bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression analysis of extracellular microRNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Kishore Amit , Navratilova Zdenka , Kolek Vitezslav , Novosadova Eva , Čépe Klára , du Bois Roland M. , Petrek Martin
Published: June 2018

Background and objective

MicroRNA (miRNA) are transcriptional regulators implicated in pulmonary sarcoidosis and packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV) during cellular communication. We characterized EV and investigated miRNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from sarcoidosis patients.

Methods

EV were characterized for size(s) using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and protein markers by immunoblotting. Twelve extracellular and 5 cellular miRNA were investigated in BAL from 16 chest X‐ray stage‐I (CXR‐I) and 17 CXR stage‐II (CXR‐II) sarcoidosis patients. Associations between miRNA and disease characteristics (extrapulmonary involvement, pulmonary function and BAL cell profile) were statistically analysed.

Results

BAL from sarcoidosis patients contained exosomes and microvesicles (MV) as EV. In these EV, expression of miR‐146a (P = 0.007), miR‐150 (P = 0.003) and BAL cellular miR‐21 (P = 0.01) was increased in CXR‐II compared with CXR‐I. Other detected EV (miR‐21 and miR‐26a) and cellular (miR‐31, miR‐129‐3p, miR‐146a and miR‐452) miRNA were not differentially expressed. The investigated miRNA did not reflect extrapulmonary involvement, but EV miR‐146a and miR‐150 were negatively correlated with pulmonary function (miR‐146a with vital capacity (VC; Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), P = −0.657, 0.007), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; −0.662, 0.006) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (−0.649, 0.008); miR‐150 correlated negatively with VC (−0.584, 0.019) and FEV1/FVC ratio (−0.746, 0.001) in CXR‐II cases).

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that exosomes and microvesicles as extracellular vesicles are present in the bronchoalveolar space of sarcoidosis patients and they differentially express EV miRNA (miR‐146a and miR‐150), the expression of which correlates negatively with pulmonary function indices. The significance of these findings for disease pathophysiology and clinical course require further investigation.
Unusual findings on infantile cortical hyperostosis: A case report
Authors: Sarmento Viviane A , Rubira‐Bullen Izabel Regina F , Zanda Marcelo J , Sampieri Marcelo Bonifácio S , Yaedú Renato Y F , Santos Paulo Sérgio S
Published: June 2018

Background

Caffey's disease is a rare syndrome, usually self‐limiting, affecting newborn and young infants. On radiological exams, the cortical hyperostosis is always present, associated or not to soft tissue swelling. Other radiographic presentations are described as lytic areas.

Aim

This article has the objective to relate computed tomography (CT) findings of Caffey's disease, where lytic lesion on mandibular angle was the principal radiological manifestation.

Methods and results

Three‐dimensional reconstructions were performed to demonstrate the initial aspect and the healing process.

Conclusion

This report shows unusual radiological characteristics of Caffey's disease on CT and its progressive resolution.
High jump demands in professional volleyball—large variability exists between players and player positions
Authors: Skazalski Christopher , Whiteley Rod , Bahr Roald
Published: June 2018

Training volume has been associated with jumper's knee in volleyball players, but jump variability among professionals has not been investigated and individual jump demands are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine position‐specific jump demands required for training and competition during a professional volleyball season and to investigate the individual variability associated with jump load. Jumps performed by 14 professional players during one season of training and competition were timestamped, individually assigned, and recorded for jump height. Jump counts, heights, and frequency were analyzed to determine the specific jump load performed by players at each position during training and match play. A total of 129 173 jumps were performed during 142 sessions (108 practices, 27 matches, 7 friendly matches). Setters performed the greatest volume of jumps (121 jumps/training session). Opposites performed more high‐intensity jumps than their teammates (median season jump height: 69% of maximum). Substantial weekly jump count variability was observed, 18 of 28 weeks included at least one player with a twofold increase in jump load or a player returning to volleyball after performing no jumps the previous week. Additionally, each player had at least 1 week with a twofold increase in jumps. Jump demands are high in professional volleyball, and performance programs should be tailored to the match and training demands required at each position. Jump loads are highly variable—substantial week‐to‐week increases were observed for both the team and individual players. As a result, monitoring individual jump load seems necessary.
New age constraints on the western Betic intramontane basins: A late Tortonian closure of the Guadalhorce Corridor?
Authors: van der Schee Marlies , van den Berg Bas C. J. , Capella Walter , Simon Dirk , Sierro Francisco J. , Krijgsman Wout
Published: June 2018

