bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An elderly case of malignant small cell glioma with hemorrhage coexistent with a calcified pilocytic astrocytoma component in the cerebellar hemisphere
Authors: Sangatsuda Yuhei , Hata Nobuhiro , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Akagi Yojiro , Hatae Ryusuke , Kuga Daisuke , Yoshimoto Koji , Momosaki Seiya , Iwaki Toru , Iihara Koji
Published: May 2018

Pilocytic astrocytoma is a less aggressive form of glial tumor that commonly occurs in the pediatric population, and its malignant transformation is extremely rare. Here, we report an elderly case of malignant small cell glioma with hemorrhage coexistent with a calcified pilocytic astrocytoma component. An 80‐year‐old male was found to have a right cerebellar non‐enhanced tumor with hematoma adjoining a calcified nodule. The lesion was surgically removed, and a histological examination verified that the tumor was a malignant small cell glioma with hemorrhagic change and the calcified nodule showed features of pilocytic astrocytoma. Genetic analyses revealed no glioma‐relevant genetic alterations such as IDH and BRAF mutations. Although calcification is generally observed in slowly growing gliomas, the aggressive clinical course of calcified cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma has been previously reported. Our extremely rare case shows that careful follow‐up is necessary even for calcified pilocytic astrocytomas.
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and their genomes: another side to the mycorrhizal symbiosis?
Authors: Perotto Silvia , Daghino Stefania , Martino Elena
Published: May 2018

Contents

Summary
1141

I.
Introduction
1141

II.
The ericoid mycorrhizal lifestyle
1141

III.
Lessons from the mycorrhizal fungal genomes
1142

IV.
ERM fungi: a discordant voice in the mycorrhizal choir
1143

V.
An endophytic niche for ERM fungi
1144

VI.
Specialised vs unspecialised mycorrhizal fungi?
1145

VII.
Conclusions and perspectives
1145

Acknowledgements
1146

References
1146

The genome of an organism bears the signature of its lifestyle, and organisms with similar life strategies are expected to share common genomic traits. Indeed, ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi share some genomic traits, such as the expansion of gene families encoding taxon‐specific small secreted proteins, which are candidate effectors in the symbiosis, and a very small repertoire of plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes. A large gene family coding for candidate effectors was also revealed in ascomycetous ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) fungi, but these fungal genomes are characterised by a very high number of genes encoding degradative enzymes, mainly acting on plant cell wall components. We suggest that the genomic signature of ERM fungi mirrors a versatile life strategy, which allows them to occupy several ecological niches.
Phenotypic determinants of inter‐individual variability of litter consumption rate in a detritivore population
Authors: Rota Thibaut , Jabiol Jérémy , Chauvet Eric , Lecerf Antoine
Published: May 2018

The metabolic theory of ecology predicts resource consumption rates of animals from their body mass, but other phenotypic traits might affect individual resource consumption rate. In this paper, we used a hierarchical framework to examine relationships between phenotypic traits thought to constrain variation in per capita resource consumption rate. Physiological and behavioural traits were assumed to be important in mediating the control of morphology and sex on consumption. We conducted a longitudinal study aiming to relate the consumption rate of submerged leaf litter to sex, morphological, physiological and behavioural traits in an aquatic detritivore population. Then, we analysed the pattern of trait covariation using structural equation modelling (SEM). We observed broad and repeatable inter‐individual variation in leaf consumption rate and other phenotypic traits. We found that expressing litter consumption rate relative to the time individuals spent feeding revealed and increased the effect of body mass and sex differences, respectively. Accordingly, SEM analyses showed that time allocated to resource acquisition mediated body mass and sex effects on apparent litter consumption rate whose variation was also accounted for by an indicator of activity‐specific metabolic rate. Substantial variation in resource consumption rate was due to sex difference whereas body mass was of secondary importance. Individual phenotypic trait variations strongly altered consumer–resource relationships. Therefore, we encourage studies on consumers’ intraspecific variability to advance knowledge about phenotypic determinants of individual resource consumption, an important link between individuals and ecosystems.
Replicated latitudinal clines in reproductive traits of European and North American yellow dung flies
Authors: Bauerfeind Stephanie S. , Schäfer Martin A. , Berger David , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Fox Charles W.
Published: May 2018

