bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case–control study shows that neonatal pneumococcal meningitis cannot be distinguished from group B Streptococcus cases
Authors: Arfi Alexandra , Cohen Robert , Varon Emmanuelle , Béchet Stéphane , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Levy Corinne
Published: May 2017

Aim

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is sometimes implicated in neonatal bacterial meningitis. This study described the demographic, clinical and biological features of neonatal S. pneumoniae meningitis and compared pneumococcal and group B streptococcal (GBS) neonatal meningitis.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study that compared neonates, aged one to 28 days with S. pneumoniae meningitis or GBS meningitis. Each case with S. pneumoniae was randomly matched to four control patients with GBS by age group and study year.

Results

From 2001 to 2013, the national French paediatric network, which comprises 227 paediatric wards, recorded 831 neonatal cases of meningitis. S. pneumoniae (n = 18, 2.2%) was the fifth infection cause after GBS (n = 464, 55.8%), Escherichia coli (n = 232, 27.9%), Neisseria meningitidis (n = 23, 2.8%) and Listeria monocytogenes (n = 20, 2.4%). Neonatal pneumococcal and GBS meningitis did not differ in demographic data or clinical and biological characteristics. All S. pneumoniae strains were fully susceptible to cefotaxime, and we observed a decrease of 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotypes (88.9%–20.0%) after PCV13 implementation.

Conclusion

Clinically and biologically, neonatal pneumococcal meningitis could not be distinguished from GBS cases. A herd effect of PCV13 implementation was suggested by the decrease in the prevalence of vaccine serotypes.
AN EMPIRICAL NOTE ON COMMUTING DISTANCE AND SLEEP DURING WORKWEEK AND WEEKEND
Authors: Pfeifer Christian
Published: May 2017

The author uses six years of large‐scale panel survey data for Germany to analyse the nexus between commuting distance from the place of residence to the workplace and quantity of sleep. Pooled and individual fixed‐effects regressions indicate that workers with longer commuting distance sleep significantly less per night during the workweek, but not less during the weekend. A one kilometer longer commuting distance is on average correlated with 0.0035 (pooled) and 0.0011 (fixed‐effects) hours less sleep per night during the workweek. As commuting seems to affect sleep quantity, it might negatively affect health and time allocation for other leisure activities.
Clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An experience from a tertiary care center in Pakistan
Authors: Zubairi Ali Bin Sarwar , Ahmad Huzaifa , Hassan Maryam , Sarwar Sajjad , Abbas Aamir , Shahzad Talha , Irfan Muhammad
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) that predominantly affects older adults. IPF has the highest mortality burden of all ILDs. Data on mortality in patients with IPF is limited in developing countries.

Objectives

To identify factors associated with mortality in patients with IPF at a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan from January 2005 to December 2015. Patients were assessed for smoking status, clinical onset of disease, pulmonary hypertension, disease severity based on spirometry and hypoxemia.

Results

A total of 239 cases were reviewed, of which 103 were non‐survivors. A total of 45 (18%) were current smokers and 71 (29.7%) were ex‐smokers. Smoking was more common in non‐survivors (56.3% P ≤ .01). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 18.8% of patients. 95.4% of patients who had received pirfenidone treatment were alive at the time of study. On multivariate analysis, pirfenidone treatment (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01‐0.08), current smoking (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.04‐6.58), age older than 60 years (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.04‐6.58) and hypoxemia (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.58‐6.84) were the factors associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Smoking, age greater than 60 years and hypoxemia were identified as factors that increased the odds of mortality in IPF patients, whereas pirfenidone was found to lower the odds of mortality.
No effect of HLA‐C mismatch after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with unrelated donors and T‐cell depletion in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Magalhaes Isabelle , Uhlin Michael , Schaffer Marie , Sundin Mikael , Hauzenberger Dan , Remberger Mats , Mattsson Jonas
Published: May 2017

HLA‐C mismatch in unrelated donor's hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with poor patient outcome. However, the impact of HLA‐C mismatch in the context of HSCT combined with in vivo T‐cell depletion remains unclear. We therefore performed a single‐center, retrospective analysis of the clinical outcome on patients with hematological malignancies treated with allo‐HSCT, who underwent T‐cell depletion. The majority of the patients (n=276) received a HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐DRB1‐matched graft that were either also HLA‐C matched (n=260), or patients with the permissive HLA‐C*03:03/03:04 mismatch (n=16), while the remaining patients (n=95) received a HLA‐C‐mismatched graft (excluding HLA‐C*03:03/03:04 mismatches). We did not observe any significant differences between the HLA‐C‐matched patients (including the permissive HLA‐C*03:03/03:04 mismatch) and the HLA‐C‐mismatched patients regarding cumulative proportion surviving, graft failure, relapse‐free survival, relapse, or acute graft‐versus‐host disease. Our data suggest that in the context of high dose T lymphocyte‐depleting agents, HLA‐C matching is not essential for patients with hematological malignancies.
Post‐genocide justice: The Gacaca courts
Authors: O’Reilly Colin , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2017

