bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐read DNA metabarcoding of ribosomal RNA in the analysis of fungi from aquatic environments
Authors: Heeger Felix , Bourne Elizabeth C. , Baschien Christiane , Yurkov Andrey , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Overmann Jörg , Mazzoni Camila J. , Monaghan Michael T.
Published: August 2018

DNA metabarcoding is widely used to study prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial diversity. Technological constraints limit most studies to marker lengths below 600 base pairs (bp). Longer sequencing reads of several thousand bp are now possible with third‐generation sequencing. Increased marker lengths provide greater taxonomic resolution and allow for phylogenetic methods of classification, but longer reads may be subject to higher rates of sequencing error and chimera formation. In addition, most bioinformatics tools for DNA metabarcoding were designed for short reads and are therefore unsuitable. Here, we used Pacific Biosciences circular consensus sequencing (CCS) to DNA‐metabarcode environmental samples using a ca. 4,500 bp marker that included most of the eukaryote SSU and LSU rRNA genes and the complete ITS region. We developed an analysis pipeline that reduced error rates to levels comparable to short‐read platforms. Validation using a mock community indicated that our pipeline detected 98% of chimeras de novo. We recovered 947 OTUs from water and sediment samples from a natural lake, 848 of which could be classified to phylum, 397 to genus and 330 to species. By allowing for the simultaneous use of three databases (Unite, SILVA and RDP LSU), long‐read DNA metabarcoding provided better taxonomic resolution than any single marker. We foresee the use of long reads enabling the cross‐validation of reference sequences and the synthesis of ribosomal rRNA gene databases. The universal nature of the rRNA operon and our recovery of >100 nonfungal OTUs indicate that long‐read DNA metabarcoding holds promise for studies of eukaryotic diversity more broadly.
Social stress‐potentiated methamphetamine seeking
Authors: Blouin Ashley M. , Pisupati Swathi , Hoffer Colton G. , Hafenbreidel Madalyn , Jamieson Sarah E. , Rumbaugh Gavin , Miller Courtney A.
Published: August 2018

Human studies of substance use disorder show that psychological stress and drug availability interact following rehabilitation, contributing to the high relapse potential. Social stressors trigger particularly strong motivation for drug, but how this affects neuronal function to increase relapse is unknown. Animal models, which allow for the dissection of neural mechanisms, primarily utilize physical stressors to trigger relapse. To recapitulate psychosocial post‐rehabilitation challenges in animals, we developed a model of social stress‐potentiated methamphetamine (METH) seeking. Rats receive a single social defeat (SD) session after completion of self‐administration and extinction of lever pressing. While a reminder of the SD was insufficient to reinstate METH seeking on its own, rats that received a reminder of SD followed by a METH‐priming injection displayed potentiated reinstatement over METH‐priming alone. Examination of neuronal activation patterns of the METH‐primed reinstatement session identified c‐Fos‐immunoreactivity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) as correlated with SD score, a measure of defeat latency. Rapidly defeated rats showed potentiated METH‐primed reinstatement and elevated BLA c‐Fos compared with controls. Conversely, rats that were undefeated during the social stress did not show potentiated METH‐primed reinstatement or elevated BLA c‐Fos. Interestingly, inactivation of the BLA with baclofen/muscimol prior to the stress reminder and METH‐priming generated a potentiation of METH seeking in the undefeated rats, suggesting the BLA may mediate resilience to the stressor. This model provides a tool for the further dissection of neural mechanisms mediating social stress‐potentiated relapse and for the development of relapse‐reducing therapeutics.
Antimicrobial efficacy of 0.5% peracetic acid and EDTA with passive ultrasonic or manual agitation in an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm model
Authors: Hartmann Rafael C. , Neuvald Lilian , Barth Valdir , de Figueiredo Jose Antônio Poli , de Oliveira Sílvia Dias , Scarparo Roberta Kochenberger , Waltrick Silvana Beltrami , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: August 2018

We compared the antimicrobial efficacy of EDTA and 0.5% peracetic acid (PAA), with manual agitation (MA) or passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm model. Fifty‐five single‐rooted human premolar teeth were chemo‐mechanically prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for biofilm formation. These were divided into five groups (n = 11): saline solution, PAA+MA, PAA+PUI, EDTA+MA and EDTA+PUI. Root canal sampling and scanning electron microscopy of the canal lumen and dentinal tubule areas at the different root thirds were performed. The images were ranked based on contamination level. Only the PAA groups presented with no bacterial growth, with the remaining groups not presenting significant differences among them. PAA+PUI presented with the highest median position rankings in every third and location, whereas EDTA+MA performed similarly to the saline control. No differences were found when comparing MA and PUI within the same solution, however, PUI was associated with lower contamination levels mean rankings.
Insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction and the relationship with cardio‐metabolic disorders among women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Mu Liangshan , Zhao Yue , Lai Yuchen , Li Rong , Qiao Jie
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate both independent and combined effects of insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction on cardio‐metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

A national epidemiologic survey was performed in reproductive aged females in China from October 2007 to September 2011.

