bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aktuelle Entwicklungen in der klinischen Elektroenzephalogografie
Authors: Baumgartner Christoph
Published: March 2018

Im vorliegenden Themenheft möchten wir Ihnen einen Überblick über aktuelle Entwicklungen in der klinischen Elektroenzephalogografie geben.
A multifunctional energy-saving magnetic field generator
Authors: Xiong Hui , Sun Wanpeng , Liu Jinzhen , Shi Jinhua
Published: March 2018

To improve the energy utilization of magnetic field generators for biological applications, a multifunctional energy-saving magnetic field generator (ESMFG) is presented. It is capable of producing both an alternating magnetic field (AMF) and a bipolar pulse magnetic field (BPMF) with high energy-saving and energy-reuse rates. Based on a theoretical analysis of an RLC second-order circuit, the energy-saving and energy-reuse rates of both types of magnetic fields can be calculated and are found to have acceptable values. The results of an experimental study using the proposed generator show that for the BPMF, the peak current reaches 130 A and the intensity reaches 70.3 mT. For the AMF, the intensity is 11.0 mT and the RMS current is 20 A. The energy-saving and energy-reuse rates for the AMF generator are 61.3% and 63.5%, respectively, while for the BPMF generator, the energy-saving rate is 33.6%. Thus, the proposed ESMFG has excellent potential for use in biomedical applications.
Biomedical device prototype based on small scale hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Ghorbani Morteza , Sozer Canberk , Alcan Gokhan , Unel Mustafa , Ekici Sinan , Uvet Huseyin , Koşar Ali
Published: March 2018

This study presents a biomedical device prototype based on small scale hydrodynamic cavitation. The application of small scale hydrodynamic cavitation and its integration to a biomedical device prototype is offered as an important alternative to other techniques, such as ultrasound therapy, and thus constitutes a local, cheap, and energy-efficient solution, for urinary stone therapy and abnormal tissue ablation (e.g., benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)). The destructive nature of bubbly, cavitating, flows was exploited, and the potential of the prototype was assessed and characterized. Bubbles generated in a small flow restrictive element (micro-orifice) based on hydrodynamic cavitation were utilized for this purpose. The small bubbly, cavitating, flow generator (micro-orifice) was fitted to a small flexible probe, which was actuated with a micromanipulator using fine control. This probe also houses an imaging device for visualization so that the emerging cavitating flow could be locally targeted to the desired spot. In this study, the feasibility of this alternative treatment method and its integration to a device prototype were successfully accomplished.
Low-temperature magnetic properties of NiCrxFe2–xO4 ferrites
Authors: Bushkova V. S.
Published: March 2018

Nickel-chrome ferrites of general formula NiCrxFe2–xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) were produced using low-temperature sol-gel self-combustion technique. Magnetic hysteresis loop of the samples showed that due to a low coercive field Hc, in the range of 2484–4283 A/m at 77 K, the ferrites are soft magnetic materials. The residual induction Br of the magnetic field decreases with increasing the concentration of Cr3+ ions due to a weakening of the interaction between the tetrahedral and octahedral sublattices of the ferrite with the spinel structure. The specific saturation magnetization σs of NiFe2O4 ferrite is 33.9 A m2/kg. The blocking temperature Tb was determined; its average value was found to be 157 K.
Acoustic waveguiding in a silicon carbide phononic crystals at microwave frequencies
Authors: Ghasemi Baboly M. , Reinke C. M. , Griffin B. A. , El-Kady I. , Leseman Z. C.
Published: March 2018

Two dimensional SiC–air phononic crystals have been modeled, fabricated, and tested with a measured bandgap ranging from 665 to 693 MHz. Snowflake air inclusions on a hexagonal lattice were used for the phononic crystal. By manipulating the phononic crystal lattice and inserting circular inclusions, a waveguide was created at 680 MHz. The combined insertion loss and propagation loss for the waveguide is 8.2 dB, i.e., 39% of the energy is guided due to the high level of the confinement afforded by the phononic crystal. The SiC–air phononic crystals and waveguides were fabricated using a CMOS-compatible process, which allows for seamless integration of these devices into wireless communication systems operating at microwave frequencies.
Numerical investigation on the dynamics and evolution mechanisms of multiple-current-pulse behavior in homogeneous helium dielectric-barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Ning Wenjun , Dai Dong
Published: March 2018

A systematic investigation on the dynamics and evolution mechanisms of multiple-current-pulse (MCP) behavior in homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (HDBD) is carried out via fluid modelling. Inspecting the simulation results, two typical discharge regimes, namely the MCP-Townsend regime and MCP-glow regime, are found prevailing in MCP discharges, each with distinctive electrical and dynamic properties. Moreover, the evolution of MCP behavior with external parameters altering are illustrated and explicitly discussed. It is revealed that the discharge undergoes some different stages as external parameters vary, and the discharge in each stage follows a series of distinctive pattern in morphological characteristics and evolution trends. Among those stages, the pulse number per half cycle is perceived to observe non-monotonic variations with applied voltage amplitude (Vam) and gap width (dg) increasing, and a merging effect among pulses, mainly induced by the enhanced contribution of sinusoidal component to the total current, is considered responsible for such phenomenon. The variation of incipient discharge peak phase (Φpm) is dominated by the value of Vam as well as the proportion of total applied voltage that drops across the gas gap. Moreover, an abnormal, dramatic elevation in Jpm with dg increasing is observed, which could be evinced by the strengthened glow discharge structure and therefore enhanced space charge effect.
The historical development of the it-cleft
Authors: Patten Amanda L.
Published: March 2018

