bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The glucosinolate metabolite 1‐methoxy‐3‐indolylmethyl alcohol induces a gene expression profile in mouse liver similar to the expression signature caused by known genotoxic hepatocarcinogens
Authors: Ehlers Anke , Florian Simone , Schumacher Fabian , Meinl Walter , Lenze Dido , Hummel Michael , Heise Tanja , Seidel Albrecht , Glatt Hansruedi , Lampen Alfonso
Published: January 2015

Scope

Breakdown products of certain glucosinolates induce detoxifying enzymes and demonstrate preventive activities against chemically induced tumourigenesis in animal models. However, other breakdown products are genotoxic. 1‐Methoxy‐3‐indolylmethyl alcohol (1‐MIM‐OH) is mutagenic in bacterial and mammalian cells upon activation by sulphotransferases and forms DNA adducts in mouse tissues. This effect is enhanced in mice transgenic for human sulphotransferases 1A1/2 (FVB/N‐hSULT1A1/2). Therefore, we explored gene expression changes induced by 1‐MIM‐OH in mouse liver.

Methods and results

FVB/N‐hSULT1A1/2 mice were orally treated with 1‐MIM‐OH for 21 or 90 days, leading to high levels of hepatic 1‐MIM‐DNA adducts. Genome‐wide expression analyses demonstrated no influence on detoxifying enzymes, but up‐regulation of many mediators of the tumour suppressor p53 and down‐regulation of Fhit and other long genes. While this p53 response might indicate protection, it was unable to prevent the accumulation of DNA adducts. However, various epidemiological studies reported inverse associations between the intake of cruciferous vegetables and cancer. This association may be due to the presence of other glucosinolates with tumour‐preventing influences possibly outweighing adverse effects of some metabolites.

Conclusion

1‐MIM‐OH is a genotoxic substance inducing a gene expression profile similar to the expression signature caused by known genotoxic hepatocarcinogens.
RNA‐Seq profiling of single bovine oocyte transcript abundance and its modulation by cytoplasmic polyadenylation
Authors: Reyes Juan M , Chitwood James L. , Ross Pablo J.
Published: January 2015

Molecular changes occurring during mammalian oocyte maturation are partly regulated by cytoplasmic polyadenylation (CP) and affect oocyte quality, yet the extent of CP activity during oocyte maturation remains unknown. Single bovine oocyte RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) was performed to examine changes in transcript abundance during in vitro oocyte maturation in cattle. Polyadenylated RNA from individual germinal‐vesicle and metaphase‐II oocytes was amplified and processed for Illumina sequencing, producing approximately 30 million reads per replicate for each sample type. A total of 10,494 genes were found to be expressed, of which 2,455 were differentially expressed (adjusted P < 0.05 and fold change >2) between stages, with 503 and 1,952 genes respectively increasing and decreasing in abundance. Differentially expressed genes with complete 3'‐untranslated‐region sequence (279 increasing and 918 decreasing in polyadenylated transcript abundance) were examined for the presence, position, and distribution of motifs mediating CP, revealing enrichment (85%) and lack thereof (18%) in up‐ and down‐regulated genes, respectively. Examination of total and polyadenylated RNA abundance by quantitative PCR validated these RNA‐Seq findings. The observed increases in polyadenylated transcript abundance within the RNA‐Seq data are likely due to CP, providing novel insight into targeted transcripts and resultant differential gene expression profiles that contribute to oocyte maturation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 103–114, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
E statt Z
Authors: Nachtsheim Boris J.
Published: January 2015

Mit neuen Synthesestrategien lassen sich Alkine unter milden Bedingungen übergangsmetallvermittelt in E‐konfigurierte Alkene überführen.
Kunststoffpartikel im Süßwasser
Authors: Ivleva Natalia P. , Nießner Reinhard
Published: January 2015

Nicht nur Weltmeere, sondern auch Seen und Flüsse sind mit Kunststoffpartikeln kontaminiert. Besonders die Verschmutzung mit Mikroplastik ist besorgniserregend. Die Raman‐Mikrospektroskopie eignet sich, um Mikroplastik aller Sorten und Größenklassen zuverlässig zu identifizieren und zu quantifizieren.
Rotwein zu Wasser
Authors: Mangold Klaus , Shaw Joseph A. , Vollmer Michael
Published: January 2015

Die Sensoren von Digitalkameras sind fähig, Licht im Nahinfraroten (NIR) bis hin zu Wellenlängen von 1100 nm aufzunehmen. Infrarotfilter blockieren diesen für den Menschen nicht sichtbaren Spektralbereich, um irritierende Falschfarbeneffekte in den Aufnahmen zu verhindern. Diese Filter sind aber entfernbar, und derart umgerüstete Kameras erschließen eine verblüffende Welt. Beim Übergang zum NIR ändern sich die optischen Eigenschaften vieler Objekte. In Landschaftsaufnahmen werden Blätter zu den hellsten Objekten. Rotwein, Cola oder Kaffee werden scheinbar zu Wasser. Man kann zudem unter die Oberfläche von Farben, Stoffen, Lacken und sogar der Haut schauen.
Magnonen für den Computer von Übermorgen
Authors: Leven Britta , Chumak Andrii V. , Hillebrands Burkard
Published: January 2015

