bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CK2‐regulated schwannomin‐interacting protein IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 association with AnkG contributes to the maintenance of the axon initial segment
Authors: Papandréou Marie‐Jeanne , Vacher Hélène , Fache Marie‐Pierre , Klingler Esther , Rueda‐Boroni Fanny , Ferracci Géraldine , Debarnot Claire , Pipéroglou Christelle , Del Caño Gontzal Garcia , Goutebroze Laurence , Dargent Bénédicte
Published: May 2015

The axon initial segment (AIS) plays a central role in electrogenesis and in the maintenance of neuronal polarity. Its molecular organization is dependent on the scaffolding protein ankyrin (Ank) G and is regulated by kinases. For example, the phosphorylation of voltage‐gated sodium channels by the protein kinase CK2 regulates their interaction with AnkG and, consequently, their accumulation at the AIS. We previously showed that IQ motif containing J‐Schwannomin‐Interacting Protein 1 (IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1), an isoform of the SCHIP‐1, accumulated at the AIS in vivo. Here, we analyzed the molecular mechanisms involved in IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1‐specific axonal location. We showed that IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 accumulation in the AIS of cultured hippocampal neurons depended on AnkG expression. Pull‐down assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated that AnkG binds to CK2‐phosphorylated IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 but not to the non‐phosphorylated protein. Surface plasmon resonance approaches using IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1, SCHIP‐1a, another SCHIP‐1 isoform, and their C‐terminus tail mutants revealed that a segment including multiple CK2‐phosphorylatable sites was directly involved in the interaction with AnkG. Pharmacological inhibition of CK2 diminished both IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 and AnkG accumulation in the AIS. Silencing SCHIP‐1 expression reduced AnkG cluster at the AIS. Finally, over‐expression of IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 decreased AnkG concentration at the AIS, whereas a mutant deleted of the CK2‐regulated AnkG interaction site did not. Our study reveals that CK2‐regulated IQJC‐SCHIP‐1 association with AnkG contributes to AIS maintenance.

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The axon initial segment (AIS) organization depends on ankyrin (Ank) G and kinases. Here we showed that AnkG binds to CK2‐phosphorylated IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1, in a segment including 12 CK2‐phosphorylatable sites. In cultured neurons, either pharmacological inhibition of CK2 or IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 silencing reduced AnkG clustering. Overexpressed IQCJ‐SCHIP‐1 decreased AnkG concentration at the AIS whereas a mutant deleted of the CK2‐regulated AnkG interaction site did not. Thus, CK2‐regulated IQJC‐SCHIP‐1 association with AnkG contributes to AIS maintenance.
Use of Orbital Conformer to Improve Speech in Patients with Confluent Maxillectomy and Orbital Defects
Authors: Colebeck Amanda C. , Kase Michael T. , Nichols Cindy B. , Golden Marjorie , Huryn Joseph M.
Published: May 2015

The basic objective in prosthetic restoration of confluent maxillary and orbital defects is to achieve a comfortable, cosmetically acceptable prosthesis that restores speech, deglutition, and mastication. It is a challenging task complicated by the size and shape of the defects. The maxillary obturator prosthesis often satisfies the objective of adequate deglutition; however, orbital defects that are not obturated in the medial, septal, or posterior walls allow air to escape, negatively impacting phonation. This article describes a technique to achieve favorable prosthetic rehabilitation in a patient with a maxillectomy and ipsilateral orbital exenteration. The prosthetic components include maxillary obturator, orbital conformer, and orbital prosthesis connected using rigid magnetic attachments.
A molecular evaluation of the Liagoraceae sensu lato (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) in Bermuda including Liagora nesophila sp. nov. and Yamadaella grassyi sp. nov.
Authors: Popolizio Thea R. , Schneider Craig W. , Lane Christopher E.
Published: May 2015

We have undertaken a comprehensive, molecular‐assisted alpha‐taxonomic examination of the rhodophyte family Liagoraceae sensu lato, a group that has not previously been targeted for molecular studies in the western Atlantic. Sequence data from three molecular markers indicate that in Bermuda alone there are 10 species in nine different genera. These include the addition of three genera to the flora — Hommersandiophycus, Trichogloeopsis, and Yamadaella. Liagora pectinata, a species with a type locality in Bermuda, is phylogenetically allied with Indo‐Pacific species of Hommersandiophycus, and the species historically reported as L. ceranoides for the islands is morphologically and genetically distinct from that taxon, and is herein described as L. nesophila sp. nov. Molecular sequence data have also uncovered the Indo‐Pacific L. mannarensis in Bermuda, a long‐distance new western Atlantic record. DNA sequences of Trichogloeopsis pedicellata from the type locality (Bahamas) match with local specimens demonstrating its presence in Bermuda. We described Yamadaella grassyi sp. nov. from Bermuda, a species phylogenetically and morphologically distinct from the generitype, Y. caenomyce of the Indo‐Pacific. Our data also indicated a single species each of Ganonema, Gloiocallis, Helminthocladia, Titanophycus, and Trichogloea in the flora.
Chronic Lower Limb Wound Outcomes Among Rural and Urban Veterans
Authors: Bouldin Erin D. , Taylor Leslie L. , Littman Alyson J. , Karavan Mahsa , Rice Kenneth , Reiber Gayle E.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Veterans in rural areas generally have lower health care utilization than veterans in urban areas, but the impact of this difference on health outcomes has received little study. Chronic wounds provide a model for studying access to complex chronic care since they often are related to underlying health conditions and require lengthy treatment. Our goals were to describe chronic wound care utilization among rural and urban veterans and to determine the association between rural residence and wound healing.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 160 rural and 160 urban veterans in the Pacific Northwest with an incident of chronic lower limb wound between October 1, 2006, and September 30, 2007. We followed individuals for up to 1 year, measuring wound care utilization within Veterans Health Administration and Medicare. We compared wound healing using a competing risks proportional hazards model accounting for amputation and death.

