bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of twisted γ-ray radiation by nonlinear Thomson scattering of twisted light
Authors: Chen Yue-Yue , Hatsagortsyan Karen Z. , Keitel Christoph H.
Published: March 2019

Interaction of twisted strong laser radiation with electrons in the classical regime is considered. We investigate transfer of the angular momentum of absorbed laser photons to the emitted radiation. An interaction regime is considered where radiation reaction is negligible and the formation length of radiation is comparable to or larger than the laser wavelength. The latter condition ensures that the structure of the laser field plays a role in the electron dynamics during the formation of radiation. We distinguish the case of a single electron from that of an electron beam. For a single electron, the spin angular momentum of the driving laser photons is transferred to the radiation field, while the orbital angular momentum of the laser field is not. We conclude that in the classical regime, to imprint the angular momentum of twisted light on radiation, an electron beam is a prerequisite. In the latter case, nonlinear Thomson scattering of twisted light off an ultrarelativistic electron beam produces high-frequency radiation that is twisted, with a topological charge proportional to the harmonic order.
A symmetrical quasi-classical windowing model for the molecular dynamics treatment of non-adiabatic processes involving many electronic states
Authors: Cotton Stephen J. , Miller William H.
Published: March 2019

In the previous work of Cotton and Miller [J. Chem. Phys. 145, 144108 (2016)], an improved symmetrical quasi-classical (SQC) windowing model for the molecular dynamics treatment of electronically non-adiabatic processes was developed in order to extend the original SQC approach to the regime of weak-coupling between the electronic states. The improved SQC model—based on triangular-shaped window functions—handled the weak-coupling limit as intended and, as a bonus, was shown to be universally superior to the original square/histogram SQC windowing model over all coupling regimes, but only for treating systems of two electronic states, as no higher-dimensional generalization was evident. This paper, therefore, provides a generalized version for treating an arbitrary number of electronic states. By construction, the benefits of the two-state triangle model—seamless treatment of weak-coupling and improved accuracy in all coupling regimes—carry over to the generalized version. Far more significant, however, is that the new model provides vastly improved windowing statistics in higher dimensions, enabling the SQC simulation of electronically non-adiabatic processes involving many more relevant electronic states than was previously practical. Capabilities are demonstrated with respect to a 24 pigment trimer model of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson light-harvesting complex, as well as treating similar 48- and 96-electronic state model problems, illustrating the scaling properties of the new method.
Growth control of corundum-derivative MnSnO3 thin films by pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Miura Kei , Fujiwara Kohei , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: March 2019

The periodic arrangement of equimolar two cations in the corundum structure produces the ilmenite-type and LiNbO3-type orderings. The phase (polymorphism) control is one of the important topics in solid-state chemistry. Using a pulsed-laser deposition technique, we examined the formation of MnSnO3 films as a function of oxygen gas pressure. Under the optimal low oxygen gas pressure, c-axis oriented single-crystalline films of the ilmenite-type MnSnO3 were synthesized on Al2O3 (0001). We found that, with an increase of oxygen gas pressure, x-ray diffraction peaks characteristic of the ilmenite-type ordering disappeared and the c-axis length approached that of the LiNbO3-type MnSnO3 while the crystal structure retained basic features of corundum derivatives. The optical bandgap measurement revealed the decrease of bandgap in the LiNbO3-type (or disordered corundum-type) MnSnO3. The thin-film approach can add a new degree of freedom in the control of structural and physical properties in corundum-derivative oxides.
Oscillation characteristics of levitated sample in resonant acoustic field
Authors: Hasegawa K. , Kono K.
Published: March 2019

This study aims to improve and investigate the levitation stability and mechanism of restoring force on an acoustically levitated droplet. To better understand the stable manipulation conditions of a droplet in an acoustic levitator, we experimentally investigated the unsteady translational motion of the acoustically levitated droplet. Furthermore, we visualized its translational motion in the horizontal and vertical (x and y) directions using a high-speed video-camera and estimated the dynamics of a droplet using four distinct levitated samples. The ratio of the levitated samples’ translational frequency, which is obtained by dividing the frequency in the y direction, fy, with that in the x direction, fx, was 3.4, which is equal to the restoring force coefficients. We found that our experimental data agree with the calculation results of a previous study. Our insights could pave the way to manipulate the dynamic behavior of a levitated sample for achieving more stable levitation.
Language socialization across borders
Authors: Arnold Lynnette
Published: March 2019

