bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Transport of Membrane Components by Self-Organization of the Min Proteins
Authors: Shih YL , Huang LT , Tu YM , Lee BF , Bau YC , Hong CY , Lee HL , Shih YP , Hsu MF , Chen JS , Lu ZX , Chao L
Published: September 2018

Heterogeneous distribution of components in the biological membrane is critical in the process of cell polarization. However, little is known about the mechanisms that can generate and maintain the heterogeneous distribution of the membrane components. Here we report that the propagating wave patterns of the bacterial Min proteins can impose corresponding steric pressure on the membrane to establish a directional accumulation of the membrane components, resulting in segregation of the components in the membrane. The diffusivity, influenced by the membrane anchor of the component, and the repulsed ability, influenced by the steric property of the soluble region of the component and molecular crowding, determine the differential spatial distribution of the component in the membrane. Thus, transportation of the membrane components by the Min proteins follows a simple physical principle, which resembles a linear peristaltic pumping process, to selectively segregate and maintain heterogeneous distribution of materials in the membrane.
SLiM 3: Forward genetic simulations beyond the Wright–Fisher model
Authors: Haller Benjamin C. , Messer Philipp W.
Published: September 2018

With the desire to model population genetic processes under increasingly realistic scenarios, forward genetic simulations have become a critical part of the toolbox of modern evolutionary biology. The SLiM forward genetic simulation framework is one of the most powerful and widely used tools in this area. However, its foundation in the Wright–Fisher model has been found to pose an obstacle to implementing many types of models; it is difficult to adapt the Wright–Fisher model, with its many assumptions, to modeling ecologically realistic scenarios such as explicit space, overlapping generations, individual variation in reproduction, density-dependent population regulation, individual variation in dispersal or migration, local extinction and recolonization, mating between subpopulations, age structure, fitness-based survival and hard selection, emergent sex ratios, and so forth. In response to this need, we here introduce SLiM 3, which contains two key advancements aimed at abolishing these limitations. First, the new non-Wright–Fisher or “nonWF” model type provides a much more flexible foundation that allows the easy implementation of all of the above scenarios and many more. Second, SLiM 3 adds support for continuous space, including spatial interactions and spatial maps of environmental variables. We provide a conceptual overview of these new features, and present several example models to illustrate their use. These two key features allow SLiM 3 models to go beyond the Wright–Fisher model, opening up new horizons for forward genetic modeling.
Automated in situ profiling of chromatin modifications resolves cell types and gene regulatory programs
Authors: Janssens Derek H. , Wu Steven J. , Sarthy Jay F. , Meers Michael P. , Myers Carrie H. , Olson James M. , Ahmad Kami , Henikoff Steven
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of eukaryotic gene regulation is limited by the complexity of protein-DNA interactions that comprise the chromatin landscape and by inefficient methods for characterizing these interactions. We recently introduced CUT&RUN, an antibody-targeted nuclease-cleavage method that profiles DNA-binding proteins, histones and chromatin modifying proteins in situ with exceptional sensitivity and resolution. Here we describe an automated CUT&RUN platform and apply it to characterize the chromatin landscapes of human cell lines. We find that CUT&RUN profiles of histone modifications crisply demarcate active and repressed chromatin regions, and we develop a continuous metric to identify cell-type specific promoter and enhancer activities. We test the ability of automated CUT&RUN to profile frozen tumor samples, and find that our method readily distinguishes two diffuse midline gliomas by their subtype-specific gene expression programs. The easy, cost-effective workflow makes automated CUT&RUN an attractive tool for high-throughput characterization of cell types and patient samples.
Exploring the Binding Mechanism between Human Profilin (PFN1) and Polyproline-10 through Binding Mode Screening
Authors: Zhang Leili , Bell David R. , Luan Binquan , Zhou Ruhong
Published: September 2018

The large magnitude of protein-protein interaction (PPI) pairs within the human interactome necessitates the development of predictive models and screening tools to better understand this fundamental molecular communication. However, despite enormous efforts from various groups to develop predictive techniques in the last decade, PPI complex structures are in general still very challenging to predict due to the large number of degrees of freedom. In this study, we use the binding complex of human profilin (PFN1) and polyproline-10 (P10) as a model system to examine various approaches, with the aim of going beyond normal protein docking for PPI prediction and evaluation. The potential of mean force (PMF) was first obtained from the timeconsuming umbrella sampling, which confirmed that the most stable binding structure identified by the maximal PMF difference is indeed the crystallographic binding structure. Moreover, crucial residues previously identified in experimental studies, W3, H133 and S137 of PFN1, were found to form favorable hydrogen bonds with P10, suggesting a zipping process during the binding between PFN1 and P10. We then explored both regular molecular dynamics (MD) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations, seeking for better criteria of ranking the PPI prediction. Despite valuable information obtained from conventional MD simulations, neither the commonly used interaction energy between the two binding parties nor the long-term root mean square displacement (RMSD) correlates well with the PMF results. On the other hand, with a sizable collection of trajectories, we demonstrated that the average rupture work calculated from SMD simulations correlates fairly well with the PMFs (R2= 0.67), making it a promising PPI screening method.
Phenotypic variability correlates with clinical outcome inCryptococcusisolates obtained from Botswanan HIV/AIDS patients
Authors: Fernandes Kenya E. , Brockway Adam , Haverkamp Miriam , Cuomo Christina A. , Ogtrop Floris van , Perfect John R. , Carter Dee A.
Published: September 2018

