bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and sequencing of the hemD gene of Escherichia coli K-12 and preliminary data on the Uro operon
Authors: Sasarman A , Nepveu A , Echelard Y , Dymetryszyn J , Drolet M , Goyer C
Published: November 2016

DNA of plasmid pSAS1002TH (F' ilv+ hemD+ hemC+ cya+) was used to clone the hemD gene of Escherichia coli K-12. Due to poor transformability of the heme-deficient mutants, the restriction fragments of the F' plasmid were first cloned into a mobilizable derivative of pBR322, pSAS1211LP, which was then mobilized into a hemD recA mutant (E. coli SASX419AN). One recombinant plasmid, carrying a HindIII fragment of about 5 kilobases (kb), was shown to complement the hemD mutant and also a cya mutant of E. coli K-12, as well as a hemC mutant of Salmonella typhimurium LT2. Further subcloning of the insert enabled us to locate the hemD gene to a BamHI-PstI fragment (approximately 2.3 kb) which also carried the hemC gene. The hemD gene occupies a region close to the PstI end, since the deletion of a 0.6-kb fragment from this end resulted in loss of the ability to complement the hemD mutation. The use of the promoter-probe vector pK01 and the results of complementation showed that the hemD gene was transcribed under physiological conditions from the same promoter as the hemC gene, the direction of transcription being hemC-hemD. This allows us to define a new polycistronic operon of E. coli K-12, for which we propose the designation Uro operon. Sequencing of the hemD gene showed the presence of an open reading frame (ORF) of 738 nucleotides which could code for a protein with a molecular weight of 27,766, which should correspond to the hemD protein; the ORF starts with the last nucleotide of the hemC gene, the two genes having different reading frames. An ORF of at least 480 base pairs follows the hemD gene after a few nucleotides. The corresponding gene X, the function of which is unknown, might represent a third member of the Uro operon.
Sequence analysis of the gtfB gene from Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Shiroza T , Ueda S , Kuramitsu H K
Published: November 2016

The nucleotide sequence of the gtfB gene from Streptococcus mutans GS-5, coding for glucosyltransferase I activity, was determined. The gene codes for a strongly hydrophilic protein with a molecular size of 165,800 daltons. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed a typical gram-positive bacterial signal sequence at the NH2 terminus of the protein and 3.5 direct repeating units (each containing 65 amino acids) at the COOH terminus. Nucleotide sequencing of the region immediately downstream from the gtfB gene revealed the presence of a putative gene coding for an extracellular protein. This open reading frame is partially homologous to the gtfB gene.
Nucleotide sequence of a glucosyltransferase gene from Streptococcus sobrinus MFe28
Authors: Ferretti J J , Gilpin M L , Russell R R
Published: November 2016

The complete nucleotide sequence was determined for the Streptococcus sobrinus MFe28 gtfI gene, which encodes a glucosyltransferase that produces an insoluble glucan product. A single open reading frame encodes a mature glucosyltransferase protein of 1,559 amino acids (Mr, 172,983) and a signal peptide of 38 amino acids. In the C-terminal one-third of the protein there are six repeating units containing 35 amino acids of partial homology and two repeating units containing 48 amino acids of complete homology. The functional role of these repeating units remains to be determined, although truncated forms of glucosyltransferase containing only the first two repeating units of partial homology maintained glucosyltransferase activity and the ability to bind glucan. Regions of homology with alpha-amylase and glycogen phosphorylase were identified in the glucosyltransferase protein and may represent regions involved in functionally similar domains.
Genetic characterization and regulation of the nadB locus of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Cookson B T , Olivera B M , Roth J R
Published: November 2016

The nadB locus encodes the first enzyme of NAD synthesis. It has been reported that this gene and nadA are regulated by a positive regulatory protein encoded in the nadB region. In pursuing this regulatory mechanism, we constructed a fine-structure genetic map of the nadB gene. The region appears to include a single complementation group; no evidence for a positive regulatory element was found. Several mutations causing resistance to the analog 6-aminonicotinamide mapped within the structural gene and probably cause resistance to feedback inhibition. Regulatory mutations for nadB were isolated. These mutants mapped far from nadB near the pnuA gene, which encodes a function required for nicotinamide mononucleotide transport. The regulatory mutations appear to affect a distinct function encoded in the same operon as pnuA.
Characterization of a bacteriophage that carries the genes for production of Shiga-like toxin 1 in Escherichia coli
Authors: Huang A , Friesen J , Brunton J L
Published: November 2016

