bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How environment and self‐motion combine in neural representations of space
Authors: Evans Talfan , Bicanski Andrej , Bush Daniel , Burgess Neil
Published: November 2015

Estimates of location or orientation can be constructed solely from sensory information representing environmental cues. In unfamiliar or sensory‐poor environments, these estimates can also be maintained and updated by integrating self‐motion information. However, the accumulation of error dictates that updated representations of heading direction and location become progressively less reliable over time, and must be corrected by environmental sensory inputs when available. Anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioural evidence indicates that angular and translational path integration contributes to the firing of head direction cells and grid cells. We discuss how sensory inputs may be combined with self‐motion information in the firing patterns of these cells. For head direction cells, direct projections from egocentric sensory representations of distal cues can help to correct cumulative errors. Grid cells may benefit from sensory inputs via boundary vector cells and place cells. However, the allocentric code of boundary vector cells and place cells requires consistent head‐direction information in order to translate the sensory signal of egocentric boundary distance into allocentric boundary vector cell firing, suggesting that the different spatial representations found in and around the hippocampal formation are interdependent. We conclude that, rather than representing pure path integration, the firing of head‐direction cells and grid cells reflects the interface between self‐motion and environmental sensory information. Together with place cells and boundary vector cells they can support a coherent unitary representation of space based on both environmental sensory inputs and path integration signals.

image
The mechano‐gated channel inhibitor GsMTx4 reduces the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats
Authors: Copp Steven W. , Kim Joyce S. , Ruiz‐Velasco Victor , Kaufman Marc P.
Published: November 2015

Key points

Mechanical and metabolic stimuli from contracting muscles evoke reflex increases in blood pressure, heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity. Little is known, however, about the nature of the mechano‐gated channels on the thin fibre muscle afferents that contribute to evoke this reflex, termed the exercise pressor reflex.

We determined the effect of GsMTx4, an inhibitor of mechano‐gated Piezo channels, on the exercise pressor reflex evoked by intermittent contraction of the triceps surae muscles in decerebrated, unanaesthetized rats.

GsMTx4 reduced the pressor, cardioaccelerator and renal sympathetic nerve responses to intermittent contraction but did not reduce the pressor responses to femoral arterial injection of compounds that stimulate the metabolically‐sensitive thin fibre muscle afferents.

Expression levels of Piezo2 channels were greater than Piezo1 channels in rat dorsal root ganglia.

Our findings suggest that mechanically‐sensitive Piezo proteins contribute to the generation of the mechanical component of the exercise pressor reflex in rats.

Mechanical and metabolic stimuli within contracting skeletal muscles evoke reflex autonomic and cardiovascular adjustments. In cats and rats, gadolinium has been used to investigate the role played by the mechanical component of this reflex, termed the exercise pressor reflex. Gadolinium, however, has poor selectivity for mechano‐gated channels and exerts multiple off‐target effects. We tested the hypothesis that GsMTX4, a more selective mechano‐gated channel inhibitor than gadolinium and a particularly potent inhibitor of mechano‐gated Piezo channels, reduced the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats. Injection of 10 μg of GsMTx4 into the arterial supply of the hindlimb reduced the peak pressor (control: 24  ±  5, GsMTx4: 12 ± 5 mmHg, P < 0.01), cardioaccelerator and renal sympathetic nerve responses to tendon stretch, a purely mechanical stimulus, but had no effect on the pressor responses to intra‐arterial injection of α,β‐methylene ATP or lactic acid. Moreover, injection of 10 μg of GsMTx4 into the arterial supply of the hindlimb reduced the peak pressor (control: 24 ± 2, GsMTx4: 14 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.01), cardioaccelerator and renal sympathetic nerve responses to electrically‐induced intermittent hindlimb muscle contractions. By contrast, injection of 10 μg of GsMTx4 into the jugular vein had no effect on the pressor, cardioaccelerator, or renal sympathetic nerve responses to contraction. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analyses indicated that both Piezo1 and Piezo2 channel isoforms were natively expressed in rat dorsal root ganglia tissue. We conclude that GsMTx4 reduced the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats and that the reduction was attributable, at least in part, to its effect on mechano‐gated Piezo channels.
China pursues fraudsters in science publishing
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: November 2015

Measures may not be enough to stem the tide, some fear.
Climate crossroads
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: November 2015

After decades of failure, a new approach to negotiations has raised hopes that nations meeting in Paris will agree to meaningful climate steps.
Cotranslational protein folding on the ribosome monitored in real time
Authors: Holtkamp Wolf , Kokic Goran , Jäger Marcus , Mittelstaet Joerg , Komar Anton A. , Rodnina Marina V.
Published: November 2015

Proteins shape up in the ribosome

Proteins consist of linear chains of amino acids. These chains must fold into complex three-dimensional shapes to become functional. Holtkamp
et al.
“watched” how a small helical protein folds as it is being synthesized by the ribosome. The lengthening polypeptide passes out through the ribosome exit tunnel where folding starts. The initially compact structure quickly rearranges into a native three-dimensional structure as the polypeptide emerges from the tunnel.