Several gateways connected the Mediterranean with the Atlantic during the late Miocene but the timing of closure and therefore their role prior to and during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma) is still under debate. The timing of closure of the Guadalhorce Corridor is especially disputed as the common lack of marine microfossils hampers precise age determination. Here we present new biostratigraphic age constraints on the sediments of the Ronda, Antequera and Arcos regions, which formed the northern part of the Guadalhorce Corridor. The general presence ofGloborotalia menardii4 in the youngest deep‐marine sediments of all three regions indicates a late Tortonian age, older than 7.51 Ma. We conclude that the Guadalhorce Corridor closed during the late Tortonian, well before the onset of the Messinian Salinity Crisis and that the late Tortonian tectonic uplift of the eastern Betics extended into the western Betics.
Cost and cost‐effectiveness of transitioning to universal initiation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for allHIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding women in Swaziland
Authors: Cunnama L. , Abrams E. J. , Myer L. , Gachuhi A. , Dlamini N. , Hlophe T. , Kikuvi J. , Langwenya N. , Mthethwa S. , Mudonhi D. , Nhlabatsi B. , Nuwagaba‐Biribonwoha H. , Okello V. , Sahabo R. , Zerbe A. , Sinanovic E.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To assess the costs and cost‐effectiveness of transitioning from antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation based onCD4 cell count andWHOclinical staging (‘Option A’) to universalART(‘Option B+’) for allHIV‐infected pregnant and breastfeeding women in Swaziland.

Methods

We measured the total costs of prevention of mother‐to‐childHIVtransmission (PMTCT) service delivery at public sector facilities with empirical cost data collected at three points in time: once under Option A and again twice after transition to the Option B+ approach. The cost per woman treated per month includes recurrent costs (personnel, overheads, medication and diagnostic tests) and capital costs (buildings, furniture, start‐up costs and training). Cost‐effectiveness was estimated from the health services perspective as the cost per woman retained in care through 6 months postpartum. This analysis is nested within a larger stepped‐wedge evaluation, which demonstrated a 26% increase in maternal retention after the transition to Option B+.

Results

Across the five sites, the total cost forPMTCTduring the study period (from August 2013 to October 2015, in 2015US$) was $868,426 for Option B+ and $680 508 for Option A. The cost per woman treated per month was $183 for a woman onARTunder Option B+, and $127 and $118 for a woman onARTand zidovudine (AZT), respectively, under Option A. The weighted average cost per woman treated on Option B+ was $826 compared to $525 under Option A. The main cost drivers were the start‐up costs, additional training provided and staff time spent onPMTCTtasks for Option B+. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was estimated at $912 for every additional mother retained in care through six months postpartum.

Conclusions

The cost and cost‐effectiveness outcomes from this study indicate that there is a robust economic case for pursuing the Option B+ approach in Swaziland and similar settings such as South Africa. Furthermore, these costs can be used to aid decision making and budgeting, for similar settings transitioning to test and treat strategy.
Patterns of occurrence of dengue and chikungunya, and spatial distribution of mosquito vector Aedes albopictus in Swabi district, Pakistan
Authors: Hira Fatima Syeda , Asad Ali , Farrah Zaidi , Basit Rasheed Syed , Mehreen Fatima , Muhammad Khisroon
Published: June 2018

Objective

Two principal vector species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are known for transmission of dengue (DEN) and chikungunya (CHK) in Pakistan. We aimed to investigate their spatial and temporal distribution.

Methods and Results

The Maximum Entropy algorithm revealed current climatic suitability of A. albopictus by highlighting variables contributing to its spatial distribution: Land use cover was the most important environmental factor (63.1%) followed by elevation‐normalised difference vegetation index (10.9%), NDVI (8.5%) and annual precipitation (7.9%). As per Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values, the vector's presence was highly likely in areas with little vegetation such as built‐up spaces or uncultivated fields, and in areas with sparse vegetation such as grasslands and cultivated fields. Temperature variables showed differing effects on vector ecology with annual temperature being the most important. Logistic regression models showed that presence of the vector, build‐up and distance to roads contributed significantly to the distribution of both DEN and CHIK.

Conclusion

In Swabi, the mean temperatures of warmest and driest quarters are more important in the spatial distribution of A. albopictus than mean temperatures of the wettest and coldest quarters. Finally, disease modelling reflects a high probability for both DEN and CHIK in the same regions over a huge area.
Canine meningiomas treated with three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy require magnetic resonance imaging to avoid a geographic miss
Authors: Berlato Davide , Zwingenberger Allison L , Ruiz‐Drebing Matias , Pradel Julie , Clark Nicola , Kent Michael S
Published: June 2018

Exact target volume definition is an essential prerequisite for modern radiotherapy treatment planning. Contouring the gross tumor volume of brain tumors on computed tomography (CT) images coregistered with magnetic resonance images is standard practice in human medicine. In this retrospective study, including only cases with an imaging diagnosis of meningioma, we hypothesized that the gross tumor volume contoured from the contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (gross tumor volume‐MRI) is larger when compared to the gross tumor volume contoured using contrast‐enhanced CT (gross tumor volume‐CT). A total of 22 dogs were included in the study. Interestingly, there was a significant statistical difference between the gross tumor volume‐CT and the gross tumor volume‐MRI (P = 0.001). The gross tumor volume‐MRI was larger than the gross tumor volume‐CT in all, but two cases. The mean ratio between gross tumor volume‐MRI and gross tumor volume‐CT was 1.43 (range 0.84–4.00). The mean overlap between gross tumor volume‐CT and gross tumor volume‐MRI was 68% (range 22–86%), while a mean of 26% of the composite gross tumor volume was defined only by MRI (range 4–76%) and a mean of 6% only by CT (range 0–22%). These findings suggest that CT and MRI are complementary modalities in radiation planning of meningiomas and their composite volume should be used to avoid geographical miss of neoplastic tissue. When the MRI is not available for planning, a margin of 0.3 cm around the gross tumor volume‐CT could reduce the probability of a geographical miss. However, such numerical correction cannot be applied to the clinical practice until it is validated in a properly designed treatment planning study.
No‐tillage increases nitrogen scavenging by fallow weeds in a double‐season rice cropping system in China
Authors: Huang Min , Jiang Peng , Zhou Xuefeng , Zou Yingbin
Published: June 2018

