bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCA and ICA Based Prognostic Health Monitoring of Electronic Assemblies Subjected to Simultaneous Temperature-Vibration Loads
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Thomas Tony
Published: October 2017

This paper focusses on health monitoring of electronic assemblies under vibration load of 14 G until failure at an ambient temperature of 55 degree Celsius. Strain measurements of the electronic assemblies were measured using the voltage outputs from the strain gauges which are fixed at different locations on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Various analysis was conducted on the strain signals include Time-frequency analysis (TFA), Joint Time-Frequency analysis (JTFA) and Statistical techniques like Principal component analysis (PCA), Independent component analysis (ICA) to monitor the health of the packages during the experiment. Frequency analysis techniques were used to get a detailed understanding of the different frequency components before and after the failure of the electronic assemblies. Different filtering algorithms and frequency quantization techniques gave insight about the change in the frequency components with the time of vibration and the energy content of the strain signals was also studied using the joint time-frequency analysis. It is seen that as the vibration time increases the occurrence of new high-frequency components increases and further the amplitude of the high-frequency components also has increased compared to the before failure condition. Statistical techniques such as PCA and ICA were primarily used to reduce the dimensions of the larger data sets and provide a pattern without losing the different characteristics of the strain signals during the course of vibration of electronic assemblies till failure. This helps to represent the complete behavior of the electronic assemblies and to understand the change in the behavior of the strain components till failure. The principal components which were calculated using PCA discretely separated the before failure and after failure strain components and this behavior were also seen by the independent components which were calculated using the Independent Component Analysis (ICA). To quantify the prognostics and hence the health of the electronic assemblies, different statistical prediction algorithms were applied to the coefficients of principal and independent components calculated from PCA and ICA analysis. The instantaneous frequency of the strain signals was calculated and PCA and ICA analysis on the instantaneous frequency matrix was done. The variance of the principal components of instantaneous frequency showed an increasing trend during the initial hours of vibration and after attaining a maximum value it then has a decreasing trend till before failure. During the failure of components, the variance of the principal component decreased further and attained a lowest value. This behavior of the instantaneous frequency over the period of vibration is used as a health monitoring feature.
Investigation of Aging Induced Evolution of the Microstructure of SAC305 Lead Free Solder
Authors: Fu Nianjun , Wu Jing , Ahmed Sudan , Suhling Jeffrey C. , Lall Pradeep
Published: October 2017

The most well-known and widely observed microstructural changes during aging are the coarsening of Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) present in the eutectic regions between β-Sn dendrites. In this investigation, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been utilized to examine aging induced coarsening of IMCs occurring within lead free solders. Unlike many prior studies, fixed regions in the solder joint cross-sections were monitored throughout the aging process, rather than examining different samples and/or different regions after the various aging exposures. Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) lead free solder samples were formed with reflowed (RF) and water quenched (WQ) cooling profiles and resulting initial microstructures, and then polished microscopy cross-sections were prepared. Nanoindentation marks were added to the cross-sections at certain locations to facilitate locating the fixed regions of interest in subsequent microscopy observations. After preparation, the samples were then aged at T = 125 °C, and the microstructures were observed and recorded in the selected regions after various aging exposures using SEM. In addition, the coarsening of IMCs during aging has been quantitatively analyzed. Particularly, the aging induced changes in number of IMCs, total area of all IMCs, average particle area, and average particle diameter have been quantified for fixed regions in the samples.
Damage Progression in Fuze Assemblies Subjected to High-G Mechanical Shock Using X-Ray Digital Volume Correlation
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Kothari Nakul , Deep John
Published: October 2017

Field extracted electrical assemblies, subjected to harsh environments including storage, and transportation may have often sustained degradation in their material properties and physical structure, without exhibiting external signs of damage. The lack of macro-indicators of damage makes the quantification of sustained damage and the remaining useful life challenging for assessment of the reliability makes quantification of accrued damage and remaining useful life much difficult. The operation environment requires survivability under high-g loads often in excess of 10,000g-100,000g. The need of non-destructive test methods for determination of the internal damage and the assessment of expected operational reliability under the presence of accrued damage from prolonged storage is extremely desirable. While a number of non-destructive test methods such as x-ray, and acoustic imaging exist in the state-of-art — they are limited to the acquisition of imaging of the internal damage state without the ability of conducting measurement of deformation under the action of environment loads. There is scarcity of literature on studying progressive damage to the physical structure of fuze components when subjected to high g shocks. Previously, researchers have studied the reliability of fuze subjected to high-temperature and high-g mechanical shocks, measured redundancy and reliability of fuze electronics through prediction of failure rates and MTTF using MIL-HDBK-217F standard, and performed on fault diagnosis. In this paper, a full-field deformation measurement technique has been presented to monitor damage in key components of the fuze after exposure to multiple high G shocks. Fuze assembly has been subjected to 30,000g mechanical shock until failure. The fuze assembly is CT scanned at regular intervals and the scan data is compared to the pristine scan data to compute physical deformations and damage sustained during the mechanical shock event.
Geometry Effects on Two-Phase Flow Regimes in a Diabatic Manifolded Microgap Channel
Authors: Deisenroth David C. , Bar-Cohen Avram , Ohadi Michael
Published: October 2017

