bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saving the injured: Rescue behavior in the termite-hunting ant
Megaponera analis
Authors: Frank Erik Thomas , Schmitt Thomas , Hovestadt Thomas , Mitesser Oliver , Stiegler Jonas , Linsenmair Karl Eduard
Published: April 2017

Ants that get injured during predation on termites get saved by their nestmates and recover inside the nest.
Structural and biochemical differences between the Notch and the amyloid precursor protein transmembrane domains
Authors: Deatherage Catherine L. , Lu Zhenwei , Kroncke Brett M. , Ma Sirui , Smith Jarrod A. , Voehler Markus W. , McFeeters Robert L. , Sanders Charles R.
Published: April 2017

The Notch transmembrane domain exhibits significant structural differences from that of the amyloid precursor protein.
Terawatt-scale photovoltaics: Trajectories and challenges
Authors: Haegel Nancy M. , Margolis Robert , Buonassisi Tonio , Feldman David , Froitzheim Armin , Garabedian Raffi , Green Martin , Glunz Stefan , Henning Hans-Martin , Holder Burkhard , Kaizuka Izumi , Kroposki Benjamin , Matsubara Koji , Niki Shigeru , Sakurai Keiichiro , Schindler Roland A. , Tumas William , Weber Eicke R. , Wilson Gregory , Woodhouse Michael , Kurtz Sarah
Published: April 2017

Coordinating technology, policy, and business innovations
Nanoscale-length control of the flagellar driveshaft requires hitting the tethered outer membrane
Authors: Cohen Eli J. , Ferreira Josie L. , Ladinsky Mark S. , Beeby Morgan , Hughes Kelly T.
Published: April 2017

How the flagellum knows when to stop

The bacterial flagellum is important in bacterial pathogenesis and biofilm formation. It is a rotary nanomotor that allows bacteria to propel themselves through liquids and across surfaces. Researchers interested in nanoscale robotics use the bacterial flagellum as a model for a machine that self-assembles on the nanoscale. Cohen
et al.
examined exactly how the flagellum precisely measures its shaft so that it spans, but does not extend beyond the edge of, the periplasm. The growing flagellum uses a mechanism by which it “senses” when it hits the outer membrane and stops growing. Changing the width of the periplasmic space by remodeling a particular lipid changed the length of the flagellar shaft.

Science
, this issue p.
197
Early Detection of Circulating Antigen and IgM-Associated Immune Complexes during Experimental Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Cattle
Authors: Lyashchenko Konstantin P. , Greenwald Rena , Sikar-Gang Alina , Sridhara Archana A. , Johnathan Ashley , Lambotte Paul , Esfandiari Javan , Maggioli Mayara F. , Thacker Tyler C. , Palmer Mitchell V. , Waters W. Ray
Published: April 2017

The presence of circulating antigen in cattle experimentally infected with
Mycobacterium bovis
was demonstrated using dual-path platform (DPP) technology. The antigen capture immunoassays employed rabbit polyclonal antibody recognizing predominantly
M. tuberculosis
complex-specific epitopes and were able to detect soluble substances and whole cells of mycobacteria. The antigen found in serum appeared to be mostly bound to IgM, but not to IgG, within the immune complexes formed at early stages of
M. bovis
infection. The antigen was also detected in bile and urine, indicating possible clearance pathways. The data correlation analyses supported the idea of the role of IgM responses in antigen persistence during
M. bovis
infection. The antigen was detectable in serum months prior to detectable antibody seroconversion. This proof-of-concept study suggested the potential for improved immunodiagnostics for bovine tuberculosis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Roseomonas mucosa Strain AU37, Isolated from a Peripheral Intravenous Catheter
Authors: Abu Choudhury Md , Wailan Alexander M. , Sidjabat Hanna E. , Zhang Li , Marsh Nicole , Rickard Claire M. , Davies Mark R. , McMillan David J.
Published: April 2017

Roseomonas mucosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in humans and is often associated with vascular catheter-related bacteremia. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Roseomonas mucosa
strain AU37, isolated from a peripheral intravenous catheter tip.
Insights into the Psychrophilic and Sea Ice-Specific Lifestyle of
Marinobacter
sp. Strain AC-23: a Genomic Approach
Authors: Kapse Neelam , Singh Purnima , Roy Utpal , Singh Shiv Mohan , Dhakephalkar Prashant K.
Published: April 2017

Marinobacter
sp. strain AC-23 was isolated from Kongsfjorden in the Arctic. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of a putative novel species of the genus
Marinobacter
comprising 4,149,715 bp, with a mean G+C content of 54.4%. The draft genome sequence will aid in understanding the psychrophilic and sea ice-specific lifestyle.
The Genome Sequence of Avibacterium paragallinarum Strain CL Has a Large Repertoire of Insertion Sequence Elements
Authors: Horta-Valerdi Guillermo , Sanchez-Alonso Maria Patricia , Perez-Marquez Victor M. , Negrete-Abascal Erasmo , Vaca-Pacheco Sergio , Hernandez-Gonzalez Ismael , Gomez-Lunar Zulema , Olmedo-Álvarez Gabriela , Vázquez-Cruz Candelario
Published: April 2017

