bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotic interaction effects on seedling recruitment along bioclimatic gradients: testing the stress‐gradient hypothesis
Authors: Klanderud Kari , Meineri Eric , Töpper Joachim , Michel Pascale , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: December 2016

Questions

Is there a shift from positive to negative biotic interaction effects on seedling recruitment along two different stress gradients, temperature and precipitation (the stress‐gradient hypothesis); do such interaction effects differ between species with different bioclimatic affinities?

Location

Boreal, sub‐alpine and alpine grassland in southern Norway.

Methods

We tested the stress‐gradient hypothesis by comparing seedling recruitment in bare‐ground gaps where vegetation has been removed vs in extant grassland vegetation in 12 boreal, sub‐alpine and alpine grassland sites along a precipitation gradient. This was tested in (1) a seed‐sowing experiment and (2) in naturally occurring recruitment of alpine, generalist and boreal species.

Results

Emergence of the sown alpine species was higher in the cold alpine than in the warmer sub‐alpine sites, with no effects of precipitation or vegetation removal. The sown generalists also decreased in emergence towards warmer sites, whereas there was no effect of temperature on the sown boreal species. Vegetation removal, interacting with precipitation, increased the emergence of the generalist and boreal species sown at intermediate precipitation levels. In contrast, interactions between temperature and vegetation removal regulated the emergence of all groups of naturally occurring seedlings. Alpine and generalist species emerged at the highest rate in alpine sites, whereas boreal species had highest emergence in the lowlands.

Conclusion

For all species groups, strong effects of vegetation removal show that competition from the extant vegetation dominates in controlling seedling emergence across all study sites and species. In generalist and boreal species, positive interactions between vegetation removal and temperature show that competitive interactions affect seedling emergence more strongly towards warmer climates, in line with the stress‐gradient hypothesis. In contrast, alpine species show no such interactions. This suggests that species’ adaptations to climate, in combination with environmental forcing, control seedling emergence along the bioclimatic gradients. Our results have implications for nature conservation, as we propose that disturbance from grazing animals can be useful to release competition and thereby increase seedling recruitment and biodiversity in boreal and alpine grasslands in a warmer future.
Sequence diversity patterns suggesting balancing selection in partially sex‐linked genes of the plant Silene latifolia are not generated by demographic history or gene flow
Authors: Guirao‐Rico Sara , Sánchez‐Gracia Alejandro , Charlesworth Deborah
Published: December 2016

DNA sequence diversity in genes in the partially sex‐linked pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of the sex chromosomes of the plant Silene latifolia is higher than expected from within‐species diversity of other genes. This could be the footprint of sexually antagonistic (SA) alleles that are maintained by balancing selection in a PAR gene (or genes) and affect polymorphism in linked genome regions. SA selection is predicted to occur during sex chromosome evolution, but it is important to test whether the unexpectedly high sequence polymorphism could be explained without it, purely by the combined effects of partial linkage with the sex‐determining region and the population's demographic history, including possible introgression from Silene dioica. To test this, we applied approximate Bayesian computation‐based model choice to autosomal sequence diversity data, to find the most plausible scenario for the recent history of S. latifolia and then to estimate the posterior density of the most relevant parameters. We then used these densities to simulate variation to be expected at PAR genes. We conclude that an excess of variants at high frequencies at PAR genes should arise in S. latifolia populations only for genes with strong associations with fully sex‐linked genes, which requires closer linkage with the fully sex‐linked region than that estimated for the PAR genes where apparent deviations from neutrality were observed. These results support the need to invoke selection to explain the S. latifolia PAR gene diversity, and encourage further work to test the possibility of balancing selection due to sexual antagonism.
High levels of diversity and population structure in the potato late blight pathogen at the Mexico centre of origin
Authors: Wang Jianan , Fernández‐Pavía Sylvia P. , Larsen Meredith M. , Garay‐Serrano Edith , Gregorio‐Cipriano Rosario , Rodríguez‐Alvarado Gerardo , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Goss Erica M.
Published: December 2016

Globally destructive crop pathogens often emerge by migrating out of their native ranges. These pathogens are often diverse at their centre of origin and may exhibit adaptive variation in the invaded range via multiple introductions from different source populations. However, source populations are generally unidentified or poorly studied compared to invasive populations. Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight, is one of the most costly pathogens of potato and tomato worldwide. Mexico is the centre of origin and diversity of P. infestans and migration events out of Mexico have enormously impacted disease dynamics in North America and Europe. The debate over the origin of the pathogen, and population studies of P. infestans in Mexico, has focused on the Toluca Valley, whereas neighbouring regions have been little studied. We examined the population structure of P. infestans across central Mexico, including samples from Michoacán, Tlaxcala and Toluca. We found high levels of diversity consistent with sexual reproduction in Michoacán and Tlaxcala and population subdivision that was strongly associated with geographic region. We determined that population structure in central Mexico has contributed to diversity in introduced populations based on relatedness of U.S. clonal lineages to Mexican isolates from different regions. Our results suggest that P. infestans exists as a metapopulation in central Mexico, and this population structure could be contributing to the repeated re‐emergence of P. infestans in the United States and elsewhere.
Genetic basis of octanoic acid resistance inDrosophila sechellia: functional analysis of a fine‐mapped region
Authors: Andrade López J. M. , Lanno S. M. , Auerbach J. M. , Moskowitz E. C. , Sligar L. A. , Wittkopp P. J. , Coolon J. D.
Published: December 2016