Two-phase cooling has become an increasingly attractive option for thermal management of high-heat flux electronics. Cooling channels embedded directly on the back of the heat source (chip) facilitate two-phase boiling/evaporation effectiveness, eliminating many thermal resistances generated by more traditional, remote chip-cooling approaches. Accordingly, manifold-microchannel flow paths in embedded cooling systems can allow very high heat fluxes with low junction temperatures. But, the effect of the feeding manifold design, channel geometry, and the associated shear, stagnation zones, and centripetal accelerations with varying heat flux and mass flux are not well understood. This study builds upon our previous work and elucidates effects of channel geometry, mass flux, and outlet quality on the boiling/evaporation flow regimes in a manifolded microgap channel.
Mixed oxides on rutile TiO2(011): Cr2O3 and Cu2O
Authors: Halpegamage Sandamali , Batzill Matthias
Published: October 2017

The authors investigate the formation of ultrathin oxides on rutile TiO2(011) single crystal surfaces by scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission techniques in view of the role of substrate orientation for the formation of special oxide species and films. The authors observe that the (011) orientation of rutile facilitates the stabilization of ordered atomic-scale Cu+ species under weak oxidizing conditions. In contrast, clustering is observed on the (110) surface prepared under the same conditions. For chromium deposition in an oxidizing environment growth of an epitaxial but twinned Cr2O3 film with (1-102) orientation is observed. High crystalline order is maintained to the ultrathin monolayer limit. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests some diffusion of Ti3+ species into Cr2O3 films while the surface of Cr2O3 appears to be reducible by vacuum annealing to ∼300 °C. An increased photocatalytic activity for decomposition of methyl orange solution is measured for TiO2(011) surfaces modified with a submonolayer film of chromia while for thicker Cr2O3 films the photocatalytic activity decreases again.
Thermal study of an indium trisguanidinate as a possible indium nitride precursor
Authors: Buttera Sydney C. , Rönnby Karl , Pedersen Henrik , Ojamäe Lars , Barry Seán T.
Published: October 2017

Tris-N,N,-dimethyl-N′,N″-diisopropylguanidinatoindium(III) has been investigated both as a chemical vapor deposition precursor and an atomic layer deposition precursor. Although deposition was satisfactory in both cases, each report showed some anomalies in the thermal stability of this compound, warrenting further investigation, which is reported herein. The compound was found to decompose to produce diisopropylcarbodiimide both by computational modeling and solution phase nuclear magnetic resonance characterization. The decomposition was shown to have an onset at approximately 120 °C and had a constant rate of decomposition from 150 to 180 °C. The ultimate decomposition product was suspected to be bisdimethylamido-N,N,-dimethyl-N′,N″-diisopropylguanidinato-indium(III), which appeared to be an intractable, nonvolatile polymer.
On the numerical investigation of sound transmission through double-walled structures with membrane-type acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Marinova Polina , Lippert Stephan , von Estorff Otto
Published: October 2017

Acoustic metamaterials appear to be of great help in the design of reliable and effective noise reduction measures in the low frequency range. The current contribution is concerned with the modeling of a low-frequency noise shield, based on a double wall arrangement, which includes membrane-type acoustic metamaterials (MAMs), considered as the most promising approach when it comes especially to the tonal noise at frequencies below 300 Hz. MAMs consist of small-sized membranes loaded with a mass. Due to their robustness and relatively simple production, MAMs have been proven to decrease the sound transmission in frequency ranges, for which poro-elastic materials have a rather negligible effect. A simulation model of a double wall panel, whose acoustic cavity is furnished with layers of metamaterials, has been developed and the sound transmission loss (STL) through the structure was calculated, using the finite element method. In order to validate the modelling approach, the STL estimation from the finite element analysis was compared to experimental measurements. The achieved results indicate a noise-decreasing possibility in tunable narrow bands as well as a broadband noise reduction for frequencies less than 300 Hz without significantly adding to the panel mass.
Intonation and talker variability in the discrimination of Spanish lexical stress contrasts by Spanish, German and French listeners
Authors: Schwab Sandra , Dellwo Volker
Published: October 2017

The perception of stress is highly influenced by listeners' native language. In this research, the authors examined the effect of intonation and talker variability (here: phonetic variability) in the discrimination of Spanish lexical stress contrasts by native Spanish (N = 17), German (N = 21), and French (N = 27) listeners. Participants listened to 216 trials containing three Spanish disyllabic words, where one word carried a different lexical stress to the others. The listeners' task was to identify the deviant word in each trial (Odd-One-Out task). The words in the trials were produced by either the same talker or by two different talkers, and carried the same or varying intonation patterns. The German listeners' performance was lower compared to the Spanish listeners but higher than that of the French listeners. French listeners performed above chance level with and without talker variability, and performed at chance level when intonation variability was introduced. Results are discussed in the context of the stress “deafness” hypothesis.
Deciphering the Origin, Evolution, and Physiological Function of the Subtelomeric Aryl-Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Family in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yang Dong-Dong , de Billerbeck Gustavo M. , Zhang Jin-jing , Rosenzweig Frank , Francois Jean-Marie
Published: October 2017

