bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Investigation of Bedrock Heterogeneity/Unconformities at a DNAPL‐Impacted Site
Authors: Steelman Colby M. , Meyer Jessica R. , Parker Beth L.
Published: April 2017

Organic solvent (i.e., dense nonaqueous phase liquid, DNAPL) migration in the subsurface is known to be extremely sensitive to geologic heterogeneity. There is often a focus on heterogeneity that results from changing depositional conditions over short spatial scales. Similar or even more extreme spatial heterogeneity can result postdeposition due to erosional processes. This study applies a synergistic approach based on a combination of high‐resolution lithologic logs of continuous cores, borehole geophysical logs, surface electrical resistivity, and seismic refraction tomography models to assess spatial heterogeneity in a shallow bedrock sequence subject to multiple unconformities and contaminated with a mixture of organic chemicals. The persistence of DNAPL in the source zone and an associated dissolved‐phase plume led to variable impacts on formation resistivity across the study site. Seismic refraction in combination with electrical resistivity tomography improved interpretation of highly irregular erosional boundaries by delineating sharp lateral transitions in lithologic composition near the source zone and across the dissolved‐phase plume. Electrical resistivity was effective at differentiating between clean and mud‐rich sandstones and their unconformable contact with an underlying dolostone. Geophysical measurements revealed eroded dolostone mounds encased by a network of younger mud‐rich sandstones channelized by clean semi‐lithified sand, all of which was buried beneath variable glacial drift. Our synergistic multidimensional approach resulted in the development of a detailed three‐dimensional shallow bedrock geospatial model, which has led to an improved understanding of DNAPL migration and contaminant plume heterogeneity.
Factors affecting smartphone adoption for accessing information in medical settings
Authors: Tahamtan Iman , Pajouhanfar Sara , Sedghi Shahram , Azad Mohsen , Roudbari Masoud
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to acquire knowledge about the factors affecting smartphone adoption for accessing information in medical settings in Iranian Hospitals.

Methods

A qualitative and quantitative approach was used to conduct this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 medical residents and interns in 2013 to identify determinant factors for smartphone adoption. Afterwards, nine relationships were hypothesised. We developed a questionnaire to test these hypotheses and to evaluate the importance of each factor. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the causal relations between model parameters and to accurately identify determinant factors.

Results

Eight factors were identified in the qualitative phase of the study, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, training, internal environment, personal experience, social impacts, observability and job related characteristics. Among the studied factors, perceived usefulness, personal experience and job related characteristics were significantly associated with attitude to use a smartphone which accounted for 64% of the variance in attitude. Perceived usefulness had the strongest impact on attitude to use a smartphone.

Conclusion

The factors that emerged from interviews were consistent with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and some previous studies. TAM is a reliable model for understanding the factors of smartphone acceptance in medical settings.
Effect of formalin fixation and tumour size in small‐sized non‐small‐cell lung cancer: a prospective, single‐centre study
Authors: Park Heae S , Lee Sungsoo , Haam Seokjin , Lee Geun D
Published: April 2017

Aims

Formalin fixation can cause tumour shrinkage. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of overnight formalin fixation on tumour size and the effect of clinicopathological parameters on changes in tumour size in small‐sized non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and results

Our study included 126 surgically resected NSCLC specimens submitted in a fresh state. We measured the largest cross‐sectional tumour diameters in the fresh and formalin‐fixed specimens. Tumour size significantly differed (mean, 0.66 mm; P < 0.001) and was positively correlated (r2 = 0.982; P < 0.001) between fresh and formalin‐fixed specimens. The percentage difference after fixation was 4.06%. Formalin fixation caused tumour shrinkage in 46.8%, tumour enlargement in 4.8%, and a tumour stage shift in 3.17%. The risk of a > 10% change in tumour size after formalin fixation was increased in tumours with a lepidic pattern [odds ratio (OR): 6.268; P = 0.001], in subsolid tumours (OR: 4.068; P = 0.011), and in the presence of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)/minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) histology (OR: 6.545; P = 0.003). Pleural dimpling lowered the risk of tumour size change after fixation (OR: 0.162; P = 0.019). On multivariate analysis, a lepidic pattern (OR: 4.601; P = 0.010) and AIS/MIA histology (OR: 4.381; P = 0.026) were still significant risk factors. Longer ischaemic time was the single risk factor for tumour shrinkage in the invasive adenocarcinoma subgroup (OR: 5.357; P = 0.021).

