bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Tennis Leg
Authors: Monseau Aaron , Balcik Brenden , Denne Nicolas , Sharon Melinda , Minardi Joseph
Published: February 2019

A 38-year-old male presented with left calf pain after a fall while skiing. Physical examination revealed tenderness over the gastrocnemius with a palpable mass and pain with resisted plantar flexion. Point-of care-ultrasound (POCUS) of the gastrocnemius was consistent with a muscle rupture, and we made a diagnosis of tennis leg. The patient was instructed to rest for two weeks, followed by a home rehabilitation program, and he was able to return to his normal activities. Here we present a case of tennis leg quickly and accurately diagnosed with POCUS, negating the need for additional advanced imaging.
Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy in the Presence of an Intrauterine Device
Authors: Neth Matthew , Thompson Maxwell , Gibson Courtney , Gullett John , Pigott David
Published: February 2019

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of first trimester maternal mortality. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy should always be suspected in patients with abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or syncope. While the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) markedly reduces the incidence of intrauterine pregnancy, it does not confer equal protection from the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In this report we discuss the case of a female patient who presented with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and hemoperitoneum despite a correctly positioned IUD.
Innovation et authenticité en tourisme. Points de rencontre
Authors: Falardeau Isabelle , Bourdeau Laurent , Marcotte Pascale
Published: February 2019

L’apparente dualité entre innovation et authenticité en tourisme n’empêche pas le recours simultané à ces concepts. Chacun bien documenté dans les écrits scientifiques, ils y sont rarement mis côte à côte. Afin de comprendre les différences et les points de rencontre entre les deux, cet article propose une réflexion conceptuelle sur le sujet. Il montre l’évolution de la recherche sur l’innovation : phase préparatoire, émergence, cristallisation, foisonnement, tandis que la comparaison des différentes typologies d’innovation fait ressortir les particularités de chacune, mais surtout leur similitude. L’authenticité est un concept critiqué. Ses définitions sont peu consensuelles, la plupart des auteurs préférant présenter des typologies. Celles-ci se sont chronologiquement succédé, mais aussi affrontées. L’innovation et l’authenticité en tourisme ne sont pas que des concepts parallèles, ils s’entrecroisent également. Au niveau théorique, l’authenticité négociée, l’authenticité émergente ou l’invention de tradition représentent des points de rencontre entre innovation et authenticité. Certains types de tourisme permettent également d’illustrer cet enchevêtrement (par exemple ceux associés à l’économie collaborative ou au mouvement lent). Les organisations touristiques jouent elles aussi de ces points de rencontre dans leur offre touristique ; afin de s’adapter aux attentes et aux valeurs contemporaines, elles se doivent d’innover. Néanmoins, elles doivent aussi demeurer authentiques afin de conserver un sens à l’activité touristique qu’elles proposent.
Barcelone face au
tourisme de masse : « tourismophobie » et vivre
ensemble
Authors: Ballester Patrice
Published: February 2019

Le tourisme devient une source de richesse pour les
villes méditerranéennes qui profitent de la mondialisation. Pourtant, le
processus de mise en scène et en récit de ces métropoles transforme le paysage
urbain et les usages de l’espace public. D’un côté, la stratégie touristique
vise à proposer une image de qualité de la ville auprès des touristes
internationaux, renforçant son attractivité et nécessitant la création de
nouveaux espaces de loisirs ; de l’autre côté, la réussite de cette entreprise
de communication et de marketing amène une situation de tension causée par une
surfréquentation de visiteurs et une concentration de problèmes sociaux que le
nouveau terme de tourismophobie synthétise. La « révolte » du quartier de la
Barceloneta en août 2014 et d’autres quartiers de la capitale catalane entre
2014 et 2017 atteste une situation de crise et de transition urbaine que nous
analysons à partir d’une enquête de terrain originale qui repose sur l’étude des
pancartes revendicatrices accrochées aux balcons des habitants, des entretiens
avec des locaux et un recensement statistique auprès de l’Office de tourisme de
Barcelone. Nos résultats mettent en avant trois éléments pour expliquer les
tensions sociales issues de la confrontation de deux modes de vie, sédentaire et
nomade : 1) Barcelone et ses districts de front de mer sont victimes d’un succès
et d’une attractivité touristique exponentielle, mais aussi d’une superposition
concomitante de processus d’attraction engendrant des flux continus de tourisme
d’affaires et d’agrément, à savoir : l’héliotropisme, l’haliotropisme et une
métropolisation renforcée ; 2) le tourisme résidentiel et l’innovation numérique
impliquent une redéfinition importante de l’offre immobilière locative,
bouleversant le corps social du centre-ville et de quartiers populaires qui ont
profité parallèlement d’une intervention urbanistique de qualité dans les années
1990 à la suite des Jeux olympiques (JO) ; 3) une crise urbaine s’observe en
relation avec l’activité touristique et ses conséquences, engendrant la volonté
de trouver une nouvelle gouvernance touristique, mais nous identifions un manque
de vision stratégique et des contradictions idéologiques dans la capacité à
arriver à une coprésence harmonieuse touristes–habitants.
Québec : oui, vraiment, une province pas comme les autres!
Authors: Aubry Claude
Published: February 2019

