bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of a Highly Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 15A Strain Isolated from Blood
Authors: Arushothy Revathy , Ahmad Norazah , Amran Fairuz , Hashim Rohaidah , Samsuddin Nazirah , Che Azih Che Roslina
Published: April 2018

After the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Malaysia in recent years, the emergence of nonvaccine serotypes is of concern, particularly the antibiotic-resistant strains, with an increase specifically in serotype 15A. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strain SS40_16, isolated from the blood sample of a 19-month-old female in 2016. SS40_16 is a multidrug-resistant strain with resistance to penicillin (MIC, ≥2 µg/ml), tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The strain belongs to serotype 15A and sequence type 1591 (ST1591).
Draft Genome Sequences of 20 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strains Isolated from Swine in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Seribelli Amanda Aparecida , Frazão Miliane Rodrigues , Gonzales Júlia Cunha , Cao Guojie , Leon Maria Sanchez , Kich Jalusa Deon , Allard Marc William , Falcão Juliana Pfrimer
Published: April 2018

Salmonellosis is a disease with a high incidence worldwide, and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhimurium is one of the most clinically important serovars. We report here the draft genome sequences of 20
S.
Typhimurium strains isolated from swine in Santa Catarina, Brazil. These draft genomes will improve our understanding of
S.
Typhimurium in Brazil.
Partial Mitochondrial Genome Sequences of Two Abyssal Sponges (Porifera: Hexactinellida), Bathydorus laniger and Docosaccus maculatus
Authors: Kahn Amanda S. , Geller Jonathan B.
Published: April 2018

We announce the nearly complete mitochondrial genome sequences of two hexactinellid sponges,
Bathydorus laniger
and
Docosaccus maculatus
. A contiguous region of over 15,000 bp was sequenced from each genome. An uncommon structural element was identified as a series of repetitive elements with sequences matching
cob
in the genome of
D. maculatus
.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Feline Morbillivirus Isolate from Germany
Authors: Sieg Michael , Vahlenkamp Annett , Baums Christoph Georg , Vahlenkamp Thomas Wilhelm
Published: April 2018

The first cell culture isolation and whole-genome sequence of a feline morbillivirus from Germany are described here. Phylogenetic analysis revealed highest similarity to isolates from Japan and a more distant relationship to strains from Italy, Hong Kong, and the United States. Therefore, feline morbilliviruses should be divided into two different genotypes.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Putative New Bacterial Strain, I507, Isolated from the Indian Ocean
Authors: Wang Shu-yan , Wei Jia-qiang , Chen Hao
Published: April 2018

Bacterial strain I507 was isolated from the central Indian Ocean and may be a potential novel species, according to the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Here, we present its complete genome sequence and expect that it will provide researchers with valuable information to further understand its classification and function in the future.
Complete Genome Sequence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens 1D1609
Authors: Cho Shu-Ting , Haryono Mindia , Chang Hsing-Hua , Santos Mary Nia M. , Lai Erh-Min , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: April 2018

Agrobacterium tumefaciens
1D1609 is a highly virulent strain isolated from a crown gall tumor of alfalfa (
Medicago sativa
L.). Compared to other well-characterized
A. tumefaciens
strains, such as C58 and Ach5, 1D1609 has a distinctive host range. Here, we report its complete genome sequence to facilitate future studies.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Clinically Healthy Cows in the Russian Federation
Authors: Fursova Ksenia K. , Artem’eva Olga A. , Nikanova Daria A. , Larin Andrey K. , Zinovieva Natalia A. , Brovko Fedor A.
Published: April 2018

We present here the draft genome sequences of five
Staphylococcus aureus
strains isolated from milk samples from clinically healthy cows in the Russian Federation. Four of them were determined to be sequence type 97 (ST-97), and one was determined to be ST-22. All the strains are characterized by their genome possessing genes that code for enterotoxins and cytotoxins.
A World Health Organization Human Hepatitis E Virus Reference Strain Related to Similar Strains Isolated from Rabbits
Authors: Kaiser Marco , Delaune Déborah , Chazouillères Olivier , Blümel Johannes , Roque-Afonso Anne-Marie , Baylis Sally A.
Published: April 2018

We report here the genome sequence of a hepatitis E virus (HEV) strain from a chronically infected immunodeficient patient. Full-length sequence analysis revealed a distinct HEV strain, of a tentative new subgenotype, clustering with viruses from rabbits. It is a World Health Organization reference strain for validation of nucleic acid testing.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Shewanella halifaxensis Strain Isolated from the Intestine of Marine Red Seabream (Pagrus major), Which Includes an Integrative Conjugative Element with Macrolide Resistance Genes
Authors: Sugimoto Yuta , Maruyama Fumito , Suzuki Satoru
Published: April 2018

