bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vicia villosa ssp. villosa Roth field emergence model in a semiarid agroecosystem
Authors: Renzi J. P. , Chantre G. R. , Cantamutto M. A.
Published: May 2017

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is a winter annual legume cultivated for pasture and hay with the capability for natural reseeding. Vicia villosa increases N concentrations in the soil, thus contributing to the sustainability of semiarid regions. However, under rotations of 1–2 years of pasture followed by 1 year of crop (1:1–2:1), hairy vetch could become a problematic volunteer weed in the winter cereal crop phase. This study aimed to develop a mechanistic model for hairy vetch seedling emergence in order to (i) estimate the natural reseeding of hairy vetch in the pasture phase of the field rotation, or (ii) develop control strategies considering hairy vetch as a volunteer weed in the winter cereal phase. The proposed model simulates the pattern of field emergence of hairy vetch after natural seed dispersal by integrating four submodels: (i) physical (PY) dormancy release dynamics, (ii) physiological dormancy (PD) release and germination thermal requirements, (iii) hydro‐time requirements for germination, and (iv) pre‐emergence growth respectively. The developed field emergence model was validated with independent field emergence data during 2013, 2014 and 2015. The model adequately predicted the timing and magnitude of field emergence flushes (RMSE < 10.1) despite the environmental variability among years. The additive effect of each submodel clearly improved the explanatory capacity of the field emergence patterns. The alleviation of PD synchronizes the timing for hairy vetch germination, while the PY determines the seedbank persistence. These outcomes suggest the potential applicability of the proposed modelling approach within management decision support systems.
Evaluation of the angiotensin II receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil in African‐American patients with hypertension
Authors: Johnson Wallace , White William B. , Sica Domenic , Bakris George L. , Weber Michael A. , Handley Alison , Perez Alfonso , Cao Charlie , Kupfer Stuart , Saunders Elijah B.
Published: May 2017

The efficacy and safety of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL‐M) were evaluated in African‐American patients with hypertension in a 6‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, for which the primary end point was change from baseline in 24‐hour mean systolic blood pressure (BP). There were 413 patients, with a mean age of 52 years, 57% women, and baseline 24‐hour BP of 146/91 mm Hg. Treatment differences in 24‐hour systolic BP between AZL‐M 40 mg and placebo (−5.0 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −8.0 to −2.0) and AZL‐M 80 mg and placebo (−7.8 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −10.7 to −4.9) were significant (P≤.001 vs placebo for both comparisons). Changes in the clinic BPs were similar to the ambulatory BP results. Incidence rates of adverse events were comparable among the treatment groups, including those of a serious nature. In African‐American patients with hypertension, AZL‐M significantly reduced ambulatory and clinic BPs in a dose‐dependent manner and was well tolerated.
Normal meal tolerance test is preferable to the glucagon stimulation test in patients with type 2 diabetes that are not in a hyperglycemic state: Comparison with the change of C‐peptide immunoreactivity
Authors: Fujioka Youhei , Okura Tsuyoshi , Sumi Keisuke , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Shoji Kyoko , Nakamura Risa , Matsuzawa Kazuhiko , Izawa Shoichiro , Kato Masahiko , Taniguchi Shinichi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: May 2017

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the properties of the glucagon stimulation test (GST) and the normal meal tolerance test (NMTT) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 142 patients with type 2 diabetes, and carried out a GST and a NMTT. We carried out the NMTT using a calorie‐controlled meal based on an intake of 30 kcal/kg ideal bodyweight/day. We calculated the change in C‐peptide immunoreactivity (ΔCPR) by subtracting fasting CPR from the CPR 6 min after the 1‐mg glucagon injection (GST) or 120 min after the meal (NMTT).

Results

Mean ΔCPR for the GST was 2.0 ng/mL, and for the NMTT was 3.1 ng/mL. A total of 104 patients had greater ΔCPR in the NMTT than the GST, and the mean ΔCPR was significantly greater in the NMTT than the GST (P < 0.05). To exclude any influence of antidiabetic drugs, we examined 42 individuals not taking antidiabetic agents, and found the mean ΔCPR was significantly greater in the NMTT than the GST (GST 2.4 ng/mL, NMTT 4.3 ng/mL; P < 0.05). To consider the influence of glucose toxicity, we carried out receiver operating characteristic analyses with fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin. The optimal cut‐off levels predicting GST ΔCPR to be larger than NMTT ΔCPR were fasting plasma glucose 147 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin 9.0% (fasting plasma glucose: sensitivity 0.64, specificity 0.76, area under the curve 0.73; glycated hemoglobin: sensitivity 0.56, specificity 0.71, area under the curve 0.66).