Science
, this issue p.
1104
Understanding China's non–fossil energy targets
Authors: Lewis Joanna I. , Fridley David G. , Price Lynn K. , Lu Hongyou , Romankiewicz John P.
Published: November 2015

Methodology standardization will improve comparability
Humanity 2.0
HUMAN+: The Future of Our Species
Cathrine Kramer, executive curator
Centre for Contemporary Culture, Barcelona Through 10 April 2016 www.cccb.org
Authors: Frazzetto Giovanni
Published: November 2015

A new exhibition explores how scientific advances are changing what it means to be human
How Victoria's fishes were knocked from their perch
Authors: Vermeij Geerat
Published: November 2015

Evolutionary innovations are not always beneficial

[Also see Report by

McGee
et al.

]
Alan Hall (1952–2015)
Authors: Nobes Catherine , Lloyd Alison , Marsh Mark
Published: November 2015

The loss of a leading cell and cancer biologist
Complete Genome Sequence of the Gut Commensal and Laboratory Strain Enterococcus faecium 64/3
Authors: Bender Jennifer K. , Fiedler Stefan , Klare Ingo , Werner Guido
Published: November 2015

The genome sequence of the commensal and widely used laboratory strain
Enterococcus faecium
64/3 was resolved by means of PacificBioscience and Illumina whole-genome sequencing. The genome comprises 2,575,333 bp with 2,382 coding sequences as assigned by NCBI.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Heat-Tolerant
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis Strain GL2 from Algerian Dromedary Milk
Authors: Gabed Noujoud , Yang Manli , Bey Baba Hamed Mohamed , Drici Habiba , Gross Roy , Dandekar Thomas , Liang Chunguang
Published: November 2015

Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis GL2 is a moderately thermotolerant lactic acid bacterium isolated from dromedary raw milk. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of this potential new dairy starter strain, which combines thermotolerance and the capacity to metabolize lactose, casein, and citrate.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variant with a New Insertion in Glycoprotein 5, Isolated from a Stillborn Fetus
Authors: Liu Can , Zhang Lei , Ning Yi-bao
Published: November 2015

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain GD-2011, a highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) that was isolated from a stillborn fetus. The GD-2011 strain is characterized by a discontinuous 30–amino acid deletion in the nonstructural protein 2. In addition, GD-2011 had a 1–amino acid insertion in glycoprotein 5, which does not exist in any other HP-PRRSV strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Spiroplasma turonicum Strain Tab4c
T
, a Parasite of a Horse Fly,
Haematopota
sp. (Diptera: Tabanidae)
Authors: Davis Robert E. , Shao Jonathan , Zhao Yan , Gasparich Gail E. , Gaynor Brady J. , Donofrio Nicole
Published: November 2015

Spiroplasma turonicum
was isolated from a
Haematopota
sp. fly in France. We report the nucleotide sequence of the circular chromosome of strain Tab4c
T
. The genome information will facilitate evolutionary studies of spiroplasmas, including symbionts of insects and ticks and pathogens of plants, insects, crustaceans, and humans.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium mucogenicum Strain CSUR P2099
Authors: Asmar Shady , Rascovan Nicolás , Robert Catherine , Drancourt Michel
Published: November 2015

Mycobacterium mucogenicum
is a rapid-growing, nontuberculosis
Mycobacterium
species. The draft genome of
M. mucogenicum
CSUR P2099 comprises 6,210,127 bp exhibiting a 67.2% G+C content, 6,003 protein-coding genes, and 91 predicted RNA genes.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain NIZO2877
Authors: Martino Maria Elena , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Joncour Pauline , Hughes Sandrine , Gillet Benjamin , Kleerebezem Michiel , Siezen Roland , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , Leulier François
Published: November 2015

Lactobacillus plantarum
is a versatile bacterial species that is isolated mostly from foods. Here, we present the first genome sequence of
L. plantarum
strain NIZO2877 isolated from a hot dog in Vietnam. Its two contigs represent a nearly complete genome sequence.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four African Horse Sickness Virus Strains from a Commercial Tetravalent Live Attenuated Vaccine
Authors: Guthrie Alan J. , Coetzee Peter , Martin Darren P. , Lourens Carina W. , Venter Estelle H. , Weyer Camilla T. , Joone Christopher , le Grange Misha , Harper Cindy K. , Howell Peter G. , MacLachlan N. James
Published: November 2015

This is a report of the complete genome sequences of plaque-selected isolates of each of the four virus strains included in a South African commercial tetravalent African horse sickness attenuated live virus vaccine.
Genome Sequence of the Banana Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS006
Authors: Gamez Rocío M. , Rodríguez Fernando , Bernal Johan F. , Agarwala Richa , Landsman David , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo
Published: November 2015

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
is an important plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). We report the first whole-genome sequence of PGPR
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
evaluated in Colombian banana plants. The genome sequences encode genes involved in plant growth and defense, including bacteriocins, ribosomally synthesized antibacterial peptides, in addition to genes that provide resistance to toxic compounds.
The Oncogenic Small Tumor Antigen of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Is an Iron-Sulfur Cluster Protein That Enhances Viral DNA Replication
Authors: Tsang Sabrina H. , Wang Ranran , Nakamaru-Ogiso Eiko , Knight Simon A. B. , Buck Christopher B. , You Jianxin
Published: November 2015