Shewanella halifaxensis
strain 6JANF4-E-4 was isolated from the intestine of a red seabream (
Pagrus major
). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacterium, which includes an integrative conjugative element of the SXT/R391 family, where the macrolide resistance determinants
mef
(C) and
mph
(G) exist.
Complete Genome Sequence of an ON1 Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain Isolated in Lebanon in 2015
Authors: Ezzeddine Amani , Soudani Nadia , Lee Chun Kiat , Dbaibo Ghassan , Elbahesh Husni , Zaraket Hassan
Published: April 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of a human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) strain obtained from an infant who presented to the emergency room with an acute respiratory illness during the 2014/2015 HRSV season in Lebanon. Analysis revealed that this virus belongs to the ON1 genotype that has recently emerged worldwide.
Draft Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter maltaceti LMG 1529
T
, a Vinegar-Producing Acetic Acid Bacterium Isolated from Malt Vinegar Brewery Acetifiers
Authors: Zhang Qingyang , Poehlein Anja , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Daniel Rolf
Published: April 2018

We present the genome sequence of
Komagataeibacter maltaceti
LMG 1529
T
, which is a vinegar-producing acetic acid bacterium. The draft genome sequence consists of 3.6 Mb and contains 3,225 predicted protein-encoding genes. In addition, 53 genes encoding potential oxidoreductases were identified.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Heavy-Metal-Tolerant Endophytic Type Strain of
Salinicola tamaricis
Authors: Shang Nianjie , Zhu Qiaoqiao , Dai Meixue , Zhao Guoyan
Published: April 2018

The first complete genome sequence of a recently described
Salinicola tamaricis
species was determined for the strain F01
T
(=CCTCC AB 2015304
T
=KCTC 42855
T
). The strain was isolated from the leaves of wetland plant
Tamarix chinensis
Lour and shows a high tolerance to heavy metals, such as manganese, nickel, lead, and copper ions.
Interlaboratory Comparison of Six Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Bovine Leukemia Virus Proviral DNA
Authors: Jaworski J. P. , Pluta A. , Rola-Łuszczak M. , McGowan S. L. , Finnegan C. , Heenemann K. , Carignano H. A. , Alvarez I. , Murakami K. , Willems L. , Vahlenkamp T. W. , Trono K. G. , Choudhury B. , Kuźmak J.
Published: April 2018

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly being used for the detection of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) proviral DNA. Nevertheless, quality control for the validation and standardization of such tests is currently lacking. Therefore, the present study was initiated by three Office International des Epizooties (OIE) reference laboratories and three collaborating laboratories to measure the interlaboratory variability of six already developed and available BLV qPCR assays. For that purpose, an international panel of 58 DNA samples reflecting the dynamic range of the majority of the assays was distributed to six testing centers. Based on qualitative results, the overall agreement among all six laboratories was moderate. However, significant variability in the measurement of the BLV proviral DNA copy number was observed among different laboratories. Quantitative PCR assays, even when performed by experienced staff, can yield large variability in BLV proviral DNA copy numbers without harmonization. Further standardization of different factors (i.e., utilization of unified protocols and unique calibrators) should increase interlaboratory agreement.
Effects of Adjuvants on HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein SOSIP Trimers
In Vitro
Authors: Ozorowski Gabriel , Cupo Albert , Golabek Michael , LoPiccolo Michelle , Ketas Thomas A. , Cavallary Matt , Cottrell Christopher A. , Klasse P. J. , Ward Andrew B. , Moore John P.
Published: April 2018

Native-like, soluble, recombinant SOSIP trimers of various designs and based on several
env
genes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are being tested as immunogens in different animal models. These experiments almost always involve coformulating the trimers with an adjuvant to boost the magnitude of the immune responses. One factor relevant to the choice of an adjuvant is that it should not physically damage the immunogen or impede its ability to present relevant epitopes. As examples, an adjuvant formulation that includes harsh detergents could disrupt the structural integrity of a trimer, and any charged compounds in the formulation could bind to countercharged regions of the trimer and physically occlude nearby epitopes. While a few adjuvants have been tested for their potential effects on SOSIP trimers
in vitro
, there has been no systematic study. Here, we have assessed how nine different adjuvants of various compositions affect SOSIP trimers of the BG505 and B41 genotypes. We used negative-stain electron microscopy, thermal denaturation, and gel electrophoresis to evaluate effects on trimer integrity and immunoassays to measure effects on the presentation of various epitopes. We conclude that most of the tested adjuvants are benign from these perspectives, but some raise grounds for concern. An acidified alum formulation is highly disruptive to trimer integrity, and a DNA-based polyanionic CpG oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant binds to trimers and occludes the trimer apex epitope for the PGT145 neutralizing antibody. The methods described here should be generalizable to protein subunit vaccines targeting various pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Adjuvant formulations increase the magnitude of immune responses to vaccine antigens. They are critically important for formulation of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) vaccines intended to induce antibody production, as Env proteins are otherwise only very weakly immunogenic. The HIV-1 vaccine field now uses the well-defined structures of trimeric Env glycoproteins, like SOSIPs, to present multiple known epitopes for broad and potent neutralizing human antibodies in a native-like conformation. Successful adjuvant formulations must not disrupt how the trimers are folded, as that could adversely affect their performance as immunogens. We studied whether the various adjuvants most commonly used in animal experiments affect the integrity of two different SOSIP trimers
in vitro
. Most adjuvant classes are not problematic, but an aluminum sulfate formulation is highly damaging, as it exposes trimers to acidic pH and a nucleic acid-based adjuvant can bind to the trimer and block access to a key neutralizing epitope.
Systematic Review of Acupuncture Placebo Devices with a Focus on the Credibility of Blinding of Healthy Participants And/Or Acupuncturists
Authors: Zhang George Shengxi , Zhang Claire Shuiqing , Tan Hsiewe Ying , Wang Yanyi , DaCosta Cliff , Zhang Anthony Lin , Xue Charlie Changli , Xie Yi Min
Published: April 2018

