bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of White Matter Changes After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A DTI and NODDI Study
Authors: Palacios Eva M. , Owen Julia P , Yuh Esther L. , Wang Maxwell B. , Vassar Mary J. , Ferguson Adam R. , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon , Giacino Joseph T. , Okonkwo David O. , Robertson Claudia S. , Stein Murray B. , Temkin Nancy , Jain Sonia , McCrea Michael , Mac Donald Christine L. , Levin Harvey S. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Mukherjee Pratik ,   the TRACK-TBI Investigators
Published: June 2018

Neuroimaging biomarkers show promise for improving precision diagnosis and prognosis after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but none has yet been adopted in routine clinical practice. Biophysical modeling of multishell diffusion MRI, using the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) framework, may improve upon conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in revealing subtle patterns of underlying white matter microstructural pathology, such as diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and neuroinflammation, that are important for detecting mTBI and determining patient outcome. With a cross-sectional and longitudinal design, we assessed structural MRI, DTI and NODDI in 40 mTBI patients at 2 weeks and 6 months after injury and 14 matched control participants with orthopedic trauma but not suffering from mTBI at 2 weeks. Self-reported and performance-based cognitive measures assessing postconcussive symptoms, memory, executive functions and processing speed were investigated in post-acute and chronic phase after injury for the mTBI subjects. Machine learning analysis was used to identify mTBI patients with the best neuropsychological improvement over time and relate this outcome to DTI and NODDI biomarkers. In the cross-sectional comparison with the trauma control group at 2 weeks post-injury, mTBI patients showed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) on DTI mainly in anterior tracts that corresponded to white matter regions of elevated free water fraction (FISO) on NODDI, signifying vasogenic edema. Patients showed decreases from 2 weeks to 6 months in white matter neurite density on NODDI, predominantly in posterior tracts. No significant longitudinal changes in DTI metrics were observed. The machine learning analysis divided the mTBI patients into two groups based on their recovery. Voxel-wise group comparison revealed associations between white matter orientation dispersion index (ODI) and FISO with degree and trajectory of improvement within the mTBI group. In conclusion, white matter FA and MD alterations early after mTBI might reflect vasogenic edema, as shown by elevated free water on NODDI. Longer-term declines in neurite density on NODDI suggest progressive axonal degeneration due to DAI, especially in tracts known to be integral to the structural connectome. Overall, these results show that the NODDI parameters appear to be more sensitive to longitudinal changes than DTI metrics. Thus, NODDI merits further study in larger cohorts for mTBI diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring.
In Vitro Activities of Daptomycin Combined with Fosfomycin or Rifampin on Planktonic and Adherent Linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Zheng Jin-xin , Sun Xiang , Lin Zhi-wei , Qi Guo-bin , Tu Hao-peng , Wu Yang , Jiang Si-bo , Chen Zhong , Deng Qi-wen , Qu Di , Yu Zhi jian
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to explore daptomycin combined with fosfomycin or rifampin against the planktonic and adherent linezolid-resistant isolates of Enterococcus faecalis. Four linezolid-resistant isolates of E. faecalis which formed biofilms were collected for this study. Biofilm biomasses were detected by crystal violet staining. The adherent cells in the mature biofilms were counted by CFU numbers and observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). In time-killing studies, daptomycin combined with fosfomycin or rifampin (4xMIC) demonstrated bactericidal activities on the planktonic cells, and daptomycin combined with fosfomycin killed more planktonic cells (at least 2-log10 CFU/ml) than daptomycin or fosfomycin alone. Daptomycin alone showed activities against the mature biofilms, and daptomycin combined with fosfomycin (16xMIC) demonstrated significantly more activity than daptomycin or fosfomycin alone against the mature biofilms in three of the four isolates. Daptomycin alone effectively killed the adherent cells, and daptomycin combined with fosfomycin (16xMIC) killed more adherent cells than daptomycin or fosfomycin alone in these mature biofilms. The high concentrations of daptomycin (512 mg/L) combined with fosfomycin indicated more activity than 16xMIC of daptomycin combined with fosfomycin on the adherent cells and the mature biofilms. The addition of rifampin increased the activity of daptomycin against the biofilms and the adherent cells of FB-14 and FB-80 isolates, but was not observed in FB-1 and FB-2 isolates. In conclusion, daptomycin combined with fosfomycin works effectively against the planktonic and adherent linezolid-resistant isolates of E. faecalis. The role of rifampin in these linezolid-resistant isolates is discrepant and needs more studies.
Single-cell Transcriptomic Landscape of Nucleated Cells in Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Zhao Yi , Li Xiao , Wang Jingwan , Wan Ziyun , Gao Kai , Yi Gang , Wang Xie , Wu Jinghua , Fan Bingbing , Zhang Wei , Chen Fang , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Xu Xun , Li Bin , Liu Shiping , Zhao Weihua , Flou Yong , Liu Xiao
Published: June 2018