The draft genome sequence of
Avibacterium paragallinarum
strain CL serovar C is reported here. The genome comprises 154 contigs corresponding to 2.4 Mb with 41% G+C content and many insertion sequence (IS) elements, a characteristic not previously reported in
A. paragallinarum
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain LC33 Isolated from Human Breast Milk
Authors: de Almeida Jéssica B. , de Carvalho Suzi P. , de Freitas Leandro M. , Guimarães Ana Marcia S. , do Nascimento Naíla C. , dos Santos Andrea P. , Messick Joanne B. , Timenetsky Jorge , Marques Lucas M.
Published: April 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
strain LC33, isolated from human breast milk in Brazil. This microorganism has been typed as ST1/t127/sccmecV. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
strain isolated from human breast milk.
Genome Sequence of Pasteurella multocida Razi 0002 of Avian Origin
Authors: Sprague Lisa D. , Tadayon Keyvan
Published: April 2017

We report here on the genome sequence of
Pasteurella multocida
Razi 0002 of avian origin, isolated in Iran. The genome has a size of 2,289,036 bp, a G+C content of 40.3%, and is predicted to contain 2,079 coding sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter hansenii Strain HUM-1
Authors: Pfeffer Sarah , Santos Richard , Ebels Marcus , Bordbar Darius , Brown R. Malcolm
Published: April 2017

This study reports the release of the complete nucleotide sequence of
Komagataeibacter hansenii
HUM-1, a new efficient producer of cellulose. Elucidation of the genome may provide more information to aid in understanding the genes necessary for cellulose biosynthesis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter hansenii LMG 23726
T
Authors: Pfeffer Sarah , Santos Richard , Ebels Marcus , Bordbar Darius , Brown R. Malcolm
Published: April 2017

This study reports the release of the complete nucleotide sequence of
Komagataeibacter hansenii
LMG 23726
T
. This organism is a cellulose producer, and its genome may provide more information to aid in the understanding of the genes necessary for cellulose biosynthesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Fish Pathogen Flavobacterium columnare Strain CSF-298-10
Authors: Evenhuis Jason P. , LaPatra Scott E. , Graf Joerg
Published: April 2017

We announce here the draft genome assembly of
Flavobacterium columnare
CSF-298-10, a strain isolated from an outbreak of columnaris disease at a commercial trout farm in Hagerman Valley, Idaho, USA. The complete genome consists of 13 contigs totaling 3,284,579 bp, with an average G+C content of 31.5% and 2,933 predicted coding genes.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequences of Three
Frankia
sp. Strains That Are Atypical, Noninfective, Ineffective Isolates
Authors: Gueddou Abdellatif , Swanson Erik , Ktari Amir , Nouioui Imen , Hezbri Karima , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley , Sen Arnab , Gtari Maher , Tisa Louis S.
Published: April 2017

Here, we present draft genome sequences for three atypical
Frankia
strains (lineage 4) that were isolated from root nodules but are unable to reinfect actinorhizal plants. The genome sizes of
Frankia
sp. strains EUN1h, BMG5.36, and NRRL B16386 were 9.91, 11.20, and 9.43 Mbp, respectively.
Drifted Influenza A and B Viruses Collected by a Water-Based Condensation Growth Air Sampler in a Student Health Care Center during an Influenza Outbreak
Authors: Bonny Tania S. , Pan Maohua , Loeb Julia C. , Jiang Xiao , Eiguren-Fernandez Arantzazu , Hering Susanne , Fan Z. Hugh , Wu Chang-Yu , Lednicky John A.
Published: April 2017

A viable virus aerosol sampler (VIVAS) effectively collected viable influenza A and B viruses from air inside a student health care center during an influenza outbreak. The viruses had “drifted” genes, showcasing the usefulness of the VIVAS for air sampling and noninvasive surveillance of viruses in circulation.
Draft Genome Sequences of Tetragenococcus muriaticus Strains 3MR10-3 and PMC-11-5 Isolated from Thai Fish Sauce during Natural Fermentation
Authors: Chuea-nongthon Chokchai , Rodtong Sureelak , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat , Steele James L.
Published: April 2017

Tetragenococcus muriaticus
strains 3MR10-3 and PMC-11-5 are homofermentative halophilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from Thai fish sauce during natural fermentation. Their draft genomes were sequenced. Our interest in these organisms is related to their impact on fish sauce flavor and their high osmotolerance.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus hominis Strain J31 Isolated from Healthy Human Skin
Authors: Coates-Brown Rosanna , Horsburgh Malcolm J.
Published: April 2017

We report here the first whole-genome sequence of a skin-associated strain of
Staphylococcus hominis
determined using the PacBio long-read sequencing platform.
S. hominis
is a major commensal of the skin microflora. This genome sequence adds to our understanding of this species and will aid studies of gene traffic between staphylococci.
Draft Genome Sequences of Several Fungal Strains Selected for Exposure to Microgravity at the International Space Station
Authors: Singh Nitin K. , Blachowicz Adriana , Romsdahl Jillian , Wang Clay , Torok Tamas , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: April 2017

The whole-genome sequences of eight fungal strains that were selected for exposure to microgravity at the International Space Station are presented here. These baseline sequences will help to understand the observed production of novel bioactive compounds.
Complete Genome Sequences of Porcine Parvovirus 2 Isolated from Swine in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Eun-ju , Cho In-soo , Lee Kyoung-Ki , Shin Yeun-Kyung
Published: April 2017