Conclusion

NSCLC tumours shrank or enlarged by 4.06% after overnight formalin fixation. A lepidic pattern and AIS/MIA histology were independent risk factors for both significant tumour shrinkage and growth after fixation. Longer ischaemic time was the single risk factor for significant tumour shrinkage in invasive adenocarcinoma.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms association with the risk of sepsis and mortality
Authors: Zeljic K. , Elkilany A. , Supic G. , Surbatovic M. , Djordjevic D. , Magic Z. , Bozic B.
Published: April 2017

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with sepsis risk and mortality was studied. VDR FokI CC genotype was associated with increased sepsis risk (OR = 13.396, p = .000009) compared to the TT genotype. Results suggest possible role of VDR FokI (rs2228570) as a molecular biomarker of increased sepsis risk.
Monitoring once‐weekly recombinant factor IX prophylaxis in hemophilia B with thrombin generation assay and factor IX activity
Authors: Nummi V. , Jouppila A. , Lassila R.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Prophylaxis is the recommended treatment mode for severe hemophilia B. However, no single treatment regimen fits for all patients. Once‐weekly prophylaxis with high‐dose recombinant factor IX (rFIX) is efficacious, nevertheless, laboratory outcomes following 72 h after administration are lacking.

Methods

In a prospective open‐label noncomparative study, 10 severe/moderate (FIX ≤2 IU/dL) adult patients received rFIX dose (60–100 IU/kg) after >72 h washout on two occasions, separated by 7 days. We measured one‐stage and chromogenic FIX, ROTEM, and thrombin generation (TG) assay in plasma after washout, 30 min after infusion, and at days 3, 4, and 7.

Results

Median FIX clotting/chromogenic activity increased from 1.5/2.0 to 87/62 IU/dL following rFIX administration, chromogenic assay resulting in 30% lower recovery. Correspondingly TG was severely reduced at baseline and improved at recovery (peak thrombin 6.0 to 54 nm). Standard ROTEM failed to detect FIX deficiency. Both FIX activity and TG remained increased from days 3 to 7, with median trough levels of FIX clotting/chromogenic 3.0/3.0 IU/dL (≥1 IU/dL in all severe patients) and peak thrombin 9.1 nm measured on day 7. FIX and TG assays were equally consistent between weeks 1 and 2.

Conclusions

Once‐weekly rFIX prophylaxis results in favorable laboratory outcome.
Dentists' use of validated child dental anxiety measures in clinical practice: a mixed methods study
Authors: Alshammasi Hussain , Buchanan Heather , Ashley Paul
Published: April 2017

Background

Assessing anxiety is an important part of the assessment of a child presenting for dental treatment; however, the use of dental anxiety scales in practice is not well‐documented.

Aims

To introduce child dental anxiety scales, and to monitor the extent to which dentists used them; to explore the experience and views of dentists regarding anxiety assessment.

Design

A mixed‐methods design was employed.

Method

A protocol for child anxiety assessment was introduced to paediatric dentists in Eastman Dental Hospital. After 6 months, 100 patient files were audited to examine compliance with the protocol. Fourteen dentists were interviewed to explore their experience and views regarding anxiety assessment.

Results

Only five patients were assessed using the scales. Thematic analysis of the dentist interviews revealed three themes: ‘Clinical observations and experience: The gold standard’; ‘Scales as an estimate or adjunct’; and ‘Shortcomings and barriers to using scales’.

Conclusions

The dentists in our study did not use anxiety scales, instead they rely on their own experience/judgement. Therefore, scales should be recommended as an adjunct to judgement. Brief scales are recommended as clinicians lack time and expertise in administering anxiety questionnaires. Advantages of using scales and hands‐on experience could be incorporated more in undergraduate training.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein levels and liver fibrosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ito Kiyoaki , Murotani Kenta , Nakade Yukiomi , Inoue Tadahisa , Nakao Haruhisa , Sumida Yoshio , Kamada Yoshihiro , Yoneda Masashi
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

A reliable, non‐invasive biomarker for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease patients is needed. The aim of this study was to assess by meta‐analysis the efficacy of measuring serum levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP), a novel and promising biomarker, for staging liver fibrosis and predicting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and overall survival.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis using online journal database searches. We identified 39 studies, 21 of which met the criteria for meta‐analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of WFA+‐M2BP for assessing liver fibrosis staging in chronic liver diseases with broad etiologies were determined. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were also used for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma development and overall survival.

Results

With WFA+‐M2BP, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting significant fibrosis (≥ F2), advanced fibrosis (≥ F3), and liver cirrhosis (= F4) were 0.690 and 0.778, 0.764 and 0.758, and 0.818 and 0.839, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus were mostly higher than those in overall patients. However, sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus were lower than those in overall patients. Overall, hazard ratios for development of hepatocellular carcinoma and overall survival were 5.946 and 1.068, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that serum WFA+‐M2BP is a reliable predictor for liver fibrosis staging and a good substitute for liver biopsy. It is also useful for predicting both hepatocellular carcinoma development and overall survival.
Exposure to extrinsic stressors, social defeat or bisphenol A, eliminates sex differences in DNA methyltransferase expression in the amygdala
Authors: Wright E. C. , Johnson S. A. , Hao R. , Kowalczyk A. S. , Greenberg G. D. , Ordoñes Sanchez E. , Laman‐Maharg A. , Trainor B. C. , Rosenfeld C. S.
Published: April 2017