Pathogenic species ofCryptococcuscause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Considerable phenotypic variation is exhibited during infection, including increased capsule size, capsule shedding, giant cells (≥ 15 μm) and micro cells (≤ 1 μm). We examined 70 clinical isolates ofCryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus tetragattiifrom HIV/AIDS patients in Botswana to determine if the capacity to produce morphological variants was associated with clinical parameters. Isolates were cultured under conditions designed to simulatein vivostresses. Substantial variation was seen across morphological and clinical data. Giant cells were more common inC. tetragattii,while micro cells and shed capsule occurred inC. neoformansonly. Phenotypic variables fell into two groups associated with differing symptoms. The production of “large” phenotypes (greater cell and capsule size and giant cells) was associated with higher CD4 count and was negatively correlated with intracranial pressure indicators, suggesting these are induced in early-stage infection. “Small” phenotypes (micro cells and shed capsule) were associated with lower CD4 counts, negatively correlated with meningeal inflammation indicators and positively correlated with intracranial pressure indicators, suggesting they are produced later during infection and may contribute to immune suppression and promote proliferation and dissemination. These trends persisted at the species level, indicating that they were not driven by association with particularCryptococcusspecies. Isolates possessing giant cells, micro cells, and shed capsule were rare, but strikingly were associated with patient death (p=0.0165). Our data indicate that pleomorphism is an important driver inCryptococcusinfection.

Importance

Cryptococcosis results in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa.Cryptococcusis an encapsulated yeast, and during infection cells have the capacity for substantial morphological changes, including capsule enlargement and shedding, and variations in cell shape and size. In this study we examined 70Cryptococcusisolates causing meningitis in HIV/AIDS patients in Botswana in order to look for associations between phenotypic variation and clinical symptoms. Four variant phenotypes were seen across strains: giant cells ≥ 15 μm, micro cells ≤ 1 μm, shed extracellular capsule, and irregularly shaped cells. We found “large” and “small” phenotypes were associated with differing disease symptoms, indicating that their production may be important during the disease process. Overall, our study indicates thatCryptococcusstrains that can switch on cell types under different situations may be more able to sustain infection and resist the host response.
Investigating the Osteoinductive Potential of a Decellularized Xenograft Bone Substitute
Authors: Bracey Daniel N. , Jinnah Alexander H. , Willey Jeffrey S. , Seyler Thorsten M. , Hutchinson Ian D. , Whitlock Patrick W. , Smith Thomas L. , Danelson Kerry A. , Emory Cynthia L. , Kerr Bethany A.
Published: September 2018

1.

Bone grafting is the second most common tissue transplantation procedure worldwide. The gold standard for bone grafting is the autograft; however, due to morbidity and limited supply, new alternatives, including allograft and tissue-engineered bone substitutes, are needed to satisfy long-term demand. One of the most desired properties of tissue-engineered bone substitutes is osteoinductivity, defined as the ability to stimulate primitive cells to differentiate into a bone forming lineage. In the current study, we treated porcine bone with a decellularization protocol to produce a bone scaffold. We examined whether the scaffold possessed osteoinductive potential and could be used to create a tissue-engineered bone microenvironment. To test if the bone scaffold was a viable host, pre-osteoblasts were seeded, incubatedin vitro, and analyzed for markers of osteogenic differentiation. To assess these propertiesin vivo, scaffolds with and without pre-osteoblasts pre-seeded were subcutaneously implanted in mice for four weeks. The scaffolds underwent micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning before implantation. After retrieval, the scaffolds were analyzed for osteogenic differentiation or re-scanned by microCT to assess new bone formation with the subsequent histological assessment. The osteoinductive potential was observedin vitrowith similar osteogenic markers being expressed as observed in demineralized bone matrix and significantly greater expression of these markers than controls. By microCT, paired t-tests demonstrated significantly increased bone volume:total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) after explantation in all groups. Pentachrome staining demonstrated osteogenesis within the scaffold, and angiogenesis in the scaffold was confirmed by CD31 staining for blood vessels. These results demonstrate that porcine bone maintains its osteoinductive properties after the application of a novel decellularization and oxidation protocol. Future work must be performed to definitively prove osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells, biocompatibility in large animal models, and osteoinduction/osseointegration in a relevant clinical modelin vivo. The ability to create a functional bone microenvironment using decellularized xenografts will impact regenerative medicine, orthopaedic reconstruction, and could be used in the research of multiple diseases.
High-Content, Cell-by-Cell Assessment of HER2 Overexpression and Amplification for Heterogeneity Detection in Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tuan , Migliozzi Daniel , Bisig Bettina , de Leval Laurence , Gijs Martin A.M.
Published: September 2018

Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization are the two standard methods for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) assessment. However, they have severe limitations to assess quantitatively intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) when multiple subclones of tumor cells co-exist. We develop here a high-content, quantitative analysis of breast cancer tissues based on microfluidic experimentation and image processing, to characterize both HER2 protein overexpression and HER2 gene amplification at the cell level. The technique consists of performing sequential steps on the same tissue slide: an immunofluorescence (IF) assay using a microfluidic protocol, an elution step for removing the IF staining agents, a standard FISH staining protocol, followed by automated quantitative cell-by-cell image processing. Moreover, ITH is accurately detected in both cluster and mosaic form using an analysis of spatial association and a mathematical model that allows discriminating true heterogeneity from artifacts due to the use of thin tissue sections. This study paves the way to evaluate ITH with high accuracy and content while requiring standard staining methods.
Chemical composition of essential oil from Folium nelumbinis and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Fan Xiaoyun , Zhang Qing , Lin Xiujun , Chen Yi , Qian Liu , Li Kang , Lu Xu , Zheng Baodong , Chen Lei
Published: September 2018

This study is aim to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from lotus leaves. The different methods and solvents were selected to extract oils from lotus leaves. About 38 components were found by GC-MS analysis, representing as 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (34.99%), linoleic acid and hexadecanoic acid. TBARS value, AV value and IV value reflected the various physicochemical indexes and lipid properties of Folium nelumbinis oil. Furthermore, antioxidant activities of the leaf samples were examined by FRAP and DPPH assays. In all systems, twice methanol-decolorized and ultrasonic-assisted essential oil using hexane solvent exhibited a higher potential activitythan than that of other extracts (ethanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether). These results provide a clear picture of the essential oils of Folium nelumbinis and demonstrate that the lotus leaves oil has an huge potential as a kind of chemical additive for the food industry owing to the strong antioxidant capacity.
The in vitro toxicity of nitrile and epithionitrile derivatives of glucosinolates from rutabaga in human and bovine liver cells
Authors: Latimer Ian , Collett Mark , Matthews Zoe , Tapper Brian , Cridge Belinda
Published: September 2018

Previous evidence suggests that select nitrile and epithionitrile derivatives of glucosinolates can cause liver disease in cows grazing on brassica forage crops. A toxic incidence in New Zealand in cattle grazing brassica led us to investigate the direct in vitro hepatotoxicity and possible inhibition of the ABCG2 transporter of five nitrile compounds. In this study, we investigated 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3-butene (CHB, epithionitrile derivative of progoitrin), 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3,4-epithiobutane (CHEB, nitrile derivative of progoitrin), 3-butenenitrile (nitrile from sinigrin), 4-pentenenitrile (nitrile from gluconapin), and 5-hexenenitrile (nitrile from glucobrassicanapin). Cell viability was assessed following 24- and 72-hr treatments with the 5 different compounds using the MTT assay (HepG2 cells and bovine primary liver cells). Additionally, ABCG2 transporter function was assessed. The results showed that none of the tested compounds caused cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 2 mM for 24hr. Over 72-hr the maximum concentration was 20 μM but no reduction in cell viability was observed. No inhibition of the ABCG2 transporter occured at concentrations up to 1 mM. Overall this study suggests that direct or secondary toxicity due to selected nitrile or epithionitrile derivatives of these glucosinolates was not the cause of the toxic event in cattle.
Who gets lost and why: A representative cross-sectional survey on sociodemographic and vestibular determinants of wayfinding strategies
Authors: Ulrich Susanne , Grill Eva , Flanagin Virginia L.
Published: September 2018