Here, we report sequences of the porcine parvovirus 2 (PPV2) genome, isolated from pigs in the Republic of Korea in 2016. The sequences of open reading frames 1 and 2 (ORF1 and ORF2) had a 98.8 to 98.9% homology with the US135 strain and 98.8% homology with the US523 strain, respectively. This is the first study to report the PPV2 genome in South Korean pigs.
Update on Antimicrobial Resistance in Clostridium difficile: Resistance Mechanisms and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Peng Zhong , Jin Dazhi , Kim Hyeun Bum , Stratton Charles W. , Wu Bin , Tang Yi-Wei , Sun Xingmin
Published: April 2017

Oral antibiotics such as metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin are therapies of choice for
Clostridium difficile
infection. Several important mechanisms for
C. difficile
antibiotic resistance have been described, including the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes via the transfer of mobile genetic elements, selective pressure
in vivo
resulting in gene mutations, altered expression of redox-active proteins, iron metabolism, and DNA repair, as well as via biofilm formation. This update summarizes new information published since 2010 on phenotypic and genotypic resistance mechanisms in
C. difficile
and addresses susceptibility test methods and other strategies to counter antibiotic resistance of
C. difficile
.
Non-
pncA
Gene-Mutated but Pyrazinamide-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Why Is That?
Authors: Werngren Jim , Alm Erik , Mansjö Mikael
Published: April 2017

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a key component for the effective treatment of drug-susceptible and PZA-susceptible multidrug-resistant (MDR
PZA-S
) tuberculosis (TB).
pncA
gene mutations are usually detected in a clear majority (>90%) of PZA-resistant strains but obviously not in all. Rapid and reliable PZA drug susceptibility testing (DST) is critical whenever PZA is to be used in a treatment regimen, not least for the treatment of MDR
PZA-S
TB. In this study, we selected 26 PZA-resistant isolates reported to carry a wild-type
pncA
gene. To confirm resistance, susceptibility testing was repeated using 100 mg/liter and 200 mg/liter PZA for all the 26 isolates and Sanger sequencing was repeated on the 18 isolates that remained PZA resistant. Apart from the eight isolates initially misclassified as PZA resistant, the retests identified three factors responsible for the phenotype-genotype discrepancy:
panD
or
rpsA
mutations identified by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) (
n
= 7), heteroresistance (
n
= 8), and mixed populations with
Mycobacterium avium
(
n
= 3). Additionally, we performed WGS on 400 PZA-susceptible isolates and 15 consecutive MDR
PZA-R
clinical isolates. Of the 400 PZA-susceptible isolates, only 1 harbored a nonsynonymous
pncA
mutation (Thr87Met), whereas a nonsynonymous
rpsA
mutation was found in 17 isolates. None of these isolates carried a nonsynonymous
panD
mutation, while all 15 of the MDR
PZA-R
isolates harbored a nonsynonymous
pncA
mutation. Our findings indicate that it is necessary to consider the occurrence of
panD
mutations in PZA-resistant isolates, as well as heteroresistance, for the development and evaluation of new molecular techniques to ensure high-quality DST performance. The identification of nonsynonymous
rpsA
mutations in both PZA-susceptible and PZA-resistant isolates also implies that further studies are needed in order to determine the role of
rpsA
in PZA resistance.
Update on Malaria Diagnostics and Test Utilization
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Pritt Bobbi S.
Published: April 2017

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Although microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films remains the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis, rapid antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification methods may also play a useful role in detection of acute infection. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used diagnostic methods and provides important practice points for optimal malaria test utilization.
Factors associated with participation in resistance training: a systematic review
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E , Lubans David R , Karunamuni Nandini , Kennedy Sarah , Plotnikoff Ronald
Published: April 2017

Objective

Regular participation in resistance training (RT) is critical to health and recommended in most international physical activity guidelines. Few people, however, participate in RT. The purpose of this review was to assess the demographic, behavioural, intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors associated with participating in RT.

Data sources

Eligible studies were from English peer-reviewed published articles that examined correlates or determinants of RT in adult samples. Searches were performed from August 2015 to April 2016 in six databases.

Results

We identified 51 independent data sets, from nine countries, primarily of moderate to high quality, and 23 factors related to participating in RT. Education, perceived health status, quality of life, affective judgements, self-efficacy, intention, self-regulation behaviours, subjective norm and programme leadership were associated with RT.

Conclusion

Low education levels and poor health status were associated with low participation rates in RT. Intrapersonal factors including affective judgements, self-efficacy, and self-regulation behaviours, and interpersonal factors including subjective norms and programme leadership may be important for promoting RT behaviours.
Cyclin D1 overexpression in proliferation centres of small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Teixeira Mendes Larissa Sena , Peters Natalie , Attygalle Ayoma D , Wotherspoon Andrew
Published: April 2017