Geographic variation in phenotypic traits is commonly correlated with spatial variation in the environment, e.g. seasonality and mean temperature, providing evidence that natural selection generates such patterns. In particular, both body size and egg size of ectothermic animals are commonly larger in northern climates, and temperature induces plastic responses in both traits. Size‐independent egg quality can also vary with latitude, though this is rarely investigated. For the widespread yellow dung fly Scathophaga stercoraria (Diptera: Scathophagidae) we investigated whether there are latitudinal clines in reproductive traits (clutch size, egg size and egg composition), whether these clines are due to variation in body and/or egg size, and whether such clines replicate across independent experiments performed on different continents (North America and Europe). Egg size generally increased with latitude (especially in Europe), an effect largely explained by body size of the mother, while clutch size did not; overall reproductive effort thus increased with latitude. Both the absolute and relative (correcting for egg size) amount of egg protein increased with latitude, egg glycogen decreased with latitude, while latitudinal trends for egg lipids and total egg energy content were complex and non‐linear. Altitude sometimes showed relationships analogous to those of latitude (egg proteins and glycogen) but occasionally opposite (egg size), possibly because latitude and altitude are negatively related among populations of this cold‐adapted species. There was no evidence of a tradeoff between egg size and number across latitudinal populations; if anything, the relationship was positive. All traits, including body and egg size, varied with rearing temperature (12°C, 18°C, 24°C), generally following the temperature–size rule. Clines based on common garden rearing, thus reflecting genetic differentiation, were qualitatively but not always quantitatively consistent between continents, and were similar across rearing temperatures, suggesting they evolved due to natural selection, although the concrete selective mechanisms involved require further study.
Why are some plant–nectar robber interactions commensalisms?
Authors: Heiling Jacob M. , Ledbetter Trevor A. , Richman Sarah K. , Ellison Heather K. , Bronstein Judith L. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: May 2018

Many plants that bear hidden or recessed floral nectar experience nectar robbing, the removal of nectar by a floral visitor through holes pierced in the corolla. Although robbing can reduce plant reproductive success, many studies fail to find such effects. We outline three mechanistic hypotheses that can explain when interactions between plants and nectar‐robbers should be commensal rather than antagonistic: the non‐discrimination (pollinators do not avoid robbed flowers), visitor prevalence (robber visitation is rare relative to pollinator visitation), and pollen saturation (stigmas receive sufficient pollen to fertilize all ovules with one or very few pollinator visits) hypotheses. We then explore these mechanisms in the North American subalpine, bumble bee‐pollinated and nectar‐robbed plant Corydalis caseana (Fumariaceae). We first confirmed that the effects of nectar robbing on female reproductive success were neutral in C. caseana. We then tested the three mechanisms underlying these neutral effects using a combination of observational studies and experiments. We found evidence for all three mechanisms. First, consistent with the non‐discrimination hypothesis, pollinators failed to discriminate against experimentally robbed flowers or inflorescences even though naturally robbed flowers offered significantly lower nectar rewards than unrobbed flowers. Second, C. caseana was more commonly visited by pollinators than by nectar robbers, in accordance with the visitor prevalence hypothesis. Third, stigmas of unvisited flowers as well as those visited once by pollinators were saturated with pollen, with all stigmas bearing pollen loads several orders of magnitude higher than the number of ovules per fruit, consistent with the pollen saturation hypothesis. Our investigation of the mechanisms driving the commensal outcome of nectar robbing in this system deepens our understanding of the ecology of nectar robbing and contributes to a more general understanding of the variation in the outcomes of interactions between species.
Evaluation of anesthesia in endoscopic strip craniectomy: A review of 121 patients
Authors: Arts Sebastian , Delye Hans , van Lindert Erik J. , Blok Laura , Borstlap Wilfred , Driessen Jacques
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative anesthetic parameters in endoscopic strip craniectomy in order to improve anesthesiological care.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective patient cohort study of our first 121 patients treated by endoscopic strip craniectomy. Preoperative as well as intra‐ and postoperative anesthesiological and neurological parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, the need for intensive care unit admission, blood loss, and blood transfusion rate were measured.

Results

The mean age of patients was 3.9 months (standard deviation = 1) at a mean weight of 6.3 kg (standard deviation = 1.3). Comorbidity was registered in 13 (11%) patients of which 5 had syndrome‐related comorbidities. Mean duration of anesthesia was 131 minutes (standard deviation = 32) . One hundred and sixteen patients were induced by mask induction with sevoflurane and 5 patients were induced intravenously. In 10 patients, mild intraoperative hypothermia (between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius) occurred. The mean estimated blood loss was 35.4 mL (standard deviation = 28.9) and blood transfusion rate was 21.5%. Brief and small intraoperative oxygen saturation drops were common during this study. No indication for venous air embolism was found based on endtidal CO2. Postoperative temperature above 38 degrees Celsius occurred 16 times and benign deviations in postoperative cardiopulmonary parameters occurred in 17 patients. Postoperative pain management was mainly established by paracetamol and low‐dose morphine when necessary. No postoperative neurological symptoms were reported and no deaths occurred.