Conclusions

The NMTT is a reliable insulin secretion test in patients with type 2 diabetes, except for those in a hyperglycemic state.
Investigation and characterization of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli present in mussels from harvesting areas in Galician southern Rias (NW Spain)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Souto Rafael R. , Garrido‐Maestu Alejandro , Pastoriza‐Fontan Alejandro , Lozano‐Leon Antonio
Published: May 2017

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli are a known cause of serious illnesses, and a major public health concern. The coastal environment is the receptacle of agricultural and urban wastewater effluents, thus STEC can be present. In the current study their occurrence and prevalence in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) cultured in the southern Rias of Galician was assessed. This region is interesting due to its economic importance as Galicia produces the 98% of the mussels cultured in Spain, being this country the third world producer. From June 2012 until September 2013, 241 mussel samples were collected, being 112 positive for eae and 17 also positive for stx1,2. An increase was observed in the winter months for both genes, which seemed correlated with a generalized decrease in water salinity. Serotype O157:H7 was not detected, but one isolate resulted resistant to six antibiotics, denoting the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria in this área.

Practical applications

A critical step for adequate risk assessments is the evaluation of potential threats. In this sense, very few microbiological parameters are analyzed in bivalve molluscs, being many human pathogens not assayed. Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli was detected for the first time in mussels harvested in Galicia, a region of critical importance worldwide for the mussel industry. This study highlights that additional studies to better characterize the microbial populations of this important region are still needed, and furthermore, that measures to control microbial pathogens, such as depuration, must not be taken lightly.
Time for a New Approach to Studying Older People with Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Dodson John A. , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: May 2017

This editorial comments on the article by Bourgeois et al.
The causes and consequences of inbreeding avoidance and tolerance in cooperatively breeding vertebrates
Authors: Nichols H. J.
Published: May 2017

Cooperative breeders provide a particularly interesting scenario for studying inbreeding. Such populations are viscous due to delayed dispersal and short dispersal distances, resulting in the build‐up of relatives in the local population. This leads to a high risk of inbreeding, and consequently of inbreeding depression. This has driven the evolution of an array of inbreeding avoidance mechanisms resulting in a relatively low level of close inbreeding in the majority of cooperative breeders. However, there are a number of species where inbreeding occurs relatively frequently. The presence of regular inbreeding (in cases where inbreeding is not a result of recent population declines), suggests that inbreeding tolerance and even preference can evolve under some circumstances. Both inbreeding and inbreeding avoidance mechanisms have enormous downstream fitness consequences for cooperative breeding species. For example, they can influence reproductive dynamics leading to a monopolization of breeding opportunities by dominant individuals. Inbreeding and its avoidance are also likely to impact on the evolution of cooperative breeding itself through influencing levels of relatedness between potential cooperators. Finally, in some cooperative breeders, a high degree of inbreeding avoidance can be detrimental to population viability, and hence is of particular concern to conservationists. In this review, I discuss these issues in detail and also briefly consider recent advances in the methods available for the study of inbreeding in natural populations.
Molecular insights into Cassava brown streak virus susceptibility and resistance by profiling of the early host response
Authors: Anjanappa Ravi B. , Mehta Devang , Okoniewski Michal J. , Szabelska‐Berȩsewicz Alicja , Gruissem Wilhelm , Vanderschuren Hervé
Published: May 2017

Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) are responsible for significant cassava yield losses in eastern sub‐Saharan Africa. To study the possible mechanisms of plant resistance to CBSVs, we inoculated CBSV‐susceptible and CBSV‐resistant cassava varieties with a mixed infection of CBSVs using top‐cleft grafting. Transcriptome profiling of the two cassava varieties was performed at the earliest time point of full infection (28 days after grafting) in the susceptible scions. The expression of genes encoding proteins in RNA silencing, salicylic acid pathways and callose deposition was altered in the susceptible cassava variety, but transcriptional changes were limited in the resistant variety. In total, the expression of 585 genes was altered in the resistant variety and 1292 in the susceptible variety. Transcriptional changes led to the activation of β‐1,3‐glucanase enzymatic activity and a reduction in callose deposition in the susceptible cassava variety. Time course analysis also showed that CBSV replication in susceptible cassava induced a strong up‐regulation of RDR1, a gene previously reported to be a susceptibility factor in other potyvirus–host pathosystems. The differences in the transcriptional responses to CBSV infection indicated that susceptibility involves the restriction of callose deposition at plasmodesmata. Aniline blue staining of callose deposits also indicated that the resistant variety displays a moderate, but significant, increase in callose deposition at the plasmodesmata. Transcriptome data suggested that resistance does not involve typical antiviral defence responses (i.e. RNA silencing and salicylic acid). A meta‐analysis of the current RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) dataset and selected potyvirus–host and virus–cassava RNA‐seq datasets revealed that the conservation of the host response across pathosystems is restricted to genes involved in developmental processes.
Burying the Hatchet? Elite Influence and White Opinion on the Washington Redskins Controversy*
Authors: Nteta Tatishe M. , Sharrow Elizabeth A. , Tarsi Melinda R.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Is the opinion of white Americans regarding the continued use of the Washington Redskins’ team name influenced by their exposure to elite rhetoric that supports a team name change and views the team's name as offensive?

Methods

In order to explore the potential for elite opinion leadership on white opinion, this article employs a survey experiment embedded in the 2014 Cooperative Congressional Election Study in which respondents were randomly exposed to a message attributed to either Senator Harry Reid (a Democrat), Senator John McCain (a Republican), or NBC Sports broadcaster Bob Costas that details their opposition to the team's name.

