bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf water 18O and 2H maps show directional enrichment discrepancy in Colocasia esculenta
Authors: Gerlein‐Safdi Cynthia , Gauthier Paul P. G. , Sinkler Craig James , Caylor Kelly Krispin
Published: June 2017

Spatial patterns of leaf water isotopes are challenging to predict because of the intricate link between vein and lamina water. Many models have attempted to predict these patterns, but to date, most have focused on monocots with parallel veins. These provide a simple system to study, but do not represent the majority of plant species. Here, a new protocol is developed using a Picarro induction module coupled to a cavity ringdown spectrometer to obtain maps of the leaf water isotopes (18O and 2H). The technique is applied to Colocasia esculenta leaves. The results are compared with isotope ratio mass spectrometry. In C. esculenta, a large enrichment in the radial direction is observed, but not in the longitudinal direction. The string‐of‐lakes model fails to predict the observed patterns, while the Farquhar–Gan model is more successful, especially when enrichment is accounted for along the radial direction. Our results show that reticulate‐veined leaves experience a larger enrichment along the axis of the secondary veins than along the midrib. We hypothesize that this is due to the lower major/minor vein ratio that leads to longer pathways between major veins and sites of evaporation.
Association between social functioning and prefrontal cortex function during a verbal fluency task in schizophrenia: A near‐infrared spectroscopic study
Authors: Itakura Masashi , Pu Shenghong , Ohdachi Hiroaki , Matsumura Hiroshi , Yokoyama Katsutoshi , Nagata Izumi , Iwata Masaaki , Kaneko Koichi
Published: June 2017

Aim

Impaired social functioning is a common characteristic of patients with schizophrenia. Social functioning requires the complex operation of various executive functions. Deficits in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been implicated in executive dysfunction. Here we aimed to clarify the relation between subjectively and objectively assessed social functioning, and their associations with PFC function in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients and 22 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were assessed. In the schizophrenia group, self‐ and caregiver‐rated social functioning were measured using the Specific Level of Functioning Assessment (SLOF). The hemodynamic responses elicited by a verbal fluency task (VFT) in three regions of interest in the frontotemporal area were measured using multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We also investigated psychiatric symptoms, neurocognition, and cognitive insight to assess possible confounding factors.

Results

Significant positive correlations were found between self‐ and caregiver‐rated SLOF composite scores and three subdomain scores. Self‐ and caregiver‐rated SLOF composite scores were significantly associated with dorsolateral PFC and frontopolar cortex (DLPFC/FPC) activation during the VFT. Psychiatric symptoms, global functioning, neurocognition, and cognitive insight were not associated with NIRS signals. General psychopathology was associated with NIRS signals in the ventrolateral PFC and the anterior temporal cortex. DLPFC and FPC activity may be associated with social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the two distinct assessments of social functioning were significantly correlated. Moreover, DLPFC and FPC function was strongly associated with social functioning and the ability to carry out daily life in patients with schizophrenia.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in immunized children born to carrier mothers
Authors: Yokoyama Koji , Kumagai Hideki , Takahashi Masaharu , Nagashima Shigeo , Okamoto Hiroaki , Yamagata Takanori
Published: June 2017

Background

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) in children due to mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) despite immunoprophylaxis remains controversial and is still unknown in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the OBI prevalence in such children in Japan and identify the genomic mutations that might be associated with the pathogenesis of OBI in children.

Methods

The data on 158 children born to HBV carrier mothers and who received complete passive–active immunoprophylaxis after birth in 2002–2014 were reviewed. HBV markers were detected using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. HBV‐DNA was detected using real‐time and nested polymerase chain reaction. Complete genomic sequences were determined.

Results

Among the 158 children studied, three had HBV MTCT: two had OBI, and one had resolved HBV infection (RBI). The prevalence of OBI and RBI was estimated to be 1.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The HBV genomes of the two OBI children were wild type and 100% identical to those of their mothers. Of these two children, one received repeated hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and developed overt HBV infection. Her HBV genome had a G145R mutation in the S gene that might have been induced by HBIG treatment. The RBI child was persistently positive for antibody to HBV core antigen (10–12 signal/cut‐off ratio; S/CO).

Conclusions

A low prevalence of OBI was observed in children who received immunoprophylaxis for preventing MTCT in Japan. The development of overt HBV infection in infants with OBI indicates the necessity of close and long‐term monitoring.
Multilocus PCR assay reveals high diversity of vegetative compatibility types in populations of Cryphonectria parasitica in Croatia
Authors: Mlinarec J. , Ježić M. , Ćosić J. , Ćurković‐Perica M.
Published: June 2017