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplant is a therapeutic option for both pediatric and adult patients with a variety of hematologic diseases such as several types of blood cancers, myeloproliferative disorders, genetic diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, the level of cellular heterogeneity and diversity of nucleated cells in the UCB has not yet been assessed in an unbiased and systemic fashion. In the current study, nucleated cells from UCB were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing, a technology enabled simultaneous profiling of the gene expression signatures of thousands of cells, generating rich resources for further functional studies. Here, we report the transcriptomic maps of 19,052 UCB cells, covering 11 major cell types. Many of these cell types are comprised of distinct subpopulations, including distinct signatures in NK and NKT cell types in the UCB. Pseudotime ordering of nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) identifies wave-like activation and suppression of transcription regulators, leading to a polarized cellular state, which may reflect the NRBC maturation. Progenitor cells in the UBC also consist two subpopulations with divergent transcription programs activated, leading to specific cell-fate commitment. Collectively, we provide this comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic landscape and show that it can uncover previously unrecognized cell types, pathways and gene expression regulations that may contribute to the efficacy and outcome of UCB transplant, broadening the scope of research and clinical innovations.
Comprehensive screening shows that mutations in the known syndromic genes are rare in individuals presenting with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Authors: Laver Thomas W , Wakeling Matthew N , Hong Yeow Hua Janet , Houghton Jayne AL , Hussain Khalid , Ellard Sian , Flanagan Sarah E
Published: June 2018

Objective

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) can occur in isolation or more rarely feature as part of a syndrome. Screening for mutations in the ‘syndromic HH’ genes is guided by phenotype with genetic testing used to confirm the clinical diagnosis. As HH can be the presenting feature of a syndrome it is possible that mutations will be missed as these genes are not routinely screened in all newly diagnosed individuals. We investigated the frequency of pathogenic variants in syndromic genes in individuals with HH who had not been clinically diagnosed with a syndromic disorder at referral for genetic testing.

Design

We used genome sequencing data to assess the prevalence of mutations in syndromic HH genes in an international cohort of patients with HH of unknown genetic cause.

Methods

We undertook genome sequencing in 82 individuals with HH without a clinical diagnosis of a known syndrome at referral for genetic testing. Within this cohort we searched for the genetic aetiologies causing 20 different syndromes where HH had been reported as a feature.

Results

We identified a pathogenicKMT2Dvariant in a patient with HH diagnosed at birth, confirming a genetic diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome. Clinical data received following the identification of the mutation highlighted additional features consistent with the genetic diagnosis. Pathogenic variants were not identified in the remainder of the cohort.