Conclusion

These patients had a relatively short intraoperative course with stable vital parameters during surgery. We report a low incidence of significant venous air embolism, a blood transfusion rate of 21% and only minor perioperative disturbances in vital parameters.
Contrasting nutrient–disease relationships: Potassium gradients in barley leaves have opposite effects on two fungal pathogens with different sensitivities to jasmonic acid
Authors: Davis Jayne L. , Armengaud Patrick , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. , White Philip J. , Newton Adrian C. , Amtmann Anna
Published: May 2018

Understanding the interactions between mineral nutrition and disease is essential for crop management. Our previous studies with Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that potassium (K) deprivation induced the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) and increased the plant's resistance to herbivorous insects. Here, we addressed the question of how tissue K affects the development of fungal pathogens and whether sensitivity of the pathogens to JA could play a role for the K–disease relationship in barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Optic). We report that K‐deprived barley plants showed increased leaf concentrations of JA and other oxylipins. Furthermore, a natural tip‐to‐base K‐concentration gradient within leaves of K‐sufficient plants was quantitatively mirrored by the transcript levels of JA‐responsive genes. The local leaf tissue K concentrations affected the development of two economically important fungi in opposite ways, showing a positive correlation with powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) and a negative correlation with leaf scald (Rhynchosporium commune) disease symptoms. B. graminis induced a JA response in the plant and was sensitive to methyl‐JA treatment whereas R. commune initiated no JA response and was JA insensitive. Our study challenges the view that high K generally improves plant health and suggests that JA sensitivity of pathogens could be an important factor in determining the exact K–disease relationship.
When the Street Disappears: Eminent Domain, Redevelopment, and the Dissociative State
Authors: Snajdr Edward , Trinch Shonna
Published: May 2018

In this article, we examine how the state of New York and a private developer deployed eminent domain, or the seizing of private property by the government, in order to build the Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park project in Brooklyn, NY. We use ethnography to examine how the state operated in partnership with the developer through neoliberalizing discursive practices that allowed it to dissociate itself from the assertion of its governing power. In this dissociative context, the state successfully implemented eminent domain in the absence of street‐level bureaucrats, relying instead on the creation of multiple publics, on the ambiguity of public–private partnerships, and, ironically, on the efforts of activists who fought the project. In addition to facilitating the seizure of land, this relationship between the state and the developer imposed the logic of neoliberal for‐profit development, espousing the creation of a public good for certain types of publics to the exclusion of others and creating a discourse wherein arguments against it seemed almost impossible.
She's Come Undone: Parsi Women's Property and Propriety under the Law
Authors: Vevaina Leilah
Published: May 2018

Parsis (Indian Zoroastrians), like many religious groups, manage their ritual spaces and funds with charitable trusts. High numbers of intermarriage have caused much debate over who counts as a Parsi within the community, and more attention is being paid to women and their rights of access. After a local trust in Valsad, Gujarat, barred intermarried women from entering Zoroastrian sacred spaces, Goolrukh Gupta, an intermarried Parsi woman, sued her trust in the high court. It ruled that Gupta was no longer a Parsi but a Hindu, like her husband, even though she had married under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, which enables civil marriage. Offering fresh insight into debates on the politics of recognition and the potentialities and pitfalls for women who appeal to the law to secure their communal rights, I argue that the mechanism of the trust allows the analysis of the two distinct but not separable notions of property and propriety. I analyze how the communal trust in India propertizes married women's legal and religious personhood. This article reveals how Indian women's composition as communal subjects as well as some aspirations of Indian secularism come undone.
Bureaucratizing Sensitivity: Documents and Expertise in North Indian Antiviolence Counseling
Authors: Kowalski Julia
Published: May 2018

Following transnational legal standards, India's antidomestic violence legislation is designed to sensitize the state to gendered violence by appointing nongovernmental organizations to help plaintiffs document abuse. Drawing on fieldwork at a family counseling center in Rajasthan, I show that staff balanced their roles as family counselors and “service providers” to plaintiffs as sensitization discourse revalued the complex documentary practices required by both activities. In this context, bureaucratic elements of counselors’ practices were highlighted, and the role of documents in supporting expert interactions with clients was erased, consolidating expertise along existing hierarchies of class and status that organized activists and staff at the center. By consolidating expertise, “gender‐sensitive” state policies may erase precisely the vernacular modes of responding to gendered inequality that they are meant to incorporate.
Distribution patterns of marine planktonic cyanobacterial assemblages in transitional marine habitats using 16S rRNA phylogeny
Authors: Singh Tarkeshwar , Bhadury Punyasloke
Published: May 2018

The community composition of marine planktonic cyanobacteria in transitional marine habitats can influence its overall contribution to aquatic primary production. To understand distribution patterns of marine planktonic cyanobacterial assemblages, phylogenetic and statistical analyses were undertaken on planktonic cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences from four transitional marine habitats [Baltic Sea (BL), Monterey Bay (MB), South China Sea (SCS) and Sundarbans (SB)]. Out of 3255 sequences analyzed, only 546 sequences were found to be planktonic cyanobacteria and were considered in this study. Among these, 338 sequences representative of Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove were generated based on Sanger and Illumina sequencing approaches. Based on 16S rRNA phylogeny, four major taxonomic orders of marine planktonic cyanobacteria were recovered in varying proportions with several novel 16S rRNA sequences in each of the four targeted sites. Members of the order Synechococcales were dominant in all the sites (−94% sequences) while the orders Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales were only detected in SB and SCS sites, respectively. In the phylogenetic tree, sequences representing the major marine picocyanobacterial genus Synechococcus showed overwhelming dominance in SB and they were found in three other sites. Prochlorococcus‐like sequences were found in sizeable number in MB and SCS but were absent in SB and coastal BL. Synechococcus‐like sequences were represented by three major marine clusters (5.1, 5.2, and 5.3). Three novel clades as part of Synechococcus cluster were detected only in SB and one novel clade in BL. The majority of OTUs were found to be exclusive to each site, whereas some were shared by two or more sites as revealed by beta‐diversity analysis.
The SER Standards: a globally relevant and inclusive tool for improving restoration practice—a reply to Higgs et al.
Authors: Gann George D. , McDonald Tein , Aronson James , Dixon Kingsley W. , Walder Bethanie , Hallett James G. , Decleer Kris , Falk Donald A. , Gonzales Emily K. , Murcia Carolina , Nelson Cara R. , Unwin Alan J.
Published: May 2018