L’auteur lance un cri d’alarme face à la situation déplorable des bibliothèques publiques du Québec. Comparées à celles de l’Ontario, elles accusent un retard considérable pouvant se traduire par l’équation de 1 contre 5. Des subventions de $50,000,000 par année seraient un minimum essentiel.
ULOGA CENTRALNE BANKE U FUNKCIJI POBOLJŠANJA LIKVIDNOSTI BANKARSKOG SEKTORA BIH
Authors: Erceg Živko
Published: February 2019

Monetarna politika Bosne i Hercegovineje prilično ograničena, jer se temelji na principimavalutnog odbora kojeg karakteriše nemogućnostsprovoĎenja osnovnih instrumenata monetarnepolitike u poreĎenju sa monetarnom politikomEvropske unije. MeĎutim, stalna prisutnostevropskih integracija bi trebala da ukaže napotrebu za drastičnijom promijenom monetarnepolitike Bosne i Hercegovine. Ulaskom uEvropsku monetarnu uniju, (EMU) monetarnopodručje Bosne i Hercegovine postaće jedna odfilijala Evropske centralne banke (ECB). Poredtoga, nije teško zaključiti zašto je meĎu prvimzakonima od Dejtonskog sporazuma usvojenZakon o Centralnoj banci Bosne i Hercegovine,ako se zna da je najveći dio bankarskog sistema, atime i finansijskog tržišta u vlasništvu stranihbanaka. U radu će se ukazati na značaj Centralnebanke BiH, kao jednog od najbitnijih faktoraodržavanja permanentne likvidnosti bankarskogsektora u Bosni i Hercegovini. Determinisaće semogućnosti i ograničenja Centralne banke BiH, uzpretpostavku makroekonomske održivosti na duživremenski period. Analiziraće se potreba reformebankarskog sistema u Bosni i Hercegovini krozstalnu implementaciju Bazelskih standarda uz sveveće učešće stranih banaka u finansijskom sistemuBiH. Odrediće se uticaj implementacije bazela IIIu bankarstvo BiH i njegove posljedice nabankarski i ekonomski sistem.
ЕКОЛОШКИ ПОРЕЗИ КАО ИНСТРУМЕНТ ЕКОЛОШКЕ ПОЛИТИКЕ ЗЕМАЉА У РАЗВОЈУ
Authors: Ђорђевић Марина , Ристић Милица
Published: February 2019

Многи проблеми заштитеживотне средине и природних ресура, који сурешени у развијеним земљама применомодговарајућих инструмената, постају све већиу земљама у развоју. Због сиромаштва,ефикасност конципирања еколошке политике иминимизирање трошкова, представљајуинхерентна питања ових земаља. Циљ овограда је да истакне значај еколошких пореза уземљама у развоју, сходно томе да еколошкипорези представљају инструмент еколошкеполитике који конвенира нивоу њиховеразвијености. Већина земаља, данас, великупажњу посвећује еколошким порезима.Међутим, у пореским системима земаља уразвоју, њихов значај је деластиран.Анализирали смо 12 земаља у развоју, које сучланице Европске Уније, са тенденцијом даукажемо на бенефите које би оне могле иматиод еколошких пореза. Спроведена је регресионаанализа на серији података за период 2001-2016. године. Резултати модела показују дараст пореских прихода од еколошких пореза,имплицитно повећава и издвајања државе уобласти заштите животне средине.
Effects of narrow linear clearings on movement and habitat use in a boreal forest mammal community during winter
Authors: Pattison Colin A. , Catterall Carla P.
Published: February 2019

Linear clearings for human activities cause internal fragmentation of otherwise intact native forest, with many potential impacts on wildlife. Across a boreal forest region of some 4,000 km2, we investigated how movements and habitat use of ecologically different mammal species are affected by narrow (about eight m) seismic line (SL) clearings associated with fossil fuel extraction, which form extensive networks many kilometers long. We conducted nine repeat snow track surveys during three winters at 14 pairs of one-kilometer transects, each comprising one transect along the SL and a second running perpendicular into adjacent forest. Data for 13 individually-analyzed mammal taxa (species or sets of closely related species) and five mammal groups, categorized based on body size-diet combinations, showed that movements across transects were either unaffected by SL clearings (relative to continuous forest) or restricted only slightly. However, these clearings were favored for linear travel by most species and body size-diet groups (excepting small mammals). The strength of this preference varied in a manner consistent with species’ differing needs to move long distances (associated with their energetic requirements): large predators > large herbivores > mid-sized predators > mid-sized herbivores > small mammals. In terms of overall habitat use, large-bodied predators (e.g., wolves and coyotes) strongly selected SL clearings over forest, medium-sized predators (e.g., mustelids) and medium-sized herbivores (e.g., hares and squirrels) preferred forest, and neither large herbivores nor small mammals had a clear habitat preference. Consequently, there was a net shift in both species and trophic composition within the SL, in favor of large predators and away from medium-sized predators and herbivores. Given the high regional SL density (1.9 km/km2) such shifts are likely to have complex ecological consequences, of currently unknown magnitude.
Towards Addressing the Challenges Bedeviling the Strategies of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamatis-Sunnah in the Democratization Process of Katsina State-Nigeria
Authors: Umar Musa Kabir , Abdul Muhammad Ainuddin Iskandar Lee bin , Yusouf Kamarul Zaman Bn Hajj
Published: February 2019

