bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wing reduction influences male mating success but not female fitness in cockroaches
Authors: Kotyk Michael , Varadínová Zuzana
Published: May 2017

Although cockroaches (Blattodea s. str.) exhibit high proportion of species with reduced wings, the underlying evolutionary forces remain unclear. Wing reduction in insects is generally considered advantageous for females and a trade-off between investment into the flying apparatus and reproduction is predicted to explain its evolution. However, what if the wing maintenance is an important issue for males’ fitness? Males raise wings during the ritualized courtship which is viewed as an unavoidable movement unveiling the tergal glands for female access. We, however, propose a novel male mating success hypothesis suggesting that male wings are essential for their successful mating. We tested these two competing, but not mutually exclusive hypotheses in the cockroach Eublaberus distanti. We found no effect of female wing loss on any of the measured fecundity characteristics despite that alatectomized females histolyzed flight muscles. On the contrary, alatectomized males did not histolyze wing muscles, but experienced a markedly decreased mating success. Our findings, therefore, provide the first evidence on the crucial mechanical role of wings on male mating success. Consequently, selection for the retention of wings in males rather than for their reduction in females can explain the evolution of sexual wing dimorphism in cockroaches and other insects.
Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance Improves the Long-term Prognosis in Patients with Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Tian Jian , Guan Changdong , Wang Wenyao , Zhang Kuo , Chen Jue , Wu Yongjian , Yan Hongbing , Zhao Yanyan , Qiao Shubin , Yang Yuejin , Mintz Gary S. , Xu Bo , Tang Yida
Published: May 2017

This study compared the long term outcomes in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease who underwent stenting under the guidance of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or conventional angiography at a large single center. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause death and myocardial infarction (MI) at 3 years. Target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 3 years was one of the secondary outcomes. Between January 2004 and December 2011, a total of 1,899 patients who underwent IVUS-guided (n = 713, 37.5%) or conventional angiography-guided (n = 1186, 62.5%) stenting were included. At 3 years, the unadjusted primary outcome trended lower in the IVUS-guided group versus the angiography-guided (6.9% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.22) although the TVR was similar between two groups (6.0% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.97). However, after adjustment for differences in baseline risk factors, IVUS-guidance was associated with significantly lower incidence of the composite of all-cause death and MI (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50 to 0.84; p = 0.001), although there was still no significant difference in TVR between the two groups (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.42; p = 0.53). IVUS guidance has benefits in improving the long-term prognosis for unprotected LMCA stenting.
Apigenin exhibits protective effects in a mouse model ofd-galactose-induced aging via activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Sang Ying , Zhang Fan , Wang Heng , Yao Jianqiao , Chen Ruichuan , Zhou Zhengdao , Yang Kun , Xie Yan , Wan Tianfeng , Ding Hong
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present research was to study the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of apigenin ond-galactose-induced aging mice.
Neobraclactones A–C, three unprecedented chaise longue-shaped xanthones from Garcinia bracteata
Authors: Niu Sheng-Li , Li Da-Hong , Wang Yue-Tong , Wang Kai-Bo , Lin Bin , Jing Yong-Kui , Hua Hui-Ming , Bai Jiao , Li Zhan-Lin
Published: May 2017

Three novel caged-polyprenylated xanthone derivatives, featuring an unusual scaffold with significant antitumor activity, were isolated.
Synthesis of tetrafluoroethylene- and tetrafluoroethyl-containing azides and their 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition as synthetic application
Authors: Voltrová Svatava , Muselli Mickaël , Filgas Josef , Matoušek Václav , Klepetářová Blanka , Beier Petr
Published: May 2017

Synthesis of tetrafluoroethylene-containing azides, 4-substituted N-tetrafluoroethyl- and N-tetrafluoroethylene-containing 1,2,3-triazoles is reported.
Hierarchical CuO octahedra inherited from copper metal–organic frameworks: high-rate and high-capacity lithium-ion storage materials stimulated by pseudocapacitance
Authors: Hu Xiaoshi , Li Chao , Lou Xiaobing , Yang Qi , Hu Bingwen
Published: May 2017

Hierarchically structured porous CuO octahedron (HPCO): room-temperature transformation from a copper MOF and promotion of stable high capacity and high rate performance for lithium-ion batteries by pseudocapacitance.
An ultrathin stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator with coplanar electrode for energy harvesting and gesture sensing
Authors: Chen Xuexian , Song Yu , Chen Haotian , Zhang Jinxin , Zhang Haixia
Published: May 2017

An ultrathin and stretchable TENG can be conformally attached on skin for energy harvesting and gesture sensing.
Highly performing ionic liquid enriched hybrid RSDs
Authors: Rajan Krishna , Bejtka Katarzyna , Bocchini Sergio , Perrone Denis , Chiappone Annalisa , Roppolo Ignazio , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Ricciardi Carlo , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: May 2017

