bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent Paraspinous Myopathy and Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Romano Alissa E. , Al-Qudah Zaid , Kaminski Henry J. , Katirji Bashar , Salame Karim
Published: May 2017

Paraspinous myopathy is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by selective involvement of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar muscles. Leading clinical features include a bent spine or dropped head (antecollis). In myasthenia gravis (MG), patients may have camptocormia secondary to neuromuscular junction dysfunction of the paraspinal muscles, and this condition usually responds to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or immunosuppressive treatments. However, concomitant MG and paraspinous myopathy with histologic and electrophysiologic evidence of myopathic changes of the paraspinal muscles has only been reported twice in the literature. In this case series, 5 patients with MG with paraspinous myopathy are reported. While neck and extension truncal weakness is not uncommon in MG, most often the weakness is due to neuromuscular junction dysfunction. Coexisting paraspinous myopathy and MG is under-recognized, is often resistant to mainstay treatments, and should be considered in patients presenting with neck or trunk extensor weakness.
Safe Hydration Volume to Prevent Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury and Worsening Heart Failure in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction After Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Bei Wei-jie , Wang Kun , Li Hua-long , Lin Kai-yang , Guo Xiao-sheng , Chen Shi-qun , Liu Yong , Yi Shi-xin , Luo De-mou , Chen Ji-yan , Tan Ning
Published: May 2017

Few studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of hydration to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and worsening heart failure (WHF) after cardiac catheterization in heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; HF and EF ≥50%) patients. We recruited 1206 patients with HFpEF undergoing cardiac catheterization with periprocedural hydration volume/weight (HV/W) ratio data and investigated the relationship between hydration volumes and risk of CI-AKI and WHF. Incidence of CI-AKI was not significantly reduced in individuals with higher HV/W [quartile (Q) 1, Q2, Q3, and Q4: 9.7%, 10.2%, 12.7%, and 12.2%, respectively; P = 0.219]. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher HV/W ratios were not associated with decreased CI-AKI risks [Q2 vs. Q1: odds ratio (OR), 0.95; Q3 vs. Q1: OR, 1.07; Q4 vs. Q1: OR, 0.92; all P > 0.05]. According to multivariate analysis, higher HV/W significantly increased the WHF risk (Q4 vs. Q1: adjusted OR, 8.13 and 95% confidence interval, 1.03–64.02; P = 0.047). CI-AKI and WHF were associated with a significantly increased risk of long-term mortality (mean follow-up, 2.33 years). For HFpEF patients, an excessively high hydration volume might not be associated with lower risk of CI-AKI but may increase the risk of postprocedure WHF.
Qualitative Analysis of Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault
Authors: Schmitt Thaddeus , Cross Theodore P. , Alderden Megan
Published: May 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to understand prosecutors’ perspectives on the contribution of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to evidence collection and trials in sexual assault cases.

Background:

Several studies have suggested that a sexual assault case is more likely to progress in the criminal justice system when a SANE conducts the forensic medical examination. However, little is known about how prosecutors perceive SANEs and what they value about SANEs versus other medical professionals.

Method:

Semistructured interviews, conducted in one jurisdiction with eight assistant district attorneys who prosecute sexual assault cases, included questions about the value of SANEs in evidence collection and trials. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify common themes and variability among prosecutors.

Results:

Most prosecutors identified advantages for SANEs in evidence collection, trial preparation, and testimony. Specific advantages cited by one or more prosecutors included superior documentation, thoroughness of the physical examination, better identification of injuries, quality of relationships with patients, professionalism, skill in trial preparation and testifying, and credibility with jurors.

Discussion:

These findings help validate SANEs’ contribution to the criminal justice response to sexual assault, despite the study’s limitations in sample size and inclusion of only one jurisdiction. The study also suggests the value of further education about SANEs for prosecutors who may not have the opportunity to learn about the range of skills SANEs possess.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Hypoxemia During Interventional Rigid Bronchoscopy Under Spontaneous-assisted Ventilation
Authors: Chumpathong Saowapark , Tscheikuna Jamsak , Boonsombat Thanatporn , Muangman Saipin , Luansritisakul Choopong
Published: May 2017

Background:

Interventional rigid bronchoscopy for tracheobronchial stenosis can be performed under total intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous-assisted ventilation. Intraoperative hypoxemia can occur during this procedure, but the incidence and risk factors have not yet been determined.

Methods:

Medical records of patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis under total intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous-assisted ventilation during the study period from January 2011 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

There were 126 patients who underwent 263 procedures. The 2 main causes of tracheobronchial stenosis were tuberculosis (41.3%) and malignancy (35.7%). The 2 main locations of stenotic area were the trachea (58.6%) and the left main bronchus (46.4%). Tracheobronchial dilatation and stent insertion were performed in 78.7% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. The incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia was 25.5%. Independent risk factors for intraoperative hypoxemia were a degree of tracheal stenosis ≥75% (odds ratio: 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.17) and tumor removal procedure (odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-7.41).