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) plays an important role in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). MCPyV small T (sT) antigen has emerged as the key oncogenic driver in MCC carcinogenesis. It has also been shown to promote MCPyV LT-mediated replication by stabilizing LT. The importance of MCPyV sT led us to investigate sT functions and to identify potential ways to target this protein. We discovered that MCPyV sT purified from bacteria contains iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis showed that MCPyV sT coordinates a [2Fe-2S] and a [4Fe-4S] cluster. We also observed phenotypic conservation of Fe/S coordination in the sTs of other polyomaviruses. Since Fe/S clusters are critical cofactors in many nucleic acid processing enzymes involved in DNA unwinding and polymerization, our results suggested the hypothesis that MCPyV sT might be directly involved in viral replication. Indeed, we demonstrated that MCPyV sT enhances LT-mediated replication in a manner that is independent of its previously reported ability to stabilize LT. MCPyV sT translocates to nuclear foci containing actively replicating viral DNA, supporting a direct role for sT in promoting viral replication. Mutations of Fe/S cluster-coordinating cysteines in MCPyV sT abolish its ability to stimulate viral replication. Moreover, treatment with cidofovir, a potent antiviral agent, robustly inhibits the sT-mediated enhancement of MCPyV replication but has little effect on the basal viral replication driven by LT alone. This finding further indicates that MCPyV sT plays a direct role in stimulating viral DNA replication and introduces cidofovir as a possible drug for controlling MCPyV infection.

IMPORTANCE
MCPyV is associated with a highly aggressive form of skin cancer in humans. Epidemiological surveys for MCPyV seropositivity and sequencing analyses of healthy human skin suggest that MCPyV may represent a common component of the human skin microbial flora. However, much of the biology of the virus and its oncogenic ability remain to be investigated. In this report, we identify MCPyV sT as a novel Fe/S cluster protein and show that conserved cysteine clusters are important for sT's ability to enhance viral replication. Moreover, we show that sT sensitizes MCPyV replication to cidofovir inhibition. The discovery of Fe/S clusters in MCPyV sT opens new avenues to the study of the structure and functionality of this protein. Moreover, this study supports the notion that sT is a potential drug target for dampening MCPyV infection.
H1N1 Swine Influenza Viruses Differ from Avian Precursors by a Higher pH Optimum of Membrane Fusion
Authors: Baumann Jan , Kouassi Nancy Mounogou , Foni Emanuela , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Matrosovich Mikhail
Published: November 2015

The H1N1 Eurasian avian-like swine (EAsw) influenza viruses originated from an avian H1N1 virus. To characterize potential changes in the membrane fusion activity of the hemagglutinin (HA) during avian-to-swine adaptation of the virus, we studied EAsw viruses isolated in the first years of their circulation in pigs and closely related contemporary H1N1 viruses of wild aquatic birds. Compared to the avian viruses, the swine viruses were less sensitive to neutralization by lysosomotropic agent NH
4
Cl in MDCK cells, had a higher pH optimum of hemolytic activity, and were less stable at acidic pH. Eight amino acid substitutions in the HA were found to separate the EAsw viruses from their putative avian precursor; four substitutions—T49
2
S, N72
2
D, R75
2
K, and S113
2
F—were located in the structural regions of the HA2 subunit known to play a role in acid-induced conformational transition of the HA. We also studied low-pH-induced syncytium formation by cell-expressed HA proteins and found that the HAs of the 1918, 1957, 1968, and 2009 pandemic viruses required a lower pH for fusion induction than did the HA of a representative EAsw virus. Our data show that transmission of an avian H1N1 virus to pigs was accompanied by changes in conformational stability and fusion promotion activity of the HA. We conclude that distinctive host-determined fusion characteristics of the HA may represent a barrier for avian-to-swine and swine-to-human transmission of influenza viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Continuing cases of human infections with zoonotic influenza viruses highlight the necessity to understand which viral properties contribute to interspecies transmission. Efficient binding of the HA to cellular receptors in a new host species is known to be essential for the transmission. Less is known about required adaptive changes in the membrane fusion activity of the HA. Here we show that adaptation of an avian influenza virus to pigs in Europe in 1980s was accompanied by mutations in the HA, which decreased its conformational stability and increased pH optimum of membrane fusion activity. This finding represents the first formal evidence of alteration of the HA fusion activity/stability during interspecies transmission of influenza viruses under natural settings.
3C Protease of Enterovirus D68 Inhibits Cellular Defense Mediated by Interferon Regulatory Factor 7
Authors: Xiang Zichun , Liu Lulu , Lei Xiaobo , Zhou Zhuo , He Bin , Wang Jianwei
Published: November 2015

Human enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) is a member of the EV-D species, which belongs to the EV genus of the
Picornaviridae
family. Over the past several years, clusters of EV-D68 infections have occurred worldwide. A recent outbreak in the United States is the largest one associated with severe respiratory illness and neurological complication. Although clinical symptoms are recognized, the virus remains poorly understood. Here we report that EV-D68 inhibits innate antiviral immunity by downregulation of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), an immune factor with a pivotal role in viral pathogenesis. This process depends on 3C
pro
, an EV-D68-encoded protease, to mediate IRF7 cleavage. When expressed in host cells, 3C
pro
targets Q167 and Q189 within the constitutive activation domain, resulting in cleavage of IRF7. Accordingly, wild-type IRF7 is fully active. However, IRF7 cleavage abrogated its capacity to activate type I interferon expression and limit replication of EV-D68. Notably, IRF7 cleavage strictly requires the protease activity of 3C
pro
. Together, these results suggest that a dynamic interplay between 3C
pro
and IRF7 may determine the outcome of EV-D68 infection.