The paper investigates the challenges bedeviling the strategies of an Islamic civil society organization known as Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamtis-Sunnah [JIBWIS] popularly known as Izala in the democratization process of Katsina State-Nigeria with a view to proffering solutions. A lot of problems have been militating against the efforts of Izala Islamic civil society association towards improving the quality of the democratic order. As a case study qualitative research inquiry, the study was conducted through an in-depth semi-structured interview with 18 key informant’s personal experiences on the phenomenon. Analysis of data was done by using NVivo 12 which significantly aided in the coding, categorization and data management which produced the themes and sub-themes. System theory was used as a framework in the explanation of the phenomenon. The study found out that there are myriads of problematic issues related to the strategies used by the Izala organization; which negates their strategies in the democratization process. Furthermore, the study has identified the various ways in which such strategies could be strengthened for the Islamic organization to give a positive impact on the advancement of the democratization process in the State. Thus, the study presents a conceptually and empirically supported framework to describe the strategies of Islamic civic association in the democratization process of the state. In effect, therefore, the lingering Izala strategy’s crises in the democratization process was explored and analyzed. The study is particularly useful for religious civil societies, politicians, policy-makers, and researchers by identifying and proposing the ways in which the state, political parties, religious organizations, and other democratic stakeholders should conduct and relate in a nascent democratizing society. The analysis points toward the potential for change in the strategies of Izala Islamic civil society in the democratization process.
Chemical Speciation and Distributon of Heavy Metals in Alluvial Soils of Ondo State
Authors: Olawale Fadojutimi Paul , Ademola Aiyesanmi Festus , Adekoya Adelaja Oluwaseun
Published: February 2019

Floodplains are very important for agriculture, since it allows planting of arable crops throughout the year. In order to asses pollution levels of the floodplains due to contamination from flooding,soil samples were collected from six locations across each of the floodplain of Owena river, Ogbese river and Ala river in Ondo State. The study investigated the chemical speciation of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in the alluvial soil matrix due to deposition of metals as result of inundation of the floodplains. The heavy metals were quantified using Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophotometer. The concentration of heavy metals in  exchangeable fraction  are in the order of Ni (BDL-0.26 mg/kg) < Cd (BDL - 0.41 mg/kg) < Cu (0.08-1.33 mg/kg) < Zn (0.27-7.08 mg/kg), in carbonate fraction: Ni (BDL-0.53 mg/kg) < Cd (BDL – 1.83 mg/kg< Cu (0.13-3.02 mg/kg) < Zn (0.64-11.88 mg/kg), in Fe-Mn Oxide fraction: Cd (BDL-0.21 mg/kg)  < Ni (BDL-0.53 mg/kg)  < Cu (0.68-3.03 mg/kg) < Zn (3.05-17.32 mg/kg), In organic fraction: Cd (BDL-0.15 mg/kg) < Cu (0.51-6.00 mg/kg) < Ni (0.73-7.84mg/kg ) < Zn (1.80-21.82 mg/kg), In residual fraction: Cd (0.20-1.28 mg/kg)  <  Cu (1.18-6.19 mg/kg)  <  Zn (2.77-13.97 mg/kg) < Ni (1.54-13.59 mg/kg). Cd and Ni were most abundant in residual fraction, Cu was found to be predominantly associated with organic and residual fractions while, Zn was  predominantly bound to oxidizable and organic fractions The mean concentration of the heavy metals in the floodplains soil were of the order of Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd. The speciation study futher revealed both geogenic and anthropogenic sources contributed to the total metal load of the floodplain soils.
The Mechanism of the Links between Growth and Volatility
Authors: Edgeweblime Kcodgoh L.
Published: February 2019

This paper has investigated the signs of the relationship between growth and volatility in a new environment set by changes in assumptions of the Ramsey model to allow technological progress to become endogenous.

A generation’s utility maximization is obtained through externalities trade named “multidimensional trade”. In contrast to the effects on long-run growth in the AK model where an improvement in the level of technology, A, which raises the marginal and average products of capital, also raises the growth rate and alters the saving rate, we found a greater willingness to hoard down or an improvement in the level of technology shows up in the long-run as higher levels of capital (unnatural resources) and output per effective worker but in no change in per capita growth rate. The steady state results of the working of diminishing returns to inputs in technology production function. This has leaded to a reformulation of Heckscher-Ohlin trade model:  Productive factors that exist in abundance in a generation and that are not intensively used to produce goods and services in that generation are exported to other generations in exchange for scarce productive factors intensively used to produce goods and services that should be scarce in the generation. The goods and services with weak consumption are indirectly exported from one generation to others, whereas goods and services with high consumption are indirectly imported from other generations. Therefore Ramsey model becomes a particular case of multidimensional trade (when externalities are internalized). In that case, the tendency for saving rates to rise or fall with economic development affects the traditional dynamics, that is why, in our framework, intergenerational and international leveling out of all prices (goods and productive factors include techniques) should restore neoclassical assumptions:  this is the main mechanism of the links between growth an volatility.
Nexus between Agriculture and Unemployment in Nigeria
Authors: Enilolobo Oluwafemi S. , Mustapha Saidi A. , Ikechukwu Onyeka P.
Published: February 2019