Recent scholarship on language use has developed a resurgent interest in the complex interrelationship of language and materiality; given its longstanding investigation of both non-verbal communication and political economy, language socialization research is well-positioned to make important contributions to this investigation of language materiality. This paper advances such a project by demonstrating how the discursive processes of language socialization make the material affectively meaningful. Through an exploration of prompting interactions in cross-border conversations within transnational Salvadoran families, the paper elucidates how processes of material-affective semiosis produce subject positions that are made normative for some individuals, in this case, differentiating between migrant and non-migrant kin. Drawing out the role of materiality in such processes thus reveals how language socialization functions as a scale-making resource that turns the inequalities of transnational migration into constitutive features of family life.
Imminent Aggression in Female Forensic Inpatients: A Study Assessing the Predictive Validity of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression: Women’s Version (DASA: WV)
Authors: Riordan Daniel , Browne Christie , Korobanova Daria , Kariuki Maina , Daffern Michael , Dean Kimberlie
Published: March 2019

Despite high rates of aggression on female psychiatric inpatient units and research to suggest that risk factors for violence may be different for men and women, violence risk assessment instruments are typically developed and validated through research on male populations. The current study tested a female-specific modification to an existing risk assessment instrument, the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression: Women’s Version (DASA:WV). The modification involved addition of two factors taken from the Female Additional Manual used in conjunction with the HCR-20 (Covert/Manipulative Behaviour and Low Self-Esteem) and a rating of ward atmosphere to the original DASA. Nursing staff on a high secure female forensic unit rated patients on the DASA:WV at the end of each shift and recorded incidents of verbal aggression and physical aggression against others, objects, and self in the subsequent 24-hr period. Hierarchical (multilevel) logistic regression was employed in the statistical analysis to account for the incorporation of multiple repeated measures for each participant. While the evidence for the predictive validity of the DASA for aggression in a female forensic population was strengthened, the hypothesis that the DASA:WV would significantly improve predictive validity for female patients was not supported.
Live imaging of marked chromosome regions reveals their dynamic resolution and compaction in mitosis
Authors: Eykelenboom John K. , Gierliński Marek , Yue Zuojun , Hegarat Nadia , Pollard Hilary , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Hochegger Helfrid , Tanaka Tomoyuki U.
Published: March 2019

When human cells enter mitosis, chromosomes undergo substantial changes in their organization to resolve sister chromatids and compact chromosomes. To comprehend the timing and coordination of these events, we need to evaluate the progression of both sister chromatid resolution and chromosome compaction in one assay. Here we achieved this by analyzing changes in configuration of marked chromosome regions over time, with high spatial and temporal resolution. This assay showed that sister chromatids cycle between nonresolved and partially resolved states with an interval of a few minutes during G2 phase before completing full resolution in prophase. Cohesins and WAPL antagonistically regulate sister chromatid resolution in late G2 and prophase while local enrichment of cohesin on chromosomes prevents precocious sister chromatid resolution. Moreover, our assay allowed quantitative evaluation of condensin II and I activities, which differentially promote sister chromatid resolution and chromosome compaction, respectively. Our assay reveals novel aspects of dynamics in mitotic chromosome resolution and compaction that were previously obscure in global chromosome assays.
Visualization of secretory cargo transport within the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Kurokawa Kazuo , Osakada Hiroko , Kojidani Tomoko , Waga Miho , Suda Yasuyuki , Asakawa Haruhiko , Haraguchi Tokuko , Nakano Akihiko
Published: March 2019

To describe trafficking of secretory cargo within the Golgi apparatus, the cisternal maturation model predicts that Golgi cisternae change their properties from cis to trans while cargo remains in the cisternae. Cisternal change has been demonstrated in living yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, the behavior of cargo has yet to be examined directly. In this study, we conducted simultaneous three-color and four-dimensional visualization of secretory transmembrane cargo together with early and late Golgi resident proteins. We show that cargo stays in a Golgi cisterna during maturation from cis-Golgi to trans-Golgi and further to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), which involves dynamic mixing and segregation of two zones of the earlier and later Golgi resident proteins. The location of cargo changes from the early to the late zone within the cisterna during the progression of maturation. In addition, cargo shows an interesting behavior during the maturation to the TGN. After most cargo has reached the TGN zone, a small amount of cargo frequently reappears in the earlier zone.
A patch to the possibility part of Gödel’s Ontological Proof
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E
Published: March 2019

Kurt Gödel’s version of the Ontological Proof derives rather than assumes the crucial (yet controversial) Possibility Claim, that is, the claim that it is possible that something God-like exists. Gödel’s derivation starts off with a proof of the Possible Instantiation of the Positive, that is, the principle that, if a property is positive, it is possible that there exists something that has that property. I argue that Gödel’s proof of this principle relies on some implausible axiological assumptions. Nevertheless, I present a proof of the Possible Instantiation of the Positive, which only relies on plausible axiological principles. Nonetheless, Gödel’s derivation of the Possibility Claim also needs a substantial axiological assumption, which is still open to doubt.
DEFOR: depth- and frequency-based somatic copy number alteration detector
Authors: Zhang He , Zhan Xiaowei , Brugarolas James , Xie Yang
Published: March 2019

Motivation

Detection of somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) using high-throughput sequencing has become popular because of rapid developments in sequencing technology. Existing methods do not perform well in calling SCNAs for the unstable tumor genomes.

