bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
„Lernen im geschützten Umfeld“: Implementierung in die Fort- und Weiterbildung
Authors: Sieg Lion , Friedrich Lars , Eismann Hendrik
Published: January 2018

Aktuelle Aus- und Fortbildungskonzepte in der Akut- oder Notfallmedizin beinhalten Simulations- und Skill-Trainings unter Berücksichtigung von Methoden und Mechanismen der Fehler- und Zwischenfallprävention wie Human Factors, Shared mental Models und Closed-Loop-Communication. Immer noch ungeklärt ist die Frage nach der optimalen Kombination der einzelnen Methoden und Inhalte eines Fortbildungsprogramms in Abhängigkeit von individuellen Abteilungen eines Krankenhauses und dem einzelnen Mitarbeiter bzw. seinem individuellen Ausbildungsstand. Ein von uns angebotenes Konzept ist das „Lernen im geschützten Umfeld“: Hier werden Teilnehmer und Patient vor den negativen Auswirkungen einer konventionellen klinisch-praktischen Ausbildungssituation beschützt. Gleichzeitig profitieren die Teilnehmer in unserem Fortbildungsprogramm von standardisierten Kursmodellen. Das Ziel der optimalen Vorbereitung auf die klinische Tätigkeit und einer möglichst praktischen bzw. wirklichkeitsnahen Aus- und Fortbildung wird durch eine ständige Re-Evaluation der Inhalte und Methoden komplettiert. Die Implementierung eines solchen multimodalen Teamtrainings ist für jede Institution individuell anzupassen. Die Methoden zur Implementierung sollten standardisiert angewendet werden. Wir empfehlen eine Curriculumsentwicklung auf Grundlage des „Kern-Zyklus“. Auf dieser Basis gelingt die Kombination aus „Lernen im geschützten Umfeld“ und Zwischenfalltraining zur optimalen Vorbereitung auf eine akutmedizinische, klinische Tätigkeit mit dem Ziel einer höchstmöglichen Patientensicherheit.
A new interpretation brings better plasma spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2018

Applying a Lagrangian model to laser-induced fluorescence gives quicker and more accurate interpretation of plasma measurements, including ion temperature.
Unassisted invasions: understanding and responding to Australia’s high-impact environmental grass weeds
Authors: van Klinken Rieks D. , Friedel Margaret H.
Published: January 2018

Alien grass species have been intentionally introduced into Australia since European settlement over 200 years ago, with many subsequently becoming weeds of natural environments. We have identified the subset of these weeds that have invaded and become dominant in environmentally important areas in the absence of modern anthropogenic disturbance, calling them ‘high-impact species’. We also examined why these high-impact species were successful, and what that might mean for management. Seventeen high-impact species were identified through literature review and expert advice; all had arrived by 1945, and all except one were imported intentionally, 16 of the 17 were perennial and four of the 17 were aquatic. They had become dominant in diverse habitats and climates, although some environments still remain largely uninvaded despite apparently ample opportunities. Why these species succeeded remains largely untested, but evidence suggests a combination of ecological novelty (both intended at time of introduction and unanticipated), propagule pressure (through high reproductive rate and dominance in nearby anthropogenically-disturbed habitats) and an ability to respond to, and even alter, natural disturbance regimes (especially fire and inundation). Serious knowledge gaps remain for these species, but indications are that resources could be better focused on understanding and managing this limited group of high-impact species. They require new management approaches, especially to counteract the advantages of ecological novelty, reduce propagule pressure and better direct the large-scale disturbance regimes that continue to shape plant communities across Australia.
Syphilis: The History of an Eponym
Authors: Abel Ernest Lawrence
Published: January 2018

In the late fifteenth century, a hideous contagious disease, never previously seen or heard of, swept across Europe. It was “so cruel, so distressing, so appalling,” said Joseph Grünpeck (1473–1532), “that until now nothing more terrible or disgusting has ever been known on this earth”. The “never previously seen or heard of” disease was syphilis. When it first appeared, physicians and lay people had no term for it and invented various names to describe its causes and symptoms. The present essay is an ontological typology of many of those common names, before syphilis, an eponym named after a mythological figure, became the standard name for this sexually transmitted disease. Although syphilis is a common name rather than the kind of proper names generally discussed in Names, its eponymous character lends itself to some of the same ontological and epistemological analyses used to examine proper names.
The first high frequency of recombination-like conjugal transfer from an integrated origin of transfer sequence in Bacillus subtilis 168
Authors: Itaya Mitsuhiro , Hasegawa Miki , Tomita Masaru , Sato Mitsuru
Published: January 2018