The ascomycete fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, causal agent of chestnut blight, is probably one of the best known invasive fungal pathogens in forests of Europe and North America. Mycovirus that reduces virulence of C. parasitica can be used as a biocontrol agent of the chestnut blight. However, anastomosis‐mediated virus transmission is limited by a vegetative (in)compatibility (vc) system involving at least six known diallelic vic genetic loci. This study looked at vegetative compatibility (vc) diversity in two populations of C. parasitica in Croatia. For that purpose, a PCR assay was validated and implemented using already known/published and newly designed primers for amplification of six known vic loci. The vc genotypes determined by PCR for 158 C. parasitica isolates investigated in this study were in complete agreement with the vc genotypes determined by pairwise co‐culturing of the same isolates, revealing the specificity and accuracy of the PCR‐based molecular vic genotyping assay. Twenty‐six unique vc genotypes were found among 158 isolates, and 19 vc types per population, which makes Croatian C. parasitica populations among the most diverse in Europe regarding the number of vc types and genetic diversity. Low values of multilocus linkage disequilibrium suggest sexual reproduction as a major contributor to high C. parasitica genetic diversity in studied populations.
The past decade in bench research into pulmonary infectious diseases: What do clinicians need to know?
Authors: Finch Simon , Keir Holly R. , Dicker Alison J. , Chalmers James D.
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Respiratory infections are primarily treated with antibiotics, drugs that are mostly inexpensive and have been widely available since the 1940s and 1950s. Nevertheless, despite antibiotics, the burden of disease in pneumonia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD and rare respiratory infections remains exceptionally high. There is an urgent need for translational studies to develop new treatments or new biomarkers to improve outcomes in these conditions. The ‘translational gaps’ between bench science and clinical practice are particularly challenging in respiratory infections. This is partly due to the poor representativeness of animal models of infection to human disease, and a long‐term lack of investment into pulmonary infection research.

The revolution in genomics and other omics technologies, however, is beginning to unlock clinically important information about the host response to infection, the behaviour of bacterial communities and the development of new antibiotics. It is not possible to review the extensive progress made in the last decade into the pathophysiology of the different respiratory infections and so here, we focus on major technologies that are now changing respiratory infection research, specifically bacterial whole‐genome sequencing, the microbiota, personalized medicine with omics technologies, new antibiotic development and host inflammatory cell biology.
Relationship between Achilles tendon length and running performance in well‐trained male endurance runners
Authors: Ueno Hiromasa , Suga Tadashi , Takao Kenji , Tanaka Takahiro , Misaki Jun , Miyake Yuto , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to determine the relationship between Achilles tendon (AT) length and running performance, including running economy, in well‐trained endurance runners. We also examined the reasonable portion of the AT related to running performance among AT lengths measured in three different portions. The AT lengths at three portions and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of 30 endurance runners were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Each AT length was calculated as the distance from the calcaneal tuberosity to the muscle‐tendon junction of the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis (GMAT), and gastrocnemius lateralis, respectively. These AT lengths were normalized with shank length. The AT CSA was calculated as the average of 10, 20, and 30 mm above the distal insertion of the AT and normalized with body mass. Running economy was evaluated by measuring energy cost during three 4‐minutes submaximal treadmill running trials at 14, 16, and 18 km/h, respectively. Among three AT lengths, only a GMAT correlated significantly with personal best 5000‐m race time (r=−.376, P=.046). Furthermore, GMAT correlated significantly with energy cost during submaximal treadmill running trials at 14 km/h and 18 km/h (r=−.446 and −.429, respectively, P<.05 for both), and a trend toward such significance was observed at 16 km/h (r=−.360, P=.050). In contrast, there was no correlation between AT CSA and running performance. These findings suggest that longer AT, especially GMAT, may be advantageous to achieve superior running performance, with better running economy, in endurance runners.
If I do not have enough water, then how could I bring additional water for toilet cleaning?! Addressing water scarcity to promote hygienic use of shared toilets in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Saxton Ronald E. , Yeasmin Farzana , Alam Mahbub‐Ul , Al‐Masud Abdullah , Dutta Notan Chandra , Yeasmin Dalia , Luby Stephen P. , Unicomb Leanne , Winch Peter J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Provision of toilets is necessary but not sufficient to impact health as poor maintenance may impair toilet function and discourage their consistent use. Water in urban slums is both scarce and a prerequisite for toilet maintenance behaviours. We describe the development of behaviour change communications and selection of low‐cost water storage hardware to facilitate adequate flushing among users of shared toilets.

Methods

We conducted nine focus group discussions and six ranking exercises with adult users of shared toilets (50 females, 35 males), then designed and implemented three pilot interventions to facilitate regular flushing and improve hygienic conditions of shared toilets. We conducted follow‐up assessments 1 and 2 months post‐pilot including nine in‐depth interviews and three focus group discussions with adult residents (23 females, 15 males) and three landlords in the pilot communities.

Results

Periodic water scarcity was common in the study communities. Residents felt embarrassed to carry water for flushing. Reserving water adjacent to the shared toilet enabled slum residents to flush regularly. Signs depicting rules for toilet use empowered residents and landlords to communicate these expectations for flushing to transient tenants. Residents in the pilot reported improvements in cleanliness and reduced odour inside toilet cubicles.

