bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide Ideation and Acceptability Toward Online Help‐Seeking
Authors: Wilks Chelsey R. , Coyle Trevor N. , Krek Maya , Lungu Anita , Andriani Kohjiro
Published: May 2017

Suicidal individuals are unlikely to engage in face‐to‐face treatment. The Internet is emerging as an innovative approach for intervention delivery, particularly for those unable or unwilling to attend traditional treatment. Participants (N = 459) were recruited to fill out online questionnaires on suicide ideation and help‐seeking modality preference. The majority of participants endorsed preferring face‐to‐face help over web‐based help. Results from multinominal logistic regression indicated that suicide ideation was significantly related to preferring online methods versus face‐to‐face methods. This study highlights that the Internet can provide a novel platform to treat individuals at risk of suicide.
The First World War in the Literacy‐Focused Classroom: Teaching German through Cultural Themes
Authors: Redmann Jennifer , Sederberg Kathryn
Published: May 2017

This article offers approaches to the topic of the First World War at the intermediate and advanced levels of the German curriculum through thematically diverse WWI‐era cultural texts. By situating the texts within a multiliteracies framework, the authors demonstrate how this historical and literary content can provide authentic material for foreign language teaching. A model for “reading diagonally” across textual genres and forms, along with suggested texts for intermediate and upper‐level German courses, is presented as a means of building students' literacy skills. The war themes addressed in the texts include the mobilization of children, gender and war, art and propaganda, the discourses of nationalism and patriotism, and war and memory. The article concludes with suggestions for student assessment aligned with literacy learning objectives. The appendix includes an annotated list of useful websites on WWI for German instructors as well as classroom materials for Else Ury's Nesthäkchen im Weltkrieg () and a graphic novel version of Erich Maria Remarque's Im Westen Nichts Neues ().
A risk‐adapted approach to treating respiratory syncytial virus and human parainfluenza virus in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients with oral ribavirin therapy: A pilot study
Authors: Piñana José Luis , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Calabuig Marisa , Ballester Isabel , Marín Manuela , Madrid Silvia , Teruel Anabel , Terol María‐José , Navarro David , Solano Carlos
Published: May 2017

Here we report the applicability of a protocol based on clinical conditions and risk factors (RFs) for managing 35 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) recipients who developed a total of 52 episodes of respiratory viral infections (RVIs) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; n=19), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV; n=29), or both (n=4) over a 2‐year study period. Risk categories were classified as high risk (cat‐1) when the immunodeficiency scoring index was ≥3 and/or ≥3 RFs and/or ≥1 co‐infective virus(es) were present; the remaining cases were classified as low risk (cat‐0). The presence of two or more signs or symptoms including fever (T>38 °C), sinusitis, otitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, or baseline C‐reactive protein increased by >2‐fold at the time of the RVI, was considered a clinically‐intense episode (CIE). Overall, 34 out of 52 episodes (65%) were limited to upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Overall, 26 (50%) received oral ribavirin. Twenty‐four of 40 (60%) cat‐1 episodes were treated, compared to 2 of 12 (17%) cat‐0 RVIs (P=.01), while 17 of the 25 (68%) CIEs were treated compared to 9 of the remaining 27 (33%) episodes (P=.02). Regardless of antiviral therapy, the overall resolution rate was 100% for URTI and 95% for lower respiratory tract infection; the virus‐related mortality was low (4%). In conclusion, the use of a risk‐adapted protocol to guide therapeutic decisions for allo‐HSCT recipients with RSV or HPIV RVIs is feasible and may limit unnecessary antiviral therapy.
Analysis of transcriptional and epigenetic changes in hybrid vigor of allopolyploid Brassica napus uncovers key roles for small RNAs
Authors: Shen Yifei , Sun Shuo , Hua Shuijin , Shen Enhui , Ye Chu‐Yu , Cai Daguang , Timko Michael P. , Zhu Qian‐Hao , Fan Longjiang
Published: May 2017

Heterosis is a fundamental biological phenomenon characterized by the superior performance of a hybrid compared with its parents. The underlying molecular basis for heterosis, particularly for allopolyploids, remains elusive. In this study we analyzed the transcriptomes of Brassica napus parental lines and their F1 hybrids at three stages of early flower development. Phenotypically, the F1 hybrids show remarkable heterosis in silique number and grain yield. Transcriptome analysis revealed that various phytohormone (auxin and salicylic acid) response genes are significantly altered in the F1 hybrids relative to the parental lines. We also found evidence for decreased expression divergence of the homoeologous gene pairs in the allopolyploid F1 hybrids and suggest that high‐parental expression‐level dominance plays an important role in heterosis. Small RNA and methylation studies aimed at examining the epigenetic effect of the changes in gene expression level in the F1 hybrids showed that the majority of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) clusters had a higher expression level in the F1 hybrids than in the parents, and that there was an increase in genome‐wide DNA methylation in the F1 hybrid. Transposable elements associated with siRNA clusters had a higher level of methylation and a lower expression level in the F1 hybrid, implying that the non‐additively expressed siRNA clusters resulted in lower activity of the transposable elements through DNA methylation in the hybrid. Our data provide insights into the role that changes in gene expression pattern and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to heterosis during early flower development in allopolyploid B. napus.
Hematologic and biochemical RIs for an aged population of captive African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus)
Authors: Scallan Elizabeth M. , Sample Saundra H. , Beierschmitt Amy M. , Palmour Roberta M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Established RIs for geriatric African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) are critical for clinical differentiation of normal aging from disease‐related changes in this population.