Findings

Rural veterans had fewer outpatient wound care visits (6.8 vs 9.9) than urban veterans and a similar number of inpatient wound care stays (0.9 and 0.8, respectively). During follow‐up, 234 veterans’ wounds healed (77% rural, 69% urban). The adjusted hazard ratio for wound healing was 1.11 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.84‐1.47, P = .45) for rural compared to urban veterans. The hazard of amputation was higher among rural veterans (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.02‐6.87, P = .045) and the hazard of death was lower (HR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12‐0.97, P = .043).

Conclusions

Despite lower wound care utilization, rural veterans’ wounds were as likely to heal as urban veterans’ wounds.
Urban and Rural Differences in Parental Attitudes About Influenza Vaccination and Vaccine Delivery Models
Authors: O'Leary Sean T. , Barnard Juliana , Lockhart Steven , Kolasa Maureen , Shmueli Doron , Dickinson L. Miriam , Kile Deidre , Dibert Eva , Kempe Allison
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To assess and compare among parents of healthy children in urban and rural areas: (1) reported influenza vaccination status; (2) attitudes regarding influenza vaccination; and (3) attitudes about collaborative models for influenza vaccination delivery involving practices and public health departments.

Methods

A mail survey to random samples of parents from 2 urban and 2 rural private practices in Colorado from April 2012 to June 2012.

Results

The response rate was 58% (288/500). In the prior season, 63% of urban and 41% of rural parents reported their child received influenza vaccination (P < .001). No differences in attitudes about influenza infection or vaccination between urban and rural parents were found, with 75% of urban and 73% of rural parents agreeing their child should receive an influenza vaccine every year (P = .71). High proportions reported willingness to participate in a collaborative clinic in a community setting (59% urban, 70% rural, P = .05) or at their child's provider (73% urban, 73% rural, P = .99) with public health department assisting. Fewer (36% urban, 53% rural, P < .01) were likely to go to the public health department if referred by their provider. Rural parents were more willing for their child to receive vaccination outside of their provider's office (70% vs. 55%, P = .01).

Conclusions

While attitudes regarding influenza vaccination were similar, rural children were much less likely to have received vaccination. Most parents were amenable to collaborative models of influenza vaccination delivery, but rural parents were more comfortable with influenza vaccination outside their provider's office, suggesting that other venues for influenza vaccination in rural settings should be promoted.
Disparities in the Utilization of Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon Cancer in Rural Nebraska: A Call for Placement and Training of Rural General Surgeons
Authors: Gruber Kelli , Soliman Amr S. , Schmid Kendra , Rettig Bryan , Ryan June , Watanabe‐Galloway Shinobu
Published: May 2015

Background

Advances in medical technology are changing surgical standards for colon cancer treatment. The laparoscopic colectomy is equivalent to the standard open colectomy while providing additional benefits. It is currently unknown what factors influence utilization of laparoscopic surgery in rural areas and if treatment disparities exist. The objectives of this study were to examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with receiving laparoscopic colectomy and to examine the differences between rural and urban patients who received either procedure.

Methods

This study utilized a linked data set of Nebraska Cancer Registry and hospital discharge data on colon cancer patients diagnosed and treated in the entire state of Nebraska from 2008 to 2011 (N = 1,062). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of receiving the laparoscopic treatment.

Results

Rural colon cancer patients were 40% less likely to receive laparoscopic colectomy compared to urban patients. Independent predictors of receiving laparoscopic colectomy were younger age (<60), urban residence, ≥3 comorbidities, elective admission, smaller tumor size, and early stage at diagnosis. Additionally, rural patients varied demographically compared to urban patients.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery is becoming the new standard of treatment for colon cancer and important disparities exist for rural cancer patients in accessing the specialized treatment. As cancer treatment becomes more specialized, the importance of training and placement of general surgeons in rural communities must be a priority for health care planning and professional training institutions.
Influence of neighbourhood‐level crowding on sleep‐disordered breathing severity: mediation by body size
Authors: Johnson Dayna A. , Drake Christopher , Joseph Christine L. M. , Krajenta Richard , Hudgel David W. , Cassidy‐Bushrow Andrea E.
Published: May 2015