This chapter compares two approaches to a particular grammatical change. While Ball (1991, 1994) investigates the development of the it-cleft configuration from within the generative tradition of the 1990s, I have recently re-examined the historical it-cleft data from a constructional perspective (see Patten 2010, 2012). In this chapter, I show how our different theoretical assumptions lead us to categorize and analyse the data differently. I conclude that a constructional approach is better at interpreting the diachronic facts.
Essentiality and function of WalK/WalR two-component system: the past, present, and future of research*
Authors: Takada Hiraku , Yoshikawa Hirofumi
Published: March 2018

The WalK/WalR two-component system (TCS), originally identified in Bacillus subtilis, is very highly conserved in gram-positive bacteria, including several important pathogens. The WalK/WalR TCS appears to be involved in the growth of most bacterial species encoding it. Previous studies have indicated conserved functions of this system, defining this signal transduction pathway as a crucial regulatory system for cell wall metabolism. Because of such effects on essential functions, this system is considered a potential target for anti-infective therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of WalK/WalR TCS in different bacterial cells, focusing on the function of the genes in its regulon as well as the variations in walRK operon structure, its auxiliary proteins, and the composition of its regulon. We also discuss recent experimental data addressing its essential function and the potential type of signal being sensed by B. subtilis. This review also focuses on the potential future research.
Testing Representational Advantage in the Argentine Supreme Court
Authors: Muro Sergio , Chehtman Alejandro , Méndez Jorge Silva , Durán Nelson Amaya
Published: March 2018

Even if party capability theory has been well documented, parsing out the reasons why “haves” come out ahead has been challenging. Our study takes advantage of the Argentine Supreme Court’s power to dismiss appeals because they contain formal errors to ascertain the existence of representational advantage. We show that representational advantage plays a significant role, as individual appellants represent a larger proportion of appeals rejected on formal grounds than of those analyzed on their merits. In addition, certain areas of law where asymmetrical capability is prevalent and consistent, particularly labor law, are significantly overrepresented in appeals rejected on formal grounds.
Infrasound from the 2009 and 2017 DPRK rocket launches
Authors: Evers L G , Assink J D , Smets P SM
Published: March 2018

Supersonic rockets generate low-frequency acoustic waves, that is, infrasound, during the launch and re-entry. Infrasound is routinely observed at infrasound arrays from the International Monitoring System, in place for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Association and source identification are key elements of the verification system. The moving nature of a rocket is a defining criterion in order to distinguish it from an isolated explosion. Here, it is shown how infrasound recordings can be associated, which leads to identification of the rocket. Propagation modelling is included to further constrain the source identification. Four rocket launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2009 and 2017 are analysed in which multiple arrays detected the infrasound. Source identification in this region is important for verification purposes. It is concluded that with a passive monitoring technique such as infrasound, characteristics can be remotely obtained on sources of interest, that is, infrasonic intelligence, over 4500+ km.
Retracted: The Social Context of Criminal Threat, Victim Race, and Punitive Black and Latino Sentiment
Authors: Stewart Eric A , Johnson Brian D , Warren Patricia Y , Rosario Jordyn L , Hughes Cresean
Published: March 2018

A well-established body of research focuses on the relationship between criminal threat and the exercise of formal social control, and a largely separate literature examines the effects of victim race in criminal punishment. Despite their close association, few attempts have been made to integrate these related lines of empirical inquiry in the sociology of punishment. In this article, we address this issue by examining relationships among criminal threat, victim race, and punitive sentiment toward black and Latino defendants. We analyze nationally representative survey data that include both subjective and objective measures of criminal threat, and we incorporate unique information on victim/offender dyads to test research questions about the that role victim race plays in the formation of anti-black and anti-Latino sentiment in the criminal justice system. The results indicate that both subjective perceptions of criminal threat and minority population growth are significantly related to punitiveness among whites, and that punitive sentiment is enhanced in situations that involve minority offenders and white victims. Moreover, we show that aggregate indicators of racial threat strongly condition the effect of victim race on punitive attitudes. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to racial group threat theories and current perspectives on the exercise of state-sponsored social control.
Farmer-Focused Tools to Improve Soil Health Monitoring on Smallholder Farms in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania
Authors: Testen Anna L. , Mamiro Delphina P. , Nahson Jackson , Amuri Nyambilila A. , Culman Steven W. , Miller Sally A.
Published: March 2018