Chemical and psychological stressors can exert long lasting changes in brain function and behaviour. Changes in DNA methylation have been shown to be an important mechanism mediating long lasting changes in neural function and behaviour, especially for anxiety‐like or stress responses. In the present study, we examined the effects of either a social or chemical stressor on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) gene expression in the amygdala, an important brain region modulating stress responses and anxiety. In adult California mice (Peromyscus californicus) that were naïve to social defeat, females had higher levels of Dnmt1 expression in punch samples of the central amygdala (CeA) than males. In addition, mice that underwent social defeat stress showed reduced Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a expression in the CeA of females but not males. A second study using more anatomically specific punch samples replicated these effects for Dnmt1. Perinatal exposure (spanning from periconception through lactation) to bisphenol A or ethinyl oestradiol (oestrogens in birth control pills) also abolished sex differences in Dnmt1 expression in the CeA but not the basolateral amygdala. These findings identify a robust sex difference in Dnmt1 expression in the CeA that is sensitive to both psychological and chemical stressors. Future studies should aim to examine the impact of psychological and chemical stressors on DNA methylation in the CeA and also investigate whether Dnmt1 may have an underappreciated role in plasticity in behaviour.
The six‐spot‐step test – a new method for monitoring walking ability in patients with chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy
Authors: Kreutzfeldt Melissa , Jensen Henrik B. , Ravnborg Mads , Markvardsen Lars H. , Andersen Henning , Sindrup Søren H.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the six‐spot‐step test (SSST) is more suitable for monitoring walking ability in patients with chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy than the timed 25‐foot‐walking test (T25FW). In the SSST, participants have to walk as quickly as possible across a field measuring 1 × 5 m, while kicking blocks out of five circles on the floor. Sixty‐two patients and 61 controls performed the SSST and T25FW. Patients also performed the overall disability sumscore, INCAT sensory sumscore, Medical Research Council sumscore, and 9‐hole‐peg‐test. Twenty‐one patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) every 4–6 weeks were tested prior to and 2–3 weeks after treatment and judged change in their own clinical condition using the patient global impression of change (PGIC) scale. In patients, SSST ranged from 5.7 to 26.8 s and T25FW ranged from 3.6 to 12.9 s. Intra‐class correlation between repeated tests was 0.97 for SSST and 0.95 for T25FW. Correlation with the additional tests was stronger for SSST than T25FW. In IVIG‐treated patients, the mean change in walking time was −2.3 s for SSST and −0.6 s for T25FW. The SSST showed larger responsiveness in terms of effect size, standardized response means, and relative efficiency. Both ambulation tests correlated moderately to PGIC. The SSST may be superior to the T25FW in terms of dynamic range, floor effect, and responsiveness which makes the SSST a possible alternative for monitoring walking ability in patients with chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy.
Measuring the Knowns to Manage the Unknown: How to Choose the Gate Timing Strategy in NPD Projects
Authors: Van Oorschot Kim , Eling Katrin , Langerak Fred
Published: April 2017

Stage‐wise timing of new product development (NPD) activities is advantageous for a project's performance. The literature does not, however, specify whether this implies setting and adhering to a fixed schedule of gate meetings from the start of the project or allowing flexibility to adjust the schedule throughout the NPD process. In the initial project plan, managers and/or development teams often underrate the time required to complete the project because of task underestimation. Although the level of task underestimation (i.e., the unknown) is not identifiable at the start of the project, our study argues that project managers and/or teams can manage the unknown by measuring three project conditions (i.e., the knowns) during front‐end execution, and use their values to select the best gate timing strategy. These project conditions entail: (i) the number of unexpected tasks discovered during the front‐end, (ii) the willingness of customers to postpone their purchase in case the execution of these unexpected tasks would lead to a delayed market launch, and (iii) the number of unexpected tasks discovered just before the front‐end gate. Together these conditions determine whether a more fixed or more flexible gate timing strategy is most appropriate to use. The findings of a system dynamics simulation corroborate the supposition that the interplay between the three project conditions measured during front‐end execution determines which of four gate timing strategies with different levels of flexibility (i.e., one fixed, one flexible, and two hybrid forms) maximizes new product profitability. This finding has important implications for both theory and practice as we now comprehend that the knowns can be used to manage the unknown.
Neocolonialism and Health Care Access among Marshall Islanders in the United States
Authors: Duke Michael R.
Published: April 2017

In the Marshall Islands, a history of extensive nuclear weapons testing and covert biomedical research, coupled with the U.S.’s ongoing military presence in the country, has severely compromised the health of the local population. Despite the U.S.’s culpability in producing ill health along with high rates of emigration from the islands to the mainland United States, the large portion of Marshallese who reside in the United States face substantial barriers to accessing health care. Drawing from ongoing field research with a Marshallese community in Arkansas, this article explores the multifaceted impediments that U.S.‐based Marshall Islanders face in receiving medical treatment. Calling on an expansive and inclusive notion of neocolonialism, I argue that Marshallese structural vulnerability with regard to health and health care treatment derives from their status as neocolonial subjects and from their limited claims to health‐related deservingness associated with this status. [Marshall Islanders, health care access, neocolonialism, radiation exposure, immigrant health]