In der Magnonik wird die Information allein über Spins in Spinwellen und ihren Quanten, den Magnonen, transportiert. Es fließt kein elektrischer Strom. Das vermeidet die Abwärme, die einer weiteren Miniaturisierung der herkömmlichen Halbleitertechnologie allmählich Grenzen setzt. Deshalb könnte die Magnonik im Computerbereich langfristig die übliche Halbleitertechnologie ergänzen oder teilweise ersetzen. Das Ausnutzen der Teilchen‐ und Welleneigenschaften der Magnonen eröffnet das neue Feld der Interferenzlogik. Mit ihr lassen sich magnonische Bauteile konstruieren. Das Funktionieren wesentlicher Bauteile wurde bereits erfolgreich im Labor demonstriert. Dazu zählen Wellenleiter, Logikelemente, Transistoren und Speicher. Magnonen sind zudem verschränkbar. Damit könnte die Magnonik die Lücke zwischen Halbleitertechnologie und Quantencomputern füllen.
Geoengineering ist keine Lösung
Authors: Kleidon Axel , Renner Maik
Published: January 2015

Der globale Wasserkreislauf transportiert gewaltige Mengen an Energie durch Verdunstung und anschließende Kondensation von der Erdoberfläche in die Atmosphäre. Er baut mit diesem latenten Energiefluss den planetaren Antrieb ab, in dem Sonnenlicht die Erdoberfläche erwärmt und Abstrahlung ins Weltall die Atmosphäre kühlt. Eine Betrachtung der globalen Energiebilanz zusammen mit der thermodynamischen Grenze von Luftbewegung als Wärmekraftmaschine liefert eine einfache Abschätzung, die das Verhalten von weitaus komplexeren Klimamodellen erstaunlich gut wiedergibt. Dabei zeigt sich, dass der Wasserkreislauf stärker auf eine Erwärmung durch Solarstrahlung reagiert als auf Änderungen des Treibhauseffekts. Die Konsequenz: Geoengineering kann eine globale Klimaerwärmung mitsamt ihren Folgen für den Wasserkreislauf nicht einfach rückgängig machen, indem es die Solarstrahlung verringert.
Pfeifende Vokale
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Verovnik Ivo
Published: January 2015

Pfeifen und Sprechen haben eines gemeinsam: Die Form des Mundraums ist entscheidend für die spezielle Klangbildung. Die Tonerzeugung beginnt mit der Luftströmung durch die Stimmlippen. Die Frequenz ihrer Schwingung sorgt für die Höhe des Klangs. Vokale werden im Mundraum gebildet, beim Pfeifen bestimmt dieser die Tonhöhe. Die Maultrommel nutzt ebenfalls die Physik des Mundraums aus.
Sehen und Hören verstehen
Authors: Erb Roger , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: January 2015

Die App Color Uncovered lässt den Betrachter die Farbwahrnehmung entdecken, indem sie Phänomene interaktiv darstellt und so Anfänger und Kenner gleichermaßen überrascht. Das Gleiche gelingt mit Sound Uncovered bei akustischen Phänomenen, deren Besonderheiten man mit eigenen Ohren erleben kann.
Functional desensitization of the β2 adrenoceptor is not dependent on agonist efficacy
Authors: Rosethorne Elizabeth M. , Bradley Michelle E. , Kent Toby C. , Charlton Steven J.
Published: January 2015

Chronic treatment with β2 adrenoceptor agonists is recommended as a first‐line maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a potential consequence of long‐term treatment may be the loss of functional response (tachyphylaxis) over time. In this study, we have investigated the tendency of such agonists, with a range of efficacies, to develop functional desensitization to cAMP responses in primary human bronchial smooth muscle cells following prolonged agonist exposure. The data show that upon repeat exposure, all agonists produced functional desensitization to the same degree and rate. In addition, β2 adrenoceptor internalization and β‐arrestin‐2 recruitment were monitored using β2·eGFP visualization and the PathHunter™ β‐arrestin‐2 assay, respectively. All agonists were capable of causing robust receptor internalization and β‐arrestin‐2 recruitment, the rate of which was influenced by agonist efficacy, as measured in those assays. In summary, although a relationship exists between agonist efficacy and the rate of both receptor internalization and β‐arrestin‐2 recruitment, there is no correlation between agonist efficacy and the rate or extent of functional desensitization.
5‐HT is a potent relaxant in rat superior mesenteric veins
Authors: Watts Stephanie W. , Darios Emma S. , Seitz Bridget M. , Thompson Janice M.
Published: January 2015