A participatory approach was used to improve smallholder tomato farmers’ understanding of and access to soil health monitoring in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania. Baseline soil characteristics were gathered from 50 tomato fields in the region, local soil knowledge was elicited from farmers and used to develop a soil health card to qualitatively assess soil health, and farmers (n = 32) were trained on the use of a low-cost soil test kit to quantitatively assess soil health. Farmers most often described local indicators of soil health in terms of soil texture and tilth, soil color, soil water relations, and soil fertility. Following use of the soil test kit, farmers indicated increased awareness of soil testing services (Wilcoxon signed rank Z = –3.0, P = 0.001), more agreed they had access to soil testing services (Z = –2.7, P = 0.004), and more agreed that soil management recommendations were easy to understand (Z = –3.4, P < 0.0001) compared with pre-exposure results. Farmers continued to use the soil health test kit and soil health card based on a follow-up survey administered 1 year after project completion. Participatory soil health monitoring projects can improve farmers’ ability to monitor and manage soil health, potentially impacting sustained soil and plant health.
Greenhouse Comparison of Two Detection Methods for Potato virus YN-Wi at Four Potato Growth Stages
Authors: Beissinger Abby , Inglis Debra Ann
Published: March 2018

Potato virus Y (PVY) causes significant crop and monetary losses. Owing to the prevalence of newly emerging strains of PVY such as PVYN-Wi, which often cause asymptomatic to mild reactions on certain potato cultivars, accurate tools are required to detect the virus in potato production. This study compared the sensitivity of a rapid field detection method (immunostrips) with a common laboratory detection method (triple antibody sandwich ELISA) on cultivar Chieftain, grown under isolated conditions in a greenhouse and mechanically inoculated with PVYN-Wi, at four potato growth stages (emergence, preflower, postflower, and senescence). Plants inoculated at emergence displayed severe symptoms of mosaic, veinal necrosis, and leaf drop. Plants inoculated at preflower, postflower, and senescence had veinal necrosis but low or no incidence of mosaic and leaf drop. Overall, few or no tuber symptoms were observed, but a trend of lower tuber yield occurred for emergence-inoculated plants. Low variability in PVYN-Wi detection occurred in both tests for emergence-inoculated plants, whereas those inoculated at preflower and postflower had more variability. Because symptom expression may differ depending on the growth stage when a plant becomes infected, these variations should be heeded with either detection method when collecting samples for PVY testing.
First Report of Fenpyrazamine Resistance in Botrytis cinerea from Strawberry Fields in Spain
Authors: Fernández-Ortuño Dolores , Vielba-Fernández Alejandra , Pérez-García Alejandro , Torés Juan A. , de Vicente Antonio
Published: March 2018

Botrytis cinerea Pers. is an important fungal pathogen responsible for gray mold, one of the most economically important diseases of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) worldwide. The primary disease management strategy involves the application of different classes of fungicides, including the sterol biosynthesis inhibitor class III fungicide fenpyrazamine. In 2014 and 2015, strawberries affected with gray mold symptoms were collected from eight locations in Huelva, where fenhexamid had been used extensively. Twenty-five B. cinerea single-spore isolates were examined to determine EC50 values and to determine a discriminatory dose to monitor fenpyrazamine resistance in the field in future studies. The in vitro tests divided the isolates into two groups: 15 sensitive (EC50 from 0.02 to 1.3 μg/ml) and 10 resistant (EC50 from 50.1 to 172.6 μg/ml), which showed cross-resistance with fenhexamid. Performance of fenpyrazamine in in vivo studies was also carried out. Only the fenpyrazamine-resistant isolates developed gray mold on the fungicide-treated fruit. This is the first report of fenpyrazamine resistance in B. cinerea from strawberry fields in Spain and cross-resistance with fenhexamid.
Prominent Information of jN3 Positive in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Removed by D3 Dissection: Retrospective Analysis of 6866 Patients From a Multi-institutional Database in Japan
Authors: Shinto Eiji , Hida Jin-ichi , Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Hase Kazuo , Ueno Hideki , Watanabe Toshiaki , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

The presence of main or lateral lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer is classified as jN3 by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. Whether information on jN3 status adds value to the TNM classification remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of colorectal cancer nodal staging through the Japanese jN3 categorization compared with that through TNM.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING:

The study used the multi-institutional database of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum.

PATIENTS:

Clinical and pathological data of 6866 patients with histologically proven stage III colorectal cancer who underwent curative surgery (R0) with D3 dissection between 1995 and 2006 were derived from the database.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

We investigated the prognostic significance of jN3 status in each TNM N class (N1/N2a/N2b) and stage (IIIA/IIIB/IIIC) based on cancer-specific survival.