L̗ōmn̗ak ko rōttin̗o: Ilo M̗ajel̗, juon bwebwenato kōn kōmmālmel im nuclear baam̗ ko im ekkatak ko rōttin̗o̗ kōn wāwein an baijin ko jelōt armej, barāinwōt an to an ri tarinae ro an Amedka pād ilo aelōn̄ kein, em̗ōj an jelōt ājmour an armej ro ilo aelōn̄ kein. Men̄e alikkar bwe Amedka in ear jino nan̄inmej kein im ej un eo armej rein rej em̗m̗akūt jān āne kein āne er n̄an ioon Amedka, elōn̄ iaan ri M̗ajel̗ rein rej jelm̗ae elōn̄ apan̄ ko n̄an aer del̗o̗n̄e jikin ājmour ko. Jān ekkatak eo ej bōk jikin kiō, jerbal in ej etali kabōjrak rak kein rōlōn̄ im armej in M̗ajel̗ ro ioon Amedka in rej jelm̗ae ilo aer jibadōk lo̗k jikin taktō. Ilo an kar Amedka jibadōk juon jea eo eutiej imejān lal̗ in, ij kwal̗ok juon aō akweelel bwe apan̄ ko an armej in M̗ajel̗ ikijjeen ājmour im jikin taktō ej itok jān aer kar ri kōm̗akoko ilo an kar Amedka lelōn̄ l̗o̗k etan ilo mejān lal̗ im jān aer jab pukot jipan kein ej aer bwe kōn jōkjōk in.
Phytaspase‐mediated precursor processing and maturation of the wound hormone systemin
Authors: Beloshistov Roman E. , Dreizler Konrad , Galiullina Raisa A. , Tuzhikov Alexander I. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Reichardt Sven , Shaw Jane , Taliansky Michael E. , Pfannstiel Jens , Chichkova Nina V. , Stintzi Annick , Schaller Andreas , Vartapetian Andrey B.
Published: April 2017

Peptide hormones are implicated in many important aspects of plant life and are usually synthesized as precursor proteins. In contrast to animals, data for plant peptide hormone maturation are scarce and the specificity of processing enzyme(s) is largely unknown. Here we tested a hypothesis that processing of prosystemin, a precursor of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) wound hormone systemin, is performed by phytaspases, aspartate‐specific proteases of the subtilase family.

Following the purification of phytaspase from tomato leaves, two tomato phytaspase genes were identified, the cDNAs were cloned and the recombinant enzymes were obtained after transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana.

The newly identified tomato phytaspases hydrolyzed prosystemin at two aspartate residues flanking the systemin sequence. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the phytaspase cleavage sites in prosystemin abrogated not only the phytaspase‐mediated processing of the prohormone in vitro, but also the ability of prosystemin to trigger the systemic wound response in vivo.

The data show that the prohormone prosystemin requires processing for signal biogenesis and biological activity. The identification of phytaspases as the proteases involved in prosystemin maturation provides insight into the mechanisms of wound signaling in tomato. Our data also suggest a novel role for cell death‐related proteases in mediating defense signaling in plants.
Late Quaternary multiple incised valley systems: An unusually well‐preserved stratigraphic record of two interglacial valley‐fill successions from the Arno Plain (northern Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Rossi Veronica , Amorosi Alessandro , Sarti Giovanni , Mariotti Sara
Published: April 2017

Un‐fragmented stratigraphic records of late Quaternary multiple incised valley systems are rarely preserved in the subsurface of alluvial‐delta plains due to older valley reoccupation. The identification of a well‐preserved incised valley fill succession beneath the southern interfluve of the Last Glacial Maximum Arno palaeovalley (northern Italy) represents an exceptional opportunity to examine in detail evolutionary trends of a Mediterranean system over multiple glacial–interglacial cycles. Through sedimentological and quantitative meiofauna (benthic foraminifera and ostracods) analyses of two reference cores (80 m and 100 m long) and stratigraphic correlations, a mid‐Pleistocene palaeovalley, 5 km wide and 50 m deep, was reconstructed. Whereas valley filling is chronologically constrained to the penultimate interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage 7) by four electron spin resonance ages on bivalve shells (Cerastoderma glaucum), its incision is tentatively correlated with the Marine Isotope Stage 8 sea‐level fall. Above basal fluvial‐channel gravels, the incised valley fill is formed by a mud‐prone succession, up to 44 m thick, formed by a lower floodplain unit and an upper unit with brackish meiofauna that reflects the development of a wave‐dominated estuary. Subtle meiofauna changes towards less confined conditions record two marine flooding episodes, chronologically linked to the internal Marine Isotope Stage 7 climate‐eustatic variability. After the maximum transgressive phase, recorded by coastal sands, the interfluves were flooded around 200 ka (latest Marine Isotope Stage 7). The subsequent shift in river incision patterns, possibly driven by neotectonic activity, prevented valley reoccupation guiding the northward formation of the Last Glacial Maximum palaeovalley. The applied multivariate approach allowed the sedimentological characterization of the Marine Isotope Stage 7 and Marine Isotope Stage 1 palaeovalley fills, including shape, size and facies architecture, which revealed a consistent river‐coastal system response over two non‐consecutive glacial–interglacial cycles (Marine Isotope Stages 8 to 7 and Marine Isotope Stages 2 to 1). The recurring stacking pattern of facies documents a predominant control exerted on stratigraphy by Milankovitch and sub‐Milankovitch glacio‐eustatic oscillations across the late Quaternary period.
Entrepreneurial Migration in an Integrated World
Authors: Bougheas Spiros , Falvey Rod
Published: April 2017