The Shiga-like toxin 1-converting bacteriophage H-19B was recently shown to carry the structural genes for the toxin and was shown to have DNA sequence homology with phage lambda. We present evidence that the linear genome of bacteriophage H-19B has cohesive termini which become covalently associated during prophage integration. Integration occurs through a site on a 4-kilobase-pair EcoRI fragment located near the center of the bacteriophage chromosome. The relationship between bacteriophages H-19B and lambda was examined by Southern hybridization. Homologous regions were mapped on the respective chromosomes which corresponded to the regions of the J gene, the int-xis area, and the O and P genes of phage lambda. The H-19B tox genes were mapped to the right of the O and P gene homology, which was far away from the phage attachment site. We concluded that H-19B is a lambdoid bacteriophage. Unlike other toxin-converting bacteriophages, the toxin genes were not located adjacent to the phage attachment site. It appeared that the Shiga-like toxin 1 genes were not picked up by a simple imprecise prophage excision. H-19B could, however, have acquired chromosomally located toxin genes by a series of events involving deletion and duplication followed by aberrant excision.
Nucleotide sequence and promoter mapping of the Escherichia coli Shiga-like toxin operon of bacteriophage H-19B
Authors: De Grandis S , Ginsberg J , Toone M , Climie S , Friesen J , Brunton J
Published: November 2016

We determined the nucleotide sequence of the Shiga-like toxin-1 (SLT-1) genes carried by the toxin-converting bacteriophage H-19B. Two open reading frames were identified; these were separated by 12 base pairs and encoded proteins of 315 (A subunit) and 89 (B subunit) amino acids. The predicted protein subunits had N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequences of 22 and 20 amino acids, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence of the B subunit was identical to that of the B subunit of Shiga toxin. The A chain of ricin was found to be significantly related to the predicted A1 fragment of the SLT-1 A subunit. S1 nuclease protection experiments showed that the two cistrons formed a single transcriptional unit, with the A subunit being proximal to the promoter. A probable promoter was identified by primer extension, and transcription was found to increase dramatically under conditions of iron starvation. A 21-base-pair sequence with dyad symmetry was found in the region of the SLT-1 -10 sequence, which was found to be 68% homologous to a region of dyad symmetry found in the -35 region of the promoter of the iucA gene on plasmid ColV-K30, which specifies the 74,000-dalton ferric-aerobactin receptor protein. Betley et al. (M. Betley, V. Miller, and J. Mekalanos, Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 40:577-605, 1986) have recently summarized evidence suggesting that the slt operon is under the control of the fur regulatory system. The area of dyad symmetry found in both promoters may represent a regulatory site. A rho-independent terminator sequence was found 230 base pairs downstream from the B cistron stop codon.
Biosynthesis of bacterial glycogen: primary structure of Salmonella typhimurium ADPglucose synthetase as deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the glgC gene
Authors: Leung P S , Preiss J
Published: November 2016

The nucleotide sequence of a 1.4-kilobase-pair fragment containing the Salmonella typhimurium LT2 glgC gene coding for ADPglucose synthetase was determined. The glgC structural gene contains 1,293 base pairs, having a coding capacity of 431 amino acids. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence shows that the molecular weight of ADPglucose synthetase is 45,580. Previous results of the total amino acid composition analysis and amino acid sequencing (M. Lehmann and J. Preiss, J. Bacteriol. 143:120-127, 1980) of the first 27 amino acids from the N terminus agree with that deduced from nucleotide sequencing data. Comparison of the Escherichia coli K-12 and S. typhimurium LT2 ADPglucose synthetase shows that there is 80% homology in their nucleotide sequence and 90% homology in their deduced amino acid sequence. Moreover, the amino acid residues of the putative allosteric sites for the physiological activator fructose bisphosphate (amino acid residue 39) and inhibitor AMP (amino acid residue 114) are identical between the two enzymes. There is also extensive homology in the putative ADPglucose binding site. In both E. coli K-12 and S. typhimurium LT2, the first base of the translational start ATG of glgA overlaps with the third base TAA stop codon of the glgC gene.
Regulated nitrate transport in the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans
Authors: Lara C , Romero J M , Guerrero M G
Published: November 2016

Intracellular accumulation of nitrate, indicative of the operation of an active nitrate transport system, has been measured in intact cells of the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans. The ability of the cells to accumulate nitrate was effectively hindered by either ammonium addition or selective inhibition of CO2 fixation by DL-glyceraldehyde, with the effect of either compound being prevented by previously blocking ammonium assimilation. The results support the contention that nitrate utilization in cyanobacteria is regulated at the level of nitrate transport through the concerted action of ammonium assimilation and CO2 fixation.
Nucleotide sequence of the beta-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase gene of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain 1011 and similarity of its amino acid sequence to those of alpha-amylases
Authors: Kimura K , Kataoka S , Ishii Y , Takano T , Yamane K
Published: November 2016

The nucleotide sequence of the gene for cyclodextrin glucanotransferase of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain 1011 was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence at the NH2-terminal side of the enzyme showed a high homology with the sequences of alpha-amylase in the three regions which constitutes the active centers of alpha-amylases.
Efficient transformation of phytopathogenic strains of Xanthomonas species
Authors: Murooka Y , Iwamoto H , Hamamoto A , Yamauchi T
Published: November 2016

