bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Can Successfully Support Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Lieu of Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Kurihara Chitaru , Walter James M. , Singer Benjamin D. , Cajigas Hector , Shayan Shahriar , Al-Qamari Abbas , DeCamp Malcolm M. , Wunderink Rich , Budinger GR Scott , Bharat Ankit
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used in the management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. With extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, select patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome can be managed without mechanical ventilation, sedation, or neuromuscular blockade. Published experience with this approach, specifically with attention to a patient’s respiratory drive following cannulation, is limited.

Design:

We describe our experience with three consecutive patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome supported with right jugular-femoral configuration of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without therapeutic anticoagulation as an alternative to lung-protective mechanical ventilation. Outcomes are reported including daily respiratory rate, vital capacities, and follow-up pulmonary function testing.

Results:

Following cannulation, patients were extubated within 24 hours. During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, all patients were able to maintain a normal respiratory rate and experienced steady improvements in vital capacities. Patients received oral nutrition and ambulated daily. At follow-up, no patients required supplemental oxygen.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can provide a safe and effective alternative to lung-protective mechanical ventilation in carefully selected patients. This approach facilitates participation in physical therapy and avoids complications associated with mechanical ventilation.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma—Report of a Rare Male Buttock Lesion
Authors: Hsieh Frank , Chuang Kai-Ti , Wu You-Ting , Lin Chih-Hung
Published: August 2018

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a very rare benign tumor for male population with fewer than 50 cases reported since the description of this tumor. Most documented cases of aggressive angiomyxomas were found in genital, perineal, and pelvic regions in women of child bearing age. We report a case of a massive (> 20 cm) aggressive angiomyxomas in a man who presented with perineal swellings. Macroscopically the mass was highly vascular and lobulated with high similarity to plexiform neurofibroma. Microscopic examination revealed a hypocellular tumor comprising bland oval and spindle-shaped cells along with vessels of varying calibre. The accompanying stroma was myxocollagenous. Immunohistochemical staining showed CD34 and focal estrogen receptors positivity and negative staining for S100, actin, desmin, and progesterone receptors. The histologic and immunohistochemical features favored the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. Despite the rarity of such tumor in the male population, aggressive angiomyxoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis when encountering chronic para-perineal lesions.
Coincidence of Malignant Melanoma and an Incidently Discovered Parotid Mass Presenting a Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Derebaşinlioğlu Handan , Yilmaz Sarper
Published: August 2018

Parotid masses coincided with skin tumors in head and neck region may represent a serious diagnostic challenge. Conventional imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging may help to determine nature of the masses. Positron emission tomography - computed tomography imaging is reported to be useful for the detection of malignancy in the parotid gland. But in some situations all of them become insufficient. We present a case of cheek malignant melanoma with an incidentally discovered parotid mass during the investigation. We describe the problems experienced in the course of differential diagnosis and decision making in terms of surgical management. As a result, the most reliable diagnosis of suspicious parotid lesions accompanying head and neck melanomas comes from frozen section analyses. The other diagnostic tools are not reliable enough to allow a safe surgical plan in terms of regional treatment; however, the significance of positron emission tomography - computed tomography in distant metastasis investigation should always be kept in mind.
Age-Related Variations in Corneal Asphericity and Long-Term Changes
Authors: Amorim-de-Sousa Ana , Vieira Ana Cláudia , González-Méijome José Manuel , Queirós António
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Corneal front-surface asphericity is directly related with the optical quality of the eye and with contact lenses fitting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the corneal asphericity as a function of age, sex, and refractive error measured with autokeratometry and corneal topography and its long-term changes (5- to 10-year period).

Methods:

The asphericity and corneal curvature were obtained with the autorefractometer/autokeratometer NIDEK ARK-700A and with the videokeratoscope MODI 2.0 and compared. Corneal asphericity was retrospectively analyzed with NIDEK ARK-700A. The longitudinal study of asphericity was conducted with the same device between 2 appointments within an interval of 5 to 10 years.

Results:

NIDEK ARK-700A showed agreement of asphericity values with those of MODI 2.0 (P=0.172) for a 7-mm diameter chord. The mean Q value of 1,484 right eyes (58.6% female), with a mean age of 40.2±18.4 years, was −0.24±0.12. No differences were found for Q value between sexes (P=0.424), age groups (P=0.268), and refractive error groups (P=0.107). The longitudinal analysis of corneal asphericity in 190 eyes (62.1% female) over a mean period of 5.9±1.4 years showed no significant differences in the Q value (0.00±0.08, P=0.813) over time. However, 14% showed asphericity changes of ±0.10 or higher while 86% of the subjects showed a change below ±0.10.