Naturally occurring fallow weeds are an alternative strategy for reducing nitrogen (N) loss from annual cropping systems by scavenging inorganic N from the soil. Soil tillage is a major factor affecting the growth of weed populations. This study was carried out to determine the effect of a no‐tillage (NT) system on the N scavenging capacity of fallow weeds in a double‐season rice cropping system. A fixed field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Province, China, from 2008 to 2011. The results indicated that NT had 80% greater aboveground biomass of fallow weeds than conventional tillage (CT). There was no significant difference in N concentration in fallow weeds between NT and CT. N uptake by fallow weeds was 82% higher under NT than under CT. The stem density of fallow weeds was 50% higher under NT than under CT. The difference in the single‐stem biomass of fallow weeds was not significant between NT and CT. These results suggest that the N scavenging capacity of fallow weeds in the double‐rice cropping system can be increased by increasing the stem density and aboveground biomass through the adoption of NT farming. Our study identifies a potential new ecosystem service provided by NT farming.
Determinants of slowed conduction in premature ventricular beats induced during programmed stimulations in perfused guinea‐pig heart
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E.
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is the slowed conduction upon premature ventricular activations during clinical electrophysiological testing attributable to the prolonged activation latency, or increased impulse propagation time, or both?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Prolonged activation latency at the stimulation site is the critical determinant of conduction slowing and associated changes in the ventricular response intervals in premature beats initiated during phase 3 repolarization in perfused guinea‐pig heart. These relations are likely to have an effect on arrhythmia induction and termination independently of the presence of ventricular conduction defects or the proximity of the stimulation site to the re‐entrant circuit.

During cardiac electrophysiological testing, slowed conduction upon premature ventricular activation can limit the delivery of the closely coupled impulses from the stimulation site to the region of tachycardia origin. In order to examine the contributing factors, in this study, cardiac conduction intervals and refractory periods were determined from left ventricular (LV) and the right ventricular (RV) monophasic action potential recordings obtained in perfused guinea‐pig hearts. A premature activation induced immediately after the termination of the refractory period was associated with conduction slowing. The latter was primarily accounted for by the markedly increased (+54%) activation latency at the LV stimulation site, with only negligible changes (+12%) noted in the LV‐to‐RV delay. The prolonged activation latency was acting to limit the shortest interval at which two successive action potentials can be induced in the LV and RV chambers. The prolongation of the activation latency in premature beats was accentuated upon an increase in the stimulating current intensity, or during hypokalaemia. This change was related to the reduced ratio of the refractory period to the action potential duration, which allowed extrastimulus capture to occur earlier during phase 3 repolarization. Flecainide, a Na+ channel blocker, prolonged both the activation latency and the LV‐to‐RV delay, without changing their relative contributions to conduction slowing. In summary, these findings suggest that the activation latency is the critical determinant of conduction slowing and associated changes in the ventricular response intervals upon extrastimulus application during phase 3 of the action potential.
The choroid plexus sodium‐bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe2 regulates mouse cerebrospinal fluid pH
Authors: Christensen Henriette L. , Barbuskaite Dagne , Rojek Aleksandra , Malte Hans , Christensen Inga B. , Füchtbauer Annette C. , Füchtbauer Ernst‐Martin , Wang Tobias , Praetorius Jeppe , Damkier Helle H.
Published: June 2018

Key points

Normal pH is crucial for proper functioning of the brain, and disorders increasing the level of CO2 in the blood lead to a decrease in brain pH.

CO2 can easily cross the barriers of the brain and will activate chemoreceptors leading to an increased exhalation of CO2.

The low pH, however, is harmful and bases such as HCO3− are imported across the brain barriers in order to normalize brain pH.

We show that the HCO3− transporter NBCe2 in the choroid plexus of the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier is absolutely necessary for normalizing CSF pH during high levels of CO2.

This discovery represents a significant step in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind regulation of CSF pH during acid‐base disturbances, such as chronic lung disease.