Conclusions:

Incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia during interventional rigid bronchoscopy for tracheobronchial stenosis under spontaneous-assisted ventilation was 25.5%. Risk factors for hypoxemia were a degree of tracheal stenosis ≥75% and tumor removal procedure.
An International Survey on Ventilator Practices Among Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Centers
Authors: Jenks Christopher L. , Tweed Jefferson , Gigli Kristin H. , Venkataraman Ramgopal , Raman Lakshmi
Published: May 2017

Although the optimal ventilation strategy is unknown for patients placed on extracorporeal support, there are increasing reports of extubation being used. Our objective was to describe the change in ventilation strategies and use of tracheostomy and bronchoscopy practices among extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centers across the world. A descriptive, cross-sectional 22 item survey of neonatal, pediatric, and adult ECMO centers was used to evaluate ventilator strategies, extubation, bronchoscopy, and tracheostomy practices. Extubation practices are increasing among all types of ECMO centers, representing 27% of all patients in pediatric centers, 41% of all patients in mixed centers, and 52% of all patients in adult centers. The most common mode of ventilation during ECMO is pressure control. There is a trend toward increased use of bilevel ventilation particularly for lung recruitment. Additionally, there is a trend toward increase in performance of bronchoscopy (pediatrics: 69%, mixed centers: 81%, adults: 76%) and tracheostomy. Among the centers performing tracheostomies, 45% reported the percutaneous method (pediatric: 31%, mixed: 46%, adult: 57%), 19% reported the open method (pediatric: 9%, mixed: 27%, adult: 24%), and 10% reported using both types of tracheostomies (pediatric: 2%, mixed: 8%, adult: 16%). Our study shows that ECMO centers are extubating their patients, performing tracheostomies and bronchoscopies on their patients more than in the previous years. There remains significant variation in ECMO ventilator strategies and management internationally. Future studies are needed to correlate these changes in practices to outcome benefits.
Is There a Preinterventional Mechanical Ventilation Time Limit for Candidates of Adult Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Huang Chung-Chi , Wu Tzu-I , Chang Yu-Sheng , Wang Chin-Liang , Lin Pyng-Jing
Published: May 2017

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a useful life support in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) before institution of ECMO is known to be a poor prognostic factor for outcomes of VV-ECMO, a reasonable deadline for this period has not been defined yet. To discover the answer, we reviewed a 9 year institutional experience of adult respiratory ECMO in VV configuration and investigate the relationship between the MV time before ECMO and in-hospital mortality. This retrospective study included 129 adult patients receiving VV-ECMO for ARDS in a single institution from 2007 to 2016. Important demographic and clinical data before ECMO intervention were collected for analyses of in-hospital mortality. The MV time before ECMO independently predicted hospital death in adult respiratory ECMO here. While compared to the patients receiving MV for 7 days or less, the patients receiving MV for more than 7 days before ECMO showed a higher in-hospital mortality rate (77% vs. 38%, p < 0.001). They also experienced a more significant deterioration in respiratory function during MV before the institution of ECMO. Therefore, from the clinical observation, we thought that a 7 day period might be an acceptable limit on MV time before institution of VV-ECMO. Integrating other respiratory parameters into the current PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio-based inclusion criteria of adult respiratory ECMO might be helpful to reduce the risk of prolonged MV in selected patients.
The positive predictive value of an ambulance prealert for stroke and transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Brown Craig W. , Macleod Mary J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Therapeutic options for ischaemic stroke, such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy, are time sensitive. Multiple innovations have been established to reduce the symptom-to-needle time. One such innovation is the prealerting of emergency department (ED) or stroke unit staff by prehospital personnel of suspected stroke patients. The diagnosis of stroke can sometimes be difficult, with stroke mimics being a recognized issue. The prealert mobilizes ED, stroke and imaging personnel, which, for a true-positive, improves door-to-needle times. However, there are a proportion of false-positive prealerts (nonstrokes) that have a significant resource activation implication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the positive predictive value of a prealert for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Methods

Ambulance service prealert forms for stroke and TIA collated by the ED were compared with the Scottish Stroke Audit database findings, ED electronic notes and imaging reports to establish whether the prealert was a true-positive or a false-positive.