Conclusions:

The mean Q value observed in this study agrees with the average values of a white population and contributes to slightly reduce the positive spherical aberration of the eye. For the large majority of this population, the asphericity did not show significant changes within a period of 5 to 10 years, but significant changes can be observed in some patients.
Characterization of Primary Cilia in Normal Fallopian Tube Epithelium and Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma
Authors: Abdelhamed Zakia A. , Ryan Thomas A. , Fuller Martin , Coulson-Gilmer Camilla , Abdelmottaleb Dina I. , Wang Tian-Li , Kaun Jen-Chun , Wang Peiyi , Hutson Richard , Wilkinson Nafisa , Bell Sandra M. , Johnson Colin A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of primary cilia on secretory cells in normal fallopian tube (FT) and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC).

Methods

Fallopian tube tissue samples were obtained from 4 females undergoing prophylactic hysterectomies and 6 patients diagnosed with STIC. A mogp-TAg transgenic mouse STIC sample was also compared with a wild-type mouse FT sample. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma was identified by hematoxylin and eosin staining and confirmed by positive Ki-67 and p53 immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections. We assessed the relative distribution of primary cilia on secretory cells and motile cilia on multiple ciliated cells by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. Ciliary function was assessed by immunofluorescence staining of specific ciliary marker proteins and responsiveness to Sonic Hedgehog signaling.

Results

Primary cilia are widespread on secretory cells in the ampulla, isthmus, and in particular, the fimbriae of human FT where they may appear to mediate ciliary-mediated Sonic Hedgehog signaling. A statistically significant reduction in the number of primary cilia on secretory cells was observed in human STIC samples compared with normal controls (P < 0.0002, Student t test), supported by similar findings in a mouse STIC sample. Immunohistochemical staining for dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 discriminated multiple motile cilia from primary cilia in human FT.

Conclusions

Primary cilia are widespread on secretory cells in the ampulla, isthmus, and in particular, the fimbriae of the human FT but are significantly reduced in both human and mouse STIC samples. Immunohistochemical staining for ciliary proteins may have clinical utility for early detection of STIC.
Incidence and Clinical Features of Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Province of Santa Fe (Argentina)
Authors: Costaguta Alejandro , González Andrea , Pochettino Sandra , Trotta Liliana , Vicentín Rosalía , Wagener Marta
Published: August 2018

Objetives:

The aim of the study is to investigate the incidence and clinical features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children from the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, for 10 years.

Methods:

From the records of all of the pediatric hepatologists in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, we reviewed the clinical charts of patients <18 years who were diagnosed with AIH (simplified score >6 points) and followed between January 2003 and December 2013. Population data were extracted from the 2010 national census. Values were expressed as percentages and median ± interquartile range. Mann‐Whitney U test was used for comparison between the groups.

Results:

Sixty‐seven patients fulfilled inclusion criteria, from which 11 (16%) were later reclassified as having “autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis” according to biochemical, histological, and radiological findings. A final sample of 56 patients (39 F) with AIH was analyzed, giving an annual incidence of 0.56/100,000. Median age at presentation was 8 (5.7–11) years, and the median follow‐up was 4 (2–7) years. Type 1 AIH was diagnosed in 89%. An acute presentation was observed in 53%, while 13 (23%) showed cirrhosis on initial biopsy. Prednisone (87%) and azathioprine (60%) were the most common drugs prescribed. At the end of follow‐up, 53/56 (95%) were alive, including 4 patients (7%) who underwent liver transplantation.

Conclusions:

AIH has an estimated incidence of 0.56/100,000 per year in children from the province of Santa Fe (Argentina). Overall survival rate was 95%. A subgroup of patients diagnosed as AIH develops predominant biliary disease and should be better classified as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis.
Early Infant Risk Factors for Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Witmer Claire P. , Susi Apryl , Min Steve B. , Nylund Cade M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory, atopic disease of the esophagus without a clear etiology. Our objective was to identify exposures and conditions in early infancy associated with the development of EoE.

Methods:

A case‐control study was performed using the Military Health System Database. Subjects diagnosed with EoE from October 2008 to September 2015 were matched 1:2 on age and sex. Early infant risk factors from the first 6 months of life were investigated.

Results:

A total of 1410 cases with EoE were matched to 2820 controls. The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis of EoE was 4.2 years (2.1–7.2) and 68.7% were boys. Proton pump inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93–3.88), histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI 1.27–2.13), and antibiotics (aOR, 1.31; 95% CI 1.10–1.56) were associated with EoE. Prematurity (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI 1.12–1.89) and early manifestations of atopic disease such as milk protein allergy (aOR, 2.37; 95% CI 1.26–4.44) and eczema (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.64–2.36) were related to increased odds for EoE. Erythema toxicum in infancy was strongly associated with a diagnosis of EoE (aOR 3.52; 95% CI 1.03–12.04). Infants with feeding difficulty (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.18–1.77) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (aOR, 1.79; 96% CI 1.43–2.26) were also at increased risk for EoE.