Background

An ideal placebo design in clinical research should resemble the intervention under investigation to facilitate blinding, yet remain clinically inert. With regard to physical interventions such as acupuncture, a true placebo device has not been developed and validated. Since 1998, researchers have designed several placebo acupuncture devices (PADs). The three most widely used PADs are the Streitberger, the Park and the Takakura device.

Aim

This review focuses on evaluating studies of these devices, in the context of credibility of blinding (COB), assessment of penetrating pain or sensation, and de qi sensation.

Methods

Electronic database searches were conducted in four English and two Chinese databases from their inception until November 2016. All studies included in the review were conducted on healthy participants and compared verum manual acupuncture with any of the aforementioned PADs with respect to one or more of the above three outcomes related to blinding effect.

Results

The synthesised analyses of the 15 included studies showed that the Streitberger and Park placebo devices may not blind participants successfully when tested at a sensitive acupuncture point (LI4). In terms of penetrating sensation, there were significant differences between these two placebo devices and verum acupuncture when applied at this point. The Takakura device was the only PAD that had the potential to blind the acupuncturist. However, the blinding analyses of all outcome measures were inconsistent.

Conclusion

Overall, there were insufficient data to confirm the blinding effects of these skin-contact PADs as each device was associated with limitations that warrant further design improvements.
Economic evaluation of the Good School Toolkit: an intervention for reducing violence in primary schools in Uganda
Authors: Greco Giulia , Knight Louise , Ssekadde Willington , Namy Sophie , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen
Published: April 2018

Introduction

This paper presents the cost and cost-effectiveness of the Good School Toolkit (GST), a programme aimed at reducing physical violence perpetrated by school staff to students in Uganda.

Methods

The effectiveness of the Toolkit was tested with a cluster randomised controlled trial in 42 primary schools in Luwero District, Uganda. A full economic costing evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted alongside the trial. Both financial and economic costs were collected retrospectively from the provider’s perspective to estimate total and unit costs.

Results

The total cost of setting up and running the Toolkit over the 18-month trial period is estimated at US$397 233, excluding process monitor (M&E) activities. The cost to run the intervention is US$7429 per school annually, or US$15 per primary school pupil annually, in the trial intervention schools. It is estimated that the intervention has averted 1620 cases of past-week physical violence during the 18-month implementation period. The total cost per case of violence averted is US$244, and the annual implementation cost is US$96 per case averted during the trial.

Conclusions

The GST is a cost-effective intervention for reducing violence against pupils in primary schools in Uganda. It compares favourably against other violence reduction interventions in the region.
Multidisciplinary approach to improve the quality of below-knee plaster casting
Authors: Williams John Teudar , Kedrzycki Marta , Shenava Yathish
Published: April 2018

Problem

In our trauma unit, we noted a high rate of incorrectly applied below-knee casts for ankle fractures, in some cases requiring reapplication. This caused significant discomfort and inconvenience for patients and additional burden on plaster-room services. Our aim was to improve the quality of plaster casts and reduce the proportion that needed to be reapplied.

Methods

Our criteria for plaster cast quality were based on the British Orthopaedic Association Casting Standards (2015) and included neutral (plantargrade) ankle position, adequacy of fracture reduction and rate of cast reapplication. Baseline data collection was performed over a 2-month period by two independent reviewers.

Interventions

After distributing findings and presenting to relevant departments, practical casting sessions with orthopaedic technicians were arranged for the multidisciplinary team responsible for casting. This was later supplemented by new casting guidelines in clinical areas and available online. Postintervention data collection was performed over two separate cycles to assess the effect and permanence of intervention.

Results

Data from the preintervention period (n=29) showed median ankle position was 32° plantarflexion (PF), with nine (31%) inadequate reductions and six (20%) backslabs reapplied. Following Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) 1, ankle position was significantly improved (median 25° PF), there were fewer inadequate reductions (12%; 2/17) and a lower rate of reapplication (0%; 0/17). After PDSA 2 (n=16), median ankle position was 21° PF, there was one (6%) inadequate reduction and two (12%) reapplications of casts.

Conclusions

Following implementation of plaster training sessions for accident and emergency and junior orthopaedic staff, in addition to publishing guidance and new protocol, there has been a sustained improvement in the quality of below-knee backslabs and fewer cast reapplications. These findings justify continuation and expansion of the current programme to include other commonly applied plaster casts.
Cancer mortality in an international cohort of reinforced plastics workers exposed to styrene: a reanalysis
Authors: Loomis Dana , Guha Neela , Kogevinas Manolis , Fontana Vincenzo , Gennaro Valerio , Kolstad Henrik A , McElvenny Damien Martin , Sallmén Markku , Saracci Rodolfo
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate the carcinogenicity of styrene by reanalysing data from a previous international cohort study of workers in the reinforced plastics industry.