The recent publication reviewing the updated WHO classification commented on the presence of cyclin D1-positive cells in the proliferation centres (PC) of small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (SLL/CLL). The figure quoted was 30%, which appeared higher than our experience. To assess cyclin D1 expression in PC of SLL/CLL cases, we performed a review of SLL/CLL cases diagnosed at the Royal Marsden Hospital between 1996 and 2009. Of 105 SLL/CLL cases, 16.2% showed expression of cyclin D1 in PC with none carrying the translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32). Our study and a review of the published literature suggest that this phenomenon occurs with a significantly lower prevalence than that described in the recent review of the updated WHO classification. We confirm that cyclin D1 expression is confined to PC with the typical small lymphocytes being negative. This finding is apparently unrelated to the translocation involvingCCND1andIGHgenes.
Air pollution and the incidence of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in the South London Stroke Register: a case–cross-over analysis
Authors: Butland B K , Atkinson R W , Crichton S , Barratt B , Beevers S , Spiridou A , Hoang U , Kelly F J , Wolfe C D
Published: April 2017

Background

Few European studies investigating associations between short-term exposure to air pollution and incident stroke have considered stroke subtypes. Using information from the South London Stroke Register for 2005–2012, we investigated associations between daily concentrations of gaseous and particulate air pollutants and incident stroke subtypes in an ethnically diverse area of London, UK.

Methods

Modelled daily pollutant concentrations based on a combination of measurements and dispersion modelling were linked at postcode level to incident stroke events stratified by haemorrhagic and ischaemic subtypes. The data were analysed using a time-stratified case–cross-over approach. Conditional logistic regression models included natural cubic splines for daily mean temperature and daily mean relative humidity, a binary term for public holidays and a sine–cosine annual cycle. Of primary interest were same day mean concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 and <10 µm in diameter (PM2.5, PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and NO2+nitrogen oxide (NOX).

Results

Our analysis was based on 1758 incident strokes (1311 were ischaemic and 256 were haemorrhagic). We found no evidence of an association between all stroke or ischaemic stroke and same day exposure to PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2or NOX. For haemorrhagic stroke, we found a negative association with PM10suggestive of a 14.6% (95% CI 0.7% to 26.5%) fall in risk per 10 µg/m3increase in pollutant.

Conclusions

Using data from the South London Stroke Register, we found no evidence of a positive association between outdoor air pollution and incident stroke or its subtypes. These results, though in contrast to recent meta-analyses, are not inconsistent with the mixed findings of other UK studies.
Randomised controlled trial of a sexual risk reduction intervention for STI prevention among men who have sex with men in the USA
Authors: Eaton Lisa A , Kalichman Seth C , Kalichman Moira O , Driffin Daniel D , Baldwin Robert , Zohren Larissa , Conway-Washington Christopher
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Novel interventions to address sexual risk taking and slow rates of STIs are urgently needed, in particular among black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA. Serosorting, or limiting condomless sex acts to partners of the same HIV status, is commonly practised among MSM, yet can lead to STI and remains largely unaddressed by public health agencies.

Methods

A two-arm, randomised controlled trial was conducted from 2012 to 2015. This trial assessed the effects of a single-session, sexual partner selection and risk decision intervention (experimental arm) versus a single-session, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based, sexual risk reduction intervention (control arm) on psychosocial measures, sexual risk taking and STI.

Results

At study follow-ups, multiple beneficial changes were observed on sexual risk beliefs measures (ie, changes in serosorting and condom use beliefs, and HIV risk perceptions) and sexual risk taking among the experimental arm relative to the control arm. Overall main effects, however, of the intervention on STI outcomes on year-long follow-ups were non-significant. There was evidence for short-term effects on STI outcomes, and self-report of multiple STIs and STI symptoms demonstrated positive effects over the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Brief interventions to address sexual risk taking can result in short-term beneficial outcomes and can be incorporated into currently existing infrastructure at healthcare agencies. Additional intervention will be necessary for demonstrating long-term results.

Trial registration number

NCT02128594.
The impact of low and no-caloric sweeteners on glucose absorption, incretin secretion, and glucose tolerance
Authors: Chan Catherine B. , Hashemi Zohre , Subhan Fatheema B.
Published: April 2017

The consumption of non-nutritive, low, or no-calorie sweeteners (LCS) is increasing globally. Previously thought to be physiologically inert, there is a growing body of evidence that LCS not only provide a sweet taste but may also elicit metabolic effects in the gastrointestinal tract. This review provides a brief overview of the chemical and receptor-binding properties and effects on chemosensation of different LCS but focuses on the extent to which LCS stimulates glucose transport, incretin and insulin secretion, and effects on glucose tolerance. Aspartame and sucralose both bind to a similar region of the sweet receptor. For sucralose, the data are contradictory regarding effects on glucose tolerance in humans and may depend on the food or beverage matrix and the duration of administration, as suggested by longer term rodent studies. For aspartame, there are fewer data. On the other hand, acesulfame-potassium (Ace-K) and saccharin have similar binding characteristics to each other but, while Ace-K may increase incretin secretion and glucose responses in humans, there are no data on saccharin except in rats, which show impaired glucose tolerance after chronic administration. Additional research, particularly of the effects of chronic consumption, is needed to provide concrete evidence for beneficial or detrimental effects of LCS on blood glucose regulation in humans.
Capillary forces between equally sized moving glass beads: an experimental study
Authors: Bozkurt M.G. , Fratta D. , Likos W.J.
Published: April 2017

