bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lineage‐specific plasmid acquisition and the evolution of specialized pathogens in Bacillus thuringiensis and the Bacillus cereus group
Authors: Méric Guillaume , Mageiros Leonardos , Pascoe Ben , Woodcock Dan J. , Mourkas Evangelos , Lamble Sarah , Bowden Rory , Jolley Keith A. , Raymond Ben , Sheppard Samuel K.
Published: March 2018

Bacterial plasmids can vary from small selfish genetic elements to large autonomous replicons that constitute a significant proportion of total cellular DNA. By conferring novel function to the cell, plasmids may facilitate evolution but their mobility may be opposed by co‐evolutionary relationships with chromosomes or encouraged via the infectious sharing of genes encoding public goods. Here, we explore these hypotheses through large‐scale examination of the association between plasmids and chromosomal DNA in the phenotypically diverse Bacillus cereus group. This complex group is rich in plasmids, many of which encode essential virulence factors (Cry toxins) that are known public goods. We characterized population genomic structure, gene content and plasmid distribution to investigate the role of mobile elements in diversification. We analysed coding sequence within the core and accessory genome of 190 B. cereus group isolates, including 23 novel sequences and genes from 410 reference plasmid genomes. While cry genes were widely distributed, those with invertebrate toxicity were predominantly associated with one sequence cluster (clade 2) and phenotypically defined Bacillus thuringiensis. Cry toxin plasmids in clade 2 showed evidence of recent horizontal transfer and variable gene content, a pattern of plasmid segregation consistent with transfer during infectious cooperation. Nevertheless, comparison between clades suggests that co‐evolutionary interactions may drive association between plasmids and chromosomes and limit wider transfer of key virulence traits. Proliferation of successful plasmid and chromosome combinations is a feature of specialized pathogens with characteristic niches (Bacillus anthracis, B. thuringiensis) and has occurred multiple times in the B. cereus group.
Tandem tyrosine phosphosites in the Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli chaperone CesT are required for differential type III effector translocation and virulence
Authors: Runte Cameron S. , Jain Umang , Getz Landon J. , Secord Sabrina , Kuwae Asaomi , Abe Akio , LeBlanc Jason J. , Stadnyk Andrew W. , Kaper James B. , Hansen Anne‐Marie , Thomas Nikhil A.
Published: March 2018

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) use a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) for injection of effectors into host cells and intestinal colonization. Here, we demonstrate that the multicargo chaperone CesT has two strictly conserved tyrosine phosphosites, Y152 and Y153 that regulate differential effector secretion in EPEC. Conservative substitution of both tyrosine residues to phenylalanine strongly attenuated EPEC type 3 effector injection into host cells, and limited Tir effector mediated intimate adherence during infection. EPEC expressing a CesT Y152F variant were deficient for NleA effector expression and exhibited significantly reduced translocation of NleA into host cells during infection. Other effectors were observed to be dependent on CesT Y152 for maximal translocation efficiency. Unexpectedly, EPEC expressing a CesT Y153F variant exhibited significantly enhanced effector translocation of many CesT‐interacting effectors, further implicating phosphosites Y152 and Y153 in CesT functionality. A mouse infection model of intestinal disease using Citrobacter rodentium revealed that CesT tyrosine substitution variants displayed delayed colonization and were more rapidly cleared from the intestine. These data demonstrate genetically separable functions for tandem tyrosine phosphosites within CesT. Therefore, CesT via its C‐terminal tyrosine phosphosites, has relevant roles beyond typical type III secretion chaperones that interact and stabilize effector proteins.
Vertigo’s Musical Gaze: Neo‐Riemannian Symmetries and Spirals
Authors: SMITH KENNETH M.
Published: March 2018

Laura Mulvey coined the term ‘male gaze’ (1975), using Lacanian theory as a ‘political weapon’ against the standard mode of viewing in which the viewing subject turns onscreen women into fantasy objects. While politically laudable, her article misconstrues Lacan's concept of ‘the gaze’, the power of which emanates from the object itself. We might better serve Lacanian theory by inverting Mulvey's reading of Alfred Hitchcock'sVertigoto suggest that Scottie (James Stewart) is himself objectified by the mystique of the ‘object’ he watches and follows: Madeleine (Kim Novak). The screen's gaze reduces spectators to objects too. From this perspective, rather than watching the film, the film can be said to be watching us.