Methods

Mortality from cancers of prior interest was analysed with more detailed consideration of exposure–response relations and an updated classification of leukaemias and lymphomas in data from a previous international cohort study of 37 021 reinforced plastics workers exposed to airborne styrene.

Results

Increased mortality from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) was associated with the mean level of exposure to styrene in air (relative risk (RR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.12 per 100 ppm), but not with cumulative styrene exposure. Similar associations with mean exposure were observed for the oesophagus (RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.36 per 100 ppm) and pancreas (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.09). Oesophageal cancer mortality was also associated with cumulative styrene exposure lagged 20 years (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31). No other cancer, including lung cancer, was associated with any indicator of styrene exposure.

Conclusion

This reanalysis does not substantially change the conclusions of the original study with respect to NHL or lung cancer but new evidence concerning cancers of the oesophagus and pancreas merits further investigation.
Investigation of temporal evolution of picosecond laser pulse by synchronized femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Deng Yangbao , Deng Shuguang , Tian Ye , Zhang Guangfu , Xiong Cuixiu
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the initial temporal characterization and the temporal evolution of a picosecond laser pulse by a synchronized femtosecond laser pulse. After theoretically analyzing the measurement principle, we experimentally measure the initial temporal characterization of the picosecond laser pulse. Further, the temporal evolution of the picosecond laser pulse propagating in different lengths of a carbon disulfide (CS2) is measured. We find that the initial temporal shape of the picosecond laser pulse is smooth and clean. As increasing of the CS2 length, the pulse width of the picosecond laser pulse has a trend of slight narrow owing to the spatiotemporal coupling effect.
From Brownian Motion Formalism to Fluctuation-Induced Force in a General Fluctuating Medium
Authors: Kheirandish Fardin
Published: April 2018

Starting from a microscopic approach and using the formalism of quantum Brownian motion, partition function of a system composed of two separated pieces of anisotropic matter and a fluctuating medium in finite temperature is obtained rigorously. A general expression for fluctuation-induced free energy between the separated anisotropic pieces of matter is obtained and it is shown that in the framework of induced-force, the free energy of mean-force and effective free energy are equivalent.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Toarcian Stage (Lower Jurassic) of the Llanbedr (Mochras Farm) Borehole, Wales: basis for a global standard and implications for volcanic forcing of palaeoenvironmental change
Authors: Xu Weimu , Mac Niocaill Conall , Ruhl Micha , Jenkyns Hugh C. , Riding James B. , Hesselbo Stephen P.
Published: April 2018

The Lower Jurassic Toarcian Stage (
c.
183–174 Ma) is marked by one of the largest global exogenic carbon-cycle perturbations of the Phanerozoic, which is associated with the early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE;
c.
183 Ma). Climatic and environmental change at the T-OAE is reasonably well constrained in the marine realm, with marine anoxic or euxinic conditions developing locally across both hemispheres, at the same time as the T-OAE negative carbon-isotope excursion. However, high-resolution stratigraphic comparison between different palaeo-ocean basins and with the continental realm can be complicated. Palaeomagnetic reversals can provide a precise and accurate stratigraphic correlation tool between marine and continental sedimentary archives, and even between sedimentary and igneous successions. Here, we present a high-resolution magnetostratigraphic record for the Toarcian Stage in the biostratigraphically complete and expanded Llanbedr (Mochras Farm) Borehole, Cardigan Bay Basin, Wales. This study provides the first geomagnetic polarity reversal scale that is integrated with high-resolution biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope stratigraphy for the entire Toarcian Stage. This stratigraphic framework also provides a new, precise correlation with the basalt lava sequence of the Karoo–Ferrar Large Igneous Province, linking the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary and T-OAE climatic and environmental perturbations directly to this episode of major volcanic activity.

Supplementary material:
Details of the palaeomagnetic data and dip direction are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4052720
Facies and petrographic assessment of Upper Devonian outcrops, Dunnet Head and Orkney, northern Scotland
Authors: Tang Longxun , Jones Stuart , Gluyas Jon
Published: April 2018

Upper Devonian strata occur in the Central and Northern North Sea and crop out in coastal exposures in northeastern Scotland. The strata comprise continental sandstones and intercalated conglomerates, siltstones and mudstones. The offshore Upper Devonian unit (Buchan Formation) has been proven as a locally important hydrocarbon reservoir; however, the limited core coverage in the North Sea means that the architecture of the Buchan Formation is poorly understood. This study looks at two localities in Caithness and Orkney with excellent Upper Devonian exposures, which are chronologically equivalent to the Buchan Formation. The main aims are to describe the facies present and to investigate the mineralogical compositions and porosity variations using petrographic analyses. The results indicate that the studied outcrops were formed by braided fluvial and aeolian dune deposition. The aeolian sandstones have higher compositional/textural maturity and porosity than the fluvial sandstones. The main control on porosity is facies variation that results in differences in sedimentary structures, grain size and abundance of rock fragments. With similar palaeoclimate, depositional environments, lithologies and petrographies, these outcrops can be considered excellent analogues for the Buchan Formation reservoirs in the North Sea.
A Spatial Target Function for Metropolis Photon Tracing
Authors: Gruson Adrien , Ribardière Mickaël , Šik Martin , Vorba Jiří , Cozot Rémi , Bouatouch Kadi , Křivánek Jaroslav
Published: April 2018