Conclusions

Our pilot demonstrates the potential efficacy of low‐cost water storage and behaviour change communications to improve maintenance of and user satisfaction with shared toilets in urban slum settings.
Effects of orbital shaking on settling velocity of mineral particles in aqueous solutions using split‐plot designs
Authors: Hosseini‐Nasab Marzieh
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to experimentally investigate and statistically test changes in the settling velocity of particles falling in an aqueous solution due to an orbital shaking of the container. A series of settling experiments were conducted on coal samples under different combinations of shaking speed and initial concentration of the particles. First, a generalized version of the factorial design (a split‐plot design) was utilized to obtain the acquired data. Then, an appropriate statistical model was fitted to experimental data using settling velocity as a response while shaking speed and initial coal concentration were defined as factors. Graphic patterns confirmed our hypotheses that settling velocity is affected by the shaking speed, initial coal concentration and the interaction of these two factors. Results of the analysis indicated that the main effects of both initial coal concentration (F‐statistic = 775.75) and shaking speed (F‐statistic = 11.96) on the settling velocity are strongly significant (both with a P‐value near zero). Moreover, a strong interaction of the effects of these factors on the response variable was also observed (F‐statistic is 10.57 with a P‐value of near zero). Based on the results, combination of 4% coal concentration and 50 rpm shaking speed resulted in the highest settling velocity of 1.21 cm/s. In contract, a combination of 10% coal concentration and 100 rpm shaking speed led to a settling velocity of only 0.55 cm/s. Findings of this study may have invaluable benefits to the mineral and water treatment industries where design and construction of thickeners and sedimentation tanks equipped with orbital shakers can significantly accelerate the sedimentation of mineral particles as well as water contaminants.
A comparison of Newton–Okounkov polytopes of Schubert varieties
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Oya Hironori
Published: June 2017

A Newton–Okounkov body is a convex body constructed from a polarized variety with a valuation on its function field. Kaveh (respectively, the first author and Naito) proved that the Newton–Okounkov body of a Schubert variety associated with a specific valuation is identical to the Littelmann string polytope (respectively, the Nakashima–Zelevinsky polyhedral realization) of a Demazure crystal. These specific valuations are defined algebraically to be the highest term valuations with respect to certain local coordinate systems on a Bott–Samelson variety. Another class of valuations, which is geometrically natural, arises from some sequence of subvarieties of a polarized variety. In this paper, we show that the highest term valuation used by Kaveh (respectively, by the first author and Naito) and the valuation coming from a sequence of specific subvarieties of the Schubert variety are identical on a perfect basis with some positivity properties. The existence of such a perfect basis follows from a categorification of the negative part of the quantized enveloping algebra. As a corollary, we prove that the associated Newton–Okounkov bodies coincide through an explicit affine transformation.
Effect of Acoustic Stimulation on Aqueous Phase Trapping in Low-Permeability Sandstones
Authors: Abaa Kelvin , Thaddeus Ityokumbul M. , Adewumi Michael
Published: June 2017

Formation damage from aqueous phase trapping in low-permeability sandstones can be removed using mutual solvents, blends of alcohols and mutual solvents, and surfactants. These treatments modify the interfacial tension of the trapped fluids or the wettability of the formation. However, treatments intended to remove a certain type of damage may cause other types of formation damage due to incompatibility with the rock and formation fluids. High-frequency acoustic waves have been used in industrial applications to clean up and remove contaminants. Important studies have been conducted to extend the use of acoustic waves for wellbore stimulation. This technical paper presents a laboratory investigation to determine the effects of ultrasonic (UT) treatment on interfacial tension and wettability alteration during invasion of fracturing fluids treated with surfactants in low-permeability sandstones. An experimental program consisting of a series of spontaneous imbibition experiments was conducted to measure the spontaneous imbibition potential of sandstone rock cores treated with surfactants in the presence of UT energy. Spontaneous imbibition tests were conducted in two steps. In the first, spontaneous imbibition tests were conducted on untreated low-permeability sandstone core samples in the presence of UT radiation. In the second step, spontaneous imbibition tests were conducted on cores flooded with surfactant while exposing the core to UT radiation from an acoustic horn. In each series experiments, the power output was changed to monitor the effect of acoustic power on wettability alteration. Results obtained from the experiments showed that acoustic stimulation improves imbibition of water in both water wet and intermediate wet cores. Wettability alteration is attributed to enhancement of capillary forces in water wet cores. For cores treated with water repelling surfactants, improvement in imbibition is attributed to detachment of surfactant molecules from the pore walls due to acoustic streaming of sonic waves. This research was originally intended to investigate removal of trapped water from fluid injection of low-permeability sandstones by acoustic stimulation. However, the obtained results show that it is possible to improve the recovery of trapped hydrocarbon in low-permeability sandstones under the influence of acoustic stimulation.
A Study on the Evaporation of Water–Ethanol Mixture Using Rainbow Refractometry
Authors: Promvongsa Jantarat , Fungtammasan Bundit , Gerard Grehan , Saengkaew Sawitree , Vallikul Pumyos
Published: June 2017