This extends to Bernard Herrmann's soundtrack, famously influenced by the yearning of Wagner'sTristan und Isolde. Developing David Schwarz's (2006) musical gaze (in which repeated pedal points of Schubert songs gaze at us), I analyseVertigo’s frequent emphasis on the pitch class D. A pedal D is often repeated in alluring yet sinister bare octaves as Scottie follows Madeleine. But at key moments in the film, the pitch becomes a sophisticated tool that captivates us in unique ways. Around this central pitch third‐relationships circle. These resonate with neo‐Riemannian theory, particularly in their hexatonic ‘poles’, which Cohn shows to be agents of the Freudian ‘uncanny’ (2004) and which here also serve as an alternative gaze to the reiterated D. Other pitch constellations, in symmetries or spirals, form similar obsessional musical ‘gazes’ that, using Lacanian theory, prompt the question about whether we are listening to the music or the music is listening to us.
From intuition to intervention: developing an intonation‐based treatment for autism
Authors: Chenausky Karen V. , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: March 2018

Autism affects ∼1.5% of children under age 8; its core symptoms include impairment in social‐communicative functioning and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. Music‐based interventions have been considered one modality through which to treat autism. This report discusses considerations to take into account when developing a music‐based intervention for a core symptom of autism. Treatment modality must be matched to symptom both clinically and theoretically, the behavior to be treated must be carefully defined and assessed, and outcome measures must be capable of showing improvement in that behavior over the course of the study. Fidelity assessment and rater blinding reduce experimenter bias. High inter‐rater reliability for perceptually determined outcome measures helps obtain accurate estimates of treatment response. Later stages of testing compare the experimental intervention to matched control treatments or other validated therapies, isolating the intervention's “active ingredients.” Such systematic investigation of a new music‐based intervention can provide information of different types, ranging from an assessment of whether the intervention has any effect at all to an assessment of its outcomes and risks in uncontrolled community settings. Findings ultimately compose the evidence base that clinicians and families can use to decide the most effective way of addressing symptoms of autism for particular children.
Budget Reforms in Times of Austerity: A Centralization Cascade in Danish Central Government?
Authors: Kristiansen Mads Bøge
Published: March 2018

Based on a study of changes of the Danish budget institutions, the paper explores how a centralization cascade may look like, and discusses the consequences thereof. The paper identifies a centralization cascade, as the Ministry of Finance acquires increased power and greater control over the line ministries. Consequently, line ministries enhance their control over their agencies, which is followed by enhanced internal management and control within agencies. The changes imply both functional and dysfunctional consequences as well as the appearance of a range of trade‐offs between the different functions of a budget.
Seed‐specific RNAi in safflower generates a superhigh oleic oil with extended oxidative stability
Authors: Wood Craig C. , Okada Shoko , Taylor Matthew C. , Menon Amratha , Mathew Anu , Cullerne Darren , Stephen Stuart J. , Allen Robert S. , Zhou Xue‐Rong , Liu Qing , Oakeshott John G. , Singh Surinder P. , Green Allan G.
Published: March 2018

Vegetable oils extracted from oilseeds are an important component of foods, but are also used in a range of high value oleochemical applications. Despite being biodegradable, nontoxic and renewable current plant oils suffer from the presence of residual polyunsaturated fatty acids that are prone to free radical formation that limit their oxidative stability, and consequently shelf life and functionality. Many decades of plant breeding have been successful in raising the oleic content to ~90%, but have come at the expense of overall field performance, including poor yields. Here, we engineer superhigh oleic (SHO) safflower producing a seed oil with 93% oleic generated from seed produced in multisite field trials spanning five generations. SHO safflower oil is the result of seed‐specific hairpin‐based RNA interference of two safflower lipid biosynthetic genes, FAD2.2 and FATB, producing seed oil containing less than 1.5% polyunsaturates and only 4% saturates but with no impact on lipid profiles of leaves and roots. Transgenic SHO events were compared to non‐GM safflower in multisite trial plots with a wide range of growing season conditions, which showed no evidence of impact on seed yield. The oxidative stability of the field‐grown SHO oil produced from various sites was 50 h at 110°C compared to 13 h for conventional ~80% oleic safflower oils. SHO safflower produces a uniquely stable vegetable oil across different field conditions that can provide the scale of production that is required for meeting the global demands for high stability oils in food and the oleochemical industry.
When leaves go over the thermal edge
Authors: Niinemets Ülo
Published: March 2018

This article comments on: Plasticity of photosynthetic heat tolerance in plants adapted to thermally contrasting biomes
Supplemental seed increases native seedling establishment in roadside prairie restoration
Authors: Riebkes Jessica L. , Sherrard Mark E. , Jackson Laura L.
Published: March 2018

Tallgrass prairie restorations are plagued by high seed costs and low rates of seedling establishment. Many restorations suffer high rates of seed loss to granivores; yet to date, there are no established protocols to minimize their impact. In this study, we tested whether the application of supplemental (sacrificial) seed reduces native seed consumption and increases native seedling establishment in roadside prairie restoration. We applied supplemental birdseed to a random subset of research plots at three roadside prairie restoration sites and compared rates of seed consumption and early native seedling establishment between supplemental seed plots and control plots. All three roadside restorations were seeded in fall 2014, immediately following the first frost. To assess native seed consumption, we monitored rates of seed removal from “seed cards” during the first 14 days of the restorations. To assess early seedling establishment, we identified and counted all native seedlings in mid‐July of the first restoration year. The application of supplemental seed did not reduce rates of seed consumption, which were very low during the early stages of these restorations, but did increase native seedling establishment. Native seedling establishment was approximately 37% higher in supplemental seed plots than in control plots across restoration sites. The application of supplemental seed may have increased seedling establishment by reducing consumption of native seed during winter and spring. Our results suggest that supplemental seed is a practical, inexpensive technique for increasing seedling establishment in roadside prairie restoration.
A reciprocal, moderated mediation model of grit, engagement, and literacy achievement among dual language learners
Authors: O'Neal Colleen R. , Goldthrite Antoinette , Weston Riley Lynsey , Atapattu Ranga K.
Published: March 2018