Real-time observation of the filament formation and annihilation (grey area corresponds to tungsten nanoprobe). (a) Filament formation at set threshold (orange color path corresponds to the formed filamentary path). (b) Filament dissolution at reset threshold (magenta color corresponds to the annihilation of the filamentary path). (c) Further filament formation.
Thiophene-S,S-dioxidized diarylethenes for light-starting irreversible thermosensors that can detect a rise in heat at low temperature
Authors: Kitagawa Daichi , Tanaka Koki , Kobatake Seiya
Published: May 2017

Thiophene-S,S-dioxidized diarylethenes having a trialkylsilyl group at the reactive positions underwent photoinduced coloration and thermal bleaching even at −40 to −30 °C.
Effects of ambient PM2.5and 9-nitroanthracene on DNA damage and repair, oxidative stress and metabolic enzymes in the lungs of rats
Authors: Li Ruijin , Zhao Lifang , Zhang Li , Chen Minghui , Shi Jing , Dong Chuan , Cai Zongwei
Published: May 2017

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a complex mixture associated with lung cancer risk.
Ligand-induced activation of human TRPM2 requires the terminal ribose of ADPR and involves Arg1433 and Tyr1349
Authors: Fliegert Ralf , Watt Joanna M. , Schöbel Anja , Rozewitz Monika D. , Moreau Christelle , Kirchberger Tanja , Thomas Mark P. , Sick Wiebke , Araujo Andrea C. , Harneit Angelika , Potter Barry V.L. , Guse Andreas H.
Published: May 2017

TRPM2 (transient receptor potential channel, subfamily melastatin, member 2) is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel activated by the binding of adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose (ADPR) to its cytoplasmic NUDT9H domain (NUDT9 homology domain). Activation of TRPM2 by ADPR downstream of oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, rendering TRPM2 an attractive novel target for pharmacological intervention. However, the structural basis underlying this activation is largely unknown. Since ADP (adenosine 5′-diphosphate) alone did not activate or antagonize the channel, we used a chemical biology approach employing synthetic analogues to focus on the role of the ADPR terminal ribose. All novel ADPR derivatives modified in the terminal ribose, including that with the seemingly minor change of methylating the anomeric-OH, abolished agonist activity at TRPM2. Antagonist activity improved as the terminal substituent increasingly resembled the natural ribose, indicating that gating by ADPR might require specific interactions between hydroxyl groups of the terminal ribose and the NUDT9H domain. By mutating amino acid residues of the NUDT9H domain, predicted by modelling and docking to interact with the terminal ribose, we demonstrate that abrogating hydrogen bonding of the amino acids Arg1433 and Tyr1349 interferes with activation of the channel by ADPR. Taken together, using the complementary experimental approaches of chemical modification of the ligand and site-directed mutagenesis of TRPM2, we demonstrate that channel activation critically depends on hydrogen bonding of Arg1433 and Tyr1349 with the terminal ribose. Our findings allow for a more rational design of novel TRPM2 antagonists that may ultimately lead to compounds of therapeutic potential.
More Than the Verbal Stimulus Matters: Visual Attention in Language Assessment for People With Aphasia Using Multiple-Choice Image Displays
Authors: Heuer Sabine , Ivanova Maria V. , Hallowell Brooke
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Language comprehension in people with aphasia (PWA) is frequently evaluated using multiple-choice displays: PWA are asked to choose the image that best corresponds to the verbal stimulus in a display. When a nontarget image is selected, comprehension failure is assumed. However, stimulus-driven factors unrelated to linguistic comprehension may influence performance. In this study we explore the influence of physical image characteristics of multiple-choice image displays on visual attention allocation by PWA.

Method

Eye fixations of 41 PWA were recorded while they viewed 40 multiple-choice image sets presented with and without verbal stimuli. Within each display, 3 images (majority images) were the same and 1 (singleton image) differed in terms of 1 image characteristic. The mean proportion of fixation duration (PFD) allocated across majority images was compared against the PFD allocated to singleton images.

Results

PWA allocated significantly greater PFD to the singleton than to the majority images in both nonverbal and verbal conditions. Those with greater severity of comprehension deficits allocated greater PFD to nontarget singleton images in the verbal condition.

Conclusion

When using tasks that rely on multiple-choice displays and verbal stimuli, one cannot assume that verbal stimuli will override the effect of visual-stimulus characteristics.
Hybrid WK‐recursive on‐chip network for multi‐core system
Authors: Hu Sensen , Shi Feng , Chen Xu
Published: May 2017

WK‐recursive based networks well conform to a modular design due to the properties of regularity and scalability. Here, the focus is on a triplet‐based WK‐recursive topology and its implementation using tiled shapes in multi‐core processors design is explored. To further improve the network throughput and reduce the network latency, a pair of heterogeneous topologies is proposed to separate the core communication from the memory communication. It is demonstrated that the triangular topologies are feasible to be implemented with rectangular tile floor‐planning.
Minimum length of damping section for towed array based on revised Paidoussis equation
Authors: Shulin Wen , Shuqiu Li
Published: May 2017