Homology searches indicate that
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain BY4741 contains seven redundant genes that encode putative aryl-alcohol dehydrogenases (AAD). Yeast
AAD
genes are located in subtelomeric regions of different chromosomes, and their functional role(s) remain enigmatic. Here, we show that two of these genes,
AAD4
and
AAD14
, encode functional enzymes that reduce aliphatic and aryl-aldehydes concomitant with the oxidation of cofactor NADPH, and that Aad4p and Aad14p exhibit different substrate preference patterns. Other yeast
AAD
genes are undergoing pseudogenization. The 5′ sequence of
AAD15
has been deleted from the genome. Repair of an
AAD3
missense mutation at the catalytically essential Tyr
73
residue did not result in a functional enzyme. However, ancestral-state reconstruction by fusing Aad6 with Aad16 and by N-terminal repair of Aad10 restores NADPH-dependent aryl-alcohol dehydrogenase activities. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that
AAD
genes are narrowly distributed in wood-saprophyte fungi and in yeast that occupy lignocellulosic niches. Because yeast
AAD
genes exhibit activity on veratraldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, and vanillin, they could serve to detoxify aryl-aldehydes released during lignin degradation. However, none of these compounds induce yeast
AAD
gene expression, and Aad activities do not relieve aryl-aldehyde growth inhibition. Our data suggest an ancestral role for
AAD
genes in lignin degradation that is degenerating as a result of yeast's domestication and use in brewing, baking, and other industrial applications.

IMPORTANCE
Functional characterization of hypothetical genes remains one of the chief tasks of the postgenomic era. Although the first
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
genome sequence was published over 20 years ago, 22% of its estimated 6,603 open reading frames (ORFs) remain unverified. One outstanding example of this category of genes is the enigmatic seven-member
AAD
family. Here, we demonstrate that proteins encoded by two members of this family exhibit aliphatic and aryl-aldehyde reductase activity, and further that such activity can be recovered from pseudogenized
AAD
genes via ancestral-state reconstruction. The phylogeny of yeast
AAD
genes suggests that these proteins may have played an important ancestral role in detoxifying aromatic aldehydes in ligninolytic fungi. However, in yeast adapted to niches rich in sugars,
AAD
genes become subject to mutational erosion. Our findings shed new light on the selective pressures and molecular mechanisms by which genes undergo pseudogenization.
Harnessing the Periplasm of Bacterial Cells To Develop Biocatalysts for the Biosynthesis of Highly Pure Chemicals
Authors: Yang Yun , Wu Yichao , Hu Yidan , Wang Hua , Guo Lin , Fredrickson James K. , Cao Bin
Published: October 2017

Although biocatalytic transformation has shown great promise in chemical synthesis, there remain significant challenges in controlling high selectivity without the formation of undesirable by-products. For instance, few attempts to construct biocatalysts for
de novo
synthesis of pure flavin mononucleotide (FMN) have been successful, due to riboflavin (RF) accumulating in the cytoplasm and being secreted with FMN. To address this problem, we show here a novel biosynthesis strategy, compartmentalizing the final FMN biosynthesis step in the periplasm of an engineered
Escherichia coli
strain. This construct is able to overproduce FMN with high specificity (92.4% of total excreted flavins). Such a biosynthesis approach allows isolation of the final biosynthesis step from the cytoplasm to eliminate undesirable by-products, providing a new route to develop biocatalysts for the synthesis of high-purity chemicals.

IMPORTANCE
The periplasm of Gram-negative bacterial hosts is engineered to compartmentalize the final biosynthesis step from the cytoplasm. This strategy is promising for the overproduction of high-value products with high specificity. We demonstrate the successful implementation of this strategy in microbial production of highly pure FMN.
Divergent Responses of Forest Soil Microbial Communities under Elevated CO
2
in Different Depths of Upper Soil Layers
Authors: Yu Hao , He Zhili , Wang Aijie , Xie Jianping , Wu Liyou , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Jin Decai , Shao Zhimin , Schadt Christopher W. , Zhou Jizhong , Deng Ye
Published: October 2017

Numerous studies have shown that the continuous increase of atmosphere CO
2
concentrations may have profound effects on the forest ecosystem and its functions. However, little is known about the response of belowground soil microbial communities under elevated atmospheric CO
2
(eCO
2
) at different soil depth profiles in forest ecosystems. Here, we examined soil microbial communities at two soil depths (0 to 5 cm and 5 to 15 cm) after a 10-year eCO
2
exposure using a high-throughput functional gene microarray (GeoChip). The results showed that eCO
2
significantly shifted the compositions, including phylogenetic and functional gene structures, of soil microbial communities at both soil depths. Key functional genes, including those involved in carbon degradation and fixation, methane metabolism, denitrification, ammonification, and nitrogen fixation, were stimulated under eCO
2
at both soil depths, although the stimulation effect of eCO
2
on these functional markers was greater at the soil depth of 0 to 5 cm than of 5 to 15 cm. Moreover, a canonical correspondence analysis suggested that NO
3
-N, total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), and leaf litter were significantly correlated with the composition of the whole microbial community. This study revealed a positive feedback of eCO
2
in forest soil microbial communities, which may provide new insight for a further understanding of forest ecosystem responses to global CO
2
increases.