Serotonin (5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptamine) reduces blood pressure of the conscious rat when administered chronically (1 week). 5‐HT does not directly relax isolated arteries, and microsphere experiments in 5‐HT‐infused rats suggested that 5‐HT increased flow to the splanchnic bed. We hypothesized that 5‐HT increased splanchnic flow because of direct venous relaxation; our focus was thus on the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) as an important vein in splanchnic circulation. Real‐time RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western analyses supported the predominant expression of the 5‐HT2B and 5‐HT7 receptor in the SMV. The SMV was mounted in tissue baths for measurement of isometric contraction. 5‐HT caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation of the endothelin‐1 (ET‐1)‐contracted vein. The threshold of 5‐HT‐induced venous relaxation was significantly lower than for 5‐HT‐induced venous contraction (~2 vs. 700 nmol/L, respectively). A series of serotonergic agonists established in their use of receptor characterization was tested, and the following rank order of potency found for agonist‐induced relaxation (receptor selectivity): 5‐CT (5‐HT1/5‐HT7)>5‐HT = LP‐44 (5‐HT7)>PNU109291 (5‐HT1D) = BW723C86 (5‐HT2B). 8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A/7), CP93129 (5‐HT1B), mCPBG (5‐HT3/4), AS19 (5‐HT7) and TCB‐2 (5‐HT2A) did not relax the isolated vein. Consistent with these findings, two different 5‐HT7 receptor antagonists SB 269970 and LY215840 but not the 5‐HT2B receptor antagonist LY272015 nor the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor LNNA abolished 5‐CT‐induced relaxation of the isolated SMV. 5‐CT (1 μg kg−1 min−1, sc) also reduced blood pressure over 7 days. These findings suggest that 5‐HT directly relaxes the SMV primarily through activation of the 5‐HT7 receptor.
Clamshell Incision Versus Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy. Which One is Faster When Performing a Resuscitative Thoracotomy? The Tortoise and the Hare Revisited
Authors: Flaris Alexandros N. , Simms Eric R. , Prat Nicolas , Reynard Floran , Caillot Jean‐Louis , Voiglio Eric J.
Published: January 2015

Background

The clamshell incision (CI) offers a better exposure than the left anterolateral thoracotomy (LAT) as a resuscitative thoracotomy. Most surgeons will have to manage a heart wound only once or twice in their career. The patient’s survival depends on how fast the surgeon can control the heart wound; however, it is unclear which of the two incisions allows for faster control in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. The aim of this study was to compare the time needed to access and control a standardized stab wound to the right ventricle, by inexperienced surgical trainees, by LAT or CI; we hypothesized that the CI does not take longer than the LAT.

Methods

Sixteen residents were shown a video on how to perform both procedures. They were randomly assigned to control a standardized stab wound of the right ventricle on perfused human cadavers by LAT (n = 8) or CI (n = 8). Access time (skin to maximal exposure), control time (maximal exposure until control of the heart wound) and total time (the sum of access and control times) were recorded.

Results

Total time was 6.62 min [3.20–8.14] (median [interquartile range]) for LAT and 4.63 min [3.17–6.73] for CI (p = 0.46). Access time was 2.39 min [1.21–2.76] for LAT and 2.33 min [1.58–4.86] for CI (p = 0.34). Control time was 4.16 min [2.32–5.49] for LAT and 1.85 min [1.38–2.23] for CI (p = 0.018).

Conclusions

The time needed from skin incision until cardiac wound control via CI was not longer than via LAT and the easier control of the cardiac wound when using CI was confirmed.
Surgical Care and Health Systems
Authors: Spiegel David A. , Misra Mohit , Bendix Peter , Hagander Lars , Bickler Stephen W. , Saleh C. Omar , Ekeke‐Monono Martin , Baah‐Odoom Dinah , Caldwell Amber , Irons Beryl , Amir Sheik , Taylor Robert , Layne Maya , Hailu Helena , Awais Syed Mohammad , Price Raymond R. , Crockett Sarah , Islam Monir ,   Health Systems Strengthening Working Group of the Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care
Published: January 2015

Background

While surgical care impacts a wide variety of diseases and conditions with non‐operative and operative services, both preventive and curative, there has been little discussion concerning how surgery might be integrated within the health system of a low and middle‐income country (LMIC), nor how strengthening surgical services may improve health systems and population health.

Methods

We reviewed reports from several meetings of the working group on health systems strengthening of the Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care, and also performed a review of the literature including the search terms “surgery,” “health system,” “developing country,” “health systems strengthening,” “health information system,” “financing,” “governance,” and “integration.”

Results

The literature search revealed no reports which focused on the integration of surgical services within a health system or as a component of health system strengthening. A conceptual model of how surgical care might be integrated within a health system is proposed, based on the discussions of our working group, combined with sources from the medical literature, and utilizing the World Health Organization’s conceptual model of a health system.

Conclusions

Strengthening the delivery of surgical services in LMICs will require inputs at multiple levels within a health system, and this effort will require the coalescence of committed individuals and organizations, supported by civil society.
Changing Operative Strategy from Abdominoperineal Resection to Sphincter Preservation in T3 Low Rectal Cancer after Downstaging by Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Madbouly Khaled M. , Hussein Ahmed M.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess oncological outcome after changing operative strategy from abdominoperineal resection (APR) to sphincter preservation (SP) in T3 low rectal carcinomas downstaged by neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT).

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective observational study performed at academic medical centers. Patients with T3 rectal carcinoma, (<1 cm from the top of anal sphincter) received long‐course neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Decision before chemoradiation was APR in all patients. Patients who had successful downstaging were included in the study. Low anterior resection (LAR) was performed after 8–11 weeks from completion of nCRT. Follow‐up duration ranged from 4 to 6 years. Salvage surgery was done for local recurrence when possible. The primary endpoint of the study was disease‐free survival. Secondary endpoints were morbidity, mortality, continence, and oncologic results of salvage surgery after recurrence.