Conclusions

Pathogenic variants in the syndromic HH genes are rare but should be considered in newly diagnosed individuals as HH may be the presenting feature.
Outflanking Immunodominance to Target Subdominant Broadly Neutralizing Epitopes
Authors: Angeletti Davide , Kosik Ivan , Yewdell William T. , Boudreau Carolyn M. , Mallajosyula Vamsee V.A. , Chambers Michael , Prabhakaran Madhu , Hickman Heather D. , McDermott Adrian B. , Alter Galit , Chaudhuri Jayanta , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: June 2018

A major obstacle to vaccination to antigenically variable viruses is skewing of antibody responses to immunodominant epitopes. For influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), the immunodominance of the variable head impairs responses to the highly conserved stem. Here, we show that head immunodominance depends on the physical attachment of head to stem. Stem immunogenicity is enhanced by immunizing with stem only-constructs or by increasing local HA concentration in the draining lymph node. Surprisingly, co-immunization of HA and stem alters stem-antibody class switching. Our findings delineate strategies for overcoming immunodominance with important implications for human vaccination.
Interleukin 22 mediates interleukin 23-induced pathology in newborn mice by disrupting the function of pancreatic and intestinal cells
Authors: Furtado Glaucia C. , Chen Lili , Strohmeier Valentina , He Zhengxiang , Deshpande Madhura , Durum Scott K. , Moran Thomas M. , Kraus Thomas , Xiong Huabao , Faith Jeremiah J. , Lira Sergio A.
Published: June 2018

Mice expressing IL-23 constitutively in the intestine or skin fail to grow and die prematurely. These phenotypes are associated with marked changes in the levels of circulating cytokines and with changes in the transcriptome of the pancreas and intestine. Marked changes are observed in the expression of molecules involved in digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, resulting in a malabsorptive condition. Genetic ablation of IL-22, or one of the subunits of the IL-22R in mice expressing IL-23, restores normal growth and increases the life span of the animals. Mechanistically, IL-22 acts directly at the level of pancreatic acinar cells to decrease expression of the pancreas associated transcription factor 1a (Ptfla), an important transcription factor controlling expression of genes encoding pancreatic enzymes, and acinar cell identity. The results indicate that dysregulated expression of IL-23 and IL-22 has severe consequences in newborns and reveal an unsuspected role for IL-22 in controlling pancreatic enzyme secretion and food absorption.
Songbird ventral basal ganglia sends performance error signals to dopaminergic midbrain
Authors: Chen Ruidong , Puzerey Pavel A. , Roeser Andrea C. , Riccelli Tori E. , Podury Archana , Maher Kamal , Farhang Alexander , Goldberg Jesse H.
Published: June 2018

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons signal prediction error, the difference between actual and predicted outcome, but it remains unclear how error is computed. Here we identify in songbirds a ventral basal ganglia (vBG) region that is required for song learning and that sends prediction error signals to VTA. During singing, vBG neurons heterogeneously encoded song timing, auditory error, predicted error, and the difference between the two (prediction error). Viral tracing revealed inputs to vBG from auditory and vocal motor thalamus, auditory and vocal motor cortex, and VTA. Our findings reveal a classic actor-critic circuit motif in which a ventral critic learns the ‘prediction’ component of a prediction error signal that is relayed by VTA to a dorsal actor (the vocal motor BG nucleus Area X). A circuit motif for computing reward prediction error can compute predicted performance quality during motor sequence learning.
Investigating cultural aspects in the fundamental diagram using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Favaretto Rodolfo Migon , dos Santos Roberto Rosa , Musse Soraia Raupp , Vilanova Felipe , Costa Ângelo Brandelli
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a study regarding group behavior in a controlled experiment focused on differences in an important attribute that vary across cultures - the personal spaces - in two Countries: Brazil and Germany. In order to coherently compare Germany and Brazil evolutions with same population applying same task, we performed the pedestrian Fundamental Diagram experiment in Brazil, as performed in Germany. We use convolutional neural networks to detect and track people in video sequences. With this data, we use Voronoi Diagrams to find out the neighbor relation among people and then compute the walking distances to find out the personal spaces. Based on personal spaces analyses, we found out that people behavior is more similar in high dense populations. So, we focused our study on cultural differences between the two Countries in low and medium densities. Results indicate that personal space analyses can be a relevant feature in order to understand cultural aspects in video sequences even when compared with data from self-reported questionnaires.
Glucose increases the lifespan of post-reproductiveC. elegansindependently of FOXO
Authors: Lei Wang , Beaudoin-Chabot Caroline , Thibault Guillaume
Published: June 2018