The mechanical response of near-surface unsaturated soils in large-strain environments such as earthquakes, landslides or debris flows is highly dependent on capillary forces. While the evolution of capillary forces under static loading has been studied in detail, the dynamic response of unsaturated soils associated with the viscous deformation and rupture of interparticle liquid menisci at large strains is not as well characterized. Particle-scale pullout tests were conducted to achieve better understanding of how separation rates and distances contribute to capillary force evolution and meniscus rupture between two equally sized glass spheres. Capillary forces evolve nonmonotonically in a manner that first increases and then decreases with increasing separation distances and is dependent on the initial meniscus geometry and wettability of the particles. The rate of capillary force reduction and particle separation distance at liquid bridge rupture are functions of the meniscus volume and rate of particle separation. The two-particle experimental results suggest that the dynamic response of bulk (multi-particle) unsaturated soil systems would depend on processes of drainage and imbibition and provide insight into the evolution of stiffness and the ductility of unsaturated soils undergoing large-strain deformations.
Feldspar alteration and Fe minerals: origin, distribution and implications for sandstone reservoir quality in estuarine sediments
Authors: Daneshvar Ehsan , Worden Richard H.
Published: April 2017

The occurrence and distribution of minerals in modern sedimentary systems hold many clues to help unravel the origin and distribution of reservoir quality-controlling minerals in ancient and deeply buried sandstones, but few quantitative studies have been undertaken. Here we have used a range of techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and fully automated mineralogical QEMSCAN analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of mineral composition and distribution within the post-glacial, clastic sediments of the Ravenglass Estuary, NW England. The Ravenglass Estuary is fed by two main rivers: one drains a granite-dominated hinterland, the other drains a hinterland that contains andesite and Triassic red bed sandstones. The granite-supplied arm has slightly more quartz-rich and Fe mineral-poor sediment than the andesite- and red bed-supplied sediment. The provenance signals are muted for feldspar and mica minerals heavy-mineral garnet populations seem to be sensitive to provenance. Detrital K-feldspar grains are preferentially associated with illite-dominated clay mineral coats, whereas all plagioclase mineral grains are preferentially associated with kaolinite-dominated clay mineral coats. This can be explained by rapid early diagenesis in the sediment with K-feldspar grain surfaces replaced by illite and plagioclase grain surfaces replaced by kaolinite. The andesite- and red bed-supplied sediment contains twice the amount of Fe minerals, which are dominated by chlorite, than the granite-supplied sediment. Chlorite rarely is associated with grain coatings on feldspar grains, possibly because it is predominantly a detrital mineral. Detrital Fe minerals seem to be locally replaced by pyrite due to bacterial sulphate reduction, suggesting that some early diagenetic processes may serve to lock away iron and prevent it from creating Fe-rich clay minerals.
Petrology and U–Pb geochronology of zircon in a suite of charnockitic gneisses from parts of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC): evidence for the reworking of a Mesoproterozoic basement during the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent
Authors: Mukherjee Subham , Dey Anindita , Sanyal Sanjoy , Ibanez-Mejia Mauricio , Dutta Upama , Sengupta Pulak
Published: April 2017

Understanding the evolution of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC) of the East Indian Shield is crucial to decipher the role of the Indian Shield in the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent. The area around Deoghar–Dumka exposes a suite of granulite-facies orthogneisses (variably retrogressed to amphibole–biotite gneiss) that enclose remnants of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks. Results from mineral chemistry, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP-MS) U–Pb dating of zircon and limited bulk-rock compositions of the studied rocks suggest that the magmatic protoliths of the felsic orthogneisses had A-type chemistry, and that these were emplaced at approximately 1450 Ma presumably in a continental rift setting. Intense deformation and metamorphism of the felsic rock culminated at approximately 9 kbar and 850°C along an apparent geothermal gradient of 26°C km
−1
. These peak metamorphic conditions were successively followed by initially a steeply decompressive and then a weakly decompressive retrograde pressure–temperature path. The shape of the retrograde pressure–temperature path and the estimated geothermal gradient at the metamorphic peak are interpreted to be the products of continent–continent collision; U–Pb dates of metamorphic zircon overgrowths suggest an age of approximately 943 Ma for the collisional event. This study demonstrates that ‘Grenville-age’ orogenesis thoroughly reworked the approximately 1450 myr-old basement of the CGGC during the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent.
Meso-Neoproterozoic mid-crustal metamorphic record from the Ajmer–Shrinagar section, Rajasthan, India and its implication to the assembly of the Greater Indian Landmass during the Grenvillian-age orogenesis
Authors: Bose Sankar , Seth Pritha , Dasgupta Nilanjan
Published: April 2017

The Shrinagar–Ajmer section of the South Delhi Fold Belt exposes a package of medium-grade metasedimentary rocks intruded by synkinematic granite, and the entire package was thrust on top of the basement gneisses occurring further east. The metamorphic history is best developed in the staurolite schist that shows an overall increase in modal abundance of staurolite towards the east. Textural analyses, garnet zoning profiles, thermobarometric data and phase equilibria analyses show an increase in metamorphic pressure and temperature, reaching peak conditions of 592±12°C and 7.7±0.11 kbar.
In situ
monazite dating of a staurolite schist sample yields a pooled age of 980±22 Ma, which is assumed to be close to the age of the peak metamorphism. The Shrinagar granite was possibly emplaced close to the orogeny occurring at approximately 980 Ma and deformed by later events. The style and timing of metamorphism in the Shrinagar–Ajmer section match with the granulite-facies reworking of the basement rocks of the Aravalli–Delhi Mobile Belt. We envisage that the Grenvillian-age orogeny with its characteristic collisional style involved deep- to mid-crustal sections of the Aravalli–Delhi Mobile Belt. Our results further indicate that the Greater Indian Landmass was assembled during the formation of the supercontinent Rodinia.