Drosophila sechelliais a species of fruit fly endemic to the Seychelles islands. Unlike its generalist sister species,D. sechelliahas evolved to be a specialist on the host plantMorinda citrifolia. This specialization is interesting because the plant's fruit contains secondary defence compounds, primarily octanoic acid (OA), that are lethal to most other Drosophilids. Although ecological and behavioural adaptations to this toxic fruit are known, the genetic basis for evolutionary changes inOAresistance is not. Prior work showed that a genomic region on chromosome 3R containing 18 genes has the greatest contribution to differences inOAresistance betweenD. sechelliaandD. simulans. To determine which gene(s) in this region might be involved in the evolutionary change inOAresistance, we knocked down expression of each gene in this region inD. melanogasterwithRNAinterference (RNAi) (i) ubiquitously throughout development, (ii) during only the adult stage and (iii) within specific tissues. We identified three neighbouring genes in theOsirisfamily,Osiris 6(Osi6),Osi7andOsi8, that led to decreasedOAresistance when ubiquitously knocked down. Tissue‐specificRNAi, however, showed that decreasing expression ofOsi6andOsi7specifically in the fat body and/or salivary glands increasedOAresistance. Gene expression analyses ofOsi6andOsi7revealed that while standing levels of expression are higher inD. sechellia,Osi6expression is significantly downregulated in salivary glands in response toOAexposure, suggesting that evolved tissue‐specific environmental plasticity ofOsi6expression may be responsible forOAresistance inD. sechellia.
Analysis of [SWI+] formation and propagation events
Authors: Du Zhiqiang , Goncharoff Dustin Kenneth , Cheng Xudong , Li Liming
Published: December 2016

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, harbors several prions that are transmitted as altered, heritable protein conformations. [SWI+] is one such prion whose determinant is Swi1, a subunit of the evolutionarily conserved chromatin‐remodeling complex SWI/SNF. Despite the importance of Swi1, the molecular events that lead to [SWI+] prionogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we have constructed floccullin‐promoter‐based URA3 reporters for [SWI+] identification. Using these reporters, we show that the spontaneous formation frequency of [SWI+] is significantly higher than that of [PSI+] (prion form of Sup35). We also show that preexisting [PSI+] or [PIN+] (prion form of Rnq1), or overproduction of Swi1 prion‐domain (PrD) can considerably promote Swi1 prionogenesis. Moreover, our data suggest a strain‐specific effect of overproduction of Sse1 – a nucleotide exchange factor of the molecular chaperone Hsp70, and its interaction with another molecular chaperone Hsp104 on [SWI+] maintenance. Additionally, we show that Swi1 aggregates are initially ring/ribbon‐like then become dot‐like in mature [SWI+] cells. In the presence of [PSI+] or [PIN+], Swi1 ring/ribbon‐like aggregates predominantly colocalize with the Sup35 or Rnq1 aggregates; without a preexisting prion, however, such colocalizations are rarely seen during Swi1‐PrD overproduction‐promoted Swi1 prionogenesis. We have thus demonstrated a complex interacting mechanism of yeast prionogenesis.
High‐resolution electrical mapping of porcine gastric slow‐wave propagation from the mucosal surface
Authors: Angeli T. R. , Du P. , Paskaranandavadivel N. , Sathar S. , Hall A. , Asirvatham S. J. , Farrugia G. , Windsor J. A. , Cheng L. K. , O'Grady G.
Published: December 2016

Background

Gastric motility is coordinated by bioelectrical slow waves, and gastric dysrhythmias are reported in motility disorders. High‐resolution (HR) mapping has advanced the accurate assessment of gastric dysrhythmias, offering promise as a diagnostic technique. However, HR mapping has been restricted to invasive surgical serosal access. This study investigates the feasibility of HR mapping from the gastric mucosal surface.

Methods

Experiments were conducted in vivo in 14 weaner pigs. Reference serosal recordings were performed with flexible‐printed‐circuit (FPC) arrays (128‐192 electrodes). Mucosal recordings were performed by two methods: (i) FPC array aligned directly opposite the serosal array, and (ii) cardiac mapping catheter modified for gastric mucosal recordings. Slow‐wave propagation and morphology characteristics were quantified and compared between simultaneous serosal and mucosal recordings.