IMPORTANCE
EV-D68 is a globally emerging pathogen, but the molecular basis of EV-D68 pathogenesis is unclear. Here we report that EV-D68 inhibits innate immune responses by targeting an immune factor, IRF7. This involves the 3C protease encoded by EV-D68, which mediates the cleavage of IRF7. These observations suggest that the 3C
pro
-IRF7 interaction may represent an interface that dictates EV-D68 infection.
The Interferon Type I/III Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Airway Epithelial Cells Can Be Attenuated or Amplified by Antiviral Treatment
Authors: McCutcheon K. M. , Jordan R. , Mawhorter M. E. , Noton S. L. , Powers J. G. , Fearns R. , Cihlar T. , Perron M.
Published: November 2015

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes acute, and occasionally fatal, lower respiratory illness in young infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Therapeutic interventions able to cut short viral replication and quickly return the airways to normal function are needed. An understanding of antiviral activities and their effects on host defense mechanisms is important for the design of safe and effective therapy. We targeted functionally and temporally distinct steps within the viral life cycle using small-molecule RSV inhibitors and studied their antiviral activities and their effects on innate interferon responses of airway epithelial cells
in vitro
. Antivirals acting upstream of RSV polymerase activity (i.e., compounds targeting the fusion protein or the nucleoprotein) reduced viral load immediately postinfection and partially attenuated interferon responses. In contrast, antivirals directed to the RSV polymerase demonstrated activity throughout the viral replication cycle and specifically modulated the RIG-I/mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)/TBK1/IRF3/interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) axis, causing either an upregulation or a downregulation of interferon responses, depending on the mechanism of polymerase inhibition. Notably, polymerase inhibition leading to the accumulation of abortive RNA products correlated with the amplification of interferon-stimulated genes to up to 10 times above normal infection levels. Understanding how antiviral activities and their modulation of innate immunity may affect recovery from RSV infection will help guide the development of safe and effective therapies.

IMPORTANCE
RSV circulates seasonally, causing acute lower respiratory disease. Therapeutic interventions with efficacy throughout the viral replication cycle, rapid viral clearance, and prevention of potentially harmful inflammatory responses are desirable. Compounds targeting the RSV polymerase inhibited virus replication late in the viral life cycle and, depending on the functional domain targeted, either attenuated or amplified RIG-I and downstream interferon pathways in infected cells. These data will help guide the development of safe and effective therapies by providing new molecular evidence that the mechanism of inhibition by an antiviral compound can directly impact innate antiviral immune responses in the airway epithelium.
An Adenovirus DNA Replication Factor, but Not Incoming Genome Complexes, Targets PML Nuclear Bodies
Authors: Komatsu Tetsuro , Nagata Kyosuke , Wodrich Harald
Published: November 2015

Promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are subnuclear domains implicated in cellular antiviral responses. Despite the antiviral activity, several nuclear replicating DNA viruses use the domains as deposition sites for the incoming viral genomes and/or as sites for viral DNA replication, suggesting that PML-NBs are functionally relevant during early viral infection to establish productive replication. Although PML-NBs and their components have also been implicated in the adenoviral life cycle, it remains unclear whether incoming adenoviral genome complexes target PML-NBs. Here we show using immunofluorescence and live-cell imaging analyses that incoming adenovirus genome complexes neither localize at nor recruit components of PML-NBs during early phases of infection. We further show that the viral DNA binding protein (DBP), an early expressed viral gene and essential DNA replication factor, independently targets PML-NBs. We show that DBP oligomerization is required to selectively recruit the PML-NB components Sp100 and USP7. Depletion experiments suggest that the absence of one PML-NB component might not affect the recruitment of other components toward DBP oligomers. Thus, our findings suggest a model in which an adenoviral DNA replication factor, but not incoming viral genome complexes, targets and modulates PML-NBs to support a conducive state for viral DNA replication and argue against a generalized concept that PML-NBs target incoming viral genomes.