Aging is one of the most critical risk factors for the development of metabolic syndromes1. Prominent metabolic diseases, namely type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, have a strong association with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress2. Upon ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to limit cellular damage by adapting to stress conditions and restoring ER homeostasis3,4. However, adaptive genes upregulated from the UPR tend to decrease with age5. Although stress resistance correlates with increased longevity in a variety of model organisms, the links between the UPR, ER stress resistance, and longevity remain poorly understood. Here, we show that supplementing bacteria diet with 2% glucose (high glucose diet, HGD) in post-reproductive 7-day-old (7DO)C. eleganssignificantly extend their lifespan in contrast to shortening the lifespan of reproductive 3-day-old (3DO) animals. The insulin-IGF receptor DAF-2 and its immediate downstream target, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) AGE-1, were found to be critical factors in extending the lifespan of 7DO worms on HGD. The downstream transcription factor forkhead box O (FOXO) DAF-16 did not extend the lifespan of 7DO worms on HGD in contrast of its previously reported role in modulating lifespan of 3DO worms6. Furthermore, we identified that UPR activation through the highly conserved ATF-6 and PEK-1 sensors significantly extended the longevity of 7DO worms on HGD but not through the IRE-1 sensor. Our results demonstrate that HGD extends lifespan of post-reproductive worms in a UPR-dependent manner but independently of FOXO. Based on these observations, we hypothesise that HGD activates the otherwise quiescent UPR in aged worms to overcome age-related stress and to restore ER homeostasis. In contrast, young adult animals subjected to HGD leads to unresolved ER stress, conversely leading to a deleterious stress response.
High temperature isothermal and cyclic oxidation behaviour of pure recycled titanium
Authors: Valdés-Saucedo Omar Alejandro , Vázquez-Rodríguez Liliana Judith , López-Zárate Brenda , Garza-Tovar Lorena , García-Gómez Nora Aleyda , Artigas Alfredo , Monsalve Alberto , Ramírez-Ramírez Javier H. Humberto , Pérez-González Francisco Aurelio , Colás Rafael , Garza-Montes-de-Oca Nelson Federico
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the surface evolution of pure recycled titanium subjected to isothermal and cyclic oxidation conditions using dry air as oxidant gas. It is important to mention that the cyclic oxidation behaviour of pure titanium is a process that has been barely studied.

Design/methodology/approach

An isothermal and cyclic oxidation reactor was built for these purposes. This installation allows the oxidation of material under the action of any atmosphere and for temperatures up to 1,200°C. For this study, the oxidation behaviour of the material was studied at 850°C and 950°C.

Findings

Oxide growth under isothermal oxidation conditions in air follows a parabolic behaviour with an activation energy of 118 kJ/mol, and the oxide phase formed on the surface of the metal was rutile. The cyclic oxidation of the material indicates that oxide is spalled from the surface following linear behaviours; this phenomenon is controlled by the thermal stresses experienced by the samples during heating and cooling cycles.

Originality/value

The material is obtained from the production of electrolytic copper, and during its reprocessing practices at high temperature, it was thought that it could experience some abnormal oxidation. In addition, given that pure titanium is currently used for biomedical application, some surface degree can be given by means of oxidation and subsequent spallation process situation that is found during the cyclic oxidation experiments, which could be a low-cost method to engineer a surface for these purposes.
Evaluating the supply chain information flow in Egyptian SMEs using Six Sigma
Authors: Kandil Omneya , Abd El Aziz Rasha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

There is a great deal of concern among the Egyptian economy that small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) potentials are not fully used although they dominate it and contribute to its success. The question is what challenges are preventing those SMEs from performing efficiently. This research aims to focus on examining the issues regarding the supply chain of Egyptian SMEs, exploring the areas that need improvement and assessing the impact of technology in enhancing their performance and whether they afford applying it.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted at 14 Egyptian SMEs. Then, the business process at six of the fourteen SMEs was observed. After that, a representative sampling was applied and a company was chosen as a representative case company. Moreover, the selected company’s documents were analyzed to capture the full image of the current supply chain performance in Egyptian SMEs. Finally, the Six Sigma DMAIC approach was used to assess the effectiveness of the current supply chain and identify the problems faced and how to deal with these deficiencies.