In response to a critique by Higgs et al., this article clarifies the content and intent of the Society for Ecological Restoration's (SER) International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. Higgs et al. expressed concern that the SER Standards are not sufficiently underpinned by principles and risk disenfranchising some practitioners by narrowing what qualifies as ecological restoration. To demonstrate that these concerns are unfounded, we discuss the policy context and principles on which the Standards are based, its organizational structure, the innovative and inclusive approach used for development, and highlight significant errata by Higgs et al.
The evolution of Society for Ecological Restoration's principles and standards—counter‐response to Gann et al.
Authors: Higgs Eric , Harris Jim , Murphy Stephen , Bowers Keith , Hobbs Richard , Jenkins Willis , Kidwell Jeremy , Lopoukhine Nik , Sollereder Bethany , Suding Katie , Thompson Allen , Whisenant Steve
Published: May 2018

In response to our recent article (Higgs et al. 2018) in these pages, George Gann and his coauthors defended the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International Standards, clarified several points, and introduced some new perspectives. We offer this counter‐response to address some of these perspectives. More than anything, our aims are in sharpening the field of restoration in a time of rapid scaling‐up of interest and effort, and support further constructive dialogue going forward. Our perspective remains that there is an important distinction needed between “Standards” and “Principles” that is largely unheeded by Gann et al. (2018). We encourage SER to consider in future iterations of its senior policy document to lean on principles first, and then to issue advice on standards that meet the needs of diverse conditions and social, economic, and political realities.
Berlin 2.0 in the German Language Classroom: Revisiting the 21st‐Century City by Discussing Gentrification
Authors: Wiley Patricia A.
Published: May 2018

A short review of first‐ and second‐year German instructional material in the U.S. shows that, by design, cultural competence is either frequently conveyed in isolation from other language skills, or culture topics are approached merely in a utilitarian way to test comprehension or practice grammar. The contribution at hand presents a multi‐modal, documentary‐based lesson design on gentrification in Berlin. Students are encouraged to creatively employ their language skills to asses, interpret, and respond to information conveyed in the documentary film and develop intercultural empathy for a contemporary social justice issue in Germany.
STEM and Teaching German Language and Literature with an Interdisciplinary Approach: 18th‐Century Reports by German Jesuit Missionaries in the German Classroom
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: May 2018

Recent debates about the future of academia have focused primarily on teaching the STEM subjects. This is certainly a valuable call for action, but it also threatens to ignore the significant contributions of the humanities and other fields. This article presents a workable alternative by way of looking at more technical writings by 18th‐century German Jesuit missionaries in Sonora (today Mexico and Arizona), which invites a critical analysis of the data provided by those authors about the natural environment and the social conditions and also a thorough examination of “literary” texts at the same time from a humanistic perspective. Those narratives also serve as meaningful documents for all German students in the Southwest because they indicate the importance of the German language for the study of the local history going back almost two hundred years.
Knowing the Meaning of a Word by the Linguistic and Perceptual Company It Keeps
Authors: Louwerse Max M.
Published: May 2018

Debates on meaning and cognition suggest that an embodied cognition account is exclusive of a symbolic cognition account. Decades of research in the cognitive sciences have, however, shown that these accounts are not at all mutually exclusive. Acknowledging cognition is both symbolic and embodied generates more relevant questions that propel, rather than divide, the cognitive sciences: questions such as how computational symbolic findings map onto experimental embodied findings, and under what conditions cognition is relatively more symbolic or embodied in nature. The current paper revisits the Symbol Interdependency Hypothesis, which argues that language encodes perceptual information and that language users rely on these language statistics in cognitive processes. It argues that the claim that words are abstract, amodal, and arbitrary symbols and therefore must always be grounded to become meaningful is an oversimplification of the language system. Instead, language has evolved such that it maps onto the perceptual system, whereby language users rely on language statistics, which allow for bootstrapping meaning also when grounding is limited.
Targeted Versus Continuous Delivery of Volatile Anesthetics During Cholinergic Bronchoconstriction
Authors: Mondoñedo Jarred R. , McNeil John S. , Herrmann Jacob , Simon Brett A. , Kaczka David W.
Published: May 2018