Results

We developed a new method, DEFOR, to detect SCNAs in tumor samples from exome-sequencing data. The evaluation showed that DEFOR has a higher accuracy for SCNA detection from exome sequencing compared with the five existing tools. This advantage is especially apparent in unstable tumor genomes with a large proportion of SCNAs.

Availability and implementation

DEFOR is available at https://github.com/drzh/defor.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Stable H3K4me3 is associated with transcription initiation during early embryo development
Authors: Huang Xin , Gao Xudong , Li Wanying , Jiang Shuai , Li Ruijiang , Hong Hao , Zhao Chenghui , Zhou Pingkun , Chen Hebing , Bo Xiaochen , Li Hao
Published: March 2019

Motivation

During development of the mammalian embryo, histone modification H3K4me3 plays an important role in regulating gene expression and exhibits extensive reprograming on the parental genomes. In addition to these dramatic epigenetic changes, certain unchanging regulatory elements are also essential for embryonic development.

Results

Using large-scale H3K4me3 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data, we identified a form of H3K4me3 that was present during all eight stages of the mouse embryo before implantation. This ‘stable H3K4me3’ was highly accessible and much longer than normal H3K4me3. Moreover, most of the stable H3K4me3 was in the promoter region and was enriched in higher chromatin architecture. Using in-depth analysis, we demonstrated that stable H3K4me3 was related to higher gene expression levels and transcriptional initiation during embryonic development. Furthermore, stable H3K4me3 was much more active in blood tumor cells than in normal blood cells, suggesting a potential mechanism of cancer progression.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Single-Cell and Neuronal Network Alterations in an In Vitro Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Moskalyuk Anastasiya , Van De Vijver Sebastiaan , Verstraelen Peter , De Vos Winnok H , Kooy R Frank , Giugliano Michele
Published: March 2019

The Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is involved in many cellular processes and it regulates synaptic and network development in neurons. Its absence is known to lead to intellectual disability, with a wide range of comorbidities including autism. Over the past decades, FMRP research focused on abnormalities both in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling, and an altered balance between excitation and inhibition has been hypothesized to underlie the clinical consequences of absence of the protein. Using Fmrp knockout mice, we studied an in vitro model of cortical microcircuitry and observed that the loss of FMRP largely affected the electrophysiological correlates of network development and maturation but caused less alterations in single-cell phenotypes. The loss of FMRP also caused a structural increase in the number of excitatory synaptic terminals. Using a mathematical model, we demonstrated that the combination of an increased excitation and reduced inhibition describes best our experimental observations during the ex vivo formation of the network connections.
To discard or not to discard: transplantation and the art of scoring
Authors: Stallone Giovanni , Grandaliano Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

The growing gap between inadequate supply and constantly high demand for kidney transplantation observed in the last two decades led to exploring the possibility of using organs from older donors with an increasing number of comorbidities. The main issue in this scenario is to identify transplantable organs and to allocate them to the most suitable recipients. A great number of clinical investigations proposed several acceptance/allocation criteria to reduce the discard rate of these kidneys and to improve their outcome, including histological features at the time of transplant. Despite the widespread use of several histological scoring systems, there is no consensus on their value in predicting allograft survival and there is established evidence that histological analysis is the most common reason to discard expanded criteria donor kidneys. To overcome this issue, a clinical scoring system, the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI), was developed on the basis of easily accessible donor features. The KDPI score, adopted in the new US allocation procedure, has good reproducibility but presents several limitations, as suggested also in this issue of Clinical Kidney Journal. This observation should stimulate the search for novel scores combining clinical, histological and molecular features in an attempt to improve the decision process.
Utility of routine oral contrast study for detecting postesophagectomy anastomotic leak – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yonis G , Cabalag C S , Link E , Duong C P
Published: March 2019

Oral contrast studies are used to detect anastomotic leak (AL) postesophagectomy. However, recent evidence suggests oral contrast studies have low sensitivity in detecting ALs, and their false positive results can lead to unnecessary prolonged hospital stay. The objective of this study was to determine if oral contrast studies should be used routinely post-esophagectomy for cancer. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between January 1990 and June 2018. Data extracted for analyses included type of esophagectomy, operative morbidity (such as AL and pneumonia), mortality rates, timing of contrast study, and type of oral contrast used. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of routine oral contrast studies to detect AL were calculated using the aforementioned variables. Two hundred and forty-seven studies were reviewed with 16 studies included in the meta-analysis. Postoperative oral contrast study was performed in 94.0% of cases between day 5 and 7. The rates of early and delayed leaks were 2.4% (1.8%–3.3%) and 2.8% (1.8%–4.4%), respectively. Routine contrast studies have a sensitivity and specificity of 0.44 (0.32–0.57) and 0.98 (0.95–0.99), respectively. Analysis of covariates revealed that sensitivity is reduced in centers with a higher volume of cases (greater than 15 per year: 0.50 [0.34–0.75; p = 0.0008]) and specificity was higher in centers with a lower leak rate. Given its poor sensitivity and inability to detect early/delayed AL, oral contrast study should be used selectively with endoscopy and/or computerized tomography scan to assess surgical anastomoses following esophagectomy.
Brazilian-adapted soybean Bradyrhizobium strains uncover IS elements with potential impact on biological nitrogen fixation
Authors: Barros-Carvalho Gesiele Almeida , Hungria Mariangela , Lopes Fabrício Martins , Van Sluys Marie-Anne
Published: March 2019

Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens CPAC 7 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum CPAC 15 are broadly used in commercial inoculants in Brazil, contributing to most of the nitrogen required by the soybean crop. These strains differ in their symbiotic properties: CPAC 7 is more efficient in fixing nitrogen, whereas CPAC 15 is more competitive. Comparative genomics revealed many transposases close to genes associated with symbiosis in the symbiotic island of these strains. Given the importance that insertion sequences (IS) elements have to bacterial genomes, we focused on identifying the local impact of these elements in the genomes of these and other related Bradyrhizobium strains to further understand their phenotypic differences. Analyses were performed using bioinformatics approaches. We found IS elements disrupting and inserted at regulatory regions of genes involved in symbiosis. Further comparative analyses with 21 Bradyrhizobium genomes revealed insertional polymorphism with distinguishing patterns between B. diazoefficiens and B. japonicum lineages. Finally, 13 of these potentially impacted genes are differentially expressed under symbiotic conditions in B. diazoefficiens USDA 110. Thus, IS elements are associated with the diversity of Bradyrhizobium, possibly by providing mechanisms for natural variation of symbiotic effectiveness.
Population bottlenecks have shaped the genetic variation of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle in an area of early introduction
Authors: Neophytou Charalambos , Pötzelsberger Elisabeth , Curto Manuel , Meimberg Harald , Hasenauer Hubert
Published: March 2019

Ailanthus altissima is a common tree species of the European non-native flora. In Eastern Austria, Ailanthus has both a long tradition, dating back to the late 18th century, and a high frequency of occurrence. Here, we apply molecular markers from the nuclear and chloroplast DNA in order to study the origin, as well as the clonal and genetic structure of the species in forest stands of this region. Our results indicate a single area of origin for all our study populations from the north-eastern part of the native range, in agreement with historical reports. Within populations, vegetative reproduction has resulted in extensive clonal structures at some sites. Long presence and repeated vegetative recruitment might have led to expansion of clones in areas of early introduction. In addition, limited mate availability may also have promoted vegetative reproduction. Tests for recent bottlenecks were significant in almost all stands, possibly reflecting founder effects since the introduction of Ailanthus in our study area. Among populations, we found a very pronounced and significant genetic structure, which did not follow a spatial pattern. We argue that founder effects due to population establishment with a low number of propagules – whether naturally or artificially – have caused genetic drift and a structured gene pool. The lack of spatial pattern or isolation-by-distance suggests that seed transfer by humans might have been a major factor shaping the genetic variation of Ailanthus in Eastern Austria.
End-of-Life Healthcare Utilization of Older Mexican Americans With and Without a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Nguyen Christine , Downer Brian , Chou Lin-Na , Kuo Yong-Fang , Raji Mukaila
Published: March 2019

Background

Little is known about the patterns of end-of-life health care for older Mexican Americans with or without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Our objective was to investigate the frequency of acute hospital admissions, intensive care unit use, and ventilator use during the last 30 days of life for deceased older Mexican American Medicare beneficiaries with and without an ADRD diagnosis.

Methods

We used Medicare claims data linked with survey information from 1,090 participants (mean age of death 85.1 years) of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds for hospitalization, intensive care unit use, and ventilator use in the last 30 days of life for decedents with ADRD than those without ADRD. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the risk ratio (RR) for length of stay in hospital.

Results

Within the last 30 days of life, 64.5% decedents had an acute hospitalization (59.1% ADRD, 68.3% no ADRD), 33.9% had an intensive care unit stay (31.3% ADRD, 35.8% no ADRD), and 17.2% used a ventilator (14.9% ADRD, 18.8% no ADRD). ADRD was associated with significantly lower hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50–0.89) and shorter length of stay in hospital (RR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65–0.90).