When we think of our family and friends, we probably know someone who is good at finding their way and someone else that easily get lost. We still know little about the biological and environmental factors that influence our navigational ability. Here, we investigated the frequency and sociodemographic determinants of wayfinding and their association with vestibular function in a representative cross-sectional sample (N = 783) of the adult German-speaking population. Wayfinding was assessed using the Wayfinding Strategy Scale, a self-report scale that produces two scores for each participant representing to what degree they rely on route-based or orientation (map-based) strategies. We were interested in the following research questions: (1) the frequency and determinants of wayfinding strategies in a population-based representative sample, (2) the relationship between vestibular function and strategy choice and (3) how sociodemographic factors influence general wayfinding ability as measured using a combined score from both strategy scores. Our linear regression models showed that being male, having a higher education, higher age and lower regional urbanization increased orientation strategy scores. Vertigo/dizziness reduced the scores of both the orientation and the route strategies. Using a novel approach, we grouped participants by their combined strategy scores in a multinomial regression model, to see whether individuals prefer one strategy over the other. The majority of individuals reported using either both or no strategy, instead of preferring one strategy over the other. Young age and reduced vestibular function were indicative of using no strategy. In summary, wayfinding ability depends on both biological and environmental factors; all sociodemographic factors except income. Over a third of the population, predominantly under the age of 35, does not successfully use either strategy. This represents a change in our wayfinding skills, which may result from the technological advances in navigational aids over the last few decades.
Effect of CS preexposure on the conditioned ejaculatory preference of the male rat: behavioral analyses and neural correlates
Authors: Quintana Gonzalo R. , Jackson Misha , Nasr Mojdeh , Pfaus James G.
Published: September 2018

Early experiences with sexual reward play a pivotal role in the formation of sexual behavior and partner preference. Associations of salient partner cues, or even neutral cues on a partner, with sexual reward states are a product of Pavlovian learning. However, the extent to which first experiences that associate a neutral stimulus with no immediate consequence, and how that association may affect subsequent associability after being paired with a sexual reward state after copulation to ejaculation, remains unclear. To address this question, sexually naïve males were preexposed over one or five trials to almond scented gauze pads prior to training during which half of the males were trained 10 times with scented receptive females, and the other half with unscented receptive females. A final test of partner preference was conducted in a large open field containing two sexually receptive females, one scented and the other unscented. Males developed a conditioned ejaculatory preference for the type of female they were trained with, except when they were preexposed five times to the odor and then trained with females bearing the same odor, indicating a significant CS preexposure effect. One CS preexposure was not sufficient to inhibit subsequent conditioning. Exposure to the scent before perfusion for inmunohistochemistry, revealed different patterns of brain activation in brain areas previously associated with the development of partner preference, like the medial preoptic area, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, basolateral amygdala, among others, depending on group membership. Thus, CS preexposure results in a subsequent impairment of the association that links the odor cue to sexual reward and preference. This highlights the impact of the first sexual experiences in future partner preference.
Visual arts marketing in East Asia
Authors: Chang Yu-Chien , Preece Chloe
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it reviews the background to, and development of the special issue call for papers on the topic of “Visual arts marketing in East Asia”; second, it introduces the four papers and commentary in the issue; and third, it considers some of the key areas with a rich potential for future directions of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The papers in this special issue comprise of both qualitative (e.g. interviews, observation, case studies) and quantitative (surveys) as well as conceptual issues for policy and artists. Moreover, the articles are interdisciplinary, drawing from art history, cultural studies, philosophy and international relations as well as marketing.

Findings

Findings and insights relate to topics such as the structure of the visual arts markets of East Asia, political influences on these arts markets, alternative spaces such as art festivals, ambiance and audience experience in museums and new media initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

The authors believe that all of the papers have implications for future thinking, research, scholarship and practice in the area of arts marketing, particularly for scholars, cultural institutions and artists working in Asia.

Originality/value

As far as the editors are aware, this is the first ever journal special issue on arts marketing in East Asia. In particular, the authors offer some new ideas in thinking about visual arts marketing in Asia as part of this editorial essay, particularly in considering the difficulties for both artists, arts organisations and academics in creating from the “periphery”.
Workplace violence against physicians and medical students in west part of Iran
Authors: Afkhamzadeh Abdorrahim , Mohamadi Bolbanabad Amjad , Moloudi Bayan , Safari Hossein , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the prevalence of exposure to workplace violence (WPV) including physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying as well as its related factors among physicians and medical students attending teaching hospitals of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive analytic as well as a cross-sectional study which was carried out on all physicians (general and specialists) and medical students attending teaching hospitals of KUMS in 2014. Overall, 400 participated in this study and data were gathered using a standard questionnaire. Then, data were analyzed using SPSS 20, χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests as well as univariate and adjusted logistic regression.

Findings

The prevalence of physical violence, verbal abuse and bullying among medical students was reported 4.5, 59 and 0.8 percent, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of these violence among general practitioners was 6.9, 72.4 and 0 percent, respectively. Moreover, 11.5, 42.3 and 3.8 percent of specialists had experienced physical violence, verbal abuse and bullying, respectively. Patients and their relatives were the main sources of the violence. Based on the results of multivariate logistic regression, male sex (AOR=2.60, CI: 1.56–4.32) and having shift work (AOR=3.13, CI: 1.67–5.84) were the most significant risk factors for total WPV.