RESULTS:

Comparison of cancer-specific survival rates revealed significant differences between jN3+ and jN3− colorectal cancer patient groups according to the TNM N status (5-year cancer-specific survival; N1, 70.4% (jN3+) vs 85.5% (jN3−), p < 0.001; N2a, 59.2% vs 77.0%, p < 0.001; N2b, 39.2% vs 68.7%, p < 0.001) and the TNM stage (stage IIIA, 72.5% vs 94.9%, p < 0.001; stage IIIB, 67.9% vs 84.0%, p < 0.001; stage IIIC, 42.4% vs 70.6%, p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS:

Assessment and inclusion of jN3 status are of clinical importance for patients with stage III colorectal cancer with D3 dissection, because it contributes to improved understanding of recurrence risk and subsequent decision-making for follow-up procedures and adjuvant therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A506.
Human-Derived Amniotic Membrane Is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Intraperitoneal Adhesions in a Rat Model
Authors: Kuckelman John P. , Kononchik Joseph , Smith Joshua , Kniery Kevin R. , Kay Jeffrey T. , Hoffer Zachary S. , Steele Scott R. , Sohn Vance
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Complications from adhesions after intra-abdominal surgery accounts for ~6% of hospital admissions. Currently, hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose represents the main option to prevent postoperative adhesion formation. Human amniotic membrane contains inherent anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate adhesion formation.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to evaluate adhesion generation after surgical trauma with amniotic membranes compared with standard intraperitoneal adhesion barriers.

DESIGN:

This study is a double-blinded, prospective evaluation.

SETTING:

This study was conducted at an animal research facility.

ANIMALS:

Forty male rats were studied.

INTERVENTION:

Laparotomy was performed with peritoneal disruption to the cecum. Animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups: sham, control, saline, hyaluronic acid membrane, or amniotic membrane. Animals were euthanized at 14 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Independent gross and histological assessments of adhesions were analyzed between groups by using adhesion scoring and microscopy. Scoring was based on the percentage of the cecum involved (0–4), vascularity of adhesions (0–3), strength (0–3), inflammation (0–3), and fibrosis (0–3). Adhered tissue was harvested for polymerase chain reaction analysis for gene regulation activity.

RESULTS:

All rats survived 14 days. Adhesions were observed in all animals. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the amniotic membrane group (2) versus hyaluronic acid (3) group (p = 0.01). The percentage of adhesion to the cecum was lower in the amniotic membrane group (29%) than in the hyaluronic acid group (47%, p = 0.04). Histological examination showed no significant difference between or within the 3 groups for inflammation or fibrosis. Genetic analysis of adhered tissues supported high rates of epithelialization and inhibition of fibrosis in the amniotic membrane group.

LIMITATIONS:

We are limited by the small sample size and the preclinical nature of the study.

CONCLUSION:

Human-derived amniotic membrane is effective at reducing intraperitoneal adhesion after surgical trauma and is superior to the current antiadhesion barriers. Amniotic membranes are well absorbed and demonstrate short-term safety. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A554.
Management and Outcome After Multivisceral Resections in Patients with Locally Advanced Primary Colon Cancer
Authors: Rosander Emma , Nordenvall Caroline , Sjövall Annika , Hjern Fredrik , Holm Torbjörn
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Locally advanced colon cancer invading surrounding organs or structures is challenging to surgeons and oncologists. Multivisceral resections with tumor removal en bloc with invaded tissues provide the best chance for cure.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to assess the management and outcomes after multivisceral resections in patients with clinically infiltrative, locally advanced primary colon cancer.

DESIGN:

This is a descriptive retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:

A total of 121 consecutive patients with locally advanced primary colon cancer underwent en bloc multivisceral resections at a tertiary referral unit for colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Patient demographics, surgical details, histopathological findings, and outcomes were analyzed through registry data and reviews of patient files.

RESULTS:

An R0 resection was achieved in 112 patients (92.6%), and an R1 resection was achieved in 9 patients (7.4%). Actual tumor cell infiltration in resected tissues was found in 77 patients (63.6%), and inflammation was found in 44 patients (36.4%). The estimated 5-year overall survival was 60.8% and 86.9%. Survival was significantly better after R0 than after R1 resections. After a median follow-up of 28 months, recurrent disease was diagnosed in 25 patients (20.7%). Female sex, low tumor stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy, but not tumor infiltration per se, were independently associated with better overall survival in a multivariate analysis.

LIMITATIONS:

The main limitations of the study are the retrospective design and the fact that all patients were operated on at 1 institution by a small number of surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with locally advanced colon cancer can be cured with an R0 resection. All involved surrounding tissues should be removed en bloc with the primary tumor. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A548.
Task interference and distraction efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia: an experimental investigation
Authors: Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M.L. , Rost Silke , Kissi Ama , Vögele Claus , Crombez Geert
Published: March 2018

Pain has the capacity to interfere with daily tasks. Although task interference by pain is largely unintentional, it can be controlled to a certain extent. Such top-down control over pain has been believed to be reduced in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). In this study, we investigated task interference and distraction efficacy in patients with FM and a matched healthy control group. Forty-nine patients with FM and 49 healthy volunteers performed as quickly as possible (1) a visual localization task in the presence of nonpainful vibrating or painful electric somatic stimuli, and (2) a somatosensory localization task (using nonpainful or painful stimuli). Participants reported on their experience of the somatic stimuli on some of the trials during both localisation tasks. Results indicated that pain interferes with performance of the visual task, in both patients with FM and healthy individuals. Furthermore, participants experienced the pain stimulus as less intense when directing attention away from the pain than when focusing on the pain. Overall, task performance of patients with FM was slower compared with the task performance in the healthy control group. In contrast to our hypotheses, patients with FM and healthy volunteers did not differ in the magnitude of the interference effect and distraction efficacy. In conclusion, current study provides support for contemporary theories claiming that attention modulates the experience of pain and vice versa. However, no evidence was found for an altered attentional processing of pain in patients with FM. Furthermore, results indicate that task interference and distraction efficacy are not just 2 sides of the same coin.
Carbenoxolone as a novel therapy for attenuation of cancer-induced bone pain
Authors: Falk Sarah
Published: March 2018