The human visual system is sensitive to relative differences in luminance, but light transport simulation algorithms based on Metropolis sampling often result in a highly nonuniform relative error distribution over the rendered image. Although this issue has previously been addressed in the context of the Metropolis light transport algorithm, our work focuses on Metropolis photon tracing. We present a new target function (TF) for Metropolis photon tracing that ensures good stratification of photons leading to pixel estimates with equalized relative error. We develop a hierarchical scheme for progressive construction of the TF from paths sampled during rendering. In addition to the approach taken in previous work, where the TF is defined in the image plane, ours can be associated with compact spatial regions. This allows us to take advantage of illumination coherence to more robustly estimate the TF while adapting to geometry discontinuities. To sample from this TF, we design a new replica exchange Metropolis scheme. We apply our algorithm in progressive photon mapping and show that it often outperforms alternative approaches in terms of image quality by a large margin.
Multi-Contact Locomotion Using a Contact Graph with Feasibility Predictors
Authors: Kang Changgu , Lee Sung-Hee
Published: April 2018

Multi-contact locomotion that uses both the hands and feet in a complex environment remains a challenging problem in computer animation. To address this problem, we present a contact graph, which is a motion graph augmented by learned feasibility predictors, namely contact spaces and an occupancy estimator, for a motion clip in each graph node. By estimating the feasibilities of candidate contact points that can be reached by modifying a motion clip, the predictors allow us to find contact points that are likely to be valid and natural before attempting to generate the actual motion for the contact points. The contact graph thus enables the efficient generation of multi-contact motion in two steps: planning contact points to the goal and then generating the whole-body motion. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by creating several climbing motions in complex and cluttered environments by using only a small number of motion samples.
Optimal Discrete Slicing
Authors: Alexa Marc , Hildebrand Kristian , Lefebvre Sylvain
Published: April 2018

Slicing is the procedure necessary to prepare a shape for layered manufacturing. There are degrees of freedom in this process, such as the starting point of the slicing sequence and the thickness of each slice. The choice of these parameters influences the manufacturing process and its result: The number of slices significantly affects the time needed for manufacturing, while their thickness affects the error. Assuming a discrete setting, we measure the error as the number of voxels that are incorrectly assigned due to slicing. We provide an algorithm that generates, for a given set of available slice heights and a shape, a slicing that is provably optimal. By optimal, we mean that the algorithm generates sequences with minimal error for any possible number of slices. The algorithm is fast and flexible, that is, it can accommodate a user driven importance modulation of the error function and allows the interactive exploration of the desired quality/time tradeoff. We demonstrate the practical importance of our optimization on several three-dimensional-printed results.
Improving the GJK Algorithm for Faster and More Reliable Distance Queries Between Convex Objects
Authors: Montanari Mattia , Petrinic Nik , Barbieri Ettore
Published: April 2018

This article presents a new version of the Gilbert-Johnson-Keerthi (GJK) algorithm that circumvents the shortcomings introduced by degenerate geometries. The original Johnson algorithm and Backup procedure are replaced by a distance subalgorithm that is faster and accurate to machine precision, thus guiding the GJK algorithm toward a shorter search path in less computing time. Numerical tests demonstrate that this effectively is a more robust procedure. In particular, when the objects are found in contact, the newly proposed subalgorithm runs from 15% to 30% times faster than the original one. The improved performance has a significant impact on various applications, such as real-time simulations and collision avoidance systems. Altogether, the main contributions made to the GJK algorithm are faster convergence rate and reduced computational time. These improvements may be easily added into existing implementations; furthermore, engineering applications that require solutions of distance queries to machine precision can now be tackled using the GJK algorithm.
The Password Life Cycle
Authors: Stobert Elizabeth , Biddle Robert
Published: April 2018

Managing passwords is a difficult task for users, who must create, remember, and keep track of large numbers of passwords. In this work, we investigated users’ coping strategies for password management. Through a series of interviews, we identified a “life cycle” of password use and find that users’ central task in coping with their passwords is rationing their effort to best protect their important accounts. We followed up this work by interviewing experts about their password management practices and found that experts rely on the same kinds of coping strategies as non-experts, but that their increased
situation awareness
of security allows them to better ration their effort into protecting their accounts. Finally, we conducted a survey study to explore how the life cycle model generalizes to the larger population and find that the life cycle and rationing patterns can be seen in the broader population, but that survey respondents were less likely to characterize security management as a challenging task.
GTΔ
Authors: Toth Edward , Chawla Sanjay
Published: April 2018