This short‐term longitudinal study asked (a) how and for whom socioemotional factors like grit and emotional engagement predict later literacy achievement; and (b) if there are reciprocal effects between literacy and these socioemotional factors. An autoregressive cross‐lagged (ARCR) design included 3 time points over 4 months with an ethnic minority, dual language learner sample (n = 142; 54% female; 75% Latina/o; M = 9.47 years old). The procedure at each time point included teacher‐reported student emotional engagement and adapted grit questionnaires in addition to a student literacy achievement performance task. A reciprocal model (i.e., socioemotional factors and literacy affect each other) was compared to direct (i.e., socioemotional factors impact literacy) and reverse (i.e., literacy impacts socioemotional factors) models. Results suggested that the reciprocal model fit better than the direct and reverse models. Within the reciprocal ARCR model, grit had a significant impact on later literacy achievement via the mediator of engagement and moderated by age. Findings hold implications for education discourse on reciprocal and indirect effects of grit on achievement among older elementary‐aged dual language learners.
Electronic tool helps anaesthesia trainee handovers
Authors: Lee Susan C , Atkinson Megan E , Minard Charles G , O'Brien Alice
Published: March 2018

Background

Handovers in patient care are increasingly common occurrences in medicine and are highly susceptible to communication failures. Intraoperative anaesthesiology handovers are especially challenging because of concurrent management of the patient. Our goal was to develop and use an electronic handover checklist as an educational tool to teach anaesthesiology trainees a standardised method of handing over a case intraoperatively. We hypothesised that the use of the checklist would systematically enhance the transfer of accurate and complete information.

Methods

Thirty‐four anaesthesia trainees were observed giving an intraoperative handover without the checklist, and then again with the checklist at a later time. An observational handover assessment tool was used by investigators to mark each item as either spontaneously relayed by the giver, elicited by the receiver, not discussed or not applicable to the case. After the use of the checklist, each handover giver filled out a survey related to his or her perceptions of the checklist.

Results

The proportion of items spontaneously relayed increased from 54% without the checklist to 98% when using the checklist (p < 0.0001). More than 90% of participants felt that the checklist increased handover efficiency and communication skills. All participants stated that the handovers were more thorough with the checklist and that they would incorporate it into their daily practice.

Intraoperative anaesthesiology handovers are especially challenging because of concurrent management of the patient

Discussion

With the intervention of the checklist, our results show that the use of a standardised intraoperative checklist improved the transfer of important patient information among anaesthesia trainees.
A geospatial case‐based reasoning model for oil–gas reservoir evaluation
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Wang Weihong , Li Junwen
Published: March 2018

Delineating the distribution of oil and natural gas resources is a prerequisite of exploitation. The delineation methods usually include conventional techniques of reservoir evaluation and mathematical models. The conventional reservoir evaluation results generally depend on the experts' knowledge and experience in the field. The mathematical methods mostly require accurate models to be proposed. Considering spatial relationships and characteristics of geological reservoir problems, including nonlinearity, complexity and uncertainty, a novel model called geospatial case‐based reasoning for oil–gas reservoir evaluation was proposed in this article. The key components of the new model, including: (1) the joint representation of spatial relationship and attribute features; (2) the model of spatial relationship and attribute similarity joint reasoning; and (3) the methods of establishing weights for the spatial relationship and attribute features, are completely constructed. A case study of the proposed model for gas reservoir evaluation was carried out. Compared with the backpropagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) and the geological empirical evaluation (GEE) methods, the model presented in this article performs 6.38% and 46.81% better than BP‐ANN and GEE, respectively. Furthermore, its execution is simpler, more convenient, and importantly, its utilization hardly requires any professional knowledge of the field.
Towards a systematic approach for (de)implementation of patient blood management strategies
Authors: Voorn V. M. A. , van Bodegom‐Vos L. , So‐Osman C.
Published: March 2018

Despite the increasing availability of evidence in transfusion medicine literature, this evidence does not automatically find its way into practice. This is also applicable to patient blood management (PBM). It may concern the lack of implementation of effective new techniques or treatments, or it may apply to the (over)use of techniques and treatments (e.g. inappropriate transfusions) that have proven to be of limited benefit for patients (low‐value care) and could be abandoned (de‐implementation).

In PBM literature, the implementation of restrictive transfusion thresholds and the de‐implementation of inappropriate transfusions are described. However, most implementation strategies were not preceded by the identification of relevant barriers, and the used strategies were not often supported by literature on behavioural changes.