Conclusion

Hospitalization, intensive care unit stay, and ventilator use are common at the end of life for older Mexican Americans. The lower hospitalization and shorter length of stay in hospital of decedents with ADRD indicate a modest reduction in acute care use. Future research should investigate the impact of end-of-life planning on acute-care use and quality of life in terminally ill Mexican American older adults.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Overexpressing an Endogenous Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Provides Enhanced Protection Against Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Dey Ruchi Jain , Dey Bappaditya , Singh Alok Kumar , Praharaj Monali , Bishai William
Published: March 2019

Background

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a key cytosolic receptor for small nucleotides and plays a key role in anticancer and antiviral immunity. Cyclic dinucleotide STING agonists may comprise a novel class of vaccine adjuvants capable of inducing cellular immune responses and protective efficacy against intracellular pathogens.

Methods

We generated a recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin ([BCG] BCG-disA-OE) that overexpresses the endogenous mycobacterial diadenylate cyclase gene and releases high levels of the STING agonist bis-(3’-5’)-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP). We used a 24-week guinea pig vaccination-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) challenge model to test the protective efficacy of BCG-disA-OE versus wild-type BCG and measured lung weights, pathology scores, and M.tb. organ colony-forming unit (CFU) counts.

Results

BCG-disA-OE elicited significantly stronger tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3, and IFN-β levels than BCG-wild type (WT) in vitro in murine macrophages. In vivo in guinea pigs, we found that BCG-disA-OE reduced lung weights, pathology scores, and M.tb. CFU counts in lungs by 28% (P < .05), 34%, and 2.0 log10 CFU units (P < .05) compared with BCG-WT, respectively.

Conclusions

We report a strategy of delivering a STING agonist from within live BCG. Overproduction of the STING agonist c-di-AMP significantly enhanced the protective efficacy of BCG against pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Our findings support the development of BCG-vectored STING agonists as a tuberculosis vaccine strategy.
Application of the Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) Platform for Detection and Quantification of Vertebrate Host DNA in Engorged Mosquitoes
Authors: Rice L M , Robb L L , Hartman D A , Anderson J R , Kading R C
Published: March 2019

Hematophagous arthropod bloodmeal identification has remained a challenge in the field of vector biology, but these studies are important to understand blood feeding patterns of arthropods, spatial, and temporal patterns in arbovirus transmission cycles, and risk of human and veterinary disease. We investigated the use of an existing vertebrate primer set for use on the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) platform, to explore the use of this technology in the identification and quantification of vertebrate DNA in mosquito blood meals. Host DNA was detectable 48-h post-engorgement in some mosquitoes by ddPCR, compared with 24-h post-engorgement using traditional PCR. The capability of ddPCR for absolute quantification of template DNA offers unique potential applications of this new technology to field studies on the ecology of vector-borne diseases, but currently with limited scope.
Laboratory Evaluation of Larvicidal and Oviposition Deterrent Properties of Edible Plant Oils for Potential Management of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Drinking Water Containers
Authors: Njoroge Teresia M , Berenbaum May R
Published: March 2019

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) transmits several devastating arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, making development of inexpensive and eco-friendly strategies for its control an urgent priority. We evaluated the lethality of 13 commonly used plant-derived edible oils against late-third instar Ae. aegypti and then tested the three most lethal oils for stage-specific differences in lethality. We also examined the effects of the most lethal (hempseed), moderately lethal (sunflower and peanut), and least lethal (olive) oils on survival to adulthood and oviposition behavior of gravid females. We hypothesized that the insecticidal activity of edible oils is a function of the content of their linoleic acid, a key fatty acid component with film-forming properties. Among the 13 oils tested, hempseed oil was the most lethal, with an LC50 of 348.25 ppm, followed by sesame (670.44 ppm) and pumpkinseed (826.91 ppm) oils. Oils with higher linoleic acid content were more lethal to larvae than those with low linoleic acid content. Furthermore, pure concentrated linoleic acid was more lethal to larvae compared to any edible oil. In comparison to early instars, late instars were more susceptible to hempseed, sunflower, peanut, and olive oils; these oils also acted as oviposition deterrents, with effective repellency ≥63%. The proportion of larvae surviving to adulthood was significantly reduced in hempseed, sunflower, peanut, and olive oil treatments relative to controls. Our results suggest that some edible plant oils have potential as effective, eco-friendly larvicides, and oviposition deterrents for controlling container-dwelling mosquitoes, especially in resource-limited settings.
Physical Functioning Among Patients Aging With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Versus HIV Uninfected: Feasibility of Using the Short Physical Performance Battery in Clinical Care of People Living With HIV Aged 50 or Older
Authors: Crane Heidi M , Miller Michael E , Pierce June , Willig Amanda L , Case Michael Lloyd , Wilkin Aimee M , Brown Sharon , Asirot Mary Grace , Fredericksen Rob J , Saag Michael S , Landay Alan L , High Kevin P
Published: March 2019

Background

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a well regarded physical functioning assessment including balance, gait speed, and chair-stand tests. Its use has not been widely assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care. We evaluated the feasibility of integrating the SPPB into care of aging people living with HIV (PLWH) and compared SPPB performance with aged HIV-uninfected individuals.