Originality/value

The WPV experienced by physicians and medical students attending teaching hospitals of MUK is high. Health sector authorities should develop and implement proper strategies and interventions aiming at reducing or preventing from incidence of WPV.
Material intelligence as a driver for value creation in IoT-enabled business ecosystems
Authors: Hakanen Esko , Rajala Risto
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and discuss the role of intelligent materials in the emergence of new business models based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The study suggests new areas for further research to better understand the influences of material intelligence on the business models in industry-wide service ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from an earlier study of intelligent materials in the steel industry networks. The insights are based on 34 qualitative interviews among 15 organizations in the industry. The data are reanalyzed for this study.

Findings

The observations from the steel industry show how material intelligence can be harnessed for value creation in IoT-based business ecosystems. The results suggest that not all “things” connected to the IoT need to be intelligent, if information related to the things are collected, stored and shared for collaborative value creation among the actors involved in the business ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

The study discusses how IoT deployments allow businesses to benefit from the velocity and variety of information associated with things and guides future research to study the ways in which value is created through IoT-enabled business models.

Practical implications

Rather than focusing on improving the efficiency of the supply network, the study presents new paths for competitive advantages in the new IoT ecosystems.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the mounting research on the IoT by identifying and discussing the critical aspects of how IoT can transform business models and supply networks within end-to-end ecosystems.
East Mediterranean gas: a new arena for international rivalry
Authors: ElBassoussy Ahmed
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the international response to the discovery and development of gas fields in the East Mediterranean basin.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies key concepts into a framework and explores the strategies used by nations for developing their influence in the region.

Findings

The key nation states (the USA and Russia) and the supranational EU are notable in their divergent approaches to obtaining access to and influence regarding the gas fields.

Practical implications

The development of the strategies used by the international rivals for access to the resources available from the offshore oil fields is set to be an area for further study.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into a developing rivalry over energy security, which will a platform for further investigation throughout the exploitation of the “New Gulf” gas fields.
Sub-limit detection in SAW sensors by FFT spectral analysis of frequency time instability
Authors: Nicolae Ionut , Miu Dana , Viespe Cristian
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The detection of H2 concentrations in concentrations undetectable by the conventional detection method of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors based on frequency shift, by correlating analyte presence with Fourier spectra components.

Design/methodology/approach

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and autocorrelation analysis of phase noise in a SnO2-coated SAW sensor was performed. Fourier spectra were obtained by FFT from the SAW sensor resonance frequency instability, in the absence of analyte, and for H2 concentrations between 0.08 and 0.4 per cent.

Findings

All analyte concentrations are below the sensor limit of detection, which is 0.8 per cent for H2. Although these analyte concentrations caused no significant change in the resonance frequency of the SAW resonator, the FFT spectra presented several modifications, namely, the appearance of a new peak and the decrease of randomness. The authors consider that the effect is because of the chaotic behavior of the temporal dependence of the SAW resonance frequency. This explanation is substantiated by the decrease observed in the SAW oscillator autocorrelation function, which is an indication for a chaotic behavior.

Practical implications

As chaotic systems are extremely sensitive to perturbation, measurement methods based on chaos diagnosis could potentially greatly improve the SAW detection.

Originality/value

Fourier spectra components were correlated with analyte presence in concentrations undetectable by the conventional SAW detection method based on frequency shift.
Regulation of lactate metabolism in the acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii
Authors: Schoelmerich Marie Charlotte , Katsyv Alexander , Sung Woung , Mijic Vanessa , Wiechmann Anja , Kottenhahn Patrick , Baker Jonathan , Minton Nigel Peter , Müller Volker
Published: September 2018

Acetogenic bacteria compete in an energy‐limited environment by coupling different metabolic routes to their central metabolism of CO2 fixation. The underlying regulatory mechanisms are often still not understood. In this work, we analysed how lactate metabolism is regulated in the model acetogen Acetobacterium woodii. Construction of a ΔlctCDEF mutant and growth analyses demonstrated that the genes are essential for growth on lactate. Subsequent bridging PCR and quantitative PCR analyses revealed that the lctBCDEF genes form an operon that was expressed only during lactate metabolism. The lctA gene was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. LctA bound to the intergenic DNA region between lctA and the lct operon in electromobility shift assays, and binding was revoked in the presence of lactate. Further restriction site protection analyses consolidated the lactate‐dependent binding of LctA and identified the binding site within the DNA. Cells grew mixotrophically on lactate and another energy source and showed no diauxic growth. From these data, we conclude that the catabolic lactate metabolism is encoded by the lct operon and its expression is negatively regulated by the DNA‐binding repressor LctA.
Towards patterned bioelectronics: facilitated immobilization of exoelectrogenic Escherichia coli with heterologous pili
Authors: Lienemann Michael , TerAvest Michaela A. , Pitkänen Juha‐Pekka , Stuns Ingmar , Penttilä Merja , Ajo‐Franklin Caroline M. , Jäntti Jussi
Published: September 2018