Evaporation of droplets of liquid mixture is a subject of interest in combustion studies, e.g., combustion of bioethanol blends. In this paper, experimental investigation, using rainbow refractometry, on the variations of droplet diameter and composition during the evaporation of water–ethanol droplet in quiescent atmosphere is studied. The droplet is suspended on the tip of 125 μm-diameter fiberglass rod. The initial diameter is around 1000–1100 μm, and the initial composition is varied from 0% to 100% of ethanol by volume. The scattered rainbow signal from the evaporating droplet is fitted to the Airy theory to extract information on the diameter and refractive index of the liquid droplet against evolution time. To determine the accuracy of droplet diameter measurements using this technique, the diameter is also measured from the shadow image of droplet simultaneously. At 0–60% of ethanol by volume, the diameter and volume fraction accuracies are within ±30 μm and 10%, respectively, even though the temperature and composition gradients inside a droplet are neglected. The results show that the water–ethanol mixture evaporates faster at the beginning due to the higher amount of the volatile component, i.e., ethanol. The D2–t curve appears as a series of two straight lines of different slopes: a steep one initially and a moderate one at later stage. The slope at the initial or the transition stage increases with the ethanol composition, while the slope at later stage (steady stage) is equivalent to that of pure water. Likewise, the refractive index decreases rapidly at the beginning and becomes steady reaching a final value of 1.333, which is close to the refractive index of pure water.
The Estimates of the Mean First Exit Time of a Bistable System Excited by Poisson White Noise
Authors: Xu Yong , Li Hua , Wang Haiyan , Jia Wantao , Yue Xiaole , Kurths Jürgen
Published: June 2017

We propose a method to find an approximate theoretical solution to the mean first exit time (MFET) of a one-dimensional bistable kinetic system subjected to additive Poisson white noise, by extending an earlier method used to solve stationary probability density function. Based on the Dynkin formula and the properties of Markov processes, the equation of the mean first exit time is obtained. It is an infinite-order partial differential equation that is rather difficult to solve theoretically. Hence, using the non-Gaussian property of Poisson white noise to truncate the infinite-order equation for the mean first exit time, the analytical solution to the mean first exit time is derived by combining perturbation techniques with Laplace integral method. Monte Carlo simulations for the bistable system are applied to verify the validity of our approximate theoretical solution, which shows a good agreement with the analytical results.
On Temporal Biphilicity: Definition, Relevance, and Technical Implementation in Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Frankiewicz Christophe , Attinger Daniel
Published: June 2017

Solid–fluid interfaces switching from a superhydrophilic to a superhydrophobic wetting state are desired for their ability to control and enhance phase-change heat transfer. Typically, these functional surfaces are fabricated from polymers and modify their chemistry or texture upon the application of a stimulus. For integration in relevant phase-change heat transfer applications, several challenges need to be overcome, of chemical stability, mechanical and thermal robustness, as well as large scale manufacturing. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of metallic surfaces that reversibly switch between hydrophilic and superhydrophobic states, in response to pressure and temperature stimuli. Characterization of the surfaces in pool boiling experiments verifies their thermal and mechanical robustness, and the fabrication method is scalable to large areas. During pool boiling experiments, it is experimentally demonstrated that the functional surfaces can be actively switched between a high-efficiency mode suitable at low heat flux, and a high-power mode suitable for high heat flux applications.
Daily Distribution of Macronutrient Intakes of Professional Soccer Players From the English Premier League
Authors: Anderson Liam , Naughton Robert J. , Close Graeme L. , Di Michele Rocco , Morgans Ryland , Drust Barry , Morton James P.
Published: June 2017