Methods

We enrolled PLWH aged ≥50 at 3 HIV clinics and compared their SPPB scores and subscores with older HIV-uninfected adults in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. We conducted regression analyses on age stratified by sex and adjusting for site, and we calculated percentage variance explained by age among PLWH and HIV-uninfected adults.

Results

The SPPB was feasible to implement in clinical care and did not require licensed professionals; 176 PLWH completed it with a mean completion time of 7.0 minutes (standard deviation = 2.6). Overall mean SPPB score among PLWH was 10.3 (median 11.0, 25th percentile 9.0, 75th percentile 12.0). People living with HIV were younger than HIV-uninfected individuals (55 vs 74 years old). Mean SPPB scores and most subscores were similar among PLWH and older HIV-uninfected individuals despite the ~20-year age difference. Regression analyses of gait speed revealed similar slopes in PLWH and HIV-uninfected individuals; however, separate intercepts were needed for PLWH. Mean gait speeds were faster in older HIV-uninfected men and women (P < .01), yet relationships with age within PLWH and HIV uninfected were similar.

Conclusions

The SPPB can be implemented into busy HIV clinics. Despite the ~20-year age difference, mean scores were similar among PLWH and older HIV-uninfected individuals, although gait speed was faster among HIV-uninfected individuals.
Transmission of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Children Under 5 Years in Households of Rural Communities, the Philippines
Authors: Otomaru Hirono , Kamigaki Taro , Tamaki Raita , Okamoto Michiko , Alday Portia Parian , Tan Alvin Gue , Manalo Joanna Ina , Segubre-Mercado Edelwisa , Inobaya Marianette Tawat , Tallo Veronica , Lupisan Socorro , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: March 2019

Background

To develop a more effective vaccination strategy for reducing the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, especially in young infants (<6 months old), it is necessary to understand the transmission dynamics of RSV.

Methods

We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study from 2014 to 2016 in Biliran Province, the Philippines, on children <5 years old. We collected nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) during household visits and at health facilities. In households (n = 181) with RSV-positive ARI cases (RSV-ARI), we also identified ARI episodes among other children <5 years old in the same household. In addition, we determined the serial interval to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0), the average number of secondary cases generated by a single primary case.

Results

In the 181 households analyzed, we found 212 RSV-ARI in 152 households with a single case and 29 households with multiple cases, which included 29 1st RSV-ARI and 31 2nd RSV-ARI. We also found possible index cases among children <5 years old in the same household for 29.0% (18 of 62) of young infants with RSV-ARI. The estimated mean serial interval was 3.2 days, and R0 was estimated to be 0.92–1.33 for RSV-A and 1.04–1.76 for RSV-B, which varied between different times (2014 and 2015) and places.

Conclusions

Young infants are likely to acquire RSV infection from older children in the same household. Therefore, vaccination targeting older children might protect infants from RSV infection.
Resection of Mesencephalic Cavernoma Using the “Half-and-Half” Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Munich Stephan A , Morcos Jacques J
Published: March 2019

Brainstem cavernous malformations present a particular challenge to neurosurgeons. Their deep location and proximity to critical brainstem nuclei and fiber tracts make surgical access challenging. Despite this, microsurgical resection of brainstem cavernomas has been associated with good long-term neurological outcome, albeit with notable (but temporary) perioperative morbidity.

 Here, we demonstrate the microsurgical resection of a mesencephalic cavernoma via a “half-and-half” approach. Described as the temporopolar approach by Sano in 1980,
1
this approach centers on the oculomotor nerve and combines the transsylvian and pre-/subtemporal corridors. A wide opening of the Sylvian fissure and posterior mobilization of the temporal lobe permits access to the interpenducular cistern, mesencephalon and rostral pons. In this way, the “half-and-half” ideally suited for lesions of the anterior and antero-lateral brainstem. While temporary postoperative oculomotor nerve palsy is not uncommon, rapid resolution is expected.

 Verbal consent was provided by the patient for reproduction and publication of her case.
Navigating health care systems for military-connected children with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study of military families experiencing mandatory relocation
Authors: Cramm Heidi , Smith Garth , Samdup Dawa , Williams Ashley , Rühland Lucia
Published: March 2019

Background

Most military families experience mandatory relocation, or posting, several times during the military career. For Canadian military families who must access provincial or territorial health care systems, maintaining reasonable continuity of care is a persistent issue. Such challenges may be amplified when a child in a military family has special needs within the health and educational systems.

Objective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of Canadian Armed Forces families’ experiences in navigating health care systems on behalf of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of mandatory relocation.

Methods

Parents of children with ASD, where at least one parent serves in the Canadian Armed Forces and had faced military-related relocation, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.

Results

Twelve participants represented 12 families and 15 children with ASD. Participants discussed two primary themes. (1) High mobility inherent in the military lifestyle can create disruptions and discontinuities to service, including delays in diagnosis or intervention, losses and gains in available services determined by the direction of posting, and the need to start health care access processes over again when relocating. (2) Navigating health systems for children with ASD creates personal stress and frustration related to relocating, and has career implications for both parents.