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish hematologic and serum biochemical RIs for a Caribbean captive population of geriatric (≥ 15 years of age) African Green monkeys, or Vervets.

Methods

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for a cohort of 109 healthy, aged (15‐ to 30‐year‐old, median 19‐year‐old) Vervets. Both male (34) and female (75) monkeys were included in RI generation. Complete manual and analyzer‐generated blood counts and serum biochemistry profiles were performed at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies. All results were evaluated using Reference Value Advisor. Isolated outliers were identified using Dixon's outlier range statistic and not included in determination of RIs for individual analytes. Reference intervals were determined using parametric and nonparametric methods depending on the distribution. Data, including mean, median, maximum, and minimum values, were tabulated.

Results

Of the 109 animals, 12 monkeys were excluded due to abnormal physical examination results (2 monkeys), and ≥ 2 confirmed outliers (9 monkeys), or evidence of disease based on laboratory data (one monkey).

Conclusions

This study provides useful RIs for assessment of hematology and serum biochemical variables in a geriatric population of African Green monkeys in the Caribbean.
Assembling a state‐wide patient blood management program as a standard of care: the Western Australian experience
Authors: Gallagher T. , Leahy M. F. , Darby S. , Campbell L. , Howman R. , Watts S. , Vodanovich M. , Tovey J. , Esson A. , Koay A.
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

Patient blood management (PBM) programs seek to improve clinical outcomes by avoiding unnecessary exposure to blood products. Recognising the risks of anaemia and immunomodulatory impacts of transfusions, PBM uses multidisciplinary and multimodal preventive measures to reduce the need for transfusions. To our knowledge, the Western Australian patient blood management program is the first specifically state‐government funded state‐wide program. We describe the implementation process and outcomes of this unique program from 2008 to 2015.

Materials and Methods

Implementation was undertaken within four metropolitan tertiary hospitals using a multimodal, multidisciplinary team approach. This included appointment of hospital‐based PBM medical and nursing staff, education of clinical staff, provision of individualised data to support change in clinical practice, development of care pathways to ensure screening and correction of preoperative anaemia and involvement of primary care.

Results

These interventions achieved a decline in transfusion rates and red cell utilisation despite an increasing population and hospital activity.

Conclusion

Key elements of program success included appointment of hospital‐based PBM staff, establishment of multidisciplinary committees with support from enthusiastic clinical staff, data provision to hospital departments and the national and international context in which this work occurred. Lessons learned included overestimating the value of staff education and culture change alone.
Colonic or ileocecocolic volvulus in 13 dogs (2005‐2016)
Authors: Plavec Tanja , Rupp Stefan , Kessler Martin
Published: May 2017

Objective

To describe the clinical and clinicopathological features of colonic or ileocecocolic volvulus (CV/ICV) in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Thirteen dogs with surgically confirmed CV/ICV.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, medical history, clinical signs, laboratory data, radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome.

Results

All cases consisted of large‐breed dogs (median weight 37.1 kg, range, 22.7‐58.5 kg), 8 of these male (6 intact). The most common clinical signs included vomiting, depression, inappetence, and diarrhea with or without tenesmus. All cases presented in shock with abdominal distension, abdominal pain, or both. Dogs were treated for shock and operated immediately after a presumptive diagnosis was based on clinical and radiographic examinations. Three dogs were euthanatized during surgery, 10 dogs were discharged live from the hospital, 9 of these were alive at follow‐up 6 to 70 months (median 24 months) after surgery.

Conclusion

CV and ICV are rare disorders that seem to carry a better prognosis than mesenteric volvulus. Immediate laparotomy is recommended in suspected cases and the prognosis is fair.
First results on biostimulation of denitrifying activated sludge using low frequency ultrasound
Authors: Ben youcef Nabil , Pauss André , Sarde Claude‐Olivier , Mameri Nabil , Lounici Hakim , Abdi Nadia
Published: May 2017

Reduction of nitrate to nitrogen is critical for wastewater treatment process. The present work proposed a promising approach to improve the activity of denitrifying activated sludge by using low frequency ultrasonic treatment. Batch activity assays showed that when ultrasound was applied, denitrification performance was 2.64 higher than the control. Kinetic analysis of nitrate removal rate versus ultrasonic power and duty cycle was performed to investigate the effect of operational parameters on activated sludge activities. The best stimulating effect was observed at 40 W ultrasonic power and 40% duty cycle. The above results demonstrated that ultrasonic stimulation can be used as a technique for enhancing bacterial activities for water treatment. Studies of other parameters that also affect the denitrification under ultrasound are under way.
Gender Inequality and Role-strained among Male Nursing Students in Selected Nursing Institution, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Folami Florence F.
Published: May 2017

