would be present in the final EV preparation.MethodsWe compared commercially available EV isolation kits with immunoaffinity purification techniques and evaluated our final EV preparations using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoscale flow cytometry (NFC). AFM is the only modality capable of detecting distinguishing soluble protein from EVs which is important for downstream proteomics approaches. NFC is the only technique capable of quantitating the proportion of target EVs to non‐target EVs in the final EV preparation.ResultsTo determine enrichment of prostate derived EVs relative to non‐target MPs, anti‐PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) antibodies were used in NFC. Antibody‐based immunoaffinity purification generated the highest quality of prostate derived EV preparations due to the lack of protein and RNA present in the samples. All kits produced poor purity EV preparations that failed to deplete the sample of plasma protein.ConclusionsWhile attractive due to their ease of use, EV purification kits do not provide substantial improvements in isolation of EVs from biofluids such as plasma. Immunoaffinity approaches are more efficient and economical and will also eliminate a significant portion of plasma proteins which is necessary for downstream approaches.
Identification and functionality prediction of pathogenesis‐related protein 1 from legume family
Authors: Tellis Meenakshi , Mathur Monika , Gurjar Gayatri , Kadoo Narendra , Gupta Vidya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe production and accumulation of pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins in plants is one of the important responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Large number of identified PR proteins has been categorized into 17 functional families based on their structure, phylogenetics, and biological activities. However, they are not widely studied in legume crops. Using 29 PR1 proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana, as query, here we have predicted 92 candidate PR1 proteins through the PSI‐BLAST and HMMER programs. These candidate proteins were comprehensively analyzed with, multiple sequence alignment, domain architecture studies, signal peptide, and motif extraction followed by phylogenetic analysis. Further, response of two candidate PR1 proteins from chickpea against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri attack was validated using qRT‐PCR followed by their 3D structure prediction. To decipher mode of action for PR1s, docking of pathogen extracellular matrix components along with fungal elicitors was performed with two chickpea PR1 proteins. Based on these findings, we propose carbohydrate to be the unique pathogen‐recognition feature for PR1 proteins and β‐glucanase activity via β‐glucan binding or modification.
Potential secondary poisoning risks to non‐targets from a sodium nitrite toxic bait for invasive wild pigs
Authors: Snow Nathan P , Foster Justin A , VanNatta Eric H , Horak Katherine E , Humphrys Simon T , Staples Linton D , Hewitt David G , VerCauteren Kurt C 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn acute and orally delivered toxic bait containing micro‐encapsulated sodium nitrite (MESN), is under development to provide a novel and humane technology to help curtail damage caused by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). We evaluated potential secondary risks for non‐target species by: testing whether four different types of micro‐encapsulation coatings could reduce vomiting by invasive wild pigs, testing the levels of residual sodium nitrite (SN) in tissues of invasive wild pigs, testing the environmental persistence of SN in vomitus, and conducting a risk assessment for scavengers.RESULTSMicro‐encapsulation coatings did not affect the frequency of vomiting. We identified no risk of secondary poisoning for non‐target scavengers that consume muscle, eyes, and livers of invasive wild pig carcasses because residual SN from the toxic bait was not detected in those tissues. The risk of secondary poisoning from consuming vomitus appeared low because ∼90% of the SN was metabolized or broken down prior to vomiting, and continued to degrade after being exposed to the environment. Secondary poisoning could occur for common scavengers that consume approximately ≥15% of their daily dietary requirements of digestive tract tissues or undigested bait from carcasses of invasive wild pigs in a rapid, single‐feeding event. The likelihood of this occurring in a natural setting is unknown. The digestive tracts of poisoned invasive wild pigs contained an average of ∼4.35 mg/g of residual SN.CONCLUSIONData from this study suggest no risks of secondary poisoning for non‐target species (including humans) that consume muscle, liver, or eyes of invasive wild pigs poisoned with a MESN toxic bait. More species‐specific testing for scavengers that consume digestive tract tissues and undigested bait is needed to reduce uncertainty about these potential risks. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Therapeutic Effects of 6‐Gingerol, 8‐Gingerol, and 10‐Gingerol on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Acute Ulcerative Colitis in Rats
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ma Na , Gao Yong‐Feng , Sun Li‐Li , Zhang Ji‐Guo 
Published: August 2017