Conclusions:

Acid‐blocking medications and antibiotics during infancy were associated with later diagnosis of EoE. Erythema toxicum neonatorum, an eosinophilic immune phenomenon, was strongly associated with EoE. Identifying early infant risk factors for EoE may help to risk stratify the need for endoscopy.
Blood Stream Infections and Antibiotic Utilization in Pediatric Leukemia Patients With Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Reinecke James , Lowas Stefanie , Snowden Jessica , Neemann Kari
Published: August 2018

Background:

Frequent surveillance of bacterial pathogens responsible for microbiologically defined-blood stream infections (MD-BSI), and their respective antibiotic susceptibilities is central to tailoring empiric antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenia (FN) episodes in pediatric patients with leukemia. The safety of deescalating antibiotic therapy in pediatric patients with leukemia and neutropenia is incompletely understood.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 194 FN episodes occurred between the years of 2013 and 2016 in 67 patients with leukemia. Clinical and microbiologic data were recorded.

Results:

MD-BSI occurred in 36 of 194 (18%) of FN episodes. Deescalation of empiric antibiotic therapy based on antibiotic susceptibilities was possible in 25 of 36 (69.4%) episodes. In those 25 episodes, where there was an opportunity to deescalate the antibiotic spectrum, it was clinically appropriate to do so in 19. Deescalation occurred in 9 (47.4%) of these episodes without complication. The remaining 10 patients received a median of 20 additional days of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (range, 12 to 30 d).

Conclusions:

In our small cohort of patients, deescalation of antibiotic therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibilities did not result in complication. Larger prospective studies are needed to address the safety of deescalating antibiotic therapy in this population.
An Autopsy Case of Injuries Caused by Automobile Dragging for a Distance of 3.4 km Without Thoracoabdominal Organ Injuries
Authors: Fukasawa Maki , Ninomiya Kenji , Kawakami Yuka , Fuke Chiaki , Ihama Yoko , Miyazaki Tetsuji
Published: August 2018

Dragging injuries caused by automobiles involved in an accident are occasionally reported; however, those without injury to the thoracoabdominal organs are rare. We present an autopsy case of a man in his 20s found dead on the road after being dragged by a passenger automobile for a distance of 3.4 km. The accident caused fatal dragging injuries but no thoracoabdominal injuries. The victim appeared to be drunk and was lying on the road in front of the parked automobile. Dragging injuries are a unique type of traffic accident that sometimes result from limited and poor visibility due to darkness, rain, or fog. In particular, lying on the road in a drunken state is a specific risk factor for dragging injuries. The dragging distance, road-surface properties, strength of pressure applied by the underbody of the automobile, and the victim's posture are considered to affect the distribution and degree of dragging injuries. Based on autopsy findings and eyewitness testimonies, we discuss the injury mechanism and attempt to reconstruct the accident.
Lead Pellet Ingestion in 3 Children
Authors: Rozier Becky , Liebelt Erica
Published: August 2018

Acute ingestions of spherical lead ammunition foreign bodies such as bullets and lead shot can cause acute blood lead level elevations and clinical symptoms necessitating emergency department evaluations and sometimes treatment. This article presents 3 cases of children ingesting lead ammunition, all receiving gastrointestinal (GI) decontamination and chelation therapy for significantly elevated blood lead level. Case-specific exposures and treatments for the lead ammunitions are presented. Radiographs documented lead pellet ingestion in all 3 cases. Pediatric patients absorb lead from the GI tract more quickly than adults and may necessitate more urgent evaluation and treatment than adolescents/adults. More rapid GI absorption has the potential to result in possible irreversible neurotoxicity and neurocognitive deficits as well as behavioral changes. Failure of lead foreign bodies to pass from the GI tract may require more aggressive interventions for their removal to prevent ongoing absorption. Emergency health care providers should be aware of alternative lead sources besides the most common source of paint, as these lead foreign bodies also need urgent evaluation and possibly treatment.
Seasonal Variations in Microtia of Chinese Population
Authors: Hu Jin-Tian , Chen Qi , Song Hui-Ying , Cao Yi-Lin , Zhang Yong-Biao , Zhou Xu , Liu Tun , Zhang Qing-Guo
Published: August 2018

Background:

Seasonality of congenital birth defect could help to identify environmental risk factors. Data concerning the seasonality of the prevalence of microtia are little. This article aims to determine whether births of microtia follow a certain pattern.

Methods:

Data were obtained from 2669 patients with microtia who were admitted to Second Ear Reconstruction Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science from January 2007 to December 2013. The controls consist of all living births from the Obstetric Department of the Haidian Maternal & Child Health Hospital during the same time. Seasonal variations in months of births were analyzed by using χ2 test.