Pain is a major complication for patients with cancer significantly compromising their quality of life. Current treatment is far from optimal and particularly bone-related cancer pain poses an increasing clinical and socioeconomical problem. Connexins, key proteins in cell–cell communication, have the potential to affect cancer-induced bone pain at multiple levels, including nociceptive signaling and bone degradation. This study tested the analgesic potential of carbenoxolone, a broad-acting connexin blocker, in a mouse model of cancer-induced bone pain. In addition, a pharmacological approach was used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms using the 2 specific blockers 37,43Gap27 and 43Gap26. Compared with vehicle treatment, chronic systemic administration of 20 or 40 mg/kg carbenoxolone caused a significantly later onset and attenuation of movement-evoked and on-going pain, assessed with limb use and weight bearing, respectively. In addition, the carbenoxolone-treated groups demonstrated a significant delay in time to reach the humane endpoint. Acute intrathecal administration of 37,43Gap27 significantly attenuated both limb use and weight bearing, whereas 43Gap26 had a less pronounced effect. Carbenoxolone treatment had a minor effect on the bone degradation in the early phase of disease progression, whereas no effect was observed in the late phase. Surprisingly, connexin43 was downregulated in the cancer-bearing animals compared with shams. The results suggest that connexins are involved in cancer-induced bone pain, and that carbenoxolone could be a novel analgesic treatment for the pain state.
Native valve dual pathogen endocarditis caused by Burkholderia cepacia and Aspergillus flavus – a case report
Authors: Sabir Nargis , Ikram Aamer , Gardezi Adeel , Zaman Gohar , Satti Luqman , Ahmed Abeera , Khadim Tahir
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Infective endocarditis (IE) is an important clinical condition with significant morbidity and mortality among the affected population. A single etiological agent is identifiable in more than 90 % of the cases, however, polymicrobial endocarditis (PE) is a rare find, with a poor clinical outcome. Here we report a case of native valve dual pathogen endocarditis caused by Burkholderia cepacia and Aspergillus flavus in an immunocompetent individual. It is among unique occurrences of simultaneous bacterial and fungal etiology in IE.

Case presentation. A 30-year-old male was admitted to a cardiology institute with complaints of low grade intermittent fever and progressive shortness of breath for last two months. He was a known case of rheumatic heart disease and had suffered an episode of IE three years ago. On the basis of clinical presentation and the results of radiological investigations, a diagnosis of infective endocarditis was made. Paired blood samples for culture and sensitivity, sampled before the commencement of antimicrobial therapy, yielded growth of Burkholderia cepacia which was highly drug resistant. Sensitivity results-directed therapy consisting of tablet Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole, two double-strength tablets 12 hourly, and Meropenem, 1 g IV every 8 h, was commenced. Despite mild relief of fever intensity, overall clinical condition did not improve and double valve replacement therapy was carried out. Excised valves were sent for microbiological analysis. Burkholderia cepacia was grown on tissue culture with a similar antibiogram to that previously reported from the blood culture of this patient. Direct microscopy of section of valvular tissue with 10 % KOH revealed abundant fungal hyphae. Patient serum galactomannan antigen assay was also positive. Histopathological examination of vegetations also revealed hyphae typical of species of the genus Aspergillus. The patient was successfully treated with meropenem, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and voriconazole.

Conclusion. The hallmark of successful treatment in this case was exact identification of pathogens, antibiogram-directed therapy and good liaison between laboratory experts and treating clinicians.
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is a critical regulator of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zheng Xiaozhong , Zhang Ailiang , Binnie Margaret , McGuire Kris , Webster Scott P , Hughes Jeremy , Howie Sarah E M , Mole Damian J
Published: March 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has a high mortality and lacks specific therapies. Here, we report that mice lacking kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) activity (Kmonull mice) are protected against AKI after renal IRI. This advances our previous work showing that KMO blockade protects against acute lung injury and AKI in experimental multiple organ failure caused by acute pancreatitis. We show that KMO is highly expressed in the kidney and exerts major metabolic control over the biologically-active kynurenine metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine, kynurenic acid and downstream metabolites. In experimental AKI induced by unilateral kidney IRI, Kmonull mice had preserved renal function, reduced renal tubular cell injury, and fewer infiltrating neutrophils compared to wild-type (Kmowt) control mice. Together, these data confirm that flux through KMO contributes to AKI after IRI, and supports the rationale for KMO inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to protect against AKI during critical illness.
Measuring NDC80 binding reveals the molecular basis of tension-dependent kinetochore-microtubule attachments
Authors: Yoo Tae Yeon , Choi Jeong-Mo , Conway William , Yu Che-Hang , Pappu Rohit V. , Needleman Daniel J.
Published: March 2018

Proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, mediated by the NDC80 complex, are required for error-free chromosome segregation. Erroneous attachments are corrected by the tension dependence of kinetochore-microtubule interactions. Here, we present a method, based on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer, to quantitatively measure the fraction of NDC80 complexes bound to microtubules at individual kinetochores in living human cells. We found that NDC80 binding is modulated in a chromosome autonomous fashion over prometaphase and metaphase, and is predominantly regulated by centromere tension. We show that this tension dependency requires phosphorylation of the N-terminal tail of Hec1, a component of the NDC80 complex, and the proper localization of Aurora B kinase, which modulates NDC80 binding. Our results lead to a mathematical model of the molecular basis of tension-dependent NDC80 binding to kinetochore microtubules in vivo.
Formation of tRNA wobble inosine in humans is perturbed by a millennia-old mutation linked to intellectual disability
Authors: Ramos Jillian , Han Lu , Li Yan , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Phizicky Eric M. , Fu Dragony
Published: March 2018

The formation of inosine at the wobble position of eukaryotic tRNAs is an essential modification catalyzed by the ADAT2/ADAT3 complex. In humans, a valine to methionine mutation (V144M) in ADAT3 that originated ∼1,600 years ago is the most common cause of autosomal-recessive intellectual disability (ID) in Arabia. Here, we show that ADAT3-V144M exhibits perturbations in subcellular localization and has increased propensity to form aggregates associated with cytoplasmic chaperonins. While ADAT2 co-expression can suppress the aggregation of ADAT3-V144M, the ADAT2/3 complexes assembled with ADAT3-V144M exhibit defects in adenosine deaminase activity. Moreover, extracts from cell lines derived from ID-affected individuals expressing only ADAT3-V144M display a reduction in tRNA deaminase activity. Notably, we find that the same cell lines from ID-affected individuals exhibit decreased wobble inosine in certain tRNAs. These results identify a role for ADAT2-dependent localization and folding of ADAT3 in wobble inosine modification that is crucial for the developing human brain.
Comparative Genomics of Staphylococcus Reveals Determinants of Speciation and Diversification of Antimicrobial Defense
Authors: Coates-Brown Rosanna , Moran Josephine , Pongchaikul Pisut , Darby Alistair , Horsburgh Malcolm J.
Published: March 2018

The bacterial genus Staphylococcus comprises diverse species with most being described as colonizers of human and animal skin. A relational analysis of features that discriminate its species and contribute to niche adaptation and survival remains to be fully described. In this study, an interspecies, whole-genome comparative analysis of 21 Staphylococcus species was performed based on their orthologues. Three well-defined multi-species groups were identified: group A (including aureus/epidermidis); group B (including saprophyticus/xylosus) and group C (including pseudintermedius/delphini). The machine learning algorithm Random Forest was applied to identify variable orthologues that drive formation of the Staphylococcus species groups A-C. Orthologues driving staphylococcal infrageneric diversity comprised regulatory, metabolic and antimicrobial resistance proteins. Notably, the BraSR (NsaRS) two-component system (TCS) and its associated BraDE transporters that regulate antimicrobial resistance distinguish group A Staphylococcus species from others in the genus that lack the BraSR TCS. Divergence of BraSR and GraSR antimicrobial peptide survival TCS and their associated transporters was observed across the staphylococci, likely reflecting niche specific evolution of these TCS/transporters and their specificities for AMPs. Experimental evolution, with selection for resistance to the lantibiotic nisin, revealed multiple routes to resistance and differences in the selection outcomes of the BraSR- positive species S. hominis and S. aureus. Selection supported a role for GraSR in nisin survival responses of the BraSR-negative group B species S. saprophyticus. Our study reveals diversification of antimicrobial-sensing TCS across the staphylococci and hints at differential relationships between GraSR and BraSR in those species positive for both TCS.

Importance

The genus Staphylococcus includes species that are commensals and opportunist pathogens of humans and animals. Identifying the features that discriminate species of staphylococci is relevant to understanding niche selection and the structure of their microbiomes. Moreover, the determinants that structure the community are relevant for strategies to modify the frequency of individual species associated with dysbiosis and disease. In this study, we identify orthologous proteins that discriminate genomes of staphylococci. In particular, species restriction of a major antimicrobial survival system, BraSR (NsaRS), to a group of staphylococci dominated by those that can colonize human skin. The diversity of antimicrobial sensing loci was revealed by comparative analysis and experimental evolution with selection for nisin resistance identified the potential for variation in antimicrobial sensing in BraRS-encoding staphylococci. This study provides insights into staphylococcal species diversity.
VIGA: a sensitive, precise and automaticde novoVIral Genome Annotator
Authors: González-Tortuero Enrique , Sean Sutton Thomas David , Velayudhan Vimalkumar , Shkoporov Andrey Nikolaevich , Draper Lorraine Anne , Stockdale Stephen Robert , Ross Reynolds Paul , Hill Colin
Published: March 2018