Supplementary material:
Electron microprobe data of the garnet used for chemical zoning in Figure 5 are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3738335
High Arctic geopotential stress field and implications for geodynamic evolution
Authors: Schiffer Christian , Tegner Christian , Schaeffer Andrew J. , Pease Victoria , Nielsen Søren B.
Published: April 2017

We use new models of crustal structure and the depth of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary to calculate the geopotential energy and its corresponding geopotential stress field for the High Arctic. Palaeostress indicators such as dykes and rifts of known age are used to compare the present day and palaeostress fields. When both stress fields coincide, a minimum age for the configuration of the lithospheric stress field may be defined. We identify three regions in which this is observed. In north Greenland and the eastern Amerasia Basin, the stress field is probably the same as that present during the Late Cretaceous. In western Siberia, the stress field is similar to that in the Triassic. The stress directions on the eastern Russian Arctic Shelf and the Amerasia Basin are similar to that in the Cretaceous. The persistent misfit of the present stress field and Early Cretaceous dyke swarms associated with the High Arctic Large Igneous Province indicates a short-lived transient change in the stress field at the time of dyke emplacement. Most Early Cretaceous rifts in the Amerasia Basin coincide with the stress field, suggesting that dyking and rifting were unrelated. We present new evidence for dykes and a graben structure of Early Cretaceous age on Bennett Island.
Computing Polynomials Using Unipolar Stochastic Logic
Authors: Liu Yin , Parhi Keshab K.
Published: April 2017

This article addresses subtraction and polynomial computations using unipolar stochastic logic. Stochastic computing requires simple logic gates, and stochastic logic--based circuits are inherently fault tolerant. Thus, these structures are well suited for nanoscale CMOS technologies. It is well known that an AND gate and a multiplexer can be used to implement stochastic unipolar multiplier and adder, respectively. Although it is easy to realize multiplication and scaled addition, implementation of subtraction is nontrivial using unipolar stochastic logic. Additionally, an accurate computation of subtraction is critical for the implementation of polynomials with negative coefficients in stochastic unipolar representation. This work, for the first time, demonstrates that instead of using well-known Bernstein polynomials, stochastic computation of polynomials can be implemented by using a stochastic subtractor and factorization. Three major contributions are given in this article. First, two approaches are proposed to compute subtraction in stochastic unipolar representation. In the first approach, the subtraction operation is approximated by cascading multilevels of OR and AND gates. The accuracy of the approximation is improved with the increase in the number of stages. In the second approach, the stochastic subtraction is implemented using a multiplexer and a stochastic divider. This approach requires more hardware complexity due to the use of a linear-feedback shift register and a counter for division. Second, computation of polynomials in stochastic unipolar format is presented using scaled addition and proposed stochastic subtraction. Third, we propose stochastic computation of polynomials using factorization. Stochastic implementations of first- and second-order factors are presented for different locations of polynomial roots. From experimental results, it is shown that the proposed stochastic logic circuits require less hardware complexity than the previous stochastic polynomial implementation using Bernstein polynomials.
Sketching Computation with Stochastic Processing Engines
Authors: Alawad Mohammed , Lin Mingjie
Published: April 2017

This article explores how to leverage stochastic principles to gracefully exploit partial computation results, hence achieving quality-scalable embedded computing. Our work is inspired by the concept of incremental sketching frequently found in artistic rendering, where the drawing procedure consists of a series of steps, each gradually improving the quality of results. The essence of our approach is to first encode input signals as probability density functions (PDFs), then perform stochastic computing operations on all signals in the probabilistic domain, and finally decode output signals by estimating the PDF of these resulting random samples. Although numerous approximate computing schemes exist, such as inaccurate adders and multipliers that reduce bit width or weaken logic circuit design, none of them can seamlessly improve computing accuracy incrementally without making any changes to the computing hardware at runtime. Furthermore, in conventional embedded computing, a sudden shortage of computing resources, such as premature termination, often means a complete computing failure and totally unusable results. Our sketching computing scheme can readily trade off between the quality of results and computing efforts without modifying its circuit design. To validate our proposed architecture design, we have implemented a proof-of-concept computation sketching engine based on a probabilistic convolver using a Virtex-6 FPGA device. Using three widely deployed image processing applications—image correspondence, image sharpening, and edge detection—we have demonstrated that important embedded computing applications can indeed be “sketched” in a graceful manner using roughly one third the hardware and one fifth the energy compared to the traditional multiplier-based computing method.
CompEx++
Authors: Palangappa Poovaiah M. , Mohanram Kartik
Published: April 2017

Multilevel/triple-level cell nonvolatile memories (MLC/TLC NVMs) such as phase-change memory (PCM) and resistive RAM (RRAM) are the subject of active research and development as replacement candidates for DRAM, which is limited by its high refresh power and poor scaling potential. In addition to the benefits of nonvolatility (low refresh power) and improved scalability, MLC/TLC NVMs offer high data density and memory capacity over DRAM. However, the viability of MLC/TLC NVMs is limited primarily due to the high programming energy and latency as well as the low endurance of NVM cells; these are primarily attributed to the iterative program-and-verify procedure necessary for programming the NVM cells.