Results

LAR with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis were done in 9 and 36 patients, respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 57 months (range 48–70), local recurrences was reported in 4 patients (8.8 %), one of them had also distant metastasis while 2 patients (4.4 %) had only distant metastasis. Disease‐free and overall survival rates were 87 and 89 %, respectively. Three of 4 patients with local recurrence (the fourth had liver metastasis) underwent salvage APR with free safety margins. Follow‐up after salvage surgery for 31, 33, and 37 months revealed no recurrences. Wexner continence score ≤4 was noted in 39 patients; while major incontinence (Wexner score >12) was noted in 2 patients.

Conclusions

For selected patients of T3 low rectal cancer, changing operative strategy from APR to SP after downstaging by nCRT can be done in motivated patients with good sphincter function. Disease‐free survival rates and continence are comparable to patients had APR and to previous publications with decision made before nCRT. With strict follow‐up, early diagnosis of recurrence and salvage surgery with free resection margins can be achieved.
Engineering the supply chain for protein production/secretion in yeasts and mammalian cells
Authors: Klein Tobias , Niklas Jens , Heinzle Elmar
Published: January 2015

Metabolic bottlenecks play an increasing role in yeasts and mammalian cells applied for high-performance production of proteins, particularly of pharmaceutical ones that require complex posttranslational modifications. We review the present status and developments focusing on the rational metabolic engineering of such cells to optimize the supply chain for building blocks and energy. Methods comprise selection of beneficial genetic modifications, rational design of media and feeding strategies. Design of better producer cells based on whole genome-wide metabolic network analysis becomes increasingly possible. High-resolution methods of metabolic flux analysis for the complex networks in these compartmented cells are increasingly available. We discuss phenomena that are common to both types of organisms but also those that are different with respect to the supply chain for the production and secretion of pharmaceutical proteins.
Engineering the robustness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by introducing bifunctional glutathione synthase gene
Authors: Qiu Zhiqi , Deng Zujun , Tan Hongming , Zhou Shining , Cao Lixiang
Published: January 2015

Robust, high-yielding Saccharomyces cerevisiae is highly desirable for cost-effective cellulosic ethanol production. In this study, the bifunctional glutathione (GSH) synthetase genes GCSGS at high copy number was integrated into ribosomal DNA of S. cerevisiae by Cre–LoxP system. Threefold higher GSH contents (54.9 μmol/g dry weight) accumulated in the engineered strain BY-G compared to the reference strain. Tolerance of BY-G to H2O2 (3 mM), temperature (40 °C), furfural (10 mM), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF, 10 mM) and 0.5 mM Cd2+ increased compared to reference strain. Twofold higher ethanol concentration was obtained by BY-G in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corn stover compared to the reference strain. The results showed that intracellular GSH content of S. cerevisiae has an influence on robustness. The strategy is used to engineer S. cerevisiae strains adaptive to a combination of tolerance to inhibitors and raised temperature that may occur in high solid simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Granular computing in mosaicing of images from capsule endoscopy
Authors: Maciura Lukasz , Bazan Jan G.
Published: January 2015

This article introduces methods for modeling compound granules used in algorithms which could successfully construct a mosaic from the images coming from an endoscope capsule. In order to apply the algorithm, combined images must have a common area where the correspondence of points is determined. That allows to determine the transformation parameters to compensate movement of the capsule that occurs between moments when the mosaic images were acquired. The developed algorithm for images from the capsule endoscopy has proved to be faster and comparably accurate as commercial GDB-ICP algorithm.
Excessive Checking Behavior During an Image Comparison Task in Schizophrenia
Authors: Jaafari N. , Chopin N. , Levy C. , Rotgé J.-Y. , Lafay N. , Hammi W. , Rigalleau F. , Millet B. , Krebs M.-O. , Vibert N. ,   for Insight Study Group
Published: January 2015

Background:

Patients with schizophrenia display significant working memory and executive deficits. In patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), several studies suggest that working memory dysfunction may be one of the causes of compulsive checking behaviors. Hence, this study aimed at assessing whether patients with schizophrenia were impaired on an image comparison task used to measure checking behaviors, and whether the origin and profile of impairment on this task was different between schizophrenia and OCD.

Methods:

Eye movement recordings were used to assess the checking behavior of 24 patients with schizophrenia and 24 control participants who had to decide whether two images were different or identical. The verbal and visuo-spatial components of participants’ working memory were measured using the reading span and backward location span tests.

Results:

Compared to controls, patients with schizophrenia had reduced working memory spans and showed excessive checking behavior when comparing the two images. However, the intensity of their checking behavior was not significantly related to their working memory deficits.