Ulcerative colitis is one of the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease and is multifactorial and relapsing. 6‐Gingerol, a component of gingerols extracted from ginger (Zingiber officinale), has been reported to improve ulcerative colitis. The present study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of two analogous forms of 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, and 10‐gingerol, on ulcerative colitis. Colitis was induced in rats through consumption of 5% (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium drinking water for 7 consecutive days. 6‐Gingerol, 8‐gingerol, and 10‐gingerol were then given intraperitoneally at doses of 30 mg kg−1 d−1 for another 7 days, respectively. Body weight change, disease activity index, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress indices were measured, and the colonic tissue injuries were assessed macroscopically and histopathologically. Results showed that all three gingerols attenuated colitic symptoms evoked by dextran sulfate sodium, significantly elevated superoxide dismutase activity, decreased malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activity in the colon tissue, and markedly reduced the content of tumor necrosis factor alpha and Interleukin 1 beta in the serum. Histological observations showed that all three gingerols obviously accelerated mucosal damage healing. It is concluded that 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, and 10‐gingerol, the three analogues, have a strong and relatively equal efficacy in the treatment of colitis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraocular robotic interventional surgical system (IRISS): Mechanical design, evaluation, and master–slave manipulation
Authors: Wilson Jason T. , Gerber Matthew J. , Prince Stephen W. , Chen Cheng‐Wei , Schwartz Steven D. , Hubschman Jean‐Pierre , Tsao Tsu‐Chin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground: Since the advent of robotic‐assisted surgery, the value of using robotic systems to assist in surgical procedures has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, existing technologies are unable to perform complete, multi‐step procedures from start to finish. Many intraocular surgical steps continue to be manually performed.Methods: An intraocular robotic interventional surgical system (IRISS) capable of performing various intraocular surgical procedures was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. Methods were developed to evaluate the performance of the remote centers of motion (RCMs) using a stereo‐camera setup and to assess the accuracy and precision of positioning the tool tip using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system.Results: The IRISS can simultaneously manipulate multiple surgical instruments, change between mounted tools using an onboard tool‐change mechanism, and visualize the otherwise invisible RCMs to facilitate alignment of the RCM to the surgical incision. The accuracy of positioning the tool tip was measured to be 0.205±0.003 mm. The IRISS was evaluated by trained surgeons in a remote surgical theatre using post‐mortem pig eyes and shown to be effective in completing many key steps in a variety of intraocular surgical procedures as well as being capable of performing an entire cataract extraction from start to finish.Conclusions: The IRISS represents a necessary step towards fully automated intraocular surgery and demonstrated accurate and precise master‐slave manipulation for cataract removal and—through visual feedback—retinal vein cannulation.
Influence of light and mixing regime on bloom‐forming phytoplankton in a subtropical reservoir
Authors: Bordet F. , Fontanarrosa M. S. , O'Farrell I. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe joint influence of local climatic and hydrological conditions on the vertical distribution of bloom‐forming phytoplankton was analysed for the Salto Grande Reservoir, a large and enriched subtropical system on the Uruguay River (South America). Threshold of physical factors hindering or impeding blooms was obtained and then contrasted with worldwide observations in reservoirs at similar latitudes. Inflowing discharge, water level, and wind velocity intensity interacted with temperature, producing mixing and light regimes with overriding influence on the vertical distribution of Microcystis spp., Dolichospermum spp., and Ceratium furcoides, hence affecting their maximum abundance and biomass. Cyanobacteria (Microcystis > Dolichospermum) showed the most heterogeneous distribution in the depth profile during strong thermal stratification, showing surface scums prone to horizontal displacements. C. furcoides was evenly distributed in the water column in correspondence to windy periods. Blooms of both Cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates did not occur when inflowing discharge exceeded 10,000 m3 s−1. Nutrient influence on phytoplankton vertical distribution appeared strongly subordinate to the effect of light. Highest microcystin concentrations (>WHO alert Level 2) occurred especially after blooms collapsed during highly turbulent situations.
Electrocatalytic Oxidations of Formic Acid and Ethanol over Pd Catalysts Supported on a Doped Polypyrrole‐Carbon Composite
Authors: Han Hyunsu , Noh Yuseong , Kim Yoongon , Yadav V. S. K. , Park Seongmin , Yoon Wongeun , Lee Seungjun , Kim Won Bae 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, a highly efficient Pd catalyst supported on a conducting polymer‐carbon composite was prepared for electro‐oxidations of ethanol and formic acid. A polypyrrole‐carbon composite was synthesized and modified by doping camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) during the polymerization step of pyrrole at room temperature. The resulting CSA‐doped polypyrrole‐carbon composite (PPyCC) showed significantly increased specific surface area and enhanced electrical conductivity compared with a polypyrrole‐carbon composite without doping (PPyC). From the electrochemical tests, it was observed that the Pd‐supported on CSA‐doped polypyrrole‐carbon composite (Pd/PPyCC) exhibited much larger electrochemical surface area (ECSA), enhanced catalytic activity and high durability towards the oxidations of ethanol and formic acid. The results indicate that the camphor sulfonic acid serving as both dopant and surfactant could improve the electrical conductivity and morphology of support material with enhanced interaction between Pd nanoparticles and support material.