Neighbourhood‐level crowding, a measure of the percentage of households with more than one person per room, may impact the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing. This study examined the association of neighbourhood‐level crowding with apnoea–hypopnoea index in a large clinical sample of diverse adults with sleep‐disordered breathing. Sleep‐disordered breathing severity was quantified as the apnoea–hypopnoea index calculated from overnight polysomnogram; analyses were restricted to those with apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥5. Neighbourhood‐level crowding was defined using 2000 US Census tract data as percentage of households in a census tract with >1 person per room. Multivariable linear mixed models were fit to examine the associations between the percentage of neighbourhood‐level crowding and apnoea–hypopnoea index, and a causal mediation analysis was conducted to determine if body mass index acted as a mediator between neighbourhood‐level crowding and apnoea–hypopnoea index. Among 1789 patients (43% African American; 68% male; 80% obese), the mean apnoea–hypopnoea index was 29.0 ± 25.3. After adjusting for race, age, marital status and gender, neighbourhood‐level crowding was associated with apnoea–hypopnoea index; for every one‐unit increase in percentage of neighbourhood‐level crowding mean, the apnoea–hypopnoea index increased by 0.40 ± 0.20 (P = 0.04). There was a statistically significant indirect effect of neighbourhood‐level crowding through body mass index on the apnoea–hypopnoea index (P < 0.001). Neighbourhood‐level crowding is associated with severity of sleep‐disordered breathing. Body mass index partially mediated the association between neighbourhood‐level crowding and sleep‐disordered breathing. Investigating prevalent neighbourhood conditions impacting breathing in urban settings may be promising.
Genome‐wide signature of local adaptation linked to variable CpG methylation in oak populations
Authors: Platt Alexander , Gugger Paul F. , Pellegrini Matteo , Sork Victoria L.
Published: May 2015

It has long been known that adaptive evolution can occur through genetic mutations in DNA sequence, but it is unclear whether adaptive evolution can occur through analogous epigenetic mechanisms, such as through DNA methylation. If epigenetic variation contributes directly to evolution, species under threat of disease, invasive competition, climate change or other stresses would have greater stores of variation from which to draw. We looked for evidence of natural selection acting on variably methylated DNA sites using population genomic analysis across three climatologically distinct populations of valley oaks. We found patterns of genetic and epigenetic differentiations that indicate local adaptation is operating on large portions of the oak genome. While CHG methyl polymorphisms are not playing a significant role and would make poor targets for natural selection, our findings suggest that CpG methyl polymorphisms as a whole are involved in local adaptation, either directly or through linkage to regions under selection.
Fine‐scale belowground species associations in temperate grassland
Authors: Frank Douglas A. , Pontes Alyssa W. , Maine Eleanor M. , Fridley Jason D.
Published: May 2015

Evaluating how belowground processes contribute to plant community dynamics is hampered by limited information on the spatial structure of root communities at the scale that plants interact belowground. In this study, roots were mapped to the nearest one mm and molecularly identified by species on vertical (0–15 cm deep) surfaces of soil blocks excavated from dry and mesic grasslands in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to examine the spatial relationships among species at the scale that roots interact. Our results indicated that average interspecific root – root distances for the majority of species were within a distance (3 mm) that roots have been shown to compete for resources. Most species placed their roots at random, although low root numbers for many species probably led to overestimating the occurrence of random patterns. According to theory, we expected that most of the remaining species would segregate their root systems to avoid competition. Instead we found that more species aggregated than segregated from others. Based on previous investigations, we hypothesize that species aggregate to increase uptake of water, nitrogen and/or phosphorus made available by neighbouring roots, or as a consequence of a reduction in the pathogenicity of soil biota growing in multispecies mixtures. Our results indicate that YNP grassland root communities are organized as closely interdigitating networks of species that potentially can support strong interactions among many species combinations. Future root research should address the prevalence and functional consequences of species aggregation across plant communities.
Bath‐related headache controlled by zolmitriptan
Authors: Tanaka Ryota , Ando Maya , Shimura Hideki , Yamashiro Kazuo , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: May 2015

Bath‐related headache is a rare headache syndrome that is usually provoked by contact with water, such as during bathing and showering, and mostly affects postmenopausal, middle‐aged or elderly Asian women. The patient was a 59‐year‐old Japanese woman who had experienced repeated intense thunderclap headaches immediately after taking a shower. The trigger episodes for the headache were not only taking a shower, but also tooth brushing and wiping the body with a hot towel. Several medications, including NSAIDs or Ca‐channel blocker, were not effective for the headache; however, pretreatment with zolmitriptan before showering completely attenuated the attack of bath‐related headache. Previous literature showed that bath‐related headache is generally resistant to NSAIDs; and other treatments, such as nimodipine (a Ca2+ channel antagonist), also showed limited effects. As the present case showed the strong effects of triptans for the prevention of bath‐related headache, we discuss its pathophysiology and review the literature.
Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase, a cholesterol synthesizing enzyme, is localized in Lewy bodies
Authors: Nakamura Keiko , Mori Fumiaki , Tanji Kunikazu , Miki Yasuo , Yamada Masahito , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Utsumi Jun , Sasaki Hidenao , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: May 2015

Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids including cholesterols. IDI has two isoforms in humans: IDI1 and IDI2. Since lipids are known to be a component of Lewy bodies (LBs), we investigated the immunohistochemical localization of IDI1 and IDI2 in the brain of patients with LB disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA) and normal control subjects. In normal controls, the cytoplasm of neurons was weakly immunostained with anti‐IDI1 and anti‐IDI2 antibodies throughout the nervous system. In LB disease, brainstem‐type LBs were strongly positive for IDI1 and IDI2, and cortical LBs were unstained or barely immunolabeled. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed co‐localization of phosphorylated α‐synuclein with IDI1 or IDI2. Glial cytoplasmic inclusions in MSA were unstained. Previous studies have shown that levels of cholesterol metabolites are increased in the cerebral cortex of patients with LB disease, and that these metabolites accelerate α‐synuclein aggregation. The present findings suggest that IDI1 and IDI2 may be associated with the production of cholesterol metabolites in neurons, leading to α‐synuclein aggregation during the process of LB formation.
Changes in fungal communities along a boreal forest soil fertility gradient
Authors: Sterkenburg Erica , Bahr Adam , Brandström Durling Mikael , Clemmensen Karina E. , Lindahl Björn D.
Published: May 2015

Boreal forests harbour diverse fungal communities with decisive roles in decomposition and plant nutrition. Although changes in boreal plant communities along gradients in soil acidity and nitrogen (N) availability are well described, less is known about how fungal taxonomic and functional groups respond to soil fertility factors.

We analysed fungal communities in humus and litter from 25 Swedish old‐growth forests, ranging from N‐rich Picea abies stands to acidic and N‐poor Pinus sylvestris stands. 454‐pyrosequencing of ITS2 amplicons was used to analyse community composition, and biomass was estimated by ergosterol analysis.

Fungal community composition was significantly related to soil fertility at the levels of species, genera/orders and functional groups. Ascomycetes dominated in less fertile forests, whereas basidiomycetes increased in abundance in more fertile forests, both in litter and humus. The relative abundance of mycorrhizal fungi in the humus layer remained high even in the most fertile soils.

Tolerance to acidity and nitrogen deficiency seems to be of greater importance than plant carbon (C) allocation patterns in determining responses of fungal communities to soil fertility, in old‐growth boreal forests.
Condensed tannins increase nitrogen recovery by trees following insect defoliation
Authors: Madritch Michael D. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: May 2015

While the importance of plant secondary metabolites to belowground functioning is gaining recognition, the perception remains that secondary metabolites are produced for herbivore defense, whereas their belowground impacts are ecological by‐products, or ‘afterlife’ effects. However, plants invest a significant amount of resources into production of secondary metabolites that have minimal effects on herbivore resistance (e.g. condensed tannins and insect herbivores).

We show that genetically mediated variation in condensed tannin concentration is correlated with plant nitrogen recovery following a severe defoliation event. We used single‐tree mesocosms labeled with 15N to track nitrogen through both the frass and litter cycling pathways.

High concentrations of leaf tannins in Populus tremuloides were correlated with 15N recovery from frass within the same growing season and in the following growing season. Likewise, leaf tannin concentrations were also correlated with 15N recovery from the litter of defoliated trees in the growing season following the defoliation event. Conversely, tannins were not well correlated with nitrogen uptake under conditions of nominal herbivory.

Our results suggest that tannins may confer benefits in response to herbivore pressure through conserved belowground nitrogen cycling, rather than via defensive properties. Consequently, tannins may be considered as chemical mediators of tolerance rather than resistance.
Lulling immunity, pain, and stress to sleep with cortistatin
Authors: Gonzalez‐Rey Elena , Pedreño Marta , Delgado‐Maroto Virginia , Souza‐Moreira Luciana , Delgado Mario
Published: May 2015

Cortistatin is a neuropeptide isolated from cortical brain regions, showing high structural homology and sharing many functions with somatostatin. However, cortistatin exerts unique functions in the central nervous and immune systems, including decreasing locomotor activity, inducing sleep‐promoting effects, and deactivating inflammatory and T helper (TH)1/TH17–driven responses in preclinical models of sepsis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and colitis. Besides its release by cortical and hippocampal interneurons, cortistatin is produced by macrophages, lymphocytes, and peripheral nociceptive neurons in response to inflammatory stimuli, supporting a physiological role of cortistatin in the immune and nociceptive systems. Cortistatin‐deficient mice have been shown to have exacerbated nociceptive responses to neuropathic and inflammatory pain sensitization. However, a paradoxical effect has been observed in studies of immune disorders, in which, despite showing competent inflammatory/autoreactive responses, cortistatin‐deficient mice were partially resistant to systemic autoimmunity and inflammation. This unexpected phenotype was associated with elevated circulating glucocorticoids and anxiety‐like behavior. These findings support cortistatin as a novel multimodal therapeutic approach to treat autoimmunity and clinical pain and identify it as a key endogenous component of the neuroimmune system related to stress responses.
UNDERSTANDING HYBRIDITY IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: DENIS JEAN‐LOUIS , FERLIE EWAN , VAN GESTEL NICOLETTE
Published: May 2015