Conclusions:

Several recent studies demonstrated that the excessive checking behaviors displayed by patients with OCD were related to working memory dysfunction. The absence of a relationship between the excessive checking behavior of patients with schizophrenia and their working memory deficits suggests that checking behaviors do not have the same origin in the two disorders.
An infant with disseminated bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection (BCGitis)
Authors: Al-Mousa Hamoud
Published: January 2015

The bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine contains live attenuated Mycobacte-rium bovis bacteria. There is a long-standing controversy surrounding the efficacy of BCG against TB and whether it should be used. BCG is associated with significant adverse effects, including life-threatening disseminated BCG infection in children with primary immunodefi-ciency (PID). Here, we present a case report of an infant diagnosed with severe combined im-munodeficiency disease and disseminated BCGitis. There are no clear guidelines for the most suitable treatment for disseminated BCG disease. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is needed in urgent cases. BCGitis is known to exacerbate clinically after HSCT while immune reconstitution occurs. During this time, rapidly expanding peripheral T cells of the graft result in a severe inflammatory response, lymphadenitis, multiple abscesses, and sepsis, and fatal multiple organ failure is possible. Modification of the transplant procedure and the use of immunosuppressive medications and prednisolone to treat cytokine reactions at the time of overwhelming immune reconstitution are usually necessary.
Ascochlorin, an isoprenoid antibiotic inhibits growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting STAT3 signaling cascade through the induction of PIAS3
Authors: Dai Xiaoyun , Ahn Kwang Seok , Kim Chulwon , Siveen Kodappully Sivaraman , Ong Tina H. , Shanmugam Muthu K. , Li Feng , Shi Jizhong , Kumar Alan Prem , Wang Ling Zhi , Goh Boon Cher , Magae Junji , Hui Kam M. , Sethi Gautam
Published: January 2015

Deregulated activation of oncogenic transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a pivotal role in proliferation and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, agents which can inhibit STAT3 activation may have an enormous potential for treatment of HCC patients. Hence, in the present report, we investigated the effect of ascochlorin (ASC), an isoprenoid antibiotic on STAT3 activation cascade in various HCC cell lines and orthotopic mouse model. We observed that ASC could substantially inhibit both constitutive and IL‐6/EGF inducible STAT3 activation as well as reduce its DNA binding ability. ASC increased the expression of protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) which could bind to STAT3 DNA binding domain and thereby down‐regulate STAT3 activation. Deletion of PIAS3 gene by siRNA abolished the ability of ASC to inhibit STAT3 activation and induce apoptosis in HCC cells. ASC also modulated the expression of diverse STAT3‐regulated oncogenic gene products. Finally, when administered intraperitoneally, ASC also inhibited tumor growth in an orthotopic HCC mouse model and reduced STAT3 activation in tumor tissues. Overall our results indicate that ASC mediates its anti‐tumor effects predominantly through the suppression of STAT3 signaling cascade, and can form the basis of novel therapy for HCC patients.
Evaluating State-Specific Antibiotic Resistance Measures Derived from Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections, National Healthcare Safety Network, 2011
Authors: Soe Minn M. , Edwards Jonathan R. , Sievert Dawn M. , Ricks Philip M. , Magill Shelley S. , Fridkin Scott K.
Published: January 2015

DISCLOSURE

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the impact of standardizing state-specific summary measures of antibiotic resistance that inform regional interventions to reduce transmission of resistant pathogens in healthcare settings.

DESIGN

Analysis of public health surveillance data.

METHODS

Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) data from intensive care units (ICUs) of facilities reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network in 2011 were analyzed. For CLABSI due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-nonsusceptible Klebsiella species, and carbapenem-nonsusceptible Klebsiella species, we computed 3 state-level summary measures of nonsusceptibility: crude percent nonsusceptible, model-based adjusted percent nonsusceptible, and crude infection incidence rate.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,791 facilities reported CLABSIs from ICU patients. Of 1,618 S. aureus CLABSIs with methicillin-susceptibility test results, 791 (48.9%) were due to MRSA. Of 756 Klebsiella CLABSIs with ESC-susceptibility test results, 209 (27.7%) were due to ESC-nonsusceptible Klebsiella, and among 661 Klebsiella CLABSI with carbapenem susceptibility test results, 70 (10.6%) were due to carbapenem-nonsusceptible Klebsiella. All 3 state-specific measures demonstrated variability in magnitude by state. Adjusted measures, with few exceptions, were not appreciably different from crude values for any phenotypes. When linking values of crude and adjusted percent nonsusceptible by state, a state’s absolute rank shifted slightly for MRSA in 5 instances and only once each for ESC-nonsusceptible and carbapenem-nonsusceptible Klebsiella species. Infection incidence measures correlated strongly with both percent nonsusceptibility measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Crude state-level summary measures, based on existing NHSN CLABSI data, may suffice to assess geographic variability in antibiotic resistance. As additional variables related to antibiotic resistance become available, risk-adjusted summary measures are preferable.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 54–64
Validation of an Automated Surveillance Approach for Drain-Related Meningitis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: van Mourik Maaike S. M. , Troelstra Annet , Berkelbach van der Sprenkel Jan Willem , van der Jagt-Zwetsloot Marischka C. E. , Nelson Jolande H. , Vos Piet , Arts Mark P. , Dennesen Paul J. W. , Moons Karel G. M. , Bonten Marc J. M.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Manual surveillance of healthcare-associated infections is cumbersome and vulnerable to subjective interpretation. Automated systems are under development to improve efficiency and reliability of surveillance, for example by selecting high-risk patients requiring manual chart review. In this study, we aimed to validate a previously developed multivariable prediction modeling approach for detecting drain-related meningitis (DRM) in neurosurgical patients and to assess its merits compared to conventional methods of automated surveillance.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study in 3 hospitals assessing the accuracy and efficiency of 2 automated surveillance methods for detecting DRM, the multivariable prediction model and a classification algorithm, using manual chart review as the reference standard. All 3 methods of surveillance were performed independently. Patients receiving cerebrospinal fluid drains were included (2012–2013), except children, and patients deceased within 24 hours or with pre-existing meningitis. Data required by automated surveillance methods were extracted from routine care clinical data warehouses.