A growing number of developed countries offer entrepreneurial visas as a means of attracting entrepreneurial talent and capital. In this paper, we use a simple two‐sector model of international trade with heterogeneous agents and financial frictions to show that entrepreneurial migration can contribute to the international efficiency of production, even when capital also flows internationally through borrowing and lending and foreign direct investment. In our model, all cross‐border transactions are motivated by cross‐country variations in the quality of financial institutions.
Climate Change and Ideological Transformation in United States Agriculture
Authors: Stuart Diana
Published: April 2017

Farmers pay close attention to their environment and are increasingly experiencing and recognising the impacts of climate change. Drawing from the work of Göran Therborn, this article examines farmers’ climate change beliefs, explores emerging contradictions between conservative ideological positions and personal experiences, and looks for signs of ideological transformation. Data from 154 personal interviews with corn farmers in the Midwestern United States reveals that many farmers believe that humans play some role in climate change and that climate change has serious and negative impacts on agriculture. Interview data also illustrates how farmers contradict themselves when discussing their positions on climate change and suggests that farmers may be losing faith in political elites. As farmers continue to experience the impacts of climate change, they may find it increasingly difficult to support conservative positions. However, this study also reveals that, despite individual beliefs, the political economy of industrial agriculture will continue to constrain the adoption of climate change mitigation measures.
Proteogenomic analysis reveals alternative splicing and translation as part of the abscisic acid response in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Zhu Fu‐Yuan , Chen Mo‐Xian , Ye Neng‐Hui , Shi Lu , Ma Kai‐Long , Yang Jing‐Fang , Cao Yun‐Ying , Zhang Youjun , Yoshida Takuya , Fernie Alisdair R. , Fan Guang‐Yi , Wen Bo , Zhou Ruo , Liu Tie‐Yuan , Fan Tao , Gao Bei , Zhang Di , Hao Ge‐Fei , Xiao Shi , Liu Ying‐Gao , Zhang Jianhua
Published: April 2017

In eukaryotes, mechanisms such as alternative splicing (AS) and alternative translation initiation (ATI) contribute to organismal protein diversity. Specifically, splicing factors play crucial roles in responses to environment and development cues; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well investigated in plants. Here, we report the parallel employment of short‐read RNA sequencing, single molecule long‐read sequencing and proteomic identification to unravel AS isoforms and previously unannotated proteins in response to abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Combining the data from the two sequencing methods, approximately 83.4% of intron‐containing genes were alternatively spliced. Two AS types, which are referred to as alternative first exon (AFE) and alternative last exon (ALE), were more abundant than intron retention (IR); however, by contrast to AS events detected under normal conditions, differentially expressed AS isoforms were more likely to be translated. ABA extensively affects the AS pattern, indicated by the increasing number of non‐conventional splicing sites. This work also identified thousands of unannotated peptides and proteins by ATI based on mass spectrometry and a virtual peptide library deduced from both strands of coding regions within the Arabidopsis genome. The results enhance our understanding of AS and alternative translation mechanisms under normal conditions, and in response to ABA treatment.
Killing of bacteria by copper, cadmium, and silver surfaces reveals relevant physicochemical parameters
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Hein Christina , Mücklich Frank , Solioz Marc
Published: April 2017

The killing of bacteria on metallic copper surfaces in minutes to hours is referred to as contact killing. Why copper possesses such strong antimicrobial activity has remained enigmatic. Based on the physicochemical properties of metals, it was recently predicted that cadmium should also be active in contact killing [Hans et al., Biointerphases 11, 018902 (2010)]. Here, the authors show that cadmium is indeed antimicrobial. It kills three logs of bacteria in 9 h, compared to copper which kills eight logs of bacteria. Metallic silver kills less than one log of bacteria in 9 h. These findings support the novel concept whereby oxide formation, metal ion dissolution, and a Pearson soft character are the key factors for a metal to be antibacterial. Based on these parameters, copper and cadmium are expected to be the two most antibacterial metals.
Nanodiamond vacuum field emission microtriode
Authors: Hsu Shao-Hua , Kang Weng Poo , Raina Supil , Howell Mick , Huang Jin-Hua
Published: April 2017