This study examined the impact of agriculture sector growth on unemployment level as well as the direction of causality between agricultural sector output and unemployment level in Nigeria. Secondary annual time series data between 1981 and 2016 were used for the study. Data on unemployment rate, agriculture sector output, public expenditure and industrial output were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s statistical Bulletin while data on FDI and population growth were obtained from the World Bank World Development Indicators. The data were analyzed using ADF (Augmented Dickey Fuller Test) unit root test, Autoregressive distributed lag Bounds test of cointegration, Autoregressive distributed lag error correction model estimation and Granger causality. The results of ADF unit root test revealed variables were at different orders of integration, the ARDL bounds test revealed cointegration between variables, and the Autoregressive distributed lag error correction model estimation revealed that change in agriculture output in the current period is negative and significant for current unemployment level in Nigeria, while the change in one period lagged agriculture output was positive and significant for current unemployment level in Nigeria. Also the error correction term indicated that about 74.10 percent of the disequilibrium in the system in the previous year would be corrected in the current year. Granger causality test results revealed bi-directional causality between agriculture output and unemployment level in Nigeria. The study recommends that the Nigeria government should using strategic policies targeted at boosting agriculture output such as increasing access to land for peasant rural farmers, investments in agricultural research, and so on, seek to boost agriculture output in order to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. Further, the Nigeria government should ensure that agriculture sector development policies are consistent with the objective of reducing unemployment in Nigeria.
Approval-directed agency and the decision theory of Newcomb-like problems
Authors: Oesterheld Caspar
Published: February 2019

Decision theorists disagree about how instrumentally rational agents, i.e., agents trying to achieve some goal, should behave in so-called Newcomb-like problems, with the main contenders being causal and evidential decision theory. Since the main goal of artificial intelligence research is to create machines that make instrumentally rational decisions, the disagreement pertains to this field. In addition to the more philosophical question of what the right decision theory is, the goal of AI poses the question of how to implement any given decision theory in an AI. For example, how would one go about building an AI whose behavior matches evidential decision theory’s recommendations? Conversely, we can ask which decision theories (if any) describe the behavior of any existing AI design. In this paper, we study what decision theory an approval-directed agent, i.e., an agent whose goal it is to maximize the score it receives from an overseer, implements. If we assume that the overseer rewards the agent based on the expected value of some von Neumann–Morgenstern utility function, then such an approval-directed agent is guided by two decision theories: the one used by the agent to decide which action to choose in order to maximize the reward and the one used by the overseer to compute the expected utility of a chosen action. We show which of these two decision theories describes the agent’s behavior in which situations.
A systematic review on sleep alterations anticipating the onset of bipolar disorder
Authors: Pancheri C. , Verdolini N. , Pacchiarotti I. , Samalin L. , Delle Chiaie R. , Biondi M. , Carvalho A.F. , Valdes M. , Ritter P. , Vieta E. , Murru A.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Sleep alterations are frequent occurrence in Bipolar Disorder (BD), both in acute and interepisodic phases. Sleep alterations have been also described both long before BD onset, as aspecific risk syndromes, or as immediate prodromes of BD onset. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the relationship between sleep alterations anticipating for the full-blown onset of BD, both in general and according to specific polarities of onset.

Methods:

A systematic literature research according to PRISMA statement and considering: 1. prospective studies about BD patients’ offspring with sleep alterations who later developed BD. 2. prospective studies assessing patients with sleep disorders who later developed BD. 3. retrospective studies on BD patients where sleep alterations before BD onset of the disease were reported.

Results:

A total of 16 studies were included in this review. Sleep disturbances may frequently appear 1 year before the onset of BD or more, often during childhood or adolescence. A decreased need for sleep may precede the onset of the illness, specially a manic episode, while insomnia appears to anticipate either a manic or a depressive episode. Hypersomnia seems to precede bipolar depressive episodes.

Conclusions:

Sleep alterations frequently appear long before the onset of BD, and appear to be related specifically to the polarity of the index episode. The detection and treatment of sleep alterations in special high risk populations may help achieving an earlier detection of the illness.
High BDNF serum levels are associated to good cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mora Ester , Portella Maria J. , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard , López Ricard , Cuadras Daniel , Forcada Irene , Teres Montse , Vieta Eduard , Mur Maria
Published: February 2019

Background:

Neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammation and oxidative damage may contribute to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) in terms of illness activity. To date, there is a lack of studies linking the cognitive impairment observed in BD with these neurobiological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the role of these neurobiological factors in clinical and cognitive outcomes in a sample of bipolar individuals.

Methods:

We measured serum BDNF, cytokines and oxidative stress markers in a sample of 133 individuals: 52 euthymic bipolar patients, 32 manic patients and 49 healthy controls. They were all assessed with a comprehensive cognitive battery. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Multiple linear regression models were built to study associations of neurotrophins and inflammatory and oxidative measures with cognitive functioning.