Results

Testing hypotheses derived from the scholarship on elite opinion theory, this article finds that exposure only to a message from Costas on this issue leads respondents to more strongly support a team name change and to more clearly view the term “Redskins” as offensive. Our results (1) further the scholarship on public opinion concerning Native American mascots, (2) suggest the conditions under which the barriers to change in sporting institutions may continue to evolve, and (3) speak to the limits of political elite influence.
Goresky–Pardon lifts of Chern classes and associated Tate extensions
Authors: Looijenga Eduard
Published: May 2017

Let $X$ be an irreducible complex-analytic variety, ${\mathcal{S}}$ a stratification of $X$ and ${\mathcal{F}}$ a holomorphic vector bundle on the open stratum ${X\unicode[STIX]{x0030A}}$. We give geometric conditions on ${\mathcal{S}}$ and ${\mathcal{F}}$ that produce a natural lift of the Chern class $\operatorname{c}_{k}({\mathcal{F}})\in H^{2k}({X\unicode[STIX]{x0030A}};\mathbb{C})$ to $H^{2k}(X;\mathbb{C})$, which, in the algebraic setting, is of Hodge level ${\geqslant}k$. When applied to the Baily–Borel compactification $X$ of a locally symmetric variety ${X\unicode[STIX]{x0030A}}$ and an automorphic vector bundle ${\mathcal{F}}$ on ${X\unicode[STIX]{x0030A}}$, this refines a theorem of Goresky–Pardon. In passing we define a class of simplicial resolutions of the Baily–Borel compactification that can be used to define its mixed Hodge structure. We use this to show that the stable cohomology of the Satake ($=$ Baily–Borel) compactification of ${\mathcal{A}}_{g}$ contains nontrivial Tate extensions.
The meaning of confidence for older people living with frailty: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Underwood Frazer , Burrows Lisa , Gegg Rod , Latour Jos M. , Kent Bridie
Published: May 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

In many countries, the oldest old (those aged 85 years and older) are now the fastest growing proportion of the total population. This oldest population will increasingly be living with the clinical condition of frailty. Frailty syndromes negatively impact on the person as they do the healthcare systems supporting them. Within healthcare literature “loss of confidence” is occasionally connected to older people living with frailty, but ambiguously described. Understanding the concept of confidence within the context of frailty could inform interventions to meet this growing challenge.

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review was to explore the meaning of confidence from the perspective of older people living with frailty through synthesis of qualitative evidence to inform healthcare practice, research and policy.

Inclusion criteria Types of participants

Studies that included frail adults, aged over 60 years, experiencing acute hospital and or post-acute care in the last 12 months.

Phenomena of interest

The concept of “confidence” and its impact on the physical health and mental well-being of older people living with frailty.

Context

Studies that reported on the older person's descriptions, understanding and meaning of confidence in relation to their frailty or recent healthcare experiences.

Types of studies

Studies of qualitative design and method.

Search strategy

A three step search strategy was used. The search strategy explored published studies and gray literature. Publications in English from the last 20 years were considered for inclusion.

Methodological quality

All included articles were assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment Review Instrument (JBI-QARI).

Data extraction

Data were extracted from included studies using the data extraction tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Data synthesis

Qualitative research findings were collated using a meta-aggregative approach and JBI-QARI software.

Results

Synthesized findings of this review were drawn from just four research studies that met the inclusion criteria. Only six findings contributed to the creation of three categories. These informed a single synthesized finding: Vulnerability, described as a fragile state of well-being that is exposed to the conflicting tensions between physical, emotional and social factors. These tensions have the capability to enhance or erode this state.

Conclusions

Assertions that an understanding of the concept confidence has been reached cannot be made. The review data offer limited insight into the concept of confidence being described by the cohort of older people living with frailty.
Effectiveness of telehealth on correctional facility health care: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wheeler Jaime , Hinton Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of telehealth in improving correctional facility health care. The outcomes of the review will include the primary outcomes of access to health care and costs associated with health care and the secondary outcome of virologic suppression.

Specifically, the review question is: What is the effect of telehealth compared to usual care on improving correctional facility health care and decreasing costs in correctional facility health care?
Experiences of unpaid family/friend caregivers of community-dwelling adults with dementia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Macdonald Marilyn , Martin-Misener Ruth , Helwig Melissa , Weeks Lori , MacLean Heather
Published: May 2017

Review question/objective:

The objective of the review is to synthesize evidence regarding the experiences of unpaid caregivers of community-dwelling adults with dementia. Specifically, the review question is: What are the experiences and perceptions of unpaid caregivers providing care for community-dwelling adults with dementia?
Effectiveness of Patient Safety Leadership WalkRounds™ on patient safety culture: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sølvtofte Ane-Sofie , Larsen Palle , Laustsen Sussie
Published: May 2017

Review question/objective:

The review objective is to synthesize the effect of Patient Safety Leadership WalkRounds (PSLWs) on patient safety culture (PSC).