Viral (meta)genomics is a rapidly growing field of study that is hampered by an inability to annotate the majority of viral sequences; therefore, the development of new bioinformatic approaches is very important. Here, we present a new automaticde novogenome annotation pipeline, called VIGA, to annotate prokaryotic and eukaryotic viral sequences from (meta)genomic studies. VIGA was benchmarked on a database of known viral genomes and a viral metagenomics case study. VIGA generated the most accurate outputs according to the number of coding sequences and their coordinates, outputs also had a lower number of non-informative annotations compared to other programs.
Improving night-time sleep with hypnotic suggestions
Authors: Cordi Maren Jasmin , Rossier Laurent , Rasch Björn
Published: March 2018

Slow-wave sleep (SWS) is fundamental for maintaining our health and well-being, and SWS is typically reduced in stress-related sleep disturbances and age-related sleep disorders. We have previously reported that exposure to hypnotic suggestions before sleep effectively increases the duration of SWS during a midday nap in younger and older women suggestible for hypnosis.

However, it remains unclear whether this beneficial effect of hypnosis on SWS can be generalized to night-time sleep and men. Therefore, we tested the effect of the hypnotic suggestions on SWS across an 8 hours night-time sleeping interval in 43 healthy young French-speaking subjects (19 males) of high and low suggestibility. In accordance with our previous results, listening to hypnotic suggestions before sleep increased the amount of SWS in highly suggestible subjects significantly by 13 min compared to a control condition in both genders. Particularly in the first hour, slow-wave activity was significantly increased after hypnosis as compared to the control night in high suggestible. The hypnosis-induced benefits on objective sleep parameters were also reflected in increased subjective sleep quality ratings. Our results demonstrate that hypnotic suggestions are an effective tool to deepen sleep and improve sleep quality also across a whole night of sleep in young healthy men and women. Our findings provide an important basis for the examination and potential application of hypnosis to improve deep sleep in populations with sleep disturbances.
Subject-specificity of the correlation between large-scale structural and functional connectivity
Authors: Zimmermann J. , Griffiths J. , Schirner M. , Ritter P. , McIntosh A.R.
Published: March 2018

Structural connectivity (SC), the physical pathways connecting regions in the brain, and functional connectivity (FC), the temporal co-activations, are known to be tightly linked. However, the nature of this relationship is still not understood. In the present study, we examined this relation more closely in six separate human neuroimaging datasets with different acquisition and preprocessing methods. We show that using simple linear associations, the relation between an individual’s SC and FC is not subject-specific for five of the datasets. Subject-specificity of SC-FC fit is achieved only for one of the six datasets, the multi-modal Glasser HCP parcellated dataset. We show that subject-specificity of SC-FC correspondence is limited across datasets due to relatively small variability between subjects in SC compared to the larger variability in FC.
LED-based interference-reflection microscopy combined with optical tweezers for quantitative three-dimensional single microtubule imaging
Authors: Simmert Steve , Abdosamadi Mohammad Kazem , Hermsdorf Gero , Schäffer Erik
Published: March 2018

Optical tweezers combined with various microscopy techniques are a versatile tool for single-molecule force spectroscopy. However, some combinations may compromise measurements. Here, we combined optical tweezers with total-internal-reflection-fluorescence (TIRF) and interference-reflection microscopy (IRM). Using a light-emitting diode (LED) for IRM illumination, we show that single microtubules can be resolved with high contrast. Furthermore, we converted the IRM interference pattern of an upward bent microtubule to its three-dimensional (3D) profile calibrated against the optical tweezers and evanescent TIRF field. In general, LED-based IRM is a powerful method for high-resolution 3D microscopy.

OCIS codes

(180.3170) Interference microscopy; (120.4570) Optical design of instruments (350.4855); Optical tweezers or optical manipulation.
The nidogen-domain containing protein DEX-1 is required for epidermal remodeling inC. elegansdauers
Authors: Flatt Kristen M. , Beshers Caroline , Unal Cagla , Schroeder Nathan E.
Published: March 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is a critical component of an organism’s ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment. The free-living nematode,Caenorhabditis elegans, adapts to unfavorable environmental conditions by pausing reproductive development and entering a stress-resistant larval stage known as dauer. The transition into dauer is marked by vast morphological changes – including remodeling of epidermis, neurons and muscle. Though many of these dauer-specific traits have been described, the molecular basis of dauer-specific remodeling is still poorly understood. Here we show that the nidogen-domain containing protein DEX-1 functions downstream of the dauer decision to facilitate stage-specific tissue remodeling during dauer morphogenesis. DEX-1 was previously shown to regulate sensory dendrite formation during embryogenesis. We find that DEX-1 is also required for the proper remodeling of the stem cell-like epidermal seam cells and maintenance of seam cell quiescence during dauer.dex-1mutant dauers lack distinct lateral cuticular alae during dauer and have increased sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Furthermore, we find that DEX-1 mediated seam cell remodeling is required for proper dauer mobility. We show that DEX-1 acts cell autonomously in the seam cells during dauer and thatdex-1expression during dauer is regulated through DAF-16/FOXO-mediated derepression. Finally, we show thatdex-1interacts with a family of zona pellucida-domain encoding genes to regulate dauer-specific epidermal remodeling. Taken together, our data indicates that DEX-1 plays a central role inC. elegansepidermal remodeling during dauer.
Impeding DNA Break Repair Enables Oocyte Quality Control
Authors: Qiao Huanyu , Rao H.B.D. Prasada , Yun Yan , Sandhu Sumit , Fong Jared H. , Sapre Manali , Nguyen Michael , Tham Addy , Van Benjamin W. , Chng Tiffany Y.H. , Lee Amy , Hunter Neil
Published: March 2018