Results

A prealert was obtained for 77 patients as query stroke/TIA. The true-positive rate was 52 and the false-positive rate was 25. The positive predictive value was 0.675. The median symptom-to-arrival time for prealerted patients was 97 min and the door-to-needle time for thrombolysis (n=17 patients) was 38 min.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of true-positive stroke can be difficult in the prehospital environment. Although prealert has been shown to improve the patient’s journey in terms of door-to-thrombolysis times, we have identified that the prealert has a significant false-positive rate that has important resource allocation and activation consequences. Further analysis of this may inform paramedic training and improve protocols for information handover.
Donor-derived infections in solid organ transplant patients: toward a holistic approach
Authors: Benamu Esther , Wolfe Cameron R. , Montoya José G.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Solid organ demand far exceeds organ supply. Strategies to increase the donor pool include the liberalization of selection criteria without increasing the risk of unexpected donor-derived infection (DDI), a rare complication of transplantation carrying high morbidity and mortality. We review the challenging aspects in the prevention of DDI, focusing on the complexities of data sharing and efficient communication and the role infectious diseases specialists play in the process.

Recent findings

Advances in donor screening, transmission recognition and reporting allow for a better estimation of the risk of DDI. However, there is great variability in the frequency and methods with which organ procurement organizations report transmission events.

Moreover, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients provides limited donor and recipient outcome infectious diseases related data. Infectious disease contribution to the allocation process has been found to improve organ donation efficiency and communication between involved parties. Although communication gaps are strongly associated with infection transmission (relative risk 2.36%, confidence interval 1.48–3.78), effective communication minimizes or prevents infection in transplant recipients (X2
(1) 13.13, P = 0.0003).

Prospective research is still required to define optimal screening protocols and further prevent transmission of infection. A holistic approach is likely to result in enhanced transplantation safety. Toward this goal, development of standards of investigation; improvement in reporting and data sharing; and strategies ensuring coordinated and rapid communication among parties involved in the allocation process need to be pursued.
Mycobacterium chimaera infections associated with heater–cooler units in cardiac surgery
Authors: Schreiber Peter W. , Sax Hugo
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Mycobacterium chimaera infections following cardiac surgery have been reported from an increasing number of countries. These infections are characterized by a poor prognosis with a case fatality rate around 50% despite treatment. Since the first description in 2013, our understanding has grown steadily. Several outbreak investigations, case series, and experiments with heater–cooler units (HCUs) have been published. This review summarizes the current knowledge.

Recent findings

M. chimaera transmission occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass via bioaerosols emitted from contaminated HCU water systems. Manifestations of M. chimaera infection comprise endocarditis, vascular graft infections, surgical site infections, and dissemination. So far, all cases were exposed to a single HCU brand. Samples from the manufacturing site as well as clonality of M. chimaera strains isolated from HCUs and patients suggest a contamination already at time of delivery representing the main source for the outbreak. Nevertheless, HCU contamination in hospitals cannot be excluded.

Improved awareness of physicians of M. chimaera infection is crucial to prompt adequate diagnostic workup in patients that have been exposed to HCU presenting with compatible symptoms. For risk mitigation, strict separation between the air volume in contact with HCUs and critical clinical areas such as operating rooms is essential.
SM22 a Plasma Biomarker for Human Transmural Intestinal Ischemia
Authors: Schellekens Dirk H. S. M. , Reisinger Kostan W. , Lenaerts Kaatje , Hadfoune M’hamed , Olde Damink Steven W. , Buurman Wim A. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Derikx Joep P. M.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the diagnostic potential of smooth muscle protein of 22 kDa (SM22) as plasma biomarker for the detection of transmural intestinal ischemia.

Background:

Acute mesenteric ischemia is an abdominal emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Especially, detection of transmural damage is imperative because it mandates emergency surgery. Since early clinical and radiological signs are nonspecific, there is an urgent need for accurate biomarkers. SM22 is a potential marker for transmural damage because of its abundant expression in intestinal smooth muscles.

Methods:

SM22 concentrations were measured using a newly built enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SM22 release was assessed in plasma and intestinal tissue of rats subjected to intestinal ischemia. Blood and tissue were sampled at baseline and followed up to 24 hours of ischemia. Next, organ-specific SM22 arteriovenous concentration differences were studied in both rats and patients. Finally, plasma from patients with intestinal ischemia, other acute abdominal complaints, and healthy volunteers were tested for SM22.

Results:

SM22 concentrations were significantly elevated in rats from 4 hours of ischemia onwards. Furthermore, SM22 plasma concentrations closely paralleled the histological increasing degree of intestinal smooth muscle damage. Arteriovenous calculations showed that SM22 was specifically released by the intestines and renally cleared. First data of SM22 release in man demonstrated that patients with transmural intestinal ischemia had significantly higher plasma SM22 levels than patients with only ischemic mucosal injury, other acute abdominal diseases, or healthy controls.