Bacillus subtilis 168 was developed as a genome vector to manipulate large DNA fragments. The system is based on the inherent natural transformation (TF) activity. However, DNA size transferred by TF is limited up to approximately 100 kb. A conjugal transfer system capable of transferring DNA fragments considerably larger than those transferred by TF was developed. A well-defined oriT110 sequence and a cognate relaxase gene from the pUB110 plasmid were inserted into the xkdE gene of the B. subtilis genome. Transfer of antibiotic resistance markers distant from the oriT110 locus to the recipient B. subtilis occurred only in the presence of pLS20, a helper plasmid that provides a type IV secretion system. Marker transmission was consistent with the orientation of oriT110 and required a recA-proficient recipient. The first conjugal transfer system of genomic DNA should provide a valuable alternative genetic tool for editing the B. subtilis genome.
Social physique anxiety and physical activity behaviour of male and female exercisers
Authors: Portman Robert M. , Bradbury Jane , Lewis Kiara
Published: January 2018

Despite females consistently reporting greater social physique anxiety (SPA), previous literature has yet to demonstrate whether SPA gender differences are linked to the way males and females perform physical activity. This study investigated an association between SPA and physical activity frequency, history of exercise, and physical activity intensity. Participants were represented by currently active users (N = 33 males; N = 31 females) of an on‐campus university‐run gym and completed a background physical activity questionnaire and the nine‐item Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Participants also performed an exercise session at a self‐selected level of exertion, with the intensity of each session measured via heart rate monitor. SPA was not associated with physical activity frequency, history of exercise (length of gym membership), or intensity for male and female exercisers. With respect to male participants, females reported higher SPA and a preference for performing higher intensity physical activity. Females and males also indicated a preference for performing aerobic and anaerobic physical activity respectively. Our findings suggest the experience of SPA does not deter body‐conscious individuals from the performance of regular physical activity. Findings also suggest the discrepancy in male and female SPA is not linked to differences in the way physical activity is performed.
Time of day and short‐duration high‐intensity exercise influences on coagulation and fibrinolysis
Authors: Zadow Emma Kate , Kitic Cecilia Marie , Wu Sam Shi Xuan , Fell James William , Adams Murray John
Published: January 2018

Exercise has been demonstrated to have considerable effects upon haemostasis, with activation dependent upon the duration and intensity of the exercise bout. In addition, markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis have been shown to possess circadian rhythms, peaking within the morning (0600–1200 h). Therefore, the time of day in which exercise is performed may influence the activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. This study aimed to examine coagulation and fibrinolytic responses to short‐duration high‐intensity exercise when completed at different times of the day. Fifteen male cyclists (VO2max: 60.3 ± 8.1 ml kg−1 min−1) completed a 4‐km cycling time trial (TT) on five separate occasions at 0830, 1130, 1430, 1730 and 2030. Venous blood samples were obtained pre‐ and immediately post‐exercise, and analysed for tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin–anti‐thrombin complexes (TAT) and D‐Dimer. Exercise significantly increased plasma concentrations of TF (p < .0005), TFPI (p < .0006), TAT complexes (p < .0012) and D‐Dimer (p < .0003). There was a time‐of‐day effect in pre‐exercise TF (p = .004) and TFPI (p = .031), with 0830 greater than 1730 (p .001), while 1730 was less than 2030 h (p = .008), respectively. There was no significant effect of time of day for TAT (p = .364) and D‐Dimer (p = .228). Power output, TT time and heart rate were not significantly different between TTs (p > .05); however, percentage VO2max was greater at 1730 when compared to 2030 (p = .04). Due to a time‐of‐day effect present within TF, peaking at 0830, caution should be applied when prescribing short‐duration high‐intensity exercise bout within the morning in populations predisposed to hypercoagulability.
Evaluation and management of a large incidentally discovered renal mass
Authors: Quincy Brenda L. , Fauquher Lori
Published: January 2018

Increasingly, renal cell cancer is diagnosed because of an incidental finding of a renal mass on an imaging study. Incidentally discovered masses are more likely to be small and, if malignant, represent localized renal cell cancer. The imaging features of the tumor and patient characteristics inform the management options, which favor a nephron-sparing approach over radical nephrectomy. Clinical stage at the time of diagnosis has important prognostic implications for the patient. This article reviews the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of an incidentally discovered renal mass.
Current trends in local flaps of the hand
Authors: Bourne Debra A. , Sivak Wesley , Spiess Alex M.
Published: January 2018

Soft-tissue coverage of the hand remains a difficult surgical challenge. Local flaps provide thin, pliable, durable options for coverage of defects. Functional and aesthetic outcomes are optimized by restoring defects with similar tissue. Local flaps have been used for coverage of soft-tissue defects of the hand for decades; however, recent advances in detailed anatomic neurovascular knowledge and microsurgical techniques allow for accurate vascular pedicle and nerve dissection. This has prompted the emergence of new flaps and modifications to previously described operations. Research evaluating and comparing outcomes and complications between reconstructive alternatives have become essential to enabling surgeons to offer the most suitable options to patients. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the most important advances in the recent literature regarding local flaps in the hand. Current trends include efforts to decrease donor site morbidity, improve functional outcomes (often through the reestablishment of sensation through nerve coaptation), optimize aesthetic outcomes, and minimize complications.
Physical Performance Limitations After Severe Lower Extremity Trauma in Military Service Members
Authors: Wilken Jason M. , Roy Catherine W. , Shaffer Scott W. , Patzkowski Jeanne C. , Blanck Ryan V. , Owens Johnny G. , Hsu Joseph R.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To characterize the type and magnitude of lower extremity physical performance deficits in military service members who have undergone rehabilitation after limb salvage or transtibial amputation.