Volatile anesthetics have been shown to reduce lung resistance through dilation of constricted airways. In this study, we hypothesized that diffusion of inhaled anesthetics from airway lumen to smooth muscle would yield significant bronchodilation in vivo, and systemic recirculation would not be necessary to reduce lung resistance (RL) and elastance (EL) during sustained bronchoconstriction. To test this hypothesis, we designed a delivery system for precise timing of inhaled volatile anesthetics during the course of a positive pressure breath. We compared changes in RL, EL, and anatomic dead space (VD) in canines (N = 5) during pharmacologically induced bronchoconstriction with intravenous methacholine, and following treatments with: (1) targeted anesthetic delivery to VD and (2) continuous anesthetic delivery throughout inspiration. Both sevoflurane and isoflurane were used during each delivery regimen. Compared to continuous delivery, targeted delivery resulted in significantly lower doses of delivered anesthetic and decreased end-expiratory concentrations. However, we did not detect significant reductions in RL or EL for either anesthetic delivery regimen. This lack of response may have resulted from an insufficient dose of the anesthetic to cause bronchodilation, or from the preferential distribution of air flow with inhaled anesthetic delivery to less constricted, unobstructed regions of the lung, thereby enhancing airway heterogeneity and increasing apparent RL and EL.
Viability Screen of LOPAC
1280
Reveals Phosphorylation Inhibitor Auranofin as a Potent Inhibitor of Blastocystis Subtype 1, 4, and 7 Isolates
Authors: Yason John Anthony , Koh Kristine Anne Ru Ping , Tan Kevin Shyong Wei
Published: May 2018

Blastocystis
is an enteric parasite with extensive global prevalence. Studies have linked infection with this protist with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome.
Specific Phenotypic Traits of Starmerella bacillaris Related to Nitrogen Source Consumption and Central Carbon Metabolite Production during Wine Fermentation
Authors: Englezos Vasileios , Cocolin Luca , Rantsiou Kalliopi , Ortiz-Julien Anne , Bloem Audrey , Dequin Sylvie , Camarasa Carole
Published: May 2018

Mixed fermentations using a controlled inoculation ofStarmerella bacillarisandSaccharomyces cerevisiaestarter cultures represent a feasible way to modulate wine composition that takes advantage of both the phenotypic specificities of the non-Saccharomycesstrain and the ability ofS. cerevisiaeto complete wine fermentation. However, according to the composition of grape juices, the consumption byStarm. bacillarisof nutrients, in particular of nitrogen sources, during the first stages of the process may result in depletions that further limit the growth ofS. cerevisiaeand lead to stuck or sluggish fermentations. Consequently, understanding the preferences of non-Saccharomycesyeasts for the nitrogen sources available in grape must together with their phenotypic specificities is essential for an efficient implementation of sequential wine fermentations withStarm. bacillarisandS. cerevisiaespecies. The results of our study demonstrate a clear preference for ammonium compared to amino acids for the non-Saccharomycesspecies. This finding underlines the importance of nitrogen sources, which modulate the functional characteristics of inoculated yeast strains to better control the fermentation process and product quality.
Cysteine Desulfurase IscS2 Plays a Role in Oxygen Resistance in Clostridium difficile
Authors: Giordano Nicole , Hastie Jessica L. , Smith Ashley D. , Foss Elissa D. , Gutierrez-Munoz Daniela F. , Carlson Paul E.
Published: May 2018

Clostridium difficile
is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium capable of colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of humans following disruption of the normal microbiota, typically from antibiotic therapy for an unrelated infection. With approximately 500,000 confirmed infections leading to 29,000 deaths per year in the United States,
C. difficile
infection (CDI) is an urgent public health threat.
Direct Detection and Identification of Prosthetic Joint Infection Pathogens in Synovial Fluid by Metagenomic Shotgun Sequencing
Authors: Ivy Morgan I. , Thoendel Matthew J. , Jeraldo Patricio R. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Abdel Matthew P. , Chia Nicholas , Yao Janet Z. , Tande Aaron J. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Patel Robin
Published: May 2018

Metagenomic shotgun sequencing has the potential to transform how serious infections are diagnosed by offering universal, culture-free pathogen detection. This may be especially advantageous for microbial diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) by synovial fluid analysis since synovial fluid cultures are not universally positive and since synovial fluid is easily obtained preoperatively.
Direct Whole-Genome Sequencing of Sputum Accurately Identifies Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Faster than MGIT Culture Sequencing
Authors: Doyle Ronan M. , Burgess Carrie , Williams Rachel , Gorton Rebecca , Booth Helen , Brown James , Bryant Josephine M. , Chan Jackie , Creer Dean , Holdstock Jolyon , Kunst Heinke , Lozewicz Stefan , Platt Gareth , Romero Erika Yara , Speight Graham , Tiberi Simon , Abubakar Ibrahim , Lipman Marc , McHugh Timothy D. , Breuer Judith
Published: May 2018

The current methods available to diagnose antimicrobial-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infections require a positive culture or only test a limited number of resistance-associated mutations. A rapid accurate identification of antimicrobial resistance enables the prompt initiation of effective treatment.
Injuries associated with bunk beds occurring at schools: results using a US national data base
Authors: Loder Randall T , Momper Luke
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate bunk bed injuries occurring across all educational institutions using a national data base.