Results:

A total of 2669 patients with microtia and 89,273 healthy living newborns were included in this study. Birth time peak of the patients occurred in autumn, especially in November, compared with the nadir in the spring, especially in April (P G 0.05). The birth time peak of male patients occurred in autumn, too, especially in October and November, While the valley occurred in spring (April, too). However, the seasonality in female patients is not so apparent with the peak occurred in the tail of summer and autumn, especially in August, November, and September orderly, while the valley occurred in March.

Conclusions:

There is a possible seasonality in birth months and a difference between sexes of patients with microtia in this native Chinese population. This approach could be useful to study the etiology of microtia.
Proprioception 2.0: novel functions for muscle spindles
Authors: Kröger Stephan
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

Muscle spindles are encapsulated mechanosensory receptors within skeletal muscle tissue that inform the central nervous system about the contractile status of each muscle. This information is required for any coordinated movement and for stable posture. This review summarizes recent findings regarding novel functions for proprioceptive feedback information, muscle spindle disease and the molecular basis of mechanoreception.

Recent findings

Muscle spindle function is not limited to regulating motor control but is also required for appropriate realignment of fractured bones, successful regeneration of spinal cord axons after injury and spinal alignment. Several proteins responsible for or modulating mechanotransduction in proprioceptive sensory neurons have been identified, including the Piezo2 channel as a candidate for the principal mechanotransduction channel. Many neuromuscular diseases are known to be accompanied by an impaired function of muscle spindles, resulting in a decline of motor performance and coordination in the patients.

Our knowledge regarding the molecular basis of muscle spindle function is still incomplete. However, increasing our understanding of mechanotransduction in muscle spindles is a prerequisite for finding appropriate strategies to prevent injuries due to unstable gait and frequent falls.
Martin Geoffrey Low. 27 July 1950—6 August 2013
Authors: Michell Bob , Ferguson Mike
Published: August 2018

The young Martin Low embarked on research just as an influential review of biological membrane structure opened by stating that ‘Biological membranes play a crucial role in almost all cellular phenomena, yet our understanding of the molecular organization of membranes is still rudimentary’ (Singer & Nicholson 1972Science175, 720–731 (doi:10.1126/science.175.4023.720)). Much of this ignorance was dispelled during the next couple of decades, the period during which he played a central role in establishing that many proteins on the surfaces of eukaryotic cells are moored there by membrane-embedded anchors consisting of glycosylated inositol phospholipids (known as GPI anchors). Martin started this work in Birmingham, UK, and then moved to the USA, working mainly in Ithaca, Oklahoma City and New York. During the latter period he became the focal person of this emerging research community. He provided reagents for and collaborated with a remarkable number of geographically scattered biochemists, immunologists and geneticists, and it was through him that most of the new information flowed. His generosity, modesty and scientific integrity were essential for the speedy maturation of this research area during the 1980s. Tragically, his work was cut short by early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and he retired prematurely in 2008. He died in 2013 at the appallingly young age of 63.
Isabella Helen Mary Muir CBE. 20 August 1920—28 November 2005
Authors: Hardingham Tim
Published: August 2018

Helen Muir was a leader in British biomedical research over many years. She trained as a chemist at Oxford and, having started her research on the structure of penicillin, she moved progressively into biomedical research. Helen's major achievements were in research on joint diseases, particularly osteoarthritis, which affects 8 million sufferers in the UK. She identified the molecular basis of the key load-bearing properties of cartilage in our joints and helped to establish that osteoarthritis was driven by active processes and not just wear and tear. This revolutionized research approaches at the time and the consequences are important to this day. Her careful research analysis laid the foundation for molecular cellular research approaches to degenerative joint diseases. She was Division Head and then Director at the Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology in Hammersmith, London. Helen was highly regarded and was appointed the first woman member of the Medical Research Council and later a Trustee of the Wellcome Trust. She was respected for her opinions, which she expressed in a forthright manner. She was very much without prejudice and judged people on their merits. She could not stand pomposity and, although she became a grand lady, she always had a wry sense of humour and liked a good laugh.
The multiple roles of β-diversity help untangle community assembly processes affecting recovery of temperate rocky shores
Authors: Chiantore Mariachiara , Thrush Simon F. , Asnaghi Valentina , Hewitt Judi E
Published: August 2018