Design:

Cross-sectional prospective.

Setting:

Level I trauma military medical and rehabilitation center.

Patients/Participants:

Service members with lower extremity trauma resulting in limb salvage (n = 20) or unilateral transtibial amputation (n = 14) compared with uninjured actively training service members (n = 123).

Intervention:

Control participants and individuals with amputation were tested during a single session. Participants with limb salvage were tested with and without the use of a custom carbon fiber orthosis.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Physical performance as measured using four-square step, sit-to-stand 5 times, and timed stair ascent tests. Secondary outcomes included the associations between these lower extremity activity measures to determine the interrelationship of activity limitations.

Results:

The ability of service members to rapidly ascend stairs, a demanding lower limb mobility task, is limited after amputation and limb salvage. However, performance on an agility test similar to the four-square step test approximated normative levels. Differences between individuals with amputation or limb salvage were less than 1 second for all tests and were not statistically significant. Correlations were observed among the physical performance measures in the tested patient populations, particularly between the sit-to-stand and timed stair ascent tests.

Conclusions:

Severe limb trauma significantly affects performance, particularly during tasks requiring lower extremity strength and power. Individuals with amputation or limb salvage who were provided a custom carbon fiber orthosis and intensive rehabilitation had similar performance.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Residual Neurological Symptoms After Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Pediatric Knee Surgery
Authors: Tamai Robert J. , Sullivan Brian T. , Lee Rushyuan J.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) provide excellent pain control and reduce the need for systemic analgesics in orthopaedic surgery. PNBs rarely cause complications; however, a few studies of adults have reported neurological complications during the early postoperative period. We investigated complications associated with the use of PNBs during pediatric knee surgery.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of all 121 children (aged ≤18 y) who underwent knee surgery by 1 orthopaedic surgeon between October 2014 and September 2016. One hundred of these patients had PNBs. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative neurological symptoms. Other study parameters were patient characteristics, surgical details, tourniquet use/duration of use, PNB guidance method and anatomic location, and PNB-associated procedural complications (eg, blood loss, anesthetic neurotoxicity). Data were analyzed using Student t tests and Fisher exact tests, with significance at P<0.05.

Results:

Of the 100 patients with PNBs, 23 had persistent lower-extremity paresthesias postoperatively. Most paresthesias were attributed to the surgical procedure; however, at first follow-up (mean, 1.6±0.4 wk) 6 patients had paresthesias and other neurological symptoms proximal to the knee in a distribution pattern consistent with the PNB. Three of these were unresolved at last follow-up (mean, 56±37 wk). All neurological symptoms were associated with femoral nerve blocks. The 6 patients with suspected PNB-associated neurological symptoms had a significantly higher mean BMI (31±5.5) than the 94 patients without symptoms (23±6.1; P=0.002). Obesity was associated with PNB-associated neurological symptoms (P=0.002), as was female sex (P<0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of age, surgery duration, or tourniquet use/duration of use. Most PNB procedures used ultrasound guidance, and no procedural complications were reported.

Conclusions:

Compared with previous studies, we report a higher rate (6%) of PNB-associated neurological symptoms in children after knee surgery with PNBs. Obesity and female sex were associated with persistent neurological symptoms in the distribution pattern of the PNB.

Level of Evidence:

Level III (retrospective comparative study).
Fertility Preservation Services for Women With Newly Diagnosed Cancer
Authors: Winkelman William D. , Rosen Mitchell P. , Mok-Lin Evelyn
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To study the resources available for cancer patients once referred for fertility preservation.

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional study clinics that are members of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology assess support for fertility preservation.

Results:

Surveys were distributed to a total of 1135 members at 394 Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology clinics. Responses were received from 99 individuals representing a total of 84 unique clinics (21.3%). Most clinics (76%) are able to see new cancer patients within 24 to 48 hours after a referral. Clinics most commonly offer oocyte freezing and embryo freezing (96% and 98%, respectively), with a significantly smaller portion of clinics offering ovarian tissue freezing (26%). Although most clinics offer fertility preservation for breast cancer, hematologic cancers and ovarian cancer, only 31% of clinics offer fertility preservation for pediatric premenarchal cancers. Clinics that receive >20 referrals from oncology centers annually are more likely to be in the Northeast and have an academic affiliation. These clinics are more likely to provide support for patients during their cancer treatment, more likely to have long-term follow-up with cancer patients and similarly more likely to have cancer patients return to take advantage of their treatment.