Efficient transformation and conjugation systems for use in phytopathogenic strains of Xanthomonas species were developed with a dual-function plasmid vector, pBXC12, which was constructed from a newly isolated Xanthomonas citri plasmid, pXCL6, and pBR328. By using this system, pBR328 could also transform the same strains of Xanthomonas. The systems make useful cloning vectors for the study of genes involved in the plant pathogenesis of this species.
Physical map of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteriophage phi RsG1 genome and location of the prophage on the host chromosome
Authors: Duchrow M , Giffhorn F
Published: November 2016

We constructed a physical map of the 50-kilobase-pair (kb) DNA of the temperate Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteriophage phi RsG1, with the relative positions of the cleavage sites for the nine restriction endonucleases KpnI, HindIII, XbaI, ClaI, BclI, EcoRV, EcoRI, BglII, and BamHI indicated. Using biotinylated phi RsG1 DNA as a probe in hybridization studies, we detected homologies with virus DNA and fragments of restriction endonuclease-digested host chromosomal DNA but not with plasmid DNA. This indicates that the prophage is integrated into the host chromosome. In addition, the use of specific probes such as the 10.4-kb BglII A fragment and the 2.65-kb BamHI H fragment allowed the determination of the position of phage attachment site (attP).
The Origin of Mucosal Immunity: Lessons from the Holobiont
Hydra
Authors: Schröder Katja , Bosch Thomas C. G.
Published: November 2016

Historically, mucosal immunity—i.e., the portion of the immune system that protects an organism’s various mucous membranes from invasion by potentially pathogenic microbes—has been studied in single-cell epithelia in the gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts of vertebrates. Phylogenetically, mucosal surfaces appeared for the first time about 560 million years ago in members of the phylum Cnidaria. There are remarkable similarities and shared functions of mucosal immunity in vertebrates and innate immunity in cnidarians, such as
Hydra
species. Here, we propose a common origin for both systems and review observations that indicate that the ultimately simple holobiont
Hydra
provides both a new perspective on the relationship between bacteria and animal cells and a new prism for viewing the emergence and evolution of epithelial tissue-based innate immunity. In addition, recent breakthroughs in our understanding of immune responses in
Hydra
polyps reared under defined short-term gnotobiotic conditions open up the potential of
Hydra
as an animal research model for the study of common mucosal disorders.
Murine Polyomavirus Cell Surface Receptors Activate Distinct Signaling Pathways Required for Infection
Authors: O’Hara Samantha D. , Garcea Robert L.
Published: November 2016

Virus binding to the cell surface triggers an array of host responses, including activation of specific signaling pathways that facilitate steps in virus entry. Using mouse polyomavirus (MuPyV), we identified host signaling pathways activated upon virus binding to mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Pathways activated by MuPyV included the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), FAK/SRC, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Gangliosides and α4-integrin are required receptors for MuPyV infection. MuPyV binding to both gangliosides and the α4-integrin receptors was required for activation of the PI3K pathway; however, either receptor interaction alone was sufficient for activation of the MAPK pathway. Using small-molecule inhibitors, we confirmed that the PI3K and FAK/SRC pathways were required for MuPyV infection, while the MAPK pathway was dispensable. Mechanistically, the PI3K pathway was required for MuPyV endocytosis, while the FAK/SRC pathway enabled trafficking of MuPyV along microtubules. Thus, MuPyV interactions with specific cell surface receptors facilitate activation of signaling pathways required for virus entry and trafficking. Understanding how different viruses manipulate cell signaling pathways through interactions with host receptors could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for viral infection.

IMPORTANCE
Virus binding to cell surface receptors initiates outside-in signaling that leads to virus endocytosis and subsequent virus trafficking. How different viruses manipulate cell signaling through interactions with host receptors remains unclear, and elucidation of the specific receptors and signaling pathways required for virus infection may lead to new therapeutic targets. In this study, we determined that gangliosides and α4-integrin mediate mouse polyomavirus (MuPyV) activation of host signaling pathways. Of these pathways, the PI3K and FAK/SRC pathways were required for MuPyV infection. Both the PI3K and FAK/SRC pathways have been implicated in human diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and inhibitors directed against these pathways are currently being investigated as therapies. It is possible that these pathways play a role in human PyV infections and could be targeted to inhibit PyV infection in immunosuppressed patients.
Asymptomatic free-floating vitreous cyst masquerading as cysticercosis
Authors: Ganger Anita , Agarwal Rinki , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2016

A male patient aged 37 years, referred with the diagnosis of right eye intravitreal cysticercosis, was diagnosed as asymptomatic free-floating vitreous cyst after thorough evaluation. The patient was kept under observation, since baseline visual acuity was unaffected. No change was noted over the period of 6 months.
Influence of alcohol use on mortality and expenditure during hospital admission: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Shu-Hui , Hsu Shiun-Yuan , Kuo Pao-Jen , Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Cheng Ya-Ai , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: November 2016

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the effect of alcohol intoxication on clinical presentation of hospitalised adult trauma patients at a Level I trauma centre using propensity score matching.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Taiwan.