The choroid plexus epithelium (CPE) is located in the brain ventricles where it produces the majority of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The hypothesis that normal brain function is sustained by CPE‐mediated CSF pH regulation by extrusion of acid‐base equivalents was tested by determining the contribution of the electrogenic Na+‐HCO3− cotransporter NBCe2 to CSF pH regulation. A novel strain of NBCe2 (Slc4a5) knockout (KO) mice was generated and validated. The base extrusion rate after intracellular alkalization was reduced by 77% in NBCe2 KO mouse CPE cells compared to control mice. NBCe2 KO mice and mice with CPE‐targeted NBCe2 siRNA knockdown displayed a reduction in CSF pH recovery during hypercapnia‐induced acidosis of approximately 85% and 90%, respectively, compared to control mice. NBCe2 KO did not affect baseline respiration rate or tidal volume, and the NBCe2 KO and wild‐type (WT) mice displayed similar ventilatory responses to 5% CO2 exposure. NBCe2 KO mice were not protected against pharmacological or heating‐induced seizure development. In conclusion, we establish the concept that the CPE is involved in the regulation of CSF pH by demonstrating that NBCe2 is necessary for proper CSF pH recovery after hypercapnia‐induced acidosis.
Modified Dyson Continuum Damage Model for Austenitic Steel Alloy
Authors: Kang Seok Jun , Lee Hoomin , Choi Jae Boong , Kim Moon Ki
Published: June 2018

Ultrasuper critical (USC) thermal plants are now in operation around the globe. Their applications include superheaters and reheaters, which generally require high temperature/pressure conditions. To withstand these harsh conditions, an austenitic heat-resistant HR3C (ASME TP310NbN) steel was developed for metal creep resistance. As the designed life time of a typical thermal plant is 150,000 h, it is very important to predict long-term creep behavior. In this study, a three-state variable continuum damage model (CDM) was modified for better estimation of long-term creep life. Accelerated uniaxial creep tests were performed to determine the material parameters. Also, the rupture type and microstructural precipitation were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The creep life of HR3C steel was predicted using only relatively short-term creep test data and was then successfully verified by comparison with the long-term creep data.
A Study on Kinematic Pattern of Fish Undulatory Locomotion Using a Robot Fish
Authors: Zhong Yong , Song Jialei , Yu Haoyong , Du Ruxu
Published: June 2018

Recent state-of-art researches on robot fish focus on revealing different swimming mechanisms and developing control methods to imitate the kinematics of the real fish formulated by the so-called Lighthill's theory. However, the reason why robot fish must follow this formula has not been fully studied. In this paper, we adopt a biomimetic untethered robot fish to study the kinematics of fish flapping. The robot fish consists of a wire-driven body and a soft compliant tail, which can perform undulatory motion using one motor. A dynamic model integrated with surrounding fluid is developed to predict the cruising speed, static thrust, dynamic thrust, and yaw stability of the robot fish. Three driving patterns of the motor are experimented to achieve three kinematic patterns of the robot fish, e.g., triangular pattern, sinusoidal pattern, and an over-cambered sinusoidal pattern. Based on the experiment results, it is found that the sinusoidal pattern generated the largest average static thrust and steady cruising speed, while the triangular pattern achieved the best yaw stability. The over-cambered sinusoidal pattern was compromised in both metrics. Moreover, the kinematics study has shown that the body curves of the robot fish were similar to the referenced body curves presented by the formula when using the sinusoidal pattern, especially the major thrust generation area. This research provides a guidance on the kinematic optimization and motor control of the undulatory robot fish.
Spatial power spectral density estimation using a multitapered coprime sensor array minimum processor
Authors: Rooney Ian M. , Liu Yang , Buck John R.
Published: June 2018

A coprime sensor array (CSA) is a sparse array geometry that interleaves two spatially undersampled uniform linear arrays (ULAs) with coprime undersampling factors. The CSA Min processor achieves an asymptotically unbiased spatial power spectral density (PSD) estimate while approaching the variance of a ULA conventional beamformer. Nonstationary underwater sonar environments often preclude the number of snapshots required to achieve a desirable PSD variance. The multitaper method improves PSD variance by O(K) at the expense of resolution without additional snapshot cost by averaging uncorrelated PSD estimates obtained using a set of K orthogonal tapers. This paper proposes the multitapered Min processor to achieve unambiguous PSD estimates with desirable variance properties for passive beamforming scenarios. The probability density function and the first two moments of the MT-Min processor's PSD estimate are derived in closed-form for spatially white Gaussian processes. Simulations verify the variance reduction predicted by the analytical derivation for white processes and, by extension, for non-white processes. The multitaper method is then extended to an ad hoc mixture of Min and Product processors under constant noise plateau normalization that attenuates the spurious peaks occurring in the CSA PSD estimates in the presence of multiple planewave arrivals.
Baseline-free guided wave damage detection with surrogate data and dictionary learning
Authors: Alguri K. Supreet , Melville Joseph , Harley Joel B.
Published: June 2018