Conclusions

Military-related relocation can create significant disruption in access to health and educational services for Canadian military families who have a child with ASD, and take a personal toll on these families.
Society of Behavior Medicine (SBM) Urges Congress to Ensure Affordable Care Act Coverage of Prostate Cancer Screening Support Services for High-Risk Men
Authors: Watson Karriem , Buscemi Joanna , Fitzgibbon Marian , Murray Marcus , Murphy Adam , Abern Michael , Gann Peter , Levi Josef Ben , Stinson James , Diefenbach Michael , Winn Robert A
Published: March 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) disproportionately affects African American men. Early detection reduces risk of mortality. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued an updated recommendation statement on serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)-based screening for PCa. Specifically, in 2012, the USPSTF recommended against PSA-based screening due to risk for overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, the updated 2018 guidelines recommend consideration of screening for certain at risk men and revised the recommendation rating from “D” to “C.” This new guideline recommends providers to educate high-risk men on the benefits and harms of PSA-based PCa screening so that they can make an informed decision. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions of service coverage for patient navigators who can help patients decide whether screening is appropriate, given potential risks and benefits, and training of health care providers in shared-decision regarding screening/treatment. These services can be utilized to support health care providers to better adhere to the new guideline. However, recommendations that are given a C rating or lower are not consistently reimbursed through many plans, including those offered through the ACA marketplace. The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) supports the USPSTF guideline for the consideration of prostate cancer screening for high-risk men between the ages of 55 and 69. SBM encourages policymakers to include provisions for coverage of patient navigation services in the ACA to facilitate shared decision-making between providers and patients regarding screening.
Drawing parallels in human–other interactions: a trans-disciplinary approach to developing human–robot interaction methodologies
Authors: Collins Emily C.
Published: March 2019

This opinion paper discusses how human–robot interaction (HRI) methodologies can be robustly developed by drawing on insights from fields outside of HRI that explore human–other interactions. The paper presents a framework that draws parallels between HRIs, and human–human, human–animal and human–object interaction literature, by considering the morphology and use of a robot to aid the development of robust HRI methodologies. The paper then briefly presents some novel empirical work as proof of concept to exemplify how the framework can help researchers define the mechanism of effect taking place within specific HRIs. The empirical work draws on known mechanisms of effect in animal-assisted therapy, and behavioural observations of touch patterns and their relation to individual differences in caring and attachment styles, and details how this trans-disciplinary approach to HRI methodology development was used to explore how an interaction with an animal-like robot was impacting a user. In doing so, this opinion piece outlines how useful objective, psychological measures of social cognition can be for deepening our understanding of HRI, and developing richer HRI methodologies, which take us away from questions that simply ask ‘Is this a good robot?’, and closer towards questions that ask ‘What mechanism of effect is occurring here, through which effective HRI is being performed?’ This paper further proposes that in using trans-disciplinary methodologies, experimental HRI can also be used to study human social cognition in and of itself.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘From social brains to social robots: applying neurocognitive insights to human–robot interaction’.
Secondary ossification center induces and protects growth plate structure
Authors: Xie Meng , Gol’din Pavel , Herdina Anna Nele , Estefa Jordi , Medvedeva Ekaterina V , Li Lei , Newton Phillip T , Kotova Svetlana , Shavkuta Boris , Saxena Aditya , Shumate Lauren T , Metscher Brian , Großschmidt Karl , Nishimori Shigeki , Akovantseva Anastasia , Usanova Anna P , Kurenkova Anastasiia D , Kumar Anoop , Arregui Irene Linares , Tafforeau Paul , Fried Kaj , Carlström Mattias , Simon Andras , Gasser Christian , Kronenberg Henry M , Bastepe Murat , Cooper Kimberly L. , Timashev Peter , Sanchez Sophie , Adameyko Igor , Eriksson Anders , Chagin Andrei S
Published: March 2019

Growth plate and articular cartilage constitute a single anatomical entity early in development, but later separate into two distinct structures by the secondary ossification center (SOC). The reason for such separation remains unknown. We found that evolutionarily SOC appears in animals conquering the land - amniotes. Analysis of ossification pattern in mammals with specialized extremities (whales, bats, jerboa) revealed that SOC development correlates with the extent of mechanical loads. Mathematical modelling revealed that SOC reduces mechanical stress within the growth plate. Functional experiments revealed high vulnerability of hypertrophic chondrocytes to mechanical stress and showed that SOC protects these cells from apoptosis caused by extensive loading. Atomic force microscopy showed that hypertrophic chondrocytes are the least mechanically stiff cells within the growth plate. Altogether, these findings suggest that SOC has evolved to protect the hypertrophic chondrocytes from the high mechanical stress encountered in the terrestrial environment.
Regulation of CSF and brain tissue sodium levels by the blood-CSF and blood-brain barriers during migraine
Authors: Ghaffari Hamed , Grant Samuel C. , Petzold Linda R. , Harrington Michael G.
Published: March 2019