Metacommunity theory highlights the potential of β-diversity as a useful link to empirical research, especially in diverse systems where species exhibit a range of stage-dependent dispersal characteristics. To investigate the importance of different components and scales of β-diversity in community assembly, we conducted a large-scale disturbance experiment and compared relative recovery across multiple sites and among plots within sites on the rocky shore. Six sites were spread along 80 km of coastline and, at each site, five plots were established, matching disturbed and undisturbed quadrats. Recovery was not complete at any of the sites after 1 year for either epibenthos (mostly composed of macroalgae and, locally, mussels) or infauna. Significant differences in recovery among sites were observed for epibenthos but not for infauna, suggesting that different community assembly processes were operating. This was supported by epibenthos in the recovering plots having higher species turnover than in undisturbed sediment, and recovery well predicted by local diversity, while infaunal recovery was strongly influenced by the epibenthic community's habitat complexity. However, infaunal community recovery did not simply track formation of habitat by recovering epibenthos, but appeared to be overlain by within-site and among-site aspects of infaunal β-diversity. These results suggest that documenting changes in the large plants and animals alone will be a poor surrogate for rocky shore community assembly processes. No role for ecological connectivity (negative effect of among-site β-diversity) in driving recovery was observed, suggesting a low risk of effects from multiple disturbances propagating along the coast, but a limited resilience at the site scale to large-scale disturbances such as landslides or oil spills.
Quantifying layer similarity in multiplex networks: a systematic study
Authors: Bródka Piotr , Chmiel Anna , Magnani Matteo , Ragozini Giancarlo
Published: August 2018

Computing layer similarities is an important way of characterizing multiplex networks because various static properties and dynamic processes depend on the relationships between layers. We provide a taxonomy and experimental evaluation of approaches to compare layers in multiplex networks. Our taxonomy includes, systematizes and extends existing approaches, and is complemented by a set of practical guidelines on how to apply them.
Effects of sodium roasting on the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings and its mechanism analysis
Authors: Zou Chengxi , Tang Zhenyu , Xie Wei , Fu Hanguang , Kuang Jiacai , Deng Yingjun , Cao Taishan
Published: August 2018

The study reported was intended to improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings, using a method of sodium roasting that uses boron-bearing tailings as the raw material and Na
2
CO
3
as the sodium agent. The effects of the roasting temperature and Na
2
CO
3
amount on the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings are mainly evaluated. The morphology and composition of the samples after sodium roasting are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that sodium roasting can significantly improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings. Under the optimal conditions where roasting temperature is 950°C, Na
2
CO
3
amount is five times the theoretical amount and roasting time is 2 h, the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings is up to 86.78%. Based on the analysis of the characterization results and the mechanism analysis of the sodium roasting process, the main reason for the increase of leaching rate is the reaction between Na
2
O produced by the decomposition of Na
2
CO
3
and the boron in boron-bearing tailings resulting in soluble sodium borate. The results provide a scientific basis for the efficient comprehensive use of boron-bearing tailings.
Context-dependent variability in blue whale acoustic behaviour
Authors: Lewis Leah A. , Calambokidis John , Stimpert Alison K. , Fahlbusch James , Friedlaender Ari S. , McKenna Megan F. , Mesnick Sarah L. , Oleson Erin M. , Southall Brandon L. , Szesciorka Angela R. , Širović Ana
Published: August 2018

Acoustic communication is an important aspect of reproductive, foraging and social behaviours for many marine species. Northeast Pacific blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) produce three different call types—A, B and D calls. All may be produced as singular calls, but A and B calls also occur in phrases to form songs. To evaluate the behavioural context of singular call and phrase production in blue whales, the acoustic and dive profile data from tags deployed on individuals off southern California were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Only 22% of all deployments contained sounds attributed to the tagged animal. A larger proportion of tagged animals were female (47%) than male (13%), with 40% of unknown sex. Fifty per cent of tags deployed on males contained sounds attributed to the tagged whale, while only a few (5%) deployed on females did. Most calls were produced at shallow depths (less than 30 m). Repetitive phrasing (singing) and production of singular calls were most common during shallow, non-lunging dives, with the latter also common during surface behaviour. Higher sound production rates occurred during autumn than summer and they varied with time-of-day: singular call rates were higher at dawn and dusk, while phrase production rates were highest at dusk and night.
Flight behaviour of malaria mosquitoes around odour-baited traps: capture and escape dynamics
Authors: Cribellier Antoine , van Erp Jens A. , Hiscox Alexandra , Lankheet Martin J. , van Leeuwen Johan L. , Spitzen Jeroen , Muijres Florian T.
Published: August 2018

Host-seeking mosquitoes rely on a range of sensory cues to find and approach blood hosts, as well as to avoid host detection. By using odour blends and visual cues that attract anthropophilic mosquitoes, odour-baited traps have been developed to monitor and control human pathogen-transmitting vectors. Although long-range attraction of such traps has already been studied thoroughly, close-range response of mosquitoes to these traps has been largely ignored. Here, we studied the flight behaviour of female malaria mosquitoes (Anopheles coluzzii) in the immediate vicinity of a commercially available odour-baited trap, positioned in a hanging and standing orientation. By analysing more than 2500 three-dimensional flight tracks, we elucidated how mosquitoes reacted to the trap, and how this led to capture. The measured flight dynamics revealed two distinct stereotypical behaviours: (i) mosquitoes that approached a trap tended to simultaneously fly downward towards the ground; (ii) mosquitoes that came close to a trap changed their flight direction by rapidly accelerating upward. The combination of these behaviours led to strikingly different flight patterns and capture dynamics, resulting in contrasting short-range attractiveness and capture mechanism of the oppositely oriented traps. These new insights may help in improving odour-baited traps, and consequently their contribution in global vector control strategies.
Towards open data blockchain analytics: a Bitcoin perspective
Authors: McGinn D. , McIlwraith D. , Guo Y.
Published: August 2018