Methods

A total of 824 PCOS and 2715 non‐PCOS were included. The Rotterdam Criteria were applied for PCOS diagnosis. We used the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and HOMA of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) to evaluate insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction, respectively.

Results

Compared with non‐PCOS, PCOS showed a higher index of HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β, and a higher prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidaemia. High HOMA‐IR was independently related to a high prevalence of obesity, central obesity, dyslipidaemia, and high blood glucose in PCOS. In contrast, a low index of HOMA‐β index was independently correlated with a low prevalence of obesity, and central obesity, but negatively correlated with an elevated prevalence of high blood glucose in PCOS. In addition, proportion of insulin resistance was higher than that of β‐cell dysfunction in PCOS with cardio‐metabolic disorders. β‐cell dysfunction was negatively correlated with the prevalence of central obesity and obesity.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction independently affected cardio‐metabolic abnormalities in PCOS, while insulin resistance was correlated with a higher prevalence of cardio‐metabolic abnormalities than that of β‐cell dysfunction. Moreover, β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance showed divergent correlations with obesity in PCOS.
Bi‐directional modulation of cellular interactions in an in vitro co‐culture model of tendon‐to‐bone interface
Authors: Calejo I. , Costa‐Almeida Raquel , Gonçalves Ana Isabel , Berdecka Dominika , Reis Rui Luis , Gomes Manuela Estima
Published: August 2018

Objectives

This work aimed at studying in vitro interactions between human tendon‐derived cells (hTDCs) and pre‐osteoblasts (pre‐OBs) that may trigger a cascade of events involved in enthesis regeneration.

Materials and methods

The effect of 5 osteogenic medium (OM) conditions over the modulation of hTDCs and pre‐OBs towards the tenogenic and osteogenic phenotypes, respectively, was studied. Three different medium conditions were chosen for subsequently establishing a direct co‐culture system in order to study the expression of bone, tendon and interface‐related markers.

Results

A higher matrix mineralization and ALP activity was observed in co‐cultures in the presence of OM. Higher transcription levels of bone‐ (ALPL, RUNX2, SPP1) and interface‐related genes (ACAN, COMP) were found in co‐cultures. The expression of aggrecan was influenced by the presence of OM and cell‐cell interactions occurring in co‐culture.

Conclusions

The present work assessed both the influence of OM on cell phenotype modulation and the importance of co‐culture models while promoting cell‐cell interactions and the exchange of soluble factors in triggering an interface‐like phenotype to potentially modulate enthesis regeneration.
MiR‐139‐5p is associated with poor prognosis and regulates glycolysis by repressing PKM2 in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jianan , Yu Yan , Chen Xiaolong , He Yuting , Hu Qiuyue , Li Hongqiang , Han Qicai , Ren Fang , Li Juan , Li Chao , Bao Jie , Ren Zhigang , Duan Zhenfeng , Cui Guangying , Sun Ranran
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most highly aggressive cancer of biliary tract, but effective therapeutics are lacking. Emerging evidence has unveiled that miR‐139‐5p is aberrantly downregulated in cancers, including GBC. However, the functions and mechanisms of miR‐139‐5p in GBC remain unclear.

Materials and methods

MiR‐139‐5p‐overexpression was established in GBC cell lines, after which cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and glucose metabolism were assayed in vitro. Subsequently, bioinformatics prediction and dual‐luciferase reporter were performed to confirm that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was a direct target of miRNA‐139‐5p. Xenograft mouse models were applied to investigate the role of miR‐139‐5p in GBC tumourigenicity in vivo. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the relationships among miR‐139‐5p, PKM2 expression and clinical malignancies in GBC samples.

Results

We found that miR‐139‐5p was substantially downregulated in GBC tissues. Low expression of miR‐139‐5p was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes. GBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion could be inhibited by overexpression of miR‐139‐5p either in vitro or in vivo. In addition, miR‐139‐5p overexpression could directly inhibit PKM2 expression and lead to suppression of glucose consumption, lactate production, and cellular ATP levels. Moreover, PKM2 was frequently upregulated in GBC and correlated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, miRNA‐139‐5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and glycolysis in GBC, at least in part, by repressing PKM2.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated a novel role for miR‐139‐5p/PKM2 in GBC progression and provided potential prognostic predictors for GBC patients.
Multisensory stimulation modulates perceptual and post perceptual face representations: Evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Estudillo Alejandro J. , Kaufmann Jürgen M. , Bindemann Markus , Schweinberger Stefan R.
Published: August 2018