In the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, the crippled formal judicial system failed to administer justice in a timely manner. A modified version of the traditional Gacaca courts was introduced to hear cases from the backlog of over 100,000 genocide suspects. We find that the Gacaca courts performed well relative to the formal justice system, given the constraints faced. The Gacaca courts generated valuable information about the genocide suspects and increased access to the justice system. The introduction of the Gacaca courts improved the performance of the formal justice system and facilitated post‐conflict recovery.
Common mental disorder including psychotic experiences: Trailblazing a new recovery pathway within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme in England
Authors: Perez Jesus , Russo Debra A. , Stochl Jan , Clarke James , Martin Zoe , Jassi Christina , French Paul , Fowler David , Jones Peter B.
Published: May 2017

Psychotic experiences, depressive and anxiety symptoms may be manifestations of a latent continuum of common mental distress. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has increased the reach of psychological treatments to people with common mental disorders in England. However, psychotic experiences are neither measured nor considered in therapy. We aimed to confirm the presence of psychotic experiences among IAPT service‐users and determine whether these experiences are associated with higher depression/anxiety levels and poorer recovery. All service‐users that attended the Fenland and Peterborough IAPT teams in Cambridgeshire between November 16, 2015 and January 29, 2016 participated in a service evaluation. In addition to routine mesures, such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 questionnaire (GAD‐7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), we introduced a shortened version of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE‐P15) to measure psychotic experiences. Classes of individuals were identified with latent class analysis. Associations were reported using Pearson correlation coefficient. One hundred and seventy‐three services‐users were included, mostly females (N = 133; 76.9%). The mean age was 36.6 (SD = 13.3). Around 30% likely belonged to a class with psychotic experiences. CAPE‐P15 frequency was significantly correlated to PHQ‐9 (r = 0.44; P < .001) and GAD‐7 (r = 0.32; P < .001). Similarly, CAPE‐P15 distress and both PHQ‐9 (r = 0.43; P < .001) and GAD‐7 (r = 0.38; P < .001) were highly correlated. These associations were replicated after the initial period of the therapy, indicating poor recovery. Some IAPT service‐users suffer psychotic experiences. Tailoring available evidence‐based psychological therapies for these people in IAPT settings might trailblaze a new care pathway to improve recovery in this group.
Sisterhood and Sexual Assault: Engaging Sorority Members in Dialogue, Critical Analysis, and Feminist Praxis
Authors: Elise Radina M.
Published: May 2017

Taking a feminist pedagogy and praxis approach, I present a course model for engaging sorority members in critical analysis and feminist praxis around the issue of campus rape culture. This course model responds to two problems: (a) the prevailing disconnect between the efforts of departments of student affairs and academic affairs and (b) the untapped potential that faculty members with sorority or fraternity affiliations have as change agents by identifying themselves publically on campus. The resulting course provides a women‐only space where issues such as sexual assault can be analyzed, critiqued, and challenged in ways that incorporate the nuances within Greek subcultures on university campuses. Such courses may provide students with the intellectual space to challenge campus issues such as campus rape culture as well as empower them to engage in feminist praxis as change agents.
Feminist Research with Student Activists: Enhancing Campus Sexual Assault Research
Authors: Krause Kathleen H. , Miedema Stephanie S. , Woofter Rebecca , Yount Kathryn M.
Published: May 2017

Addressing sexual assault on university and college campuses in the United States is a national priority. To date, research on campus sexual assault overwhelmingly focuses on students as objects of study: as survivors, perpetrators, and bystanders of sexual assault. This focus has largely overlooked students who act as agents of change, mobilizing to alter campus norms around consent, prevention, survivor support, and institutional response. In this article, we encourage feminist scholars to incorporate students as advocates against sexual assault and to invite students to be collaborators in research. We discuss a student‐led organization and our ongoing collaborative study with the organization to illustrate how feminist researchers can feature student engagement with campus sexual assault at the grass roots. We conclude with recommendations to expand the national research agenda on campus sexual assault.
Optimising taxonomic effort to overcome the Linnean shortfall: the case of European leaf beetles
Authors: Freijeiro Andrea , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Castro‐Insua Adrián , Baselga Andrés
Published: May 2017

Assessing the factors that govern the probability of a species (i) being discovered and (ii) being described under different names can help to improve the efficiency of future taxonomic efforts.

Here, we assess whether species body size, extent of distribution and geographical position affect the probabilities of discovery and redundant description of European Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera).

The probability of description of European Chrysomelidae is determined mostly by the characteristics of the species distribution but not by body size; species with broad and northern distributions have been described before.

The probability of redundant description is mainly related to the year of description; species with a higher number of synonyms were described earlier and have broader distributions.