Oocyte quality control culls eggs with defects in meiosis. In mouse, oocyte death is triggered by defects in chromosome synapsis and recombination, which involve repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) between homologous chromosomes. We show that RNF212, a SUMO ligase required for crossing over, also mediates oocyte quality control. Both physiological apoptosis and wholesale oocytes elimination in meiotic mutants require RNF212. RNF212 sensitizes cells to DSB-induced apoptosis within a narrow window when chromosomes desynapse during the transition into quiescence. Analysis of DNA damage during this transition implies that RNF212 impedes DSB repair. Consistently, RNF212 is required for HORMAD1, a negative regulator of inter-sister recombination, to associate with desynapsing chromosomes. We infer that oocytes impede repair of residual DSBs to retain a “memory” of meiotic defects that enables quality control processes. These results define the logic of oocyte quality control and suggest RNF212 variants may influence transmission of defective genomes.
Tumor cell-adipocyte gap junctions activate lipolysis and contribute to breast tumorigenesis
Authors: Williams Jeremy , Camarda Roman , Malkov Serghei , Zimmerman Lisa J , Manning Suzanne , Aran Dvir , Beardsley Andrew , Van de Mark Daniel , Chen Yong , Berdan Charles A , Louie Sharon M , Mahieu Celine , Superville Daphne , Winkler Juliane , Willey Elizabeth , Gagnon John D , Avsaroglu Seda Kilinc , Shinoda Kosaku , Gruner Matthew , Nishida Hiroshi , Ansel Karl Mark , Werb Zena , Nomura Daniel K , Kajimura Shingo , Butte Atul J , Sanders Melinda E , Liebler Daniel C , Rugo Hope , Krings Gregor , Shepherd John A , Goga Andrei
Published: March 2018

A pro-tumorigenic role for adipocytes has been identified in breast cancer, and reliance on fatty acid catabolism found in aggressive tumors. The molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells coopt neighboring adipocytes, however, remain elusive. Here, we describe a direct interaction linking tumorigenesis to adjacent adipocytes. We examine breast tumors and their normal adjacent tissue from several patient cohorts, patient-derived xenografts and mouse models, and find that lipolysis and lipolytic signaling are activated in neighboring adipose tissue. We find that functional gap junctions form between breast cancer cells and adipocytes. As a result, cAMP is transferred from breast cancer cells to adipocytes and activates lipolysis in a gap junction-dependent manner. We identify connexin 31 (GJB3), which promotes receptor triple negative breast cancer growth and activation of lipolysis in vivo. Thus, direct tumor cell-adipocyte interaction contributes to tumorigenesis and may serve as a new therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Tuning molecular motor transport through cytoskeletal filament network organization
Authors: Scholz Monika , Weirich Kimberly L. , Gardel Margaret L. , Dinner Aaron R.
Published: March 2018

The interaction of motor proteins with intracellular filaments is required for transport processes and force generation in cells. Within a cell, crosslinking proteins organize cytoskeletal filaments both temporally and spatially to create dynamic, and structurally diverse networks. The architecture of these networks changes both the mechanics as well as the transport dynamics; however, the effects on transport are less well understood. Here, we compare the transport dynamics of myosin II motor proteins moving on model cytoskeletal networks created by common crosslinking proteins. We observe that motor dynamics change predictably based on the microstructure of the underlying networks and discuss how this can be utilized by cells to achieve specific transport goals.
Integrated Field’s metal microelectrodes based microfluidic impedance cytometry for cell-in-droplet quantification
Authors: Panwar Jatin , Roy Rahul
Published: March 2018

Microfluidic impedance cytometry (MIC) provides a non-optical and label-free method for single cell detection and classification in microfluidics. However, the cleanroom intensive infrastructure required for MIC electrode fabrication limits its wide implementation in microfluidic analysis. To bypass the conventional metal (platinum) electrode fabrication protocol, we fabricated coplanar ‘in-contact’ Field’s metal (icFM) microelectrodes in multilayer elastomer devices with a single photolithography step. Our icFM microelectrodes displayed excellent and comparable performance to the platinum electrodes for detection of single erythrocytes with a lock-in amplifier based MIC setup. We further characterized it for water-in-oil droplets generated in a T-junction microfluidic channel and found high sensitivity and long-term operational stability of these electrodes. Finally, to facilitate droplet based single cell analysis, we demonstrate detection and quantification of single cells entrapped in aqueous droplets.