Participants

Detailed data of 929 hospitalised adult trauma patients with alcohol intoxication, aged 20–65 years, and 10 104 corresponding patients without alcohol intoxication were retrieved from the Trauma Registry System between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014. Alcohol intoxication was defined as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ≥50 mg/dL.

Main outcome measures

In-hospital mortality and expenditure.

Results

Patients with alcohol intoxication presented with significantly higher short-term mortality (OR: 3.0, 95% CI 2.0 to 4.4; p<0.001) than patients without alcohol intoxication. However, on comparison with propensity score-matched patients with respect to sex, age, comorbidity, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), injury region based on Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS), alcohol intoxication did not significantly influence mortality (OR: 0.8, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.4; p=0.563). This implied that the higher mortality of alcohol-intoxicated patients was attributable to patient characteristics such as a higher injury severity rather than alcohol intoxication. Even on comparison with sex-matched, age-matched and comorbidity-matched patients without alcohol intoxication, patients with alcohol intoxication still had significantly higher total expenditure (17.4% higher), cost of operation (40.3% higher), cost of examination (52.8% higher) and cost of pharmaceuticals (38.3% higher).

Conclusions

The associated higher mortality of adult trauma patients with alcohol intoxication was completely attributable to other patient characteristics and associated injury severity rather than the effects of alcohol. However, patients with alcohol intoxication incurred significantly higher expenditure than patients without alcohol intoxication, even on comparison with sex-matched, age-matched and comorbidity-matched patients without alcohol intoxication.
Long-term use of secondary prevention medications for heart failure in Western Australia: a protocol for a population-based cohort study
Authors: Qin Xiwen , Teng Tiew-Hwa Katherine , Hung Joseph , Briffa Tom , Sanfilippo Frank M
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, debilitating and progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Evidence-based medications (EBMs) are the cornerstone of management of patients with HF. In Australia, these EBMs are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Suboptimal dispensing and non-adherence to these EBMs have been observed in patients with HF. Our study will investigate trends in dispensing patterns, as well as adherence and persistence of EBMs for HF. We will also identify factors influencing these patterns and their impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This whole population-based cohort study will use longitudinal data for people aged 65–84 years who were hospitalised for HF in Western Australia between 2003 and 2008. Linked state-wide and national data will provide patient-level information on medication dispensing, medical visits, hospitalisations and death. Drug dispensing trends will be described, drug adherence and persistence estimated and the association with all-cause/cardiovascular death and hospitalisations reported.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has received approvals from the Western Australian Department of Health Human Research Ethics Committee and the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee. Results will be published in relevant cardiology journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Vertical stiffness is not related to anterior cruciate ligament elongation in professional rugby union players
Authors: Serpell Benjamin G , Scarvell Jennie M , Pickering Mark R , Ball Nick B , Perriman Diana , Warmenhoven John , Smith Paul N
Published: November 2016

Background

Novel research surrounding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is necessary because ACL injury rates have remained unchanged for several decades. An area of ACL risk mitigation which has not been well researched relates to vertical stiffness. The relationship between increased vertical stiffness and increased ground reaction force suggests that vertical stiffness may be related to ACL injury risk. However, given that increased dynamic knee joint stability has been shown to be associated with vertical stiffness, it is possible that modification of vertical stiffness could help to protect against injury. We aimed to determine whether vertical stiffness is related to measures known to load, or which represent loading of, the ACL.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study of 11 professional Australian rugby players. Knee kinematics and ACL elongation were measured from a 4-dimensional model of a hopping task which simulated the change of direction manoeuvre typically observed when non-contact ACL injury occurs. The model was generated from a CT scan of the participant's knee registered frame by frame to fluoroscopy images of the hopping task. Vertical stiffness was calculated from force plate data.

Results

There was no association found between vertical stiffness and anterior tibial translation (ATT) or ACL elongation (r=−0.05; p=0.89, and r=−0.07; p=0.83, respectively). ATT was related to ACL elongation (r=0.93; p=0.0001).

Conclusions

Vertical stiffness was not associated with ACL loading in this cohort of elite rugby players but a novel method for measuring ACL elongation in vivo was found to have good construct validity.
Sex differences in associations between insulin resistance, heart rate variability, and arterial stiffness in healthy women and men: a physiology study
Authors: Rannelli Luke Anthony , MacRae Jennifer M. , Mann Michelle C. , Ramesh Sharanya , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Rabi Doreen , Sola Darlene Y. , Ahmed Sofia B.
Published: November 2016

Diabetes confers greater cardiovascular risk to women than to men. Whether insulin-resistance-mediated risk extends to the healthy population is unknown. Measures of insulin resistance (fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment, hemoglobin A1c, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, glucose) were determined in 48 (56% female) healthy subjects. Heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated by spectral power analysis and arterial stiffness was determined using noninvasive applanation tonometry. Both were measured at baseline and in response to angiotensin II infusion. In women, there was a non-statistically significant trend towards increasing insulin resistance being associated with an overall unfavourable HRV response and increased arterial stiffness to the stressor, while men demonstrated the opposite response. Significant differences in the associations between insulin resistance and cardiovascular physiological profile exist between healthy women and men. Further studies investigating the sex differences in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in cardiovascular disease are warranted.
Effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptor agonists and their interaction on learning and memory in rats
Authors: Shiri Mariam , Komaki Alireza , Oryan Shahrbanoo , Taheri Masoumeh , Komaki Hamidreza , Etaee Farshid
Published: November 2016