RESULTS

In total, DRM occurred in 37 of 366 external cerebrospinal fluid drainage episodes (12.3/1000 drain days at risk). The multivariable prediction model had good discriminatory power (area under the ROC curve 0.91–1.00 by hospital), had adequate overall calibration, and could identify high-risk patients requiring manual confirmation with 97.3% sensitivity and 52.2% positive predictive value, decreasing the workload for manual surveillance by 81%. The multivariable approach was more efficient than classification algorithms in 2 of 3 hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated surveillance of DRM using a multivariable prediction model in multiple hospitals considerably reduced the burden for manual chart review at near-perfect sensitivity.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 65–75
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Varier Raghu U. , Biltaji Eman , Smith Kenneth J. , Roberts Mark S. , Kyle Jensen M. , LaFleur Joanne , Nelson Richard E.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) places a high burden on the US healthcare system. Recurrent CDI (RCDI) occurs frequently. Recently proposed guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) include fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a therapeutic option for RCDI. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of FMT compared with vancomycin for the treatment of RCDI in adults, specifically following guidelines proposed by the ACG and AGA.

DESIGN

We constructed a decision-analytic computer simulation using inputs from the published literature to compare the standard approach using tapered vancomycin to FMT for RCDI from the third-party payer perspective. Our effectiveness measure was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Because simulated patients were followed for 90 days, discounting was not necessary. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Base-case analysis showed that FMT was less costly ($1,669 vs $3,788) and more effective (0.242 QALYs vs 0.235 QALYs) than vancomycin for RCDI. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that FMT was the dominant strategy (both less expensive and more effective) if cure rates for FMT and vancomycin were ≥70% and <91%, respectively, and if the cost of FMT was <$3,206. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis, varying all parameters simultaneously, showed that FMT was the dominant strategy over 10, 000 second-order Monte Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that FMT may be a cost-saving intervention in managing RCDI. Implementation of FMT for RCDI may help decrease the economic burden to the healthcare system.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7
Thymoquinone treatment for inner-ear acoustic trauma in rats
Authors: Aksoy F , Dogan R , Yenigun A , Veyseller B , Ozturan O , Ozturk B
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To investigate whether thymoquinone has any eliminative effects against inner-ear damage caused by acoustic trauma.

Methods:

Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was only exposed to acoustic trauma. Group 2 was given thymoquinone 24 hours before acoustic trauma and continued to receive it for 10 days after the trauma. Group 3 was only treated with thymoquinone, for 10 days. Group 4, the control group, suffered no trauma and received saline instead of thymoquinone. Groups 1 and 2 were exposed to acoustic trauma using 105 dB SPL white noise for 4 hours.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in distortion product otoacoustic emission values and an increase in auditory brainstem response thresholds in group 1 on days 1, 5 and 10, compared with baseline measurements. In group 2, a decrease in distortion product otoacoustic emission values and an increase in auditory brainstem response threshold were observed on day 1 after acoustic trauma, but measurements were comparable to baseline values on days 5 and 10. In group 3, thymoquinone had no detrimental effects on hearing. Similarly, the control group showed stable results.

Conclusion:

Thymoquinone was demonstrated to be a reparative rather than preventive treatment that could be used to relieve acoustic trauma.
The relative contribution of segments and intonation to the perception of foreign-accented speech
Authors: SERENO JOAN , LAMMERS LYNNE , JONGMAN ALLARD
Published: January 2015

The present study examines the relative impact of segments and intonation on accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility, specifically investigating the separate contribution of segmental and intonational information to perceived foreign accent in Korean-accented English. Two English speakers and two Korean speakers recorded 40 English sentences. The sentences were manipulated by combining segments from one speaker with intonation (fundamental frequency contour and duration) from another speaker. Four versions of each sentence were created: one English control (English segments and English intonation), one Korean control (Korean segments and Korean intonation), and two Korean–English combinations (one with English segments and Korean intonation; the other with Korean segments and English intonation). Forty native English speakers transcribed the sentences for intelligibility and rated their comprehensibility and accentedness. The data show that segments had a significant effect on accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility, but intonation only had an effect on intelligibility. Contrary to previous studies, the present study, separating segments from intonation, suggests that segmental information contributes substantially more to the perception of foreign accentedness than intonation. Native speakers seem to rely mainly on segments when determining foreign accentedness.
Childhood dyspraxia predicts adult-onset nonaffective–psychosis-spectrum disorder
Authors: Schiffman Jason , Mittal Vijay , Kline Emily , Mortensen Erik L. , Michelsen Niels , Ekstrøm Morten , Millman Zachary B. , Mednick Sarnoff A. , Sørensen Holger J.
Published: January 2015