Most of the non‐acoustic methods for towed array shape estimation are based on the incorrect original Paidoussis equation. A comparison between solution to the original and revised Paidoussis equation is made to prove the significance of utilising the latter. In addition, considering relative characteristics of the revised Paidoussis equation and the critical point which exists on the cylinder, the minimum length of damping section added at the end of the cylinder is derived.
3T‐2R non‐volatile TCAM with voltage limiter and self‐controlled bias circuit
Authors: Kim C. , Kwon K.‐W.
Published: May 2017

A 3T‐2R non‐volatile ternary content‐addressable‐memory (nvTCAM) is proposed. Using a voltage limiter and self‐controlled bias circuit, both faster match line development and more sensing margin were possible when compared to the conventional nvTCAM. The voltage limiter provides a clear distinction between mismatch cell and ‘don't care’ cell. In case of nvTCAM made of non‐volatile memory (NVM) with a large resistance ratio, the sensing delay is reduced by 43.7% thanks to the combination of the self‐controlled bias circuit and voltage limiter. The proposed circuit works properly with NVM with resistance ratio as low as 3. The proposed nvTCAM cell was evaluated using a 65 nm CMOS process.
Electromechanical coupling based influence of structural error on radiation and scattering performance of array antennas
Authors: Wang Congsi , Wang Yan , Wang Wei , Zhou Jinzhu , Wang Meng , Wang Zhihai
Published: May 2017

A new structure and scattering array factor coupling model, for estimating the effect of element position error of active phased‐array antenna on its radar cross section (RCS) is established, based on the relationship between structural position error and phase difference. The model greatly reduces the computational complexity of the RCS for the evaluation of array antenna performance. Based on the model, the influence of the element position error on the gain and RCS is analysed with the results showing that a reasonable reduction in element position accuracy may effectively decrease the RCS. Thus, the developed model can be applied in engineering to balance the radiation and scattering properties. With the necessary radiation and scattering performance guaranteed, the antenna processing and installation tolerances can be properly relaxed to effectively reduce the calibration difficulty and cost.
Engineering nanoparticle synthesis using microbial factories
Authors: Pasula Rupali Reddy , Lim Sierin
Published: May 2017

Biologically engineered entities have enabled discoveries in the past decade and a half, spanning from novel routes for the syntheses of drugs and value‐added products to carbon capture. The precise cellular re‐programming has extended to the production of nanomaterials owing to their ever‐growing demand. The primary advantage of the biological nanoparticle synthesis is the eco‐friendly approach performed at ambient temperature and pressure, where the usage of harsh chemical stabilisers and capping agents is eliminated, providing ease of handling and downstream processing. Although the techniques hold great promise, many short comings hamper their scalability; thus, rendering them unsuitable for industrial applications. A fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanisms which involve various enzymes of different metabolic pathways is most crucial in surmounting these impending blocks leading to successfully engineered systems which can be tuned in accordance with the goals of specific applications. This mini review highlights the recent developments in nanoparticle synthesis that employ the use of microbial reaction vessels with specific emphasis on engineering of these biological entities such as bacteria, yeast, fungi and algae. Also presented are the challenges and future trends in this domain where novel and engineered approaches will be the most consequential.
Low‐complexity multi‐service power optimisation algorithm based on MOS models
Authors: He Lijun , Liu Guizhong
Published: May 2017

In this study, the authors consider the power optimisation based on the MOS (mean of score) models of different services over multi‐user femtocell systems. They first formulate a mathematic model to minimise the total power consumption, subject to the MOS requirements and the network resource constraint. To solve the formulated problem, they first propose an optimal power allocation (OPA) scheme, in which the optimal power allocation and RB (resource block) assignment can be obtained by employing the Lagrange dual decomposition method. However, iterative update of the Lagrange variables leads to high complexity. To deal with this, they further propose a utility‐based suboptimal power optimisation algorithm (SPA). The utility of assigning each RB to each user is defined as the power consumption difference caused by adding the RB to the set of the RBs already assigned to the user. To calculate the utility, they develop a low‐complexity optimal power allocation scheme. Based on the calculated utility, each RB is assigned to the user with the maximum utility. Experimental results demonstrate that OPA can indeed acquire an upper bound of the system performance. SPA can improve the MOS of the users with acceptable complexity compared with other existing algorithms.
Comparison between current‐based and flux/torque‐based model predictive control methods for open‐end winding induction motor drives
Authors: Zhu Bohang , Rajashekara Kaushik , Kubo Hajime
Published: May 2017

In automotive testing systems such as chassis dynamometers and engine dynamometers, effective and efficient control strategies are required to control the induction motor drives, so that fast torque response and low‐torque ripples can be obtained. The fast torque response can be obtained by using model predictive control (MPC) due to its high bandwidth over a wide‐speed range; and the torque ripple can be reduced by using open‐end winding induction motor (OEWIM). Since MPC can be current based or flux/torque based, and can be linear and non‐linear, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of different MPC methods on the open‐end winding drives. In this study, linear and non‐linear current‐based MPC methods and flux/torque‐based MPC methods for OEWIM drive are derived and evaluated. The transient and steady‐state responses of MPC methods are compared through simulation and experiment. The results show that linear MPC methods require less computation time, and under the same sampling frequency, linear MPC methods provide lower current ripple and better zero‐sequence‐current suppression than non‐linear MPC methods. This study provides practical perception for MPC used on multi‐level converters and MPC used for unbalanced situations.
3D computation of no‐load magnetic flux density in slotless axial‐flux permanent‐magnet synchronous machines using conformal mapping
Authors: Shahbazi Ayat Yusef , Alizadeh Pahlavani Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2017