Conclusions:

This study shows that SM22 is released into the circulation upon severe ischemia of the intestinal muscle layers. Plasma levels of SM22 are potentially useful for the detection of transmural intestinal damage.
Total Brain and Hippocampal Volumes and Cognition in Older American Indians
Authors: Cholerton Brenna , Omidpanah Adam , Madhyastha Tara M. , Grabowski Thomas J. , Suchy-Dicey Astrid M. , Shibata Dean K. , Nelson Lonnie A. , Verney Steven P. , Howard Barbara V. , Longstreth William T. , Montine Thomas J. , Buchwald Dedra
Published: May 2017

Background:

Estimates of hippocampal volume by magnetic resonance imaging have clinical and cognitive correlations and can assist in early Alzheimer disease diagnosis. However, little is known about the relationship between global or regional brain volumes and cognitive test performance in American Indians.

Materials and Methods:

American Indian participants (N=698; median age, 72 y) recruited for the Cerebrovascular Disease and its Consequences in American Indians study, an ancillary study of the Strong Heart Study cohort, were enrolled. Linear regression models assessed the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging brain volumes (total brain and hippocampi) and cognitive measures of verbal learning and recall, processing speed, verbal fluency, and global cognition.

Results:

After controlling for demographic and clinical factors, all volumetric measurements were positively associated with processing speed. Total brain volume was also positively associated with verbal learning, but not with verbal recall. Conversely, left hippocampal volume was associated with both verbal learning and recall. The relationship between hippocampal volume and recall performance was more pronounced among those with lower scores on a global cognitive measure. Controlling for APOE ε4 did not substantively affect the associations.

Conclusions:

These results support further investigation into the relationship between structural Alzheimer disease biomarkers, cognition, genetics, and vascular risk factors in aging American Indians.
Switch independent task representations in frontal and parietal cortex
Authors: Loose Lasse S. , Wisniewski David , Rusconi Marco , Goschke Thomas , Haynes John-Dylan
Published: May 2017

Alternating between two tasks is effortful and impairs performance. Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have found increased activity in fronto-parietal cortex when task switching is required. One possibility is that the additional control demands for switch trials are met by strengthening task representations in the human brain. Alternatively, on switch trials the residual representation of the previous task might impede the buildup of a neural task representation. This would predict weaker task representations on switch trials, thus also explaining the performance costs. To test this, participants were cued to perform one of two similar tasks, with the task being repeated or switched between successive trials. MVPA was used to test which regions encode the tasks and whether this encoding differs between switch and repeat trials. As expected, we found information about task representations in frontal and parietal cortex, but there was no difference in the decoding accuracy of task-related information between switch and repeat trials. Using cross-classification we found that the fronto-parietal cortex encodes tasks using a similar spatial pattern in switch and repeat trials. Thus, task representations in frontal and parietal cortex are largely switch-independent. We found no evidence that neural information about task representations in these regions can explain behavioral costs usually associated with task switching.

Significance statement

Alternating between two tasks is effortful and slows down performance. One possible explanation is that the representations in the human brain need time to build up and are thus weaker on switch trials, explaining performance costs. Alternatively, task representations might even be enhanced in order to overcome the previous task. Here we used a combination of fMRI and a brain classifier to test whether the additional control demands under switching conditions lead to an increased or decreased strength of task representations in fronto-parietal brain regions. We found that task representations are not significantly modulated by switching processes. Thus, task representations in the human brain cannot account for the performance costs associated with alternating between tasks.
Percentage-Based Author Contribution Index. A universal, measure of author contribution to scientific articles
Authors: Boyer Stéphane , Ikeda Takayoshi , Lefort Marie-Caroline , Malumbres-Olarte Jagoba , Schmidt Jason M.
Published: May 2017

Deciphering the amount of work provided by different co-authors of a scientific paper has been a recurrent problem in science. Despite the myriad of metrics available, the scientific community still largely relies on the position in the list of authors to evaluate contributions, a metric that attributes subjective and unfounded credit to co-authors. We propose an easy to apply, fair and universally comparable metric to measure and report co-authors contribution in the scientific literature. The proposed Author Contribution Index (ACI) is based on contribution percentages provided by the authors, preferably at the time of submission. Researchers can use ACI for a number of purposes, including comparing the contributions of different authors, describing the contribution profile of a researcher or analysing how contribution changes through time. We provide an example analysis based on data collected from 97 scientists from the field of ecology who voluntarily responded to an online anonymous survey.
Manuscript 101: a data-driven writing exercise for beginning scientists
Authors: Halbisen Michael A. , Ralston Amy
Published: May 2017