IMPORTANCE
The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
) has continuously been increasing since the industrial revolution. Understanding the response of soil microbial communities to elevated atmospheric CO
2
(eCO
2
) is important for predicting the contribution of the forest ecosystem to global atmospheric change. This study analyzed the effect of eCO
2
on microbial communities at two soil depths (0 to 5 cm and 5 to 15 cm) in a forest ecosystem. Our findings suggest that the compositional and functional structures of microbial communities shifted under eCO
2
at both soil depths. More functional genes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling were stimulated under eCO
2
at the soil depth of 0 to 5 cm than at the depth of 5 to 15 cm.
β-Glucanase Activity of the Oral Bacterium Tannerella forsythia Contributes to the Growth of a Partner Species, Fusobacterium nucleatum, in Cobiofilms
Authors: Honma Kiyonobu , Ruscitto Angela , Sharma Ashu
Published: October 2017

Tannerella forsythia
and
Fusobacterium nucleatum
are dental plaque bacteria implicated in the development of periodontitis. These two species have been shown to form synergistic biofilms and have been found to be closely associated in dental plaque biofilms. A number of genetic loci for TonB-dependent membrane receptors (TDR) for glycan acquisition, with many existing in association with genes coding for enzymes involved in the breakdown of complex glycans, have been identified in
T. forsythia
. In this study, we focused on a locus, BFO_0186-BFO_0188, that codes for a predicted TDR-SusD transporter along with a putative β-glucan hydrolyzing enzyme (BFO_0186). This operon is located immediately downstream of a 2-gene operon that codes for a putative stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor and an anti-sigma factor. Here, we show that BFO_0186 expresses a β-glucanase that cleaves glucans with β-1,6 and β-1,3 linkages. Furthermore, the BFO_0186-BFO_0188 locus is upregulated, with an induction of β-glucanase activity, in cobiofilms of
T. forsythia
and
F. nucleatum
. The β-glucanase activity in mixed biofilms in turn leads to an enhanced hydrolysis of β-glucans and release of glucose monomers and oligomers as nutrients for
F. nucleatum
. In summary, our study highlights the role of
T. forsythia
β-glucanase expressed by the asaccharolytic oral bacterium
T. forsythia
in the development of
T. forsythia-F. nucleatum
mixed species biofilms, and suggest that dietary β-glucans might contribute in plaque development and periodontal disease pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
The development of dental plaque biofilm is a complex process in which metabolic, chemical and physical interactions between bacteria take a central role. Previous studies have shown that the dental pathogens
T. forsythia
and
F. nucleatum
form synergistic biofilms and are closely associated in human dental plaque. In this study, we show that β-glucanase from the periodontal pathogen
T. forsythia
plays a role in the formation of
T. forsythia
-
F. nucleatum
cobiofilms by hydrolyzing β-glucans to glucose as a nutrient. We also unveiled that the expression of
T. forsythia
β-glucanase is induced in response to
F. nucleatum
sensing. This study highlights the involvement of β-glucanase activity in the development of
T. forsythia-F. nucleatum
biofilms and suggests that intake of dietary β-glucans might be a contributing risk factor in plaque development and periodontal disease pathogenesis.
F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages, Especially Members of Subgroup II, Should Be Reconsidered as Good Indicators of Viral Pollution of Oysters
Authors: Hartard C. , Leclerc M. , Rivet R. , Maul A. , Loutreul J. , Banas S. , Boudaud N. , Gantzer C.
Published: October 2017

Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks linked to oyster consumption. In this study, we investigated the potential of F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) as indicators of viral contamination in oysters by focusing especially on FRNAPH subgroup II (FRNAPH-II). These viral indicators have been neglected because their behavior is sometimes different from that of NoV in shellfish, especially during the depuration processes usually performed before marketing. However, a significant bias needs to be taken into account. This bias is that, in the absence of routine culture methods, NoV is targeted by genome detection, while the presence of FRNAPH is usually investigated by isolation of infectious particles. In this study, by targeting both viruses using genome detection, a significant correlation between the presence of FRNAPH-II and that of NoV in shellfish collected from various European harvesting areas impacted by fecal pollution was observed. Moreover, during their depuration, while the long period of persistence of NoV was confirmed, a similar or even longer period of persistence of the FRNAPH-II genome, which was over 30 days, was observed. Such a striking genome persistence calls into question the relevance of molecular methods for assessing viral hazards. Targeting the same virus (i.e., FRNAPH-II) by culture and genome detection in specimens from harvesting areas as well as during depuration, we concluded that the presence of genomes in shellfish does not provide any information on the presence of the corresponding infectious particles. In view of these results, infectious FRNAPH detection should be reconsidered as a valuable indicator in oysters, and its potential for use in assessing viral hazard needs to be investigated.