Bitcoin is the first implementation of a technology that has become known as a ‘public permissionless’ blockchain. Such systems allow public read/write access to an append-only blockchain database without the need for any mediating central authority. Instead, they guarantee access, security and protocol conformity through an elegant combination of cryptographic assurances and game theoretic economic incentives. Not until the advent of the Bitcoin blockchain has such a trusted, transparent, comprehensive and granular dataset of digital economic behaviours been available for public network analysis. In this article, by translating the cumbersome binary data structure of the Bitcoin blockchain into a high fidelity graph model, we demonstrate through various analyses the often overlooked social and econometric benefits of employing such a novel open data architecture. Specifically, we show: (i) how repeated patterns of transaction behaviours can be revealed to link user activity across the blockchain; (ii) how newly mined bitcoin can be associated to demonstrate individual accumulations of wealth; (iii) through application of the naïve quantity theory of money that Bitcoin's disinflationary properties can be revealed and measured; and (iv) how the user community can develop coordinated defences against repeated denial of service attacks on the network. Such public analyses of this open data are exemplary benefits unavailable to the closed data models of the ‘private permissioned’ distributed ledger architectures currently dominating enterprise-level blockchain development owing to existing issues of scalability, confidentiality and governance.
Searching for the bottom of the ego well: failure to uncover ego depletion in Many Labs 3
Authors: Vadillo Miguel A. , Gold Natalie , Osman Magda
Published: August 2018

According to a popular model of self-control, willpower depends on a limited resource that can be depleted when we perform a task demanding self-control. This theory has been put to the test in hundreds of experiments showing that completing a task that demands high self-control usually hinders performance in any secondary task that subsequently taxes self-control. Over the last 5 years, the reliability of the empirical evidence supporting this model has been questioned. In the present study, we reanalysed data from a large-scale study—Many Labs 3—to test whether performing a depleting task has any effect on a secondary task that also relies on self-control. Although we used a large sample of more than 2000 participants for our analyses, we did not find any significant evidence of ego depletion: persistence on an anagram-solving task (a typical measure of self-control) was not affected by previous completion of a Stroop task (a typical depleting task in this literature). Our results suggest that either ego depletion is not a real effect or, alternatively, persistence in anagram solving may not be an optimal measure to test it.
Synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods or nanotubes on one side of a microcantilever
Authors: Schlur Laurent , Calado Jeremy Ramos , Spitzer Denis
Published: August 2018

Cantilevers are really promising sensitive sensors despite their small surface. In order to increase this surface and consequently their sensitivity, we nanostructured them with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods or nanotubes having a diameter of approximately 100 nm and a length of 1 µm. The nanostructure growth was first optimized on a silicon wafer and then transferred to the cantilevers. The ZnO nanorods were grown in an autoclave. The centre of the nanorods was dissolved in order to obtain nanotubes. The dissolution conditions were optimized in order to have the longest etching depth. After 1.25 h in a dissolution solution containing 0.75 wt% of NH
3(aq)
and 0.75 wt% of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, the longest etching depth was obtained. After the transfer of the syntheses to the cantilevers, nanorods/nanotubes grew on both sides of the cantilever, which prevents the reflection of the laser allowing the resonance frequency measurement. A masking procedure was developed in order to avoid the growth on one face of the cantilever of zinc oxide nanostructures. As far as the authors are concerned, for the first time, zinc oxide nanotubes were synthesized on only one face of cantilevers with optical readout.
Imaging carbon nanostructures’ reactivity: a complementary strategy to define chemical structure
Authors: Pérez-Luna Verónica , Cisneros Mario , Bittencourt Carla , Saucedo-Orozco Izcoatl , Quintana Mildred
Published: August 2018