The daily distribution of macronutrient intake can modulate aspects of training adaptations, performance and recovery. We therefore assessed the daily distribution of macronutrient intake (as assessed using food diaries supported by the remote food photographic method and 24-hr recalls) of professional soccer players (n = 6) of the English Premier League during a 7-day period consisting of two match days and five training days. On match days, average carbohydrate (CHO) content of the prematch (<1.5 g·kg-1 body mass) and postmatch (1 g·kg-1 body mass) meals (in recovery from an evening kick-off) were similar (p > .05) though such intakes were lower than contemporary guidelines considered optimal for prematch CHO intake and postmatch recovery. On training days, we observed a skewed and hierarchical approach (p < .05 for all comparisons) to protein feeding such that dinner (0.8 g·kg-1)>lunch (0.6 g·kg-1)>breakfast (0.3 g·kg-1)>evening snacks (0.1 g·kg-1). We conclude players may benefit from consuming greater amounts of CHO in both the prematch and postmatch meals so as to increase CHO availability and maximize rates of muscle glycogen resynthesis, respectively. Furthermore, attention should also be given to ensuring even daily distribution of protein intake so as to potentially promote components of training adaptation.
Is There an Optimal Ischemic-Preconditioning Dose to Improve Cycling Performance?
Authors: Cocking Scott , Wilson Mathew G. , Nichols David , Cable N. Timothy , Green Daniel J. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Jones Helen
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) may enhance endurance performance. No previous study has directly compared distinct IPC protocols for optimal benefit. Purpose: To determine whether a specific IPC protocol (ie, number of cycles, amount of muscle tissue, and local vs remote occlusion) elicits greater performance outcomes. Methods: Twelve cyclists performed 5 different IPC protocols 30 min before a blinded 375-kJ cycling time trial (TT) in a laboratory. Responses to traditional IPC (4 × 5-min legs) were compared with those to 8 × 5-min legs and sham (dose cycles), 4 × 5-min unilateral legs (dose tissue), and 4 × 5-min arms (remote). Rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate were recorded at each 25% TT completion. Power (W), heart rate (beats/min), and oxygen uptake () (mL · kg−1 · min−1) were measured continuously throughout TTs. Magnitude-based-inference statistics were employed to compare variable differences to the minimal practically important difference. Results: Traditional IPC was associated with a 17-s (0, 34) faster TT time than sham. Applying more dose cycles (8 × 5 min) had no impact on performance. Traditional IPC was associated with likely trivial higher blood lactate and possibly beneficial lower responses vs sham. Unilateral IPC was associated with 18-s (−11, 48) slower performance than bilateral (dose tissue). TT times after remote and local IPC were not different (0 [−16, 16] s). Conclusion: The traditional 4 × 5-min (local or remote) IPC stimulus resulted in the fastest TT time compared with sham; there was no benefit of applying a greater number of cycles or employing unilateral IPC.
A Scientific Approach to Improve Physiological Capacity of an Elite Cyclist
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Hansen Joar
Published: June 2017

Previous studies in endurance athletes have indicated that block periodization (BP) can be a good alternative to the more traditional organization of training despite the fact that the total volume and intensity of the training are similar. However, these studies usually last only 4–12 wk. The aim of the present single-case study was to investigate the consequences of 58 wk with systematic BP of low-intensity training (LIT), moderate-intensity training (MIT), and high-intensity interval training (HIT) including incorporation of heavy strength training. It is important that a maintenance stimulus on the nonprioritized training modalities was added in the different training blocks. Performance-related variables were tested regularly during the intervention. The studied cyclist started with a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of 73.8 mL · kg−1 · min−1, peak aerobic power (Wmax) of 6.14 W/kg, and a power output at 3 mmol/L blood lactate concentration (Power3la-) of 3.6 W/kg. Total training volume during the 58-wk intervention was 678 h, of which 452 h were LIT (67%), 124 h were MIT (18%), 69 h were HIT (10%), and 34 h were heavy strength training (5%). The weekly training volume had a large range depending on the focus of the training block. After the intervention the cyclist’s VO2max was 87 mL · kg−1 · min−1, Wmax was 7.35 W/kg, and Power3la- was 4.9 W/kg. This single case indicates that the present training program can be a good alternative to the more traditional organization of long-term training of endurance athletes. However, a general recommendation cannot be given based on this single-case study.
Intratrunk Coordination During High-Effort Treadmill Running in Individuals With Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Yumeng , Kakar Rumit S. , Walker Marika A. , Fu Yang-Chieh , Oswald Timothy S. , Brown Cathleen N. , Simpson Kathy J.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the study was to determine if the intratrunk coordination of axial rotation exhibited by individuals with spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (SF-AIS) during running varies from healthy individuals and how the coordination differs among adjacent trunk-segment pairs. Axial rotations of trunk segments (upper, middle, lower trunk) and pelvis were collected for 11 SF-AIS participants and 11 matched controls during running. Cross-correlation determined the phase lag between the adjacent segment motions. The coupling angle was generated using the vector coding method and classified into 1 of the 4 major, modified coordination patterns: in-phase, anti-phase, superior, and inferior phase. Two-way, mixed-model ANCOVA was employed to test phase lag, cross-correlation r, and time spent in each major coordination pattern. A significantly lower phase lag for SF-AIS was observed compared with controls. Qualitatively, there was a tendency that SF-AIS participants spent less time in anti-phase for middle-lower trunk and lower trunk-pelvis coordinations compared to controls. Phase lag and anti-phase time was significantly increased from cephalic to caudal segment pairs, regardless of group. In conclusion, SF-AIS participants and controls displayed similar patterns of intra-trunk coordination; however, the spinal fusion hindered decoupling of intra-trunk motions particularly between the lower trunk-pelvic motion.
To Drop or Not to Drop: Newly Standing Infants Maintain Hold of Objects When Experiencing a Loss of Balance
Authors: Arnold Amanda J. , Claxton Laura J.
Published: June 2017