Methods

National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data for the years 2006–2015 associated with bunk beds was analysed.

Results

There were an estimated 639 700 emergency department (ED) visits for bunk bed injuries; 1.3% occurred at school. Those occurring at school were older than those not at school (18.2 vs 12.8 years), and more commonly female (56.4% vs 40.6%), Caucasian (91.7% vs 68.3%) and associated with alcohol (10.8% vs 0.4%). For those occurring at school, the average age for those involving the trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity and head/neck areas was 17.9, 14.9, 19.2 and 18.7 years, respectively (p<10−4). A fracture was present in 6.4%, 52.3%, 21.2% and 9.6% of the trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity and head/neck areas, respectively (p=0.009). Males had a higher percentage of lacerations and females had a higher percentage of internal organ injuries. The vast majority of the fractures and strain/sprains occurred in the extremities; lacerations in the head/neck and contusion/abrasions predominantly involved the extremities and head/neck.

Conclusions

1.3% of all ED visits due to bunk bed injuries occurred in places of education. The majority of these were during college age. Prevention strategies should be directed at educational institutions and students, as well as following proper bunk bed equipment guidelines. Education regarding alcohol risks might assist college age students.
Interpreting protein electrophoresis in practice
Authors: Skeldon Niki
Published: May 2018

Protein electrophoresis is an inexpensive tool that is widely available to the practitioner for the investigation of hyperglobulinaemias. Distinguishing polyclonal (ie, inflammatory) gammopathies from monoclonal gammopathies (ie, those due principally to the production of immunoglobulins by a neoplastic clone of B‐cells) is obviously of paramount importance. Interpretation of electrophoresis traces is straightforward in most cases. While an interpretative comment from a clinical pathologist will usually accompany the trace if it is performed at a reference laboratory, it is preferable that the primary clinician – who will have greater knowledge of the entire clinical context – can understand the data being provided. To this end, this article aims to equip clinicians in practice with the necessary tools.
Eosinophilic keratitis in horses
Authors: Hartley Claudia
Published: May 2018

Eosinophilic keratitis has been described in horses, cats and rabbits. It can be a frustrating condition for owners, veterinarians and animals. In horses there is often a seasonal element to the condition, but the exact aetiopathogenesis has not yet been determined. Medical treatment is usually prolonged and surgical intervention may be appropriate in selected cases. This article aims to help veterinarians diagnose eosinophilic keratitis in horses and treat is effectively.
Cleft palate in boxer puppies
Authors: Williams David
Published: May 2018

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Cleft palate in boxer puppies’, was submitted and is discussed by David Williams. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Dr Steven McCulloch, acting director of the Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester. It aims to provide a framework that will help practising veterinarians find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Identification of aerodynamic derivatives of bridge decks at high testing wind speed
Authors: Ding Quanshun , Dong Shuanghu , Zhou Zhiyong
Published: May 2018

An identification of eight aerodynamic derivatives based on dual-mode and single-mode extraction of system is presented to improve the applicability and accuracy of identification at high testing wind speed. The participation rate to measure the contribution of modes on free-vibration responses is defined and the single-mode extraction is presented to extract the modal parameters of the system at high wind speed. To verify the reliability and applicability of the presented method, the aerodynamic derivatives of a dummy section with known self-excited forces are identified. It is noted that there is a very good agreement between the identified results and the target ones in the range of the low and high wind speeds and the presented method works well after the critical state of flutter. The sectional wind tunnel test of the Tanggu-haihe bridge is performed to identify the aerodynamic derivatives of the deck at the attack angles of −3°, 0°, and 3°.
Toward a stability theory of tame abstract elementary classes
Authors: Vasey Sebastien
Published: May 2018

We initiate a systematic investigation of the abstract elementary classes that have amalgamation, satisfy tameness (a locality property for orbital types), and are stable (in terms of the number of orbital types) in some cardinal. Assuming the singular cardinal hypothesis (SCH), we prove a full characterization of the (high-enough) stability cardinals, and connect the stability spectrum with the behavior of saturated models.

We deduce (in ZFC) that if a class is stable on a tail of cardinals, then it has no long splitting chains (the converse is known). This indicates that there is a clear notion of superstability in this framework.