Despite previous findings on the effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid systems on learning and memory, the effects of the combined stimulation of these 2 systems on learning and memory have not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we tested the interactive effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid systems on learning and memory in rats by using passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into the following 4 groups: (1) control (DMSO+saline), (2) WIN55,212–2, (3) capsaicin, and (4) WIN55,212–2 + capsaicin. On test day, capsaicin, a vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) agonist, or WIN55,212–2, a cannabinoid receptor (CB1/CB2) agonist, or both substances were injected intraperitoneally. Compared to the control group, the group treated with capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) had better scores in the PAL acquisition and retention test, whereas treatment with WIN55,212–2 (CB1/CB2 agonist) decreased the test scores. Capsaicin partly reduced the effects of WIN55,212–2 on PAL and memory. We conclude that the acute administration of a TRPV1 agonist improves the rats’ cognitive performance in PAL tasks and that a vanilloid-related mechanism may underlie the agonistic effect of WIN55,212–2 on learning and memory.
A systematic review on the behavioural responses of wild marine mammals to noise: the disparity between science and policy
Authors: Gomez C. , Lawson J.W. , Wright A.J. , Buren A.D. , Tollit D. , Lesage V.
Published: November 2016

Noise can cause marine mammals to interrupt their feeding, alter their vocalizations, or leave important habitat, among other behavioural responses. The current North American paradigm for regulating activities that may result in behavioural responses identifies received levels (RL) of sound at which individuals are predicted to display significant behavioural responses (often termed harassment). The recurrent conclusion about the need for considering context of exposure, in addition to RL, when assessing probability and severity of behavioural responses led us to conduct a systematic literature review (370 papers) and analysis (79 studies, 195 data cases). The review summarized the critical and complex role of context of exposure. The analysis emphasized that behavioural responses in cetaceans (measured via a linear severity scale) were best explained by the interaction between sound source type (continuous, sonar, or seismic/explosion) and functional hearing group (a proxy for hearing capabilities). Importantly, more severe behavioural responses were not consistently associated with higher RL and vice versa. This indicates that monitoring and regulation of acoustic effects from activities on cetacean behaviour should not exclusively rely upon generic multispecies RL thresholds. We recommend replacing the behavioural response severity score with a response/no response dichotomous approach that can represent a measure of impact in terms of habitat loss and degradation.
Physiological Ripples Associated with Sleep Spindles Differ in Waveform Morphology from Epileptic Ripples
Authors: Bruder Jonas C. , Dümpelmann Matthias , Piza Daniel Lachner , Mader Malenka , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Jacobs-Le Van Julia
Published: November 2016

High frequency oscillations (HFOs, 80–500[Formula: see text]Hz) serve as novel electroencephalography (EEG) markers of epileptic tissue. The differentiation of physiological and epileptic HFO is an important challenge and is complicated by the fact that both types are generated in mesiotemporal structures. This study aimed to identify oscillation features that serve to distinguish physiological ripples associated with sleep spindles and epileptic ripples. We studied 19 patients with chronic intracranial EEG(iEEG) with mesiotemporal implantation and simultaneous scalp EEG. Sleep spindles, ripples and spikes were visually marked during nonrapid eye movement sleep stage 2. Ripples co-occurring with spikes and in seizure onset zone (SOZ) channels but outside of spindles were considered epileptic. The SOZ is defined by the origin of clinical seizures in iEEG. Ripples co-occurring with spindles were considered as models for physiological ripples. A correlation analysis showed a significant ripple amplitude peak — spindle trough — coupling, thus proving their physiological linkage. Epileptic ripples showed significantly higher values in all amplitude features than spindle ripples. All amplitude features and peaks per sample length showed a predictive value for the classification between model physiological ripples and epileptic ripples but indicate that the specificity is not sufficient for a reliable discrimination of single ripple events. The presented results suggest that a secure identification of epileptic ripples may be available to help identify the epileptic focus in the future.
Research on transmission characteristics of side-coupled rectangular-ring resonator
Authors: Cui Luna , Yu Li
Published: November 2016