Learning to write a scientific manuscript is one of the most important and rewarding scientific training experiences, yet most young scientists only embark on this experience relatively late in graduate school, after gathering sufficient data in the lab. Yet, familiarity with the process of writing a scientific manuscript and receiving peer reviews, often leads to a more focused and driven experimental approach. To jump-start this training, we developed a protocol for teaching manuscript writing and reviewing in the classroom, appropriate for new graduate or upper-level undergraduate students of developmental biology. First, students are provided one of four cartoon data sets, which are focused on genetic models of animal development. Students are instructed to use their creativity to convert evidence into argument, and then to integrate their interpretations into a manuscript, including an illustrated, mechanistic model figure. After student manuscripts are submitted, manuscripts are redacted and distributed to classmates for peer review. Here, we present our cartoon datasets, homework instructions, and grading rubrics as a new resource for the scientific community. We also describe methods for developing new datasets so that instructors can adapt this activity to other disciplines. Our data-driven manuscript writing exercise, as well as the formative and summative assessments resulting from the peer review, enables students to learn fundamental concepts in developmental genetics. In addition, students practice essential skills of scientific communication, including arguing from evidence, developing and testing models, the unique conventions of scientific writing, and the joys of scientific story telling.
Parallel occurrence of theta and respiration-coupled network oscillations throughout the mouse brain
Authors: Tort Adriano BL , Ponsel Simon , Jessberger Jakob , Yanovsky Yevgenij , Brankačk Jurij , Draguhn Andreas
Published: May 2017

Slow brain oscillations are usually coherent over long distances and are thought to constitute a means to link distributed cell assemblies. In mice, theta oscillations (4-12 Hz) stand as one of the most studied global slow rhythms. Previous research has suggested that theta takes part in interregional communication required for cognitive functions. However, mice often breathe at theta frequency, and we have recently reported that nasal respiration leads to synchronous network oscillations that are independent of theta. Namely, we showed that respiration-coupled oscillations occur in the hippocampus, prelimbic cortex, and parietal cortex, suggesting that, as theta, respiration-coupled oscillations are also global. In the present work, we sought to extend these findings by tracking respiration while simultaneously recording local field potentials from 15 brain regions of freely moving mice during exploration and REM sleep. We report that respiration-coupled rhythms can be detected in parallel with theta in widespread neocortical regions, from prefrontal to visual areas, and also in subcortical structures such as the thalamus, amygdala and ventral hippocampus. Though both rhythms occur simultaneously, respiration-coupled oscillations are more dominant in frontal regions while theta oscillations prevail in more caudal networks. We conclude that respiration-coupled oscillations are a global brain rhythm suited to entrain distributed networks into a common regime. This pattern might have escaped attention in previous studies due to the absence of respiration monitoring, its similarity with theta oscillations, and its highly variable peak frequency. It should, however, be considered as a widespread signal and potential mechanism of long-range network communication.
Infants are superior in implicit crossmodal learning and use other learning mechanisms than adults
Authors: Rohlf Sophie , Habets Boukje , von Frieling Marco , Röder Brigitte
Published: May 2017

While adults have to continuously adapt their internal representations of the sensory world, infants need to first acquire these models. We used event-related potentials to test the hypothesis that infants extract crossmodal statistics implicitly while adults learn them when task relevant. Six-month-old infants and adults were passively exposed to frequent standard audio-visual combinations (A1V1, A2V2, p=0.35 each), rare recombinations of the standard stimuli (A1V2, A2V1, p=0.10 each), and a rare deviant audio-visual combination with an infrequent auditory and visual element (A3V3, p=0.10). While both infants and adults differentiated between rare deviants and standards at early processing stages, only infants discriminated standards from recombined stimuli at a later processing stage. A second experiment revealed that adults discriminated recombined from standard combinations only when crossmodal combinations were task relevant. These results demonstrate a heightened sensitivity for crossmodal statistics in infants and a change in learning mode from infancy to adulthood.
Natural chromatin is heterogeneous and self associatesin vitro
Authors: Cai Shujun , Song Yajiao , Chen Chen , Shi Jian , Gan Lu
Published: May 2017

The 30-nm fiber is commonly found in oligonucleosome arraysin vitrobut rarely found in chromatin within nuclei. To determine how chromatin high-order structure is controlled, we used cryo-ET to study the undigested natural chromatin released from cells that do not have evidence of 30-nm fibersin vivo: picoplankton and yeast. In the presence of divalent cations, most of the chromatin from both organisms is compacted into a large mass. Rare irregular 30-nm fibers do form at the periphery of this mass, some of which include face-to-face interactions. In the absence of divalent cations, picoplankton chromatin decondenses into open zigzags. By contrast, yeast chromatin mostly remains compact with looser nucleosome packing, even after treatment with histone-deacetylase inhibitor. The 3-D configuration of natural chromatin is therefore sensitive to the local environment, but generally nonpermissive of regular motifs, even at the level of oligonucleosomes.
A core speech circuit between primary motor, somatosensory, and auditory cortex: evidence from connectivity and genetic descriptions
Authors: Skipper Jeremy I. , Hasson Uri
Published: May 2017