Seeing a face being touched in spatial and temporal synchrony with the own face produces a bias in self‐recognition, whereby the other face becomes more likely to be perceived as the self. The present study employed event‐related potentials to explore whether this enfacement effect reflects initial face encoding, enhanced distinctiveness of the enfaced face, modified self‐identity representations, or even later processing stages that are associated with the emotional processing of faces. Participants were stroked in synchrony or asynchrony with an unfamiliar face they observed on a monitor in front of them, in a situation approximating a mirror image. Subsequently, event‐related potentials were recorded during the presentation of (a) a previously synchronously stimulated face, (b) an asynchronously stimulated face, (c) observers’ own face, (d) filler faces, and (e) a to‐be‐detected target face, which required a response. Observers reported a consistent enfacement illusion after synchronous stimulation. Importantly, the synchronously stimulated face elicited more prominent N170 and P200 responses than the asynchronously stimulated face. By contrast, similar N250 and P300 responses were observed in these conditions. These results suggest that enfacement modulates early neural correlates of face encoding and facial prototypicality, rather than identity self‐representations and associated emotional processes.
Mutually‐induced traumatic alopecia responsive to husbandry modification in two cohabiting donkeys
Authors: Brément T. , Hermange T. , Degorce‐Rubiales F. , Combarros D. , Bourdeau P. , Bruet V.
Published: August 2018

Cutaneous expression of behavioural processes remains unexplored in donkeys. This case report describes a case of traumatic alopecia in two donkeys secondary to mutual hair plucking behaviour. Two genetically unrelated, male castrated, 4‐year‐old Cotentin donkeys living together were presented for a 2‐year history of alopecic, mainly nummular, nonpruritic lesions developing on the back, loin and croup. The general physical examination and behavioural assessment were unremarkable. Trichoscopy, scrapings and cytology were performed. Superficial bacterial infection was diagnosed but a 2‐week course of antibacterial treatment showed no improvement. Histopathological examination showed features compatible with traumatic alopecia and consistent with several behavioural causes of alopecia resembling human trichotillomania or acute traction alopecia, canine traction alopecia, feline self‐induced alopecia and murine barbering. Separation of the donkeys led to complete long‐term remission. Clinical and histopathological findings in our case share lots of similar features with the different mechanical traumatic alopecic disorders mentioned above, making it impossible to simply classify the described affection. Whether alopecic lesions resulted from an exclusive behavioural process (either abnormal excessive mutual grooming or other social interactions) or were associated with underlying causes of pruritus is uncertain. Mechanical alopecia secondary to a behavioural process should therefore be suspected in cases of permanent patchy alopecic nummular lesions on donkeys living in groups.
The Drake “experiment”: A lesson in curricular design
Authors: Pinheiro‐Cadd Marc
Published: August 2018

The faculty and administration at Drake University made the decision in 2001 to alter radically how language instruction was delivered and received, beginning by disbanding the long‐standing Modern Language Department. The dissolution of the department and the new pedagogy caused ripples of concern and shock among language instructors and instructors from other disciplines at institutions of higher learning throughout the country. However, the established pedagogy underpinning the new approach remains unexamined, as does its successes and failures, despite the fact that the consequences of the choices made 17 years ago may help inform decisions other institutions are making today. This study examined three questions: (1) On which pedagogies and organizations was the Drake University Language Acquisition Program designed? (2) To what extent was the new program successful and for whom? and (3) What implications does this “experiment” have for language instruction moving ahead?
Impact of content‐specific seminars on candidate edTPA preparation and performance
Authors: Okraski Cornelia V. , Kissau Scott P.
Published: August 2018

edTPA is a performance‐based assessment used in teacher licensure programs across the country as evidence of a candidate's readiness to teach. Although multiple studies have indicated it to be a challenging assessment and have offered multiple recommendations for candidate support, few have examined the impact of specific means of support. In this mixed‐method study, the authors used surveys, interviews, classroom observations, and edTPA performance data to investigate the impact of content‐specific edTPA support seminars on the preparation and performance of world language and English as a second language teacher candidates. The study provided evidence that content‐specific support seminars can provide opportunities for more tailored support, instructors who are more familiar with content standards and resources, and more consistent messaging than non–content‐specific seminars. Results also indicated that clustering candidates in content‐specific seminars can lead to stronger performance outcomes than seminars involving teacher candidates from a variety of different content areas. Implications for teacher preparation programs are discussed.
Estimates of Horizontal Groundwater Flow Velocities in Boreholes
Authors: Bayer‐Raich Martí , Credoz Anthony , Guimerà Jordi , Jordana Salvador , Sampietro Diego , Font‐Capó Jordi , Nief Nathalie , Grossemy Matthieu
Published: August 2018