Results:

BDNF levels were decreased in euthymic (p = 0.039) and manic (p < 0.001) individuals. Conversely, inflammatory (interleukin 6 (IL-6)) (p = 0.019) and oxidative stress (p = 0.003) measures were increased in bipolar individuals compared to controls. BDNF levels were associated with executive functioning (β = 0.01, p = 0.02) and verbal memory (β = 0.013, p = 0.005), together with other demographic variables. In particular, verbal memory was also associated with obesity (β=-0.04, p = 0.005). Neither inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers nor other relevant clinical variables showed any association with cognitive outcome.

Conclusions:

Of all the peripheral neurobiological factors analysed, BDNF was the only one significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder individuals. This study emphasizes the role of BDNF not only across mood phases but also in cognitive functioning.
Implementation of a targeted HPV educational program in a population with HIV
Authors: Ayoub Noel , Sunwoo John B. , Starmer Heather M.
Published: February 2019

Patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at higher risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated malignancies. This prospective, longitudinal study evaluated the baseline knowledge of PLWH regarding HPV infection and its association with head neck cancer, and it aimed to determine whether a focused educational session could promote both short‐ and long‐term knowledge acquisition in this population. Twenty‐seven subjects participated in an interactive educational session and completed pre‐test and immediate and delayed (4‐month) post‐test questionnaires. When compared to their pre‐test answers, subjects demonstrated significant improvements in all 28 questions immediately following education. Knowledge preservation was demonstrated 4 months after initial evaluation, with subjects performing significantly better than their pre‐test scores in 24 of the original 28 questions. These results suggest that short, focused, educational programs for PLWH may promote a better understanding of HPV's association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV risk factors, methods of transmission, and prevention.
Still living with mortality: the longevity risk transfer market after one decade
Authors: Blake D. , Cairns A. J. G. , Dowd K. , Kessler A. R.
Published: February 2019

This paper updates Living with Mortality published in 2006. It describes how the longevity risk transfer market has developed over the intervening period, and, in particular, how insurance-based solutions – buy-outs, buy-ins and longevity insurance – have triumphed over capital markets solutions that were expected to dominate at the time. Some capital markets solutions – longevity-spread bonds, longevity swaps, q-forwards and tail-risk protection – have come to market, but the volume of business has been disappointingly low. The reason for this is that when market participants compare the index-based solutions of the capital markets with the customised solutions of insurance companies in terms of basis risk, credit risk, regulatory capital, collateral and liquidity, the former perform on balance less favourably despite a lower potential cost. We discuss the importance of stochastic mortality models for forecasting future longevity and examine some applications of these models, e.g. determining the longevity risk premium and estimating regulatory capital relief. The longevity risk transfer market is now beginning to recognise that there is insufficient capacity in the insurance and reinsurance industries to deal fully with demand and new solutions for attracting capital markets investors are now being examined – such as longevity-linked securities and reinsurance sidecars.
A linear nonribosomal octapeptide from Fusarium graminearum facilitates cell-to-cell invasion of wheat
Authors: Jia Lei-Jie , Tang Hao-Yu , Wang Wan-Qiu , Yuan Ting-Lu , Wei Wan-Qian , Pang Bo , Gong Xue-Min , Wang Shou-Feng , Li Yu-Jie , Zhang Dong , Liu Wen , Tang Wei-Hua
Published: February 2019

Fusarium graminearum is a destructive wheat pathogen. No fully resistant cultivars are available. Knowledge concerning the molecular weapons of F. graminearum to achieve infection remains limited. Here, we report that deletion of the putative secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene cluster fg3_54 compromises the pathogen’s ability to infect wheat through cell-to-cell penetration. Ectopic expression of fgm4, a pathway-specific bANK-like regulatory gene, activates the transcription of the fg3_54 cluster in vitro. We identify a linear, C- terminally reduced and d-amino acid residue-rich octapeptide, fusaoctaxin A, as the product of the two nonribosomal peptide synthetases encoded by fg3_54. Chemically-synthesized fusaoctaxin A restores cell-to-cell invasiveness in fg3_54-deleted F. graminearum, and enables colonization of wheat coleoptiles by two Fusarium strains that lack the fg3_54 homolog and are nonpathogenic to wheat. In conclusion, our results identify fusaoctaxin A as a virulence factor required for cell-to-cell invasion of wheat by F. graminearum.
Hybridization is a recurrent evolutionary stimulus in wild yeast speciation
Authors: Eberlein Chris , Hénault Mathieu , Fijarczyk Anna , Charron Guillaume , Bouvier Matteo , Kohn Linda M. , Anderson James B. , Landry Christian R.
Published: February 2019