This article explores and extends the concept of hybridity to understand current changes in public services organizations, notably as seen from an organizational studies perspective. The notion of hybridity has become more important, given that the public sector increasingly blurs with other sectors and more social actors. Previous reliance on the use of ideal‐types in characterizing public services reforms has masked expanding heterogeneity. We here move beyond the (i) conventional focus on structural hybridity to consider (ii) institutional dynamics, (iii) social interactions, and (iv) new identities and roles in public services. Based on these four dimensions of hybridity, we review alternative theoretical frameworks. We suggest that bringing together work from the neighbouring disciplines of public administration and organization studies may improve our understanding of public services hybridity and outline a future research agenda.
Proteome characterization of melanoma exosomes reveals a specific signature for metastatic cell lines
Authors: Lazar Ikrame , Clement Emily , Ducoux‐Petit Manuelle , Denat Laurence , Soldan Vanessa , Dauvillier Stéphanie , Balor Stéphanie , Burlet‐Schiltz Odile , Larue Lionel , Muller Catherine , Nieto Laurence
Published: May 2015

Exosomes are important mediators in cell‐to‐cell communication and, recently, their role in melanoma progression has been brought to light. Here, we characterized exosomes secreted by seven melanoma cell lines with varying degrees of aggressivity. Extensive proteomic analysis of their exosomes confirmed the presence of characteristic exosomal markers as well as melanoma‐specific antigens and oncogenic proteins. Importantly, the protein composition differed among exosomes from different lines. Exosomes from aggressive cells contained specific proteins involved in cell motility, angiogenesis, and immune response, while these proteins were less abundant or absent in exosomes from less aggressive cells. Interestingly, when exposed to exosomes from metastatic lines, less aggressive cells increased their migratory capacities, likely due to transfer of pro‐migratory exosomal proteins to recipient cells. Hence, this study shows that the specific protein composition of melanoma exosomes depends on the cells’ aggressivity and suggests that exosomes influence the behavior of other tumor cells and their microenvironment.
Survey of duckweed diversity in Lake Chao and total fatty acid, triacylglycerol, profiles of representative strains
Authors: Tang J. , Li Y. , Ma J. , Cheng J. J.
Published: May 2015

Lemnaceae (duckweeds) are widely distributed aquatic flowering plants. Their high growth rate, starch content and suitability for bioremediation make them potential feedstock for biofuels. However, few natural duckweed resources have been investigated in China, and there is no information about total fatty acid (TFA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of duckweeds from China. Here, the genetic diversity of a natural duckweed population collected from Lake Chao, China, was investigated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The 54 strains were categorised into four species in four genera, representing 12 distinct sequence types. Strains representing Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza were predominant. Interestingly, a surprisingly high degree of genetic diversification within L. aequinoctialis was observed. The four duckweed species revealed a uniform fatty acid composition, with three fatty acids, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, accounting for more than 80% of the TFA. The TFA in biomass varied among species, ranging from 1.05% (of dry weight, DW) for L. punctata and S. polyrhiza to 1.62% for Wolffia globosa. The four duckweed species contained similar TAG contents, 0.02% mg·DW−1. The fatty acid profiles of TAG were different from those of TFA, and also varied among the four species. The survey investigated the genetic diversity of duckweeds from Lake Chao, and provides an initial insight into TFA and TAG of four duckweed species, indicating that intraspecific and interspecific variations exist in the content and composition of both TFA and TAG in comparison with other studies.
Dynamics in ‐Symmetric Honeycomb Lattices with Nonlinearity
Authors: Curtis Christopher W. , Zhu  Yi
Published: May 2015

We examine the impact of small parity‐time () symmetric perturbations on nonlinear optical honeycomb lattices in the tight‐binding limit. We show for strained lattices that complex dispersion relationships do not form under perturbation, and we find a variety of nonlinear wave equations which describe the effective dynamics in this regime. The existence of semilocalized gap solitons in this case is also shown, though we numerically demonstrate these solitons are likely unstable. We show for unstrained lattices under the effect of a restricted class of perturbations, which prevent complex dispersion relationships from appearing, that nontrivial phase dynamics emerge as a result of the perturbation. This phase can be understood as momentum imparted to optical beams by the lattice, thus showing perturbations offer potentially novel means for the control of light in honeycomb lattices.
Current practices used for the prevention of central venous catheter‐associated infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: a survey from the Infectious Diseases Working Party and Nurses' Group of EBMT
Authors: Snarski E. , Mank A. , Iacobelli S. , Hoek J. , Styczyński J. , Babic A. , Cesaro S. , Johansson E.
Published: May 2015

Background

Central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is one of the most common infectious complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To prevent this complication, international guidelines recommend the implementation of the CLABSI ‘prevention bundle’ consisting of hand hygiene, full barrier precautions, cleaning the insertion site with chlorhexidine, avoiding femoral sites for insertion, and removing unnecessary catheters. The aim of this survey was to analyze to what extent European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) centers have included the CLABSI prevention bundle in practice.