Specifically, the review question is: What is the effect of PSLWs on the PSC in hospitals, measured with validated surveys?
Experiences of healthcare professionals of having their significant other admitted to an acute care facility: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Sabyani Hussamaldeen , Wiechula Richard , Magarey Judy , Donnelly Frank
Published: May 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

Most healthcare professionals at some time will experience having a significant other admitted to an acute care hospital. The knowledge and understanding that these individuals possess because of their professional practice can potentially alter this experience. Expectations of staff and other family members (FMs) can potentially increase the burden on these health professionals. All FMs of patients should have their needs and expectations considered; however, this review specifically addresses what may be unique for healthcare professionals.

Objectives

To synthesize the qualitative evidence on the experiences of healthcare professionals when their significant others are admitted to an acute care hospital.

Inclusion criteria Types of participants

The current review considered studies reporting the experiences of healthcare professionals, specifically registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

Phenomena of interest

The experiences of RNs and physicians when a significant other is admitted to an acute care facility.

Types of studies

Qualitative studies that have examined the phenomenon of interest including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology and grounded theory.

Search strategy

The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies with no date restrictions. Only studies published in English were considered for inclusion in this review.

Methodological quality

Qualitative papers selected for retrieval were assessed using the standardized critical appraisal instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI).

Data extraction

Data were extracted from the seven included papers using the standardized data extraction tool from JBI-QARI.

Data synthesis

The data were synthesized using the JBI approach to meta-synthesis by meta-aggregation using the JBI-QARI software and methods.

Results

Seven studies of moderate quality were included in the review. Forty findings were extracted and aggregated to create 10 categories, from which five synthesized findings were derived:

Privileged knowledge

Unavoidable dilemmas as a consequence of dual identity

Being a protector is imperative

Family expectations are inevitable

The intense impact of the experience

Conclusion

In contrast to “lay” FMs, health professionals possess additional knowledge and understanding that alter their perceptions and expectations, and the expectations others have of them. This knowledge and understanding can be an advantage in navigating a complex health system but may also result in an additional burden such as role conflict.
New midwives’ experiences of transition support during their first year of practice: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Rahmadhena Melisa P. , McIntyre Meredith , McLelland Gayle
Published: May 2017

Review question/objective:

The current review aims to investigate new midwives’ experiences of transition support during their first year of practice as registered midwives. A further objective is to identify the social support experiences of new midwives during their first year of practice as registered midwives.

Specifically, the review question is: How do new graduate midwives experience transition and social support during their first year of practice?
Iodine-Doped Graphene for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Marinoiu Adriana , Raceanu Mircea , Carcadea Elena , Varlam Mihai , Balan Dan , Ion-Ebrasu Daniela , Stefanescu Ioan , Enachescu M.
Published: May 2017

We prepared iodine-doped graphenes by several techniques (electrophilic substitution and nucleophilic substitution methods) in order to incorporate iodine atoms onto the graphene base materials. The physical characterization of prepared samples was performed by using an array of different techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical methods. A series of cathodes using I-doped graphene were prepared and evaluated. Electrochemical performances of the cathodes with and without I-doped graphene indicated an effective improvement, resulting in a better mass transport in the catalyst layer.
Micromechanical Finite Element Analysis of the Effects of Martensite Particle Size and Ferrite Grain Boundaries on the Overall Mechanical Behavior of Dual Phase Steel
Authors: Abid Najmul H. , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , Palazotto Anthony N.
Published: May 2017

This paper focuses on micromechanical finite element (FE) modeling of the effects of size and morphology (particularly elongation or aspect ratio (AR) along the loading direction) of martensite particles and the ferrite grains on the overall mechanical behavior of dual-phase (DP) steels. To capture the size-effect of the martensite particles and ferrite grains, the core and mantle approach is adapted in which a thin interphase of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) is embedded at the martensite–ferrite boundaries. It is shown that as the martensite particles size decreases or their aspect ratio increases, both the strength and ductility of DP steel increase simultaneously. On the other hand, as the ferrite grain size decreases or its aspect ratio increases, the overall strength increases on the expense of the ductility. The conclusions from this study can be used in guiding the microstructural design of DP steels.
Hybrid Atomistic-Continuum Simulation of Nanostructure Defect-Induced Bubble Growth
Authors: Mao Yijin , Zhang Bo , Chen Chung-Lung , Zhang Yuwen
Published: May 2017

Effects of nanostructured defects of a copper solid surface on bubble growth in liquid argon have been investigated through a hybrid atomistic-continuum (HAC) method. The same solid surfaces with five different nanostructures, namely, wedge defect, deep rectangular defect (R-I), shallow rectangular defect (R-II), small rectangular defect (R-III), and no defect were modeled at the molecular level. Liquid argon was placed on top of hot solid copper with a superheat of 30 K after equilibration was achieved with computational fluid dynamics–molecular dynamic (CFD–MD) coupled simulation. Phase change of argon on five nanostructures has been observed and analyzed accordingly. The results showed that the solid surface with wedge defect tends to induce a nanobubble more easily than the others, and the larger the size of the defect, the easier it is for the bubble to generate.
Effect of Experimental Method on the Heat Transfer Performance of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Microchannel
Authors: Yang Chien-Yuh , Liao Kun-Chieh
Published: May 2017