Conclusions:

There are significant geographic and clinic variations in support for fertility preservation. Clinics overall are able to expeditiously see patients to avoid delays in oncologic treatment. Clinics that provide additional support and long-term care tend to have a larger oncologic volume and have more patients who utilize their fertility treatment upon completion of cancer therapy.
Preconception Care for the General Ob/Gyn
Authors: ARLUCK JESSICA C. , MAYHEW ALLISON C.
Published: January 2018

Preconception counseling is an important aspect of the care of reproductive-aged women. Asking each woman with each interaction her wishes regarding pregnancy allows the health care provider to investigate her history. The areas to review include environmental toxins, nutrition, genetics, substance abuse, medical conditions, infectious diseases, and psychosocial issues. Then preconception counseling can be individualized. The goal is to decrease or eliminate risks that can cause detriments to the patient or her future pregnancies.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Treatment Options
Authors: OBERMAN ERICA , RODRIGUEZ-TRIANA VALENTINA
Published: January 2018

Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons for outpatient gynecologic visits. Proper evaluation and diagnosis is essential and allows the clinician to present individualized treatment options to their patients.
Ultrasound Findings Associated With Antepartum Viral Infection
Authors: CRINO JUDE P. , DRIGGERS RITA W.
Published: January 2018

This article reviews the sonographic manifestations of fetal infection and the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of the fetus at risk for congenital infection. Several ultrasound findings have been associated with in utero fetal infections. For the patient with a known or suspected fetal infection, sonographic identification of characteristic abnormalities can provide useful information for counseling and perinatal management. Demonstration of such findings in the low-risk patient may serve to identify the fetus with a previously unsuspected infection. The clinician should understand the limitations of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital infection and discuss them with the patient.
Zika Virus Infection in the Pregnant Woman
Authors: HOLTZMAN MEGHAN , GOLDEN WILLIAM C. , SHEFFIELD JEANNE S.
Published: January 2018

Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family. Transmission is typically from the bite of an infected mosquito though mother-to-child, sexual and blood donation transmissions can occur. Although maternal symptoms are uncommon and rarely severe, the consequences of congenital infections are devastating. The emergence of congenital Zika syndrome is a world-wide public health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACOG, and SMFM have developed algorithms for screening and managing women exposure to and diagnosed with Zika virus infection. Prevention is the mainstay of infection control as there is currently no vaccine or therapy available.
Impact of Surgeon Self-evaluation and Positive Deviance on Postoperative Adverse Events After Non-cardiac Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Ivanovic Jelena , Mostofian Fargol , Anstee Caitlin , Gilbert Sebastien , Maziak Donna E. , Shamji Farid M. , Sundaresan Ramanadhan Sudhir , Villeneuve Patrick James , Seely Andrew J. E.
Published: January 2018

As an innovative approach to improve quality of surgical care, we combined surgeon self-assessment and anonymized peer comparison with continuous quality improvement seminars using positive deviance (CQI/PD) to identify surgeon(s) with the lowest rates of adverse events (AEs) to guide group practice recommendations. Our objective was to quantify the impact these interventions on postoperative AEs rates after major non-cardiac chest operations. All postoperative AEs after all thoracic operations (n= 1,084, March, 2013 to February, 2016, single-center) were prospectively collected using the thoracic morbidity and mortality system, based on Clavien–Dindo schema. Online software provided surgeons (n= 6) with self-evaluation and peer comparison at all times. In addition, quarterly CQI/PD seminars (n= 8, September, 2013 to December, 2015) focused on common impactful AEs: atrial fibrillation (AFIB), prolonged alveolar air leak (PAAL), and anastomotic leak (AL). Impact was analyzed using univariate statistics 6, 9, and 12 months before and after implementation. We observed reductions of postoperative AEs after CQI/PD: a decrease (all time periods) in AFIB, greatest at 6 months (10.1% vs. 6.7%;p= .36); a decrease (all time periods) in PAAL, greatest at 12 months (18.9% vs. 11.7%;p< .05); and decrease (6 and 9 months) in AL, greatest at 6 months (11.1% vs. 8.3%;p= .82). Improvements in AE rates after individual surgeon self-evaluation and CQI/PD seminars provide encouraging results that merit further investigation.
Linkage to care of HbsAg-positive and anti-HCV-positive patients after a systematic screening approach in the German primary care setting
Authors: Lüllau Anja , Petroff David , Bätz Olaf , Kramer Jan , Jedrysiak Katrin , Tenckhoff Hannelore , Berg Thomas , Wolffram Ingmar , Wiegand Johannes
Published: January 2018

Background

Identification of previously unknown cases is important to lower the burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infection. However, a screening program in the primary care setting has not yet been established. Therefore, a systematic screening project was conducted in 21 008 patients (Wolffram and colleagues). Here, we describe linkage to care of identified HbsAg-positive and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients.