Hybridization can result in reproductively isolated and phenotypically distinct lineages that evolve as independent hybrid species. How frequently hybridization leads to speciation remains largely unknown. Here we examine the potential recurrence of hybrid speciation in the wild yeast Saccharomyces paradoxus in North America, which comprises two endemic lineages SpB and SpC, and an incipient hybrid species, SpC*. Using whole-genome sequences from more than 300 strains, we uncover the hybrid origin of another group, SpD, that emerged from hybridization between SpC* and one of its parental species, the widespread SpB. We show that SpD has the potential to evolve as a novel hybrid species, because it displays phenotypic novelties that include an intermediate transcriptome profile, and partial reproductive isolation with its most abundant sympatric parental species, SpB. Our findings show that repetitive cycles of divergence and hybridization quickly generate diversity and reproductive isolation, providing the raw material for speciation by hybridization.
Model selection may not be a mandatory step for phylogeny reconstruction
Authors: Abadi Shiran , Azouri Dana , Pupko Tal , Mayrose Itay
Published: February 2019

Determining the most suitable model for phylogeny reconstruction constitutes a fundamental step in numerous evolutionary studies. Over the years, various criteria for model selection have been proposed, leading to debate over which criterion is preferable. However, the necessity of this procedure has not been questioned to date. Here, we demonstrate that although incongruency regarding the selected model is frequent over empirical and simulated data, all criteria lead to very similar inferences. When topologies and ancestral sequence reconstruction are the desired output, choosing one criterion over another is not crucial. Moreover, skipping model selection and using instead the most parameter-rich model, GTR+I+G, leads to similar inferences, thus rendering this time-consuming step nonessential, at least under current strategies of model selection.
Isothermal Analysis of ThermoFluor Data can readily provide Quantitative Binding Affinities
Authors: Bai Nan , Roder Heinrich , Dickson Alex , Karanicolas John
Published: February 2019

Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), also known as ThermoFluor or Thermal Shift Assay, has become a commonly-used approach for detecting protein-ligand interactions, particularly in the context of fragment screening. Upon binding to a folded protein, most ligands stabilize the protein; thus, observing an increase in the temperature at which the protein unfolds as a function of ligand concentration can serve as evidence of a direct interaction. While experimental protocols for this assay are well-developed, it is not straightforward to extract binding constants from the resulting data. Because of this, DSF is often used to probe for an interaction, but not to quantify the corresponding binding constant (Kd). Here, we propose a new approach for analyzing DSF data. Using unfolding curves at varying ligand concentrations, our “isothermal” approach collects from these the fraction of protein that is folded at a single temperature (chosen to be temperature near the unfolding transition). This greatly simplifies the subsequent analysis, because it circumvents the complicating temperature dependence of the binding constant; the resulting constant-temperature system can then be described as a pair of coupled equilibria (protein folding/unfolding and ligand binding/unbinding). The temperature at which the binding constants are determined can also be tuned, by adding chemical denaturants that shift the protein unfolding temperature. We demonstrate the application of this isothermal analysis using experimental data for maltose binding protein binding to maltose, and for two carbonic anhydrase isoforms binding to each of four inhibitors. To facilitate adoption of this new approach, we provide a free and easy-to-use Python program that analyzes thermal unfolding data and implements the isothermal approach described herein (https://sourceforge.net/projects/dsf-fitting).
In Vivo Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Atherosclerosis Using Local Delivery of Novel Targeted Molecular Probes
Authors: Bertrand Marie-Jeanne , Abran Maxime , Maafi Foued , Busseuil David , Merlet Nolwenn , Mihalache-Avram Teodora , Geoffroy Pascale , Tardif Pier-Luc , Abulrob Abedelnasser , Arbabi-Ghahroudi Mehdi , Ni Feng , Sirois Martin , L’Allier Philippe L. , Rhéaume Éric , Lesage Frédéric , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a technique for atherosclerosis imaging using local delivery of relatively small quantities (0.04–0.4 mg/kg) of labeled-specific imaging tracers targeting ICAM-1 and unpolymerized type I collagen or negative controls in 13 rabbits with atheroma induced by balloon injury in the abdominal aorta and a 12-week high-cholesterol diet. Immediately after local infusion, in vivo intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS)-NIRF imaging was performed at different time-points over a 40-minute period. The in vivo peak NIRF signal was significantly higher in the molecular tracer-injected rabbits than in the control-injected animals (P < 0.05). Ex vivo peak NIRF signal was significantly higher in the ICAM-1 probe-injected rabbits than in controls (P = 0.04), but not in the collagen probe-injected group (P = 0.29). NIRF signal discrimination following dual-probe delivery was also shown to be feasible in a single animal and thus offers the possibility of combining several distinct biological imaging agents in future studies. This innovative imaging strategy using in vivo local delivery of low concentrations of labeled molecular tracers followed by IVUS-NIRF catheter-based imaging holds potential for detection of vulnerable human coronary artery plaques.
Lévy like patterns in the small-scale movements of marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment
Authors: Ríos-Uzeda B. , Brigatti E. , Vieira M. V.
Published: February 2019

We investigate the movement patterns of three different Neotropical marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment. Animals are released in a matrix from which they try to reach a patch of forest. Their movements, performed on a small spacial scale, are best approximated by Lévy flights. Patterns of oriented and non-oriented individuals - with forest patches within or beyond their perceptual range - differ only slightly in the value of their exponents. These facts suggest that, for these species, the appearance of Lévy flights is the product of animals innate behaviour that emerges spontaneously, as a neutral characteristic proper of a default movement mode for alerted animals.
A machine learning model to classify aortic dissection patients in the early diagnosis phase
Authors: Huo Da , Kou Bo , Zhou Zhili , Lv Ming
Published: February 2019