Currently, monitoring tools can be deployed in observation boreholes to better assess groundwater flow, flux of dissolved contaminants and their mass discharge in an aquifer. The relationship between horizontal water velocity in observation boreholes and Darcy fluxes in the surrounding aquifer has been studied for natural flow conditions (i.e., no pumping). Interpretation of measurements taken with dilution tests, the colloidal borescope, the Heat Pulse Flowmeter, and other techniques require the conversion of observed borehole velocity u to aquifer Darcy flux q∞. This conversion is typically done through a proportionality factor α = u/q∞. In experimental studies as well as in theoretical developments, reported values of α vary almost three orders of magnitude (from 0.5 to 10). This large variability in reported values of α could be explained by: (1) unclear distinction between Darcy flux and water seepage velocity, (2) unclear definition of water velocity in the borehole, (3) effects of well screen and the presence of the measurement device itself on the observable velocities, and (4) hydraulic conditions in the borehole annulus. We address (1), (2) from a conceptual/theoretical perspective, and (3) by means of numerical simulations. We show that issue (1) in low porosity aquifers can yield to order‐of‐magnitude discrepancies in estimates of q∞; (2) may result in discrepancies of up to 50%, and (3) can cause differences up to 20% of water velocity in the borehole void space compared to the theoretical case of an open borehole.
Service satisfaction and helpfulness ratings, mental health literacy and help seeking barriers of carers of individuals with dual disabilities
Authors: Man Joyce , Kangas Maria
Published: August 2018

Background

Carer mental health literacy and help seeking are areas that are not well researched in the intellectual disability field. This study aimed to explore the above including service utilization experiences of Australian parents with an offspring with an intellectual disability and a comorbid psychiatric disorder.

Method

Forty‐one parents took part in an online survey assessing satisfaction and helpfulness ratings of received services. Twenty‐six parents also completed items to assess mental health literacy and attitudinal barriers to help seeking.

Results

Parents showed good mental health literacy with depression and with challenging behaviour associated with autism and poorer literacy with mixed presentations. Few attitudinal barriers to help seeking were reported. Parents reported varied helpfulness and satisfaction ratings with disability and mental health services.

Conclusions

Parents are capable of recognizing the need to seek professional help for their offspring. Implications for service coordination, provision and carer involvement are discussed.
Level of accuracy of diagnoses recorded in discharge summaries: A cohort study in three respiratory wards
Authors: Tsopra Rosy , Wyatt Jeremy C. , Beirne Paul , Rodger Kirsty , Callister Matthew , Ghosh Dipansu , Clifton Ian J. , Whitaker Paul , Peckham Daniel
Published: August 2018

Rationale

One of the key functions of the discharge summary is to convey accurate diagnostic description of patients. Inaccurate or missing diagnoses may result in a false clinical picture, inappropriate management, poor quality of care, and a higher risk of re‐admission. While several studies have investigated the presence or absence of diagnoses within discharge summaries, there are very few published studies assessing the accuracy of these diagnoses. The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy of diagnoses recorded in sample summaries, and to determine if it was correlated with the type of diagnoses (eg, “respiratory” diagnoses), the number of diagnoses, or the length of patient stay.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in three respiratory wards in a large UK NHS Teaching Hospital. We determined the reference list of diagnoses (the closest to the true state of the patient based on consultant knowledge, patient records, and laboratory investigations) for comparison with the diagnoses recorded in a discharge summary. To enable objective comparison, all patient diagnoses were encoded using a standardized terminology (ICD‐10). Inaccuracy of the primary diagnosis alone and all diagnoses in discharge summaries was measured and then correlated with type of diseases, number of diagnoses, and length of patient stay.

Results

A total of 107 of 110 consecutive discharge summaries were analysed. The mean inaccuracy rate per discharge summary was 55% [95% CI 52 to 58%]. Primary diagnoses were wrong, inaccurate, missing, or mis‐recorded as a secondary diagnosis in half the summaries. The inaccuracy rate was correlated with the type of disease but not with number of diagnoses nor length of patient stay.

Conclusion

Our study showed that diagnoses were not accurately recorded in discharge summaries, highlighting the need to measure and improve discharge summary quality.
Outcomes in thread lift for face and neck: A study performed with Silhouette Soft and Promo Happy Lift double needle, innovative and classic techniques
Authors: Rezaee Khiabanloo Samad , Jebreili Roghieh , Aalipour Ezatollah , Saljoughi Nazi , Shahidi Arian
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Increased demand for rejuvenation of the aging face has led to the evolution of various plastic surgery techniques. This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical efficacy and outcomes of the absorbable suture suspension system related to eyebrow, midface, mandibular, and neck lifting.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective review chart clinical study, a total of 193 patients were included in the study from January 2016 to May 2017. All participants underwent thread lifting using the Proma Happy Lift double needle and Silhouette Soft threads. The patients were followed up for first week and first, third, and sixth month after lifting surgery. Outcomes were assessed by two surgeons and patients based on the GAIS score.

Results

A total of 193 patients (mean age: 52.22 ± 11.74 year, range: 25‐89), 23 (11.9%) men and 170 (88.1%) women, were included in the study. The most common sites for the face lifting surgery were the jawline (46.1%), midface (33.7%), eyebrows (12.4%), and neck (7.8%). The level of satisfaction increased from 94% in the first week after surgery to 99% in the sixth month after surgery for patients, increased from 94% to 99% for surgeon 1, and increased from 83% to 98% for surgeon 2.