IMPORTANCE
This work brings new data about the behavior of viruses in shellfish, as well as about the relevance of molecular methods for their detection and evaluation of the viral hazard. First, a strong correlation between the presence of F-specific RNA bacteriophages of subgroup II (FRNAPH-II) and that of norovirus (NoV) in shellfish impacted by fecal contamination has been observed when both viruses are detected using molecular approaches. Second, when reverse transcription-PCR and culture are used to detect FRNAPH-II in shellfish, it appears that the genomes of the viruses present a longer period of persistence than infectious virus, and thus, virus genome detection fails to give information about the concomitant presence of infectious viruses. Finally, this study shows that FRNAPH persist at least as long as NoV does. These data are major arguments to reconsider the potential of FRNAPH as indicators of shellfish viral quality.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Brazilian Cyanobacterial Strains of
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
: Differences in Membrane Transporters, Saxitoxin Production, and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Hoffmann Luísa , Ramos Ravi José Tristão , Guedes Iame Alves , Costa Pamela Fernandes , Miguel Catarina Rufino Diniz , Azevedo Sandra Maria Feliciano de Oliveira e , Silva Rosane
Published: October 2017

We report here the draft genome sequences of two Brazilian strains of
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
, a saxitoxin-producer (CYRF) and a non-saxitoxin producer (CYLP), with each strain comprising one assembled scaffold. We revealed differences in the compositions of gene members coding for membrane transporters and antioxidant activities between the strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Alteromonas
Virus vB_AspP-H4/4
Authors: Kallies René , Kiesel Bärbel , Zopfi Jakob , Wick Lukas Y. , Chatzinotas Antonis
Published: October 2017

Alteromonas
virus vB_AspP-H4/4 is a member of the
Podoviridae
family and was isolated from North Sea water in the 1970s. The complete double-stranded DNA genome has 47,631 bp with 49 predicted genes.
Draft Nuclear Genome Sequence of the Halophilic and Beta-Carotene-Accumulating Green Alga
Dunaliella salina
Strain CCAP19/18
Authors: Polle Juergen E. W. , Barry Kerrie , Cushman John , Schmutz Jeremy , Tran Duc , Hathwaik Leyla T. , Yim Won C. , Jenkins Jerry , McKie-Krisberg Zaid , Prochnik Simon , Lindquist Erika , Dockter Rhyan B. , Adam Catherine , Molina Henrik , Bunkenborg Jakob , Jin EonSeon , Buchheim Mark , Magnuson Jon
Published: October 2017

The halotolerant alga
Dunaliella salina
is a model for stress tolerance and is used commercially for production of beta-carotene (=pro-vitamin A). The presented draft genome of the genuine strain CCAP19/18 will allow investigations into metabolic processes involved in regulation of stress responses, including carotenogenesis and adaptations to life in high-salinity environments.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain ITEM 17298, Associated with Cheese Spoilage
Authors: Fanelli Francesca , Liuzzi Vania C. , Quintieri Laura , Mulè Giuseppina , Baruzzi Federico , Logrieco Antonio F. , Caputo Leonardo
Published: October 2017

Pseudomonas fluorescens
is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous species that is often reported as a spoiler of fresh foods, but it has recently been implicated in clinical infection. In this study, we sequenced the genome of
P. fluorescens
strain ITEM 17298, isolated from mozzarella cheese and able to cause several alterations under cold storage.
Genome Sequence of Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSM 458, an Antimicrobial-Producing Thermophilic Bacterium, Isolated from a Sugar Beet Factory
Authors: Egan Kevin , Kelleher Philip , Field Des , Rea Mary C. , Ross R. Paul , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin
Published: October 2017

This paper reports the full genome sequence of the antimicrobial-producing bacterium
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
DSM 458, isolated in a sugar beet factory in Austria.
In silico
analysis reveals the presence of a number of novel bacteriocin biosynthetic genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arsenic-Resistant
Microbacterium
sp. Strain SZ1 Isolated from Arsenic-Bearing Gold Ores
Authors: Mohd Bahari Zaratulnur , Ibrahim Zaharah , Jaafar Jafariah , Shahir Shafinaz
Published: October 2017

Microbacterium
sp. strain SZ1 isolated from gold ores of a Malaysia gold mine was found to be highly resistant to arsenic. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of SZ1, which may provide further insights into understanding its arsenic resistance mechanism. In this draft genome, a complete set of
ars
operons and two additional scattered
ars
genes were encoded.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Fruiting Myxobacterium Cystobacter fuscus DSM 52655
Authors: Treuner-Lange Anke , Bruckskotten Marc , Rupp Oliver , Goesmann Alexander , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: October 2017