Key Results

Slow‐wave activity was consistently recorded from the mucosal surface from both electrode arrays. Mucosally recorded slow‐wave propagation was consistent with reference serosal activation pattern, frequency (P≥.3), and velocity (P≥.4). However, mucosally recorded slow‐wave morphology exhibited reduced amplitude (65‐72% reduced, P<.001) and wider downstroke width (18‐31% wider, P≤.02), compared to serosal data. Dysrhythmias were successfully mapped and classified from the mucosal surface, accorded with serosal data, and were consistent with known dysrhythmic mechanisms in the porcine model.

Conclusions & Inferences

High‐resolution gastric electrical mapping was achieved from the mucosal surface, and demonstrated consistent propagation characteristics with serosal data. However, mucosal signal morphology was attenuated, demonstrating necessity for optimized electrode designs and analytical algorithms. This study demonstrates feasibility of endoscopic HR mapping, providing a foundation for advancement of minimally invasive spatiotemporal gastric mapping as a clinical and scientific tool.
Safety and Efficacy of a Pharmacist‐Managed Patient‐Controlled Analgesia Service in Postsurgical Patients
Authors: McGonigal Katrina H. , Giuliano Christopher A. , Hurren Jeff
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of a pharmacist‐managed patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) service with physician/midlevel provider‐managed (standard) PCA services in postsurgical patients.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study performed at 3 major hospitals in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area. Postsurgical patients from October 2012 to December 2013 were included. The primary outcome compared the pain area under the curve adjusted for time on PCA (AUC/T) of patients receiving pharmacist‐managed PCA services vs. standard care, up to 72 hours after initiation of PCA. Secondary outcomes included initial opioid selection, programmed PCA settings, duration of PCA use, frequency of adjunct analgesia utilization, and frequency of breakthrough analgesia utilization. Safety outcomes were assessed as a composite safety endpoint and individually.

Results

Total pain AUC/T scores did not differ between the pharmacist‐managed and standard‐managed groups (3.25 vs. 3.25, respectively; P = 0.98). Adjunct pain medications were given with similar frequency in the 2 groups; however, significantly fewer patients required breakthrough pain medication in the pharmacist‐managed group (11% vs. 36%, respectively; P < 0.0001). A composite endpoint of any adverse event occurring was found to be greater in the pharmacist‐managed group. This was driven by a higher proportion of patients requiring antiemetic use (46% vs. 32%; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

A pharmacist‐managed PCA service provided no difference in pain control compared to standard management. The requirement for breakthrough analgesia was decreased in the pharmacist group, while the need for antiemetic use was increased. Further research should be conducted to evaluate different PCA management strategies.
Does empowerment mediate the effects of psychological factors on mental health, well‐being, and recovery in young people?
Authors: Grealish Annmarie , Tai Sara , Hunter Andrew , Emsley Richard , Murrells Trevor , Morrison Anthony P.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

There is consensus that empowerment is key to recovery from mental health problems, enabling a person to take charge of their life and make informed choices and decisions about their life. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which empowerment affects mental health in young people. The current study involved young people aged 16–29 years and examined empowerment as a potential mediator of the relationship between psychological factors (psychosocial, cognition, coping, and control) and mental health, well‐being, and recovery from personal problems.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, Internet‐based questionnaire study recruited 423 young people aged between 16 and 29 attending universities in England (n = 336) and Ireland (n = 87). Psychological factors, mental well‐being, empowerment, and recovery from personal problems were measured using self‐report measures.

Results

Mediation analysis in both the single and one over‐arching mediator models revealed that empowerment mediates the relationship between psychological factors (psychosocial, self‐efficacy, thinking style, coping, and control) and mental health, well‐being, and recovery from general life problems.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of empowerment, showing that it mediates the relationship between psychological processes and mental health, well‐being, and recovery in young people. Clinical implications for working with young people within mental health services, and facilitating their empowerment are discussed.

Practitioner points

Empowerment is currently a poorly defined concept. This study demonstrates how empowerment mediates the relationship between psychological processes and mental health, well‐being, and recovery in young people.

Clinicians working with young people might benefit from a structured means of understanding and assessing the different ways in which individuals manage their thinking styles.

Empowerment in young people is influenced by the manner in which clinicians facilitate them in establishing social networks in support of employment, education, family/social relations and to encourage young people to take an assertive role in their own care.
Effects of NaCl stress on seed germination and seedling development of Brassica insularis Moris (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Santo A. , Mattana E. , Frigau L. , Marzo Pastor A. , Picher Morelló M. C. , Bacchetta G.
Published: December 2016

Brassica insularis is a protected plant that grows on both coastal and inland cliffs in the western Mediterranean Basin. The objective of this study was to test if any variability exists in the salt stress response during seed germination and seedling development in this species relative to its provenance habitat.

Variability among three populations in the salt stress effects on seed germination and recovery under different temperatures was evaluated. The effect of nebulisation of a salt solution on seedling development was evaluated between populations growing at different distances from the sea.