Vacuum field emission (VFE) microtriodes utilizing nanodiamond emitters, integrated with a self-aligned silicon gate and an anode and fabricated by the mold-transfer patterning technique on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, have been developed. The nanodiamond VFE microtriodes were fabricated by an integrated circuit-compatible microfabrication process in conjunction with chemical vapor deposition of nanodiamond into the inverted-pyramidal molds micropatterned on the SOI substrate, which provides precision controlled emitter-gate alignment and spacing. The devices exhibited triode characteristics showing anode field induced electron emission with gate controlled emission current modulation at low operating voltages, agreeing with its electron emission transport model. A high current density of 150 mA/cm2 is achievable from the device with the anode-emitter spacing of 4 μm at low operating voltages of Va = 48.5 V and Vg = 5 V. The ac characteristics of the microtriodes for signal amplification were experimentally evaluated, and the results conformed to the proposed small signal equivalent circuit model. The triode small signal parameters were found to be dependent on the device geometry, which could be tailored to meet various applications by designing the physical structures of the device with the desired parameters. These results demonstrate the potential use of the nanodiamond VFE microtriodes for vacuum microelectronic applications.
Increasing circular synthetic aperture sonar resolution via adapted wave atoms deconvolution
Authors: Pailhas Yan , Petillot Yvan , Mulgrew Bernard
Published: April 2017

Circular Synthetic Aperture Sonar (CSAS) processing computes coherently Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data acquired along a circular trajectory. This approach has a number of advantages, in particular it maximises the aperture length of a SAS system, producing very high resolution sonar images. CSAS image reconstruction using back-projection algorithms, however, introduces a dissymmetry in the impulse response, as the imaged point moves away from the centre of the acquisition circle. This paper proposes a sampling scheme for the CSAS image reconstruction which allows every point, within the full field of view of the system, to be considered as the centre of a virtual CSAS acquisition scheme. As a direct consequence of using the proposed resampling scheme, the point spread function (PSF) is uniform for the full CSAS image. Closed form solutions for the CSAS PSF are derived analytically, both in the image and the Fourier domain. The thorough knowledge of the PSF leads naturally to the proposed adapted atom waves basis for CSAS image decomposition. The atom wave deconvolution is successfully applied to simulated data, increasing the image resolution by reducing the PSF energy leakage.
On eve of science march, planners look ahead
Authors: Wessel Lindzi
Published: April 2017

March for Science aims to live past 22 April events and serve as a catalyst for advocacy.
Cassini embarks on twilight mission at Saturn
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2017

Spacecraft may settle debate on rings' mass and age before its fiery end.
Food for microbes abundant on Enceladus
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen discovery stakes Saturn moon as top spot for life.
U.S. report calls for research integrity board
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2017

Independent body would help foster good behavior and better investigations.
The weather master
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2017

How Shian-Jiann Lin's atmospheric grids could unify weather forecasts and climate models.
Webinar | Translational applications in exosome research: From biomarker discovery to drug delivery
Authors: Batrakova Elena V. , Jones Richard , Chang Anne Lynn S.
Published: April 2017

Exosomes—small, membrane-derived extracellular vesicles capable of carrying diverse biological cargo including proteins and microRNAs—have been found in a broad range of biological fluids and appear to be predominantly involved in cell-to-cell communication. Their natural characteristics make them uniquely suited for research and clinical applications, including as biomarkers both for diseases and for intrinsic biological activity. In fact, exosomes have been postulated to mediate the biological cross-talk that takes place between tumors and their surrounding environment that drives those tumors toward a metastatic state. In addition, exosomes are being co-opted as a treatment modality and have been modified through their parental cells to express a targeting moiety or marker tag on their surface. They can also be manipulated to carry drug formulations that can be applied to the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, such as cancer and various infectious, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.

View the Webinar
Allotropy by design—Carbon nanohoops
Authors: Siegel Jay S.
Published: April 2017

The shortest armchair carbon nanotube has been synthesized and crystallized
An AI stereotype catcher
Authors: Greenwald Anthony G.
Published: April 2017

An artificial intelligence method identifies implicit human biases such as gender stereotypes
Embryogenesis in a dish
Authors: Pera Martin
Published: April 2017

We are at an early stage of developing embryos from stem cells in culture
Managing cell and human identity
Authors: Moreno Jonathan , Gearhart John , Zoloth Laurie , Pyeritz Reed , Zaret Kenneth S.
Published: April 2017

Will powerful new technologies affect our perception of self-identity?
Parasitic Infections in Pregnancy Decrease Placental Transfer of Antipneumococcus Antibodies
Authors: McKittrick Noah D. , Vu David M. , Malhotra Indu , King Charles H. , Mutuku Francis , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: April 2017