What adaptations allow humans to produce and perceive speech so effortlessly? We show that speech is supported by a largely undocumented core of structural and functional connectivity between the central sulcus (CS or primary motor and somatosensory cortex) and the transverse temporal gyrus (TTG or primary auditory cortex). Anatomically, we show that CS and TTG cortical thickness covary across individuals and that they are connected by white matter tracts. Neuroimaging network analyses confirm the functional relevance and specificity of these structural relationships. Specifically, the CS and TTG are functionally connected at rest, during natural audiovisual speech perception, and are coactive over a large variety of linguistic stimuli and tasks. Importantly, across structural and functional analyses, connectivity of regions immediately adjacent to the TTG are with premotor and prefrontal regions rather than the CS. Finally, we show that this structural/functional CS-TTG relationship is mediated by a constellation of genes associated with vocal learning and disorders of efference copy. We propose that this core circuit constitutes an interface for rapidly exchanging articulatory and acoustic information and discuss implications for current models of speech.
NMR Analysis of the interaction of Ethanol With the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Naugler David , Cushley Robert J. , Clark-Lewis Ian
Published: May 2017

Ethanol exerts its actions in the central and peripheral nervous systems through the direct interactions with several proteins, including ligand-gated ion channels such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The binding interaction between ethanol and sodium cholate solubilized nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein can be detected through either NMR line broadening or T1titration. In this paper, we examine the use of weighted Navon T1panalysis of T1titration data for the estimation of the dissociation constant of ethanol for the nAChR. We show that Navon T1panalysis underestimates binding affinity. The application of rigorous limits for confidence intervals within a nonlinear regression analysis of this data provides a best estimate of Kd= 55 μM at 4 °C. within an unsymmetrical 90% confidence interval of [0.5, 440 μM]. Accordingly, the best estimate of the binding free energy is ΔG0, = −5.4 Kcal/mole within a 90% confidence interval of [−8.0, −4.3 Kcal/mole],relative to conventional standard states.
Light Amplification By Biofilm And Its Polarization Dependence
Authors: Ray Sanhita , Dasgupta Anjan Kr
Published: May 2017

We report amplified, transmitted light intensity, compared to input, when photosynthetic biofilms were placed in the path of Rayleigh scattered, monochromatic light. Enhancement spectrum shows peak at around 505 nm, which corresponds to the pore wall thickness in biofilm ultra-structure, suggesting role of resonant Mie scattering. Enhancement factors differed when biofilms from different stages of growth were used. Enhancement factors were found to depend on the nature of Rayleigh scattering liquid. Polarizing Rayleigh scattered light by the use of polarizers affected the percentage of enhancement. Amplified output is achievable with constructive interference arising out of coherent forward light scattering, a theoretically predicted outcome of Anderson localization of photons. Possible uses of photosynthetic biofilms in organic material based photonic devices have been discussed.
lme4qtl: linear mixed models with flexible covariance structure for genetic studies of related individuals
Authors: Ziyatdinov Andrey , Vázquez-Santiago Miquel , Brunel Helena , Martinez-Perez Angel , Aschard Hugues , Soria Jose Manuel
Published: May 2017

Background

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in genetic data often involves analysis of correlated observations, which need to be accounted for to avoid false association signals. This is commonly performed by modeling such correlations as random effects in linear mixed models (LMMs). The R packagelme4is a well-established tool that implements major LMM features using sparse matrix methods; however, it is not fully adapted for QTL mapping association and linkage studies. In particular, two LMM features are lacking in the base version oflme4: the definition of random effects by custom covariance matrices; and parameter constraints, which are essential in advanced QTL models. Apart from applications in linkage studies of related individuals, such functionalities are of high interest for association studies in situations where multiple covariance matrices need to be modeled, a scenario not covered by many genome-wide association study (GWAS) software.

Results

To address the aforementioned limitations, we developed a new R packagelme4qtlas an extension oflme4. First,lme4qtlcontributes new models for genetic studies within a single tool integrated withlme4and its companion packages. Second,lme4qtloffers a flexible framework for scenarios with multiple levels of relatedness and becomes efficient when covariance matrices are sparse. We showed the value of our package using real family-based data in the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia 2 (GAIT2) project.