IMPORTANCE
The immediate fate upon nuclear delivery of genomes of incoming DNA viruses is largely unclear. Early reports suggested that incoming genomes of herpesviruses are targeted and repressed by PML-NBs immediately upon nuclear import. Genome localization and/or viral DNA replication has also been observed at PML-NBs for other DNA viruses. Thus, it was suggested that PML-NBs may immediately sense and target nuclear viral genomes and hence serve as sites for deposition of incoming viral genomes and/or subsequent viral DNA replication. Here we performed a detailed analyses of the spatiotemporal distribution of incoming adenoviral genome complexes and found, in contrast to the expectation, that an adenoviral DNA replication factor, but not incoming genomes, targets PML-NBs. Thus, our findings may explain why adenoviral genomes could be observed at PML-NBs in earlier reports but argue against a generalized role for PML-NBs in targeting invading viral genomes.
Mutated but Not Deleted Ovine PrP
C
N-Terminal Polybasic Region Strongly Interferes with Prion Propagation in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Khalifé Manal , Reine Fabienne , Paquet-Fifield Sophie , Castille Johan , Herzog Laetitia , Vilotte Marthe , Moudjou Mohammed , Moazami-Goudarzi Katayoun , Makhzami Samira , Passet Bruno , Andréoletti Olivier , Vilette Didier , Laude Hubert , Béringue Vincent , Vilotte Jean-Luc
Published: November 2015

Mammalian prions are proteinaceous infectious agents composed of misfolded assemblies of the host-encoded, cellular prion protein (PrP). Physiologically, the N-terminal polybasic region of residues 23 to 31 of PrP has been shown to be involved in its endocytic trafficking and interactions with glycosaminoglycans or putative ectodomains of membrane-associated proteins. Several recent reports also describe this PrP region as important for the toxicity of mutant prion proteins and the efficiency of prion propagation, both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The question remains as to whether the latter observations made with mouse PrP and mouse prions would be relevant to other PrP species/prion strain combinations given the dramatic impact on prion susceptibility of minimal amino acid substitutions and structural variations in PrP. Here, we report that transgenic mouse lines expressing ovine PrP with a deletion of residues 23 to 26 (KKRP) or mutated in this N-terminal region (KQHPH instead of KKRPK) exhibited a variable, strain-dependent susceptibility to prion infection with regard to the proportion of affected mice and disease tempo relative to findings in their wild-type counterparts. Deletion has no major effect on 127S scrapie prion pathogenesis, whereas mutation increased by almost 3-fold the survival time of the mice. Deletion marginally affected the incubation time of scrapie LA19K and ovine bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions, whereas mutation caused apparent resistance to disease.

IMPORTANCE
Recent reports suggested that the N-terminal polybasic region of the prion protein could be a therapeutic target to prevent prion propagation or toxic signaling associated with more common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Mutating or deleting this region in ovine PrP completes the data previously obtained with the mouse protein by identifying the key amino acid residues involved.
Abdominal actinomycosis mimicking acute appendicitis
Authors: Conrad Robert Joseph , Riela Steven , Patel Ravi , Misra Subhasis
Published: November 2015

A 52-year-old Hispanic woman presented to the emergency department, reporting worsening sharp lower right quadrant abdominal pain for 3 days. CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed evidence of inflammation in the peritoneal soft tissues adjacent to an enlarged and thick-walled appendix, an appendicolith, no abscess formation and a slightly thickened caecum consistent with acute appendicitis. During laparoscopic appendectomy, the caecum was noted to be firm, raising suspicion of malignancy. Surgical oncology team was consulted and open laparotomy with right hemicolectomy was performed. Pathology reported that the ileocaecal mass was not a malignancy but was, rather, actinomycosis. The patient was discharged after 10 days of intravenous antibiotics in the hospital, with the diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis. Although the original clinical and radiological findings in this case were highly suggestive of acute appendicitis, abdominal actinomycosis should be in the differential for right lower quadrant pain as it may be treated non-operatively.
Methods for estimating causal relationships of adverse events with dietary supplements
Authors: Ide Kazuki , Yamada Hiroshi , Kitagawa Mamoru , Kawasaki Yohei , Buno Yuma , Matsushita Kumi , Kaji Masayuki , Fujimoto Kazuko , Waki Masako , Nakashima Mitsuyoshi , Umegaki Keizo
Published: November 2015

Objective

Dietary supplement use has increased over past decades, resulting in reports of potentially serious adverse events. The aim of this study was to develop optimised methods to evaluate the causal relationships between adverse events and dietary supplements, and to test these methods using case reports.

Design

Causal relationship assessment using prospectively collected data.

Setting and participants

4 dietary supplement experts, 4 pharmacists and 11 registered dietitians (5 men and 14 women) examined 200 case reports of suspected adverse events using the modified Naranjo scale and the modified Food and Drug Administration (FDA) algorithm.

Primary outcome measures

The distribution of evaluation results was analysed and inter-rater reliability was evaluated for the two modified methods employed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Fleiss’ κ.

Results

Using these two methods, most of the 200 case reports were categorised as ‘lack of information’ or ‘possible’ adverse events. Inter-rater reliability among entire assessors ratings for the two modified methods, based on ICC and Fleiss’ κ, were classified as more than substantial (modified Naranjo scale: ICC (95% CI) 0.873 (0.850 to 0.895); Fleiss’ κ (95% CI) 0.615 (0.615 to 0.615). Modified FDA algorithm: Fleiss’ κ (95% CI) 0.622 (0.622 to 0.622).