The extrapolation of the observed trends suggests that undescribed species of Chrysomelidae have narrow distributions and live in southern Europe and that recently described species have a low number of synonyms because the efficiency of leaf beetle taxonomy has increased over time.
Spray drying conditions for orange juice incorporated with lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Barbosa Joana , Brandão Teresa R. S. , Teixeira Paula
Published: May 2017

Summary

This work aimed to develop an orange juice powder by spray drying with lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Pediococcus acidilactici HA‐6111‐2), testing their survival both during drying and storage (room temperature and 4 °C). Initially, the best conditions for spray drying were chosen to allow the best survival of each LAB: (i) inlet air temperature of 120 °C and (ii) 0.5:2 ratio of the orange juice soluble solids and drying agent added (prebiotics: 10 DE maltodextrin or gum Arabic). Survival of LAB was not affected by drying process, and it was higher when cultures were stored at 4 °C. A slightly higher protection was conferred by 10 DE maltodextrin, in the case of L. plantarum and at 4 °C. Pediococcus acidilactici was more resistant during storage at 4 °C, with logarithmic reductions lower than 1 log‐unit. It was demonstrated that it is possible to produce a functional nondairy product, orange juice powder supplemented with prebiotic compounds, containing viable LAB for at least 7 months, when stored at 4 °C.
Exploring Cryptic Diversity and Distribution Patterns in the Mallomonas kalinae/rasilis Species Complex with a Description of a New Taxon—Mallomonas furtiva sp. nov.
Authors: Gusev Evgeniy S. , Čertnerová Dora , Škaloudová Magda , Škaloud Pavel
Published: May 2017

A complex of closely related Mallomonas taxa belonging to the section Papillosae, M. kalinae Řezáčová and M. rasilis Dürrschmidt, has been studied in detail by molecular and morphometric methods. Our investigations uncovered the existence of a new species found in water bodies in Vietnam, which we describe here as Mallomonas furtiva sp. nov. This taxon is morphologically very similar to M. kalinae, from which it differs by minute, but statistically significant morphological differences on the structure of silica scales. Indeed, the principal component analysis of morphological traits measured on silica scales significantly separates all three species in the complex. Mallomonas kalinae and M. furtiva differ by number of papillae on the shield and the dome, as well as by the scale sizes. Likewise, Mallomonas rasilis and M. furtiva are primarily differentiated by the absence of submarginal anterior ribs on silica scales of the former species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Mallomonas furtiva is closely related to M. kalinae, with which it formed a highly supported lineage. Distribution patterns of all three studied taxa are further discussed.
Ayni Unbounded: Cooperation, Inequality, and Migration in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Paerregaard Karsten
Published: May 2017

Convencionalmente, los antropólogos han estudiado ayni como una práctica de igualdad. Este artículo examina la cooperación andina como una gramática de reciprocidad que encubre tanto una ideología de igualdad como una práctica de diferencia. Analizando datos de trabajo de campo en una comunidad andina y su colonia de migrantes en los EE.UU. el artículo investiga las relaciones de ayni que los migrantes transnacionales utilizan para patrocinar las fiestas de su comunidad de origen y la estructura de poder en las cuales estas relaciones son incrustadas. Sostiene que cuando los migrantes demuestran su riqueza y competen para ganar prestigio en la fiesta revelan la desigualdad de ayni. Sugiere que a diferencia de la reciprocidad presentada en las etnografías andinas la cooperación entre migrantes es exclusiva y refuerza las relaciones de dominancia. Concluye que futuros estudios tienen que examinar el contexto económico y político en la cual ayni se envuelve.
Corruption and the public display of wealth
Authors: Fabrizi Simona , Lippert Steffen
Published: May 2017

We study an agent–client model of corruption, in which potential corruptors are uncertain about the probability with which officials are subjected to an audit, either high or low. We characterize a signaling equilibrium, in which officials who are less likely to be audited engage in public conspicuous consumption, whereas those who are more likely to be audited do not. In this equilibrium, officials are better off than in the equilibria without conspicuous consumption. The signaling equilibrium exists if the officials' bargaining power vis‐à‐vis potential corruptors is sufficiently high, which implies that corruption can be curbed by creating competition among officials.
Usefulness of techniques based on real time PCR for the identification of onychomycosis‐causing species
Authors: Hafirassou Anissa Z. , Valero Clara , Gassem Nadia , Mihoubi Ilhem , Buitrago Maria J.
Published: May 2017

Onychomycosis (OM) is a nail infection caused mainly by dermatophyte species but other species of yeast and moulds are frequently involved as well. Classical diagnosis has limitations thus empirical treatment is common. The usefulness of different real time PCR (RT‐PCR) assays for identifying species causing OM was assessed in samples from seventy patients and fifteen controls. Conventional methods and four different RT‐PCR assays were used: a panfungal, a pandermatophyte and two specific assays for detecting Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Fungal elements were visualised in 58% of the samples, and 54% of cultures were positive. Panfungal and pandermatophyte RT‐PCR were positive in 28% and 60%, respectively, and the sensitivity relative to positive cultures was 47% and 90%. Candida spp. were detected in 76% of samples analysed and Aspergillus spp. in 60%. These species were also present in 80% of control cases. In conclusion, molecular techniques were useful but showed limitations. The panfungal assay showed a low sensitivity, the pandermatophyte assay was sensitive and specific but did not allow for differentiation among species of dermatophytes. Finally, the role of non‐dermatophyte species detected by using specific RT‐PCR techniques should be carefully analysed as these species were also present in healthy nails.
A re‐audit to assess the incidence of alveolar osteitis within the Oral Surgery Department of a teaching hospital
Authors: Qalandari Mohamed Afzal , Dargue Anna
Published: May 2017