Seeds of B. insularis could germinate at NaCl concentrations up to 200 mm. Seed viability was negatively affected by salt, and recovery ability decreased with increasing temperature or salinity. Inter‐population variability was detected in salt response during the seed germination phase, as well as in seedling salt spray tolerance. The inland population seedlings had drastically decreased survival and life span and failed to survive to the end of the experiment. In contrast, at least 90% of the coastal seedlings survived, even when sprayed at the highest frequency with salt solution.

This study allowed investigation of two natural factors, soil salinity and marine aerosols, widely present in the B. insularis habitat, and provided the first insights into ecology of this protected species and its distribution in the Mediterranean. These results might be useful in understanding the actual distributions of other species with the same ecology that experience these same abiotic parameters.
JC polyomavirus nephropathy, a rare cause of transplant dysfunction: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Yang Doyle , Keys Brandon , J. Conti David , Foulke Llewellyn , Stellrecht Kathleen , Cook Linda , Lopez‐Soler Reynold I.
Published: December 2016

JC polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (JC‐PVAN) is a rare but challenging cause of renal dysfunction. We report JC‐PVAN in a renal allograft recipient and highlight the obstacles in definitive diagnosis of this disease entity. A deceased‐donor renal transplant recipient was diagnosed with JC polyomavirus nephritis 4 years after transplantation. Immunosuppressive agents were subsequently reduced, resulting in an initial stabilization of renal function. We present this interesting case and discuss the challenges with diagnosing and treating this rare entity.
Attitudes of Students of Croatian Teacher Training Studies towards Music Courses and Self-evaluation of their Playing Skills
Authors: Begić Jasna Šulentić , Begić Amir , Škojo Tihana
Published: December 2016

This paper shows a research, which comprised of 152 students of teacher training studies from the Faculty of Educational in Osijek in the Republic of Croatia. The research was conducted during the academic year 2011/2012 and the main aim was to explore students' attitudes towards the musical courses and a self-evaluation of their own singing and playing skills. The majority of participants were females between twenty and twenty-four years of age. Survey results indicate that participants are generally indifferent towards the musical courses Music theory and Music. This matter should be credited with the fact that the courses, as such, are abstract to anyone who does not have a particular prior knowledge of music. Regarding the course playing, the participants showed more positive attitudes with respect to the courses Music theory and Music. We believe that the reason for it lies in the fact that the students who enrolled the mentioned course acquire the skills of playing i.e. a procedural knowledge of music, and experience the course itself as more useful for them. Self-evaluations of students' playing and singing skills show some insecurity when it comes to playing on their own, as well as their singing, and students show uncertainty regarding their own music teaching competence, respectively.
Impact of Short-term Training in Social Cognition in Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior
Authors: Houssa Marine , Jacobs Emilie , Nader-Grosbois Nathalie
Published: December 2016

In two experimental and exploratory studies, we wanted to test the differentiated effects on preschoolers with externalizing behavior (EB) of two short-term social information processing (SIP) and Theory of Mind (ToM) training sessions, in comparison with typically developing (TD) preschoolers or with preschoolers with EB whom didn’t receive training. Firstly, nineteen preschoolers presenting a high level of EB problems took part in a pre-test session involving direct cognitive and socio-cognitive measures (assessing the understanding of emotions, beliefs and social problem-solving). They were then allocated at random to two experimental groups (ToM or SIP training) and compared to nineteen TD preschoolers who followed the same procedure. Four experimental groups, EB-ToM group (n=9), TD-ToM group (n=9), EB-SIP group (n=10), TD SIP-group (n=10), received short training sessions, which were given by group of three children. All children took part in a post-test session. Secondly, EB-ToM group (n=9) and EB-SIP group (n=10) was compared to a control group of preschoolers with EB problems (n =9). These preschoolers took part in pre-test and post-test sessions. Firstly, we tested whether the effectiveness of the training was specific to children with EB compared to TD children. Although improvement was obtained in typically developing children, larger improvements were found in the population with EB. Secondly, we compared the potential transfer of learning between the two types of experimental training in children with EB problems. Results showed some improvement in ToM and in SIP for both experimental groups. These studies provide some guidelines for training in social cognition aimed at preschoolers who are at risk of or have developed EB disorders.
The internal representation of head orientation differs for conscious perception and balance control
Authors: Dalton Brian H. , Rasman Brandon G. , Inglis J. Timothy , Blouin Jean‐Sébastien
Published: December 2016

Key points

We tested perceived head‐on‐feet orientation and the direction of vestibular‐evoked balance responses in passively and actively held head‐turned postures.

The direction of vestibular‐evoked balance responses was not aligned with perceived head‐on‐feet orientation while maintaining prolonged passively held head‐turned postures. Furthermore, static visual cues of head‐on‐feet orientation did not update the estimate of head posture for the balance controller.

A prolonged actively held head‐turned posture did not elicit a rotation in the direction of the vestibular‐evoked balance response despite a significant rotation in perceived angular head posture.