We also present an application to homogeneous model theory: for [Formula: see text] a homogeneous diagram in a first-order theory [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is both stable in [Formula: see text] and categorical in [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is stable in all [Formula: see text].
Chebyshev Spectra Resistance to Trend of Random Noise
Authors: Grafov Boris M. , Kluev Alexey L. , Kabanova Tatyana B. , Davydov Alexey D.
Published: May 2018

Spectral analysis of random noise in the space of discrete Chebyshev polynomials is an alternative to spectral Fourier analysis. The importance of Chebyshev spectral approach is associated with the fact that the discrete Chebyshev transformation of the [Formula: see text]-th order eliminates automatically the polynomial trend of the ([Formula: see text]−1) order. Using the method of artificial trend, it was found that, under the real experimental conditions, the intensity of Chebyshev spectral lines with numbers higher than 1 is resistant to a strong trend of random process. This effect is observed when we use both the arithmetic averaging and the median. The Chebyshev spectral approach is a powerful tool for spectral analysis of random time series with a strong trend.
Mackey formula for bisets over groupoids
Authors: El Kaoutit Laiachi , Spinosa Leonardo
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we establish the Mackey formula for groupoids, extending the well-known formula in abstract groups context. This formula involves the notion of groupoid-biset, its orbit set and the tensor product over groupoids, as well as cosets by subgroupoids.
Duality and contravariant functors in the representation theory of artin algebras
Authors: Dean Samuel
Published: May 2018

We know that the model theory of modules leads to a way of obtaining definable categories of modules over a ring [Formula: see text] as the kernels of certain functors [Formula: see text] rather than of functors [Formula: see text] which are given by a pp-pair. This paper will give various algebraic characterizations of these functors in the case that [Formula: see text] is an artin algebra.

Suppose that [Formula: see text] is an artin algebra. An additive functor [Formula: see text] preserves inverse limits and [Formula: see text] is finitely presented if and only if there is a sequence of natural transformations [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] which is exact when evaluated at any left [Formula: see text]-module. Any additive functor [Formula: see text] with one of these equivalent properties has a definable kernel, and every definable subcategory of [Formula: see text] can be obtained as the kernel of a family of such functors.

In the final section, a generalized setting is introduced, so that our results apply to more categories than those of the form [Formula: see text] for an artin algebra [Formula: see text]. That is, our results are extended to those locally finitely presented [Formula: see text]-linear categories whose finitely presented objects form a dualizing variety, where [Formula: see text] is a commutative artinian ring.
Soluble groups with few conjugate classes of non-cyclic subgroups
Authors: Lv Heng , Zhao Chong , Zhou Wei
Published: May 2018

For a group [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the number of conjugate classes of the non-cyclic subgroups. In this paper, we prove that the derived length of the group [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is at most 3, and we also study the non-nilpotent group [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
WHAT MAKES EXTERNAL FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS ENGAGE IN UNIVERSITY SPIN-OFF SEED INVESTMENTS: ENTREPRENEURS’ CAPABILITIES OR SOCIAL NETWORKS?
Authors: HUYNH THANH
Published: May 2018

This study aims to enrich our knowledge of the influences that social networks and capabilities of entrepreneurial teams have on the engagement of external seed investors by exploring academic entrepreneurial teams. It analyses the capabilities and characteristics of social networks of entrepreneurial teams based upon resource-based view and the conceptual model of social networks. The results from an examination of the sample of 181 Spanish university spin-offs demonstrate that by exploiting social networks an entrepreneurial team can shape its capabilities which, in turn, improve its ability to access various types of external seed capital sources. Thus, the paper has implications for universities in training and policy development to support spin-offs’ activities, especially to build entrepreneurial teams with capabilities to pitch for external seed capital.
INNOVATION COLLABORATIONS IN LOW-TO-MEDIUM TECH SMEs: THE ROLE OF THE FIRM’S INNOVATION ORIENTATION AND USE OF EXTERNAL INFORMATION
Authors: SAKKA OUAFA , ST-PIERRE JOSÉE , BAHRI MOUJIB
Published: May 2018

This study articulates and tests the direct and indirect relationships between the company’s innovation orientation (IO), its collection and dissemination (C&D) of external information among the organisational members, and the level of success of its innovation collaborations involving customers, suppliers, and research organisations. Our conceptual framework is developed based on an integration of the literatures on organisational capabilities, marketing, innovation, and management control. We empirically test these relationships on a sample of 117 small-to-medium enterprises (SME) operating in Low-to-Medium-Tech (LMT) manufacturing industries. Partial Least Squares (PLS) results reveal that the relationship between the firm’s IO and the success of its customer collaborations is partially mediated by the C&D of external information. We also find that the relationship between the firm’s IO and the success of supplier collaborations is direct, and that the C&D of external information has no effect on the success of such collaborations. Finally the relationship between IO, C&D of external information and the success of research organisation collaborations is found to be indirect. Overall, these findings suggest that developing successful innovation collaborations in LMT sectors requires that SME managers start by building an internal culture that promotes innovation, learning and openness to the external environment.
ENHANCING SUPPLIER’S INVOLVEMENT IN STARTUP’S INNOVATION THROUGH EQUITY OFFERING AND TRUST BUILDING
Authors: SONG MICHAEL , DE JONG AD , ANTHONY DI BENEDETTO C. , ZHAO Y. LISA
Published: May 2018