Methods

General practitioners characterized further medical care by a standardized questionnaire. Data of 48/110 HbsAg-positive and 114/199 anti-HCV-positive patients were available. An APRI index more than 2 or up to 0.5 indicated the presence of cirrhosis or the absence of fibrosis.

Results

APRI was calculated in 32/48 hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients (>2: n=1; ≤0.5: n=29) and 34/114 HCV patients (>2: n=4; ≤0.5: n=23). The general practitioners were already aware of the positive HBsAg and anti-HCV-test in 13/48 and 59/114 patients, respectively.

For 29/35 newly diagnosed HBV patients and 26/55 HCV patients, further diagnostics were initiated: ultrasound 77 versus 38%, liver biopsy 20 versus 4%, and gastroscopy 20 versus 7%.

Antiviral treatment was initiated in 5/35 HBV cases and in 10/55 HCV patients.

A family screening was initiated in 22/35 HBV versus 13/55 HCV index patients and showed one additional HbsAg-positive and two anti-HCV-positive cases.

Diagnostic procedures differed significantly between anti-HCV-positive and HbsAg-positive patients (P<0.001 for APRI, ultrasound, and family screening; P=0.03 for liver biopsy).

Conclusion

Diagnostic procedures should be improved for hepatitis C-infected patients. The APRI index was only of limited value in the primary care setting.
Observational study in healthy volunteers to define interobserver reliability of ultrasound haemodynamic monitoring techniques performed by trainee doctors
Authors: Bussmann Benjamin M. , Sharma Shrey , Mcgregor David , Hulme William , Harris Tim
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Bedside ultrasound is increasingly being used to guide fluid management in shocked patients. Little data exist on the inter-rater reliability of techniques used, especially when performed by nonexpert trainee doctors. The primary aim of this study is to measure the inter-rater reliability of five ultrasound techniques commonly used to guide fluid management: inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-derived stroke volumes, ultrasound cardiac output monitor (USCOM) derived stroke volume and carotid artery blood flow and corrected flow time measurements.

Methods

Two Royal College of Emergency Medicine level one ultrasound-certified emergency medicine trainees performed paired ultrasound measurements on 31 healthy nonpatient volunteers. Inter-rater reliability was assessed through three indices: interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), limits of agreements (LOAs) derived from Band–Altman plots and the proportion of paired scans with absolute differences of less that 15% (defined as agreement).

Results

TTE-derived measurements performed the best overall, with an LOA of 22%, an ICC of 0.55 and an agreement of 80%. USCOM also performed well, with an LOA of 33%, an ICC of 0.68 and an agreement of 58%. IVCCI and carotid artery-derived measurements performed poorly across all indices.

Conclusion

TTE-derived measurements showed the highest level of inter-rater reliability and can thus be expected to provide reliable measures over time with different sonographer clinicians. USCOM interobserver reliability was also adequate for clinical use. However, on the basis of inter-reliability measures, IVCCI and carotid artery measurements were found to be inadequate for clinical use.
Perceptions of Infection Risk With Immunomodulatory Medications
Authors: Sharim Rebecca , Thomas Preethi , Mathew Leny , George Michael , Rosenbach Misha
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Physicians of many specialties encounter patients treated with immunomodulatory medications and must weigh the risk of infection when making medical decisions. We explored how physician perceptions of the infection risk of immunomodulatory medications differ by specialty and level of experience.

Methods

A survey was distributed to physicians from the internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, rheumatology, dermatology, and infectious disease departments at 1 tertiary care institution. Physicians scored their level of concern for the risk of infection of 15 commonly used immunomodulatory medications hypothetically taken for 1 year.

Results

The survey was distributed to 634 people; 197 physicians completed the survey. Opinion of the risk of infection differed significantly by specialty for 8 of 15 medications. Experienced providers rated risk of infection differently from less experienced providers for prednisone 10 to 20 mg (P = 0.046), hydroxychloroquine (P = 0.013), dapsone (P = 0.029), and anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (P = 0.027). Most experienced physicians regarded dapsone (95%) and hydroxychloroquine (93%) as low risk, whereas many less experienced physicians scored them as medium- or high-risk medications. In contrast, experienced physicians were more likely to rate prednisone 10 to 20 mg as medium or high risk. Most less experienced physicians (55%) identified anti-TNF therapy as high risk, whereas experienced physicians were split evenly among low, medium, and high risk.