In this article, we describe implementation vs de‐implementation, highlight the current situation of (de)implementation in PBM and describe a systematic approach for (de)implementation illustrated by an example of a PBM de‐implementation study regarding ‘(cost‐) effective patient blood management in total hip and knee arthroplasty’. The systematic approach used for (de)implementation is based on the implementation model of Grol, which consists of the following five steps: the detection of improvement goals, a problem analysis, the selection of (de)implementation strategies, the execution of the (de)implementation strategy and an evaluation.

Based on the description of the current situation and the experiences in our de‐implementation study, we can conclude that de‐implementation may be more difficult than expected as other factors may play a role in effective de‐implementation compared to implementation.
Development of an anaesthetized‐rat model of exercise hyperpnoea: an integrative model of respiratory control using an equilibrium diagram
Authors: Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Manabe Kou , Ueda Shinya , Nakahara Hidehiro
Published: March 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The lack of useful small‐animal models for studying exercise hyperpnoea makes it difficult to investigate the underlying mechanisms of exercise‐induced ventilatory abnormalities in various disease states.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We developed an anaesthetized‐rat model for studying exercise hyperpnoea, using a respiratory equilibrium diagram for quantitative characterization of the respiratory chemoreflex feedback system. This experimental model will provide an opportunity to clarify the major determinant mechanisms of exercise hyperpnoea, and will be useful for understanding the mechanisms responsible for abnormal ventilatory responses to exercise in disease models.

Exercise‐induced ventilatory abnormalities in various disease states seem to arise from pathological changes of respiratory regulation. Although experimental studies in small animals are essential to investigate the pathophysiological basis of various disease models, the lack of an integrated framework for quantitatively characterizing respiratory regulation during exercise prevents us from resolving these problems. The purpose of this study was to develop an anaesthetized‐rat model for studying exercise hyperpnoea for quantitative characterization of the respiratory chemoreflex feedback system. In 24 anaesthetized rats, we induced muscle contraction by stimulating bilateral distal sciatic nerves at low and high voltage to mimic exercise. We recorded breath‐by‐breath respiratory gas analysis data and cardiorespiratory responses while running two protocols to characterize the controller and plant of the respiratory chemoreflex. The controller was characterized by determining the linear relationship between end‐tidal CO2 pressure () and minute ventilation (), and the plant by the hyperbolic relationship between and . During exercise, the controller curve shifted upward without change in controller gain, accompanying increased oxygen uptake. The hyperbolic plant curve shifted rightward and downward depending on exercise intensity as predicted by increased metabolism. Exercise intensity‐dependent changes in operating points ( and ) were estimated by integrating the controller and plant curves in a respiratory equilibrium diagram. In conclusion, we developed an anaesthetized‐rat model for studying exercise hyperpnoea, using systems analysis for quantitative characterization of the respiratory system. This novel experimental model will be useful for understanding the mechanisms responsible for abnormal ventilatory responses to exercise in disease models.
Moderate preterm birth affects right ventricular structure and function and pulmonary artery blood flow in adult sheep
Authors: Mrocki Marshall M. , Nguyen Vivian B. , Lombardo Paul , Sutherland Megan R. , Bensley Jonathan G. , Nitsos Ilias , Allison Beth J. , Harding Richard , De Matteo Robert , Schneider Michal , Polglase Graeme R. , Black M. Jane
Published: March 2018

Key points

Preterm birth occurs when the heart muscle is immature and ill‐prepared for the changes in heart and lung function at birth.

MRI imaging studies show differences in the growth and function of the heart of young adults born preterm, with the effects more pronounced in the right ventricle.

The findings of this study, conducted in sheep, showed that following moderate preterm birth the right ventricular wall was thinner in adulthood, with a reduction in the number and size of the heart muscle cells; in addition, there was impaired blood flow in the main artery leading from the right ventricle to the lungs.

The findings indicate that being born only a few weeks early adversely affects the cellular structure of the right ventricle and blood flow to the lungs in adulthood.

The reduced number of heart muscle cells has the potential to deleteriously affect right ventricular growth potential and function.

Preterm birth prematurely exposes the immature heart to the haemodynamic transition at birth, which has the potential to induce abnormal cardiac remodelling. Magnetic resonance imaging studies in young adults born preterm have shown abnormalities in the gross structure of the ventricles (particularly the right ventricle; RV), but the cellular basis of these alterations is unknown. The aim of this study, conducted in sheep, was to determine the effect of moderate preterm birth on RV cellular structure and function in early adulthood. Male singleton lambs were delivered moderately preterm (132 ± 1 days; n = 7) or at term (147 ± 1 days; n = 7). At 14.5 months of age, intra‐arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Pulmonary artery diameter and peak systolic blood flow were determined using ultrasound imaging, and RV stroke volume and output calculated. Cardiomyocyte number, size, nuclearity and levels of cardiac fibrosis were subsequently assessed in perfusion‐fixed hearts using image analysis and stereological methods. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), heart rate, levels of myocardial fibrosis and RV stroke volume and output were not different between groups. There was, however, a significant reduction in RV wall thickness in preterm sheep, and this was accompanied by a significant reduction in peak systolic blood flow in the pulmonary artery and in RV cardiomyocyte number. Cellular changes in the RV wall and reduced pulmonary artery blood flow following preterm birth have the potential to adversely affect cardiac and respiratory haemodynamics, especially when the cardiovascular system is physiologically or pathologically challenged.
On the Uniform Stability of Impulsive Lotka-Volterra Type Systems with Supremums
Authors: Stamova Ivanka , Stamov Gani
Published: March 2018