It is proposed that conscious perception of head posture and the transformation of vestibular signals for standing balance relying on this head posture are not dependent on the same internal representation. Rather, the balance system may operate under its own sensorimotor principles, which are partly independent from perception.

Vestibular signals used for balance control must be integrated with other sensorimotor cues to allow transformation of descending signals according to an internal representation of body configuration. We explored two alternative models of sensorimotor integration that propose (1) a single internal representation of head‐on‐feet orientation is responsible for perceived postural orientation and standing balance or (2) conscious perception and balance control are driven by separate internal representations. During three experiments, participants stood quietly while passively or actively maintaining a prolonged head‐turned posture (>10 min). Throughout the trials, participants intermittently reported their perceived head angular position, and subsequently electrical vestibular stimuli were delivered to elicit whole‐body balance responses. Visual recalibration of head‐on‐feet posture was used to determine whether static visual cues are used to update the internal representation of body configuration for perceived orientation and standing balance. All three experiments involved situations in which the vestibular‐evoked balance response was not orthogonal to perceived head‐on‐feet orientation, regardless of the visual information provided. For prolonged head‐turned postures, balance responses consistent with actual head‐on‐feet posture occurred only during the active condition. Our results indicate that conscious perception of head‐on‐feet posture and vestibular control of balance do not rely on the same internal representation, but instead treat sensorimotor cues in parallel and may arrive at different conclusions regarding head‐on‐feet posture. The balance system appears to bypass static visual cues of postural orientation and mainly use other sensorimotor signals of head‐on‐feet position to transform vestibular signals of head motion, a mechanism appropriate for most daily activities.
Engineering carrier lifetimes in type-II In(Ga)Sb/InAs mid-IR emitters
Authors: Yu Lan , Zhong Yujun , Dev Sukrith , Wasserman Daniel
Published: December 2016

Type-II In(Ga)Sb quantum-confined structures in InAs matrices offer a potential material system for wavelength flexible, high-efficiency, surface-emitting mid-infrared sources. In this work, the authors investigate the carrier dynamics in this material system and demonstrate a number of techniques for engineering carrier lifetimes in such emitters. Samples are grown by molecular beam epitaxy and optically characterized using temperature dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mid-infrared time-resolved photoluminescence. The authors investigate both In(Ga)Sb quantum wells and quantum dots, and demonstrate significant improvements in isolated quantum well emitter carrier lifetimes by controlling quantization in the conduction band, or alternatively, by the formation of InGaSb quantum dot structures in InAs matrices. The authors correlate the engineered improvement in carrier lifetime with the emitters temperature performance of our emitters.
Influence of SiH4 and pressure on PECVD preparation of silicon films with subwavelength structures
Authors: Hernández-Montero William W. , Zúñiga-Islas Carlos , Itzmoyotl-Toxqui Adrián , Molina-Reyes Joel , Serrano-De la Rosa Laura E.
Published: December 2016

Silicon films with subwavelength structures were prepared on flexible polyimide by plasma deposition. Resulting films exhibited high photosensitivity and high stability. The varied parameters were pressure and silane (SiH4) flow, while power, frequency, temperature, and hydrogen (H2) flow were fixed. Pressure was set at 0.7 or 1.3 Torr, while the SiH4 flow rate was set at 10, 50, or 100 sccm. Similar characteristics were observed for the films when the same SiH4 flow rate was used, despite pressure variations. Deposition rate from 0.94 to 5.86 Å/s, optical gap from 1.6 to 2 eV, and embedded nanocrystals in the range of 2–6 nm were the main characteristics of our films. Subwavelength structures from 102 to 287 nm in diameter were observed. These structures scatter the photons and thus improve absorptance, photosensitivity, and mobility-lifetime product. The structural and optoelectronic properties of these films showed a high correlation with the silane concentration obtained from the partial pressure of SiH4 and H2.
In-depth study of the physics behind resistive switching in TiN/Ti/HfO2/W structures
Authors: González-Cordero Gerardo , Jiménez-Molinos Francisco , Roldán Juan Bautista , González Mireia Bargallo , Campabadal Francesca
Published: December 2016

A physical simulation procedure was used to describe the processes behind the operation of devices based on TiN/Ti/HfO2/W structures. The equations describing the creation and destruction of conductive filaments formed by oxygen vacancies are solved in addition to the heat equation. The resistances connected with the metal electrodes were also considered. Resistive random access memories analyzed were fabricated, and many of the characteristics of the experimental data were reproduced with accuracy. Truncated-cone shaped filaments were employed in the model developed with metallic-like transport characteristics. A hopping current was also taken into account to describe the electron transport between the filament tip and the electrode. Hopping current is an essential component in the device high resistance state.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rothia aeria Type Strain JCM 11412, Isolated from Air in the Russian Space Laboratory Mir
Authors: Nambu Takayuki , Tsuzukibashi Osamu , Uchibori Satoshi , Yamane Kazuyoshi , Yamanaka Takeshi , Maruyama Hugo , Wang Pao-Li , Mugita Naho , Morioka Hiroki , Takahashi Kazuya , Komasa Yutaka , Mashimo Chiho
Published: December 2016