If adults are carrying an object and start to experience a loss of balance, they frequently maintain hold of that object instead of dropping it. In these loss-of-balance situations, adults tend to maintain hold of the object, instead of freeing both hands to aid in balance recovery. The current study investigated the ontogeny of this behavior by examining if infants also maintain hold of objects when experiencing a fall. Sixteen newly standing infants were video-recorded while standing and holding a toy and standing while not holding a toy. Similar to adults, when infants experienced a loss of balance, they did not drop held objects. However, maintaining hold of objects only partially interfered with the use of upper-limb protective strategies while falling. These results suggest that the tendency to maintain hold of an object while falling is present early in development and with little independent standing experience.
Shifting Responses to Institutional Change: The National Football League and Player Concussions
Authors: Heinze Kathryn L. , Lu Di
Published: June 2017

Institutional research increasingly suggests that organizations are not passive recipients of institutional demands. Organizations can adopt a variety of strategies, including dismissing, decoupling, and co-opting, in response to pressure to change. Over time, organizations likely adopt different approaches, particularly as the institutional field continues to evolve. Through a longitudinal case study of the National Football League’s responses to player concussions, we investigated shifts in how a powerful sport governing body responds to institutional change over time. We found that the National Football League moved through different responses, from more reactive strategies—including dismissing, decoupling, and acquiescing—to proactive attempts to control institutional change. Using data on the National Football League, we offer propositions about the factors that may influence organizational responses. This study advances understanding of powerful sport governing bodies’ responses to institutional change.
Antibody against Microbial Neuraminidases Recognizes Human Sialidase 3 (NEU3): the Neuraminidase/Sialidase Superfamily Revisited
Authors: Feng Chiguang , Li Jihong , Snyder Greg , Huang Wei , Goldblum Simeon E. , Chen Wilbur H. , Wang Lai-Xi , McClane Bruce A. , Cross Alan S.
Published: June 2017

Neuraminidases (NAs) are critical virulence factors for several microbial pathogens. With a highly conserved catalytic domain, a microbial NA “superfamily” has been proposed. We previously reported that murine polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) sialidase activity was important in leukocyte trafficking to inflamed sites and that antibodies to
Clostridium perfringens
NA recognized a cell surface molecule(s), presumed to be a sialidase of eukaryotic origin on interleukin-8-stimulated human and murine PMNs. These antibodies also inhibited cell sialidase activity both
in vitro
and, in the latter instance,
in vivo
. We therefore hypothesized that mammalian sialidases share structural homology and epitopes with microbial NAs. We now report that antibodies to one of the isoforms of
C. perfringens
NA, as well as anti-influenza virus NA serum, recognize human NEU3 but not NEU1 and that antibodies to
C. perfringens
NA inhibit NEU3 enzymatic activity. We conclude that the previously described microbial NA superfamily extends to human sialidases. Strategies designed to therapeutically inhibit microbial NA may need to consider potential compromising effects on human sialidases, particularly those expressed in cells of the immune system.

IMPORTANCE
We previously reported that sialidase activity of human neutrophils plays a critical role in the host inflammatory response. Since the catalytic domains of microbial neuraminidases are highly conserved, we hypothesized that antibodies against
Clostridium perfringens
neuraminidase might inhibit mammalian sialidase activity. Before the recognition of four mammalian sialidase (
Neu
) isoforms, we demonstrated that anti-
C. perfringens
neuraminidase antibodies inhibited human and murine sialidase activity
in vivo
and
in vitro
. We now show that the antibodies to microbial neuraminidase (
C. perfringens
and influenza virus) recognize human NEU3, which is important for neural development and cell signaling. Since many microbes that infect mucosal surfaces express neuraminidase, it is possible that the use of sialidase inhibitors (e.g., zanamivir), might also compromise human sialidase activity critical to the human immune response. Alternatively, sialidase inhibitors may prove useful in the treatment of hyperinflammatory conditions.
Novel Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-3
in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Yin Wenjuan , Li Hui , Shen Yingbo , Liu Zhihai , Wang Shaolin , Shen Zhangqi , Zhang Rong , Walsh Timothy R. , Shen Jianzhong , Wang Yang
Published: June 2017