Biosensors detect signals using biological sensing components such as redox enzymes and biological cells. Although cellular versatility can be beneficial for different applications, limited stability and efficiency in signal transduction at electrode surfaces represent a challenge. Recent studies have shown that the Mtr electron conduit from Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 can be produced in Escherichia coli to generate an exoelectrogenic model system with well‐characterized genetic tools. However, means to specifically immobilize this organism at solid substrates as electroactive biofilms have not been tested previously. Here, we show that mannose‐binding Fim pili can be produced in exoelectrogenic E. coli and can be used to selectively attach cells to a mannose‐coated material. Importantly, cells expressing fim genes retained current production by the heterologous Mtr electron conduit. Our results demonstrate the versatility of the exoelectrogenic E. coli system and motivate future work that aims to produce patterned biofilms for bioelectronic devices that can respond to various biochemical signals.
A Database of Natural Monthly Streamflow Estimates from 1950 to 2015 for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Miller Matthew P. , Carlisle Daren M. , Wolock David M. , Wieczorek Michael
Published: September 2018

Quantifying and understanding the natural streamflow regime, defined as expected streamflow that would occur in the absence of anthropogenic modification to the hydrologic system, is critically important for the development of management strategies aimed at protecting aquatic ecosystems. Water balance models have been applied frequently to estimate natural flows, but are limited in the number of predictor variables that can be included. Here, a statistical machine learning technique — random forest modeling — was applied to estimate natural flows at a monthly time‐step from 1950 to 2015 for >2.5 million stream reaches in the conterminous United States (U.S.) using 200 potential predictor variables. We describe the development and documentation of this dataset and assess model performance. Model fit statistics (mean Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency = 0.85; observed/expected ratio = 0.94) indicate good correspondence between predicted and observed flows at nearly 2,000 streamgages. As an example application of the dataset, the observed streamflow record at a site prior to and after the construction of an upstream reservoir was compared with estimated natural flows to demonstrate the magnitude of seasonal depletions in streamflow due to the reservoir. This dataset can be applied to quantify natural and anthropogenic processes contributing to streamflow depletion or augmentation, and assess associated ecological effects.
Racism Is Not a Factor in Door‐to‐electrocardiogram Times of Patients With Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Mackay Martha H. , Ratner Pamela A. , Veenstra Gerry , Scheuermeyer Frank X. , Grubisic Maja , Ramanathan Krishnan , Murray Craig , Humphries Karin H.
Published: September 2018

Background

Investigators have identified important racial identity/ethnicity‐based differences in some aspects of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) care and outcomes (time to presentation, symptoms, receipt of coronary angiography/revascularization, repeat revascularization, mortality). Patient‐based differences such as pathophysiology and treatment‐seeking behavior account only partly for these outcome differences. We sought to investigate whether there are racial identity/ethnicity‐based variations in the initial emergency department (ED) triage and care of patients with suspected ACS in Canadian hospitals.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled ED patients with suspected ACS from one university‐affiliated and two community hospitals. Trained research assistants administered a standardized interview to gather data on symptoms, treatment‐seeking patterns, and self‐reported racial/ethnic identity: “white,” South Asian” (SA), “Asian,” or “Other.” Clinical parameters were obtained through chart review. The primary outcome was door‐to‐electrocardiogram (D2ECG) time. ECG times were log‐transformed and two linear regression models, controlling for important demographic, system, and clinical factors, were fit.

Results

Of 448 participants, 214 (48%) reported white identity, 115 (26%) SA, 83 (19%) Asian, and 36 (8%) “Other.” Asian respondents were younger and more likely to report initial discomfort as “low” and be accompanied by family; respondents identifying as “Other” were more likely to report initial discomfort as “high.” There was no difference in D2ECG time between white participants and all other groups, but there were statistically significant differences by sex: women had longer D2ECG times than men. Exploring more specific racial identities revealed similar findings: no significant differences between the white, SA, Asian, and other groups, while sex (women had 13.4% [95% confidence interval, 0.81%–27.57%] longer D2ECG times) remained statistically significantly different in the adjusted models.

Conclusion

Although racial/ethnicity‐based differences in aspects of ACS care have been previously identified, we found no differences in the current study of early ED care in a Canadian urban setting. However, female patients experience longer D2ECG times, and this may be a target for process improvements.
Electronic Cigarette Use and Risk of Harmful Alcohol Consumption in the U.S. Population
Authors: Roberts Walter , Moore Kelly E. , Peltier MacKenzie R. , Verplaetse Terril L. , Oberleitner Lindsay , Hacker Robyn , McKee Sherry A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use is an increasingly common method of nicotine delivery in the general population. It is well‐established that tobacco users are at increased risk to engage in hazardous drinking and meet criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) relative to nonusers. Less is known, however, about the risk of harmful alcohol use among people who use e‐cigarettes. The current study reports on the association between e‐cigarette and alcohol use in the U.S. population using a nationally representative sample.