Among myxobacteria, the genus
Cystobacter
is known not only for fruiting body formation but also for formation of secondary metabolites, such as cystobactamids and cystothiazols. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the
Cystobacter fuscus
strain DSM 52655, which comprises 12,349,744 bp and 9,836 putative protein-coding sequences.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Psychrotrophic
Arthrobacter
sp. Strain 7749, Isolated from Antarctic Marine Sediments with Applications in Enantioselective Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Sastre Diego E. , Santos Leidaiany P. , Kagohara Edna , Andrade Leandro H.
Published: October 2017

Here, we report the 4.12-Mb draft genome sequence of
Arthrobacter
sp. strain 7749, isolated from marine sediment samples of the Antarctic Peninsula, using enriched medium with (
RS
)-1-(4-phenyl)-ethanol as a carbon source. This genome sequence will provide relevant information for applications in enantioselective alcohol oxidation to improve industrial catalytic processes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus enclensis 23b-28, a Model Strain Isolated from Cloud Water
Authors: Lallement A. , Besaury L. , Eyheraguibel B. , Amato P. , Sancelme M. , Mailhot G. , Delort A. M.
Published: October 2017

The whole genome of
Rhodococcus enclensis
23b-28, a bacterial strain isolated from cloud water, was sequenced. This microorganism is equipped with genes able to degrade aromatic compounds and could thus play a role in complex organic matter decomposition in cloud water.
Chronic hypertension, recreational cocaine use and a subsequent acute aortic dissection in a young adult
Authors: Dewar Krista , Nolan Seonaid
Published: October 2017

Cocaine is a widely used illicit substance and has previously been described as a risk factor for aortic dissection. We present a case of a young recreational cocaine user with uncontrolled hypertension who presented to hospital with acute chest pain and was diagnosed with an acute aortic dissection. The patient’s last use of powdered cocaine was 3 days prior. A workup for secondary hypertension was negative and no other risk factors for aortic dissection were determined. In hospital, the patient was medically managed with multiple antihypertensive agents, was provided with education regarding the risk of ongoing stimulant use and resources to support his goal of abstinence. This case highlights the importance of considering a diagnosis of aortic dissection in a young patient presenting with acute chest pain, underscores the need for a thorough substance use history and provides a novel example of the potential danger of even recreational cocaine use.
Fast-tracked Rehabilitation and Return to Sport of an Elite Rugby Player with a Complicated Posterolateral Corner Injury and Associated Peroneal Paralysis
Authors: Paget L.D.A. , Kuijer P.P.F.M. , Maas M. , Kerkhoffs G.M.M.J.
Published: October 2017

Acute posterolateral corner injuries of the knee with associated hamstring avulsions and peroneal paralysis are rare in rugby. Regain of motor function following a complete paralysis is documented to be 38%. To our knowledge, only one case describes return to preinjury level of competitive sport taking up to 27 months. A 24-year-old international level rugby player, a medical student, sustained an acute posterolateral knee injury with associated anterior cruciate ligament tear, bicep femoris and semimembranosus avulsions as well as a complete peroneal paralysis. The patient returned to full-time medical rotation work weeks at 5 months. At 10 months, the patient was considered to have returned to preinjury level of activity having managed a 5 km run, participated regularly in non-contact rugby and performed exercises at 140% of his preinjury maximum. This case report describes the successful outcome of a high-frequency high-intensity rehabilitation.
Novel associations of bile acid diarrhoea with fatty liver disease and gallstones: a cohort retrospective analysis
Authors: Appleby Richard N , Nolan Jonathan D , Johnston Ian M , Pattni Sanjeev S , Fox Jessica , Walters Julian RF
Published: October 2017

Background

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea with a population prevalence of primary BAD around 1%. Previous studies have identified associations with low levels of the ileal hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia. The aim of this study was to identify further associations of BAD.

Methods

A cohort of patients with chronic diarrhoea who underwent75selenohomocholic acid taurate (SeHCAT) testing for BAD was further analysed retrospectively. Additional clinical details available from the electronic patient record, including imaging, colonoscopy, chemistry and histopathology reports were used to calculate the prevalence of fatty liver disease, gallstones, colonic neoplasia and microscopic colitis, which was compared for BAD, the primary BAD subset and control patients with diarrhoea.

Findings

Of 578 patients, 303 (52%) had BAD, defined as a SeHCAT 7d retention value <15%, with 179 (31%) having primary BAD. 425 had an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) recorded, 184 had liver imaging and 176 had both. Overall, SeHCAT values were negatively associated with ALT (rs=−0.19, p<0.0001). Patients with BAD had an OR of 3.1 for an ALT >31 ng/mL with imaging showing fatty liver (p<0.001); similar figures occurred in the primary BAD group. FGF19 was not significantly related to fatty liver but low levels were predictive of ALT >40 IU/L. In 176 subjects with gallbladder imaging, 27% had gallstones, 7% had a prior cholecystectomy and 34% either of these. The median SeHCAT values were lower in those with gallstones (3.8%, p<0.0001), or gallstones/cholecystectomy (7.2%, p<0.001), compared with normal gallbladder imaging (14%). Overall, BAD had an OR of 2.0 for gallstones/cholecystectomy (p<0.05). BAD was not significantly associated with colonic adenoma/carcinoma or with microscopic colitis.