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue sodium levels increase during migraine. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of sodium homeostasis disturbance in the brain during the onset and propagation of migraine. Exploring the cause of sodium dysregulation in the brain is important, since correction of the altered sodium homeostasis could potentially treat migraine. Under the hypothesis that disturbances in sodium transport mechanisms at the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) and/or the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are the underlying cause of the elevated CSF and brain tissue sodium levels during migraines, we developed a mechanistic, differential equation model of a rat’s brain to compare the significance of the BCSFB and the BBB in controlling CSF and brain tissue sodium levels. The model includes the ventricular system, subarachnoid space, brain tissue and blood. Sodium transport from blood to CSF across the BCSFB, and from blood to brain tissue across the BBB were modeled by influx permeability coefficientsPcpandPbc, respectively, while sodium movement from CSF into blood across the BCSFB, and from brain tissue to blood across the BBB were modeled by efflux permeability coefficientsand, respectively. We then performed a global sensitivity analysis to investigate the sensitivity of the ventricular CSF, subarachnoid CSF and brain tissue sodium concentrations to pathophysiological variations inand. Our results show that the ventricular CSF sodium concentration is highly influenced by perturbations ofPcp, and to a much lesser extent by perturbations of. Brain tissue and subarachnoid CSF sodium concentrations are more sensitive to pathophysiological variations ofPbcandthan variations ofPcpandwithin 30 minutes of the onset of the perturbations. However,Pcpis the most sensitive model parameter, followed byPbcand, in controlling brain tissue and subarachnoid CSF sodium levels within 2 hours of the perturbation onset.
Molecular properties and evolutionary origins of a parvovirus-derived myosin fusion gene in guinea pigs
Authors: Valencia-Herrera Ignacio , Cena-Ahumada Eduardo , Faunes Fernando , Ibarra-Karmy Rodrigo , Gifford Robert J. , Arriagada Gloria
Published: March 2019

Sequences derived from parvoviruses (familyParvoviridae) are relatively common in animal genomes, but the functional significance of these endogenous parvoviral element (EPV) sequences remains unclear. In this study we use a combination ofin silicoand molecular biological approaches to investigate a fusion gene encoded by guinea pigs (genusCavia) that is partially derived from an EPV. This gene, namedenRep-Myo9, encodes a predicted polypeptide gene product comprising a partialmyosin9 (Myo9)-like gene fused to a 3’ truncated, EPV- encoded replicase. We first examined the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of the EPV locus that encodes the viral portions ofenRep-Myo9. We show that this locus, named enRep, is specific to guinea pigs and derives from an ancient representative of the parvoviral genusDependoparvovirusthat integrated into the guinea pig germline 22-35 million years ago. Despite these ancient origins, however, the regions of enRep that are incorporated into the coding sequence of theenRep-Myo9gene are conserved across multiple species in the family Caviidae (guinea pigs and cavies) consistent with purifying selection. Using molecular biological approaches, we further demonstrate that: (i)enRep-Myo9mRNA is broadly transcribed in guinea pig cells; (ii) the clonedenRep-Myo9transcript can express a protein of the expected size in guinea pig cellsin vitro, and; (iii) the expressed protein localizes to the cytosol. Our findings demonstrate that, consistent with a functional role, theenRep-Myo9fusion gene is evolutionarily conserved, broadly transcribed, and capable of expressing protein.

Importance

DNA from viruses has been ‘horizontally transferred’ to mammalian genomes during evolution, but the impact of this process on mammalian biology remains poorly understood. The findings of our study indicate that in guinea pigs a novel gene has evolved through fusion of host and virus genes.
Intense Pulsed Electric Fields Denature Urease Proteins
Authors: Urabe Gen , Katagiri Toshiaki , Katsuki Sunao
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the effects of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) on the structure and enzyme activity of three kinds of proteins. Intense (up to 300 kV/cm), 5-ns-long electrical pulses were applied to solutions of lysozyme (14 kDa, monomer), albumin (67 kDa, monomer), and urease (480 kDa, hexamer). We analyzed the tertiary and quaternary structures of these proteins as well as their enzyme activity. The results indicated the deformation of both the quaternary and tertiary structures of urease upon exposure to an electric field of 250 kV/cm or more, whereas no structural changes were observed in lysozyme or albumin, even at 300 kV/cm. The enzyme activity of urease also decreased at field strengths of 250 kV/cm or more. Our experiments demonstrated that intense nsPEFs physically affect the conformation and function of some kinds of proteins. Such intense electric fields often occur on cell membranes when these are exposed to a moderate pulsed electric field.