Conclusion

The results showed that the level of satisfaction of patients and surgeons increased over time. These results demonstrated that facial rejuvenation thread lift with Proma Happy Lift double needle and Silhouette Soft threads is a being cosmetically more acceptance, safe, and effective procedure associated with minor complications.
The Intersection of Residence, Community Vulnerability, and Premature Mortality
Authors: Hale Nathan , Beatty Kate , Smith Michael
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Rural communities often experience higher rates of mortality than their urban counterparts, with gaps widening in the foreseeable future. However, the underlying level of socioeconomic vulnerability (area deprivation) among rural communities can vary widely. This study examines rural‐urban differences in mortality‐related outcomes within comparable levels of deprivation.

Methods

Rural‐urban differences in Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL), derived from the County Health Rankings, were examined across comparable levels of area deprivation using a quantile regression approach. Rural‐urban differences in YPLL were estimated at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles across levels of deprivation.

Findings

Compared to the reference population (urban counties/least deprived) a clear increase in YPLL among both rural and urban counties was noted across levels of deprivation, with the highest level of YPLL occurring in counties with the most deprivation. While YPLL increased across levels of deprivation, the magnitude of these differences was markedly higher in rural counties compared to urban, particularly among the most deprived counties. Rural counties experienced an advantage at the lowest percentiles and levels of deprivation. However, this advantage quickly deteriorated, revealing significant rural disparities at the highest level of deprivation.

Conclusions

This study noted a differential effect in mortality‐related outcomes among rural counties within comparable levels of community deprivation. Findings contribute to evidence that many, but not all rural communities face a double disadvantage. This underscores the need for a continued focus on the development and implementation of multiple policies aimed at reducing differences in poverty, education, and access to care.
Annealing history of zircons from Apollo 14083 and 14303 impact breccias
Authors: Pidgeon R. T. , Merle R. E. , Grange M. L. , Nemchin A. A.
Published: August 2018

Breccia boulders scattered around the 25 Ma Cone Crater near the Apollo 14 landing site provide a potential source of material ejected from the underlying Fra Mauro formation, which is interpreted to form from the ejecta blanket of the ~3.9 Ga Imbrium impact. However, questions remain as to whether all or some of the rocks collected are from the Fra Mauro Formation. In this contribution, we present new Raman measurements on zircons from impact breccias 14083 and 14303 that indicate a zircon radiation damage age of the breccias of 3900 ± 120 (2σ) Ma. These ages are compatible with a history of thermal shock during their emplacement as part of the Imbrium impact ejecta blanket. In contrast, previously published Raman analyses of zircons from a sample of breccia 14311 have a younger radiation damage age of 3410 ± 80 (2σ) Ma, confirming that this breccia had a different thermal history and was possibly unrelated to the Fra Mauro Formation. The radiation damage ages of breccias 14083 and 14303, in combination with previously published apatite U‐Pb ages, place constraints on the thermal conditions within the Imbrium ejecta blanket.
An experimental murine model of otitis and dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis
Authors: Schlemmer Karine B. , Jesus Francielli P. K. , Loreto Érico S. , Tondolo Juliana S. M. , Ledur Pauline C. , Dallabrida Andressa , da Silva Taiara M. , Kommers Glaucia D. , Alves Sydney H. , Santurio Janio M.
Published: August 2018

We report a malasseziosis model in immunocompromised Swiss mice. For this model, the mice were immunosuppressed with a combination of cyclophosphamide at 150 mg/kg and hydrocortisone acetate at 250 mg/kg. Two groups were formed according to the site of inoculation. Dermatitis group received an intradermal injection of 5 × 106 cell/mouse at a shaved dorsal region, while the otitis group received the same inoculum in the middle ear. Five animals/group were euthanised at different times, and the skin and ear were histopathologically analysed. During the first euthanasia, which occurred after inoculation, microscopic examination showed that all mice presented budding yeast‐like in a tissue sample. The presence of yeasts decreased over time being undetected on the 17th day (dermatitis group) and the 21st day (otitis group) after inoculation. This is the first murine model for malasseziosis that can be useful for evaluating new treatment approaches.
Network size‐dependent impact on vegetative growth and sexual reproduction in clonal patches of white clover Trifolium repens
Authors: Dominiak Martyna , Lewandowski Arkadiusz , Gąbka Maciej , Lembicz Marlena
Published: August 2018