In guided wave structural health monitoring, damage detection is often accomplished by comparing measurements before damage (i.e., baseline data) and after damage (i.e., test data). Yet, in practical scenarios, baseline data is often unavailable. Data from surrogate structures (structures similar to the test structure) could replace baseline data, but due to small differences in material properties, such as thickness, temperature, and other effects, this data is often unreliable. In this paper, a dictionary learning framework overcomes this challenge and detects damage with surrogate information. The framework combines wave propagation characteristics of a test structure with geometric information from surrogate structures to create a synthetic damage-free baseline. The test data is compared with the synthetic baseline to detect damage. The framework is evaluated with four 108 mm ×108 mm plates: two 1.6-mm thick aluminum plates, one 1.6-mm thick steel plate, and one 6.25 mm thick aluminum plate. The framework is applied to each test structure after learning from plates with different material properties and thicknesses. With full wavefield data, this paper successfully isolates reflections from a mass without using explicit baseline data. Furthermore, with sparse guided wave data, this paper shows that a drop in a correlation coefficient can detect a mass without using explicit baseline data.
Multiple snapshot grid free compressive beamforming
Authors: Park Yongsung , Choo Youngmin , Seong Woojae
Published: June 2018

Compressive sensing (CS) based estimation technique utilizes a sparsity promoting constraint and solves the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problem efficiently with high resolution. In this paper a grid free CS based DOA estimation technique is proposed, which uses sequential multiple snapshot data. Conventional CS technique suffers from a basis mismatch issue, while grid free CS technique is relieved of basis mismatch problem. Moreover, when the DOAs are stationary, multiple snapshot processing provides stable estimates over fluctuating single snapshot processing results. For multiple snapshot processing, the generalized version of total variation norm (group total variation norm) is implemented to impose a common sparsity pattern of multiple snapshot solution vectors in a continuous angular domain. Furthermore, an extended version is proposed using the singular value decomposition technique to mitigate computational complexity resulting from a large number of multiple snapshots. Data from SWellEx-96 are used to examine the proposed method. From the experimental data, it was observed that the present method not only offers high resolution even when the sources are coherent, but also the basis mismatch in the conventional CS method can be avoided.
A performance metric for screen selection with the acoustic single pixel imager
Authors: Ramirez Juan , Rogers Jeffrey S. , Edelmann Geoffrey F.
Published: June 2018

In the recent literature, an Acoustic Single-Pixel Imager has been successfully developed for source localization in a two-dimensional waveguide. Source bearing angle estimation was carried out by applying sparse recovery techniques on sensor measurements taken over different imaging screens. This paper shows that the Mutual Coherence of the sensing matrix can be used as a metric to predict the source localization capability of the single-pixel imaging system. In particular, this paper's analysis focuses on the sparsity of open cells within the imaging screen and the number of imaging screens used to maximize the probability of correct detection over varying levels of source sparsity. In this work, a simulation environment to demonstrate how the mutual coherence of the sensing matrix correlates with source localization performance over source sparsity, sparsity of open screen cells, and number of measurements used for sparse recovery is developed. The analysis shows that the leading factor in source localization performance gains is primarily from the number of imaging screens used to measure the acoustic wave-field.
Distributed compressed sensing based channel estimation for underwater acoustic multiband transmissions
Authors: Zhou Yuehai , Song Aijun , Tong F. , Kastner Ryan
Published: June 2018

Distributed compressed sensing techniques are applied to enhance sparse channel estimation performance in underwater acoustic multiband systems. The core idea is to use receptions from multiple sub-bands to enhance the detection of channel tap positions. A known variant of the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm based on the distributed compressed sensing principle is simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit (SOMP). However, the impulse responses across multiple sub-bands may have different arrival structures, although they often show a certain level of similarity. To address such differences at the sub-bands, a multiple selection strategy is applied to select multiple candidates at individual sub-bands at each iteration. This is different from the conventional OMP and SOMP algorithms that select only one candidate at each iteration. When the multiple selection strategy is combined with the SOMP algorithm, the proposed algorithm is referred to as JB-MSSOMP algorithm. To take advantage of channel coherence between adjacent data blocks from different sub-bands, the multiple selection strategy is further used over time. This leads to JBT-MSSOMP algorithm. Computer simulations show improved channel estimation performance of the proposed JB-MSSOMP and JBT-MSSOMP algorithms over the OMP or SOMP algorithms. Communication data from a recent acoustic experiment demonstrates improved receiver performance with the proposed channel estimators.
Wideband sparse spatial spectrum estimation using matrix filter with nulling in a strong interference environment
Authors: Yang Yixin , Zhang Yahao , Yang Long
Published: June 2018

Wideband direction of arrival (DOA) estimation using a sensor array plays a fundamental role in passive sonar signal processing. Although sparsity-based DOA estimation methods can attain high resolution in the condition of few snapshots and low signal-to-noise ratio, the localization accuracy is seriously affected by strong interferences. In this paper, a matrix filter with nulling (MFN) is used to pass weak targets in sector-of-interest (passband) while attenuating the out-of-sector (stopband) interferences by forming deep nulls toward the directions of interferences adaptively. Then, a method based on sparse spectrum fitting (SpSF) and MFN is proposed to localize closely spaced wideband signals in a strong interference environment. In comparison with the minimum variance distortionless response and SpSF, the proposed method achieves higher localization accuracy, which is verified by simulation and experimental results.
The neuronal S100B protein is a calcium-tuned suppressor of amyloid-β aggregation
Authors: Cristóvão Joana S. , Morris Vanessa K. , Cardoso Isabel , Leal Sónia S. , Martínez Javier , Botelho Hugo M. , Göbl Christoph , David Rodrigo , Kierdorf Katrin , Alemi Mobina , Madl Tobias , Fritz Günter , Reif Bernd , Gomes Cláudio M.
Published: June 2018