Conclusions

Our softwarelme4qtlenables QTL mapping models with a versatile structure of random effects and efficient computation for sparse covariances.lme4qtlis available athttps://github.com/variani/lme4qtl.
High-Definition Electronic Genome Maps from Single Molecule Data
Authors: Oliver John S. , Catalano Anthony , Davis Jennifer R. , Grinberg Boris S. , Hutchins Timothy E. , Kaiser Michael D. , Nurnberg Steve , Sage Jay M. , Seward Leah , Simelgor Gregory , Weiner Nathan K. , Bready Barrett
Published: May 2017

With the advent of routine short-read genome sequencing has come a growing recognition of the importance of long-range, structural information in applications ranging from sequence assembly to the detection of structural variation. Here we describe the Nabsys solid-state detector capable of detecting tags on single molecules of DNA 100s of kilobases in length as they translocate through the detector at a velocity greater than 1 megabase pair per second. Sequence-specific tags are detected with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The physical distance between tags is determined after accounting for viscous drag-induced intramolecular velocity fluctuations. The accurate measurement of the physical distance between tags on each molecule and the ability of the detector to resolve distances between tags of less than 300 base-pairs enables the construction of high-density genome maps.
The industrial anaerobeClostridium acetobutylicumuses polyketides to regulate butanol production and differentiation
Authors: Herman Nicolaus A. , Kim Seong-Jong , Li Jeffrey S. , Cai Wenlong , Koshino Hiroyuki , Zhang Wenjun
Published: May 2017

Polyketides are an important class of bioactive small molecules valued not only for their diverse therapeutic applications, but also for their role in controlling interesting biological phenotypes in their producing organisms. While numerous examples of polyketides derived from aerobic organisms exist, only a single family of polyketides has been identified from anaerobic organisms. Here we uncover a novel family of polyketides native to the anaerobic bacteriumClostridium acetobutylicum, an organism well-known for its historical use as an industrial producer of the organic solvents acetone, butanol, and ethanol. Through mutational analysis and chemical complementation assays, we demonstrate that these polyketides influence butanol production and act as chemical triggers of sporulation and granulose accumulation in this strain. This study represents a significant addition to the body of work demonstrating the existence and importance of polyketides in anaerobes, and showcases a novel strategy of manipulating the secondary metabolism of an organism to improve traits significant for industrial applications.
2-Oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl benzoate
Authors: Kambo Konan René , Sosso Siaka , Mansilla-Koblavi F. , Djandé Abdoulaye , Kakou-Yao Rita
Published: May 2017

In the title compound, C16H10O4, the dihedral angle between the coumarin ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.015 Å) and the benzoate group is 83.58 (9)°, which compares to a value of 81.8° obtained from a DFT calculation at the B3LYP/6–311 G(d,p) level. In the crystal, C—O...π and C—H...π interactions and aromatic π–π [Cg...Cg= 3.7214 (14) and 3.7059 (14) Å] stacking generate a three-dimensional network.
Hexaethylguanidinium tetrakis(trimethylsilylethynyl)borate diethyl ether monosolvate
Authors: Oberparleiter Stefan , Laus Gerhard , Gelbrich Thomas , Wurst Klaus , Kunze-Liebhäuser Julia , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: May 2017

The solvated molecular salt, C13H30N3+·C20H36BSi4−·C4H10O, was obtained by the reaction of trimethylsilylethyne with boron trichloride in the presence oftert-butyllithium, followed by ion metathesis. The cation exhibits positional disorder and one of the Me3Si groups shows rotational disorder. No significant directional intermolecular interactions are observed.
Confidence intervals for RLCG cell influenced by coloured noise
Authors: Kolarova Edita , Brancik Lubomir
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine confidence intervals for the stochastic solutions in RLCG cells with a potential source influenced by coloured noise.

Design/methodology/approach

The deterministic model of the basic RLCG cell leads to an ordinary differential equation. In this paper, a stochastic model is formulated and the corresponding stochastic differential equation is analysed using the Itô stochastic calculus.

Findings

Equations for the first and the second moment of the stochastic solution of the coloured noise-affected RLCG cell are obtained, and the corresponding confidence intervals are determined. The moment equations lead to ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically by an implicit Euler scheme, which turns out to be very effective. For comparison, the confidence intervals are computed statistically by an implementation of the Euler scheme using stochastic differential equations.

Practical implications/implications

The theoretical results are illustrated by examples. Numerical simulations in the examples are carried out using Matlab. A possible generalization for transmission line models is indicated.

Originality/value

The Itô-type stochastic differential equation describing the coloured noise RLCG cell is formulated, and equations for the respective moments are derived. Owing to this original approach, the confidence intervals can be found more effectively by solving a system of ordinary differential equations rather than by using statistical methods.
Real time implementation of a new fuzzy-sliding-mode-observer for sensorless IM drive
Authors: Kandoussi Zineb , Boulghasoul Zakaria , Elbacha Abdelhadi , Tajer Abdelouahed
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the performance of sensorless vector control of induction motor drives by developing a new sliding mode observer for rotor speed and fluxes estimation from measured stator currents and voltages and estimated stator currents.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present paper, the discontinuity in the sliding mode observer is smoothed inside a thin boundary layer using fuzzy logic techniques instead of sign function to reduce efficiently the chattering phenomenon that affects the rotor speed.