This article proposes compression-expansion (CompEx) coding, a low overhead scheme that synergistically integrates pattern-based compression with expansion coding to realize simultaneous energy, latency, and lifetime improvements in MLC/TLC NVMs. CompEx coding is agnostic to the choice of compression technique; in this work, we evaluate CompEx coding using both frequent pattern compression (FPC) and base-delta-immediate (BΔI) compression. CompEx coding integrates FPC/BΔI with (
k
,
m
)

q

“expansion” coding; expansion codes are a class of
q
-ary linear block codes that encode data using only the low energy states of a
q
-ary NVM cell. CompEx coding simultaneously reduces energy and latency and improves lifetime for negligible-to-no memory overhead and negligible logic overhead (≈ 10k gates, which is <0.1% per NVM module). Furthermore, we also propose CompEx++ coding, which extends CompEx coding by leveraging the variable compressibility of pattern-based compression techniques. CompEx++ coding integrates custom expansion codes to each of the compression patterns to exploit maximum energy/latency benefits of CompEx coding. Our full-system simulations using TLC RRAM show that CompEx/CompEx++ coding reduces total memory energy by 57%/61% and write latency by 23.5%/26%; these improvements translate to a 5.7%/10.6% improvement in IPC, a 11.8%/19.9% improvement in main memory bandwidth, and 1.8 × improvement in lifetime over classical binary coding using data-comparison write. CompEx/CompEx++ coding thus addresses the programming energy/latency and lifetime challenges of MLC/TLC NVMs that pose a serious technological roadblock to their adoption in high-performance computing systems.
Effect of exercise timing on elevated postprandial glucose levels
Authors: Hatamoto Yoichi , Goya Ryoma , Yamada Yosuke , Yoshimura Eichi , Nishimura Sena , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Hiroaki
Published: April 2017

There is no consensus regarding optimal exercise timing for reducing postprandial glucose (PPG). The purpose of the present study was to determine the most effective exercise timing. Eleven participants completed four different exercise patterns 1) no exercise; 2) preprandial exercise (jogging); 3) postprandial exercise; and 4) brief periodic exercise intervention (three sets of 1-min jogging + 30 s of rest, every 30 min, 20 times total) in a random order separated by a minimum of 5 days. Preprandial and postprandial exercise consisted of 20 sets of intermittent exercise (1 min of jogging + 30 s rest per set) repeated 3 times per day. Total daily exercise volume was identical for all three exercise patterns. Exercise intensities were 62.4 ± 12.9% V̇o2peak. Blood glucose concentrations were measured continuously throughout each trial for 24 h. After breakfast, peak blood glucose concentrations were lower with brief periodic exercise (99 ± 6 mg/dl) than those with preprandial and postprandial exercise (109 ± 10 and 115 ± 14 mg/dl, respectively, P < 0.05, effect size = 0.517). After lunch, peak glucose concentrations were lower with brief periodic exercise than those with postprandial exercise (97 ± 5 and 108 ± 8 mg/dl, P < 0.05, effect size = 0.484). After dinner, peak glucose concentrations did not significantly differ among exercise patterns. Areas under the curve over 24 h and 2 h postprandially did not differ among exercise patterns. These findings suggest that brief periodic exercise may be more effective than preprandial and postprandial exercise at attenuating PPG in young active individuals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This was the first study to investigate the effect of different exercise timing (brief periodic vs. preprandial vs. postprandial exercise) on postprandial glucose (PPG) attenuation in active healthy men. We demonstrated that brief periodic exercise attenuated peak PPG levels more than preprandial and postprandial exercise, particularly in the morning. Additionally, PPG rebounded soon after discontinuing postprandial exercise. Thus, brief periodic exercise may be better than preprandial and postprandial exercise at attenuating PPG levels.
Combined effect of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 and HMB supplementation on muscle integrity and cytokine response during intense military training
Authors: Gepner Yftach , Hoffman Jay R. , Shemesh Elad , Stout Jeffrey R. , Church David D. , Varanoske Alyssa N. , Zelicha Hila , Shelef Ilan , Chen Yacov , Frankel Hagai , Ostfeld Ishay
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare the coadministration of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30) with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) calcium (CaHMB) to CaHMB alone on inflammatory response and muscle integrity during 40 days of intense military training. Soldiers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CaHMB with BC30 (CaHMBBC30; n = 9) or CaHMB with placebo (CaHMBPL, n = 9). A third group of participants served as a control (CTL; n = 8). During the first 28 days soldiers were garrisoned on base and participated in the same training tasks. During the final 2 wk soldiers navigated 25–30 km per night in difficult terrain carrying ~35 kg of equipment. All assessments (blood draws and diffusion tensor imaging to assess muscle integrity) were conducted before and ~12 h after final supplement consumption. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze all blood and muscle measures. Significant attenuations were noted in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, CX3CL1, and TNF-α for both CaHMBBC30 and CaHMBPL compared with CTL. Plasma IL-10 concentrations were significantly attenuated for CaHMBBC30 compared with CTL only. A significant decrease in apparent diffusion coefficients was also observed for CaHMBBC30 compared with CaHMBPL. Results provide further evidence that HMB supplementation may attenuate the inflammatory response to intense training and that the combination of the probiotic BC30 with CaHMB may be more beneficial than CaHMB alone in maintaining muscle integrity during intense military training.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) in its free acid form was reported to attenuate inflammation and maintain muscle integrity during military training. However, this formulation was difficult to maintain in the field. In this investigation, soldiers ingested HMB calcium (CaHMB) with Bacillus coagulans (BC30) or CaHMB alone during 40 days of training. Results indicated that CaHMB attenuated the inflammatory response and that BC30 combined with CaHMB may be more beneficial than CaHMB alone in maintaining muscle integrity during intense military training.
Noninvasive Retinal Markers in Diabetic Retinopathy: Advancing from Bench towards Bedside
Authors: Blindbæk Søren Leer , Torp Thomas Lee , Lundberg Kristian , Soelberg Kerstin , Vergmann Anna Stage , Poulsen Christina Døfler , Frydkjaer-Olsen Ulrik , Broe Rebecca , Rasmussen Malin Lundberg , Wied Jimmi , Lind Majbrit , Vestergaard Anders Højslet , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob
Published: April 2017