Aim

Alveolar osteitis (AO) is one of the most common post‐operative complications following tooth removal. It is associated with significant patient morbidity and an increase in post‐operative visits. Thus, establishing the incidence of AO within the Oral Surgery Department of Bristol Dental Hospital and reviewing this in the light of the Cochrane systematic review, which suggests an incidence of 5% for routine extractions, is important.

Material and Methods

This article shares the results of three audit cycles assessing the incidence of AO, comparing the findings and discussing them in terms of the relevant literature. Data were collected for a period of 1 month for all patients undergoing routine extractions under local anaesthetic performed by both staff and students.

Results

One hundred and forty‐four routine extractions were carried out on 89 patients during the audit period, with 55% of the extractions being performed by students and 45% by members of staff with varying levels of experience from DCT1 up to Associate Specialist. 4.8% (7/144) of patients returned with post‐operative complications resulting in a diagnosis of AO. 71% of extractions resulting in AO were performed by students and this was identical to the incidence noted in a 2003 audit. 64% of AO occurred in mandibular teeth.

Conclusion

Recent audits of AO incidence in the Oral Surgery Department of Bristol Dental Hospital indicate an acceptable level of occurrence, under the 5% target. The audits highlight operator experience and the location of the extraction site as contributing factors for the development of AO. This has implications for the clinical governance of the service, and students must be appropriately supervised to ensure high‐quality patient care.
Pollinators shift to nectar robbers when florivory occurs, with effects on reproductive success in Iris bulleyana (Iridaceae)
Authors: Ye Z.‐M. , Jin X.‐F. , Wang Q.‐F. , Yang C.‐F. , Inouye D. W.
Published: May 2017

Studies have indicated that florivory and nectar robbing may reduce reproductive success of host plants. However, whether and how these effects might interact when plants are simultaneously attacked by both florivores and nectar robbers still needs further investigation.

We used Iris bulleyana to detect the interactions among florivory, nectar robbing and pollination, and moreover, their effects on plant reproductive success. Field investigations and hand‐pollination treatments were conducted on two experimental plots from a natural population, in which Experimental plot was protected from florivores and Control plot was not manipulated.

The flower calyx was bitten by sawflies to consume the nectary, and three bumblebee species were pollinators. In addition, the short‐tongued pollinator, Bombus friseanus, was the only robber when there was a hole made by a sawfly. The bumblebee had significantly shortened flower handling time when robbing, as compared to legitimate visits. Pollinator visitation and seed production decreased significantly in damaged flowers. However, seed production per flower after supplementary hand‐pollination did not differ significantly between damaged and undamaged flowers. Compared to the Experimental plot, bumblebees visited fewer flowers per plant in a foraging bout in the Control plot.

The flowers damaged by florivory allowed B. friseanus to shift to a nectar robber. Florivory and nectar robbing collectively decreased plant reproductive success by consuming nectar resources, which may reduce attractiveness to pollinators of the damaged flowers. However, the changes in pollinator behaviour might be beneficial to the plant by reducing the risk of geitonogamous mating.
Temporary legislation, better regulation, and experimentalist governance: An empirical study
Authors: Bar‐Siman‐Tov Ittai
Published: May 2017

This article presents the findings of an extensive multi‐method empirical study that explored the relationship between temporary legislation, better regulation, and experimentalist governance. Temporary (or “sunset”) legislation – statutory provisions enacted for a limited time and set to expire unless their validity is extended – is often hailed as a key tool for promoting experimental and better regulation. Despite the importance of temporary legislation and the burgeoning theoretical scholarship on the subject, there is still a dearth of empirical studies about how temporary legislation is used in practice. The lack of empirical evidence creates a lacuna in at least three areas of theoretical scholarship, concerning temporary legislation, better regulation, and experimentalist governance. This paper is a first step to fill this gap.
Dignity‐conserving care actions in palliative care: an integrative review of Swedish research
Authors: Harstäde Carina Werkander , Blomberg Karin , Benzein Eva , Östlund Ulrika
Published: May 2017

Background

Previous research has proposed that persons in need of palliative care often have a loss of functions and roles that affects social and existential self‐image. Moreover, these individuals also commonly suffer from complex multisymptoms. This, together with the situation of facing an impending death, can lead to a loss of dignity. Therefore, supporting these persons’ dignity is a crucial challenge for professional nurses. The ‘Dignity Care Intervention’ addresses the multidimensionality of dignity by identifying patients’ dignity‐related concerns and suggests care actions to address them. At the present, the Dignity Care Intervention is adapted for implementation in Swedish care settings. Because expressions of dignity are influenced by culture, and an overview of care actions in a Swedish context is lacking, this integrative review aimed to find suggestions from Swedish research literature on what kind of care actions can preserve dignity.