We investigate the characteristics of resonant modes in the side-coupled rectangular-ring resonator (SRR). The results show we can manipulate the resonant wavelengths of TMa mode and TMs mode by adjusting the outer wall width (Lx1) or the inner wall width (Lx2) of the ring resonators, and the effects of coupling distance on the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of resonant spectra are discussed. In sensing application, the proposed structure can work as a highly sensitive plasmonic nanosensor with a sensitivity of 1000 nm/RIU and a figure of merit (FOM) of 67. The values are comparable to periodic structures and the structures based on Fano resonance.
Broadband Matching via Unequal Length Cascaded Transmission Lines
Authors: Şengül Metin
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a new approach based on the real frequency technique (RFT) has been proposed to solve broadband matching problems using cascaded unequal length transmission lines. At the end of the design process, optimum characteristic impedance and delay values of transmission lines are obtained. Two examples are given to illustrate the utilization of the proposed approach.
Analysis on the Characteristic of Cross-Correlated Field and Its Potential Application on Source Localization in Deep Water
Authors: Yang Kun-De , Li Hui , Duan Rui , Yang Qiu-Long
Published: November 2016

The interference characteristics of cross-correlated broadband fields received by a single hydrophone deployed near the bottom at two different ranges are analyzed in this paper. The ray theory is used to derive the interference pattern, which is a combination of two kinds of interference phenomena. One kind of interference period contains the information of radial source velocity, and the other one is related to source depth. The source motion parameters, including the range and time of closet point of approach (CPA), constant source velocity and source depth, can be estimated by computing the Fourier transform of cross-correlated broadband fields when the existence of a CPA is apparent in the data. If the CPA is not evident, only the radial source velocity and the discrimination of surface versus submerged source can be provided. Note that the proposed method is a broadband technique. Experimental results confirm this single hydrophone estimation method of radial source velocity and source depth.
Far-Field Performances Prediction of High Frequency Projectors Using Secondary Source Array Method
Authors: Wang Shiquan
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates the prediction of the far-field performances of high frequency projectors using the second source array method (SSAM). The far-field parameters can be calculated accurately using the complex acoustic pressure data of two very close parallel planes which lie in the near-field region of the projector. The paper simulates the feasibility of predicting the far-field parameters such as transmitting voltage response and the far-field directivity pattern. The predicting results are compared with that calculated using boundary element method (BEM). It shows very good agreement between the two methods. A planar high frequency projector is measured using the near-field method. In order to verify the predicting results, the far-field measurement is performed for the same projector. The comparison of the results shows that the near-field method is capable to precisely predict the far-field parameters of the projector.
Optimized parallel architecture of evolutionary neural network for mass spectrometry data processing
Authors: Jarrah Amin , Haddad Bashar , Al-Jarrah Mohammad A. , Obeidat Muhammad Bassam
Published: November 2016

Evolutionary neural network (ENN) shows high performance in function optimization and in finding approximately global optima from searching large and complex spaces. It is one of the most efficient and adaptive optimization techniques used widely to provide candidate solutions that lead to the fitness of the problem. ENN has the extraordinary ability to search the global and learning the approximate optimal solution regardless of the gradient information of the error functions. However, ENN requires high computation and processing which requires parallel processing platforms such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and graphic processing units (GPUs) to achieve a good performance. This work involves different new implementations of ENN by exploring and adopting different techniques and opportunities for parallel processing. Different versions of ENN algorithm have also been implemented and parallelized on FPGAs platform for low latency by exploiting the parallelism and pipelining approaches. Real data form mass spectrometry data (MSD) application was tested to examine and verify our implementations. This is a very important and extensive computation application which needs to search and find the optimal features (peaks) in MSD in order to distinguish cancer patients from control patients. ENN algorithm is also implemented and parallelized on single core and GPU platforms for comparison purposes. The computation time of our optimized algorithm on FPGA and GPU has been improved by a factor of 6.75 and 6, respectively.
Simulation Study on Understanding the Spin Transport in MgO Adsorbed Graphene Based Magnetic Tunnel Junction
Authors: Raturi Ashish , Choudhary Sudhanshu
Published: November 2016

First principles calculations of spin-dependent electronic transport properties of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) consisting of MgO adsorbed graphene nanosheet sandwiched between two CrO2 half-metallic ferromagnetic (HMF) electrodes is reported. MgO adsorption on graphene opens bandgap in graphene nanosheet which makes it more suitable for use as a tunnel barrier in MTJs. It was found that MgO adsorption suppresses transmission probabilities for spin-down channel in case of parallel configuration (PC) and also suppresses transmission in antiparallel configuration (APC) for both spin-up and spin-down channel. Tunnel magneto-resistance (TMR) of 100% is obtained at all bias voltages in MgO adsorbed graphene-based MTJ which is higher than that reported in pristine graphene-based MTJ. HMF electrodes were found suitable to achieve perfect spin filtration effect and high TMR. I–V characteristics for both parallel and antiparallel magnetization states of junction are calculated. High TMR suggests its usefulness in spin valves and other spintronics-based applications.
Developing subsurface energy exploitation strategies by considering seismic risk
Authors: Aochi Hideo , Le Guenan Thomas , Burnol André
Published: November 2016