In this paper we propose an impulsive n- species Lotka-Volterra model with supremums. By using Lyapunov method we give sufficient conditions for uniform stability and uniform asymptotic stability of the positive states.
Effects of passive muscle stiffness measured by Shear Wave Elastography, muscle thickness, and body mass index on athletic performance in adolescent female basketball players
Authors: Akkoc Orkun , Caliskan Emine , Bayramoglu Zuhal
Published: March 2018

Aims: Athletic performance in basketball comprises the contributions of anaerobic and aerobic performance. The aim was to investigate the effects of passive muscle stiffness, using shear wave elastography (SWE), as well as muscle thickness, and body mass index (BMI), on both aerobic and anaerobic performances in adolescent female basketball players.Material and methods: Anaerobic and aerobic (VO2max) performance was assessed using the vertical jump and shuttle run tests, respectively, in 24 volunteer adolescent female basketball players. Passive muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus muscles were measured by SWE, and the thickness of each muscle was assessed by gray scale ultrasound. The BMI of each participant was also calculated. The relationship between vertical jump and VO2max values, and those of muscle stiffness, thickness, and BMI were investigated via Pearson’s correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results: No significant correlation was observed between muscle stiffness and VO2max or vertical jump (p>0.05). There was significant negative correlation between GL thickness and VO2max (p=0.026), and soleus thickness and VO2max (p=0.046). There was also a significant negative correlation between BMI and VO2max (p=0.001). Conclusions: This preliminary work can be a reference for future research. Although our article indicates that passive muscle stiffness measured by SWE is not directly related to athletic performance, future comprehensive studies should be performed in order to illuminate the complex nature of muscles. The  maintenance of lower muscle thickness and optimal BMI may be associated with better aerobic performance.
The cacao bud mite, Aceria reyesi (Nuzzaci 1973)—supplementary description, distribution and comparison with Gymnaceria cupuassu Oliveira, Rodrigues & Flechtmann 2012 (Acari: Eriophyidae)
Authors: Carvalho Adeilma Nascimento de , Navia Denise , De Lillo Enrico , Ferragut Francisco José , Oliveira Anibal Ramadan
Published: March 2018

The cacao bud mite, Aceria reyesi (Nuzzaci 1973) (Eriophyidae), reported as causing serious damage to the cacao tree in Central and South America, is studied based on type specimens from Venezuela and adults and immatures specimens from Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Brazilian states of Amazonas, Bahia and Rondônia, offering a supplementary description and the first report of this species in Costa Rica and Ecuador. The probable origin and the potential geographic distribution of this noxious phytophagous mite is discussed, and a detailed morphological comparison between A. reyesi and the related eriophyid species Gymnaceria cupuassu Oliveira, Rodrigues & Flechtmann 2012, both associated with Theobroma species (Malvaceae) of economic importance, is given.
Atomic layer deposition of amorphous Ni-Ta-N films for Cu diffusion barrier
Authors: Wang Yong-Ping , Ding Zi-Jun , Zhu Bao , Liu Wen-Jun , Zhang David Wei , Ding Shi-Jin
Published: March 2018

Novel Ni-doped TaN (Ni-Ta-N) films are deposited by remote plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) with pentakis(dimethylamino)tantalum, nickelocene, and NH3 precursors for Cu diffusion barriers. Various Ni-Ta-N films with different compositions are achieved by changing the deposition cycles (n) of Ni sublayer while fixing the deposition cycles of TaN sublayer at 2. As n increases from 1 to 6, the root-mean-square roughness of the deposited film increases from 0.150 to 0.527 nm, and the resistivity decreases from 0.18 to 1.1 × 10−2 Ω cm. After annealing at 400 °C for 30 min in the forming gas (N2/H2), these films still maintain an amorphous texture and demonstrate a negligible reduction of resistivity and a weak increase of density. Subsequently, the barrier effects of the Ni-Ta-N films with different compositions are compared against Cu diffusion after annealing. The results reveal that the Ni-Ta-N films with n ≤ 4 exhibit barrier effects comparable with the ALD TaN film even after annealing at 550 °C. Further, a 3 nm ultrathin Ni-Ta-N film with n = 4, corresponding to an addition of ∼22 at. % Ni to TaN, cannot only reduce the film resistivity by 78% but also effectively block Cu diffusion after annealing at 450 °C for 30 min.
Relationship between speech-evoked neural responses and perception of speech in noise in older adults
Authors: Mai Guangting , Tuomainen Jyrki , Howell Peter
Published: March 2018