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Rothia aeria
type strain JCM 11412, isolated from air in the Russian space laboratory Mir. Recently, there has been an increasing number of reports on infections caused by
R. aeria
. The genomic information will enable researchers to identify the pathogenicity of this organism.
Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm with spontaneous resolution in the setting of an artery of Adamkiewicz
Authors: Agarwal Aanchal , Weerakkody Yuranga , Marshall Martin , Singh Tejinder
Published: December 2016

We report an extremely unique and previously unreported case of a pseudoaneurysm arising from an intercostal artery that also gave origin to the artery of Adamkiewicz. Due to the potential risk of losing the artery of Adamkiewicz, a conservative approach was indicated. On short interval follow-up imaging, the pseudoaneurysm and associated hematoma spontaneously resolved with preservation of the intercostal artery. We performed a literature review of the natural course of pseudoaneurysm as well as their occurrence in the intercostal arteries.
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome with concomitant seminoma and Sertoli cell adenoma: an unusual combination
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Balamurugan , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Malhotra Neena , Chandrashekhara Sheragaru Hanumanthappa
Published: December 2016

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a rare disorder of sex development and its clinical manifestations vary from subtle male infertility to an overt complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) with a female phenotype. CAIS is often diagnosed at puberty or in adolescence during investigation for primary amenorrhoea. Undiagnosed patients have an increased risk of development of malignancy in the harboured testes. Inguinal hernia is the commonest mode of presentation of CAIS in childhood and various screening methods are available during the initial herniorrhaphy procedure. Controversy exists in the need to screen and the methods of screening in all cases of premenstrual girls with inguinal hernia. Abnormal observation in a suspicious case requires karyotyping for confirmation. We describe a case of CAIS with simultaneous presence of seminoma and a Sertoli cell adenoma in a 17-year-old patient who had a history of surgery for inguinal hernia at age of 5 years.
The Synergy of Scientometric Analysis and Knowledge Mapping with Topic Models: Modelling the Development Trajectories of Information Security and Cyber-Security Research
Authors: Chang Hsia-Ching
Published: December 2016

An important part of an organisation’s mission is protecting its information assets from inside or outside threats. As the information environment has become more diverse and inclusive, security concern has shifted from information assets resided in the organisation to information assets and networked devices exposed to broader cyberspace, such as cloud or Internet of things environment and mobile Internet. Organisations have to keep up with the knowledge and trends in information security and cyber-security to safeguard their information assets. Knowledge mapping will aid in this sort of knowledge management process. Mandatory standards and government regulations help industries establish best practices in cyber-security. Knowledge mapping and scientometric analysis across disciplines also provide a tracking system to notify researchers and practitioners should the new solutions and technology facilitating threat detection emerge. While various topics in information security and cyber-security have been extensively investigated in academia, identifying salient themes and development trajectories in information security and cyber-security research is relatively unexplored. This study employs scientometric analysis and topic modelling to develop knowledge maps that visualise core concepts associated with information security and cyber-security research over time and across disciplines. With scientometric analysis and knowledge mapping using topic models, this study identifies the commonality, difference, and relationship between information security and cyber-security research domains. This approach could gain insights into how these research areas have evolved and might be improved concerning learning and teaching cyber-security. The proposed approach to developing the knowledge map may be extended to other research areas.
Stabilization of meso-tetraferrocenyl-porphyrin films by formation of composite with Prussian blue
Authors: Toledo Kalil Cristhian Figueiredo , Pires Bruno Morandi , Bonacin Juliano Alves , Iglesias Bernardo Almeida
Published: December 2016

Supramolecular systems based on porphyrin-ferrocene have attracted the attention to inorganic electrochemistry due to unique electronic properties and synergic behavior between porphyrin ring and peripheral ferrocene group. In order to improve the stability of the films of ferrocenyl-porphyrin on electrode’s surface, we used a combination of tetraferrocenylporphyrin and Prussian blue. The new structure formed was very stable and could be used in dopamine sensing, showing satisfactory analytical response comparable to other chemically modified electrodes the described in the literature.
Synthesis and properties ofB-cyano-BODIPYs
Authors: Nguyen Alex L. , Wang Maodie , Bobadova-Parvanova Petia , Do Quynh , Zhou Zehua , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Vicente M. Graça H.
Published: December 2016