The retinal vascular system is the only part of the human body available for direct, in vivo inspection. Noninvasive retinal markers are important to identity patients in risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Studies have correlated structural features like retinal vascular caliber and fractals with micro- and macrovascular dysfunction in diabetes. Likewise, the retinal metabolism can be evaluated by retinal oximetry, and higher retinal venular oxygen saturation has been demonstrated in patients with diabetic retinopathy. So far, most studies have been cross-sectional, but these can only disclose associations and are not able to separate cause from effect or to establish the predictive value of retinal vascular dysfunction with respect to long-term complications. Likewise, retinal markers have not been investigated as markers of treatment outcome in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. The Department of Ophthalmology at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, has a strong tradition of studying the retinal microvasculature in diabetic retinopathy. In the present paper, we demonstrate the importance of the retinal vasculature not only as predictors of long-term microvasculopathy but also as markers of treatment outcome in sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in well-established population-based cohorts of patients with diabetes.
Comparison of Incidences of Intravascular Injection between Medial and Lateral Side Approaches during Traditional S1 Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Authors: Park Sang Jun , Kim Shin Hyung , Kim Seon Ju , Yoon Duck Mi , Yoon Kyung Bong
Published: April 2017

Purpose. Intravascular injection rates are higher during traditional S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) compared with lumbar transforaminal injection. We compared the incidences of intravascular injection between the medial and lateral approaches to the S1 foramen during S1 TFESI. Materials and Methods. A total of 139 patients underwent one or more TFESIs (170 total injections). The patients received S1 TFESI by either medial or lateral side of S1 foramen under fluoroscopic anteroposterior view using digital subtraction method. The intravascular injection rates, epidural spread patterns, and contrast volumes required to reach the superior aspect of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc (SIVD) were compared between groups. Results. Intravascular injection rates during S1 TFESI were significantly lower in the medial approach compared with the lateral approach patients (4.9% versus 38.6%, resp., P<0.001). The medial approach group had more epidural spread to the L5-S1 SIVD than the lateral group (82.1% versus 58.8%, resp.); lower contrast volume amounts were required to extend the L5-S1 SIVD (1.46±0.48 versus 1.90±0.62, resp.). Conclusion. During S1 TFESI, approaching the needle towards the medial part of the S1 foramen may reduce intravascular injection risk.
A Low Psoas Muscle Index before Treatment Can Predict a Poorer Prognosis in Advanced Bladder Cancer Patients Who Receive Gemcitabine and Nedaplatin Therapy
Authors: Kasahara Ryo , Kawahara Takashi , Ohtake Shinji , Saitoh Yoko , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Teranishi Jun-ichi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro , Kobayashi Kazuki , Uemura Hiroji
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) is a gold-standard first-line systemic chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, it may cause severe adverse effects such as renal toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. A correlation between sarcopenia and the oncological prognosis has been reported. In UC, several studies have noted that patients with sarcopenia had a greater incidence of complications and worse survival after radical cystectomy or chemotherapy. Our institute introduced gemcitabine and nedaplatin (GN) for UC patients with renal failure. We investigated whether the presence of sarcopenia predicted the prognosis of patients with advanced UC who were treated by GN chemotherapy. Methods. A total of 27 patients (male, n=21; female, n=6) received GN therapy for metastatic UC from 2005 to 2016. The institutional review board of Yokohama City University Hospital approved this study. The psoas muscle index (PMI, cm2/m2) was calculated using this formula: right psoas muscle area (cm2)/the square of the body height (m2). The overall survival (OS) of the high PMI group (male: ≥2.49, female: ≥2.07) and low PMI group (male: <2.49, female: <2.07) was compared. Results. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and a log-rank test revealed that the high PMI group had significantly better OS than the low PMI group (p=0.015). The mean survival of the high and low PMI groups was 561 days and 223 days, respectively. Conclusions. In the present study, we revealed that sarcopenia (a low psoas muscle volume) might be a predictive factor for poorer overall survival in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who are undergoing GN chemotherapy.