Conclusions

These methods may help to assess the causal relationships between adverse events and dietary supplements. By conducting additional studies of these methods in different populations, researchers can expand the possibilities for the application of our methods.
How common is isolated dysphasia among patients with stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis, and what is their outcome? Results from the SITS-ISTR
Authors: Lundström Erik , Zini Andrea , Wahlgren Nils , Ahmed Niaz
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To describe the frequency and outcome of isolated dysphasia among patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

Design

Patients registered in the SITS International Stroke Thrombolysis Register (SITS-ISTR).

Participants

Patients with stroke (N=58 293) treated with IVT between December 2002 and December 2012.

Setting

A multinational, prospective, observational monitoring register.

Main outcome measures

Isolated dysphasia and modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Methods

We identified patients presenting with isolated dysphasia by reviewing items within the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). We performed descriptive statistics for baseline and demographic data, and reported patients’ characteristics, radiological data and changes in their NIHSS score within 7 days and mRS score at 3 months. We also reported corresponding data from the general SITS-ISTR cohort.

Results

We found isolated dysphasia at baseline in 1.14% (663/58 293) of all patients treated with IVT patients. Patients with isolated dysphasia had a longer onset to treatment time, lower proportion of visible infarctions on admission imaging scan and atrial fibrillation, and were less often classified as having large vessels causing strokes, in comparison with the rest of the SITS-ISTR. Symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage occurred in 2.3% of patients per SITS-MOST definition and fatal outcome in 5.5%. At 7 days, 50% of patients with isolated dysphasia recovered completely and at 3 months, 86.3% patients were functionally independent (mRS score 0–2), 71.7% had an excellent outcome (mRS score 0–1) and 45.5% had an mRS score of 0.

Conclusions

A low proportion of patients with isolated dysphasia are treated with IVT. Half of these patients were fully recovered at 7 days.
Hypoglycaemia monitoring in a medical receiving ward
Authors: Ellis Ryan
Published: November 2015

It has been suggested that current care for diabetes inpatients remains inadequate and that greater attention is required for high quality management. In this project the aspect of hypoglycaemia was studied in a busy medical receiving ward at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. A large proportion of inpatients have diabetes and episodes of hypoglycaemia experienced by this population can delay discharge and indeed be detrimental to health. Thus it is important from both an organisational and patient perspective to manage this population well. In this project BM machine data was analysed to identify patients who were hypoglycaemic. These patients were then tracked down to study the subsequent management and compared this against recommended guidance. Following this an intervention was made to promote identification, management, documentation, and prevention of hypoglycaemia. This was deliberately a simple intervention involving discussions with staff and provision of basic documented guidance next to every BM machine. In the first phase 17 patients were identified and in a second and third phase 16 patients each time were further identified. Patients in the study were both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Initial results in phase I were compared to results in phase II and III respectively. This intervention produced significant improvements in management with correct monitoring of low BMs (i.e. upon identification of low BM repeat within 1 hour) improving from 47% to 100% (for Phase II and III). Also, recording of preventative measures of hypoglycaemia improved from 35% to 88% and 94% with an improvement from 24% to 69% and 75% in recording of treatment given if needed. In conclusion, the study successfully demonstrated that simple measures can significantly improve the quality care of inpatient diabetic patients in relation to hypoglycaemia management.
Students, challenge yourselves on anaesthesia
Authors: Keys Charles
Published: November 2015

Anaesthesia is an area where vet students can make themselves useful as well as learn something during EMS in small animal practice, argues fourth‐year Edinburgh student Charles Keys
Phase-shifts determination for nucleon–nucleon scattering using velocity-dependent potentials
Authors: Sayyed M.I.
Published: November 2015

The s-wave time-independent Schrödinger equation with an isotropic velocity-dependent potential is considered. We have used perturbation theory to calculate the scattering phase shifts when the energy is changed by a small amount ΔE from an arbitrary unperturbed value E0. The validity of our results was tested by comparing the perturbed phase shifts to those obtained exactly by solving the Schrödinger equation. We assumed the local potential to have the form of a finite square well and the velocity-dependent part of the potential to have the form of a Yukawa potential.
A decade’s worth of otolith PIXE analyses
Authors: Elfman Mikael , Limburg Karin E. , Svedäng Henrik , Wickström Håkan , Borysiuk Maciek , Ros Linus , Abdel Naseem S. , Kristiansson Per , Nilsson E. J. Charlotta , Pallon Jan
Published: November 2015