Interpretation

The diagnosis of BAD is associated with fatty liver disease and with gallstones. The reasons for these associations require further investigation into potential metabolic causes.
Variation in neonatal mortality and its relation to country characteristics in sub-Saharan Africa: an ecological study
Authors: Kayode Gbenga Ayodele , Grobbee Diederick E , Amoakoh-Coleman Mary , Ansah Evelyn , Uthman Olalekan A , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin
Published: October 2017

Background

A substantial reduction in neonatal mortality is the main priority to reduce under-five mortality. A clear understanding of the variation in neonatal mortality and the underlying causes is important for targeted intervention. We aimed to explore variation in neonatal mortality and identify underlying causes of variation in neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

This ecological study used 2012 publicly available data from WHO, the US Agency for International Development and the World Bank. Variation in neonatal mortality across 49 SSA countries was examined using control chart and explanatory spatial data analysis. Associations between country-level characteristics and neonatal mortality were examined using linear regression analysis.

Results

The control chart showed that 28 (57%) SSA countries exhibited special-cause variation, 14 countries were below and 14 above the 99.8% control-limits. The remaining 21 (43%) SSA countries showed common-cause variation. No spatial clustering was observed for neonatal mortality (Global Moran’s I statistic −0.10; p=0.74). Linear regression analysis showed HIV/AIDS prevalence among the population of reproductive age to be positively associated with neonatal mortality (β=0.463; 95% CI 0.135 to 0.790; p<0.01). Declining socioeconomic deprivation (β=−0.234; 95% CI −0.424 to −0.044; p<0.05) and high quality of healthcare governance (β=−1.327, 95% CI −2.073 to −0.580; p<0.01) were inversely associated with neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

This study shows a wide variation in neonatal mortality in SSA. A substantial part of this variation can be explained by differences in the quality of healthcare governance, prevalence of HIV and socioeconomic deprivation. Future studies should validate our findings using more rigorous epidemiological study designs.
Tracing the policy implementation of commitments made by national governments and other entities at the Third Global Forum on Human Resources for Health
Authors: van de Pas Remco , Veenstra Anika , Gulati Daniel , Van Damme Wim , Cometto Giorgio
Published: October 2017

We conducted a follow-up analysis of the implementation of the Human Resources for Health (HRH) commitments made by country governments and other actors at the Third Global Forum on HRH in 2013. Since then member states of the WHO endorsed Universal Health Coverage as the main policy objective whereby health systems strengthening, including reinforcement of the health workforce, can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals. Now is the right time to trace the implementation of these commitments and to assess their contribution to broader global health objectives. The baseline data for this policy tracing study consist of the categorisation and analysis of the HRH commitments conducted in 2014. This analysis was complemented in application of the health policy triangle as its main analytical framework. An online survey and a guideline for semistructured interviews were developed to collect data. Information on the implementation of the commitments is available in 49 countries (86%). The need for multi-actor approaches for HRH policy development is universally recognised. A suitable political window and socioeconomic situation emerge as crucial factors for sustainable HRH development. However, complex crises in different parts of the world have diverted attention from investment in HRH development. The analysis indicates that investment in the health workforce and corresponding policy development relies on political leadership, coherent government strategies, institutional capacity and intersectoral governance mechanisms. The institutional capacity to shoulder such complex tasks varies widely across countries. For several countries, the commitment process provided an opportunity to invest in, develop and reform the health workforce. Nevertheless, the quality of HRH monitoring mechanisms requires more attention. In conclusion, HRH challenges, their different pathways and the intersectorality of the required responses are a concern for all the countries analysed. There is hence a need for national governments and stakeholders across the globe to share responsibilities and invest in this vital issue in a co-ordinated manner.
Cost-effectiveness of the faecal immunochemical test at a range of positivity thresholds compared with the guaiac faecal occult blood test in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England
Authors: Murphy Jacqueline , Halloran Stephen , Gray Alastair
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Through the National Health Service (NHS) Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP), men and women in England aged between 60 and 74 years are invited for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening every 2 years using the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT). The aim of this analysis was to estimate the cost–utility of the faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) compared with gFOBT for a cohort beginning screening aged 60 years at a range of FIT positivity thresholds.

Design

We constructed a cohort-based Markov state transition model of CRC disease progression and screening. Screening uptake, detection, adverse event, mortality and cost data were taken from BCSP data and national sources, including a recent large pilot study of FIT screening in the BCSP.

Results

Our results suggest that FIT is cost-effective compared with gFOBT at all thresholds, resulting in cost savings and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained over a lifetime time horizon. FIT was cost-saving (p<0.001) and resulted in QALY gains of 0.014 (95% CI 0.012 to 0.017) at the base case threshold of 180 µg Hb/g faeces. Greater health gains and cost savings were achieved as the FIT threshold was decreased due to savings in cancer management costs. However, at lower thresholds, FIT was also associated with more colonoscopies (increasing from 32 additional colonoscopies per 1000 people invited for screening for FIT 180 µg Hb/g faeces to 421 additional colonoscopies per 1000 people invited for screening for FIT 20 µg Hb/g faeces over a 40-year time horizon). Parameter uncertainty had limited impact on the conclusions.