In natural habitats, clonal plants form interconnected ramet networks of varied sizes. In large and small networks, ramets may be presumed to apply distinct strategies of investing in vegetative growth and sexual reproduction. This very hypothesis was tested in the course of our experiment in the field. The study encompassed 16 patches of white clover Trifolium repens, which were divided into two groups: small and large. Separate zones, i.e. central, middle and marginal, were isolated within each clonal patch. In small networks, the share of sexually reproducing ramets is prevalent compared with vegetative growth, while vegetative growth is the predominant mode of proliferation in large networks. The highest quantity of ramets which reproduced sexually was observed in the outlying regions of large networks. The findings were elucidated with respect to habitat resources used by ramets in networks, and a model of optimal allocation of resources to sexual and vegetative reproduction in perennial plants. We propose that the factor which significantly promoted increased sexual reproduction of ramets in the small patches was more extensive access to water and nutrients, whose availability was in turn limited in the large patches.
Colour Doppler ultrasound imaging of blood flows variations in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic testicular lesions in dogs
Authors: Bigliardi Enrico , Denti Laura , De Cesaris Valeria , Bertocchi Mara , Di Ianni Francesco , Parmigiani Enrico , Bresciani Carla , Cantoni Anna Maria
Published: August 2018

Contents

Testicular tumours are the most common neoplasms in male dogs accounting for approximately 90% of all tumours affecting the genitourinary tract. Gray‐scale ultrasonography in combination with colour and power Doppler imaging has been well accepted as an accurate technique for assessing scrotal lesions and vascularization of the testis. Colour Doppler sensitivity for low blood flows appears promising in the study of testicular disorders. The aim of this study was to assess if colour and power Doppler ultrasound is a good tool for the investigation of testicular lesions in dogs, to report the sonographic features of lesions and to measure colour and power Doppler parameters such as resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), hypovascularization and hypervascularization (VI) determining if they can be used to distinguish testicular neoplasms from the wide spectrum of non‐neoplastic pathological findings. In this study, 50 male dogs of various breeds, aged between 7 and 14 years, presented with testicular disorders were selected. RI and PI were calculated. Mean RI values for neoplastic, inflammatory and degenerative lesions were 0.54, 0.45 and 0.58, respectively. Mean PI values were 0.62, 0.55 and 0.63, respectively. Hypovascularization and hypervascularization of the lesion were evaluated throughout the vascularity index (VI). Vascular signals in neoplasms were significantly intensified around and inside the mass if compared with those measured during inflammatory and degenerative lesions. VI markedly increased in solid tumours. Pathological testes were removed; macroscopical, histological and immunoistochemical evaluations were carried out. Colour Doppler showed increased intralesional and peripheral flows in all neoplastic lesions analysed. No flows were detected around cysts.
What triggers acute exacerbations of COPD? Why not ask the patient!
Authors: Milne Stephen , Sin Don D.
Published: August 2018

See related Article
Outcomes of Community‐Based Suicide Prevention Approaches That Involve Reducing Access to Pesticides: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Reifels Lennart , Mishara Brian L. , Dargis Luc , Vijayakumar Lakshmi , Phillips Michael R. , Pirkis Jane
Published: August 2018

Objective

Pesticide ingestion is among the most commonly utilized means of suicide worldwide. Restricting access to pesticides at a local level is one strategy to address this major public health problem, but little is known about its effectiveness. We therefore conducted a systematic literature review to identify effective community‐based suicide prevention approaches that involve restricting access to pesticides.

Method

We searched Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PubMed for well‐designed studies that reported on suicide‐related outcomes (i.e., attempted or completed suicide).

Results

We identified only five studies that met our eligibility criteria (two randomized controlled trials, two studies with quasi‐experimental designs, and one study with a before‐and‐after design). These studies tested different interventions: the introduction of nonpesticide agricultural management, providing central storage facilities for pesticides, distributing locked storage containers to households, and local insecticide bans. The only sufficiently powered study produced no evidence of the effectiveness of providing household storage containers. Three interventions showed some promise in reducing pesticide suicides or attempts, with certain caveats.

Conclusions

Our review identified three community interventions that show some promise for reducing pesticide suicides by restricting access to means, which will require replication in large, well‐designed trials before they can be recommended.
Microstructural evidence for the deep pulverization in a lower crustal meta‐anorthosite
Authors: Soda Yusuke , Okudaira Takamoto
Published: August 2018

We report on the evidence of the pulverization in a deep‐seated meta‐anorthosite in the Eidsfjord shear zone, Vesterålen, northern Norway. Some plagioclase porphyroclasts comprise a few large relict clasts and many fine grains that preserve the outlines of the original grains. The fine‐grained plagioclase does not show any plastic‐deformation microstructures and has strong crystallographic preferred orientations, which are inherited from the twinned porphyroclast. Misorientation‐axis distributions indicate that the grains have rotated randomly, so that the misorientation axes are not aligned with either the crystallographic or kinematic axes. The observed grain‐size distribution has a fractal dimension, suggesting their fracturing/fragmentation origin. The microstructures are characterized by the fracturing/fragmentation with a very low shear strain, indicating that it may be associated with pulverization at ~20–25 km depth.
Investigating the association between streetscapes and human walking activities using Google Street View and human trajectory data
Authors: Li Xiaojiang , Santi Paolo , Courtney Theodore K. , Verma Santosh K. , Ratti Carlo
Published: August 2018