Gender discrimination remains problem in the world as a whole and unfortunately, nursing profession is not immune to this problem. Gender discrimination is rejection or restriction made on the basis of socially constructed gender roles which prevents a person from relishing full human rights. Role strain has been defined as when an individual is likely to experience tension in coping with the rations of dissenting roles. Role strain can occur when the men in nursing are observed by lecturers and peers to occupy a female role distinct with their masculine gender which may lead to diminishment of their individual contribution. Simple random sampling method was used to select nursing institutions that was included in the study and convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents that partook in the study. The study population is male nursing students from 200 level-500 level of the selected nursing institutions. A questionnaire including measures of gender role identity and perceived gender relevance of careers was administered to 205 male student nurses from three nursing institutions. The results showed that 32% of the respondents had not experienced gender bias during nursing school, whereas 68% reported gender bias from the lecturers and the nursing staff. This study has implications for nursing profession that address the current predicament in the nursing field caused by discrimination and social isolation that man face. Therefore, Nursing and Midwifery council of Nigeria should develop a strategic plan to addresses the eradication of discrimination and racism in and by the nursing profession.
Key determinants of selective binding and activation by the monocyte chemoattractant proteins at the chemokine receptor CCR2
Authors: Huma Zil E. , Sanchez Julie , Lim Herman D. , Bridgford Jessica L. , Huang Cheng , Parker Bradyn J. , Pazhamalil Jiann G. , Porebski Benjamin T. , Pfleger Kevin D. G. , Lane J. Robert , Canals Meritxell , Stone Martin J.
Published: May 2017

Structure-function analysis of chemokines and their shared receptor may aid in the development of small-molecule inhibitors.
A cryo-EM–based model of phosphorylation- and FKBP12.6-mediated allosterism of the cardiac ryanodine receptor
Authors: Dhindwal Sonali , Lobo Joshua , Cabra Vanessa , Santiago Demetrio J. , Nayak Ashok R. , Dryden Kelly , Samsó Montserrat
Published: May 2017

Conformational rigidity of the cardiac intracellular Ca
2+
channel RyR2 may be enhanced by FKBP12.6 binding and reduced by phosphorylation.
Androgen receptor inhibitor–induced “BRCAness” and PARP inhibition are synthetically lethal for castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Li Likun , Karanika Styliani , Yang Guang , Wang Jiangxiang , Park Sanghee , Broom Bradley M. , Manyam Ganiraju C. , Wu Wenhui , Luo Yong , Basourakos Spyridon , Song Jian H. , Gallick Gary E. , Karantanos Theodoros , Korentzelos Dimitrios , Azad Abul Kalam , Kim Jeri , Corn Paul G. , Aparicio Ana M. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Troncoso Patricia , Heffernan Timothy , Toniatti Carlo , Lee Hyun-Sung , Lee Ju-Seog , Zuo Xuemei , Chang Wenjun , Yin Jianhua , Thompson Timothy C.
Published: May 2017

Androgen receptor inhibition induces a “BRCAness” state that may be exploited with PARP inhibitors in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Differential Activity of the Oral Glucan Synthase Inhibitor SCY-078 against Wild-Type and Echinocandin-Resistant Strains of Candida Species
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Messer Shawn A. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Borroto-Esoda Katyna , Castanheira Mariana
Published: May 2017

SCY-078 (formerly MK-3118) is a novel orally active inhibitor of fungal β-(1,3)-glucan synthase (GS). SCY-078 is a derivative of enfumafungin and is structurally distinct from the echinocandin class of antifungal agents. We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of this compound against wild-type (WT) and echinocandin-resistant isolates containing mutations in the
FKS
genes of
Candida
spp. Against 36
Candida
spp.
FKS
mutants tested, 30 (83.3%) were non-WT to 1 or more echinocandins, and only 9 (25.0%) were non-WT (MIC, >WT-upper limit) to SCY-078. Among
C. glabrata
isolates carrying
FKS
alterations, 84.0% were non-WT to the echinocandins versus only 24.0% for SCY-078. In contrast to the echinocandin comparators, the activity of SCY-078 was minimally affected by the presence of
FKS
mutations, suggesting that this agent is useful in the treatment of
Candida
infections due to echinocandin-resistant strains.
Impact of HIV-1 Integrase L74F and V75I Mutations in a Clinical Isolate on Resistance to Second-Generation Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
Authors: Hachiya Atsuko , Kirby Karen A. , Ido Yoko , Shigemi Urara , Matsuda Masakazu , Okazaki Reiko , Imamura Junji , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Iwatani Yasumasa
Published: May 2017

A novel HIV-1 integrase mutation pattern, L74F V75I, which conferred resistance to first-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), was identified in a clinical case with virological failure under a raltegravir-based regimen. Addition of L74F V75I to N155H or G140S Q148H increased resistance levels to the second-generation INSTIs dolutegravir (>385- and 100-fold, respectively) and cabotegravir (153- and 197-fold, respectively). These findings are important for the development of an accurate system for interpretation of INSTI resistance and the rational design of next-generation INSTIs.
Coadministration of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Contrast Medium Does Not Increase Risk of Kidney Injury
Authors: O'Horo John C. , Osmon Douglas R. , Abu Saleh Omar M. , Marcelin Jasmine R. , Gharaibeh Kamel A. , Hamadah Abdurrahman M. , Barwise Amelia K. , Kayhart Bryce M. , McDonald Jennifer S. , McDonald Robert J. , Leung Nelson
Published: May 2017