Given a portfolio of stocks or a series of frames in a video how do we detect significant changes in a group of values for real-time applications? In this article, we formalize the problem of sequentially detecting temporal changes in a group of stochastic processes. As a solution to this particular problem, we propose the group temporal change (GTΔ) algorithm, a simple yet effective technique for the sequential detection of significant changes in a variety of statistical properties of a group over time. Due to the flexible framework of the GTΔ algorithm, a domain expert is able to select one or more statistical properties that they are interested in monitoring. The usefulness of our proposed algorithm is also demonstrated against state-of-the-art techniques on synthetically generated data as well as on two real-world applications; a portfolio of healthcare stocks over a 20 year period and a video monitoring the activity of our Sun.
Computing 2-Walks in Polynomial Time
Authors: Schmid Andreas , Schmidt Jens M.
Published: April 2018

A
2-walk
of a graph is a walk visiting every vertex at least once and at most twice. By generalizing decompositions of Tutte and Thomassen, Gao, Richter, and Yu proved that every 3-connected planar graph contains a closed 2-walk such that all vertices visited twice are contained in 3-separators. This seminal result generalizes Tutte’s theorem that every 4-connected planar graph is Hamiltonian, as well as Barnette’s theorem that every 3-connected planar graph has a spanning tree with maximum degree at most 3. The algorithmic challenge of finding such a closed 2-walk is to overcome big overlapping subgraphs in the decomposition, which are also inherent in Tutte’s and Thomassen’s decompositions.

We solve this problem by extending the decomposition of Gao, Richter, and Yu in such a way that all pieces into which the graph is decomposed are edge-disjoint. This implies the first polynomial-time algorithm that computes the closed 2-walk just mentioned. Its running time is
O
(
n
3
).
The macula densa prorenin receptor is essential in renin release and blood pressure control
Authors: Riquier-Brison Anne D. M. , Sipos Arnold , Prókai Ágnes , Vargas Sarah L. , Toma lldikó , Meer Elliott J. , Villanueva Karie G. , Chen Jennifer C. M. , Gyarmati Georgina , Yih Christopher , Tang Elaine , Nadim Bahram , Pendekanti Sujith , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Nguyen Genevieve , Danser A. H. Jan , Peti-Peterdi János
Published: April 2018

The prorenin receptor (PRR) was originally proposed to be a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS); however, recent work questioned their association. The present paper describes a functional link between the PRR and RAS in the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), a classic anatomical site of the RAS. PRR expression was found in the sensory cells of the JGA, the macula densa (MD), and immunohistochemistry-localized PRR to the MD basolateral cell membrane in mouse, rat, and human kidneys. MD cell PRR activation led to MAP kinase ERK1/2 signaling and stimulation of PGE2 release, the classic pathway of MD-mediated renin release. Exogenous renin or prorenin added to the in vitro microperfused JGA-induced acute renin release, which was inhibited by removing the MD or by the administration of a PRR decoy peptide. To test the function of MD PRR in vivo, we established a new mouse model with inducible conditional knockout (cKO) of the PRR in MD cells based on neural nitric oxide synthase-driven Cre-lox recombination. Deletion of the MD PRR significantly reduced blood pressure and plasma renin. Challenging the RAS by low-salt diet + captopril treatment caused further significant reductions in blood pressure, renal renin, cyclooxygenase-2, and microsomal PGE synthase expression in cKO vs. wild-type mice. These results suggest that the MD PRR is essential in a novel JGA short-loop feedback mechanism, which is integrated within the classic MD mechanism to control renin synthesis and release and to maintain blood pressure.
The cross education of strength and skill following unilateral strength training in the upper and lower limbs
Authors: Green Lara A. , Gabriel David A.
Published: April 2018

Cross education is the strength gain or skill improvement transferred to the contralateral limb following unilateral training or practice. The present study examined the transfer of both strength and skill following a strength training program. Forty participants (20M, 20F) completed a 6-wk unilateral training program of dominant wrist flexion or dorsiflexion. Strength, force variability, and muscle activity were assessed pretraining, posttraining, and following 6 wk of detraining (retention). Analyses of covariance compared the experimental limb (trained or untrained) to the control (dominant or nondominant). There were no sex differences in the training response. Cross education of strength at posttraining was 6% ( P < 0.01) in the untrained arm and 13% ( P < 0.01) in the untrained leg. Contralateral strength continued to increase following detraining to 15% in the arm ( P < 0.01) and 14% in the leg ( P < 0.01). There was no difference in strength gains between upper and lower limbs ( P > 0.05). Cross education of skill (force variability) demonstrated greater improvements in the untrained limbs compared with the control limbs during contractions performed without concurrent feedback. Significant increases in V-wave amplitude ( P = 0.02) and central activation ( P < 0.01) were highly correlated with contralateral strength gains. There was no change in agonist amplitude or motor unit firing rates in the untrained limbs ( P > 0.05). The neuromuscular mechanisms mirrored the force increases at posttraining and retention supporting central drive adaptations of cross education. The continued strength increases at retention identified the presence of motor learning in cross education, as confirmed by force variability.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: We examined cross education of strength and skill following 6 wk of unilateral training and 6 wk of detraining. A novel finding was the continued increase in contralateral strength following both training and detraining. Neuromuscular adaptations were highly correlated with strength gains in the trained and contralateral limbs. Motor learning was evident in the trained and contralateral limbs during contractions performed without concurrent feedback.
Local tuning biases in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Jimenez Luis O. , Tring Elaine , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Ringach Dario L.
Published: April 2018