Conclusions

There is substantial variability in physician perception of the risk of infection of many immunomodulatory medications. Experienced physicians are more concerned than peers about the risk of infection of intermediate doses of prednisone. Opinions regarding anti-TNF therapy range broadly even among experienced providers.
Early-life maltreatment predicts adult stress response in a long-lived wild bird
Authors: Grace Jacquelyn K. , Anderson David J.
Published: January 2018

Persistent phenotypic changes due to early-life stressors are widely acknowledged, but their relevance for wild, free-living animals is poorly understood. We evaluated effects of two natural stressors experienced when young (maltreatment by adults and nutritional stress) on stress physiology in wild Nazca boobies (
Sula granti
) 6–8 years later, an exceptionally long interval for such studies. Maltreatment as a nestling, but not nutritional stress, was associated years later with depressed baseline corticosterone in females and elevated stress-induced corticosterone concentration [CORT] in males. These results provide rare evidence of long-term hormonal effects of natural early-life stress, which may be adaptive mechanisms for dealing with future stressors.
Extreme call amplitude from near-field acoustic wave coupling in the stridulating water insectMicronecta scholtzi(Micronectinae)
Authors: Reid Andrew , Hardie David J. W. , Mackie David , Jackson Joseph C. , Windmill James F. C.
Published: January 2018

Underwater acoustic transducers, particularly at low frequencies, are beset by problems of scale and inefficiency due to the large wavelengths of sound in water. In insect mating calls, a high call volume is usually desirable, increasing the range of signal transmission and providing a form of advertisement of the signaller's quality to a potential mate; however, the strength of the call is constrained by body size and by the need to avoid predators who may be listening in. Male crickets and water boatmen avoid some of the limitations of body size by exploiting resonant structures, which produce sharply tuned species-specific songs, but call frequency and volume remain linked to body size. Recently, the water boatmanMicronecta scholtziwas found to circumvent this rule, producing a louder mating call than that of similar, but much larger,Corixa. The resonant structure in Corixidae and Micronectinae is believed to be the trapped air reserves around the insect as it dives, driven by a stridulatory apparatus. However, the method by which energy is transferred from the striated area to the bubble is unknown. Here, we present modelling of a system of near-field coupling of acoustic sources to bubbles showing an exponential increase in sound power gain with decreasing distance that provides a simple solution to the stimulus of the air bubbles in Corixidae and Micronectinae and explains the discrepancy ofM. scholtzi's extreme call volume. The findings suggest a possible route to engineered systems using near-field coupling to overcome size constraints in low-frequency (less than 500 Hz) underwater transducers, where the input efficiency of a piezoelectric device can be coupled through the hydrodynamic field to the high radiative efficiency of a near-ideal monopole emitter.
Coupling next-generation sequencing to dominant positive screens for finding antibiotic cellular targets and resistance mechanisms in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gingras Hélène , Dridi Bédis , Leprohon Philippe , Ouellette Marc
Published: January 2018

In order to expedite the discovery of genes coding for either drug targets or antibiotic resistance, we have developed a functional genomic strategy termed Plas-Seq. This technique involves coupling a multicopy suppressor library to next-generation sequencing. We generated an Escherichia coli plasmid genomic library that was transformed into E. coli. These transformants were selected step by step using 0.25× to 2× minimum inhibitory concentrations for ceftriaxone, gentamicin, levofloxacin, tetracycline or trimethoprim. Plasmids were isolated at each selection step and subjected to Illumina sequencing. By searching for genomic loci whose sequencing coverage increased with antibiotic pressure we were able to detect 48 different genomic loci that were enriched by at least one antibiotic. Fifteen of these loci were studied functionally, and we showed that 13 can decrease the susceptibility of E. coli to antibiotics when overexpressed. These genes coded for drug targets, transcription factors, membrane proteins and resistance factors. The technique of Plas-Seq is expediting the discovery of genes associated with the mode of action or resistance to antibiotics and led to the isolation of a novel gene influencing drug susceptibility. It has the potential for being applied to novel molecules and to other microbial species.
Heterochromatin drives organization of conventional and inverted nuclei
Authors: Falk Martin , Feodorova Yana , Naumova Natasha , Imakaev Maxim , Lajoie Bryan R. , Leonhardt Heinrich , Joffe Boris , Dekker Job , Fudenberg Geoffrey , Solovei Irina , Mirny Leonid
Published: January 2018

The mammalian cell nucleus displays a remarkable spatial segregation of active euchromatic from inactive heterochromatic genomic regions. In conventional nuclei, euchromatin is localized in the nuclear interior and heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery. In contrast, rod photoreceptors in nocturnal mammals have inverted nuclei, with a dense heterochromatic core and a thin euchromatic outer shell. This inverted architecture likely converts rod nuclei into microlenses to facilitate nocturnal vision, and may relate to the absence of particular proteins that tether heterochromatin to the lamina. However, both the mechanism of inversion and the role of interactions between different types of chromatin and the lamina in nuclear organization remain unknown. To elucidate this mechanism we performed Hi-C and microscopy on cells with inverted nuclei and their conventional counterparts. Strikingly, despite the inversion evident in microscopy, both types of nuclei display similar Hi-C maps. To resolve this paradox we developed a polymer model of chromosomes and found a universal mechanism that reconciles Hi-C and microscopy for both inverted and conventional nuclei. Based solely on attraction between heterochromatic regions, this mechanism is sufficient to drive phase separation of euchromatin and heterochromatin and faithfully reproduces the 3D organization of inverted nuclei. When interactions between heterochromatin and the lamina are added, the same model recreates the conventional nuclear organization. To further test our models, we eliminated lamina interactions in models of conventional nuclei and found that this triggers a spontaneous process of inversion that qualitatively reproduces the pathway of morphological changes during nuclear inversion in vivo. Together, our experiments and modeling suggest that interactions among heterochromatic regions are central to phase separation of the active and inactive genome in inverted and conventional nuclei, while interactions with the lamina are essential for building the conventional architecture from these segregated phases. Ultimately our data suggest that an inverted organization constitutes the default state of nuclear architecture.
Commensal-Pathogen Competition Impacts Host Viability
Authors: Fast David , Kostiuk Benjamin , Foley Edan , Pukatzki Stefan
Published: January 2018