This study presents a new three‐dimensional (3D) analytical method for no‐load magnetic flux density computation of axial‐flux permanent‐magnet synchronous machines. In the method suggested, at first the machine's cylindrical coordinates are converted to the Cartesian coordinates using conformal mapping, and then Laplace's equation is solved in Cartesian coordinates in 3D to give the scalar magnetic potential. Finally, the magnetic flux density is computed using the scalar magnetic potential. Use of the analytical method takes much less computational time than 3D finite element method does, and is, thus, useful for designing and optimisation purposes. Validation of this method is performed through the 3D finite element analysis and experimental results.
Cascaded multilevel inverter based on symmetric–asymmetric DC sources with reduced number of components
Authors: Saeedian Meysam , Adabi Jafar , Hosseini Seyyed Mehdi
Published: May 2017

This study presents a new module for multilevel inverters with reduced components. Each module produces 25 levels using four asymmetrical DC voltage sources (two 1VDC and two 5VDC sources) and 10 semiconductor switches. A significant advantage of the suggested module is its potentiality in producing voltage levels with negative polarity without any end side H‐bridge inverter. Therefore, switches with lower voltage ratings are used in its structure. Series connection of the proposed structure leads to a modular topology which produces more voltage levels using reasonable number of switches, gate driver circuits, power diodes and less DC voltage sources. These advantages are analysed by comparing this structure with other state‐of‐the‐art topologies. Selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation (SHE‐PWM) scheme is used to achieve output voltage with high quality. To produce all voltage levels, two algorithms are proposed to determine DC voltage sources magnitude. The accuracy of the suggested module performance in producing all voltage levels is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Hybrid phase shift and shifted sideband beamforming for large‐aperture MIMO sonar imaging
Authors: Liu Xionghou , Sun Chao , Yang Yixin , Zhuo Jie
Published: May 2017

A multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) sonar can form a large‐aperture virtual uniform linear array (ULA) from a small number of physical elements. However, the large‐aperture MIMO sonar encounters a dilemma between the computation load and the imaging performance. Since the traditional phase‐shift beamformer (PSBF) and shifted sideband beamformer (SSBF) cannot solve the dilemma individually, the authors proposed a hybrid beamformer (HBF) which combines PSBF and SSBF together. Specifically, the proposed HBF contains the off‐ and on‐line processing. In the off‐line processing SSBF is applied to the transmitting ULA to process transmitting waveforms. In the on‐line processing PSBF is applied to the receiving ULA, and outputs of off‐line SSBFs are utilised to matched filter outputs of PSBFs. Thus, in the proposed HBF the time delays of SSBF is calculated off‐line; and the multi‐beam processing is simplified as PSBFs on the receiving ULA. Consequently, the proposed HBF can reduce the computation load of the large‐aperture MIMO sonar effectively while obtaining a fine imaging performance. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed HBF.
Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidation-Hydroxylation and Oxidation-Methoxylation­ of N-Boc Indoles for the Synthesis of 3-Oxoindolines
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yu , Chen Xia , Wang Liang-Guang , Yang Dan , Li Zhi
Published: May 2017

The palladium-catalyzed oxidation-hydroxylation and oxidation-methoxylation of N-Boc indoles for the synthesis of tert-butyl 2-hydroxy(methoxy)-3-oxoindoline-1-carboxylates and their derivatives is developed. The process occurs readily using PdCl2 as the catalyst and acetonitrile as the solvent to afford 3-oxoindolines in moderate to high yields. A mechanism for this Pd-catalyzed oxidation-hydroxylation and oxidation-methoxylation of N-Boc indoles is proposed.
Numerical analysis of the shifting slabs applied in a wireless power transfer system to enhance magnetic coupling
Authors: Dong Yayun , Yang Xijun , Jin Nan , Li Wenwen , Yao Chen , Tang Houjun
Published: May 2017

Shifting medium is a kind of metamaterial, which can optically shift a space or an object a certain distance away from its original position. Based on the shifting medium, we propose a concise pair of shifting slabs covering the transmitting or receiving coil in a two-coil wireless power transfer system to decrease the equivalent distance between the coils. The electromagnetic parameters of the shifting slabs are calculated by transformation optics. Numerical simulations validate that the shifting slabs can approximately shift the electromagnetic fields generated by the covered coil; thus, the magnetic coupling and the efficiency of the system are enhanced while remaining the physical transmission distance unchanged. We also verify the advantages of the shifting slabs over the magnetic superlens. Finally, we provide two methods to fabricate shifting slabs based on split-ring resonators.
Weyl modules for Lie superalgebras
Authors: Calixto Lucas , Lemay Joel , Savage Alistair
Published: May 2017