Over the past 10 years, several thousand otoliths have been analyzed with PIXE (using 2.55 MeV protons) at LIBAF (Lund Ionbeam Analysis Facility, formerly LNMP Lund Nuclear Micro Probe). Over 40 elements have been identified in otoliths, many at levels suitable for PIXE analysis. Readily detectable elements in otoliths starting with Ca are: Ca (the matrix), Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sn (difficult), I, Ba (sometimes difficult), Pb (difficult). The detector system, used over this time period, is more sensitive than many other X-ray detector systems, since it consists of eight HPGE detector elements (100 mm2 each), in an annular formation around the beam entrance. Using a thick absorber allows us to use quite high beam current, typically 12 nA, but sometimes up to 20 nA. This permits us to have low detection limits within short analysis times. Additionally, light stable isotope research is widespread in the sciences including ecology. Stable isotopes of N provide information about trophic level (“who eats who”), providing the opportunity to map out the switching of diets from one food type to another. Oxygen isotopes are useful as “environmental thermometers”. Currently, most of such analyses require destruction of the otolith, and nitrogen isotope analysis may require dissolving entire otoliths, thus losing all temporal information. We present new techniques using new types of detectors, double side silicon strip detector (DSSSD). The detectors, electronics and the laboratory setup are described in detail; for our analysis, a MeV proton and a deuterium microbeam at LIBAF is used. The analysis is performed immediately after the PIXE analysis, without moving the sample.
Development of a WDX-μ-PIXE system for chemical state mapping
Authors: Toyama S. , Matsuyama S. , Ishii K. , Terakawa A. , Kasahara K. , Sata D. , Itoh S. , Tanimukai T. , Uegaki J. , Tada T.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we have developed a wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer microparticle-induced X-ray emission (WDX-[Formula: see text]-PIXE) system combining a microbeam system with high spatial resolution and wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectrometry with high-energy resolution for chemical state mapping. A Von Hamos geometry was used for the WDX system to achieve higher detection efficiency and energy resolution. The system consists of a curved crystal and a CCD camera. The WDX system was installed in a newly developed microbeam system. The energy resolution of the WDX system was 0.67 eV for [Formula: see text] (1740 eV). [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] X-ray spectra from various Si compounds were measured and chemical shifts related to chemical states were clearly observed. The system was applied to the chemical state analysis of clay particles. After elemental mapping of the clay particles using a conventional [Formula: see text]-PIXE system with a Si(Li) detector, particles to be analyzed were selected and analyzed sequentially with the WDX system. [Formula: see text] spectra from clay particles were obtained. The microscopic spatial distribution of elements and chemical state of the clay particles were sequentially measured with high energy and spatial resolution using a microbeam.
Analysis of elemental content and map of beech leaves by PIXE and micro-PIXE
Authors: Saitoh Katsumi , Sera Koichiro , Oikawa Masakazu , Shimizu Hideyuki
Published: November 2015

As part of a biomonitoring study of atmospheric particles for the development of a biological and environmental monitoring system in the beech (Fagus crenata Blume) forest ecosystem, we carried out elemental content and two-dimensional analysis of beech leaves by conventional PIXE and micro-PIXE. The beech leaves were collected from natural beech forests at eight locations in Japan. For conventional PIXE analysis of beech leaf samples, 27 elements were determined in total. Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were found to be the important nutrient elements for plants at all sampling sites. According to radar chart analysis results for element (Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) concentrations at each sampling site, K and P, Fe and Ca, and Zn and Cu showed relatively similar patterns. However, elements with a pattern similar to that of Mg, S, and Mn were not found. These elemental concentrations were largely different at beech leaf sampling sites. For micro-PIXE analysis of beech leaf samples from seven sampling sites (Soebetsu beech forest was excluded), scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM) images and maps of Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn and Fe were similar. In samples from Soebetsu beech forest, portions missing from the element distribution were observed. In particular, maps of Mg, Si, P, S, K and Ca were conspicuous. These analysis results may be important information for understanding the mechanism of plant metabolism.
High energy resolution PIXE spectroscopy at the J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana
Authors: Kavčič M.
Published: November 2015

While traditional proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analytical technique is based on the energy dispersive solid state detectors used to collect the X-ray fluorescence from the sample, wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectrometers are applied in high energy resolution PIXE (HR-PIXE) analysis. The main drawback of the WDX spectroscopy is the relatively low efficiency making it less applicable for trace element PIXE analysis. However, the efficiency was enhanced significantly in modern spectrometers employing cylindrically or even spherically curved crystals combined with position sensitive X-ray detectors. The energy resolution of such a spectrometer may exceed the resolution of the energy dispersive detector by two orders of magnitude while keeping the efficiency at a high enough level to perform trace element analysis. In this paper, the recent history and the development of HR-PIXE spectroscopy at the J. Stefan Institute in Ljubljana is presented. Our current setup based on in-vacuum Johansson-type crystal spectrometer is presented in more details followed by some most recent applications.
Micro-PIXE elemental mapping for ionome studies of crop plants
Authors: Vogel-Mikuš Katarina , Pongrac Paula , Pelicon Primož
Published: November 2015

In order to maintain homeostasis and consequent optimal cell functioning and integrity and/or to avoid toxicity, proper allocation of elements at organ, tissue, cellular and subcellular level is needed. Studies of element localization are therefore crucial to reveal the mechanisms of element trafficking and also tolerance and toxicity. Moreover, studies of localization and speciation of trace elements in grains of staple crops are also of high applicative value, allowing one to determine major and trace element concentrations in different grain tissues without possible contamination.

In the last decade, a remarkable progress has been made in the development and application of different 2D imaging techniques in complex biological systems, especially in the sense of improved lateral resolution and sensitivity. The superiority of micro-PIXE over other 2D imaging techniques lies in its wide elemental range (from sodium (Na) to uranium (U)), high elemental sensitivity below micron spatial resolution and fully quantitative element concentration analysis.