Findings

The feasibility of the proposed fuzzy sliding mode observer has been verified by experimentation. The experimental results are obtained with a 1 kW induction motor using a dSPACE system with DS1104 controller board showing clearly the effectiveness of the proposed approach in terms of dynamic performance compared to the classical sliding mode observer.

Practical implications

The experimental results of the whole control structure highlights that this kind of sensorless induction motor drive can be used for variable speed drive in industrial applications such as oil drilling, electric vehicles, high speed trains (HSTs) and conveyers. Such drives may work properly at zero and low speed in both directions of rotation.

Originality/value

Both the proposed speed observer and the classical sliding mode observer have been developed and implemented experimentally with other adaptive observers for detailed comparison under different operating conditions, such as parameter variation, no-load/load disturbances and speed variations in different speed operation regions.
A new compact dual band printed monopole antenna using electromagnetic band gap structures
Authors: Hajlaoui El Amjed
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new dual-band printed monopole antenna with a partial ground with two notched bands based on electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures. A new type of EBG antenna with radiation patterns and antenna gains over the operating bands has been developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed antenna consists of a pair of EBG structures using a transmission line model. The proposed antenna is designed on an FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1 mm and permittivity (er) = 4.3.

Findings

The measured results show good dual-band operations with −10 dB impedance bandwidths of 9.1 and 36.2 per cent centered at 2.45 and 6.364 GHz, respectively, which covers the wireless local area network (WLAN) operating bands.

Originality/value

A new type of EBG antenna with radiation patterns and antenna gains over the operating bands has been developed.
Integration through orchestration
Authors: Lorenzo Ochoa Oswaldo , Claes Björn , Koryak Oksana , Diaz Angel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanisms through which the use of enterprise systems (ESs) enhances buyer-supplier integration (BSI). More specifically, the authors explain a model where ES enhances BSI indirectly, mediated by inventory management capabilities (IMCs), as the way ES enhances BSI remains under-explored in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Application of the resource orchestration framework to explain how capabilities and mechanisms interplay to enhance BSI. Data were collected by means of a survey instrument. Data collection took place as part of a larger project, sponsored by the Spanish Government, to evaluate logistics competitiveness in Spain.

Findings

ES enhances BSI by serving as a coordinating mechanism that maintains capability configurations in a value-creating alignment. IMC plays a key, yet under-explored role as a mediating mechanism that supports ES-enabled BSI.

Research limitations/implications

First, this research does not fully capture the multi-party nature of the supply chain context. Second, data collection was limited to companies that were more likely to have a systematic approach to logistics issues (i.e. large- and medium-sized companies) and companies based in Spain.

Originality/value

This paper enhances both scholarly and practitioner understanding of the mechanisms through which the implementation and use of ES contributes to BSI. In addition, this paper integrates literature from different fields (e.g. strategy, information systems, and operations) to gain a better understanding of how the implementation and use of ES affects BSI.
How do Open Source software companies respond to institutional pressures? A business model perspective
Authors: Mouakhar Khaireddine , Tellier Albéric
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Open Source software companies (OSSCs) are confronted with institutional pressures from Open Source software (OSS) communities. They must find an acceptable balance between the expectations of these communities and their own business model. However, there are still few studies that try to analyse the OSSC business models. The purpose of this paper is to highlight OSSC typical business models by using rich empirical data.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a combination of quantitative analysis of a sample of 66 OSSCs and qualitative analysis of three typical situations resulting from that sample.

Findings

The quantitative study enables the authors to highlight three typical business models. The in-depth study of three typical cases enables the authors to specify these OSSC business models. The authors can distinguish four key dimensions: the relationship developed with the OSS communities, the strategic manoeuvres made, the key resources and competitive positioning.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate that it is possible for firms to accommodate both profit and non-profit logics using different strategic manoeuvres to position themselves with regard to the Open Source institutional environment. Such accommodation requires the development of key resources and the adoption of suitable competitive positioning.

Practical implications

This study allows the authors to highlight two main practical contributions for OSSCs’ directors. First, the different manoeuvres identified may help them to ensure coherence between their strategic choices and the business model chosen. Second, the results can help OSSC founders identify value creation mechanisms more clearly by analysing four key variables.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insight about OSSCs business models. It aggregates four dimensions that provide a more “fine-grained” analysis of business models, while other studies often emphasise one dimension (usually the regime of appropriability).