The injection or extraction of fluids in the subsurface for energy purposes (e.g. geothermal exploitation, CO
2
storage or geological energy storage) requires both the operation efficiency and the associated environmental risks to be assessed and controlled. Even though scientific and technological progress allows more accurate 3D modelling of the subsurface, we still do not have a thorough understanding of coupled underground hydromechanical processes. Indeed, the injection or production of fluids interacting with existing geological features can still result in unintended and unexpected ‘harmful’ consequences. This review aims to propose a unified strategy ranging from an understanding of the hydromechanical factors at the origin of the induced seismicity to seismic risk evaluation expressed in terms of ground-motion effects. The challenge is to utilize mechanical modelling to anticipate the evolution of seismicity; how the population perceives this is also an important factor to be taken into account in this risk evaluation. While mechanical modelling may include some degree of uncertainty, probabilistic analysis is capable of providing a quantitative estimation of the risk incurred and feedback to the exploitation strategy.
Neuromuscular responses differ between slip-induced falls and recoveries in older adults
Authors: Sawers Andrew , Pai Yi-Chung (Clive) , Bhatt Tanvi , Ting Lena H.
Published: November 2016

How does the robust control of walking and balance break down during a fall? Here, as a first step in identifying the neuromuscular determinants of falls, we tested the hypothesis that falls and recoveries are characterized by differences in neuromuscular responses. Using muscle synergy analysis, conventional onset latencies, and peak activity, we identified differences in muscle coordination between older adults who fell and those who recovered from a laboratory-induced slip. We found that subjects who fell recruited fewer muscle synergies than those who recovered, suggesting a smaller motor repertoire. During slip trials, compared with subjects who recovered, subjects who fell had delayed knee flexor and extensor onset times in the leading/slip leg, as well as different muscle synergy structure involving those muscles. Therefore, the ability to coordinate muscle activity around the knee in a timely manner may be critical to avoiding falls from slips. Unique to subjects who fell during slip trials were greater bilateral (interlimb) muscle activation and the recruitment of a muscle synergy with excessive coactivation. These differences in muscle coordination between subjects who fell and those who recovered could not be explained by differences in gait-related variables at slip onset (i.e., initial motion state) or variations in slip difficulty, suggesting that differences in muscle coordination may reflect differences in neural control of movement rather than biomechanical constraints imposed by perturbation or initial walking mechanics. These results are the first step in determining the causation of falls from the perspective of muscle coordination. They suggest that there may be a neuromuscular basis for falls that could provide new insights into treatment and prevention. Further research comparing the muscle coordination and mechanics of falls and recoveries within subjects is necessary to establish the neuromuscular causation of falls.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A central question relevant to the prevention of falls is: How does the robust control of walking and balance break down during a fall? Previous work has focused on muscle coordination during successful balance recoveries or the kinematics and kinetics of falls. Here, for the first time, we identified differences in the spatial and temporal coordination of muscles among older adults who fell and those who recovered from an unexpected slip.
Sialendoscopy and Combined Minimally Invasive Treatment for Large Parotid Stones
Authors: Rotnágl Jan , Zavázalová Šárka , Vorobiov Olexii , Astl Jaromír
Published: November 2016

Sialendoscopy (SE) represents nowadays one of the standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the treatment of major salivary glands lithiasis. We know from experience that it is successful only in small percentage of patients, when used in monotherapy. However, it represents an indispensable part of all of the combined minimally invasive gland-preserving treatment techniques, the success rate of which is around 90%. In this work, we focused on the role of sialendoscopy in the treatment of patients with larger inflamed fixed stones in glandula parotis. We conducted a total of 364 sialendoscopy procedures in 332 patients on our site. We have confirmed lithiasis as a cause of salivary gland obstruction in 246 (74%) patients. In 9 patients there was larger, single, or multiple inflamed fixed lithiasis of glandula parotis. In this subgroup of patients endoscopically assisted sialolithectomy from external mini-incision has become the method of choice. In 9 of the 9 (100%) cases we have achieved complete elimination of stones, and in 8 of the 9 (89%) cases we have achieved complete elimination of complaints. Sialoendoscopically assisted sialolithectomy of glandula parotis from external mini-incision has proved to be highly effective technique to eliminate stones with minimal complications.
Effects of Ramipril and Telmisartan on Plasma Concentrations of Low Molecular Weight and Protein Thiols and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Mangoni Arduino A. , Sotgiu Elisabetta , Ena Sara , Arru Dionigia , Assaretti Stefano , Baralla Angela , Satta Andrea E. , Carru Ciriaco
Published: November 2016