Several neurological variables have been investigated as premorbid biomarkers of vulnerability for schizophrenia and other related disorders. The current study examined whether childhood dyspraxia predicted later adult nonaffective–psychosis-spectrum disorders. From a standardized neurological examination performed with children (aged 10–13) at genetic high risk of schizophrenia and controls, several measures of dyspraxia were used to create a scale composed of face/head dyspraxia, oral articulation, ideomotor dyspraxia (clumsiness), and dressing dyspraxia (n = 244). Multinomial logistic regression showed higher scores on the dyspraxia scale predict nonaffective–psychosis-spectrum disorders relative to other psychiatric disorders and no mental illness outcomes, even after controlling for genetic risk, χ2 (4, 244) = 18.61, p < .001. Findings that symptoms of dyspraxia in childhood (reflecting abnormalities spanning functionally distinct brain networks) specifically predict adult nonaffective–psychosis-spectrum disorders are consistent with a theory of abnormal connectivity, and they highlight a marked early-stage vulnerability in the pathophysiology of nonaffective–psychosis-spectrum disorders.
Description and Optimization of Abstract Machines in a Dialect of Prolog
Authors: MORALES JOSÉ F. , CARRO MANUEL , HERMENEGILDO MANUEL
Published: January 2015

In order to achieve competitive performance, abstract machines for Prolog and related languages end up being large and intricate, and incorporate sophisticated optimizations, both at the design and at the implementation levels. At the same time, efficiency considerations make it necessary to use low-level languages in their implementation. This makes them laborious to code, optimize, and, especially, maintain and extend. Writing the abstract machine (and ancillary code) in a higher-level language can help tame this inherent complexity. We show how the semantics of most basic components of an efficient virtual machine for Prolog can be described using (a variant of) Prolog. These descriptions are then compiled to C and assembled to build a complete bytecode emulator. Thanks to the high-level of the language used and its closeness to Prolog, the abstract machine description can be manipulated using standard Prolog compilation and optimization techniques with relative ease. We also show how, by applying program transformations selectively, we obtain abstract machine implementations whose performance can match and even exceed that of state-of-the-art, highly-tuned, hand-crafted emulators.
A next step in exoplanetology: exo-moons
Authors: Schneider J. , Lainey V. , Cabrera J.
Published: January 2015

The interest of exo-moons for Astrobiology is that they widen significantly the potential niches of exolife. In this paper, after a review of standard detection methods, we investigate new ways to characterize exo-moons and to use them to characterize their home planetary system.
A supplementary note on constructing the general Earth's rotation theory
Authors: Brumberg Victor A. , Ivanova Tamara V.
Published: January 2015

Representing a post-scriptum supplementary to a previous paper of the authors Brumberg & Ivanova (2011) this note aims to simplify the practical development of the Earth's rotation theory, in the framework of the general planetary theory, avoiding the non–physical secular terms and involving the separation of the fast and slow angular variables, both for planetary–lunar motion and Earth's rotation. In this combined treatment of motion and rotation, the fast angular terms are related to the mean orbital longitudes of the bodies, the diurnal and Euler rotations of the Earth. The slow angular terms are due to the motions of pericenters and nodes, as well as the precession of the Earth. The combined system of the equations of motion for the principal planets and the Moon and the equations of the Earth's rotation is reduced to the autonomous secular system with theoretically possible solution in a trigonometric form. In the above–mentioned paper, the Earth's rotation has been treated in Euler parameters. The trivial change of the Euler parameters to their small declinations from some nominal values may improve the practical efficiency of the normalization of the Earth's rotation equations. This technique may be applied to any three-axial rigid planet. The initial terms of the corresponding expansions are given in the Appendix.
The long-period forced librations of Titan
Authors: Yseboodt Marie , Van Hoolst Tim
Published: January 2015

A moon in synchronous rotation has longitudinal librations because of its non-spherical mass distribution and its elliptical orbit around the planet. We study the librations of Titan with periods of 14.7y and 29.5y and include deformation effects and the existence of a subsurface ocean. We take into account the fact that the orbit is not Keplerian and has other periodicities than the main period of orbital motion around Saturn due to perturbations by the Sun, other planets and moons. An orbital theory is used to compute the orbital perturbations due to these other bodies.

We numerically evaluate the amplitude of the long-period librations for many interior structure models of Titan constrained by the mass, radius and gravity field. Measurements of the librations may give constraints on the interior structure of the icy satellites.
Variational Chaos Indicators: Application to the Restricted Three-Body Problem
Authors: Koksin Alexey M. , Shefer Vladimir A.
Published: January 2015

A comparison of several known dynamical indicators of chaos based on the numerical integration of differential variational equations is performed. The comparison is implemented on the examples of studying dynamics in the planar circular restricted three-body problem.
The parametric instability of resonance motion in restricted three body problem
Authors: Rosaev Alexey E.
Published: January 2015

A method of analyses of dynamical system is applied to the planetary restricted three-body problem (RTBP). It is well known, that equations of motion of restricted 3-body problem in rotating rectangular frame may be reduced to the second order differential equation with periodic coefficients (Hills equation). Here Hills equation in cylindrical coordinate frame is derived. It gives the possibility to estimate width and position of the unstable zones. The dependence of the position of unstable zones on orbital eccentricity of the test particle is derived. Some followings of this simple linear model are noted.
Modeling Trojan dynamics: diffusion mechanisms through resonances
Authors: Páez Rocío I. , Efthymiopoulos Christos
Published: January 2015