Neurons in primary visual cortex are selective to the orientation and spatial frequency of sinusoidal gratings. In the classic model of cortical organization, a population of neurons responding to the same region of the visual field but tuned to all possible feature combinations provides a detailed representation of the local image. Such a functional module is assumed to be replicated across primary visual cortex to provide a uniform representation of the image across the entire visual field. In contrast, it has been hypothesized that the tiling properties of ON- and OFF-center receptive fields in the retina, largely mirrored in the geniculate, may constrain cortical tuning at each location in the visual field. This model predicts the existence of local biases in tuning that vary across the visual field and would prevent the cortex from developing a uniform, modular representation as postulated by the classic model. Here, we confirm the existence of local tuning biases in the primary visual cortex of the mouse, lending support to the notion that cortical tuning may be constrained by signals from the periphery.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Populations of cortical neurons responding to the same part of the visual field are shown to have similar tuning. Such local biases are consistent with the hypothesis that cortical tuning, in mouse primary visual cortex, is constrained by signals from the periphery.
Stepping responses to treadmill perturbations vary with severity of motor deficits in human SCI
Authors: Chu Virginia W. T. , Hornby T. George , Schmit Brian D.
Published: April 2018

In this study, we investigated the responses to tread perturbations during human stepping on a treadmill. Our approach was to test the effects of perturbations to a single leg using a split-belt treadmill in healthy participants and in participants with varying severity of spinal cord injury (SCI). We recruited 11 people with incomplete SCI and 5 noninjured participants. As participants walked on an instrumented treadmill, the belt on one side was stopped or accelerated briefly during midstance to late stance. A majority of participants initiated an unnecessary swing when the treadmill was stopped in midstance, although the likelihood of initiating a step was decreased in participants with more severe SCI. Accelerating or decelerating one belt of the treadmill during stance altered the characteristics of swing. We observed delayed swing initiation when the belt was decelerated (i.e., the hip was in a more flexed position at time of swing) and advanced swing initiation with acceleration (i.e., hip extended at swing initiation). Furthermore, the timing and leg posture of heel strike appeared to remain constant, reflected by a sagittal plane hip angle at heel strike that remained the same regardless of the perturbation. In summary, our results supported the current understanding of the role of sensory feedback and central drive in the control of stepping in participants with incomplete SCI and noninjured participants. In particular, the observation of unnecessary swing during a stop perturbation highlights the interdependence of central and sensory drive in walking control.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a novel approach with a split-belt treadmill, we tested the effects of hip angle perturbations to a single leg in healthy participants and participants with varying severity of spinal cord injury (SCI). A majority of participants initiated an unnecessary swing when the treadmill was stopped in midstance, although the likelihood of initiating a step decreased with the severity of SCI. Our results demonstrated interdependence of central and sensory drive in walking control.
Internal Astigmatism and Its Role in the Growth of Axial Length in School-Age Children
Authors: Wu Liangcheng , Weng Chenghai , Xia Fei , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To explore the role of internal astigmatism (IA) in the growth of axial length (AL) in school-age children. Methods. Total astigmatism (TA), corneal astigmatism (CA), and AL of all children in Jing’an District 2nd Centre Primary School in Shanghai were measured. In IA, the difference between TA and CA was also calculated using vector analysis. The association of axial length with IA, genders, and age was analyzed using linear regression. The difference of IA between both eyes was also calculated. The AL between both eyes was compared using paired samples t-test when DIA = 0 D, <0.5 D, and ≥0.5 D. Results. Six hundred and twelve cases (98.23%) in 623 children aged 7–12 yrs older entered into the study. Genders, age, and IA all affected AL. This could be represented by a linear regression line in the form AL = 21.46 − 0.43∗gender + 0.22∗age + 0.46∗IA (male = 1, female = 2; t=7.01, P<0.01 for sex; t=11.6, P<0.01 for age; and t=6.6, P<0.01 for IA; R2=0.16). The AL in the eye with larger IA was also longer when DIA was larger than 0.5 D (t=2.65, P<0.01). Conclusions. IA was observed to be associated with AL and might be a risk factor of the onset and progress of myopia in school-age children.
Watchstrap-Embedded Four-Element Multiple-Input–Multiple-Output Antenna Design for a Smartwatch in 5.2–5.8 GHz Wireless Applications
Authors: Wu Chia-Hao , Sun Jwo-Shiun , Lu Bo-Shiun
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a compact four-element multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna design operating within the WiFi 802.11 ac bands (5.2–5.84 GHz) for a smartwatch. The antenna is fabricated using a polyamide substrate and embedded into the strap of a smartwatch model; the strap is created using three-dimensional etching of plastic materials. The four-element MIMO antenna is formed by four monopole antennas, has a simple structure, and is connected to the system ground plane of the smartwatch. Due to the stub and notched block between two antennas and the slit in the system ground, the four-element MIMO antenna exhibits favorable isolation. Moreover, the envelope correlation coefficient of the antennas is considerably lower than 0.005 in the operating band. The measured −6 dB impedance bandwidths of the four elements of the antenna (Ant1–Ant4) with the human wrist encompass the WiFi 802.11 ac range of 5.2–5.84 GHz; moreover, an isolation of more than 20 dB is achieved. The measured antenna efficiency with and without a phantom hand are 45%–55% and 93%–97%, respectively.
Propofol Protects Rat Cardiomyocytes from Anthracycline‐Induced Apoptosis by Regulating MicroRNA‐181a In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Xiaobei , Zheng Ying , Li Yuan , Wang Xiaokun , Hu Nan , Zhou Peng , Wang Kaiyuan
Published: April 2018

We aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect and mechanism of propofol in anthracycline‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We selected the rat myocardial cell line, H9c2, and primary cardiomyocytes for in vitro study. The cardiomyocytes were treated with vehicle, Adriamycin® (ADM), propofol, or a combination of ADM and propofol. The proportion of apoptotic cells and the expression of miR‐181a were detected by flow cytometry and real‐time PCR, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to explore the direct target gene of miR‐181a. In vivo assay, rats were randomly divided into different treatment groups. The apoptosis index was determined by TUNEL staining, and the expression of miR‐181a and STAT3 in heart tissue was detected. The antiproliferative effect of ADM alone was significantly greater than that of ADM plus propofol. A significantly greater decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells and in miR‐181a expression was observed in the combination treatment group compared with that in the ADM groups in vitro and in vivo. The loss‐of‐function of miR‐181a in H9c2 of ADM treatment resulted in increased Bcl‐2 and decreased Bax. MiR‐181a suppressed Bcl‐2 expression through direct targeting of the Bcl‐2 transcript. Propofol reduced anthracycline‐induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via targeting miR‐181a/Bcl‐2, and a negative correlation between miR‐181a and Bcl‐2 was observed.
Indication and Usefulness of Bile Juice Cytology for Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Itsuki Hiroshi , Serikawa Masahiro , Sasaki Tamito , Ishii Yasutaka , Tsushima Ken , Furukawa Yoshinari , Murakami Yoshiaki , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2018

Aim. We examined the effectiveness of bile juice cytology for distinguishing between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions of the protruding type with various sampling points, sampling methods, and macroscopic forms in order to discuss the effectiveness of the endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGD) cytology. Methods. We studied 162 cases of patients with a lesion localized within the gallbladder. At first, we examined the effectiveness for diagnosis of ETBD cytology using ERC and then that of the first ETGD cytology after placing the ETGD. Next, we examined the diagnostic effectiveness of the washed ETGD cytology by using the ETGD. Finally, we examined complications. Results. In the final diagnoses, we identified 33 cases of adenocarcinoma, 10 cases of adenoma, 63 cases of ADM, 35 cases of nonneoplastic polyp, and 21 cases of chronic cholecystitis. It was found that the sensitivity of ETBD cytology was 3.6% and that of ETGD cytology was 59.1%. In the comparison of diagnostic effectiveness of cytologic diagnosis using samples of bile juice from the gallbladder collected by different methods, the sensitivities were 38.9% and 73.3% for the first and washed ETGD cytologies, respectively. In the comparison of the diagnostic effectiveness of gallbladder bile juice cytology using samples collected for different forms of lesion and by different methods, the sensitivities were 38.9% and 73.3%, respectively, for the first and washed ETGD cytologies for flat gallbladder wall thickening, while it was impossible to diagnose for lesions of GB polyp. Conclusion. For diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, we consider that the ETGD cytology should be taken into consideration for lesions of flat gallbladder wall thickening, for which it is difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.
Seizure-Associated ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Absence of Plaque Rupture
Authors: Mously Haytham , Wazzan Mohammed , Alkhathlan Ahmed Z. , Iyer Indiresha
Published: April 2018

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a very common cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Here, we present a case of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the setting of seizure activity. In this rare case, we have data from optical coherence tomography (OCT) that showed no plaque disruption, showing the role of OCT in understanding the pathophysiology of STEMI and providing some ideas for the mechanism of this seizure-induced STEMI.
Covalent Surface Functionalization of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Fabricated with Diazonium Salt
Authors: Wang Zhujun , Li Qian , Liu Jinfeng , Li Huayi , Zheng Shuirong
Published: April 2018

The chemical inertness and poor wetting properties of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) hindered their applications. In this work, BNNTs have been functionalized with aniline groups by reacting with diazonium salt and the graft content of aniline component was calculated as high as 71.4 wt.%. The chemical structure, composition, and morphology of functionalized BNNTs were carefully characterized to illustrate the modification. The anilinocarbocation generated by decomposition of diazonium salt reacted not only with NH2 sites, but also with B-OH sites on the surface of BNNTs. Meanwhile, the reaction applied a hot strong acid environment, which would help to open parts of B-N bonds to produce more reactive sites and enrich the functional groups grafted on the surface of BNNTs. Consequently, the functionalized BNNTs exhibited significantly improved dispersion stability in chloroform compared with pristine BNNTs. Amino surface functionalization of BNNTs offered more possibilities for surface chemical design of boron nitride and its practical application.