While the structure and regulatory networks that govern the activity of the type-six secretion system (T6SS) of Vibrio cholerae are becoming increasingly clear, we know less about the role of the T6SS in disease. Under laboratory conditions, V. cholerae uses the T6SS to outcompete many Gram-negative species, including other V. cholerae strains and human commensal bacteria. However, the role of these interactions has not been resolved in an in-vivo setting. We used the Drosophila melanogaster model of cholera to define the contribution of the T6SS to V. cholerae pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that interactions between the T6SS and host commensals impact pathogenesis. Inactivation of the T6SS, or removal of commensal bacteria attenuates disease severity. Re-introduction of the Gram-negative commensal bacterium Acetobacter pasteurianus into a germ-free host is sufficient to restore T6SS-dependent pathogenesis. Together, our data demonstrate that the T6SS acts on commensal bacteria to promote the pathogenesis of V. cholerae.
Novel Phosphorylation States of the Yeast Spindle Pole Body
Authors: Fong Kimberly K. , Zelter Alex , Graczyk Beth , Hoyt Jill M. , Riffle Michael , Johnson Richard , MacCoss Michael J. , Davis Trisha N.
Published: January 2018

Phosphorylation regulates yeast spindle pole body (SPB) duplication and separation and likely regulates microtubule nucleation. We report a phosphoproteomic analysis using tandem mass spectrometry of purifiedSaccharomyces cerevisiaeSPBs for two cell cycle arrests, G1/S and the mitotic checkpoint, expanding on previously reported phosphoproteomic data sets. We present a novel phosphoproteomic state of SPBs arrested in G1/S by acdc4-1temperature sensitive mutation, with particular interest in phosphorylation events on the γ-tubulin small complex (γ-TuSC). Thecdc4-1arrest is the earliest arrest at which microtubule nucleation has occurred at the newly duplicated SPB. Several novel phosphorylation sites were identified in G1/S and during mitosis on the microtubule nucleating γ-TuSC. These sites were analyzedin vivoby fluorescence microscopy and were shown to be required for proper regulation of spindle length. Additionally,in vivoanalysis of two mitotic sites in Spc97 found that phosphorylation of at least one of these sites is required for progression through the cell cycle. This phosphoproteomic data set not only broadens the scope of the phosphoproteome of SPBs, it also identifies several γ-TuSC phosphorylation sites influencing microtubule regulation.
Dopamine and eye movement control in Parkinson’s disease: deficits in corollary discharge signals?
Authors: Railo Henry , Olkoniemi Henri , Eeronheimo Enni , Pääkkonen Oona , Joutsa Juho , Kaasinen Valtteri
Published: January 2018

Movement in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is fragmented, and the patients depend on visual information in their behavior. This suggests that the patients may have deficits in internally monitoring their own movements. Internal monitoring of movements is assumed to rely on corollary discharge signals that enable the brain to predict the sensory consequences of actions. We studied early-stage PD patients (N=14), and age-matched healthy control participants (N=14) to examine whether PD patients reveal deficits in updating their sensory representations after eye movements. The participants performed a double-saccade task where, in order to accurately fixate a second target, the participant must correct for the displacement caused by the first saccade. In line with previous reports, the patients had difficulties in fixating the second target when the eye movement was performed without visual guidance. Furthermore, the patients had difficulties in taking into account the error in the first saccade when making a saccade towards the second target, especially when eye movements were made towards the side with dominant motor symptoms. Across PD patients, the impairments in saccadic eye movements correlated with the integrity of the dopaminergic system as measured with [123I]FP-CIT SPECT: Patients with lower striatal (caudate, anterior putamen and posterior putamen) dopamine transporter binding made larger errors in saccades. This effect was strongest when patients made memory-guided saccades towards the second target. Our results provide tentative evidence that the motor deficits in PD may be partly accounted by deficits in internal monitoring of movements.
CDK1 and CDK2 regulate phosphorylation-dependent NICD1 turnover and the periodicity of the segmentation clock
Authors: Carrieri Francesca Anna , Murray Philip , Davies Paul , Dale Jacqueline Kim
Published: January 2018

All vertebrates share a segmented body axis. Segments form periodically from the rostral end of the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) and this periodicity is regulated by the segmentation clock, a molecular oscillator that drives dynamic clock gene expression across the PSM with a periodicity that matches somite formation. Notch signalling is crucial to this process. Altering Notch intracellular domain (NICD) stability affects both the clock period and somite size. However, the mechanistic details of how NICD stability is regulated are unclear.