Intravenous radiographic contrast medium and amphotericin B are commonly required in the care of patients with fungal infections. Both interventions have proposed nephrotoxicity through similar mechanisms. We systematically examined patients who received coadministration of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome; GE Healthcare) and intravenous contrast medium within a 24-h period and compared the results for those patients with the results for patients who underwent non-contrast medium studies. We found 114 cases and 85 controls during our study period. Overall, no increased risk of renal injury was seen with coadministration of these 2 agents. Adjustment for age, baseline kidney function, and other clinical factors through propensity score adjustment did not change this result. Our observations suggest that, when clinically indicated, coadministration of contrast medium and liposomal amphotericin B does not present excess risk compared with that from the administration of liposomal amphotericin B alone.
Clonal Dissemination of OXA-232 Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Neonates
Authors: Yin Dandan , Dong Dong , Li Ke , Zhang Lei , Liang Jianliang , Yang Yang , Wu Nana , Bao Yiyan , Wang Chuanqing , Hu Fupin
Published: May 2017

Five OXA-232 carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates, belonging to the pandemic clone sequence type 15 (ST15), were isolated from neonates and coproduced
bla
CTX-M-15
and
bla
SHV-1
genes. All isolates were resistant to ertapenem (MICs of >32 μg/ml) and meropenem (MICs of 4 to 8 μg/ml) and susceptible or intermediate to imipenem (MICs of 1 to 2 μg/ml). The
bla
OXA-232
gene was located on a ColE-type transformable plasmid of 6,141 bp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of OXA-232 carbapenemase among clinical isolates in China.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of a Novel Synthetic Cyclic Lipopeptide against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans UA159
Authors: Min Kyung R. , Galvis Adriana , Williams Brandon , Rayala Ramanjaneyulu , Cudic Predrag , Ajdic Dragana
Published: May 2017

Despite continuous efforts to control cariogenic dental biofilms, very few effective antimicrobial treatments exist. In this study, we characterized the activity of the novel synthetic cyclic lipopeptide 4 (CLP-4), derived from fusaricidin, against the cariogenic pathogenStreptococcus mutansUA159. We determined CLP-4's MIC, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and spontaneous resistance frequency, and we performed time-kill assays. Additionally, we assessed CLP-4's potential to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate preformed biofilms. Our results demonstrate that CLP-4 has strong antibacterial activityin vitroand is a potent bactericidal agent with low spontaneous resistance frequency. At a low concentration of 5 μg/ml, CLP-4 completely inhibitedS. mutansUA159 biofilm formation, and at 50 μg/ml, it reduced the viability of established biofilms by >99.99%. We also assessed CLP-4's cytotoxicity and stability against proteolytic digestion. CLP-4 withstood trypsin or chymotrypsin digestion even after treatment for 24 h, and our toxicity studies showed that CLP-4 effective concentrations had negligible effects on hemolysis and the viability of human oral fibroblasts. In summary, our findings showed that CLP-4 is a potent antibacterial and antibiofilm agent with remarkable stability and low nonspecific cytotoxicity. Hence, CLP-4 is a promising novel antimicrobial peptide with potential for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of dental caries.
Phenotype and Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection
Authors: Su Lingkai , Xu Qingan , Zhang Ping , Michalek Suzanne M. , Katz Jannet
Published: May 2017

Porphyromonas gingivalis
, a major etiologic agent of periodontitis, has been reported to induce the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC); however, little is known regarding the subpopulations of MDSC expanded by
P. gingivalis
infection. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate bone marrow and spleen cells from mice infected with
P. gingivalis
and controls for surface expression of CD11b, Ly6G, and Ly6C. To characterize the phenotype of MDSC subpopulations induced by infection, cells were sorted based on the differential expression of Ly6G and Ly6C. Moreover, since MDSC are suppressors of T cell immune activity, we determined the effect of the induced subpopulations of MDSC on the proliferative response of OVA-specific CD4
+
T cells. Lastly, the plasticity of MDSC to differentiate into osteoclasts was assessed by staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity.
P. gingivalis
infection induced the expansion of three subpopulations of MDSC (Ly6G
++
Ly6C
+
, Ly6G
+
Ly6C
++
, and Ly6G
+
Ly6C
+
); however, only CD11b
+
Ly6G
+
Ly6C
++
-expressing cells exerted a significant suppressive effect on T cell proliferation. Inhibition of proliferative responses required T cell-MDSC contact and was mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase and cationic amino acid transporter 2 via gamma interferon. Furthermore, only the CD11b
+
Ly6G
+
Ly6C
++
subpopulation of MDSC induced by
P. gingivalis
infection was able to differentiate into osteoclasts. Thus, the inflammatory response induced by
P. gingivalis
infection promotes the expansion of immune-suppressive cells and consequently the development of regulatory inhibitors that curtail the host response. Moreover, monocytic MDSC have the plasticity to differentiate into OC, thus perhaps contributing to the OC pool in states of periodontal disease.
Vacuolation Activity and Intracellular Trafficking of ArtB, the Binding Subunit of an AB5 Toxin Produced by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi
Authors: Herdman Brock P. , Paton James C. , Wang Hui , Beddoe Travis , Paton Adrienne W.
Published: May 2017