A novel role for S100B, a recognized brain distress marker, as a chaperone-like suppressor of Aβ42 aggregation and toxicity.
Superior Pyronaridine Single-Dose Pharmacodynamics Compared to Artesunate, Chloroquine, and Amodiaquine in a Murine Malaria Luciferase Model
Authors: Okoth Winter A. , Dukes Elijah J. , Sullivan David J.
Published: June 2018

Many previous
in vitro
and
in vivo
preclinical malaria drug studies have relied on low-parasite-number drug inhibition numerically compared to the untreated controls. In contrast, human malaria drug studies measure the high-parasite-density killing near 100 million/ml.
Clinical Regimens of Favipiravir Inhibit Zika Virus Replication in the Hollow-Fiber Infection Model
Authors: Pires de Mello Camilly P. , Tao Xun , Kim Tae Hwan , Vicchiarelli Michael , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Kaushik Ajeet , Brown Ashley N.
Published: June 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is associated with serious, long-term neurological manifestations. There are currently no approved therapies for the treatment or prevention of ZIKV infection.
UVC LED Irradiation Effectively Inactivates Aerosolized Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungi in a Chamber-Type Air Disinfection System
Authors: Kim Do-Kyun , Kang Dong-Hyun
Published: June 2018

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013 to ban mercury-containing products in order to ensure human and environmental health. It will be effectuated in 2020 to discontinue use of low-pressure mercury lamps and new UV-emitting sources have to replace this conventional technology. However, the UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system still uses conventional UV lamps, and no research has been conducted for air disinfection using UVC LEDs. The research reported here investigated the inactivation effect of aerosolized microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, with an UVC LED module. The results can be utilized as a primary database to replace conventional UV lamps with UVC LEDs, a novel type of UV emitter. Implementation of UVC LED technology is truly expected to significantly reduce the extent of global mercury contamination, and this study provides important baseline data to help ensure a healthier environment and increased health for humanity.
Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) Aminopeptidase N1 Is a Functional Receptor of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ca Toxin
Authors: Gómez Isabel , Rodríguez-Chamorro Daniel E. , Flores-Ramírez Gabriela , Grande Ricardo , Zúñiga Fernando , Portugal Francisco J. , Sánchez Jorge , Pacheco Sabino , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario
Published: June 2018

Bacillus thuringiensis
Cry toxins rely on receptor binding to exert toxicity. Cry1Ca is toxic to different populations of
S. frugiperda
, a major corn pest in America. Nevertheless, the
S. frugiperda
midgut proteins that are involved in Cry1Ca toxicity have not been identified. Here we identified aminopeptidase N1 (APN1) as a functional receptor of Cry1Ca. Moreover, we showed that Cry1Ca domain III β16 is involved in APN1 binding. These results give insights on potential target sites for improving Cry1Ca toxicity to
S. frugiperda
.
Secreted Phosphatase and Deoxyribonuclease Are Required by Pseudomonas aeruginosa To Defend against Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Wilton Mike , Halverson Tyler W. R. , Charron-Mazenod Laetitia , Parkins Michael D. , Lewenza Shawn
Published: June 2018

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are produced by neutrophils as an innate immune defense mechanism to trap and kill microbial pathogens. NETs are comprised of ejected chromatin that forms a lattice structure enmeshed with numerous antimicrobial proteins.
After the Fact(or): Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Sauder Amber B. , Kendall Melissa M.
Published: June 2018

To adapt to ever-changing environments, pathogens quickly alter gene expression. This can occur through transcriptional, posttranscriptional, or posttranslational regulation.
Diagnostic Accuracy and Utility of FluoroType MTBDR, a New Molecular Assay for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: de Vos Margaretha , Derendinger Brigitta , Dolby Tania , Simpson John , van Helden Paul D. , Rice John E. , Wangh Lawrence J. , Theron Grant , Warren Robin M.
Published: June 2018

Most cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) are never diagnosed (328,300 of the ∼490,000 cases in 2016 were missed). The Xpert MTB/RIF assay detects resistance only to rifampin, despite ∼20% of rifampin-resistant cases being susceptible to isoniazid (a critical first-line drug).
Strand-Specific Dual RNA Sequencing of Bronchial Epithelial Cells Infected with Influenza A/H3N2 Viruses Reveals Splicing of Gene Segment 6 and Novel Host-Virus Interactions
Authors: Fabozzi Giulia , Oler Andrew J. , Liu Poching , Chen Yong , Mindaye Samuel , Dolan Michael A. , Kenney Heather , Gucek Marjan , Zhu Jun , Rabin Ronald L. , Subbarao Kanta
Published: June 2018