We identified a highly conserved site crucial for NICD recognition by the SCF E3 ligase, which targets NICD for degradation. We demonstrate both CDK1 and CDK2 can phosphorylate NICD in the domain where this crucial residue lies and that NICD levels vary in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Inhibiting CDK1 or CDK2 activity increases NICD levels both in vitro and in vivo, leading to a delay of clock gene oscillations.
C2-continuous orientation trajectory planning for robot based on spline quaternion curve
Authors: Niu Xuejuan , Wang Tian
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To realize the smooth interpolation of orientation on robot end-effector, this paper aims to propose a novel algorithm based on the unit quaternion spline curve.

Design/methodology/approach

This algorithm combines the spherical linear quaternion interpolation and the cubic B-spline quaternion curve. With this method, a C2-continuous smooth trajectory of multiple teaching orientations is obtained. To achieve the visualization of quaternion curves on a unit sphere, a mapping algorithm between a unit quaternion and a point on the spherical surface is given based on the physical meaning of the unit quaternion.

Findings

Finally, the curvature analysis of a practical case shows that the orientation trajectory (OT) constructed by this algorithm satisfied the C2-continuity.

Originality/value

This OT satisfies the requirement of smooth interpolation among multiple orientations on robots in industrial applications.
Reaching women with perinatal mental illness at the booking-in appointment
Authors: Haynes Emma
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the positive future gains of reaching women with perinatal mental illness at the first midwifery booking-in appointment, a unique opportunity that could be more widely used as a point of detection, awareness and prevention of illness in the perinatal period.

Design/methodology/approach

A more robust section of this appointment that includes focussed detection and awareness of prior and current mental health concerns as well as the stigma attached to these conditions will allow midwives to signpost women to get much needed treatment prior to delivery. Suitable treatment options also need to be available and in place at this point.

Findings

The existing booking-in process, for highlighting and diagnosing mental health conditions, has limited suitability. Detection in the postnatal period has inherent difficulties due to time pressures on women, the costs to the mother, baby, family and the economic costs to society, which are considerable. The postnatal period may be too late for treatment, with the harm already done to the woman, their baby and their family.

Research limitations/implications

Research is needed to assess the efficacy of such a strategy, including the costs to train the midwives to deliver this additional service, and the consideration of suitable treatment options at the antenatal stage. This may help to reduce the high levels of attrition within treatment programmes currently running.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to diagnose and prevent perinatal mental illness at an earlier point in pregnancy.
Optimal levels of (de)centralization for resilient supply chains
Authors: Treiblmaier Horst
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how centralization and decentralization of supply chains (SCs) play a major role in creating organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with the basic tenets of contingency theory and applying a grounded theory approach, results from exploratory qualitative and quantitative studies are combined to investigate the impact of (de)centralization on SC resilience capabilities.

Findings

The findings from a comprehensive literature review combined with two empirical surveys indicate that four important organizational capabilities are needed in order to cope with internal and external disruptions: fast reactions to unforeseen disturbances, reducing the number of negative external forces, reducing the impact of negative external forces and the quick return to normal operating processes. Furthermore, it is illustrated how (de)centralization activities can support these capabilities and thus maximize the SC resilience.

Originality/value

This paper presents 12 measures for (de)centralization and shows how they can support the four major capabilities of resilient companies. The results from qualitative and quantitative surveys allow for a holistic understanding of the organization and provide a basis for future SC resilience research.
Exploring value creation and appropriation in the reverse clothing supply chain
Authors: Sandberg Erik , Pal Rudrajeet , Hemilä Jukka
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the processes of value creation and appropriation among companies in a reverse clothing supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an inductive case study approach at fashion retailers, charity organisations, commercial recyclers, and specialised sorting companies involved in take-back schemes for used clothes in the reverse clothing supply chain.

Findings

Value creation and appropriation processes are illustrated for different members of the reverse clothing supply chain. Results of different types of value and value co-creation explain the relatively high degree of collaboration among members in the “beginning” of the reverse supply chain. Here, collaboration outmanoeuvres the traditional value appropriation mechanism of price negotiation.

Research limitations/implications

This research does not cover all tiers in this global industry, and practices among different regions may hamper the generalisability of the findings presented.

Practical implications

This research allows a comprehensive picture of the members in the reverse clothing supply chain and outlines some of the major processes involved, decisive for value creation, and appropriation.

Originality/value

The research draws upon the value concept and combines processes of value creation and appropriation in one, single empirical study. By doing that, the research disseminates the reverse clothing supply chain in a new way and facilitates improved understanding of the structure and rationales for members taking part in it.