Findings

The current process of the supply chain was analyzed and the result shows the obstacles and constrains facing SMEs in Egypt. Despite the clear benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Egyptian SMEs still do not use it to solve their problems due to its high cost and their low budgets. However, the investigation concludes that SMEs in particular can benefit from the RFID technology and will be able to pay back the cost of the system applied after a certain period of time that is measured by calculating the breakeven point of having the RFID system against the current situation. As a result, improvements were realized and recommended for the organization.

Originality/value

This research develops a model that suits SMEs in the Egyptian market. The use of a case study approach with a quality measurement tool, namely, the Six Sigma DMAIC approach, especially after surveying several SMEs, and observing the business process at some of them, makes this a thorough investigation which proves that even SMEs can use the RFID technology despite its high cost that hinders its utilization. Thus, this research helps decision-makers in Egyptian SMEs make better informed decisions and guides them to when will they be able to pay back the cost of the system applied.
Promoting Korean international trade in the East Sea Economic Rim in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Lee Paul Tae-Woo , Lee Sung-Woo , Hu Zhi-Hua , Choi Kyoung-Suk , Choi Na Young Hwan , Shin Sung-Ho
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze maritime logistics connectivity of ports and shipping networks in the East Sea Economic Rim (ESER) to promote international trade in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), considering centrality, primary flow and clustering interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a complex network model, using a big data system consisting of an automated identification system, electronic data interchange and distributive and complex data. Three perspectives, including connectivity in trading ports and regions, centralities in the realm of complex network and potential marketing and regional impacts, and sixteen criteria are considered for this analysis. A visual approach has been also applied to highlight port connectivity and ship flows for the reader’s convenience.

Findings

The paper shows that port connectivity and maritime logistics are enablers to promote Korean international trade in Northeast China through the ESER, and 25 major ports are well connected to promote international trade in the region with visual data of ship flows by ship type and by flag.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the lack of port management information systems among the countries in the ESER except Korea and Japan, this paper could not capture cargo types and amounts on board. Port connectivity analysis shows links of the ports in the ESER to major ports in southeast Asia along the Twenty-first Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR). These results contribute to drawing policy implications to promote the ESER and provide suggestions for promoting Korean international trade by enhancing maritime logistics connectivity.

Originality/value

Unlike the existing literature showing descriptive and policy-oriented research related to ESER, this paper applied a vigorous method with a big amount of data to analyze port connectivity and ship flows in the ESER, considering China’s BRI affecting the global supply chain system, maritime transportation, and logistics. In addition, the paper shows how the seaports in the ESER are connected along the MSR.
The impact of emotional intelligence on ethical judgment
Authors: Hopkins Margaret , Deepa R.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the important relationships between emotional intelligence (EI) and ethical decision making (EDM).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 100 students from MBA programs in the USA and India who completed two surveys: one measuring their EI, and the second their use of four different ethical perspectives in three scenarios. Multiple regression analyses were performed to discover relationships between overall EI, certain dimensions of EI and their ethical judgments.

Findings

The authors’ results found that the composite EI score as well as the EI subscale of decision making were both significantly related to the relativism ethical perspective. Age was an additional significant factor for EI and EDM.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should attempt to replicate these findings among different managerial levels, industries and countries to further understand the distinctive relationships between EI and ethical judgments.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of integrating EI and ethical judgment within corporate training programs and business school curricula, as important is the emphasis on moving the subject of ethical judgment from one of awareness to sustained ethical behavior through accountability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying how EI and its decision-making subscale are significant to EDM.
As-exact-as-possible repair of unprintable STL files
Authors: Attene Marco
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The class of models that can be represented by STL files is larger than the class of models that can be printed using additive manufacturing technologies. Stated differently, there exist well-formed STL files that cannot be printed. This paper aims to formalize such a gap and describe a fully automatic procedure to turn any such file into a printable model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on well-established concepts from combinatorial topology, this paper provide an unambiguous description of all the mathematical entities involved in the modeling-printing pipeline. Specifically, this paper formally defines the conditions that an STL file must satisfy to be printable, and, based on these, an as-exact-as-possible repairing algorithm is designed.