The aim of this review is to summarize the latest development of micro-PIXE for imaging of the distribution of major and trace elements in crop plants with emphasis on sample preparation methodologies and post-imaging analysis. Case studies of element localization in the grains of major crop plants are also presented.
Controlling soliton collision behaviors in the condensates by the height of barrier potential
Authors: Li Z. J. , Li F. , Zhang L. L.
Published: November 2015

We study the linear stability and collision characteristics of the solitons of the Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) trapped in two barrier potentials. It is shown that the soliton obtained at the top of the barrier potential is stable. Especially, when the two barrier potentials are considered as the output source of the dark solitons, the collision spots and pattern (such as chase, head-on or localization and through collision) of two solitons may be manipulated by the height of the barrier potential.
Computing Hermitian determinantal representations of hyperbolic curves
Authors: Plaumann Daniel , Sinn Rainer , Speyer David E. , Vinzant Cynthia
Published: November 2015

Every real hyperbolic form in three variables can be realized as the determinant of a linear net of Hermitian matrices containing a positive definite matrix. Such representations are an algebraic certificate for the hyperbolicity of the polynomial and their existence has been proved in several different ways. However, the resulting algorithms for computing determinantal representations are computationally intensive. In this note, we present an algorithm that reduces a large part of the problem to linear algebra and discuss its numerical implementation.
Theoretical investigation of [Ru(tpy)2]2+, [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)]2+ and [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Cl)]+ complexes in acetone revisited: Inclusion of strong spin–orbit couplings to quantum chemistry calculations
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Kinoshita Takumi , Hayashi Michitoshi , Jono Ryota , Segawa Hiroshi , Yamashita Koichi
Published: November 2015

In the present paper, we theoretically reinvestigate structural properties, and photo-physical and chemical characteristics and electronic absorption spectra of three kinds of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes [Ru(tpy)[Formula: see text], [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)][Formula: see text], and [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Cl)][Formula: see text] complexes in acetone (tpy[Formula: see text]2,2[Formula: see text],2[Formula: see text]-terpyridine and bpy[Formula: see text]2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyridine). In particular, the experimental absorption spectra of these complexes are revisited theoretically in detail and are simulated using the first-order perturbation theory based on time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) where the first-order perturbation term is the spin–orbit (SO) coupling Hamiltonian, and quantum chemistry calculations based on various functionals and basis sets. It was found that in general the theory including SO coupling can reproduce experimental data better than the simple quantum chemistry calculation neglecting SO coupling, which indicates that SO coupling is very important to understand the optical features of these complexes and that therefore the mixing between singlet and triplet states is strong due to the large SO coupling constant of Ru atom involved in these complexes. This suggests the fact that the disagreement between the experimental and calculated absorption spectra was found in TDB3LYP/(SDD with triple-[Formula: see text] for Ru and 6-31G* for others) [Jakubikova EJ et al., Inorg Chem 48:10720, 2009] can be tracked down to the neglect of SO couplings. It was also found that the choice of the DFT functionals and basis sets is crucial for a good theoretical reproduction of experimental data.
THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PRODUCT INNOVATION CAPABILITY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL PRO-ACTIVENESS AND HOTEL PERFORMANCE
Authors: ANGKANURAKBUN CHAVANA , WANARAT SAWAT
Published: November 2015

This study is based on a phenomenon that occurred in Thai hotel industry. Nowadays, innovation is a critical concern in most enterprises particular in hotel businesses due to the fact that hotels have the uniqueness of product and service. For a hotel to be competitive and achieve efficient outcomes, it is important to understand the manager’s perspectives of product innovation capability (PIC) and entrepreneurial pro-activeness (EPA) that lead to hotel performance (HP). The purpose of this study was to examine and explain the PIC in mediating the effect of EPA and HP in Thailand. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 240 hotel managers in Thailand. The constructs were measured by using established scales. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to examine research hypotheses. The results showed that PIC has a direct and significant impact on HP and strongly mediates the relationship between EPA and HP. An important finding of this study is being able to integrate the effect of EPA towards HP through PIC as a mediating variable. This finding is also encouraging for hotel owners and managers in implementation and development of strategies appropriate to the environment, and achievement of competitive advantage. It is anticipated that these factors will lead to higher levels of product and service in the Thai hotel industry and enhance the positive travel experiences in Thailand.
High temperature dielectric properties of (BxNyOz) thin films deposited using ion source assisted physical vapor deposition
Authors: Badi N.
Published: November 2015

The dielectric integrity has been one of the major obstacle in bringing out capacitor devices with suitable performance characteristics at high temperatures. In this paper, BxNyOz dielectric films for high temperature capacitors solutions are investigated. The films were grown on silicon substrate by using ion source assisted physical vapor deposition technique. The as-grown films were characterized by SEM, XRD, and XPS. The capacitor structures were fabricated using BxNyOz as a dielectric and titanium as metal electrodes. The elaborated devices were subjected to electrical and thermal characterization. They exhibited low electrical loss and very good stability when subjected to high temperature for a prolonged period of time.