Conclusions

This is the first published economic analysis of FIT screening in England using data directly comparing FIT with gFOBT in the NHS BSCP. These results for a cohort starting screening aged 60 years suggest that FIT is highly cost-effective at all thresholds considered. Further modelling is needed to estimate economic outcomes for screening across all age cohorts simultaneously.
An abnormal structure of the left ventricle
Authors: Kang Yu , Li Zheng , He Ben
Published: October 2017

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION

A 36-year-old man was referred for evaluation of an abnormal left ventricular (LV) structure found incidentally on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (figure 1). He had no symptoms except for mild palpitations. There was no significant medical history. Physical examination was unremarkable. ECG showed regular sinus rhythm with ST changes in lead II, III, avF and V6 (see online supplementary file 1). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (figure 1C) was performed. Treadmill exercise test did not demonstrate any electrocardiographic ischaemic changes. No arrhythmias were noted on Holter monitor. Which of the following is most likely the diagnosis?

Supplementary file 1

Figure 1

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). (A) Parasternal left ventricular longitudinal axis view of TTE; (B) colour Doppler of parasternal left ventricular longitudinal axis view of TTE; (C) left ventricular longitudinal axis view of CMR.

Questions

A: Lateral and inferolateral myocardial infarction

B: Congenital absence of pericardium

C: Pseudoaneurysm

D: Congenital left ventricular outpouching
Hyponatraemia and its prognosis in acute heart failure is related to right ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Lee Heesun , Lee Sang Eun , Park Chan Soon , Park Jin Joo , Lee Ga Yeon , Kim Min-Seok , Choi Jin-Oh , Cho Hyun-jai , Lee Hae-Young , Choi Dong-Ju , Jeon Eun-Seok , Kim Jae-Joong , Oh Byung-Hee
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Hyponatraemia is a well-known predictor of clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF). However, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Previous reports suggest that hyponatraemia is related to right HF. We sought to evaluate the association between right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and hyponatraemia, and the impact of this relationship on the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods

This is a nested case–control study of the Korean Acute Heart Failure registry. Among 2935 AHF patients enrolled prospectively and consecutively at four tertiary hospitals in Korea from 2011 to 2014, 116 patients with severe persistent hyponatraemia, defined as serum sodium level <130 mmol/L at admission and <135 mmol/L before discharge, were matched with 232 controls, based on propensity scores for hyponatraemia. RV function was assessed with fractional area change (FAC) by echocardiography.

Results

RV dysfunction (FAC <35%) was more prevalent in patients with severe persistent hyponatraemia than in those without (81.0% vs 33.6%, p<0.001). Hyponatraemia was strongly associated with RV dysfunction (adjusted OR 8.00, 95% CI 4.50 to 14.22, p<0.001), but not with left ventricular dysfunction (adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.50, p=0.308). RV dysfunction was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, after adjustment for hyponatraemia (adjusted HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.15, p<0.001), while hyponatraemia was not (adjusted HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.87, p=0.108).

Conclusions

In patients with AHF, hyponatraemia was more common with RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction, rather than hyponatraemia, was more significantly related with patients’ prognosis. Thus, the utility of RV dysfunction instead of hyponatraemia per se should be considered in HF risk models.

Trial registration number

Korean Acute Heart Failure registry NCT01389843; Results.
Can we predict development of impulsive–compulsive behaviours in Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Ricciardi Lucia , Lambert Christian , De Micco Rosa , Morgante Francesca , Edwards Mark
Published: October 2017

Objective

To determine clinical and structural imaging predictors of impulsive–compulsive behaviour (ICB) in de novo Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

From a cohort of 1116 subjects from the Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative database, we created a subcohort of 42 de novo PD without ICB at baseline with available 3T MRI and who developed ICB during follow-up. PD-ICB were matched for age, gender and disease duration to 42 patients with PD without ICB over follow-up (PD-no-ICB) and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Baseline demographic and clinical predictors of ICB were analysed. For the longitudinal neuroimaging analysis, we selected 27 patients with PD-ICB with available neuroimaging after ICB onset, who were matched with 32 PD-no-ICB and 35 HCs. Baseline and longitudinal structural differences were compared using voxel-based morphometry and voxel-based quantification.

Results

People who went on to develop ICB had more severe anxiety, worse autonomic and global cognitive functions and were more likely to have rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. Logistic regression confirmed that worse autonomic and cognitive functions were predictors of ICB. We could not find any morphological feature on baseline MRI that predicted later onset of ICB. When comparing PD groups at follow-up, a small region of increased atrophy in the anterior limb of the left internal capsule adjacent to the head of the left caudate nucleus was found in PD-ICB, but not surviving correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

Worse autonomic and cognitive functions predict development of ICB at the time of PD diagnosis. Structural imaging fails to identify morphological features associated with the development of ICB.