Methods

An integrative literature review was conducted using the databases SwePub and SweMed+. Articles published from 2006 to 2015 and theses published from 2000 to 2015 were searched for using the terms ‘dignity’ and ‘palliative care’. Result sections of articles and theses were reviewed for dignity‐conserving care actions synthesised by thematic analysis and categorised under themes and subthemes in Chochinov's model of dignity.

Results

Fifteen articles and 18 theses were included together providing suggestions of care actions in all themes and subthemes in the dignity model. Suggested care actions included listening, communication, information, symptom control, facilitating daily living and including patients in decision‐making. Additionally, nurses’ perceptiveness towards the patients was a core approach.

Conclusion

The review offers culturally relevant suggestions on how to address specific dignity‐related concerns. The adapted Dignity Care Intervention will be a way for Swedish nurses to provide person‐centred palliative care that will conserve patients’ dignity.
Mobilities, Fixities and Stabilities in Rural Pennsylvania's Natural Gas Boomtowns: Re‐Conceptualising Boomtown Development Through a Mobilities Lens
Authors: Burfoot‐Rochford Ian , Schafft Kai A.
Published: May 2017

The mobilities ‘turn’ within human geography and the social sciences has drawn attention to the ways in which social connections and interactions variously transcend, undo and reconfigure spatial boundaries and identities. In this study we utilise mobilities theory to analyse Marcellus Shale gas boomtown growth in Pennsylvania and the experiences of local residents living in these boomtown areas. We use data from interviews conducted in two rural counties of Pennsylvania to examine the intersection and interaction between diverse boomtown mobilities and local places. We use mobilities theory to illustrate the extent to which local experience of boomtown development is a product of the interaction between the particularities of material and ideological rural community characteristics perceived as more or less ‘fixed’, and the various externally‐originating mobilities associated with local industrial buildout.
Identification of a novel HLA allele, HLA‐B*41:50, in a French individual
Authors: Proust B. , Masson D. , Proust B. P. , Baudron M. , Dehaut F.
Published: May 2017

The novel HLA‐B*41:50 allele differs from HLA‐B*41:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at codon 116.
Barriers to obstetric fistula treatment in low‐income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Baker Zoë , Bellows Ben , Bach Rachel , Warren Charlotte
Published: May 2017

Objective

To identify the barriers faced by women living with obstetric fistula in low‐income countries that prevent them from seeking care, reaching medical centres and receiving appropriate care.

Methods

Bibliographic databases, grey literature, journals, and network and organisation websites were searched in English and French from June to July 2014 and again from August to November 2016 using key search terms and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for discussion of barriers to fistula treatment. Experts provided recommendations for additional sources.

Results

Of 5829 articles screened, 139 were included in the review. Nine groups of barriers to treatment were identified: psychosocial, cultural, awareness, social, financial, transportation, facility shortages, quality of care and political leadership. Interventions to address barriers primarily focused on awareness, facility shortages, transportation, financial and social barriers. At present, outcome data, though promising, are sparse and the success of interventions in providing long‐term alleviation of barriers is unclear.

Conclusion

Results from the review indicate that there are many barriers to fistula treatment, which operate at the individual, community and national levels. The successful treatment of obstetric fistula may thus require targeting several barriers, including depression, stigma and shame, lack of community‐based referral mechanisms, financial cost of the procedure, transportation difficulties, gender power imbalances, the availability of facilities that offer fistula repair, community reintegration and the competing priorities of political leadership.
The DNA translocase RAD5A acts independently of the other main DNA repair pathways, and requires both its ATPase and RING domain for activity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Klemm Tobias , Mannuß Anja , Kobbe Daniela , Knoll Alexander , Trapp Oliver , Dorn Annika , Puchta Holger
Published: May 2017

Multiple pathways exist to repair DNA damage induced by methylating and crosslinking agents in Arabidopsis thaliana. The SWI2/SNF2 translocase RAD5A, the functional homolog of budding yeast Rad5 that is required for the error‐free branch of post‐replicative repair, plays a surprisingly prominent role in the repair of both kinds of lesions in Arabidopsis. Here we show that both the ATPase domain and the ubiquitination function of the RING domain of the Arabidopsis protein are essential for the cellular response to different forms of DNA damage. To define the exact role of RAD5A within the complex network of DNA repair pathways, we crossed the rad5a mutant line with mutants of different known repair factors of Arabidopsis. We had previously shown that RAD5A acts independently of two main pathways of replication‐associated DNA repair defined by the helicase RECQ4A and the endonuclease MUS81. The enhanced sensitivity of all double mutants tested in this study indicates that the repair of damaged DNA by RAD5A also occurs independently of nucleotide excision repair (AtRAD1), single‐strand break repair (AtPARP1), as well as microhomology‐mediated double‐strand break repair (AtTEB). Moreover, RAD5A can partially complement for a deficient AtATM‐mediated DNA damage response in plants, as the double mutant shows phenotypic growth defects.
The macroeconomic role of currency reserve accumulation in emerging markets—The Asian experience
Authors: Beckmann Joscha , Berger Theo , Czudaj Robert
Published: May 2017