The mobile colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
has attracted global attention, as it heralds the breach of polymyxins, one of the last-resort antibiotics for the treatment of severe clinical infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. To date, six slightly different variants of
mcr-1
, and a second mobile colistin resistance gene,
mcr-2
, have been reported or annotated in the GenBank database. Here, we characterized a third mobile colistin resistance gene,
mcr-3
. The gene coexisted with 18 additional resistance determinants in the 261-kb IncHI2-type plasmid pWJ1 from porcine
Escherichia coli
.
mcr-3
showed 45.0% and 47.0% nucleotide sequence identity to
mcr-1
and
mcr-2
, respectively, while the deduced amino acid sequence of MCR-3 showed 99.8 to 100% and 75.6 to 94.8% identity to phosphoethanolamine transferases found in other
Enterobacteriaceae
species and in 10
Aeromonas
species, respectively. pWJ1 was mobilized to an
E. coli
recipient by conjugation and contained a plasmid backbone similar to those of other
mcr-1
-carrying plasmids, such as pHNSHP45-2 from the original
mcr-1
-harboring
E. coli
strain. Moreover, a truncated transposon element, Tn
As2
, which was characterized only in
Aeromonas salmonicida
, was located upstream of
mcr-3
in pWJ1. This ΔTn
As2
-
mcr-3
element was also identified in a shotgun genome sequence of a porcine
E. coli
isolate from Malaysia, a human
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolate from Thailand, and a human
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolate from the United States. These results suggest the likelihood of a wide dissemination of the novel mobile colistin resistance gene
mcr-3
among
Enterobacteriaceae
and aeromonads; the latter may act as a potential reservoir for
mcr-3
.

IMPORTANCE
The emergence of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
has attracted substantial attention worldwide. Here, we examined a colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolate that was negative for both
mcr-1
and
mcr-2
and discovered a novel mobile colistin resistance gene,
mcr-3
. The amino acid sequence of MCR-3 aligned closely with phosphoethanolamine transferases from
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Aeromonas
species originating from both clinical infections and environmental samples collected in 12 countries on four continents. Due to the ubiquitous profile of aeromonads in the environment and the potential transfer of
mcr-3
between
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Aeromonas
species, the wide spread of
mcr-3
may be largely underestimated. As colistin has been and still is widely used in veterinary medicine and used at increasing frequencies in human medicine, the continuous monitoring of mobile colistin resistance determinants in colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is imperative for understanding and tackling the dissemination of
mcr
genes in both the agricultural and health care sectors.
Functional Role of Lanthanides in Enzymatic Activity and Transcriptional Regulation of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenases in
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440
Authors: Wehrmann Matthias , Billard Patrick , Martin-Meriadec Audrey , Zegeye Asfaw , Klebensberger Janosch
Published: June 2017

The oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes is crucial for detoxification and efficient catabolism of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thus, many Gram-negative bacteria have evolved periplasmic oxidation systems based on pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (PQQ-ADHs) that are often functionally redundant. Here we report the first description and characterization of a lanthanide-dependent PQQ-ADH (PedH) in a nonmethylotrophic bacterium based on the use of purified enzymes from the soil-dwelling model organism
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440. PedH (PP_2679) exhibits enzyme activity on a range of substrates similar to that of its Ca
2+
-dependent counterpart PedE (PP_2674), including linear and aromatic primary and secondary alcohols, as well as aldehydes, but only in the presence of lanthanide ions, including La
3+
, Ce
3+
, Pr
3+
, Sm
3+
, or Nd
3+
. Reporter assays revealed that PedH not only has a catalytic function but is also involved in the transcriptional regulation of
pedE
and
pedH
, most likely acting as a sensory module. Notably, the underlying regulatory network is responsive to as little as 1 to 10 nM lanthanum, a concentration assumed to be of ecological relevance. The present study further demonstrates that the PQQ-dependent oxidation system is crucial for efficient growth with a variety of volatile alcohols. From these results, we conclude that functional redundancy and inverse regulation of PedE and PedH represent an adaptive strategy of
P. putida
KT2440 to optimize growth with volatile alcohols in response to the availability of different lanthanides.

IMPORTANCE
Because of their low bioavailability, lanthanides have long been considered biologically inert. In recent years, however, the identification of lanthanides as a cofactor in methylotrophic bacteria has attracted tremendous interest among various biological fields. The present study reveals that one of the two PQQ-ADHs produced by the model organism
P. putida
KT2440 also utilizes lanthanides as a cofactor, thus expanding the scope of lanthanide-employing bacteria beyond the methylotrophs. Similar to the system described in methylotrophic bacteria, a complex regulatory network is involved in lanthanide-responsive switching between the two PQQ-ADHs encoded by
P. putida
KT2440. We further show that the functional production of at least one of the enzymes is crucial for efficient growth with several volatile alcohols. Overall, our study provides a novel understanding of the redundancy of PQQ-ADHs observed in many organisms and further highlights the importance of lanthanides for bacterial metabolism, particularly in soil environments.
e-Biologics: Fabrication of Sustainable Electronics with “Green” Biological Materials
Authors: Lovley Derek R.
Published: June 2017