Findings

It has been found that, to cope with all the possible triangle configurations, the algorithm must distinguish between triangles that bind solid parts and triangles that constitute zero-thickness sheets. Only the former set can be fixed without distortion.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the specific approach used that tracks the so-called “outer hull,” models with inner cavities cannot be treated.

Practical implications

Thanks to this new method, the shift from a 3D model to a printed prototype is faster, easier and more reliable.

Social implications

The availability of this easily accessible model preparation tool has the potential to foster a wider diffusion of home-made 3D printing in non-professional communities.

Originality/value

Previous methods that are guaranteed to fix all the possible configurations provide only approximate solutions with an unnecessary distortion. Conversely, this procedure is as exact as possible, meaning that no visible distortion is introduced unless it is strictly imposed by limitations of the printing device. Thanks to such unprecedented flexibility and accuracy, this algorithm is expected to significantly simplify the modeling-printing process, in particular within the continuously emerging non-professional “maker” communities.
The RNA chaperone Hfq is important for the virulence, motility and stress tolerance in the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Lai Jie‐Ling , Tang Dong‐Jie , Liang Yu‐Wei , Zhang Ren , Chen Qi , Qin Zhen‐Ping , Ming Zhen‐Hua , Tang Ji‐Liang
Published: June 2018

The RNA chaperone, Hfq, is known to play extensive roles in bacterial growth and development. More recently, it has been shown to be required for virulence in many human and animal bacterial pathogens. Despite these studies little is known about the role Hfq plays in phytopathogenic bacteria. In this study, we show Hfq is required for full virulence of the crucifer black rot pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). We demonstrate that an Xcc hfq deletion strain is highly attenuated for virulence in Chinese radish and shows a severe defect in the production of virulence factors including extracellular enzymes and extracellular polysaccharide. Furthermore, the Xcc strain lacking Hfq had significantly reduced cell motility and stress tolerance. These findings suggest that Hfq is a key regulator of important aspects of virulence and adaptation of Xcc. Taken together, our findings are suggestive of a regulatory network placing Hfq at the centre of virulence gene expression control in Xcc.
Spreading the news about the novel conjugation mechanism in Streptomyces bacteria
Authors: Pettis Gregg S.
Published: June 2018

The hallmark of mycelial spore‐forming bacteria of the genus Streptomyces is their prolific production of antibiotics and other bioactive secondary metabolites as part of a complex morphological and physiological developmental program. They are further distinguished by a conjugation mechanism that differs substantially from the single‐strand mode of DNA transfer via Type IV secretion, which is exhibited by numerous unicellular Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. At the crux of the novel intermycelial transfer event in Streptomyces spp. is a membrane pore composed of a single plasmid protein (TraB), which also functions as an FtsK‐like DNA pump driven by the energy of ATP hydrolysis. TraB binds to specific 8‐mer repeats within the non‐coding clt plasmid transfer locus and the DNA is then translocated intercellularly in double‐strand form. TraB also translocates chromosomal DNA most likely by binding to 8‐mer clc sequences (clt‐like chromosomal sequences) distributed throughout streptomycete chromosomes. In the recipient, plasmids are dispersed through septal crosswalls apparently by a multiprotein complex comprising TraB and plasmid Spd proteins. Continued rounds of such intramycelial spreading distribute plasmids well beyond the initial entrance point during the time prior to cell differentiation and sporulation.
“Toppling” Saddam Hussein in London: Media, Meaning, and the Construction of an Iraqi Diasporic Community
Authors: Saleh Zainab
Published: June 2018