The impact of currency reserve accumulation is controversially discussed since reserve accumulation potentially destabilises the international financial system and causes crises due to higher systemic risk. The main aim of this paper is to put the macroeconomic role of currency reserve accumulation for four Asian economies under closer scrutiny. The key question is whether accumulating currency reserves is beneficial from a long‐run perspective. Based on a vector error correction approach, we start by analysing long‐run steady‐state relationships between currency reserves, exchange rates against theUSdollar, realGDPand interest rates. Our findings show that cumulated currency reserve shocks significantly affect realGDP. A likely explanation for our finding is that accumulation of reserves has supported growth through providing liquidity and supporting the development of the financial sector for the economies under observation.
Cytologic features of a feline inductive odontogenic tumor
Authors: Leite‐Filho Ronaldo V. , Tagliari Nelson J. , Grandi Fabrizio , Laisse Cláudio J. M. , Gerardi Daniel G. , Pavarini Saulo P.
Published: May 2017

The feline inductive odontogenic tumor (FIOT) is a rare entity among oral tumors in cats, the cytologic features of which are not well characterized but may prove useful. A fine‐needle aspiration biopsy was performed on the right mandible between the permanent canine (404) and permanent fourth premolar (408) of an 8‐month‐old female mongrel cat. Cytologic smears showed epithelial cells and occasional spindle cells with extracellular homogenous acidophilic material in a hematic background. The initial diagnosis of benign tumor was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen. This report describes the cytologic findings in a case of FIOT.
How Nanostructures Affect Water Droplet Nucleation on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Aili Abulimiti , Ge QiaoYu , Zhang TieJun
Published: May 2017

Nucleation is the first stage of phase change phenomena, including condensation on nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces. Despite plenty of theoretical studies on the effect of nanostructure density and shape on water droplet nucleation, not many experimental investigations have been reported. Here, we show both experimentally and theoretically that a moderate increase in the nanostructure density can lead to an increase in the nucleation density of water droplets because of the decreased energy barrier of nucleation in cavities formed between the nanostructures. Specifically, we observed droplets aligned in regions with denser nanostructures. The number and average volume of the aligned droplets in these regions were larger than that of the droplets in the surrounding areas. However, nucleation in cavities subsequently caused initial pinning of the droplet base within the nanostructures, forming a balloonlike, slightly elongated droplet shape. The dewetting transition of the pinned droplets from the Wenzel state to the unpinned Cassie state was predicted by quantifying the aspect ratio of droplets ranging from 3 to 30 μm. Moreover, the coalescence-jumping of droplets was followed by a new cycle of droplet condensation in an aligned pattern in an emptied area. These findings offer guidelines for designing enhanced superhydrophobic surfaces for water and energy applications.
One-way invisibility in isotropic dielectric optical media
Authors: Horsley S. A. R. , Longhi S.
Published: May 2017

Optical materials with a distribution of loss and gain can be used to manipulate waves in fascinating ways, seemingly impossible with ordinary lossless materials. Some recent results have shown that (for planar media) if the spatial distributions of the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity are related to one another by the Kramers-Kronig relations, then reflection can be eliminated. Moreover, if an additional “cancellation condition” is satisfied, then a material can be made invisible for incidence from one side. Here, we give a simple demonstration of these results that should be accessible to undergraduates. In addition, we show how this simple method can be used to prove results about the reflection from permittivity profiles, without ever requiring an exact solution of the Helmholtz equation.
Rotating and rolling rigid bodies and the “hairy ball” theorem
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Kazachkov Alexander
Published: May 2017

Rotating and rolling rigid bodies exemplify a fascinating theorem of topology, jokingly called the “hairy ball” theorem, which demands that any continuous tangent vector field on the sphere has at least one point where the field is zero. We demonstrate via a gedanken experiment how drilling through a rotating ball, thereby converting it into a torus, leads to the elimination of zero-velocity points on the ball surface. Using the same reasoning, zero-velocity points can be removed from the surface of a drilled spinning top. We discuss the location of zero-velocity points on the surfaces of rigid bodies rolling with no slip and with slip. Observations made from different reference frames identify various zero-velocity points. Illustrative experiments visualizing zero-velocity points are presented.
Motion of a falling object retarded by magnetic impulses
Authors: Nogi Yasuyuki , Watanabe Masayuki , Suzuki Kiyomitsu , Ohkuma Yasunori
Published: May 2017

Magnets are attached to a falling object, which is allowed to fall through a conducting ring. A magnetic impulsive force produced by the ring reduces (very slightly) the velocity of the object. The impulsive force is fully characterized using a novel method for measuring the velocity and acceleration of the object, which allows for determination of the gravitational field strength, to within 0.2% of the published local value. The experimentally obtained impulsive force is well explained by the calculated Lorentz force acting on the ring.
Optical measurement of guided waves
Authors: Darnton Aaron T. , Ruzzene Massimo
Published: May 2017