The growing ubiquity of electronic devices is increasingly consuming substantial energy and rare resources for materials fabrication, as well as creating expansive volumes of toxic waste. This is not sustainable. Electronic biological materials (e-biologics) that are produced with microbes, or designed with microbial components as the guide for synthesis, are a potential green solution. Some e-biologics can be fabricated from renewable feedstocks with relatively low energy inputs, often while avoiding the harsh chemicals used for synthesizing more traditional electronic materials. Several are completely free of toxic components, can be readily recycled, and offer unique features not found in traditional electronic materials in terms of size, performance, and opportunities for diverse functionalization. An appropriate investment in the concerted multidisciplinary collaborative research required to identify and characterize e-biologics and to engineer materials and devices based on e-biologics could be rewarded with a new “green age” of sustainable electronic materials and devices.
Insidious perforation of the rectum by a fallopian tube: the need to keep 'an open mind' when dealing with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE)
Authors: Marujo Ana Teresa , Abreu Bruna , Nogueira Bruno , Reis José
Published: June 2017

Endometriosis is a benign chronic disease which can have different degrees of severity and can potentially affect any organ. Intestinal endometriosis occurs in 3%â€“37% of the cases, being more frequent in the rectosigmoid transition. Transmural involvement of intestinal endometriosis is extremely rare and is usually associated with recurrent abdominal pain. Due to the cyclical hormone influence, endometriosis implants may infiltrate the deeper layers of the intestinal wall and may lead to bowel obstruction or perforation. We present a case of transmural perforation of the rectum wall by an adjacent organ (left fallopian tube) that occurred insidiously in a patient with deep infiltrative endometriosis. A complete set of images is presented, regarding the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative findings.
Landing-related ankle injuries do not occur in plantarflexion as once thought: a systematic video analysis of ankle injuries in world-class volleyball
Authors: Skazalski Christopher , Kruczynski Jacek , Bahr Martin Aase , Bere Tone , Whiteley Rod , Bahr Roald
Published: June 2017

Background

Ankle injuries are prevalent in elite volleyball and suggested to result from player contact at the net. Traditionally, ankle sprains are thought to happen in a plantarflexed position, but case studies suggest plantarflexion may not be involved.

Aim

Describe the injury situations and mechanisms of ankle injuries in world-class volleyball based on systematic video analysis of injuries reported through the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Injury Surveillance System.

Methods

Videos of 24 injuries from major FIVB tournaments were included for analysis (14 men, 10 women). Five analysts reviewed the videos to determine specific situations and mechanisms leading to injuries.

Results

The majority of injuries occurred during two volleyball situations, blocking (n=15) and attacking (n=6). Injuries to blockers were the result of landing on an opponent (n=11) or teammate (n=4). Attacking injuries most frequently occurred when a back-row player landed on a front-row teammate (n=4 of 6). When landing on an opponent under the net, the attacker landed into the opponent’s court in 11 of 12 situations but without violating the centre line rule. Injuries mostly resulted from rapid inversion without any substantial plantarflexion.

Conclusions

The majority of injuries occur while blocking, often landing on an opponent. The attacker is overwhelmingly to blame for injuries at the net secondary to crossing the centre line. Injuries while attacking often result from a back-row player landing on a front-row teammate. Landing-related injuries mostly result from rapid inversion with the absence of plantarflexion.
Improving door to CT scanner times for potential stroke thrombolysis candidates – The Emergency Department's role
Authors: Barbour Victoria , Thakore Shobhan
Published: June 2017

Stroke thrombolysis is an important treatment in the management of acute strokes. Its' effectiveness is reliant on prompt administration after stroke onset. Disability free survival at 3-6 months increases by 10% when administered within 3 hours. There is also an economic benefit from early administration with reduced institutional care. New Scottish care standards have been introduced which suggest a target that 50% of suitable patients should receive thrombolysis within 30 minutes, and 80% within one hour 6.

Processes in the Emergency Department play a key role in determining the time a patient waits between arrival and reaching the CT scanner. The project team looked at Ninewells Emergency Department times to CT scanner between May and August 2015 and found that only 20% of patients had their scan within 20 minutes, and 70% within 45 minutes. The team went on to conduct a quality improvement project. This involved initial patient mapping and short interviews with staff. A multi action approach was developed involving education in the form of emails, presentations and visual charts, and the final step was to simplify the paperwork involved. The project was conducted over 11 months and successfully reduced the times to CT, with 60% having had their CT scan within 20 minutes, and 100% within 45 minutes, with a very noticeable reduction in variation around the mean. It is hoped to take this approach forward and apply it to other processes in the department.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via suppressing nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Cheng Jun , Chen Tangting , Li Pengyun , Wen Jing , Pang Ningbo , Zhang Liping , Wang Liqun
Published: June 2017

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a water-soluble derivative of tanshinone IIA, has been demonstrated to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effects of STS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in endothelial cells remain to be elucidated. In the present study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to explore the effects of STS on LPS-induced inflammation and the molecular mechanism involved. HUVECs were pretreated with STS for 2 h, followed by stimulation with LPS. Then expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were assessed. The results demonstrated that STS significantly decreased LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β protein expression in HUVECs. Similarly, the increased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in cell supernatants stimulated by LPS were also significantly inhibited by STS. Furthermore, STS inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. All the results suggest that STS prevents LPS-induced inflammation through suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway in endothelial cells, indicating the potential utility of STS for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.