A series of boron-functionalized BODIPY dyes with cyano groups were prepared from their corresponding BF2derivatives using SnCl4/TMSCN at room temperature for 10 min. Replacement of the fluorines by cyano groups reduces the B–N bond lengths, decreases the charge on boron, and causes characteristic [Formula: see text]B NMR chemical shifts. The 4,4[Formula: see text]-dicyano-BODIPYs show significantly enhanced stability to acidic conditions (excess TFA) and, with one exception, enhanced fluorescence quantum yields. Furthermore, the B(CN)2-BODIPYs were non-cytotoxic to HEp2 cells, both in the dark and upon exposure to light (1.5 J/cm[Formula: see text], and rapidly accumulated within cells, localizing mainly in the lysosomes, ER and Golgi.
Emergence and Transition in London’s Climate Change Adaptation Pathways
Authors: Pelling Mark , Abeling Thomas , Garschagen Matthias
Published: December 2016

Climate change adaptation coevolves with urban development trajectories presenting decision-makers with a choice of positioning adaptation to protect or revise development. This relational view of adaptation in the context of large cities opens questions on the ways in which city and other actors interact. This interaction may be as or more important than resource and information access for shaping the adaptive capacity and direction of such assemblages. Transitions between modes of adaptation are little understood and will likely combine autonomous and deliberate change both incremental and transformative. Using London as a case study, the paper identifies the contemporary adaptation regime to extreme events and its lines of movement. Interviews and a scenario workshop with resilience planners and emergency managers show the orientation of London’s adaptation is firmly positioned in a mode of resilience, protecting development through flexibility. Maintaining resilience to extremes under conditions of economic austerity is seen to result in the shifting of risk management burdens onto those at risk. Self-reliance is emerging as a mechanism for deepening the resilience mode of adaptation. At the same time, when considering potential risks for extreme events in 2035, most planners express a desire for more transformative adaptation that can tackle root causes in social conditions. A gap is revealed between the professional judgment of risk and resilience planning needs and likely trajectories constrained by national administrations and policy.
Why septal motion is a marker of right ventricular failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension: mechanistic analysis using a computer model
Authors: Palau-Caballero Georgina , Walmsley John , Van Empel Vanessa , Lumens Joost , Delhaas Tammo
Published: December 2016

Rapid leftward septal motion (RLSM) during early left ventricular (LV) diastole is observed in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). RLSM exacerbates right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction and impairs LV filling. Increased RV wall tension caused by increased RV afterload has been suggested to cause interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM in PAH. Simulations using the CircAdapt computational model were used to unravel the mechanism underlying RLSM by mechanistically linking myocardial tissue and pump function. Simulations of healthy circulation and mild, moderate, and severe PAH were performed. We also assessed the effects on RLSM when PAH coexists with RV or LV contractile dysfunction. Our results showed prolonged RV shortening in PAH causing interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. RLSM was observed in both moderate and severe PAH. A negative transseptal pressure gradient only occurred in severe PAH, demonstrating that negative pressure gradient does not entirely explain septal motion abnormalities. PAH coexisting with RV contractile dysfunction exacerbated both interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. LV contractile dysfunction reduced both interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. In conclusion, dyssynchrony in ventricular relaxation causes RLSM in PAH. Onset of RLSM in patients with PAH appears to indicate a worsening in RV function and hence can be used as a sign of RV failure. However, altered RLSM does not necessarily imply an altered RV afterload, but it can also indicate altered interplay of RV and LV contractile function. Reduction of RLSM can result from either improved RV function or a deterioration of LV function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel approach describes the mechanism underlying abnormal septal dynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Change in motion is not uniquely induced by altered right ventricular afterload, but also by altered ventricular relaxation dyssynchrony. Extension or change in motion is a marker reflecting interplay between right and left ventricular contractility.
Orexin signaling in rostral lateral hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens shell in the control of spontaneous physical activity in high- and low-activity rats
Authors: Perez-Leighton Claudio , Little Morgan R. , Grace Martha , Billington Charles , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: December 2016

Spontaneous physical activity (SPA) describes activity outside of formal exercise and shows large interindividual variability. The hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin peptides are key regulators of SPA. Orexins drive SPA within multiple brain sites, including rostral lateral hypothalamus (LH) and nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh). Rats with high basal SPA (high activity, HA) show higher orexin mRNA expression and SPA after injection of orexin-A in rostral LH compared with low-activity (LA) rats. Here, we explored the contribution of orexin signaling in rostral LH and NAcSh to the HA/LA phenotype. We found that HA rats have higher sensitivity to SPA after injection of orexin-A in rostral LH, but not in NAcSh. HA and LA rats showed similar levels of orexin receptor expression in rostral LH, and activation of orexin-producing neurons after orexin-A injection in rostral LH. Also, in HA and LA rats, the coinjection of orexin-A in rostral LH and NAcSh failed to further increase SPA beyond the effects of orexin-A in rostral LH. Pretreatment with muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, in NAcSh potentiated SPA produced by orexin-A injection in rostral LH in HA but not in LA rats. Our results suggest that a feedback loop from orexin-responsive neurons in rostral LH to orexin neurons and a the NAcSh–orexin neuron–rostral LH circuit regulate SPA. Overall, our data suggest that differences in orexin sensitivity in rostral LH and its modulation by GABA afferents from NAcSh contribute to individual SPA differences.
Assessment of airway response distribution and paradoxical airway dilation in mice during methacholine challenge
Authors: Dubsky S. , Zosky G. R. , Perks K. , Samarage C. R. , Henon Y. , Hooper S. B. , Fouras A.
Published: December 2016