This paper demonstrates an optical method for measuring guided waves in plates that is much faster than traditional scanning approaches. By recording the wavefield with a high-speed camera and applying a post-processing method, the wavefield can be extracted from the static and noise components within the measured signal. This technique is demonstrated with a transient wave in a fiber-glass plate. A comparison of the wavefield is made to data measured with a scanning laser Doppler velocimeter (SLDV). Good agreement is found between the measurements from the optical technique and the SLDV.
Sensitivity of White and Opaque Candida albicans Cells to Antifungal Drugs
Authors: Craik Veronica B. , Johnson Alexander D. , Lohse Matthew B.
Published: May 2017

White and opaque cells of
Candida albicans
have the same genome but differ in gene expression patterns, metabolic profiles, and host niche preferences. We tested whether these differences, which include the differential expression of drug transporters, resulted in different sensitivities to 27 antifungal agents. The analysis was performed in two different strain backgrounds; although there was strain-to-strain variation, only terbinafine hydrochloride and caspofungin showed consistent, 2-fold differences between white and opaque cells across both strains.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) Mediates Ubiquitination-Dependent STAT3 Activation upon Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection
Authors: Ruan Hai-Hua , Zhang Zhen , Wang Su-Ying , Nickels Logan M. , Tian Li , Qiao Jian-Jun , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2017

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium can inject effector proteins into host cells via type III secretion systems (T3SSs). These effector proteins modulate a variety of host transcriptional responses to facilitate bacterial growth and survival. Here we show that infection of host cells with
S
. Typhimurium specifically induces the ubiquitination of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). This TRAF6 ubiquitination is triggered by the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) T3SS effectors SopB and SopE2. We also demonstrate that TRAF6 is involved in the SopB/SopE2-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a signaling event conducive to the intracellular growth of
S
. Typhimurium. Specifically, TRAF6 mediates lysine-63 ubiquitination within the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of STAT3, which is an essential step for STAT3 membrane recruitment and subsequent phosphorylation in response to
S
. Typhimurium infection. TRAF6 ubiquitination participates in STAT3 phosphorylation rather than serving as only a hallmark of E3 ubiquitin ligase activation. Our results reveal a novel strategy in which
S
. Typhimurium T3SS effectors broaden their functions through the activation of host proteins in a ubiquitination-dependent manner to manipulate host cells into becoming a
Salmonella
-friendly zone.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis MmpL11 Cell Wall Lipid Transporter Is Important for Biofilm Formation, Intracellular Growth, and Nonreplicating Persistence
Authors: Wright Catherine C. , Hsu Fong Fu , Arnett Eusondia , Dunaj Jennifer L. , Davidson Patrick M. , Pacheco Sophia A. , Harriff Melanie J. , Lewinsohn David M. , Schlesinger Larry S. , Purdy Georgiana E.
Published: May 2017

The mycobacterial cell wall is crucial to the host-pathogen interface, because it provides a barrier against antibiotics and the host immune response. In addition, cell wall lipids are mycobacterial virulence factors. Themycobacterialmembraneproteinlarge (MmpL) proteins are cell wall lipid transporters that are important for basic mycobacterial physiology andMycobacterium tuberculosispathogenesis. MmpL3 and MmpL11 are conserved across pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria, a feature consistent with an important role in the basic physiology of the bacterium. MmpL3 is essential and transports trehalose monomycolate to the mycobacterial surface. In this report, we characterize the role of MmpL11 inM. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosismmpL11mutants have altered biofilms associated with lower levels of mycolic acid wax ester and long-chain triacylglycerols than those for wild-type bacteria. While the growth rate of themmpL11mutant is similar to that of wild-typeM. tuberculosisin macrophages, the mutant exhibits impaired survival in anin vitrogranuloma model. Finally, we show that the survival or recovery of themmpL11mutant is impaired when it is incubated under conditions of nutrient and oxygen starvation. Our results suggest that MmpL11 and its cell wall lipid substrates are important for survival in the context of adaptive immune pressure and for nonreplicating persistence, both of which are critically important aspects ofM. tuberculosispathogenicity.
The Pneumococcal Type 1 Pilus Genes Are Thermoregulated and Are Repressed by a Member of the Snf2 Protein Family
Authors: Basset Alan , Herd Muriel , Daly Raecliffe , Dove Simon L. , Malley Richard
Published: May 2017

In
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, the type 1 pilus is involved in many steps of pathogenesis, including adherence to epithelial cells, mediation of inflammation, escape from macrophages, and the formation of biofilms. The type 1 pilus genes are expressed in a bistable fashion with cells switching between “on” and “off” expression states. Bistable expression of these genes is due to their control by RlrA, a positive regulator subject to control by a positive-feedback loop. The type 1 pilus genes are also thought to be negatively regulated by a large number of repressors. Here we show that expression of the type 1 pilus genes is thermosensitive and switched off at growth temperatures below 31°C. We also report that the on expression state of the type 1 pilus genes is highly stable, a phenomenon which we show likely contributed to the erroneous identification of many proteins as negative regulators of these genes. Finally, we exploited the effect of low temperature on pilus gene expression to help identify SP_1523, an Snf2-type protein, as a novel negative regulator of the pilus genes. Our findings establish that the type 1 pilus genes are thermoregulated and are repressed by a member of the Snf2 protein family. They also refute the notion that these genes are controlled by 8 previously described negative regulators.