The use of massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has revealed insights into human and pathogen genomes and their evolution. Dual RNA-seq allows simultaneous dissection of host and pathogen genomes and strand-specific RNA-seq provides information about the polarity of the RNA. This is important in the case of negative-strand RNA viruses like influenza virus, which generate positive (complementary and mRNA) and negative-strand RNAs (genome) that differ in their potential to trigger innate immunity. Here, we characterize interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells and three influenza A/H3N2 strains using strand-specific dual RNA-seq. We focused on this subtype because of its epidemiological importance in causing significant morbidity and mortality during influenza epidemics. We report novel elements that differ between seasonal and laboratory strains highlighting the complexity of the host-virus interplay at the RNA level.
Non-classical monocytes as mediators of tissue destruction in arthritis
Authors: Puchner Antonia , Saferding Victoria , Bonelli Michael , Mikami Yohei , Hofmann Melanie , Brunner Julia S , Caldera Michael , Goncalves-Alves Eliana , Binder Nikolaus B , Fischer Anita , Simader Elisabeth , Steiner Carl-Walter , Leiss Harald , Hayer Silvia , Niederreiter Birgit , Karonitsch Thomas , Koenders Marije I , Podesser Bruno K , O’Shea John J , Menche Jörg , Smolen Josef S , Redlich Kurt , Blüml Stephan
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is mediated by osteoclasts (OC), which are derived from precursor cells of the myeloid lineage. The role of the two monocyte subsets, classical monocytes (expressing CD115, Ly6C and CCR2) and non-classical monocytes (which are CD115 positive, but low in Ly6C and CCR2), in serving as precursors for OC in arthritis is still elusive.

Methods

We investigated CCR2−/− mice, which lack circulating classical monocytes, crossed into hTNFtg mice for the extent of joint damage. We analysed monocyte subsets in hTNFtg and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis by flow cytometry. We sorted monocyte subsets and analysed their potential to differentiate into OC and their transcriptional response in response to RANKL by RNA sequencing. With these data, we performed a gene ontology enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

We show that in hTNFtg arthritis local bone erosion and OC generation are even enhanced in the absence of CCR2. We further show the numbers of non-classical monocytes in blood are elevated and are significantly correlated with histological signs of joint destruction. Sorted non-classical monocytes display an increased capacity to differentiate into OCs. This is associated with an increased expression of signal transduction components of RANK, most importantly TRAF6, leading to an increased responsiveness to RANKL.

Conclusion

Therefore, non-classical monocytes are pivotal cells in arthritis tissue damage and a possible target for therapeutically intervention for the prevention of inflammatory joint damage.
Interprofessional, student-led intervention to improve insulin prescribing to patients in an Acute Surgical Receiving Unit
Authors: Tully Vicki , Al-Salti Suaad , Arnold Amy , Botros Shady , Campbell Iona , Fane Rachel , Rowe Iain , Strath Alison , Davey Peter
Published: June 2018

Our aim was to test the feasibility of interprofessional, workplace-based learning about improvement through a 4-week placement for one medical and two pharmacy final year students in an Acute Surgical Receiving Unit (ASRU). The target was insulin because this is a common, high-risk medicine in this ASRU and the intervention was medicines reconciliation. Baseline data were collected from 10 patients and used to construct a cause and effect diagram and a process map through feedback and discussions with staff. Hypoglycaemia occurred in four patients but hyperglycaemia occurred in eight patients, of whom six were placed on intravenous insulin infusion (IVII). We estimated that £2454 could be saved by preventing one patient from going on IVII. The students designed and tested a sticker to improve medicines reconciliation for insulin patients. An online form was created to capture clinician feedback on the layout and usability of the sticker. The intervention was associated with improvements in the reliability of medicines reconciliation. The students’ work contributed to a larger project to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia in the ASRU. This proved beneficial in enabling the students to engage with the clinical team. Nonetheless, it was challenging for students from two Universities to get a shared understanding of improvement methods and work effectively with the clinical team. The students said that they learnt more about quality improvement in a working healthcare environment than they would ever learn in a classroom and they valued the opportunity to work with students from other healthcare backgrounds in practice. Despite the additional staff time required to support students from two Universities, both have supported continuation of this work.
Genetics of neuromuscular fetal akinesia in the genomics era
Authors: Beecroft Sarah Jane , Lombard Marcus , Mowat David , McLean Catriona , Cairns Anita , Davis Mark , Laing Nigel G , Ravenscroft Gianina
Published: June 2018

Fetal hypokinesia or akinesia encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders, united by impaired movement in utero. Often, the underlying aetiology is genetic in origin, affecting part of the neuromuscular system. The affordable and high-throughput nature of next-generation DNA sequencing has led to an explosion in disease gene discovery across rare diseases, including fetal akinesias. A genetic diagnosis has clinical utility as it may affect management and prognosis and informs recurrence risk, facilitating family planning decisions. More broadly, knowledge of disease genes increasingly allows population-based preconception carrier screening, which has reduced the incidence of recessive diseases in several populations. Despite gains in knowledge of the genetics of fetal akinesia, many families lack a genetic diagnosis. In this review, we describe the developments in Mendelian genetics of neuromuscular fetal akinesia in the genomics era. We examine genetic diagnoses with neuromuscular causes, specifically including the lower motor neuron, peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction and muscle.
Case reports on dangerous infectious diseases: a review of patient consent
Authors: Walsh Kieran
Published: June 2018