In the search for the integration of carbon nanostructures in composite and functional materials, covalent organic reactions are successfully performed. This approach resulted in the construction of tailored chemical interfaces facilitating incorporation of nanocarbons. By a combination of different characterization techniques, such as high-resolution X-ray photo-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis-nIR, and fluorescence spectroscopies, it is possible to identify and quantify the functional moieties covalently attached to the carbon frame. However, the determination of the structural conformation of functionalized nanostructures remains a difficult task. In this work, we present a straightforward methodology to visualize by transmission electron microscopy the functional moieties covalently attached to the carbon network in carbon nanotubes and graphene. The identification of the functionalities occurs in colloidal dispersions by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as discriminating markers by molecular recognition or by the direct growth of AuNPs on the oxygenated moieties. This methodology, in combination with other characterization analysis, is expected to improve the design of hierarchical interfaces by the spatial localization of the functionalities responsible for colloidal stabilization in solvents with different polarities, different from their homogeneous incorporation into different matrices.
Increasing photoperiod stimulates the initiation of spring migratory behaviour and physiology in a facultative migrant, the pine siskin
Authors: Robart Ashley R. , McGuire Mali M. K. , Watts Heather E.
Published: August 2018

The transition to a migratory state involves coordinated changes in physiology and behaviour. In species with regular, predictable (obligate) migrations, increasing day length triggers the expression of a spring migratory state and androgens play an important role in stimulating its development. By contrast, we know little about the environmental cues and endocrine mechanisms that regulate migration in species with less predictable (facultative) migrations. Here, we tested whether photoperiod stimulates a migratory state in a facultative nomadic migrant, the pine siskin (Spinus pinus). We exposed wintering birds to either a naturally increasing or short-day photoperiod and measured physiological and behavioural changes indicative of a migratory state. We also examined changes in circulating hormones that may play a role in the migratory transition. Natural-day, but not short-day, birds displayed physiological preparations for migration, including increases in fat deposition, and showed increased levels of migratory restlessness. We found no evidence for a role of corticosterone in the migratory transition, but testosterone may be important. This study is the first experimental test of the role of photoperiod in regulating facultative migration and demonstrates that the predictive cue used by many obligate migrants to time spring migration is also important in a facultative migrant.
Wrinkling in engineering fabrics: a comparison between two different comprehensive modelling approaches
Authors: Giorgio I. , Harrison P. , dell'Isola F. , Alsayednoor J. , Turco E.
Published: August 2018

We consider two ‘comprehensive’ modelling approaches for engineering fabrics. We distinguish the two approaches using the terms ‘semi-discrete’ and ‘continuum’, reflecting their natures. We demonstrate a fitting procedure, used to identify the constitutive parameters of the continuum model from predictions of the semi-discrete model, the parameters of which are in turn fitted to experimental data. We, then, check the effectiveness of the continuum model by verifying the correspondence between semi-discrete and continuum model predictions using test cases not previously used in the identification process. Predictions of both modelling approaches are compared against full-field experimental kinematic data, obtained using stereoscopic digital image correlation techniques, and also with measured force data. Being a reduced order model and being implemented in an implicit rather than an explicit finite-element code, the continuum model requires significantly less computational power than the semi-discrete model and could therefore be used to more efficiently explore the mechanical response of engineering fabrics.
Modulation of Human Hsp90α Conformational Dynamics by Allosteric Ligand Interaction at the C-Terminal Domain
Authors: Penkler David L. , Bishop Özlem Tastan
Published: August 2018

Recent years have seen heat shock protein 90 kDa (Hsp90) attract significant interest as a viable drug target, particularly for cancer. To date, designed inhibitors that target the ATPase domain demonstrate potent anti-proliferative effects, but have failed clinical trials due to high levels of associated toxicity. To circumvent this, the focus has shifted away from the ATPase domain. One option involves modulation of the protein through allosteric activation/inhibition. Here, we propose a novel approach: we use previously obtained information via residue perturbation scanning coupled with dynamic residue network analysis to identify allosteric drug targeting sites for inhibitor docking. We probe the open conformation of human Hsp90α for druggable sites that overlap with these allosteric control elements, and identify three putative natural compound allosteric modulators: Cephalostatin 17, 20(29)-Lupene-3β-isoferulate and 3′-Bromorubrolide F. We assess the allosteric potential of these ligands by examining their effect on the conformational dynamics of the protein. We find evidence for the selective allosteric activation and inhibition of Hsp90’s conformational transition toward the closed state in response to ligand binding and shed valuable insight to further the understanding of allosteric drug design and Hsp90’s complex allosteric mechanism of action.
MULTI-seq: Scalable sample multiplexing for single-cell RNA sequencing using lipid-tagged indices
Authors: McGinnis Christopher S. , Patterson David M. , Winkler Juliane , Hein Marco Y. , Srivastava Vasudha , Conrad Daniel N. , Murrow Lyndsay M. , Weissman Jonathan S. , Werb Zena , Chow Eric D. , Gartner Zev J.
Published: August 2018