Speech-in-noise (SPIN) perception involves neural encoding of temporal acoustic cues. Cues include temporal fine structure (TFS) and envelopes that modulate at syllable (Slow-rate ENV) and fundamental frequency (F0-rate ENV) rates. Here the relationship between speech-evoked neural responses to these cues and SPIN perception was investigated in older adults. Theta-band phase-locking values (PLVs) that reflect cortical sensitivity to Slow-rate ENV and peripheral/brainstem frequency-following responses phase-locked to F0-rate ENV (FFRENV_F0) and TFS (FFRTFS) were measured from scalp-electroencephalography responses to a repeated speech syllable in steady-state speech-shaped noise (SpN) and 16-speaker babble noise (BbN). The results showed that (1) SPIN performance and PLVs were significantly higher under SpN than BbN, implying differential cortical encoding may serve as the neural mechanism of SPIN performance that varies as a function of noise types; (2) PLVs and FFRTFS at resolved harmonics were significantly related to good SPIN performance, supporting the importance of phase-locked neural encoding of Slow-rate ENV and TFS of resolved harmonics during SPIN perception; (3) FFRENV_F0 was not associated to SPIN performance until audiometric threshold was controlled for, indicating that hearing loss should be carefully controlled when studying the role of neural encoding of F0-rate ENV. Implications are drawn with respect to fitting auditory prostheses.
Active room compensation for sound reinforcement using sound field separation techniques
Authors: Heuchel Franz M. , Fernandez-Grande Efren , Agerkvist Finn T. , Shabalina Elena
Published: March 2018

This work investigates how the sound field created by a sound reinforcement system can be controlled at low frequencies. An indoor control method is proposed which actively absorbs the sound incident on a reflecting boundary using an array of secondary sources. The sound field is separated into incident and reflected components by a microphone array close to the secondary sources, enabling the minimization of reflected components by means of optimal signals for the secondary sources. The method is purely feed-forward and assumes constant room conditions. Three different sound field separation techniques for the modeling of the reflections are investigated based on plane wave decomposition, equivalent sources, and the Spatial Fourier transform. Simulations and an experimental validation are presented, showing that the control method performs similarly well at enhancing low frequency responses with the three sound separation techniques. Resonances in the entire room are reduced, although the microphone array and secondary sources are confined to a small region close to the reflecting wall. Unlike previous control methods based on the creation of a plane wave sound field, the investigated method works in arbitrary room geometries and primary source positions.
Characterizing acoustic shocks in high-performance jet aircraft flyover noise
Authors: Reichman Brent O. , Gee Kent L. , Neilsen Tracianne B. , Downing J. Micah , James Michael M. , Wall Alan T. , McInerny Sally Anne
Published: March 2018

Acoustic shocks have been previously documented in high-amplitude jet noise, including both the near and far fields of military jet aircraft. However, previous investigations into the nature and formation of shocks have historically concentrated on stationary, ground run-up measurements, and previous attempts to connect full-scale ground run-up and flyover measurements have omitted the effect of nonlinear propagation. This paper shows evidence for nonlinear propagation and the presence of acoustic shocks in acoustical measurements of F-35 flyover operations. Pressure waveforms, derivatives, and statistics indicate nonlinear propagation, and the resulting shock formation is significant at high engine powers. Variations due to microphone size, microphone height, and sampling rate are considered, and recommendations for future measurements are made. Metrics indicating nonlinear propagation are shown to be influenced by changes in sampling rate and microphone size, and exhibit less variation due to microphone height.
Effect of Antimicrobial Agents on Inflammatory Cytokines in Acute Leptospirosis
Authors: Fernando Narmada , de Silva Rajiva , Handunnetti Shiroma M. , Karunanayake Lilani , De Silva Nipun Lakshitha , de Silva H. Janaka , Rajapakse Senaka , Premawansa Sunil
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory cytokine response and possible association with antimicrobial treatment with penicillin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline in acute leptospirosis. In the early acute stage, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were higher in mild cases than in severe cases (
P
= 0.01). IL-6 and IL-8 levels were low in patients who received >5 antimicrobial doses (
P
< 0.01). IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with the number of ceftriaxone doses administered (
r
= −0.315;
P
= 0.031). Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by ceftriaxone in leptospirosis.
Topical Treatment for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Dermato-Pharmacokinetic Lead Optimization of Benzoxaboroles
Authors: Van Bocxlaer Katrien , Gaukel Eric , Hauser Deirdre , Park Seong Hee , Schock Sara , Yardley Vanessa , Randolph Ryan , Plattner Jacob J. , Merchant Tejal , Croft Simon L. , Jacobs Robert T. , Wring Stephen A.
Published: March 2018