We define global and local Weyl modules for Lie superalgebras of the form

g

⊗
A

\mathfrak {g} \otimes A

, where

A
A

is an associative commutative unital

C

\mathbb {C}

-algebra and

g

\mathfrak {g}

is a basic Lie superalgebra or

s
l

(
n
,
n
)

\mathfrak {sl}(n,n)

,

n
≥
2

n \ge 2

. Under some mild assumptions, we prove universality, finite-dimensionality, and tensor product decomposition properties for these modules. These properties are analogues of those of Weyl modules in the non-super setting. We also point out some features that are new in the super case.
Flow-induced endothelial cell alignment requires the RhoGEF Trio as a scaffold protein to polarize active Rac1 distribution
Authors: Kroon Jeffrey , Heemskerk Niels , Kalsbeek Martin J. T. , de Waard Vivian , van Rijssel Jos , van Buul Jaap D.
Published: May 2017

Endothelial cells line the lumen of the vessel wall and are exposed to flow. In linear parts of the vessel, the endothelial cells experience laminar flow, resulting in endothelial cell alignment in the direction of flow, thereby protecting the vessel wall from inflammation and permeability. In order for endothelial cells to align, they undergo rapid remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton by local activation of the small GTPase Rac1. However, it is not clear whether sustained and local activation of Rac1 is required for long-term flow-induced cell alignment. Using a FRET-based DORA Rac1 biosensor, we show that local Rac1 activity remains for 12 h upon long-term flow. Silencing studies show that the RhoGEF Trio is crucial for keeping active Rac1 at the downstream side of the cell and, as a result, for long-term flow-induced cell alignment. Surprisingly, Trio appears to be not involved in flow-induced activation of Rac1. Our data show that flow induces Rac1 activity at the downstream side of the cell in a Trio-dependent manner and that Trio functions as a scaffold protein rather than a functional GEF under long-term flow conditions.
Transient activation of fission yeast AMPK is required for cell proliferation during osmotic stress
Authors: Schutt Katherine L. , Moseley James B.
Published: May 2017

The heterotrimeric kinase AMPK acts as an energy sensor to coordinate cell metabolism with environmental status in species from yeast through humans. Low intracellular ATP leads to AMPK activation through phosphorylation of the activation loop within the catalytic subunit. Other environmental stresses also activate AMPK, but it is unclear whether cellular energy status affects AMPK activation under these conditions. Fission yeast AMPK catalytic subunit Ssp2 is phosphorylated at Thr-189 by the upstream kinase Ssp1 in low-glucose conditions, similar to other systems. Here we find that hyperosmotic stress induces strong phosphorylation of Ssp2-T189 by Ssp1. Ssp2-pT189 during osmotic stress is transient and leads to transient regulation of AMPK targets, unlike sustained activation by low glucose. Cells lacking this activation mechanism fail to proliferate after hyperosmotic stress. Activation during osmotic stress requires energy sensing by AMPK heterotrimer, and osmotic stress leads to decreased intracellular ATP levels. We observed mitochondrial fission during osmotic stress, but blocking fission did not affect AMPK activation. Stress-activated kinases Sty1 and Pmk1 did not promote AMPK activation but contributed to subsequent inactivation. Our results show that osmotic stress induces transient energy stress, and AMPK activation allows cells to manage this energy stress for proliferation in new osmotic states.
chimeraviz: a tool for visualizing chimeric RNA
Authors: Lågstad Stian , Zhao Sen , Hoff Andreas M , Johannessen Bjarne , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Skotheim Rolf I
Published: May 2017

Advances in high-throughput RNA sequencing have enabled more efficient detection of fusion transcripts, but the technology and associated software used for fusion detection from sequencing data often yield a high false discovery rate. Good prioritization of the results is important, and this can be helped by a visualization framework that automatically integrates RNA data with known genomic features. Here we present chimeraviz, a Bioconductor package that automates the creation of chimeric RNA visualizations. The package supports input from nine different fusion-finder tools: deFuse, EricScript, InFusion, JAFFA, FusionCatcher, FusionMap, PRADA, SOAPfuse and STAR-FUSION.

Availability and implementation

chimeraviz is an R package available via Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/chimeraviz.html) under Artistic-2.0. Source code and support is available at GitHub (https://github.com/stianlagstad/chimeraviz).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predicting ultraluminous X-ray source demographics from geometrical beaming
Authors: Middleton Matthew J. , King Andrew
Published: May 2017

The ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) population is known to contain neutron stars (NS), but the relative number of these compared to black hole (BH) primaries is unknown. Assuming classical supercritical accretion and resultant geometrical beaming, we show that the observed population ratio can be predicted from the mean masses of each family of compact objects and the relative spatial density of NSs to BHs. Conversely – and perhaps more importantly – given even a crude estimate for the spatial densities, an estimate of the fraction of the population containing NSs will begin to constrain the mean mass of BHs in ultraluminous X-ray sources.
Can the helium-enriched main-sequence donor scenario hide enough hydrogen to explain Type Ia supernovae?
Authors: Liu Zheng-Wei , Stancliffe Richard J.
Published: May 2017