In the framework of the ERTBP, we study an example of the influence of secondary resonances over the long term stability of Trojan motions. By the integration of ensembles of orbits, we find various types of chaotic diffusion, slow and fast. We show that the distribution of escape times is bi-modular, corresponding to two populations of short and long escape times. The objects with long escape times produce a power-law tail in the distribution.
Small asteroid system evolution
Authors: Jacobson Seth A.
Published: January 2015

Recently, the discovery of small unbound asteroid systems called asteroid pairs have revolutionized the study of small asteroid systems. Observations with radar, photometric and direct imaging techniques have discovered that multiple asteroid systems can be divided clearly into a handful of different morphologies. Simultaneously, new theoretical advances have demonstrated that solar radiation dictates the evolution of small asteroids with strong implications for asteroid internal structure. We review our current understanding of how small asteroid systems evolve and point to the future.
Dynamical evolution of near-Sun objects
Authors: Emel'yanenko Vacheslav V. , Shelyakov Mikhail A.
Published: January 2015

The dynamical evolution of short-period objects having perihelia at small heliocentric distances is discussed. We have investigated the motion of multiple-apparition members of the Marsden and Kracht sungrazing groups. The orbital evolution of these objects on timescales < 10 Kyr is mainly determined by the Kozai-Lidov secular perturbations. These objects are dynamically connected with high-inclination near-Earth objects. On the other hand, we have found several observed near-Earth objects that evolve in the same way, reaching small perihelion distances on short timescales in the past.
Hill Stability in the Full 3-Body Problem
Authors: Scheeres D. J.
Published: January 2015

Hill stability cannot be easily established in the classical 3-body problem with point masses, as sufficient energy for escape of one of the bodies can always be extracted from the gravitational potential energy. For the finite density, so-called Full 3-body problem the lower limits on the gravitational potential energy ensure that Hill stability can exist. For the equal mass Full 3-body problem this can be easily established, with the result that for any equal mass, finite density 3-body problem in or near a contact equilibrium, none of the components of the system can escape in the ensuing motion.
Explosive evolution of small bodies in planetary atmospheres
Authors: Ibadov Subhon , Ibodov Firuz S.
Published: January 2015

The entry of small celestial bodies such as cometary nuclei, asteroids and their large fragments, into a planetary atmosphere is accompanied by an “explosion”, i.e., sudden rise in brightness and the generation of a “blast” shock wave, like the 2013 Chelyabinsk event. Fully analytic approach to the phenomenon is developed taking into account aerodynamic crushing of the body and transversal expansion of the crushed mass, that leads to impulse generation of hot plasma and a “blast” shock wave in the thin “exploding” layer.
Close encounters of Near Earth Objects with large asteroids
Authors: Ivantsov Anatoliy , Eggl Siegfried , Hestroffer Daniel , Thuillot William , Gurfil Pini
Published: January 2015

Close encounters of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) with large asteroids are a possible source of systematic errors in trajectory propagations and asteroid mitigation. It is, thus, necessary to identify those large asteroids that have to be considered as perturbers in NEO orbit modeling. Using the Standard Dynamical Model we searched for encounters between the 1649 numbered Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs) and 2191 large asteroids having sizes greater than 20 km. Investigating the 21st century A. D. we have found 791 close encounters with 195 different large asteroids that lead to a substantial scattering of NEOs.
On relative equilibria of mutually gravitating massive point and triangular rigid body
Authors: Nikonov Vasily I.
Published: January 2015

Planar motions of a triangular body and a massive point under the action of mutual Newtonian attraction are studied. For the first formulation the triangle is assumed to be composed of three massive points. For the second formulation it is constructed with three homogeneous rods. Some partial solutions are observed within the analysis of the geometry of mass distribution.

The investigation is motivated by the problem of motion of spacecrafts near asteroid-like celestial objects possessing irregular mass distribution. Comparison of dynamical effects for two types of mass distribution is another goal of the research.

Problems appearing because of irregularities in mass distributions have been known for a long time. Certain approaches to the description of motions under attraction as well as qualitative particulars of dynamics are discussed by Demin (1963), Burov & Karapetyan (1995), Buchin & Burov & Troger (2008), Burov & Guerman & Sulikashvili (2010), Kholshevnikov & Kuznetsov (2011), Beletsky & Rodnikov (2011) and Scheeres (2012).
The effect of secular resonances on the long-term orbital evolution of uncontrolled near-Earth objects
Authors: Bordovitsyna T. V. , Tomilova I. V. , Ryabova G. O.
Published: January 2015

A set of 29 low order secular resonance relations in the near-Earth satellite dynamics has been obtained and their influence on dynamic evolution of objects has been investigated on time intervals of 100 years. The analysis of the results shows that secular resonances are very common phenomena in the near-Earth orbital space. Sharp resonances are concentrated in the orbital space areas where the semi-major axes a ⩾ 20000 km and the inclinations i ⩾ 50○. In some areas objects have several secular resonances. The superposition of several secular resonances or orbital and secular resonances are the source of randomness in the motion of objects.