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by several species of the protozoan parasite
Leishmania
, affecting an estimated 10 million people worldwide. Previously reported strategies for the development of topical CL treatments have focused primarily on drug permeation and formulation optimization as the means to increase treatment efficacy. Our approach aims to identify compounds with antileishmanial activity and properties consistent with topical administration. Of the test compounds, five benzoxaboroles showed potent activity (50% effective concentration [EC
50
] < 5 μM) against intracellular amastigotes of at least one
Leishmania
species and acceptable activity (20 μM < EC
50
< 30 μM) against two more species. Benzoxaborole compounds were further prioritized on the basis of the
in vitro
evaluation of progression criteria related to skin permeation, such as the partition coefficient and solubility. An MDCKII-hMDR1 cell assay showed overall good permeability and no significant interaction with the P-glycoprotein transporter for all substrates except LSH002 and LSH031. The benzoxaboroles were degraded, to some extent, by skin enzymes but had stability superior to that of
para
-hydroxybenzoate compounds, which are known skin esterase substrates. Evaluation of permeation through reconstructed human epidermis showed LSH002 to be the most permeant, followed by LSH003 and LSH001. Skin disposition studies following finite drug formulation application to mouse skin demonstrated the highest permeation for LSH001, followed by LSH003 and LSH002, with a significantly larger amount of LSH001 than the other compounds being retained in skin. Finally, the efficacy of the leads (LSH001, LSH002, and LSH003) against
Leishmania major
was tested
in vivo
. LSH001 suppressed lesion growth upon topical application, and LSH003 reduced the lesion size following oral administration.
Fatty Acid Oxidation Is Required for Myxococcus xanthus Development
Authors: Bullock Hannah A. , Shen Huifeng , Boynton Tye O. , Shimkets Lawrence J.
Published: March 2018

Myxococcus xanthus
cells produce lipid bodies containing triacylglycerides during fruiting body development. Fatty acid β-oxidation is the most energy-efficient pathway for lipid body catabolism. In this study, we used mutants in
fadJ
(MXAN_5371 and MXAN_6987) and
fadI
(MXAN_5372) homologs to examine whether β-oxidation serves an essential developmental function. These mutants contained more lipid bodies than the wild-type strain DK1622 and 2-fold more flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), consistent with the reduced consumption of fatty acids by β-oxidation. The β-oxidation pathway mutants exhibited differences in fruiting body morphogenesis and produced spores with thinner coats and a greater susceptibility to thermal stress and UV radiation. The MXAN_5372/5371 operon is upregulated in sporulating cells, and its expression could not be detected in
csgA
,
fruA
, or
mrpC
mutants. Lipid bodies were found to persist in mature spores of DK1622 and wild strain DK851, suggesting that the roles of lipid bodies and β-oxidation may extend to spore germination.

IMPORTANCE
Lipid bodies act as a reserve of triacylglycerides for use when other sources of carbon and energy become scarce. β-Oxidation is essential for the efficient metabolism of fatty acids associated with triacylglycerides. Indeed, the disruption of genes in this pathway has been associated with severe disorders in animals and plants.
Myxococcus xanthus
, a model organism for the study of development, is ideal for investigating the complex effects of altered lipid metabolism on cell physiology. Here, we show that β-oxidation is used to consume fatty acids associated with lipid bodies and that the disruption of the β-oxidation pathway is detrimental to multicellular morphogenesis and spore formation.
A Holistic Assessment of the Risks and Benefits of the Synthesis of Horsepox Virus
Authors: DiEuliis Diane , Gronvall Gigi Kwik
Published: March 2018

The re-creation of horsepox virus, an extinct orthopoxvirus with similarity to smallpox virus, has caused concerns in the biosecurity and biodefense communities that the technical capabilities achieved could advance the re-creation of smallpox virus by nefarious actors. The work is now published.
Population-based incidence of conjunctival tumours in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Dalvin Lauren A , Salomão Diva R , Patel Sanjay V
Published: March 2018

Aim

To determine population-based incidence of conjunctival tumours in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

Methods

The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical record linkage system was used to identify patients with conjunctival tumours in Olmsted County (1 January 1980 to 31 December 2015). Records were reviewed for demographics, types of tumours, histopathology, treatment and clinical course. Incidence rate of all tumours was calculated per 1 000 000 person-years. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess changes in incidence over time.

Results

There were 504 patients with conjunctival tumours, giving an age-adjusted and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 125 per 1 000 000 (CI 113.5 to 135.5). Incidence increased over time (P<0.001). Most tumours (474, 94%) were benign. Of benign lesions, melanocytic lesions accounted for the majority (431, 86%), with adjusted incidence rates of 10.8 (CI 7.7 to 13.9) for complexion-associated melanosis, 49.7 (CI 42.9 to 56.6) for nevus and 44.1 (37.5–50.8) for primary acquired melanosis. Malignant lesions were rare (30, 6%) with 6 cases of melanoma, 21 cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), 1 case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and 2 cases of lymphoma. Adjusted incidence rates of conjunctival melanoma and OSSN were 1.5 (CI 0.3 to 2.8) and 6.1 (CI 3.5 to 8.7), respectively. Outcomes for melanoma (mean follow-up 14 years, range 0–34) and OSSN (mean follow-up 4 years, range 0–24) were favourable in 29 cases, with one fatality due to metastatic melanoma.