Hydrodynamical simulations predict that a large amount of hydrogen (≳0.1 M⊙) is removed from a hydrogen-rich companion star by the SN explosion in the single-degenerate scenario of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). However, non-detection of hydrogen-rich material in the late-time spectra of SNe Ia suggests that the hydrogen mass stripped from the progenitor system is ≲0.001–0.058 M⊙. In this Letter, we include thermohaline mixing into self-consistent binary evolution calculations for the helium-enriched main-sequence (HEMS) donor channel of SNe Ia for the first time. We find that the swept-up hydrogen masses expected in this channel are around 0.10–0.17 M⊙, which is higher than the observational limits, although the companion star is strongly helium-enriched when the SN explodes. This presents a serious challenge to the HEMS donor channel.
Quantitative Review of the Effects of Triazole and Benzimidazole Fungicides on Fusarium Head Blight and Wheat Yield in Brazil
Authors: Machado Franklin Jackson , Santana Flávio Martins , Lau Douglas , Del Ponte Emerson Medeiros
Published: May 2017

Triazole and benzimidazole fungicides have been used for controlling Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat for over two decades. In Brazil, it was only during the last five years that uniform fungicide trials for FHB control have been established yearly, thus contributing to a new large body of fungicide efficacy data for this country. A systematic review of both peer- and non-peer-reviewed studies on chemical control conducted since 2000 in Brazil was performed. Fungicides of interest were the triazoles tebuconazole (TEBU1x and TEBU2x) and propiconazole (PROP2x), and the benzimidazole carbendazim (CARB2x). Most fungicides were applied twice, the first at early to mid-flowering and the second 7 to 10 days later. Only TEBU was tested as one or two applications, and thus four treatments were evaluated. For these fungicides, there were 35 trials reporting FHB index and 48 reporting mean yield. Network meta-analytic models were fitted to the data of the log of the means of FHB index for each fungicide and for the nontreated check. The meta-analytic estimates were used to obtain control efficacy ([Formula: see text]), or percent disease reduction relative to the nontreated check. The absolute mean difference ([Formula: see text]) in yield (kg/ha) between the fungicide-treated and the nontreated check plots was also estimated. Yield response relative to the nontreated check ([Formula: see text]) was also calculated based on the difference in the logs of the means of yield between fungicide-treated and nontreated check. The TEBU1x, TEBU2x, and CARB2x treatments performed similarly with regards to control efficacy (= 59%, 53% and 55%, respectively), and although better than PROP2x (47%), the difference was marginally significant. Yield response ([Formula: see text]) was highest for TEBU2x, ([Formula: see text] = 558 kg/ha, [Formula: see text] = 19.2%) followed by PROP2x (497 kg/ha, 16.0%), TEBU1x (457 kg/ha, 17.3%), and CARB2x (456 kg/ha, 12.8%). For an average 2016 scenario of fungicide plus application costs (FC = $18 U.S./ha) and average wheat price (WP = $215 U.S./MT), the probability of breaking even on the financial investment in the four treatments ranged from 59 to 63%. For 140 scenarios (four fungicides) created based on the combination of five WP ($133 to 266 U.S./MT) and seven FC ($5 to 35 U.S./ha), the probability of breaking even was >50% for all but two scenarios. The information may serve as a guide for planning future trials and provides a baseline and first step toward optimizing FHB management in Brazil.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for the Upper and Lower Extremity
Authors: Kuiken Todd A. , Barlow Ann K. , Hargrove Levi J. , Dumanian Gregorgy A.
Published: May 2017

Myoelectric devices are controlled by electromyographic signals generated by contraction of residual muscles, which thus serve as biological amplifiers of neural control signals. Although nerves severed by amputation continue to carry motor control information intended for the missing limb, loss of muscle effectors due to amputation prevents access to this important control information. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) was developed as a novel strategy to improve control of myoelectric upper limb prostheses. Severed motor nerves are surgically transferred to the motor points of denervated target muscles, which, after reinnervation, contract in response to neural control signals for the missing limb. TMR creates additional control sites, eliminating the need to switch the prosthesis between different control modes. In addition, contraction of target muscles, and operation of the prosthesis, occurs in reponse to attempts to move the missing limb, making control easier and more intuitive. TMR has been performed extensively in individuals with high-level upper limb amputations and has been shown to improve functional prosthesis control. The benefits of TMR are being studied in individuals with transradial amputations and lower limb amputations. TMR is also being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial as a method to prevent or treat painful amputation neuromas.
Sertraline for Major Depression During the Year Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fann Jesse R. , Bombardier Charles H. , Temkin Nancy , Esselman Peter , Warms Catherine , Barber Jason , Dikmen Sureyya
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common and associated with impaired functioning after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Few placebo-controlled antidepressant trials exist in this population. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of sertraline for MDD within 1 year of sustaining a TBI.