External partners, such as suppliers, are important in the case of innovation by entrepreneurial startup firms. Due to their limited resources and liability of newness, these startups must rely on outside partners for resources and legitimacy to succeed and indeed to survive. Yet, few studies have specifically examined, or provided guidance on, how startups can increase supplier involvement in their innovation projects. Drawing from Transactional Cost Economics and supplier involvement literature, this study develops a contingency model, in which supplier’s equity share and supplier’s trust moderate the relationship of supplier’s involvement in a startup’s innovation with supplier’s specific investment and startup’s effort in qualification of supplier’s ability. We empirically test the model using data collected from 166 innovation projects of 166 startups. Our results show that supplier involvement is pivotal to startup’s product innovation performance, which is consistent with prior literature on supplier involvement. Interestingly, our results further reveal that supplier’s specific investment and startup’s effort in qualification of supplier’s ability lead to higher levels of supplier involvement only when supplier’s equity share and supplier’s trust are sufficiently high.
试论马来西亚作为华人文化圈的内涵和特色
Authors: 廖 文辉
Published: May 2018

马来西亚自19世纪以来，即有大量华民涌入。他们大部分虽为目不识丁之徒，但却在他乡实践汉人的生活习俗、讲汉语、奉行儒家价值观。马来西亚在深度方面固然不如东亚和越南，无法形成精致的大传统汉文化，却保存、传承和发扬，并有所创发小传统的汉人民俗文化，甚至成为中台以外，拥有最完整华文教育的国家。若以华人文化圈名之，应不为过。
Are Banks Special?
Authors: Crouhy Michel , Galai Dan
Published: May 2018

This paper addresses the following question: Are banks special firms that can achieve their goals only with high leverage, above and beyond what is considered acceptable for industrial corporations?

This question is related to the issue of the cost of capital and how it is affected by leverage. If we accept the Modigliani–Miller (M&M) theorem (1958), then the capital structure is irrelevant for both the cost of capital and the value of the bank. Specifically, the M&M hypothesis argues that higher levels of equity capital reduce bank leverage and risk, leading to an offsetting decline in banks’ cost of equity capital. Hence, we ask the question whether banks are special firms such that M&M theorem does not apply to banks.

We show that M&M propositions cannot be applied for banks primarily because of explicit guarantees and subsidies that provide incentives for increasing leverage. Then, some of the risk faced by the bank is transferred at no cost to the providers of these guarantees and subsidies, giving banks the incentive to increase leverage as much as they can. We show that under perfect market conditions, when risk is fairly priced, this opportunity vanishes.
First-Principles Calculations of Structural, Electronic, Magnetic and Elastic Properties of Heusler Alloys Ru2CoZ (Z = Si, Ge and Sn)
Authors: Baraka O. , Amari S. , Yakoubi A.
Published: May 2018

Structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of Ru2Co[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], Ge and Sn) alloys are investigated by using potentially linearized augmented plane-wave method based on the framework of spin density functional theory. The exchange correlation potential is treated by the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE) and the modified Becke–Johnson potential mBJ-GGA-PBE form. The calculated lattice parameters, local magnetic moment and heat of formation have been calculated. The elastic constants, [Formula: see text], and other polycrystalline elastic moduli have been predicted, and the mechanical stabilities of these alloys have been theoretically confirmed. To our knowledge, the elastic constants have not yet been measured or calculated; hence, our results serve as a prediction for future study. Also, we presented results of the band structure and density of states. The electronic structure in the ferromagnetic configuration shows metallic character and that there is an exchange splitting between spin-up and spin-down bands of Ru 4d and Co3d states.
Automated end-to-end blood testing at the point-of-care: Integration of robotic phlebotomy with downstream sample processing
Authors: Balter M.L. , Leipheimer J.M. , Chen A.I. , Shrirao A. , Maguire T.J. , Yarmush M.L.
Published: May 2018

Diagnostic blood testing is the most commonly performed clinical procedure in the world, and influences the majority of medical decisions made in hospital and laboratory settings. However, manual blood draw success rates are dependent on clinician skill and patient physiology, and results are generated almost exclusively in centralized labs from large-volume samples using labor-intensive analytical techniques. This paper presents a medical device that enables end-to-end blood testing by performing blood draws and providing diagnostic results in a fully automated fashion at the point-of-care. The system couples an image-guided venipuncture robot, developed to address the challenges of routine venous access, with a centrifuge-based blood analyzer to obtain quantitative measurements of hematology. We first demonstrate a white blood cell assay on the analyzer, using a blood mimicking fluid spiked with fluorescent microbeads, where the area of the packed bead layer is correlated with the bead concentration. Next we perform experiments to evaluate the pumping efficiency of the sample handling module. Finally, studies are conducted on the integrated device — from blood draw to analysis — using blood vessel phantoms to assess the accuracy and repeatability of the resulting white blood cell assay.