Conclusions

In a population-based setting, most conjunctival tumours are benign, and the majority of lesions are melanocytic. While it is important to remain vigilant for malignancies, most conjunctival lesions in a community-based practice are not life-threatening.
Effects of five types of selenium supplementation for treatment of Kashin-Beck disease in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Dongmei , Liao Yulin , Yue Jirong , Zhang Chao , Wang Yanyan , Deng Chuanyao , Chen Ling
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of five kinds of selenium supplementation for the treatment of patients with Kashin-Beck disease, and rank these selenium supplementations based on their performance.

Design

We searched for all publications between 1 January 1966 and 31 March 2017 using seven electronic databases. GRADE system to network meta-analyses (NMAs) was applied to rate the quality of the evidence. We conducted a random effects model NMA in STATA 12.1 to determine comparative effectiveness of each intervention. Rankings were obtained by using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values and mean ranks.

Results

A total of 15 randomised controlled trials involving 2931 patients were included. After assessment of the overall quality of the evidence, we downgraded our primary outcomes from high to low or very low quality. NMAs showed that all five kinds of selenium supplementation had higher metaphysis X-ray improvement which were superior to placebo. Ranking on efficacy indicated that selenium salt was ranked the highest, followed by sodium selenite + vitamin E, selenium enriched yeast, sodium selenite and then sodium selenite + vitamin C.

Conclusions

Based on the results of NMA, all five types of selenium supplements are more effective than placebo and so that selenium supplementation is of help in repairing metaphyseal lesions. Since the overall quality of the evidence was low or very low, the SUCRA values may be misleading and should be considered jointly with the The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) confidence in the estimates for each comparison. The quality of the evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion about what method of selenium supplementation is most effective.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016051874.
A skin cancer prevention photoageing intervention for secondary schools in Brazil delivered by medical students: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Brinker Titus Josef , Faria Bianca Lisa , Gatzka Martina , de Faria Olber Moreira , Heppt Markus V , Kirchberger Michael C , Schadendorf Dirk , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Buslaff Fabian , Lisboa Oscar Campos , Oliveira Ana Carla Cruz , Lino Henrique Augusto , Bernardes-Souza Breno
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than any other major cancer both in Brazil and worldwide. The Southeast of Brazil has especially high incidences of melanoma, and early detection is low. Exposure to UV radiation represents a primary risk factor for developing melanoma. Increasing attractiveness is a major motivation for adolescents for tanning. A medical student-delivered intervention that harnesses the broad availability of mobile phones as well as adolescents’ interest in their appearance may represent a novel method to improve skin cancer prevention.

Methods and analysis

We developed a free mobile app (Sunface), which will be implemented in at least 30 secondary school classes, each with 21 students (at least 30 classes with 21 students for control) in February 2018 in Southeast Brazil via a novel method called mirroring. In a 45 min classroom seminar, the students’ altered three-dimensional selfies on tablets are ‘mirrored’ via a projector in front of their entire class, showing the effects of unprotected UV exposure on their future faces. External block randomisation via computer is performed on the class level with a 1:1 allocation. Sociodemographic data, as well as skin type, ancestry, UV protection behaviour and its predictors are measured via a paper–pencil questionnaire before as well as at 3 and 6 months postintervention. The primary end point is the group difference in the 30-day prevalence of daily sunscreen use at a 6-month follow-up. Secondary end points include (1) the difference in daily sunscreen use at a 3-month follow-up, (2) if a self-skin examination in accordance with the ABCDE rule was performed within the 6-month follow-up and (3) the number of tanning sessions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the University of Itauna. Results will be disseminated at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03178240; Pre-results.
‘Just an extra pair of hands’? A qualitative study of obstetric service users’ and professionals’ views towards 24/7 consultant presence on a single UK tertiary maternity unit
Authors: Reid Holly E , Wittkowski Anja , Vause Sarah , Heazell Alexander E P
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To explore the views of maternity service users and professionals towards obstetric consultant presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Design

Semistructured interviews conducted face to face with maternity service users and professionals in March and April 2016. All responses were analysed together (ie, both service users’ and professionals’ responses) using an inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

A large tertiary maternity unit in the North West of England that has implemented 24/7 obstetric consultant presence.

Participants

Antenatal and postnatal inpatient service users (n=10), midwives, obstetrics and gynaecology specialty trainees and consultant obstetricians (n=10).

Results

Five themes were developed: (1) ‘Just an extra pair of hands?’(the consultant’s role), (2)the context, (3)the team, (4)trainingand(5)change for the consultant. Respondents acknowledged that obstetrics is an acute specialty, and consultants resolve intrapartum complications. However, variability in consultant experience and behaviour altered perception of its impact. Service users were generally positive towards 24/7 consultant presence but were not aware that it was not standard practice across the UK. Professionals were more pragmatic and discussed how the implementation of 24/7 working had affected their work, development of trainees and potential impacts on future consultants.

Conclusions

The findings raised several issues that should be considered by practitioners and policymakers when making decisions about the implementation of 24/7 consultant presence in other maternity units, including attributes of the consultants, the needs of maternity units, the team hierarchy, trainee development, consultants’ other duties and consultant absences.