Prioritizing MCDC test cases by spectral analysis of Boolean functions
Authors: Ayav Tolga 
Published: August 2017

SummaryTest case prioritization aims at scheduling test cases in an order that improves some performance goal. One performance goal is a measure of how quickly faults are detected. Such prioritization can be performed by exploiting the fault exposing potential (FEP) parameters associated to the test cases. The FEP is usually approximated by mutation analysis under certain fault assumptions. Although this technique is effective, it could be relatively expensive compared to the other prioritization techniques. This study proposes a cost‐effective FEP approximation for prioritizing modified condition decision coverage (MCDC) test cases. A strict negative correlation between the FEP of an MCDC test case and the influence value of the associated input condition allows to order the test cases easily without the need of an extensive mutation analysis. The method is entirely based on mathematics and it provides useful insight into how spectral analysis of Boolean functions can benefit software testing.
Counterspaces for women of color in STEM higher education: Marginal and central spaces for persistence and success
Authors: Ong Maria , Smith Janet M. , Ko Lily T. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCounterspaces in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are often considered “safe spaces” at the margins for groups outside the mainstream of STEM education. The prevailing culture and structural manifestations in STEM have traditionally privileged norms of success that favor competitive, individualistic, and solitary practices—norms associated with White male scientists. This privilege extends to structures that govern learning and mark progress in STEM education that have marginalized groups that do not reflect the gender, race, or ethnicity conventionally associated with STEM mainstream success, thus necessitating spaces in which the effects of marginalization may be countered. Women of color is one such marginalized group. This article explores the struggles of women of color that threaten their persistence in STEM education and how those struggles lead them to search out or create counterspaces. It also examines the ways that counterspaces operate for women of color in STEM higher education, particularly how they function as havens from isolation and microaggressions. Using a framework of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and intersectionality theory and drawing on interview data from 39 women of color about their STEM higher education experiences, we describe five ways in which counterspaces operate: in peer‐to‐peer relationships; mentoring relationships; national STEM diversity conferences; STEM and non‐STEM campus student groups; and STEM departments. Whereas most research has discussed counterspaces as racially or ethnically homogeneous social groups of peers at the margins, our research found that counterspaces vary in terms of the race/ethnicity, gender, and power levels of participants. We found that counterspaces can be physical settings, as well as conceptual and ideological. Additionally, we identified counterspaces both at the margins and at the center of STEM departments. Thus, our research expands the existing understanding of the types and functions of counterspaces and broadens the definition of what locations can be and should be considered counterspaces. © 2017 The Authors.Journal of Research in Science TeachingPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of National Association for Research in Science Teaching. J Res Sci Teach 55: 206–245, 2018
Ancient and modern: hints of a core post‐transcriptional network driving chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Blagden Sarah , Abdel Mouti Mai , Chettle James 
Published: August 2017

RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and noncoding (nc)RNAs (such as microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and others) cooperate within a post‐transcriptional network to regulate the expression of genes required for many aspects of cancer behavior including its sensitivity to chemotherapy. Here, using an RBP‐centric approach, we explore the current knowledge surrounding contributers to post‐transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR) in ovarian cancer and identify commonalities that hint at the existence of an evolutionarily conserved core PTGR network. This network regulates survival and chemotherapy resistance in the contemporary context of the cancer cell. There is emerging evidence that cancers become dependent on PTGR factors for their survival. Further understanding of this network may identify innovative therapeutic targets as well as yield crucial insights into the hard‐wiring of many malignancies, including ovarian cancer. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1432. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1432This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Translation > Translation Mechanisms
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
CHADS2 and modified CHA2DS2‐VASc scores for the prediction of congestive heart failure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Koeda Yorihiko , Komatsu Takashi , Matsuura Yuki , Morioka Hidemi , Uchimura Yohei , Taguchi Yuya , Tanaka Kentaro , Kawakami Jun , Nakamura Marie , Takahashi Shuko , Takahashi Yuji , Naganuma Yujiro , Endo Hiroshi , Ito Tatsuro , Morino Yoshihiro , Nakamura Motoyuki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground & purposeWe have conducted a retrospective observational study to analyze the correlation between the CHADS2 score, the modified CHA2DS2‐VASc (mCHA2DS2‐VASc) score, and the incidence of all‐cause death and congestive heart failure (CHF).MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 292 consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2014. Electronic medical records were used to confirm medical history including prior heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and coronary disease. A follow‐up survey for all‐cause deaths and incidence of CHF was carried out from the baseline data to May 2015. We analyzed the correlation between each score and the endpoints using the Kaplan‐Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultDuring the follow up period (mean=1.6 years), 69 all‐cause deaths and 58 CHF events occurred in the cohort. There was no significant association between these scores and all‐cause death in our CHF cohort. The incidence of CHF significantly increased along with increased CHADS2 (p=0.018) or mCHA2DS2‐VASc scores (p=0.044). The hazard ratio (HR) for CHF after adjustment for drug treatment was obtained from a Cox proportional hazards model. The HRs for the CHADS2 and mCHA2DS2‐VASc scores were 1.38 (95% CI; 1.13–1.68) and 1.35 (95% CI; 1.24–1.59), respectively.ConclusionCalculation of the CHADS2 and mCHA2DS2‐VASc scores in order to evaluate the risk of systemic thromboembolism was useful to predict the onset of CHF, but not all‐cause death, in patients with NVAF.