Methods

Data from 36,309 adults who participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions—Wave III were included in the study. The Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS) measured past‐year e‐cigarette and alcohol use outcomes. Based on past‐year e‐cigarette use, respondents were categorized as nonusers, nondaily users, or daily users. Alcohol use outcomes were drinking quantity/frequency, binge drinking frequency, AUD diagnostic status, and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism–defined hazardous drinking status.

Results

Controlling for demographic characteristics, daily and nondaily e‐cigarette users showed increased risk of harmful alcohol use compared to e‐cigarette nonusers, including hazardous drinking (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 1.69; 2.48), AUD (AORs = 1.89; 2.44), and binge drinking frequency (AORs = 1.30 to 3.30). Nondaily e‐cigarette use was associated with higher levels of risk than was daily use. Secondary analyses examined alcohol use outcomes according to participants’ patterns of dual tobacco cigarette/e‐cigarette use. These analyses confirmed that e‐cigarette use alongside tobacco cigarette use is associated with additive risk of harmful alcohol consumption, particularly among nondaily users.

Conclusions

E‐cigarette users, particularly those who engage in nondaily and dual use, show elevated rates of harmful alcohol use. Heavy drinking may constitute a source of health risk among e‐cigarette users.
Benchmarks and predictors of coarse woody debris in native forests of eastern Australia
Authors: Threlfall Caragh G. , Law Bradley S. , Peacock Ross J.
Published: September 2018

Fallen coarse woody debris (CWD) is critical to forest biodiversity and function. Few studies model factors that influence CWD availability, although such investigations are critically needed to inform sustainable forest management. We assess benchmark levels of CWD in unharvested native forests and those harvested for timber, across a range of forests in north‐east New South Wales, Australia. We found timber‐harvesting was the dominant driver of CWD, with almost double the count (pieces ha−1) and volume (m3 ha−1) of total CWD in selectively harvested than unharvested sites. This pattern was consistent across wet and dry forest types. Harvested sites had greater counts of hollow‐bearing logs, and greater volumes of small and medium‐sized CWD (15–50 cm diameter) than unharvested sites. There was no effect of harvesting on the volume of large CWD (>51 cm diameter). Total volumes of CWD (>15 cm diameter) varied from 114 to 166 m3 ha−1. We found few differences in CWD counts and volumes between forest types, with grassy woodlands and forests containing less CWD than other dry and shrubby forest types, reflecting lower potential input rates. The CWD levels recorded here are similar to those recorded in dry and wet sclerophyll forests elsewhere in Australia and are typical of global estimates for ‘old growth’ forests. Using general linear models we captured up to 57% of the variation in CWD across sites, and found that timber harvesting, topography and the numbers of standing hollow‐bearing and dead trees were significant predictors of CWD. Values for unharvested forest provide a benchmark that could be used to inform retention guidelines for CWD in managed forests in this region. Further assessment of the effect of repeat timber harvesting is needed to fully understand its impact on CWD dynamics, especially if forest residues resulting from timber harvesting are removed from native forests for bioenergy production.
Normal magnetic resonance anatomy of the hind foot of Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A correlative low‐field T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI and sectional anatomy atlas
Authors: Abdellatif Ahmed M. , Hamed Mohamed A. , El‐Shafaey El‐Sayed , Eldoumani Haitham
Published: September 2018

Buffaloes represent a major source of milk production, especially in developing countries including Egypt. The buffalo foot is frequently involved in a large proportion of lameness cases. The relatively small size and complexity of its structures often render the radiographic evaluation of the foot challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that is regarded as both safe and accurate for assessment of the foot disorders in both man and animals. The purpose of the current investigation was to describe the MRI anatomy of buffalo foot using cadaveric hind feet. The feet were subjected to consecutive MRI scanning using a 0.3 Tesla scanner. Both T1‐weighted (T1‐W) and T2‐weighted (T2‐W) spin‐echo pulse sequences were applied in dorsal, sagittal and transverse planes. The heterogeneity of signal intensities noted amongst foot components allowed for clear differentiation of bones, tendons, ligaments, adipose tissue and synovial fluid. The T1‐W images provided an excellent overview of the foot. They were valuable for visualizing the bones and the alignment of tendons and ligaments. The T2‐W images were particularly useful for the evaluation of synovial structures such as tendon sheaths and joint cavities. A communication between the two plantar sacs of the metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints was evident in T2‐W images. MRI findings were further confirmed using relevant gross anatomical sections. The present study establishes a detailed MRI anatomic reference of buffalo foot that could help veterinary researchers, clinicians and surgeons for increasing the accuracy of interpretation of foot MRI scans of both healthy and diseased animals.
Impacts of large mammals on movements of the pouched mouse (Saccostomus mearnsi) in central Kenya
Authors: Ostfeld Jacob K. , Keesing Felicia
Published: September 2018