This paper provides an experimental investigation of heat transfer and pressure drop of supercritical carbon dioxide cooling in a microchannel heat exchanger. An extruded flat aluminum tube with 37 parallel channels and each channel of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm cross section was used as the test section. The temperature drops of supercritical CO2 cooled inside the test section were controlled at 2 °C, 4 °C, and 8 °C separately for each test to investigate the effect of property change on the friction and heat transfer performance at various temperature cooling ranges near the critical point. The test results showed that while the test conditions were away from the critical point, both heat transfer and pressure drop performance agreed very well with those predicted by conventional correlations. However, for the test conditions near the critical point, the difference between those of the test results and the predicted values is very high. Both heat transfer and pressure drop were strongly affected by the ranges of temperature cooling in the test section while they were near the critical conditions. Since there is a drastic peak of the property change near the critical point, if we use the properties integrated but not averaged from inlet to the exit temperatures, we obtain the results that agree well with the values predicted by conventional correlations. The heat transfer and pressure drop performance of supercritical carbon dioxide in microchannels with size near 0.5 mm are indeed similar to these at normal conditions if its properties are appropriately evaluated.
Approximate Analytical Mean-Square Response of an Impacting
Stochastic System Oscillator With Fractional Damping
Authors: Yurchenko D. , Burlon A. , Di Paola M. , Failla G. , Pirrotta A.
Published: May 2017

The paper deals with the stochastic dynamics of a vibroimpact single-degree-of-freedom system under a Gaussian white noise. The system is assumed to have a hard type impact against a one-sided motionless barrier, located at the system's equilibrium. The system is endowed with a fractional derivative element. An analytical expression for the system's mean squared response amplitude is presented and compared with the results of numerical simulations.
Quantitative Doppler in musculoskeletal ultrasonography – suboptimal performance of both experienced and in-training sonographers in selection of the highest Doppler signal image from cine-loops
Authors: Berghea Florian , Vlad Violeta , Palanciuc Lavinia , Micu Mihaela , Bojinca Violeta , Vreju Florentin , Enache Luminita , Copotoiu Monica , Kosevoi Alexandra , Serban Teodora , Stanciu Denisa , Abobului Mihai , Borangiu Andreea , Berghea Camelia Elena , Balanescu Andra Rodica , Ionescu Ruxandra
Published: May 2017

Aims: Doppler ultrasonography assessment is mandatory nowadays for the complete description of rheumatic disease activity. Initially it was performed in semi quantitative way but recently the (fully) quantitative assessment is gaining more interest. In quantitative assessment, the ratio between total colorized and total pixels (CTR) is computed for the whole image or just for the region of interest (ROI). The frame with the highest amount of Doppler signal (also called worst case scenario image – WCSI) is usually the only one analyzed. The technique requires a very precise identification of WCSI from a certain number of consecutive frames, captured from the same position of the US probe, (and in most cases this is done manually). Our study examined the ability of both experienced and in-training sonographers to identify WCSI using a computerized analytical system as the gold standard.Materials and methods: The study analyzed 480 frame selections done in two distinct exercises. The WCSI and other 3 images with a 5%, 10% and respectively 20% lower level of CTR compared with WCSI were packed in one selection. All frames emerging from the same video clip were randomly presented to six experienced and six in training sonographers; the request was to select the frame with the highest CTR (WCSI) from each package (twenty packages in total). A similar exercise was performed with CTRs decreasing in steps of 2%.Results: In the first exercise the WCSI was correctly identified in 79.1% cases and in 67% of cases in the 2nd exercise. The interobserver agreement between experienced and in-trainer evaluators for the 1st exercise was 0.78 and 0.4 in the 2nd exercise.Conclusion: Using computerized analysis as the gold standard, we demonstrated a large heterogeneity across sonographers regarding their ability to identify the best Doppler image even from a small group of frames.
Input-output functions of the nonlinear-distortion component of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in normal and hearing-impaired human ears
Authors: Zelle Dennis , Lorenz Lisa , Thiericke John P. , Gummer Anthony W. , Dalhoff Ernst
Published: May 2017

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) arise in the cochlea in response to two tones with frequencies f1 and f2 and mainly consist of two components, a nonlinear-distortion and a coherent-reflection component. Wave interference between these components limits the accuracy of DPOAEs when evaluating the function of the cochlea with conventional continuous stimulus tones. Here, DPOAE components are separated in the time domain from DPOAE signals elicited with short stimulus pulses. The extracted nonlinear-distortion components are used to derive estimated distortion-product thresholds (EDPTs) from semi-logarithmic input-output (I/O) functions for 20 normal-hearing and 21 hearing-impaired subjects. I/O functions were measured with frequency-specific stimulus levels at eight frequencies f2 = 1,…, 8 kHz (f2/f1 = 1.2). For comparison, DPOAEs were also elicited with continuous primary tones. Both acquisition paradigms yielded EDPTs, which significantly correlated with behavioral thresholds (p < 0.001) and enabled derivation of estimated hearing thresholds (EHTs) from EDPTs using a linear regression relationship. DPOAE-component separation in the time domain significantly reduced the standard deviation of EHTs compared to that derived from continuous DPOAEs (p < 0.01). In conclusion, using frequency-specific stimulus levels and DPOAE-component separation increases the reliability of DPOAE I/O functions for assessing cochlear function and estimating behavioral thresholds.
Estimating the remaining useful life of bearings using a neuro-local linear estimator-based method
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Ali Khan Sheraz , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: May 2017

Estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of a bearing is required for maintenance scheduling. While the degradation behavior of a bearing changes during its lifetime, it is usually assumed to follow a single model. In this letter, bearing degradation is modeled by a monotonically increasing function that is globally non-linear and locally linearized. The model is generated using historical data that is smoothed with a local linear estimator. A neural network learns this model and then predicts future levels of vibration acceleration to estimate the RUL of a bearing. The proposed method yields reasonably accurate estimates of the RUL of a bearing at different points during its operational life.
Cryo-EM structure of human adenovirus D26 reveals the conservation of structural organization among human adenoviruses
Authors: Yu Xiaodi , Veesler David , Campbell Melody G. , Barry Mary E. , Asturias Francisco J. , Barry Michael A. , Reddy Vijay S.
Published: May 2017

Near-atomic resolution structure of species-D adenovirus 26 (HAdV-D26) reveals structural conservation among human adenoviruses.
Evidence and mechanism of efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence promoted by delocalized excited states
Authors: Hosokai Takuya , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Nakanotani Hajime , Tokumaru Katsumi , Tsutsui Tetsuo , Furube Akihiro , Nasu Keirou , Nomura Hiroko , Yahiro Masayuki , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2017

The molecular design concept and mechanism leading to highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence are presented.
Structures of closed and open conformations of dimeric human ATM
Authors: Baretić Domagoj , Pollard Hannah K. , Fisher David I. , Johnson Christopher M. , Santhanam Balaji , Truman Caroline M. , Kouba Tomas , Fersht Alan R. , Phillips Christopher , Williams Roger L.
Published: May 2017

Electron cryomicroscopy suggests regulation of ATM by a dynamic equilibrium between open and closed dimers.
In a first, natural selection defeats a biocontrol insect
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

Invasive weevil eludes parasitic wasp, shaking confidence in some uses of natural enemies to thwart pests.
Fears of Ebola resurgence quickly dispelled in Liberia
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: May 2017

Post-Ebola surveillance system helped rapidly rule out that disease as investigators track cause of new outbreak.
Big data, big picture: Metabolomics meets systems biology
Authors: May Mike
Published: May 2017

Metabolomics—the study of the collection of an organism’s metabolites—provides a molecular measurement of phenotype, or the characteristics resulting from the genotype’s interaction with the environment. Using a range of analytical tools to scale the mountains of data collected, including molecular detection and bioinformatics, scientists use metabolomics to understand systems biology, which is the complete computational analysis and modeling of an organism and its well-being.

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Saying goodbye to glaciers
Authors: Moon Twila
Published: May 2017

Glacier volume is shrinking worldwide, with wide-ranging implications for society
Coupling and sharing when life is hard
Authors: Gordon Vernita
Published: May 2017

Bacterial colonies coordinate growth dynamics when nutrients are limited
Academia under fire in Hungary
Authors: Barabási Albert-László
Published: May 2017

On 10 April, Hungarian President János Áder signed into law an amendment to the National Higher Education Law that would outlaw the Central European University (CEU). Although portrayed by the government as a purely administrative step, the “Lex-CEU” law is a strident attempt to curtail academic freedom and limit the independence of academic institutions.
In vivo imaging reveals a tumor-associated macrophage–mediated resistance pathway in anti–PD-1 therapy
Authors: Arlauckas Sean P. , Garris Christopher S. , Kohler Rainer H. , Kitaoka Maya , Cuccarese Michael F. , Yang Katherine S. , Miller Miles A. , Carlson Jonathan C. , Freeman Gordon J. , Anthony Robert M. , Weissleder Ralph , Pittet Mikael J.
Published: May 2017

Tumor-associated macrophages limit anti–PD-1 effects by removing the antibody from CD8
+
T cells.
Leukotriene B
4
antagonism ameliorates experimental lymphedema
Authors: Tian Wen , Rockson Stanley G. , Jiang Xinguo , Kim Jeanna , Begaye Adrian , Shuffle Eric M. , Tu Allen B. , Cribb Matthew , Nepiyushchikh Zhanna , Feroze Abdullah H. , Zamanian Roham T. , Dhillon Gundeep S. , Voelkel Norbert F. , Peters-Golden Marc , Kitajewski Jan , Dixon J. Brandon , Nicolls Mark R.
Published: May 2017

Lymphedema is a common debilitating condition with very limited treatment options, and leukotriene B
4
may be a key pathogenic molecule and therapeutic target.
“TrkA”cking why “no pain, no gain” is the rule for bone formation
Authors: Levi Benjamin
Published: May 2017