Many factors can influence maternal placental antibody transfer to the fetus, which confers important immune protection to the newborn infant. However, little is known about the effect of maternal parasitic infection on placental antibody transfer. To investigate this, we selected from a parent study of 576 pregnant Kenyan women four groups of women with term deliveries (≥37 weeks), including uninfected women (
n
= 30) and women with solo infections with malaria (
n
= 30), hookworm (
n
= 30), or schistosomiasis (
n
= 10). Maternal plasma at delivery and infant cord blood were tested via multiplex fluorescent bead assay for IgG against 10 pneumococcal serotypes (PnPs 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F), diphtheria toxoid, and
Haemophilus influenzae
type B. Infants born to mothers with prenatal malaria, hookworm, or
Schistosoma haematobium
infections were associated with a significantly reduced ratio of maternal to infant cord blood antibody concentration for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, and 18C compared to infants of uninfected mothers. Anti-diphtheria toxoid and anti-
H. influenzae
type B IgG ratios were not significantly different among infection groups. Prenatal parasitic infections decrease the transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to infants for several serotypes of
S. pneumoniae
.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Lassa Fever
Authors: Raabe Vanessa , Koehler Jeffrey
Published: April 2017

Lassa virus remains an important cause of illness in West Africa and among the travelers returning from this region with an acute febrile illness. The symptoms of Lassa fever can be nonspecific and mimic those of other endemic infections, especially early in illness, making a clinical diagnosis difficult; therefore, laboratory testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. An early identification of Lassa fever is crucial for maximizing the benefit of available antiviral therapy, as treatment efficacy rapidly decreases following the clinical onset of the disease. This minireview provides an overview of the currently available diagnostic tests for Lassa fever and their strengths and weaknesses.
The Immaculate Carbapenemase Study
Authors: Thomson Kenneth S.
Published: April 2017

Carbapenemase-producing organisms, or CPOs, are Gram-negative pathogens that produce a transmissible carbapenemase and are typically resistant to most (sometimes all) antibiotics. We now face a global CPO pandemic of high mortality. In this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, Karlowsky et al. (J Clin Microbiol 55:1638–1649, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02316-16
) report the results of an extensive global surveillance study that provide much-needed information that enhances our understanding of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) and which will be valuable for the development of improved strategies for CPE control and therapy of infections.
Unique Structural Features of Influenza Virus H15 Hemagglutinin
Authors: Tzarum Netanel , McBride Ryan , Nycholat Corwin M. , Peng Wenjie , Paulson James C. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: April 2017

Influenza A H15 viruses are members of a subgroup (H7-H10-H15) of group 2 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes that include H7N9 and H10N8 viruses that were isolated from humans during 2013. The isolation of avian H15 viruses is, however, quite rare and, until recently, geographically restricted to wild shorebirds and waterfowl in Australia. The HAs of H15 viruses contain an insertion in the 150-loop (loop beginning at position 150) of the receptor-binding site common to this subgroup and a unique insertion in the 260-loop compared to any other subtype. Here, we show that the H15 HA has a high preference for avian receptor analogs by glycan array analyses. The H15 HA crystal structure reveals that it is structurally closest to H7N9 HA, but the head domain of the H15 trimer is wider than all other HAs due to a tilt and opening of the HA1 subunits of the head domain. The extended 150-loop of the H15 HA retains the conserved conformation as in H7 and H10 HAs. Furthermore, the elongated 260-loop increases the exposed HA surface and can contribute to antigenic variation in H15 HAs. Since avian-origin H15 HA viruses have been shown to cause enhanced disease in mammalian models, further characterization and immune surveillance of H15 viruses are warranted.

IMPORTANCE
In the last 2 decades, an apparent increase has been reported for cases of human infection by emerging avian influenza A virus subtypes, including H7N9 and H10N8 viruses isolated during 2013. H15 is the other member of the subgroup of influenza A virus group 2 hemagglutinins (HAs) that also include H7 and H10. H15 viruses have been restricted to Australia, but recent isolation of H15 viruses in western Siberia suggests that they could be spread more globally via the avian flyways that converge and emanate from this region. Here we report on characterization of the three-dimensional structure and receptor specificity of the H15 hemagglutinin, revealing distinct features and specificities that can aid in global surveillance of such viruses for potential spread and emerging threat to the human population.
Herpesvirus Entry Mediator and Ocular Herpesvirus Infection: More than Meets the Eye
Authors: Edwards Rebecca G. , Longnecker Richard
Published: April 2017

As its name suggests, the host receptor herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) facilitates herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry through interactions with a viral envelope glycoprotein. HVEM also bridges several signaling networks, binding ligands from both tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamilies with diverse, and often opposing, outcomes. While HVEM was first identified as a viral entry receptor for HSV, it is only recently that HVEM has emerged as an important host factor in immunopathogenesis of ocular HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Surprisingly, HVEM exacerbates disease development in the eye independently of entry. HVEM signaling has been shown to play a variety of roles in modulating immune responses to HSV and other pathogens, and there is increasing evidence that these effects are responsible for HVEM-mediated pathogenesis in the eye. Here, we review the dual branches of HVEM function during HSV infection: entry and immunomodulation. HVEM is broadly expressed; intersects two important immunologic signaling networks; and impacts autoimmunity, infection, and inflammation. We hope that by understanding the complex range of effects mediated by this receptor, we can offer insights applicable to a wide variety of disease states.
Overactive Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Leads to Increased Fibrosis after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Venkataraman Thiagarajan , Coleman Christopher M. , Frieman Matthew B.
Published: April 2017