We describe MULTI-seq: A rapid, modular, and universal scRNA-seq sample multiplexing strategy using lipid-tagged indices. MULTI-seq reagents can barcode any cell type from any species with an accessible plasma membrane. The method is compatible with enzymatic tissue dissociation, and also preserves viability and endogenous gene expression patterns. We leverage these features to multiplex the analysis of multiple solid tissues comprising human and mouse cells isolated from patient-derived xenograft mouse models. We also utilize MULTI-seq’s modular design to perform a 96-plex perturbation experiment with human mammary epithelial cells. MULTI-seq also enables robust doublet identification, which improves data quality and increases scRNA-seq cell throughput by minimizing the negative effects of Poisson loading. We anticipate that the sample throughput and reagent savings enabled by MULTI-seq will expand the purview of scRNA-seq and democratize the application of these technologies within the scientific community.
Effects of Ocean Climate on Spatiotemporal Variation in Sea Urchin Settlement and Recruitment
Authors: Okamoto Daniel K. , Schroeter Stephen , Reed Daniel C.
Published: August 2018

Sea urchins are voracious herbivores that influence the ecological structure and function of nearshore ecosystems throughout the world. Like many species that produce planktonic larvae, their recruitment is thought to be particularly sensitive to climatic fluctuations in temperature that directly or indirectly affect adult reproduction and larval transport and survival. Yet how climate alters sea urchin populations in space and time by modifying larval recruitment and year-class strength on the time-scales that regulate populations remains understudied. Using a, spatially replicated weekly-biweekly dataset spanning 27 years and 1100 km of coastline, we characterized seasonal, interannual, and spatial patterns of larval settlement of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus). We show that large spatial differences in temporal patterns of larval settlement were associated with different responses to fluctuations in ocean temperature and climate. Importantly, we found a strong correlation between larval settlement and regional year class strength suggesting that such temporal and spatial variation in settlement plays an important role in controlling population dynamics. These results provide strong evidence over extensive temporal and spatial domains that climatic fluctuations shape broad-scale patterns of larval settlement and subsequent population structure of an important marine herbivore known to control the productivity, community state and provisioning services of marine ecosystems.
Data-adaptive pipeline for filtering and normalizing metabolomics data
Authors: Schiffman Courtney , Petrick Lauren , Perttula Kelsi , Yano Yukiko , Carlsson Henrik , Whitehead Todd , Metayer Catherine , Hayes Josie , Edmands William M.B. , Rappaport Stephen , Dudoit Sandrine
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Untargeted metabolomics datasets contain large proportions of uninformative features and are affected by a variety of nuisance technical effects that can bias subsequent statistical analyses. Thus, there is a need for versatile and data-adaptive methods for filtering and normalizing data prior to investigating the underlying biological phenomena.

Objectives

Here, we propose and evaluate a data-adaptive pipeline for metabolomics data that are generated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry platforms.

Methods

Our data-adaptive pipeline includes novel methods for filtering features based on blank samples, proportions of missing values, and estimated intra-class correlation coefficients. It also incorporates a variant of k-nearest-neighbor imputation of missing values. Finally, we adapted an RNA-Seq approach and R package, scone, to select an appropriate normalization scheme for removing unwanted variation from metabolomics datasets.

Results

Using two metabolomics datasets that were generated in our laboratory from samples of human blood serum and neonatal blood spots, we compared our data-adaptive pipeline with a traditional filtering and normalization scheme. The data-adaptive approach outperformed the traditional pipeline in almost all metrics related to removal of unwanted variation and maintenance of biologically relevant signatures. The R code for running the data-adaptive pipeline is provided with an example dataset at https://github.com/courtneyschiffman/Data-adaptive-metabolomics.

Conclusion

Our proposed data-adaptive pipeline is intuitive and effectively reduces technical noise from untargeted metabolomics datasets. It is particularly relevant for interrogation of biological phenomena in data derived from complex matrices associated with biospecimens.
NKB Signaling in the Medial Amygdala Stimulates Gonadotropin Release in a Kisspeptin-Independent Manner in Female Mice
Authors: Fergani Chrysanthi , León Silvia , Padilla Stephanie L. , Verstegen Anne MJ , Palmiter Richard D. , Navarro Víctor M.
Published: August 2018

Neurokinin B (NKB) signaling is critical for reproduction in all studied species. The existing consensus is that NKB induces GnRH release via kisspeptin (Kiss1) stimulation in the arcuate nucleus. However, the stimulatory action of NKB is dependent on circulating estrogen (E2) levels, without which, NKB inhibits LH release. Importantly, the evidence supporting the kisspeptin-dependent role of NKB, derives from models of persistent hypogonadal state [e.g. Kiss1r knockout (KO) mice], with reduced E2 levels. Here, we demonstrate that in the presence of E2, NKB signaling induces LH release in a kisspeptin-independent manner. Moreover, senktide (NKB receptor agonist) delivery to the medial amygdala (MeA) increases LH in E2-treated Kiss1 KO females (but not males or sham-treated females) similar to controls, and thus, this increase is independent of Kiss1 neurons. These results document a novel kisspeptin-independent regulatory pathway of reproductive function in females mediated by NKB-responsive neurons in the MeA.