Methods

A questionnaire used for data collection was sent to the 545 EBMT centers worldwide, 103 of which responded.

Results

All 5 components of the CLABSI prevention bundle were recorded in 28% of the centers' standard operating procedures (SOP), and 21% of the centers answered that they used all of the bundle components in clinical practice. The most common recommendation absent from the SOP was specification of all the components of full barrier precautions (43% of the centers did not include at least 1 component). Skin disinfection with chlorhexidine before catheter insertion was reported by 66% centers. CLABSI rates were monitored in 21% of centers.

Conclusions

Although most of the centers lacked 1 or more of the CLABSI prevention bundle components in their SOP, improvements could easily be made by updating the centers' SOP. The first important step is introduction of CLABSI rate monitoring in this high‐risk patient population.
Synaptic Cytoskeletal Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex Following Psychostimulant Exposure
Authors: DePoy Lauren M. , Gourley Shannon L.
Published: May 2015

Addiction is characterized by maladaptive decision‐making, a loss of control over drug consumption and habit‐like drug seeking despite adverse consequences. These cognitive changes may reflect the effects of drugs of abuse on prefrontal cortical neurobiology. Here, we review evidence that amphetamine and cocaine fundamentally remodel the structure of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. We summarize evidence in particular that these psychostimulants have opposing effects in the medial and orbital prefrontal cortices (‘mPFC’ and ‘oPFC’, respectively). For example, amphetamine and cocaine increase dendrite length and spine density in the mPFC, while dendrites are impoverished and dendritic spines are eliminated in the oPFC. We will discuss evidence that certain cytoskeletal regulatory proteins expressed in the oPFC and implicated in postnatal (adolescent) neural development also regulate behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. These findings potentially open a window of opportunity for the identification of novel pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of drug abuse disorders in adults, as well as in drug‐vulnerable adolescent populations. Finally, we will discuss the behavioral implications of drug‐related dendritic spine elimination in the oPFC, with regard to reversal learning tasks and tasks that assess the development of reward‐seeking habits, both used to model aspects of addiction in rodents.
Linear Matrix Inequalities Approach to Input Covariance Constraint Control With Application to Electronic Throttle
Authors: Khudhair Al-Jiboory Ali , White Andrew , Zhang Shupeng , Zhu Guoming , Choi Jongeun
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the input covariance constraint (ICC) control problem is solved by convex optimization subject to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) constraints. The ICC control problem is an optimal control problem that is concerned to obtain the best output performance subject to multiple constraints on the input covariance matrices. The contribution of this paper is the characterization of the control synthesis LMIs used to solve the ICC control problem. Both continuous- and discrete-time problems are considered. To validate our scheme in real-world systems, ICC control based on convex optimization approach was used to control the position of an electronic throttle plate. The controller performance compared experimentally with a well-tuned base-line proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. Comparison results showed that not only better performance has been achieved but also the required control energy for the ICC controller is lower than that of the base-line controller.
A Numerical Study on Stratified Shear Layers With Relevance to Oil-Boom Failure
Authors: Kristiansen David , Faltinsen Odd M.
Published: May 2015

Interface dynamics of two-phase flow, with relevance for leakage of oil retained by mechanical oil barriers, is studied by means of a two-dimensional (2D) lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM) combined with a phase-field model for interface capturing. A multirelaxation-time (MRT) model of the collision process is used to obtain a numerically stable model at high Reynolds number flow. In the phase-field model, the interface is given a finite but small thickness, where the fluid properties vary continuously across a thin interface layer. Surface tension is modeled as a volume force in the transition layer. The numerical model is implemented for simulations with the graphic processing unit (GPU) of a desktop personal computer. Verification tests of the model are presented. The model is then applied to simulate gravity currents (GCs) obtained from a lock-exchange configuration, using fluid parameters relevant for those of oil and water. Interface instability phenomena are observed, and obtained numerical results are in good agreement with theory. This work demonstrates that the numerical model presented can be used as a numerical tool for studies of stratified shear flows with relevance to oil-boom failure.
Evaluation of an In Situ Gelable and Injectable Hydrogel Treatment to Preserve Human Disc Mechanical Function Undergoing Physiologic Cyclic Loading Followed by Hydrated Recovery
Authors: Showalter Brent L. , Elliott Dawn M. , Chen Weiliam , Malhotra Neil R.
Published: May 2015