Aortic dissection is one of the most clinical-challenging and life-threatening cardiovascular diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. Aortic dissection requires fast diagnosis and timely therapy. Any delay or misdiagnosis can cause severe consequence to aortic dissection patients with even higher mortality. To better help physicians identify the potential dissection within the scope of all misdiagnosed patients, this paper describes a method which is developed with data mining methods for aortic dissection patient classification and prediction in the phase of early diagnosis. Various machine learning algorithms were used to build the models which were all trained and tested on the patient dataset with cross validation. Among them, Bayesian Network model achieved the best performance by predicting at a precision rate of 84.55% with Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.857. On this basis, the Bayesian Network model can help physicians better with early diagnosis of aortic dissection in clinical practice. Beyond this study, more data from diverse regions and the internal pathology can be crucial to further build a universal model with broader predictive power.
By-Products of Heparin Production Provide a Diverse Source of Heparin-like and Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Taylor Sarah L. , Hogwood John , Guo Wei , Yates Edwin A. , Turnbull Jeremy E.
Published: February 2019

Global production of pharmaceutical heparin (Hp) is increasing, and the production process from raw mucosal material results in large amounts of waste by-products. These contain lower sulfated Hp-like and heparan sulfate (HS), as well as other glycosaminoglycans, which are bioactive entities with pharmaceutical potential. Here we describe the first purification, structural and functional characterisation of Hp-like and HS polysaccharides from the four major by-product fractions of standard heparin production. Analysis of the by-products by disaccharide composition analysis and NMR demonstrated a range of structural characteristics which differentiate them from Hp (particularly reduced sulfation and sulfated disaccharide content), and that they are each distinct. Functional properties of the purified by-products varied, each displaying distinct anticoagulant profiles in different assays, and all exhibiting significantly lower global and specific inhibition of the coagulation pathway than Hp. The by-products retained the ability to promote cell proliferation via fibroblast growth factor receptor signalling, with only minor differences between them. These collective analyses indicate that they represent an untapped and economical source of structurally-diverse Hp-like and HS polysaccharides with the potential for enhancing future structure-activity studies and uncovering new biomedical applications of these important natural products.
MAOA variants differ in oscillatory EEG & ECG activities in response to aggression-inducing stimuli
Authors: Im SeungYeong , Jeong Jinju , Jin Gwonhyu , Yeom Jiwoo , Jekal Janghwan , Lee Sang-im , Cho Jung Ah , Lee Sukkyoo , Lee Youngmi , Kim Dae-Hwan , Bae Mijeong , Heo Jinhwa , Moon Cheil , Lee Chang-Hun
Published: February 2019

Among the genetic variations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, upstream variable number tandem repeats (uVNTRs) of the promoter have been associated with individual differences in human physiology and aggressive behaviour. However, the evidence for a molecular or neural link betweenMAOAuVNTRs and aggression remains ambiguous. Additionally, the use of inconsistent promoter constructs in previous studies has added to the confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate the genetic function ofMAOAuVNTR and its effects on multiple aspects of aggression. Here, we identified threeMAOAalleles in Koreans: the predominant 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, as well as the rare 2.5R allele. There was a minor difference in transcriptional efficiency between the 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, with the greatest value for the 2.5R allele, in contrast to existing research. Psychological indices of aggression did not differ amongMAOAgenotypes. However, our electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram results obtained under aggression-related stimulation revealed oscillatory changes as novel phenotypes that vary with theMAOAgenotype. In particular, we observed prominent changes in frontal γ power and heart rate in 4.5R carriers of men. Our findings provide genetic insights intoMAOAfunction and offer a neurobiological basis for various socio-emotional mechanisms in healthy individuals.
Passive broadband full Stokes polarimeter using a Fresnel cone
Authors: Hawley R. D. , Cork J. , Radwell N. , Franke-Arnold S.
Published: February 2019

Light’s polarisation contains information about its source and interactions, from distant stars to biological samples. Polarimeters can recover this information, but reliance on birefringent or rotating optical elements limits their wavelength range and stability. Here we present a static, single-shot polarimeter based on a Fresnel cone - the direct spatial analogue to the popular rotating quarter-wave plate approach. We measure the average angular accuracy to be 2.9° (3.6°) for elliptical (linear) polarization states across the visible spectrum, with the degree of polarisation determined to within 0.12 (0.08). Our broadband full Stokes polarimeter is robust, cost-effective, and could find applications in hyper-spectral polarimetry and scanning microscopy.
Phylogeography of the threatened tetraploid fish, Schizothorax waltoni, in the Yarlung Tsangpo River on the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: implications for conservation
Authors: Guo Xiang-Zhao , Zhang Gui-Rong , Wei Kai-Jian , Ji Wei , Yan Ruo-Jin , Wei Qi-Wei , Gardner Jonathan P. A.
Published: February 2019