Setting:

Level I trauma center.

Participants:

Adults with MDD within 1 year of hospitalization for complicated mild to severe TBI.

Design:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Main Measures:

Twelve-week treatment response on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. We also assessed symptom improvement and remission.

Results:

We randomized 62 participants: 32% sustained a severe TBI, 68% had significant anxiety, 63% had a history of prior MDD, and 69% had a history of alcohol or drug dependence. Depression significantly improved from baseline to 12 weeks in both treatment groups (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the sertraline and placebo groups over 12 weeks on depression severity, response, or remission. The sertraline group had significant improvement on speed of information processing compared with the placebo group (P < .006).

Conclusion:

Sertraline monotherapy was not superior to placebo for MDD in people with post–acute complicated mild to severe TBI. Research is needed on the effectiveness of interventions that also address the significant psychosocial needs of this population.
Behavioral Clinical Trials in Moderate to Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Challenges, Potential Solutions, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Wade Shari L. , Kurowski Brad G.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this commentary is to outline the challenges encountered when conducting clinical trials of interventions for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and share potential solutions for surmounting these issues. This commentary grows out of our experience implementing 8 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of family-centered interventions to reduce child behavior problems and caregiver/parent distress following pediatric brain injury. These studies, involving more than 600 participants from 8 clinical centers, support the feasibility of conducting RCTs with children who have sustained TBIs while highlighting potential challenges and threats to validity. The challenges of behavioral trials for pediatric TBI are apparent but not insurmountable. Careful consideration of the clinical trial issues outlined in this commentary can inform design choices and analyses when planning a clinical trial. It is critically important that investigators share their failures as well their successes to move the field of pediatric TBI intervention research forward.
Relationship Stability After Traumatic Brain Injury Among Veterans and Service Members: A VA TBI Model Systems Study
Authors: Stevens Lillian Flores , Lapis Yanna , Tang Xinyu , Sander Angelle M. , Dreer Laura E. , Hammond Flora M. , Kreutzer Jeffrey S. , O'Neil-Pirozzi Therese M. , Nakase-Richardson Risa
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To explore stability of relationships and predictors of change in relationship status 2 years following TBI/polytrauma.

Setting:

Five Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (VA PRCs).

Participants:

A total of 357 active duty service members and Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems database with complete marital status information at 2 years postinjury.

Design:

Prospective, longitudinal, multisite.

Main Measures:

Relationship status change was defined as change in marital status (single/never married; married; divorced/separated) at 2-year follow-up, compared with status at enrollment.

Results:

At the time of enrollment, 134 participants (38%) were single/never married; 151 (42%) were married, and 72 (20%) were divorced/separated. Of those married at enrollment, 78% remained married at year 2 while 22% underwent negative change. Multivariable analyses revealed that age and education at the time of injury and mental health utilization prior to injury were significant predictors of relationship change. Among those who were single/divorced/separated at the time of enrollment, 87% remained so at year 2 while 13% underwent positive change. Injury during deployment significantly predicted positive relationship change.

Conclusions:

The unmalleable, preinjury characteristics identified may be used as potential triggers for education, prevention, surveillance, and couples therapy, if needed.
Brief Report: Late Efavirenz-Induced Ataxia and Encephalopathy: A Case Series
Authors: Variava Ebrahim , Sigauke Farai R. , Norman Jennifer , Rakgokong Modiehi , Muchichwa Petudzai , Mochan Andre , Maartens Gary , Martinson Neil A.
Published: May 2017

Background:

WHO treatment guidelines recommend efavirenz in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Efavirenz commonly causes early transient neuropsychiatric adverse events. We present 20 cases with severe encephalopathy accompanied by ataxia due to efavirenz toxicity.

Methods:

Consecutive HIV-infected adults taking efavirenz-containing ART admitted to Tshepong hospital, Klerksdorp, South Africa with ataxia and encephalopathy were included in this case series.

Results:

We identified 20 women admitted to hospital with severe ataxia. All received efavirenz-based ART for a median of 2 years. All had severe ataxia and none had nystagmus. Eleven had features of encephalopathy. Median weight was 34 kg [interquartile range (IQR): 29.7–35.3]; median CD4 count 299 cells/mm3 (IQR: 258–300) and most (18 of 19) were virally suppressed. Eight patients had a record of prior weights and 7 of 8 showed significant weight loss with a median weight loss of 10.8 kg (IQR: 8–11.6). All cases had plasma efavirenz assays, 19 were supratherapeutic (more than twice the upper level of therapeutic range), and 15 had concentrations above the upper limit of assay detection. Ataxia resolved after withdrawal of efavirenz at a median time of 2 months (IQR: 1.25–4) and recurred in 2 of 3 patients when rechallenged. Admissions before diagnosis were frequent with 10 cases admitted previously. Three women died.