Various
Salmonella enterica
serovars, including
S. enterica
serovar Typhi, encode an AB5 toxin (ArtAB), the A subunit of which is an ADP-ribosyltransferase related to the S1 subunit of pertussis toxin. However, although the A subunit is able to catalyze ADP-ribosylation of host G proteins, a cytotoxic phenotype has yet to be identified for the holotoxin. Here we show that its B subunit pentamer (ArtB) binds to receptors on the surface of Vero (African green monkey kidney) cell, CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell, U937 (human monocyte) cell, and HBMEC (human brain microvascular endothelial cell) lines. Moreover, ArtB induced marked vacuolation in all cell lines after 4 h of incubation. Further studies in Vero cells showed that vacuolation was inhibited by bafilomycin A1 and was dependent on the clathrin-mediated uptake of ArtB. Vacuolation was also inhibited by treatment of cells with neuraminidase, indicating that sialylated glycans are functional receptors for ArtB. Confocal colocalization studies indicated that after cell binding and internalization, ArtB undergoes retrograde transport via early endosomes, the
trans
-Golgi network, and the Golgi apparatus, reaching the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after approximately 2 h. The onset of vacuolation also coincided with gross cytoskeletal reorganization. At later time points, ArtB colocalized with ER-Tracker Red in the vacuolar membrane, implying that vacuolation is a consequence of ER disorganization. Thus, the isolated B subunit of this cryptic AB5 toxin has significant effects on target cells with the potential to contribute directly to pathogenesis independently of the catalytic A subunit.
Involvement of Two-Component Signaling on Bacterial Motility and Biofilm Development
Authors: Prüß Birgit M.
Published: May 2017

Two-component signaling is a specialized mechanism that bacteria use to respond to changes in their environment. Nonpathogenic strains of
Escherichia coli
K-12 harbor 30 histidine kinases and 32 response regulators, which form a network of regulation that integrates many other global regulators that do not follow the two-component signaling mechanism, as well as signals from central metabolism. The output of this network is a multitude of phenotypic changes in response to changes in the environment. Among these phenotypic changes, many two-component systems control motility and/or the formation of biofilm, sessile communities of bacteria that form on surfaces. Motility is the first reversible attachment phase of biofilm development, followed by a so-called swim or stick switch toward surface organelles that aid in the subsequent phases. In the mature biofilm, motility heterogeneity is generated by a combination of evolutionary and gene regulatory events.
A Diverse Community To Study Communities: Integration of Experiments and Mathematical Models To Study Microbial Consortia
Authors: Succurro Antonella , Moejes Fiona Wanjiku , Ebenhöh Oliver
Published: May 2017

The last few years have seen the advancement of high-throughput experimental techniques that have produced an extraordinary amount of data. Bioinformatics and statistical analyses have become instrumental to interpreting the information coming from, e.g., sequencing data and often motivate further targeted experiments. The broad discipline of “computational biology” extends far beyond the well-established field of bioinformatics, but it is our impression that more theoretical methods such as the use of mathematical models are not yet as well integrated into the research studying microbial interactions. The empirical complexity of microbial communities presents challenges that are difficult to address within vivo/in vitroapproaches alone, and with microbiology developing from a qualitative to a quantitative science, we see stronger opportunities arising for interdisciplinary projects integrating theoretical approaches with experiments. Indeed, the addition ofin silicoexperiments, i.e., computational simulations, has a discovery potential that is, unfortunately, still largely underutilized and unrecognized by the scientific community. This minireview provides an overview of mathematical models of natural ecosystems and emphasizes that one critical point in the development of a theoretical description of a microbial community is the choice of problem scale. Since this choice is mostly dictated by the biological question to be addressed, in order to employ theoretical models fully and successfully it is vital to implement an interdisciplinary view at the conceptual stages of the experimental design.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and a left bundle branch block (LBBB) due to nitrofurantoin
Authors: Gandotra Susheer Dilbagh , Smotrys Mariola A , Patel Darshan B , Chadha Akash
Published: May 2017

We present a case of a 74-year-old woman, who was on nitrofurantoin treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI), with fever and chills 7 hours after taking nitrofurantoin. She was hospitalised and evaluated for worsening UTI and sepsis. Initially, it appeared to be secondary to post-UTI sepsis because of possible resistant infection or conditions like pulmonary embolism or acute hepatitis. The patient also developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome, left bundle branch block (LBBB), thrombocytopaenia and transaminitis. Considering the side effects of nitrofurantoin, it was stopped. The patient showed improvement and recovered completely with symptomatic and supportive treatment. During follow-up visits with her primary care physician, thrombocytopaenia, transaminitisandLBBB were found to have been resolved.
Safe administration of S-1 after 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity in a patient with colorectal cancer
Authors: Franck Caspar , Malfertheiner Peter , Venerito Marino
Published: May 2017

Cardiotoxicity is a rare but challenging complication of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy. Compared with 5-FU, after application of S-1 lower plasma levels of the cardiotoxic metabolite alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine have been reported. Evidence for safe administration of S-1 following 5-FU cardiotoxicity is limited to a case report in an Asian patient. Herein we report the first case of S-1 application after 5-FU cardiotoxicity in a Caucasian patient.