Despite the prevalence of disc degeneration and its contributions to low back problems, many current treatments are palliative only and ultimately fail. To address this, nucleus pulposus replacements are under development. Previous work on an injectable hydrogel nucleus pulposus replacement composed of n-carboxyethyl chitosan, oxidized dextran, and teleostean has shown that it has properties similar to native nucleus pulposus, can restore compressive range of motion in ovine discs, is biocompatible, and promotes cell proliferation. The objective of this study was to determine if the hydrogel implant will be contained and if it will restore mechanics in human discs undergoing physiologic cyclic compressive loading. Fourteen human lumbar spine segments were tested using physiologic cyclic compressive loading while intact, following nucleotomy, and again following treatment of injecting either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (sham, n = 7) or hydrogel (implant, n = 7). In each compressive test, mechanical parameters were measured immediately before and after 10,000 cycles of compressive loading and following a period of hydrated recovery. The hydrogel implant was not ejected from the disc during 10,000 cycles of physiological compression testing and appeared undamaged when discs were bisected following all mechanical tests. For sham samples, creep during cyclic loading increased (+15%) from creep during nucleotomy testing, while for implant samples creep strain decreased (−3%) toward normal. There was no difference in compressive modulus or compressive strains between implant and sham samples. These findings demonstrate that the implant interdigitates with the nucleus pulposus, preventing its expulsion during 10,000 cycles of compressive loading and preserves disc creep within human L5–S1 discs. This and previous studies provide a solid foundation for continuing to evaluate the efficacy of the hydrogel implant.
Experimental Investigation of the Full Flow Field in a Molten Salt Pump by Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Shao Chunlei , Zhou Jianfeng , Gu Boqin , Cheng Wenjie
Published: May 2015

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology was used to study steady and unsteady internal flow fields in a molten salt pump under both internal and external synchronization modes. The velocity fields in the suction chamber, impeller passage and volute were analyzed at different flow rates. The velocity distribution uniformity, velocity weighted average divergent flow angle, and circumferential component of absolute velocity were calculated on the basis of the obtained flow fields. The research is meaningful to the development of molten salt pumps, and the experimental method serves as a reference to similar rotating fluid machinery.
Frequency-Dependent Tensile and Compressive Effective Moduli of Elastic Solids With Randomly Distributed Two-Dimensional Microcracks
Authors: Zhao Youxuan , Qiu Yanjun , Jacobs Laurence J. , Qu Jianmin
Published: May 2015

This paper develops micromechanics models to estimate the tensile and compressive elastic moduli of elastic solids containing randomly distributed two-dimensional microcracks. The crack faces are open under tension and closed under compression. When the crack faces are closed, they may slide against one another following the Coulomb's law of dry friction. The micromechanics models provide analytical expressions of the tensile and compressive moduli for both static and dynamic cases. It is found that the tensile and compressive moduli are different. Further, under dynamic loading, the compressive and tensile moduli are both frequency dependent. As a by-product, the micromechanics models also predict wave attenuation in the dynamic case. Numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) are conducted to validate the micromechanics models.
The Blade Profile Orientations Effects on the Aeromechanics of Multirow Turbomachines
Authors: Rahmati M. T. , He L. , Li Y. S.
Published: May 2015

The aerodynamic damping calculations for turbomachinery blade aeromechanics applications are typically carried out in an isolated blade row. The aerodynamic damping of vibrating blades, however, can be significantly influenced by the presence of neighboring blade rows. A highly efficient frequency-domain method is used to investigate the multirow effects on the blade row aerodynamic damping of a compressor and turbine. Depending on the blade profile orientations, the flow reflection effects from adjacent blade rows can significantly alter both unsteady pressure amplitudes and phase angles. Therefore, the blade aerodamping might increase or decrease depending on the stabilizing or destabilizing effects of the unsteady pressure changes. In the case of the compressor, the downstream stator significantly changes the unsteady pressure distribution on the rotor thus, affects the rotor aerodamping. In the turbine case, the upstream stator has a major effect on the aerodamping, while the downstream stator does not significantly change the rotor aerodamping.
Optimum Synthesis of Planar Mechanisms for Path Generation Based on a Combined Discrete Fourier Descriptor
Authors: Lin Wen-Yi
Published: May 2015

A two-phase synthesis method is described, which is capable of solving quite challenging path generation problems. A combined discrete Fourier descriptor (FD) is proposed for shape optimization, and a geometric-based approach is used for the scale–rotation–translation synthesis. The combined discrete FD comprises three shape signatures, i.e., complex coordinates (CCs), centroid distance (CD), and triangular centroid area (TCA), which can capture greater similarity of shape. The genetic algorithm–differential evolution (GA–DE) optimization method is used to solve the optimization problem. The proposed two-phase synthesis method, based on the combined discrete FD, successfully solves the challenging path generation problems with a relatively small number of function evaluations. A more accurate path shape can be obtained using the combined FD than the one-phase synthesis method. The obtained coupler curves approximate the desired paths quite well.
Using Rigid-Body Mechanism Topologies to Design Shape-Changing Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Kai , Schmiedeler James P.
Published: May 2015