Detailed information on the distribution of airway diameters during bronchoconstriction in situ is required to understand the regional response of the lungs. Imaging studies using computed tomography (CT) have previously measured airway diameters and changes in response to bronchoconstricting agents, but the manual measurements used have severely limited the number of airways measured per subject. Hence, the detailed distribution and heterogeneity of airway responses are unknown. We have developed and applied dynamic imaging and advanced image-processing methods to quantify and compare hundreds of airways in vivo. The method, based on CT, was applied to house dust-mite-sensitized and control mice during intravenous methacholine (MCh) infusion. Airway diameters were measured pre- and post-MCh challenge, and the results compared demonstrate the distribution of airway response throughout the lungs during mechanical ventilation. Forced oscillation testing was used to measure the global response in lung mechanics. We found marked heterogeneity in the response, with paradoxical dilation of airways present at all airway sizes. The probability of paradoxical dilation decreased with decreasing baseline airway diameter and was not affected by pre-existing inflammation. The results confirm the importance of considering the lung as an entire interconnected system rather than a collection of independent units. It is hoped that the response distribution measurements can help to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to heterogeneous airway response in vivo.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Information on the distribution of airway diameters during bronchoconstriction in situ is critical for understanding the regional response of the lungs. We have developed an imaging method to quantify and compare the size of hundreds of airways in vivo during bronchoconstriction in mice. The results demonstrate large heterogeneity with both constriction and paradoxical dilation of airways, confirming the importance of considering the lung as an interconnected system rather than a collection of independent units.
An Introduction to B-Cell Epitope Mapping and In Silico Epitope Prediction
Authors: Potocnakova Lenka , Bhide Mangesh , Pulzova Lucia Borszekova
Published: December 2016

Identification of B-cell epitopes is a fundamental step for development of epitope-based vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and diagnostic tools. Epitope-based antibodies are currently the most promising class of biopharmaceuticals. In the last decade, in-depth in silico analysis and categorization of the experimentally identified epitopes stimulated development of algorithms for epitope prediction. Recently, various in silico tools are employed in attempts to predict B-cell epitopes based on sequence and/or structural data. The main objective of epitope identification is to replace an antigen in the immunization, antibody production, and serodiagnosis. The accurate identification of B-cell epitopes still presents major challenges for immunologists. Advances in B-cell epitope mapping and computational prediction have yielded molecular insights into the process of biorecognition and formation of antigen-antibody complex, which may help to localize B-cell epitopes more precisely. In this paper, we have comprehensively reviewed state-of-the-art experimental methods for B-cell epitope identification, existing databases for epitopes, and novel in silico resources and prediction tools available online. We have also elaborated new trends in the antibody-based epitope prediction. The aim of this review is to assist researchers in identification of B-cell epitopes.
Approach for Classification and Severity Grading of Long-term and Late-Onset Health Events among Childhood Cancer Survivors in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Hudson Melissa M. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Bhakta Nickhill , Baassiri Malek , Eissa Hesham , Chemaitilly Wassim , Green Daniel M. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Brinkman Tara M. , Klosky James L. , Krull Kevin R. , Sabin Noah D. , Wilson Carmen L. , Huang I-Chan , Bass Johnnie K. , Hale Karen , Kaste Sue , Khan Raja B. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Yasui Yutaka , Joshi Vijaya M. , Srinivasan Saumini , Stokes Dennis , Hoehn Mary Ellen , Wilson Matthew , Ness Kirsten K. , Robison Leslie L.
Published: December 2016

Characterization of toxicity associated with cancer and its treatment is essential to quantify risk, inform optimization of therapeutic approaches for newly diagnosed patients, and guide health surveillance recommendations for long-term survivors. The NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) provides a common rubric for grading severity of adverse outcomes in cancer patients that is widely used in clinical trials. The CTCAE has also been used to assess late cancer treatment-related morbidity but is not fully representative of the spectrum of events experienced by pediatric and aging adult survivors of childhood cancer. Also, CTCAE characterization does not routinely integrate detailed patient-reported and medical outcomes data available from clinically assessed cohorts. To address these deficiencies, we standardized the severity grading of long-term and late-onset health events applicable to childhood cancer survivors across their lifespan by modifying the existing CTCAE v4.03 criteria and aligning grading rubrics from other sources for chronic conditions not included or optimally addressed in the CTCAE v4.03. This article describes the methods of late toxicity assessment used in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, a clinically assessed cohort in which data from multiple diagnostic modalities and patient-reported outcomes are ascertained. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 666–74. ©2016 AACR.