IMPORTANCE
Streptococcus pneumoniae
is the leading cause of death from respiratory infections in children. Many bacterial factors contribute to pneumococcal virulence and nasopharyngeal colonization. The type 1 pneumococcal pilus plays an important role in mouse models and in epithelial adherence and is expressed in a bistable fashion. Here we show that the “on” state is highly stable, which may explain the prior misidentification of negative regulators of pilus expression. We also show that expression of pilus genes is thermosensitive: virtually no expression can be detected at temperatures found in the anterior nares of humans. We took advantage of this property to identify a negative regulator of pilus expression, a member of a family of proteins widely conserved across Gram-positive bacteria.
An Amino Acid Substitution in RNA Polymerase That Inhibits the Utilization of an Alternative Sigma Factor
Authors: Wang Erickson Anna F. , Deighan Padraig , Garcia Cinthia P. , Weinzierl Robert O. J. , Hochschild Ann , Losick Richard
Published: May 2017

Sigma (σ) factors direct gene transcription by binding to and determining the promoter recognition specificity of RNA polymerase (RNAP) in bacteria. Genes transcribed under the control of alternative sigma factors allow cells to respond to stress and undergo developmental processes, such as sporulation in
Bacillus subtilis
, in which gene expression is controlled by a cascade of alternative sigma factors. Binding of sigma factors to RNA polymerase depends on the coiled-coil (or clamp helices) motif of the β′ subunit. We have identified an amino acid substitution (L257P) in the coiled coil that markedly inhibits the function of σ
H
, the earliest-acting alternative sigma factor in the sporulation cascade. Cells with this mutant RNAP exhibited an early and severe block in sporulation but not in growth. The mutant was strongly impaired in σ
H
-directed gene expression but not in the activity of the stress-response sigma factor σ
B
. Pulldown experiments showed that the mutant RNAP was defective in associating with σ
H
but could still associate with σ
A
and σ
B
. The differential effects of the L257P substitution on sigma factor binding to RNAP are likely due to a conformational change in the β′ coiled coil that is specifically detrimental for interaction with σ
H
. This is the first example, to our knowledge, of an amino acid substitution in RNAP that exhibits a strong differential effect on a particular alternative sigma factor.

IMPORTANCE
In bacteria, all transcription is mediated by a single multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) enzyme. However, promoter-specific transcription initiation necessitates that RNAP associates with a σ factor. Bacteria contain a primary σ factor that directs transcription of housekeeping genes and alternative σ factors that direct transcription in response to environmental or developmental cues. We identified an amino acid substitution (L257P) in the
B. subtilis
β′ subunit whereby RNAP
L257P
associates with some σ factors (σ
A
and σ
B
) and enables vegetative cell growth but is defective in utilization of σ
H
and is consequently blocked for sporulation. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of an amino acid substitution within the core enzyme that affects utilization of a specific sigma factor.
Novel use of combination of electromyography and ultrasound to guide quadratus lumborum block after open appendicectomy
Authors: Mullins Cormac F , O'Brien Conor , O'Connor Therese C
Published: May 2017

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block facilitates the administration of anaesthesia to the anterior abdominal wall. The use of ultrasound (US) improves the accuracy of the QL block and reduces the risk of adverse events. Electromyography (EMG) in combination with US for muscle plane blocks has not been described previously. We postulated that the addition of EMG-guided needle positioning might assist the execution of this block. This case report describes the first use of combined needle EMG and US to carry out a QL block performed for postoperative analgesia following an open appendicectomy.
Uncommon presentation of adult-form scimitar syndrome associated with single left pulmonary vein in a pregnant woman
Authors: Althomali Sarah Ali , Alhefny Ashraf Ahmad , Almalki Mohammad Salih
Published: May 2017

Scimitar syndrome is the constellation of malformations including an abnormal venous drainage of the right lung into the inferior vena cava, associated with the right lung and systemic supply to the right lung. The anomalous vein looks like the curved, Turkish sword (scimitar), hence the name.

The adult form of scimitar syndrome is rare, and it is usually an incidental diagnosis based on the characteristic finding on radiological imaging since the patients are usually asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms.

Our patient presented with a rare presentation of scimitar syndrome, which is tachyarrhythmia (sinus tachycardia, with episodes of supraventricular tachycardia). The diagnosis of scimitar syndrome was made based on the typical radiological finding of the anomalous venous drainage on CT angiography. Our patient does not have the full spectrum of the scimitar syndrome; therefore, she did not suffer from the usual complication (pulmonary hypertension). She was treated with ablation without surgical intervention.