A 67-year-old man with right-sided metastatic colorectal cancer and history of 5-FU cardiotoxicity had a progressive disease after 8-month therapy with irinotecan and bevacizumab. In consideration of known 5-FU cardiotoxicity, he was referred to our department for therapy counselling. We started a combination therapy with S-1, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab. The treatment was well tolerated without any cardiac problems.

Our report confirms the safety of S-1 in cases of 5-FU cardiotoxicity also in a Caucasian patient.
Middle lobe syndrome: an intriguing presentation of tracheobronchial amyloidosis
Authors: Kunal Shekhar , Dhawan Shashi , Kumar Arvind , Shah Ashok
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary involvement in amyloidosis is a distinct rarity. This clinical entity usually presents as tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA). A 32-year-old, never-smoker man presented with episodic dyspnoea and wheezing along with cough and mucoid sputum. The chest radiograph was suggestive of a middle lobe syndrome (MLS). High-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest confirmed the presence of MLS. In addition, HRCT showed circumferential thickening of the trachea and the main bronchi, with thickening of the posterior membranous wall of trachea. Fibrebronchoscopy, done to evaluate MLS, visualised multiple small polypoidal lesions in the lower part of trachea and carina. Endobronchial biopsies showed homogeneous, acellular amorphous deposit in the subepithelial region, which was congophilic in nature. A diagnosis of TBA presenting as MLS was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of MLS as a presentation of TBA in the English literature.
Back pain and oedematous Schmorl node: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Pandita Aakriti , Madhuripan Nikhil , Hurtado Rocio M , Dhamoon Amit
Published: May 2017

A 26-year-old female from India presented with progressive, unremitting low back pain for over 1 year. She had been treated unsuccessfully for left-sided sacroiliitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, ankylosing spondylitis and seronegative spondyloarthritis. MRI lumbar spine showed a Schmorl node with surrounding marrow oedema at L4, the relevance of which is not clear in literature. One year after initial presentation, a biopsy of this lesion revealed culture positive diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. Despite advances in imaging, delayed diagnosis is not uncommon in spinal tuberculosis (TB). In our case, it was also attributed to an unknown early lesion: Schmorl node with surrounding oedema. Any association of this lesion with spinal TB has previously not been reported.
Clostridium difficileextraintestinal abscess: a rare complication
Authors: Kantamaneni Vamsi Krishna , Gurram Krishna C , Kulkarni Abhijit
Published: May 2017

ExtraintestinalClostridium difficileis rare. A 74-year-old man with a history of ulcerative colitis presented after a fall. Trauma work-up showed liver cirrhosis. Two days later he developed abdominal pain, distension, diarrhoea and leucocytosis. Stool tested positive forC. difficile. CT abdomen showed pancolitis with toxic megacolon. Total abdominal colectomy and ileostomy with a rectal stump was performed. He was discharged, but was readmitted with sepsis. CT abdomen showed a 10.4×7.2 cm fluid collection in the pelvis.C. difficilestool was negative. CT-guided abscess drainage grewC. difficile. Barium enema was negative for communication from the rectal stump to the abscess. The patient was treated with metronidazole for 2 weeks. In summary, extraintestinalC. difficilecan develop from recent antibiotics use, gastrointestinal surgery and microperforations from toxic megacolon. We recommend abscess drainage, concomitant treatment with metronidazole and or vancomycin, and reimaging of abscess location 2–4 weeks after cessation of antibiotics.
Actinomycosis presenting as an anterior abdominal mass after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Alhumoud Zainab , Salem Amro
Published: May 2017

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare disease caused by different anaerobicActinomycesspecies. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with a painless, slow growing, left upper abdominal mass that developed after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A CT scan and MRI of the abdomen revealed a desmoid tumour of the left rectus abdominis muscle.

Surgical excision was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. The histological analysis of the specimen was inconsistent with a desmoid tumour and revealed an infection ofActinomyces israeliiin the anterior abdominal wall that was confirmed with a microbiology culture. The surgical treatment was followed by a course of penicillin antibiotic therapy for 6 months. This treatment resulted in full recovery with no further complications. Although it is rare, the patient’s history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was identified as the likely source of infection.
A case of acyclovir neurotoxicity presenting with atypical cerebrospinal fluid findings
Authors: Thind Guramrinder Singh , Roach Richard
Published: May 2017

An 82-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease presented with progressively worsening confusion and somnolence for the past 4–5 days. The patient was diagnosed with herpes zoster by his primary care physician 5 days ago and was started on a course of valacyclovir 1 g three times a day (dose not adjusted for renal impairment).

A lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies revealed 37 white blood cells (WBCs)/hpf (100% monocytes), protein 64 mg/dL and glucose 52 mg/dL. He was started on ceftriaxone, ampicillin and acyclovir. MRI of the brain was done and was unremarkable. Acyclovir-induced encephalopathy was high on differential, but his CSF findings were concerning for viral encephalitis. Nonetheless, all antimicrobials were discontinued and he was scheduled for a 5-hour dialysis session. The very next day, he showed immense improvement and eventually recovered completely. CSF PCR tests for both herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus came back negative.
A paleolimnological archive of metal sequestration and release in the Cumberland Basin Marshes, Atlantic Canada
Authors: Dunnington Dewey W. , White Hilary , Spooner Ian S. , Mallory Mark L. , White Chris , O’Driscoll Nelson J. , McLellan Nic R.
Published: May 2017

We used a paleolimnological approach at Long Lake, Nova Scotia, to construct a 10 500-year record of metal deposition in lakebed sediments and elucidate the influence of both natural and anthropogenic environmental changes. Aquatic sediment concentrations of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) in Long Lake fluctuated substantially and, during some periods, exceeded guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. Increases in lead (Pb), Hg, Cr, trace metals, and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) were broadly coincident with a period of widespread drying from ca. 8000 to 4000 cal BP and were likely a consequence of regional fires. From ca. 4000 cal BP until 1700 AD, metal levels in general were low due to decreased erosion, increased precipitation, and reduced fire activity. Water level lowering and forced sediment aggradation (tiding) in the 1800s led to increases in minerogenic Pb and Cr, though fossil fuel combustion also likely contributed to total Pb concentrations. Stratigraphic proxies indicated increased inorganic sedimentation rates, and reduced autochthonous productivity were coincident with lower Hg and As concentrations in the Long Lake sediment. Our data indicate that natural phenomena (fire) can result in sediment contaminant exceedances, that most metals have multiple sources, and that both human-induced disturbance and emissions have contributed to Pb contamination in the last 200 years. In addition, wetter and generally cooler climate appeared to favour lower concentrations of contaminants in lake sediments. Although wetland sediments in the Cumberland Basin Marshes are not heavily polluted with metals, the development of constructed wetlands and the disruption of aquatic sediments have the potential to concentrate, mobilize, and increase the bioavailability of metals.
CROSS-BOUNDARY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL UNDER “ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS”: PERSPECTIVES FROM HONG KONG–GUANGDONG COLLABORATION
Authors: WONG TING YIN TIFFANY , XU YUAN , CHANG YOUNGHO
Published: May 2017

This study aims to examine how “One Country, Two Systems” has shaped and influenced the collaboration on cross-boundary air pollution control between the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Guangdong province. The presence of the Chinese central government significantly fostered the start of this collaboration, but the implementation and collaborative relationship were relatively weak and unsustainable due to the two local governments’ largely different interests, goals and political demands. We found that the emphasis on “One Country” especially after 2003 led to the signature of more joint agreements in comparison with what the emphasis on “Two Systems” did between 1997 and 2003. Joint agreements appear to be necessary conditions for effective collaboration, but too many of them without satisfying implementation could have resulted in less concrete benefits. A balanced stress on “One Country” and “Two Systems” might bring an appropriate number of joint agreements with good implementation for more effective collaboration.
How is the presence of horizons and localized matter encoded in the entanglement entropy?
Authors: Cadoni Mariano , Jain Parul
Published: May 2017

Motivated by the new theoretical paradigm that views space–time geometry as emerging from the entanglement of a pre-geometric theory, we investigate the issue of the signature of the presence of horizons and localized matter on the entanglement entropy (EE) [Formula: see text] for the case of three-dimensional AdS (AdS3) gravity. We use the holographically dual two-dimensional CFT on the torus and the related modular symmetry in order to treat bulk black holes and conical singularities (sourced by pointlike masses not shielded by horizons) on the same footing. In the regime where boundary tori can be approximated by cylinders, we are able to give universal expressions for the EE of black holes and conical singularities. We argue that the presence of horizons/localized matter in the bulk is encoded in the EE in terms of (i) enhancement/reduction of the entanglement of the AdS3 vacuum, (ii) scaling as area/volume of the leading term of the perturbative expansion of [Formula: see text], (iii) exponential/periodic behavior of [Formula: see text] and (iv) presence of unaccessible regions in the noncompact/compact dimension of the boundary cylinder. In particular, we show that the reduction effect of matter on the entanglement of the vacuum found by Verlinde for the de Sitter vacuum extends to the AdS3 vacuum.
Study on the antiseepage mechanism of the PBFC slurry for landfill site
Authors: Dai Guozhong , Shi Weicheng , Jiang Xiaoshu , Shi Guicai , Zhang Yaxing
Published: May 2017

In order to develop a kind of slurry with low permeability which has some adsorption and retardation to the pollutants in leachate to be used in antiseepage engineering of leachate for landfill site, experiments based on orthogonal method were performed. The optimal PBFC slurry was selected: bentonite 18–26%, cement 16–24%, fly ash 18–20%, TOJ800-10 water reducing agent 0.01–0.03%, polyvinyl alcohol 0.2–0.8%, sodium carbonate 0.8–1.5% and water 680–780/1000 mL seriflus. The material has good groutability and a concretion stone ratio which is greater than 99.6%. The coefficient of permeability of 28-day concretion body is 0.53 × 10[Formula: see text]–1.86 × 10[Formula: see text] cm/s and the compressive strength is 0.64–1.04 MPa. The slurry has good adsorption and retardation properties. The block rate of NH4-N and phosphorus reached 98.28%, and the block rate of CODCr and BOD5 reached 85.67%. The block rate of Hg, Pb and other heavy metal ions reached 99.8%. The PBFC slurry improved the retardation capability of the pollutants of the leachate at the landfill site by its infiltration sedimentation and adsorption fixation.
Memory Designing Using Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata: Systematic Literature Review, Classification and Current Trends
Authors: Afrooz Sonia , Navimipour Nima Jafari
Published: May 2017