Hypertension, a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is an independent risk factor for CKD progression and cardiovascular disease. Although inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exert salutary effects on blood pressure control and proteinuria in CKD patients, their activity towards traditional and novel oxidative markers is largely unknown. We studied the effects of 6-month treatment with telmisartan versus a combination of telmisartan and ramipril on plasma concentrations of low molecular mass (LMW, including homocysteine and cysteine) and protein thiols (PSH) plasma concentration and their relationships with carotid intima media thickness (IMT), in 24 hypertensive CKD patients (age 60±12 years, 8 females and 16 males). Pretreatment PSH concentrations were independently associated with IMT (r=-0.42, p=0.039). Neither treatment affected plasma LMW thiols, in both reduced and total form. By contrast, both treatments increased PSH plasma concentrations and reduced IMT, although significant differences were only observed in the combined treatment group. Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of combined RAS inhibitor treatment on IMT in hypertensive CKD patients may be mediated by a reduction of oxidative stress markers, particularly PSH.
Comparison of BISAP, Ranson, MCTSI, and APACHE II in Predicting Severity and Prognoses of Hyperlipidemic Acute Pancreatitis in Chinese Patients
Authors: Yang Lixin , Liu Jing , Xing Yun , Du Lichuan , Chen Jing , Liu Xin , Hao Jianyu
Published: November 2016

In recent years, with the developing of living standard, hyperlipidemia becomes the second major reason of acute pancreatitis. It is important to predict the severity and prognosis at early stage of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP). We compared the BISAP, Ranson, MCTSI, and APACHE II scoring system in predicting MSAP and SAP, local complications, and mortality of HLAP. A total of 326 diagnosed hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis patients from August 2006 to July 2015 were studied retrospectively. Our result showed that all four scoring systems can be used to predict the severity, local complications, and mortality of HLAP. Ranson did not have significant advantage in predicting severity and prognosis of HLAP compared to other three scoring systems. APACHE II was the best in predicting severity of HLAP, but it had shortcoming in predicting local complications. MCTSI had outstanding performance in predicting local complications, but it was poor in predicting severity and mortality. BISAP score had high accuracy in assessment of severity, local complications, and mortality of HLAP, but the accuracy still needs to be improved in the future.
Rapid Detection of Tetracycline Residues in Duck Meat Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Liu Ping , Yuan Haichao , Peng Yijie , Hong Qian , Liu Muhua
Published: November 2016

A rapid detection method based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was proposed in this paper in order to realize the detection of tetracycline residues in duck meat. Firstly, surface enhanced Raman spectra characteristics of tetracycline aqueous solution, duck meat extract, and duck meat extract containing tetracycline were analyzed. Secondly, the effect of the addition amount of duck meat extract containing tetracycline on SERS intensity and the effect of the adsorption time on SERS intensity were discussed, respectively. Thirdly, SERS intensity ratio at 1272 and 1558 cm−1 (I1272/I1558) was used to establish the SERS calibration curve. A good linearity relationship between the tetracycline concentration in duck meat extract and I1272/I1558 was obtained, and the linear regression equation and the correlation coefficient (r) were y=0.0177x+0.1213 and 0.950, respectively. The average recovery of tetracycline in duck meat extract was 101~108% with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.4~4.6%. The experimental results showed that the method proposed in this paper was a good detection scheme for the rapid detection of tetracycline residues in duck meat.
Different Effects of Myoinositol plus Folic Acid versus Combined Oral Treatment on Androgen Levels in PCOS Women
Authors: Ozay Ali Cenk , Emekci Ozay Ozlen , Okyay Recep Emre , Cagliyan Erkan , Kume Tuncay , Gulekli Bulent
Published: November 2016

Recently, myoinositol (myo-ins) and folic acid combination has gained an important role for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), in addition to combined oral contraceptives (COC). We aimed to examine myo-ins effects on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and compare them with those ones obtained administering COC. In this prospective study, 137 PCOS patients, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria and admitted to the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Outpatient Clinic at Dokuz Eylul University (Izmir, Turkey), were included. After randomization to COC (n=60) and myo-ins (n=77) arms, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, Modified Ferriman Gallwey scores were calculated. Biochemical and hormonal analysis were performed, and LH/FSH and Apo B/A1 ratios were calculated. Data analysis was carried out in demographically and clinically matched 106 patients (COC = 54; myo-ins = 52). After 3-month treatment, increase in HDL and decreases in LH and LH/FSH ratio were statistically more significant only in COC group when compared with baseline (in both cases p>0.05). In myo-ins group, fasting glucose, LDL, DHEAS, total cholesterol, and prolactin levels decreased significantly (for all p<0.05). Progesterone and AMH levels, ovarian volume, ovarian antral follicle, and total antral follicle counts lessened significantly in both groups (for all p<0.05). In PCOS treatment, MYO is observed more effective in reductions of total ovarian volume and AMH levels.
Successful Interventional Management for Pulmonary Arterial Injury Secondary to Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Tokue Hiroyuki , Tokue Azusa , Morita Hideo , Tsushima Yoshito
Published: November 2016

Subclavian vein puncture is a relatively fast and safe technique to access the right heart for placement of pacemaker leads. Hemothorax related to injury of the pulmonary artery (PA) is a rare complication of subclavian vein access but can be life-threatening. We report a case of hemothorax occurring after subclavian vein puncture for pacemaker implantation. No cases of transcatheter arterial embolization for PA injury secondary to pacemaker implantation have been reported. Understanding of this rare complication after pacemaker implantation along with its specific clinical presentation may lead to early diagnosis and intervention.