Case reports are commonly used to describe new infectious diseases. In the past 20 years, there have been an increasing number of emerging infectious diseases that could constitute a major threat to global health security (through naturally occurring pandemics or deliberate release of infectious agents). It is vitally important that case reports related to infectious diseases are written up according to the highest possible standards and that guidelines regarding patient consent to publish are followed. So, do case reports that relate to dangerous infectious diseases follow guidance related to patient consent? To help find the answer to this question, I looked at a sample of case reports published on PubMed between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. I searched for freely available full-text reports of infections that affected humans. The search was conducted for case reports on infectious diseases that pose the greatest risk to global health—infections that have been classified as Tier 1 agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An assessment was carried out as to whether the identified case reports satisfied the criteria related to consent as outlined in the CARE guidelines. In total, 71 case reports were found. These were related to Ebola, Botulism, Yersinia and Tularaemia. The authors stated that they had obtained consent to publish in 17 of these case reports. Only a minority of published case reports on extremely dangerous pathogens contain documented evidence that consent was obtained from the patient in question. In this sample, 24% of case reports contained such evidence regarding consent.
Carnosol suppresses interleukin-6 production in mouse lungs injured by ischemia–reperfusion operation and in RAW264.7 macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Momozane Toru , Kawamura Tomohiro , Itoh Yumi , Sanosaka Masato , Sasaki Tsutomu , Kanzaki Ryu , Ose Naoko , Funaki Soichiro , Shintani Yasushi , Minami Masato , Okumura Meinoshin , Takemori Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Carnosol is a naturally occurring herbal compound, known for its antioxidative properties. We previously found that carnosol protected mouse lungs from ischemia–reperfusion injury in ex vivo cultures. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning carnosol-mediated lung protection, we analyzed modes of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression, which is associated with lung ischemia–reperfusion injury. Microarray analysis of mouse lungs suggested that IL-6 mRNA levels were elevated in the mouse lungs subjected to clamp-reperfusion, which was associated with elevated levels of other inflammatory modulators, such as activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Carnosol pretreatment lowered the IL-6 protein levels in mouse lung homogenates prepared after the clamp-reperfusion. On the other hand, the ATF3 gene expression was negatively correlated with that of IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. IL-6 mRNA levels and gene promoter activities were suppressed by carnosol in RAW264.7 cells, but rescued by ATF3 knockdown. When RAW264.7 cells were subjected to hypoxia–reoxygenation, carnosol treatment lowered oxygen consumption after reoxygenation, which was coupled with a correlation with a transient production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and following ATF3 gene expression. These results suggest that carnosol treatment could be a new strategy for protecting lungs from ischemia–reperfusion injury by modulating the ATF3–IL-6 axis.
Synthesis and self-assembly of thiol-modified tellurophenes
Authors: Hoover Gabrielle C. , Ham Jennifer , Tang Connie , Carrera Elisa I. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: June 2018

An asymmetric thiol-modified tellurophene was designed and synthesized, and the ability of the compound to form a monolayer on a gold electrode was confirmed. The surface-active tellurophene was synthesized using Cadiot–Chodkiewicz coupling followed by ring closing and thiol modification. The tellurophene compound forms a monolayer on gold surfaces from a concentrated solution within 24 h. The ability of the compound to conjugate to gold is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A surface blocking experiment was used to evaluate the extent of formation of a monolayer on a gold electrode.
Endogenous translocation patterns of current photosynthate in post-transplant Quercus rubra seedlings
Authors: Sloan Joshua L. , Jackson George S. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: June 2018

Variability between individuals can cause error in plant physiology studies when measurements or treatments occur on a chronological basis. Thus, plant growth indices such as the Quercus morphological index (QMI) were developed, enabling distinctions between exogenous treatment effects and endogenous ontological effects. Few studies have examined post-transplant northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedling physiology in relation to the QMI. We used 14CO2 to label current photosynthate of post-transplant northern red oak seedlings during the first flush to assess endogenous patterns of current photosynthate translocation. Carbon translocation patterns relative to QMI growth stages of post-transplant seedlings resembled those described in pre-transplant seedlings, with expanding leaves and shoots retaining the majority of current photosynthate early in the flush, followed by increases in downward translocation to both new and old roots during the lag stage, when active aboveground growth ceased for the flush. Early post-transplant growth of new shoots relied heavily on stored carbohydrates, and old shoots demonstrated negligible sink strength for current photosynthate throughout the experiment. Our findings emphasize the importance of stored carbohydrates for early post-transplant growth and suggest that QMI-based observations regarding carbohydrate translocation patterns of pre-transplant seedlings in this species remain largely valid for post-transplant seedlings.