Populations of large wild mammals are declining worldwide, while the abundance of livestock is increasing. The absence of large mammals frequently leads to increases in the abundance of small mammals such as rodents, but little is known about how the loss of large mammals affects the behaviour of small mammals. To investigate this question, we analysed long‐term data collected at the Kenya Long‐term Exclosure Experiment, which excludes different combinations of large mammals from a savannah ecosystem in central Kenya. We investigated the effects of excluding large mammals, both wild and domestic, on the movements of the pouched mouse (Saccostomus mearnsi), the most common species of small mammal in this habitat. Mice moved ~20% more in the presence of wildlife, but their movements were not significantly affected by the presence of cattle. An index of intraspecific contacts between mice was higher at higher mouse densities, and these high densities were more likely when wildlife and cattle were absent. The results suggest that the absence of large mammals led to higher densities of small mammals, which resulted in a greater probability of intraspecific contacts, despite lower average movement distances.
Review and case report demonstrate that spontaneous spinal epidural abscesses are rare but dangerous in childhood
Authors: Fotaki Anastasia , Anatoliotaki Maria , Tritou Ioanna , Tzagaraki Aggeliki , Kampitaki Maria , Vlachaki Georgia
Published: September 2018

Aim

A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare paediatric bacterial infection, with possible devastating neurological sequelae. We explored localisation in the cervical segment, which is unusual, but more dangerous, than otherSEAs.

Methods

We describe 22 cases (12 male) of paediatricSEAs without risk factors: 21 from a literature search from 2000 to 2017 and a 30‐month‐old boy with a spontaneous cervicalSEAdue to Group AStreptococcus.

Results

The average age was eight years and the symptoms were mainly fever, back pain and motor deficit, with an aetiological diagnosis in 68%. Methicillin‐sensitiveStaphylococcus aureuswas isolated in six patients, methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusin two,Staphylococcus aureuswith unknown susceptibility patterns in three and Group AStreptococcusin four. All patients underwent gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and most abscesses were localised in the thoracic and lumbar areas. More than half (59%) underwent surgery to remove pus and granulation tissue and nine were just treated with antimicrobial therapy for an average of 5.3 weeks. Most patients had good outcomes.

Conclusion

SEAs were underestimated in children due to the rarity and spectrum of differential diagnoses. Timely diagnosis, immediate antibiotics, spinal magnetic resonance imaging and prompt neurosurgical consultations were essential for favourable outcomes.
Raman Binary Mapping of Iron Age Ostracon in an Unknown Material Composition and High‐Fluorescence Setting—A Proof of Concept
Authors: Shaus A. , Sober B. , Tzang O. , Ioffe Z. , Cheshnovsky O. , Finkelstein I. , Piasetzky E.
Published: September 2018

The textual evidence from ancient Judah is mainly limited to ostraca, ink‐on‐clay inscriptions. Their facsimiles (binary depictions) are indispensable for further analysis. Previous attempts at mechanizing the creation of facsimiles have been problematic. Here, we present a proof of concept of objective binary image acquisition, via Raman mapping. Our method is based on a new peak detection transform, handling the challenging fluorescence of the clay, and circumventing preparatory ink composition analysis. A sequence of binary mappings (signifying the peaks) is created for each wavelength; their legibility reflects the prominence of Raman lines. Applied to a biblical‐period ostracon, the method exhibits high statistical significance.
Efficacy and tolerability of lithium for the treatment of acute mania in children with bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Duffy Anne , Heffer Naomi , Goodday Sarah M. , Weir Arielle , Patten Scott , Malhi Gin S. , Cipriani Andrea
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of lithium for the treatment of acute mania in children and adolescent diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Methods

A systematic literature search up to August 2017 was conducted for clinical trials that included lithium in males and females up to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and experiencing a manic or mixed episode according to standardized diagnostic criteria. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017055675).

Results

Four independent studies described in seven manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 176 patients were treated with lithium either as a monotherapy or adjunct to risperidone. Efficacy results suggest that lithium may be superior to placebo (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.88 to 0.04), comparable to sodium divalproex (SMD −0.07, 95% CI: −0.31 to 0.18), but significantly less effective than risperidone for treating protracted manic/mixed episodes and comorbid attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in prepubertal children (SMD 0.85, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.15). Lithium was not associated with serious adverse events, and was generally well tolerated with common side effects similar to those reported in adults.

Conclusions

Limited data suggests that lithium may be an effective and tolerable treatment for some forms of paediatric mania. However, lithium is clearly inferior in efficacy to risperidone in prepubertal patients diagnosed with protracted manic/mixed episodes and comorbid ADHD. There is a lack of data concerning the efficacy and tolerability of lithium as an acute treatment for classical mania in adolescents and important clinical issues remain unaddressed.