Peripheral sensory nerves expressing TrkA innervate long bones and stimulate bone formation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway when placed under stress.
Waning Immunity and Microbial Vaccines—Workshop of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Gu Xin-Xing , Plotkin Stanley A. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Sette Alessandro , Mills Kingston H. G. , Levy Ofer , Sant Andrea J. , Mo Annie , Alexander William , Lu Kristina T. , Taylor Christopher E.
Published: May 2017

Since the middle of the 20th century, vaccines have made a significant public health impact by controlling infectious diseases globally. Although long-term protection has been achieved with some vaccines, immunity wanes over time with others, resulting in outbreaks or epidemics of infectious diseases. Long-term protection against infectious agents that have a complex life cycle and antigenic variation remains a key challenge. Novel strategies to characterize the short- and long-term immune responses to vaccines and to induce immune responses that mimic natural infection have recently emerged. New technologies and approaches in vaccinology, such as adjuvants, delivery systems, and antigen formulations, have the potential to elicit more durable protection and fewer adverse reactions; together within vitrosystems, these technologies have the capacity to model and accelerate vaccine development. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) held a workshop on 19 September 2016 that focused on waning immunity to selected vaccines (forBordetella pertussis,Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi,Neisseria meningitidis, influenza, mumps, and malaria), with an emphasis on identifying knowledge gaps, future research needs, and how this information can inform development of more effective vaccines for infectious diseases.
Molecular Characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Two Rural Populations of Thailand from 2009 to 2012
Authors: Whistler Toni , Sawatwong Pongpun , Diaz Maureen H. , Benitez Alvaro J. , Wolff Bernard J. , Sapchookul Patranuch , Thamthitiwat Somsak , Winchell Jonas M.
Published: May 2017

Studies onMycoplasma pneumoniaein Thailand have focused on urban centers and have not included molecular characterization. In an attempt to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this organism, we conducted a systematic random sampling to identify 3,000 nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from January 2009 through July 2012 during population-based surveillance for influenza-like illness in two rural provinces.M. pneumoniaewas detected by real-time PCR in 175 (5.8%) specimens. Genotyping was performed using the major adhesion protein (P1) and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). Of the 157 specimens typed, 97 were P1 type 1 and 60 were P1 type 2. Six different MLVA profiles were identified in 149 specimens, with 4/5/7/2 (40%) and 3/5/6/2 (26%) predominating. There was no discrete seasonality toM. pneumoniaeinfections. Examination of the 23S rRNA sequence for known polymorphisms conferring macrolide resistance revealed that all 141 tested to possess the genotype associated with macrolide susceptibility.
Sensing of HIV-1 Entry Triggers a Type I Interferon Response in Human Primary Macrophages
Authors: Decalf Jérémie , Desdouits Marion , Rodrigues Vasco , Gobert François-Xavier , Gentili Matteo , Marques-Ladeira Santy , Chamontin Célia , Mougel Marylène , Cunha de Alencar Bruna , Benaroch Philippe
Published: May 2017

Along with CD4
+
T lymphocytes, macrophages are a major cellular source of HIV-1 replication and a potential viral reservoir. Following entry and reverse transcription in macrophages, cloaking of the viral cDNA by the HIV-1 capsid limits its cytosolic detection, enabling efficient replication. However, whether incoming HIV-1 particles are sensed by macrophages prior to reverse transcription remains unclear. Here, we show that HIV-1 triggers a broad expression of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISG) in monocyte-derived macrophages within a few hours after infection. This response does not require viral reverse transcription or the presence of HIV-1 RNA within particles, but viral fusion is essential. This response is elicited by viruses carrying different envelope proteins and thus different receptors to proceed for viral entry. Expression of ISG in response to viral entry requires TBK1 activity and type I IFNs signaling. Remarkably, the ISG response is transient but affects subsequent viral spread. Together, our results shed light on an early step of HIV-1 sensing by macrophages at the level of entry, which confers an early protection through type I IFN signaling and has potential implications in controlling the infection.

IMPORTANCE
HIV infection is restricted to T lymphocytes and macrophages. HIV-1-infected macrophages are found in many tissues of infected patients, even under antiretroviral therapy, and are considered a viral reservoir. How HIV-1 is detected and what type of responses are elicited upon sensing remain in great part elusive. The kinetics and localization of the production of cytokines such as interferons in response to HIV is of critical importance to understanding how the infection and the immune response are established. Our study provides evidence that macrophages can detect HIV-1 as soon as it enters the cell. Interestingly, this sensing is independent of the presence of viral nucleic acids within the particles but requires their fusion with the macrophages. This triggers a low interferon response, which activates an antiviral program protecting cells against further viral challenge and thus potentially limiting the spread of the infection.
Deletion of a 197-Amino-Acid Region in the N-Terminal Domain of Spike Protein Attenuates Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Piglets
Authors: Hou Yixuan , Lin Chun-Ming , Yokoyama Masaru , Yount Boyd L. , Marthaler Douglas , Douglas Arianna L. , Ghimire Shristi , Qin Yibin , Baric Ralph S. , Saif Linda J. , Wang Qiuhong
Published: May 2017