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic respiratory virus that causes morbidity and mortality in humans. After infection with SARS-CoV, the acute lung injury caused by the virus must be repaired to regain lung function. A dysregulation in this wound healing process leads to fibrosis. Many survivors of SARS-CoV infection develop pulmonary fibrosis (PF), with higher prevalence in older patients. Using mouse models of SARS-CoV pathogenesis, we have identified that the wound repair pathway, controlled by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is critical to recovery from SARS-CoV-induced tissue damage. In mice with constitutively active EGFR [EGFR(DSK5) mice], we find that SARS-CoV infection causes enhanced lung disease. Importantly, we show that during infection, the EGFR ligands amphiregulin and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) are upregulated, and exogenous addition of these ligands during infection leads to enhanced lung disease and altered wound healing dynamics. Our data demonstrate a key role of EGFR in the host response to SARS-CoV and how it may be implicated in lung disease induced by other highly pathogenic respiratory viruses.

IMPORTANCE
PF has many causative triggers, including severe respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV. Currently there are no treatments to prevent the onset or limit the progression of PF, and the molecular pathways underlying the development of PF are not well understood. In this study, we identified a role for the balanced control of EGFR signaling as a key factor in progression to PF. These data demonstrate that therapeutic treatment modulating EGFR activation could protect against PF development caused by severe respiratory virus infection.
Phylogenomic Reconstruction of the Oomycete Phylogeny Derived from 37 Genomes
Authors: McCarthy Charley G. P. , Fitzpatrick David A.
Published: April 2017

The oomycetes are a class of eukaryotes and include ecologically significant animal and plant pathogens. Single-gene and multigene phylogenetic studies of individual oomycete genera and of members of the larger classes have resulted in conflicting conclusions concerning interspecies relationships among these species, particularly for the
Phytophthora
genus. The onset of next-generation sequencing techniques now means that a wealth of oomycete genomic data is available. For the first time, we have used genome-scale phylogenetic methods to resolve oomycete phylogenetic relationships. We used supertree methods to generate single-gene and multigene species phylogenies. Overall, our supertree analyses utilized phylogenetic data from 8,355 oomycete gene families. We have also complemented our analyses with superalignment phylogenies derived from 131 single-copy ubiquitous gene families. Our results show that a genome-scale approach to oomycete phylogeny resolves oomycete classes and clades. Our analysis represents an important first step in large-scale phylogenomic analysis of the oomycetes.
Rectus sheath haematoma: a rare masquerader for abdominal pain
Authors: Changal Khalid Hamid , Saleem Saad , Ghous Ghulam
Published: April 2017

Rectus sheath haematoma is a rare cause of abdominal pain. It can be easily confused for other causes of acute abdomen and may even lead to unnecessary laparotomies. Our patient has the rectus sheath haematoma because of violent coughing and on presentation had no obvious clinical sign pointing to the same. Diagnosis was made by a CT scan of the abdomen, and patient was treated conservatively. Rectus sheath haematomas are usually present on the posterior aspect of the rectus muscles and thus may not be clinically appreciable.
Exercise prescription for overhead athletes with shoulder pathology: a systematic review with best evidence synthesis
Authors: Wright Alexis A , Hegedus Eric J , Tarara Daniel T , Ray Samantha C , Dischiavi Steven L
Published: April 2017

Objective

To produce a best evidence synthesis of exercise prescription used when treating shoulder pathology in the overhead athlete.

Design

A systematic review of exercises used in overhead athletes including case studies and clinical commentaries.

Data sources

MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL from database inception through July 8, 2016.

Methods

We examined data from randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort (level I–IV evidence) studies that addressed exercise intervention in the rehabilitation of the overhead athlete with shoulder pathology. Case studies and clinical commentaries (level V evidence) were examined to account for expert opinion-based research. Data were combined using best evidence synthesis and graded (A–F) recommendations (Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine).

Results

There were 33 unique exercises in six level I–IV studies that met our inclusion criteria. Most exercises were single-plane, upper extremity exercises performed below 90oof elevation. There were 102 unique exercises in 33 level V studies that met our inclusion criteria. These exercises emphasised plyometrics, kinetic chain and sport-specific training.

Conclusions and relevance

Overall, evidence for exercise interventions in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology is dominated by expert opinion (grade D). There is great variability between exercise approaches suggested by experts and those investigated in research studies and the overall level of evidence is low. The strongest available evidence (level B) supports the use of single-plane, open chain upper extremity exercises performed below 90° of elevation and closed chain upper extremity exercises. Clinical expert pieces support a more advanced, global treatment approach consistent with the complex, multidimensional nature of sport.