Having an active lifestyle is recognized to positively contribute to public health. Creating more walkable streets and neighborhoods is an important way to promote an active lifestyle for urban residents. It is therefore important to understand how the urban built environment can influence human walking activities. In this study, we investigated the interaction of human walking activities and physical characteristics of streetscapes in Boston. A large number of anonymous pedestrian trajectories collected from a smartphone application were used to estimate human walking activities. Publicly accessible Google Street View images were used to estimate the amount of street greenery and the enclosure of street canyons, both of which were used to indicate the physical characteristics of streetscapes. The Walk Score and population were also added in the statistical analyses to control the influence of nearby urban facilities and population on human walking activities. Statistical analysis results show that both the street greenery and the enclosure of the street canyons are significantly associated with human walking activities. The associations between the streetscape variables and human walking activities vary in different land use types. The results of this study have implications for designing walkable and healthy cities.
Life-Limiting Behavior of an Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature Subject to Foreign Object Damage
Authors: Presby Michael J. , Kedir Nesredin , Sanchez Luis J. , Calvin Faucett D. , Choi Sung R. , Morscher Gregory N.
Published: August 2018

The life-limiting behavior of an N720/alumina oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was assessed in tension in air at 1200 °C for unimpacted and impacted specimens. CMC targets were subjected to ballistic impact at ambient temperature with an impact velocity of 250 m/s under a full support configuration. Subsequent postimpact ultimate tensile strength was determined as a function of test rate in order to determine the susceptibility to delayed failure or slow crack growth (SCG). Unimpacted and impacted specimens exhibited a significant dependency of ultimate tensile strength on test rate such that the ultimate tensile strength decreased with decreasing test rate. Damage was characterized using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A phenomenological life prediction model was developed in order to predict life from one loading condition (constant stress-rate loading) to another (constant stress loading). The model was verified in part via a theoretical preloading analysis.
Static and Dynamic Analysis of a NACA 0021 Airfoil Section at Low Reynolds Numbers Based on Experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Holst David , Balduzzi Francesco , Bianchini Alessandro , Church Benjamin , Wegner Felix , Pechlivanoglou Georgios , Ferrari Lorenzo , Ferrara Giovanni , Nayeri Christian Navid , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: August 2018

The wind industry needs airfoil data for ranges of angle of attack (AoA) much wider than those of aviation applications, since large portions of the blades may operate in stalled conditions for a significant part of their lives. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are even more affected by this need, since data sets across the full incidence range of 180 deg are necessary for a correct performance prediction at different tip-speed ratios. However, the relevant technical literature lacks data in deep and poststall regions for nearly every airfoil. Within this context, the present study shows experimental and numerical results for the well-known NACA 0021 airfoil, which is often used for Darrieus VAWT design. Experimental data were obtained through dedicated wind tunnel measurements of a NACA 0021 airfoil with surface pressure taps, which provided further insight into the pressure coefficient distribution across a wide range of AoAs. The measurements were conducted at two different Reynolds numbers (Re = 140 k and Re = 180 k): each experiment was performed multiple times to ensure repeatability. Dynamic AoA changes were also investigated at multiple reduced frequencies. Moreover, dedicated unsteady numerical simulations were carried out on the same airfoil shape to reproduce both the static polars of the airfoil and some relevant dynamic AoA variation cycles tested in the experiments. The solved flow field was then exploited both to get further insight into the flow mechanisms highlighted by the wind tunnel tests and to provide correction factors to discard the influence of the experimental apparatus, making experiments representative of open-field behavior. The present study is then thought to provide the scientific community with high quality, low-Reynolds airfoil data, which may enable in the near future a more effective design of Darrieus VAWTs.
Influence of Turbocharger Turbine Blade Geometry on Vibratory Blade Stresses
Authors: Naik Pavan , Lehmayr Bernhard , Homeier Stefan , Klaus Michael , Vogt Damian M.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a method to influence the vibratory blade stresses of mixed flow turbocharger turbine blade by varying the local blade thickness in spanwise direction is presented. Such variations have an influence on both the static and the vibratory stresses and therefore can be used for optimizing components with respect to high-cycle fatigue (HCF) tolerance. Two typical cyclic loadings that are of concern to turbocharger manufacturers have been taken into account. These loadings arise from the centrifugal forces and from blade vibrations. The objective of optimization in this study is to minimize combined effects of centrifugal and vibratory stresses on turbine blade HCF and moment of inertia. Here, the conventional turbine blade design with trapezoidal thickness profile is taken as baseline design. The thicknesses are varied at four spanwise equally spaced planes and three streamwise planes to observe their effects on static and vibratory stresses. The summation of both the stresses is referred to as combined stress. In order to ensure comparability among the studied design variants, a generic and constant excitation order-dependent pressure field is used at a specific location on blade. The results show that the locations of static and vibratory stresses, and hence the magnitude of the combined stresses, can be influenced by varying the blade thicknesses while maintaining the same eigenfrequencies. By shifting the maximum vibratory stresses farther away from the maximum static stresses, the combined stresses can be reduced considerably, which leads to improved HCF tolerance.
Mitotic phosphorylation regulates Hsp72 spindle localization by uncoupling ATP binding from substrate release
Authors: Mukherjee Manjeet , Sabir Sarah , O’Regan Laura , Sampson Josephina , Richards Mark W. , Huguenin-Dezot Nicolas , Ault James R. , Chin Jason W. , Zhuravleva Anastasia , Fry Andrew M. , Bayliss Richard
Published: August 2018