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has come out as one of the potential computational structures for the emerging nanocomputing systems. It has a large capacity in the development of circuits with high space density and dissipation of low heat and allows faster computers to develop with lower power consumption. The QCA is a new appliance to realize nanolevel digital devices and study and analyze their various parameters. It is also a potential technology for low force and high-density memory plans. Large memory designs in QCA show unique features because of their architectural structure. In QCA-based architectures, memory must be maintained in motion, i.e., the memory state has to be continuously moved through a set of QCA cells. These architectures have different features, such as the number of bits stored in a loop, access type (serial or parallel) and cell arrangement for the memory bank. However, the decisive features of the QCA memory cell design are the number of cells, to put off the use of energy. Although the review and study of the QCA-based memories are very important, there is no complete and systematic literature review about the systematical analyses of the state of the mechanisms in this field. Therefore, there are five main types to provide systematic reviews about the QCA-based memories; including read only memory (ROM), register, flip-flop, content addressable memory (CAM) and random access memory (RAM). Also, it has provided the advantages and disadvantages of the reviewed mechanisms and their important challenges so that some interesting lines for any coming research are provided.
A FRACTAL MODEL FOR GAS APPARENT PERMEABILITY IN MICROFRACTURES OF TIGHT/SHALE RESERVOIRS
Authors: WANG SHIFANG , WU TAO , CAO XIUYING , ZHENG QIUSHA , AI MIN
Published: May 2017

The investigation of gas transport in microfractures of tight/shale reservoirs can provide potential applications in predicting shale gas production rates. In this paper, analytical expressions for flow rate and apparent permeability are derived based on the fractal theory and the superposition of convection and molecular diffusion transfer. The proposed model relates the flow rate and apparent permeability to the microstructural parameters of tight/shale reservoirs, gas properties, the ambient pressure as well as temperature. The model predictions from the present model are compared with existing experimental data sets and are found to be consistent with existing experimental measurements. The effects of microstructural parameters of tight/shale reservoirs on apparent permeability are also investigated. The results show that apparent permeability increases with temperature, the pore area fractal dimension, the porosity as well as the maximum microfracture width and decreases with the tortuosity fractal dimension and the mean pressure.
Delineating the structural controls on the genesis of iron oxide–Cu–Au deposits through implicit modelling: a case study from the E1 Group, Cloncurry District, Australia
Authors: Case George , Blenkinsop Thomas , Chang Zhaoshan , Huizenga Jan Marten , Lilly Richard , McLellan John
Published: May 2017

Iron oxide–Cu–Au (IOCG) deposits encompass a range of ore body shapes, including strata-bound replacement ores and hydrothermal breccias. We use the implicit method to make a detailed three-dimensional geological model of a strata-bound IOCG in the Cloncurry District, the E1 Group, to elucidate structural controls on mineralization. This model is compared with the nearby, world-class, Ernest Henry breccia-hosted IOCG deposit. Cu–Au mineralization in the E1 Group occurs as structurally controlled, mainly strata-bound, replacement bodies hosted in metasedimentary and metavolcaniclastic rocks intercalated with barren meta-andesite. Replacement bodies in the E1 Group conform to a series of NNW-plunging folds formed in regional D
2
during peak metamorphism. Folding was followed by local D
3
/regional D
4
shortening, which formed a dextral, transpressional Riedel brittle to ductile system along the regional Cloncurry Fault Zone. Modelling suggests that much of the Cu–Au mineralization is controlled by synthetic R structures associated with this Riedel system. The deformation sequence at Ernest Henry is comparable, but differences in host rock rheology, permeability and fluid pressure may explain the variation in ore body types and total Cu–Au resource between the two deposits. The results carry implications for other districts containing these styles of IOCG mineralization.
Matrix Mechanosensing: From Scaling Concepts in ’Omics Data to Mechanisms in the Nucleus, Regeneration, and Cancer
Authors: Discher Dennis E. , Smith Lucas , Cho Sangkyun , Colasurdo Mark , García Andrés J. , Safran Sam
Published: May 2017

Many of the most important molecules of life are polymers. In animals, the most abundant of the proteinaceous polymers are the collagens, which constitute the fibrous matrix outside cells and which can also self-assemble into gels. The physically measurable stiffness of gels, as well as tissues, increases with the amount of collagen, and cells seem to sense this stiffness. An understanding of this mechanosensing process in complex tissues, including fibrotic disease states with high collagen, is now utilizing ’omics data sets and is revealing polymer physics–type, nonlinear scaling relationships between concentrations of seemingly unrelated biopolymers. The nuclear structure protein lamin A provides one example, with protein and transcript levels increasing with collagen 1 and tissue stiffness, and with mechanisms rooted in protein stabilization induced by cytoskeletal stress. Physics-based models of fibrous matrix, cytoskeletal force dipoles, and the lamin A gene circuit illustrate the wide range of testable predictions emerging for tissues, cell cultures, and even stem cell–based tissue regeneration. Beyond the epigenetics of mechanosensing, the scaling in cancer of chromosome copy number variations and other mutations with tissue stiffness suggests that genomic changes are occurring by mechanogenomic processes that now require elucidation.