Conclusions:

Efavirenz toxicity may present with severe reversible ataxia often with encephalopathy years after its initiation, likely in genetic slow metabolizers. We recommend that patients whose weight is <40 kg receive lower doses of efavirenz and that therapeutic drug monitoring be considered, and efavirenz stopped in patients presenting with ataxia. Eight patients had a record of prior subsequent weights and 7 of 8 showed significant weight loss gain; median gain of 10.8 kg (IQR: 8–11.6).
An Ovine Model of Hyperdynamic Endotoxemia and Vital Organ Metabolism
Authors: Byrne Liam , Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Diab Sara , Dunster Kimble , Passmore Margaret , Boon Ai Ching , Hoe Louise See , Hay Karen , Van Haren Frank , Tung John-Paul , Cullen Louise , Shekar Kiran , Maitland Kathryn , Fraser John F.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Animal models of endotoxemia are frequently used to understand the pathophysiology of sepsis and test new therapies. However, important differences exist between commonly used experimental models of endotoxemia and clinical sepsis. Animal models of endotoxemia frequently produce hypodynamic shock in contrast to clinical hyperdynamic shock. This difference may exaggerate the importance of hypoperfusion as a causative factor in organ dysfunction. This study sought to develop an ovine model of hyperdynamic endotoxemia and assess if there is evidence of impaired oxidative metabolism in the vital organs.

Methods:

Eight sheep had microdialysis catheters implanted into the brain, heart, liver, kidney, and arterial circulation. Shock was induced with a 4 h escalating dose infusion of endotoxin. After 3 h vasopressor support was initiated with noradrenaline and vasopressin. Animals were monitored for 12 h after endotoxemia. Blood samples were recovered for hemoglobin, white blood cell count, creatinine, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1Beta, IL-6, and IL-8).

Results:

The endotoxin infusion was successful in producing distributive shock with the mean arterial pressure decreasing from 84.5 ± 12.8 mm Hg to 49 ± 8.03 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Cardiac index remained within the normal range decreasing from 3.33 ± 0.56 L/min/m2 to 2.89l ± 0.36 L/min/m2 (P = 0.0845). Lactate/pyruvate ratios were not significantly abnormal in the heart, brain, kidney, or arterial circulation. Liver microdialysis samples demonstrated persistently high lactate/pyruvate ratios (mean 37.9 ± 3.3).

Conclusions:

An escalating dose endotoxin infusion was successful in producing hyperdynamic shock. There was evidence of impaired oxidative metabolism in the liver suggesting impaired splanchnic perfusion. This may be a modifiable factor in the progression to multiple organ dysfunction and death.
Calreticulin Ameliorates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Human Microvascular Endothelial Cell Injury By Inhibiting Autophagy
Authors: Wang You , Tao Tian-Qi , Song Dan-Dan , Liu Xiu-Hua
Published: May 2017

Background:

Autophagy has been found to be involved in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanism and significance of autophagy in reperfusion injury remain unclear. Herein, we evaluated the effects of exogenous calreticulin (CRT) on autophagy in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated human microvascular endothelial cells (MECs).

Methods:

Human MECs were pretreated with CRT (25 pg/mL) for 30 min, followed by exposure in an incubator filled with a gas mixture of 90% N2, 5% O2, and 5% CO2 for 8-h hypoxia. The cells were then placed back in the normoxic CO2 incubator for 16-h reoxygenation. Cell injury was assessed by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Autophagosomes were detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), Beclin 1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3).

Results:

H/R induced marked autophagy through the mTOR pathway. CRT suppressed rapamycin- and H/R-induced autophagosome formation, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and Beclin 1 expression in human MECs by upregulating mTOR phosphorylation, consequently attenuating H/R-induced human MEC injury.

Conclusions:

Exogenous CRT attenuated H/R-induced human MEC injury by inhibiting autophagy.
Domino-like propagation of collective U-turns in fish schools
Authors: Lecheval Valentin , Jiang Li , Tichit Pierre , Sire Clément , Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Theraulaz Guy
Published: May 2017

Moving animal groups such as schools of fish or flocks of birds often undergo sudden collective changes of their travelling direction as a consequence of stochastic fluctuations in heading of the individuals. However, the mechanisms by which these behavioural fluctuations arise at the individual level and propagate within a group are still unclear. In the present study, we combine an experimental and theoretical approach to investigate spontaneous collective U-turns in groups of rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) swimming in a ring-shaped tank. U-turns imply that fish switch their heading between the clockwise and anticlockwise direction. We reconstruct trajectories of individuals moving alone and in groups of different sizes. We show that the group decreases its swimming speed before a collective U-turn. This is in agreement with previous theoretical predictions showing that speed decrease facilitates an amplification of fluctuations in heading in the group, which can trigger U-turns. These collective U-turns are mostly initiated by individuals at the front of the group. Once an individual has initiated a U-turn, the new direction propagates through the group from front to back without amplification or dampening, resembling the dynamics of falling dominoes. The mean time between collective U-turns sharply increases as the size of the group increases. We develop an Ising spin model integrating anisotropic and asymmetrical interactions between fish and their tendency to follow the majority of their neighbours nonlinearly (social conformity). The model quantitatively reproduces key features of the dynamics and the frequency of collective U-turns observed in experiments.