The phylogeography of Schizothorax waltoni, an endemic and endangered tetraploid schizothoracine fish in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (YLTR) on southern margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), was investigated using two mitochondrial DNA regions and eleven microsatellite loci. Analyses of concatenated sequences of cytochrome b (1141 bp) and the control region (712 bp) revealed high haplotype diversity and moderate nucleotide diversity. High genetic diversity was observed based on microsatellite variation. Both mtDNA and microsatellite analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between the eastern population (Mainling) and the other four populations to the west, and non-significant genetic differentiation amongst the three central populations in the west. Significant genetic differentiation was observed between the western population (Shigatse) and the three central populations based on microsatellite analyses alone. Bayesian skyline plot analyses showed that S. waltoni experienced a pronounced population expansion 0.05 to 0.10 Ma. Hierarchical structure analyses of microsatellite data indicated that S. waltoni could be split into three groups (western, central and eastern YLTR). The results indicate that three management units should be considered for S. waltoni. Our findings highlight the need for the conservation and effective management of S. waltoni, which is a key member of the endemic and highly threatened fishes of the QTP.
Tobacco mosaic virus infection triggers an RNAi-based response in Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Mascia Tiziana , Labarile Rossella , Doohan Fiona , Gallitelli Donato
Published: February 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence identity-dependent RNA degradation mechanism conserved in eukaryotic organisms. One of the roles of RNAi is as a defense system against viral infections, which has been demonstrated in filamentous fungi but not in oomycetes. We investigated the virus-RNAi interplay in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans using a crucifer-infecting strain of the plant virus tobacco mosaic virus (TMVcr) and its derivative TMVcr-Δ122 that is mutated in the sequence of the p122 replicase subunit and thus inhibited in RNA suppression activity. In this study we provide evidence that replication of TMVcr-Δ122 but not of TMVcr was impaired in P. infestans as well as in tobacco plants used as positive control. The interference was associated with induction of high transcription of dicer-like genes Pidcl2 and NtDCL2 and of RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase Pirdr1 and NtRDR1 in P. infestans and tobacco, respectively. These high transcription levels suggest an RNAi-based response that TMVcr-Δ122 mutant was not able to suppress. Taken altogether, results of this study demonstrated that an antiviral silencing activity operates also in P. infestans and that a plant virus could be a simple and feasible tool for functional studies also in oomycetes.
Biomolecular Interaction, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Cobalt(III) Schiff Base Complexes
Authors: Ambika Subramanian , Manojkumar Yesaiyan , Arunachalam Sankaralingam , Gowdhami Balakrishnan , Meenakshi Sundaram Kishore Kumar , Solomon Rajadurai Vijay , Venuvanalingam Ponnambalam , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader , Sundararaman Muthuraman
Published: February 2019

Two cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes, trans-[Co(salen)(DA)2](ClO4) (1) and trans-[Co(salophen)(DA)2](ClO4) (2) (where salen: N,N’-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine, salopen: N,N’-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine, DA: dodecylamine) were synthesised and characterised using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The binding affinity of both the complexes with CT-DNA was explored adopting UV-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The results revealed that both the complexes interacted with DNA via intercalation as well as notable groove binding. Protein (BSA) binding ability of these complexes was investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy which indicate that these complexes engage in strong hydrophobic interaction with BSA. The mode of interaction between these complexes and CT-DNA/BSA was studied by molecular docking analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic property of the complexes was evaluated in A549 (human small cell lung carcinoma) and VERO (African green monkey kidney cells). The results revealed that the complexes affect viability of the cells. AO and EB staining and cell cycle analysis revealed that the mode of cell death is apoptosis. Both the complexes showed profound inhibition of angiogenesis as revealed in in-vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Of the two complexes, the complex 2 proved to be much more efficient in affecting the viability of lung cancer cells than complex 1. These results indicate that the cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes in this study can be potentially used for cancer chemotherapy and as inhibitor of angiogenesis, in general, and lung cancer in particular, for which there is need for substantiation at the level of signalling mechanisms and gene expressions.
High T2-weighted signal intensity is associated with myocardial deformation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shi Ruo-yang , An Dong-aolei , Chen Bing-hua , Wu Rui , Wu Chong-wen , Du Liang , Zhu Jiong , Jiang Meng , Xu Jian-rong , Wu Lian-ming
Published: February 2019

The association between global and segmental myocardial strain impairment and fibrosis extent in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is widely verified. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of high T2-weighted signal intensity (HighT2) to myocardial deformation in HCM. We prospectively recruited 57 patients with HCM examined by a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner with cine, T2-weighted imaging with fat saturation and phase-sensitive inversion recovery. Global and segmental radial, circumferential and longitudinal strains were included for analysis. The extent of HighT2 was negatively correlated with global radial strain (ρ = −0.275, p = 0.038) and positively correlated with global circumferential strain (ρ = 0.308, p = 0.02) and global longitudinal strain (ρ = 0.422, p = 0.001). Radial, circumferential and longitudinal strains were all significantly associated with segment thickness. Regarding circumferential strain, segments at the mid-ventricular level with LGE and HighT2 showed more impairment than segments with only LGE. For longitudinal strain, the influence of HighT2 appeared only at the mid-ventricular level. The HighT2 extent in HCM was observed to contribute to global and segmental strain parameters. At the segmental level, HighT2 indeed affects left ventricular deformation, and follow-up studies are still warranted.