We previously isolated a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain, PC177, by blind serial passaging of the intestinal contents of a diarrheic piglet in Vero cell culture. Compared with the highly virulent U.S. PEDV strain PC21A, the tissue culture-adapted PC177 (TC-PC177) contains a 197-amino-acid (aa) deletion in the N-terminal domain of the spike (S) protein. We orally inoculated neonatal, conventional suckling piglets with TC-PC177 or PC21A to compare their pathogenicities. Within 7 days postinoculation, TC-PC177 caused mild diarrhea and lower fecal viral RNA shedding, with no mortality, whereas PC21A caused severe clinical signs and 55% mortality. To investigate whether infection with TC-PC177 can induce cross-protection against challenge with a highly virulent PEDV strain, all the surviving piglets were challenged with PC21A at 3 weeks postinoculation. Compared with 100% protection in piglets initially inoculated with PC21A, 88% and 100% TC-PC177- and mock-inoculated piglets had diarrhea following challenge, respectively, indicating incomplete cross-protection. To investigate whether this 197-aa deletion was the determinant for the attenuation of TC-PC177, we generated a mutant (icPC22A-S1Δ197) bearing the 197-aa deletion from an infectious cDNA clone of the highly virulent PEDV PC22A strain (infectious clone PC22A, icPC22A). In neonatal gnotobiotic pigs, the icPC22A-S1Δ197 virus caused mild to moderate diarrhea, lower titers of viral shedding, and no mortality, whereas the icPC22A virus caused severe diarrhea and 100% mortality. Our data indicate that deletion of this 197-aa fragment in the spike protein can attenuate a highly virulent PEDV, but the virus may lose important epitopes for inducing robust protective immunity.

IMPORTANCEThe emerging, highly virulent PEDV strains have caused substantial economic losses worldwide. However, the virulence determinants are not established. In this study, we found that a 197-aa deletion in the N-terminal region of the S protein did not alter virus (TC-PC177) tissue tropism but reduced the virulence of the highly virulent PEDV strain PC22A in neonatal piglets. We also demonstrated that the primary infection with TC-PC177 failed to induce complete cross-protection against challenge by the highly virulent PEDV PC21A, suggesting that the 197-aa region may contain important epitopes for inducing protective immunity. Our results provide an insight into the role of this large deletion in virus propagation and pathogenicity. In addition, the reverse genetics platform of the PC22A strain was further optimized for the rescue of recombinant PEDV virusesin vitro. This breakthrough allows us to investigate other virulence determinants of PEDV strains and will provide knowledge leading to better control PEDV infections.
Cross-Linking of a CD4-Mimetic Miniprotein with HIV-1 Env gp140 Alters Kinetics and Specificities of Antibody Responses against HIV-1 Env in Macaques
Authors: Shen Xiaoying , Bogers Willy M. , Yates Nicole L. , Ferrari Guido , Dey Antu K. , Williams William T. , Jaeger Frederick H. , Wiehe Kevin , Sawant Sheetal , Alam S. Munir , LaBranche Celia C. , Montefiori David C. , Martin Loic , Srivastava Indresh , Heeney Jonathan , Barnett Susan W. , Tomaras Georgia D.
Published: May 2017

Evaluation of the epitope specificities, locations (systemic or mucosal), and effector functions of antibodies elicited by novel HIV-1 immunogens engineered to improve exposure of specific epitopes is critical for HIV-1 vaccine development. Utilizing an array of humoral assays, we evaluated the magnitudes, epitope specificities, avidities, and functions of systemic and mucosal immune responses elicited by a vaccine regimen containing Env cross-linked to a CD4-mimetic miniprotein (gp140-M64U1) in rhesus macaques. Cross-linking of gp140 Env to M64U1 resulted in earlier increases of both the magnitude and avidity of the IgG binding response than those with Env protein alone. Notably, IgG binding responses at an early time point correlated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) function at the peak immunity time point, which was higher for the cross-linked Env group than for the Env group. In addition, the cross-linked Env group developed higher IgG responses against a linear epitope in the gp120 C1 region of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. These data demonstrate that structural modification of the HIV-1 envelope immunogen by cross-linking of gp140 with the CD4-mimetic M64U1 elicited an earlier increase of binding antibody responses and altered the specificity of the IgG responses, correlating with the rise of subsequent antibody-mediated antiviral functions.

IMPORTANCEThe development of an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine remains a global priority to prevent new cases of HIV-1 infection. Of the six HIV-1 efficacy trials to date, only one has demonstrated partial efficacy, and immune correlate analysis of that trial revealed a role for binding antibodies and antibody Fc-mediated effector functions. New HIV-1 envelope immunogens are being engineered to selectively expose the most vulnerable and conserved sites on the HIV-1 envelope, with the goal of eliciting antiviral antibodies. Evaluation of the humoral responses elicited by these novel immunogen designs in nonhuman primates is critical for understanding how to improve upon immunogen design to inform further testing in human clinical trials. Our results demonstrate that structural modifications of Env that aim to mimic the CD4-bound conformation can result in earlier antibody elicitation, altered epitope specificity, and increased antiviral function postimmunization.