Phosphorylation uncouples the functions of the chaperone Hsp72 during mitosis.
In VivoVirulence Characterization of Pregnancy-Associated Listeria monocytogenes Infections
Authors: Morrison Holly A. , Lowe David , Robbins Jennifer R. , Bakardjiev Anna I.
Published: August 2018

Listeria monocytogenesis a foodborne pathogen that infects the placenta and can cause pregnancy complications. Listeriosis usually occurs as a sporadic infection, but large outbreaks are also reported.
Sycrp2 Is Essential for Twitching Motility in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803
Authors: Song Wei-Yu , Zang Sha-Sha , Li Zheng-Ke , Dai Guo-Zheng , Liu Ke , Chen Min , Qiu Bao-Sheng
Published: August 2018

cAMP receptor proteins (CRPs) are widely distributed in cyanobacteria and play important roles in regulating gene expression. Although many cyanobacterial species have two cAMP receptor-like proteins, the functional links between them are unknown. Here, we found that Sycrp2 in the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. strain PCC 6803 is essential for twitching motility and that it interacts with Sycrp1, a known cAMP receptor protein involved with twitching motility. Our findings indicate that the two cAMP receptor-like proteins in cyanobacteria do not have functional redundancy but rather work together.
Staphylococcus aureus
Biofilm Growth on Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Cells Is Enhanced during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Coinfection
Authors: Kiedrowski Megan R. , Gaston Jordan R. , Kocak Brian R. , Coburn Stefanie L. , Lee Stella , Pilewski Joseph M. , Myerburg Michael M. , Bomberger Jennifer M.
Published: August 2018

The airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are commonly chronically infected, and
Staphylococcus aureus
is the dominant bacterial respiratory pathogen in CF children. CF patients also experience frequent respiratory virus infections, and it has been hypothesized that virus coinfection increases the severity of
S. aureus
lung infections in CF. We investigated the relationship between
S. aureus
and the CF airway epithelium and observed that coinfection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) enhances
S. aureus
biofilm growth. However, iron, which was previously found to be a significant factor influencing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms during virus coinfection, plays a minor role in
S. aureus
coinfections. Transcriptomic analyses provided new insight into how bacterial and viral pathogens alter host defense and suggest potential pathways by which dampening of host responses to one pathogen may favor persistence of another in the CF airways, highlighting complex interactions occurring between bacteria, viruses, and the host during polymicrobial infections.
Feasibility, complications, morbidity, and mortality results at 6 months for aneurysm treatment with the Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device: report of SAFE study
Authors: Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent , Berge Jérôme , Januel Anne-Christine , Herbreteau Denis , Aggour Mohamed , Piotin Michel , Biondi Alessandra , Barreau Xavier , Mounayer Charbel , Papagiannaki Chrisanthi , Lejeune Jean-Paul , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Costalat Vincent
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

Flow diverters are increasingly used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Evaluation of the first devices available for clinical use showed high efficacy of this treatment although safety results were worse compared with coiling or balloon-assisted coiling. TheSafety and EfficacyAnalysis ofFREDEmbolic Device in Aneurysm Treatment (SAFE) trial is a single-arm, multicenter, prospective study conducted to precisely analyze the safety and efficacy of the FRED and FRED Jr devices.

Methods

Unruptured and recanalized aneurysms located in the anterior circulation treated with FRED and FRED Jr were prospectively included. Adverse events were independently evaluated by a Clinical Event Committee with a vascular neurosurgeon and an interventional neuroradiologist. Primary safety outcome measures were morbidity and mortality rates at 6 months after treatment.

Results

A total of 103 patients/aneurysms were included in 13 interventional neuroradiology (INR) centers. Aneurysm locations were supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) in 71 (68.9%), cavernous ICA in 15 (14.6%), anterior cerebral artery or anterior communicating artery in nine (8.7%), and middle cerebral artery in eight (7.8%). Aneurysms were small (<10 mm) in 71 patients (68.9%). Treatment was successfully performed in 98/103 patients (95.1%). Thromboembolic (TE) complications occurred in 5/103 patients (4.9%), intraoperative rupture in 2/103 patients (1.9%), delayed aneurysm rupture in 1/103 patient (1.0%), and delayed hematoma occurred in 1/103 patient (1.0%). Six-months' mortality and morbidity rates were 1/102 (1.0%) and 2/102 (2.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Aneurysm treatment with the FRED device is safe with low mortality (1.0%) and morbidity (2.0%).

Clinical trial registration

NCT02921698.