This paper uses rigid-body mechanism topologies to synthesize fully distributed compliant mechanisms that approximate a shape change defined by a set of morphing curves in different positions. For a shape-change problem, a rigid-body mechanism solution is generated first to provide the base topology. This base topology defines a preselected design space for the structural optimization in one of two ways so as to obtain a compliant mechanism solution that is typically superior to the local minimum solutions obtained from searching more expansive design spaces. In the first strategy, the dimensional synthesis directly determines the optimal size and shape of the distributed compliant mechanism having exactly the base topology. In the second strategy, an initial mesh network established from the base topology is used to generate different topologies (in addition to the base), and an improved design domain parameterization scheme ensures that only topologies with well-connected structures are evaluated. The deformation of each generated compliant mechanism is evaluated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA). A two-objective genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to find a group of viable designs that trade off minimizing shape matching error with minimizing maximum stress. The procedure's utility is demonstrated with three practical examples—the first two approximating open-curve profiles of an adaptive antenna and the third approximating closed-curve profiles of a morphing wing.
Characterization of Spatial Parasitic Motions of Compliant Mechanisms Induced by Manufacturing Errors
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , To Suet , Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Rongqi , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a theoretical model for characterizing manufacturing error induced spatial parasitic motions (MESPM) of compliant mechanisms (CM), and investigates the inherent statistic features of MESPM using Monte Carlo simulation. It also applies and extends a novel finite beam based matrix modeling (FBMM) method to theoretically derive the elastic deformation behavior of an imperfect flexural linkage (IFL), which is a basic element of a wide spectrum of compliant mechanisms. A case study of a well-known double parallelogram compliant mechanism (DPCM) is also conducted, and the practical parasitic motions of a prototype DPCM are characterized by laser interferometer based measurements.
Comparison of Five Kinematic-Based Identification Methods of Foot Contact Events During Treadmill Walking and Running at Different Speeds
Authors: Alvim Felipe , Cerqueira Lucenildo , Netto Aluízio D’Affonsêca , Leite Guilherme , Muniz Adriane
Published: May 2015

This study involved a comparison of 5 kinematic-based algorithms to detect heel strike (HS) and toe-off (TO) events during human locomotion at different speeds. The objective was to assess how different running and walking speeds affect contact event determination during treadmill locomotion. Thirty male runners performed walking at 5 km/h and running at 9, 11, and 13 km/h on a treadmill. A kinematic system was used to capture the trajectories of 2 retro-reflective markers placed at the subject’s right heel and second metatarsal. A footswitch device was used to determine the “true” times of HS and TO compared with 5 kinematic-based algorithms. The results of the current study illustrated that speed influences the HS error in the vertical position and horizontal velocity algorithms, and the TO error in the vertical position and horizontal velocity algorithms. This difference was found in the transition from walking to running; however, higher running speeds did not affect the error estimation. Higher accuracy was found with combined algorithms, namely, one using vertical acceleration and position and another using horizontal and vertical position with no influence from different locomotion speeds. Therefore, these algorithms are recommended in studies where speed is self-selected because they work well for a broad range of locomotion velocities.
New database links regulatory DNA to its target genes
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Recent big genomics projects aid disease studies.
King of the pills
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: May 2015

Raymond Schinazi's handful of lifesaving drugs has earned him riches, esteem, and a dose of enmity.
Committing to ecological restoration
Authors: Suding Katharine , Higgs Eric , Palmer Margaret , Callicott J. Baird , Anderson Christopher B. , Baker Matthew , Gutrich John J. , Hondula Kelly L. , LaFevor Matthew C. , Larson Brendon M. H. , Randall Alan , Ruhl J. B. , Schwartz Katrina Z. S.
Published: May 2015

Efforts around the globe need legal and policy clarification
Migrating tremor off southern Kyushu as evidence for slow slip of a shallow subduction interface
Authors: Yamashita Y. , Yakiwara H. , Asano Y. , Shimizu H. , Uchida K. , Hirano S. , Umakoshi K. , Miyamachi H. , Nakamoto M. , Fukui M. , Kamizono M. , Kanehara H. , Yamada T. , Shinohara M. , Obara K.
Published: May 2015

Silent slip events get shallow

Clues to help better predict the likelihood of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis may be embedded in a more gentle type of rumbling. Using oceanbottom seismometers, Yamashita
et al.
report rare observations of migrating tremors in the shallow part of a subduction zone off southern Kyushu, Japan. The tremors appear to be linked to a very low-frequency earthquake and seem to migrate to the region where big earthquakes are generated. The tremors may be tracing how and where stress gets concentrated onto the earthquake-producing portion of the fault.

Science
, this issue p.
676
Give women an even chance
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: May 2015

An important part of the mentoring role of academic advisors is writing letters of recommendation for worthy students who are applying for research grants, fellowships, and entrance to elite programs. Such letters often have more impact than grades or test scores at the graduate level, where factors such as initiative, hard work, creativity, independence, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are prized skills. Well-crafted, honest letters help in determining whether a candidate is a good fit. For that reason, I was surprised recently when asked to review 60 proposals from graduate students for small research grants. More than 10% of the applicants had a least one supporting letter containing inappropriate material for the decision at hand. All of the students so affected, unfortunately, were women, and those writing the problematic letters were nearly equally men and women. By describing how these instances appear from the standpoint of a selection committee member, my hope is that the professionalism in recommendation letters will improve.