This article interrogates the reaction of Iraqis in London to the live coverage of the fall of Saddam Hussein's statue during the US occupation of Iraq in 2003, which transformed their experience of temporality and their diasporic connections to homeland. I argue that the fall of the statue transformed the Iraqi communities in London from exilic ones—defined by enforced absence, and limited contact with Iraq—into a single diasporic one defined by transnational connections and transmigration. Furthermore, this moment was first and foremost a diasporic event. On the one hand, while it opened up the national space of Iraq to the communities in London, it entailed the disconnect of most Iraqis in Iraq from it due to lack of electricity and the ban on acquiring satellites under Hussein's regime. On the other hand, it brought Iraqis in London together as a community unified over the fall of the regime and allayed the deep divisions within the communities. This communal watching of this event made possible the imagination of a “better” Iraq, which sutured together divided exilic communities into a national body and constituted a rupture between two realities—namely, the reality of authoritarianism and the reality of US occupation. [diaspora, exile, media, temporality, live news]
Risk of diabetes in HIV‐infected patients is associated with cirrhosis but not with chronic HCV coinfection in a French nationwide HIV cohort
Authors: Provoost A. , Dramé M. , Cotte L. , Cuzin L. , Garraffo R. , Rey D. , Raffi F. , Poizot‐Martin I. , Pugliese P. , Bani‐Sadr F. ,   the Dat'AIDS study group
Published: June 2018

Background

Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been reportedly associated with a higher risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) but results are conflicting.

Aims

To determine whether there is an association between chronic HCV and the incidence of DM, and to study the role of factors such as cirrhosis, IFN‐based HCV therapy, sustained virologic response (SVR) and chronic HBV infection among patients living with HIV (PLHIV) followed in a large French multicentre cohort in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era.

Methods

All PLHIV followed up in the Dat’AIDS cohort were eligible. Cox models for survival analysis were used to study the time to occurrence of DM.

Results

Among 28 699 PLHIV, 4004 patients had chronic HCV infection. The mean duration of HCV follow‐up was 12.5 ± 8.1 years. The rate ratio of DM was 2.74 per 1000 person‐years. By multivariate analysis, increasing age, body mass index>25, AIDS status, nadir CD4 cell count ≤200/mm3, detectable HIV viral load and cirrhosis (HR 2.26 95% CI 1.14‐1.18; P < 0.0001) were predictors of DM, whereas longer cART duration was associated with a lower risk of DM. Chronic HCV and HBV infection and IFN‐based HCV therapy were not associated with DM. In a subanalysis among HCV‐infected patients, SVR was not related to DM.

Conclusions

Our study shows that in the HIV population, cirrhosis is associated with an increased occurrence of DM, but not chronic HCV infection or duration of HCV infection.
Noninvasive assessment of left atrial fibrosis. Correlation between echocardiography, biomarkers, and electroanatomical mapping
Authors: Pilichowska‐Paszkiet Ewa , Baran Jakub , Sygitowicz Grażyna , Sikorska Agnieszka , Stec Sebastian , Kułakowski Piotr , Zaborska Beata
Published: June 2018

Aim

Left atrial (LA) fibrosis promotes atrial fibrillation (AF), may predict poor radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) outcome, and may be assessed invasively using electroanatomical mapping (EAM). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) enables quantitative assessment of LA function. The aim was to assess the relationship between LA fibrosis derived from EAM and LA echocardiographic parameters as well as biomarkers of fibrosis in patients with AF.

Methods

Sixty‐six patients (64% males, mean age 56 ± 10) with nonvalvular AF treated with first RFCA were prospectively studied. Seventy‐three percent of patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of examination. LA geometry, systolic, and diastolic function were assessed. In STE global, peak atrial longitudinal (PALS) and contractile (PACS) strain were calculated. LA stiffness index (LAs) — the ratio of E/e′ to PALS — was assessed. The EAM of LA was build using Carto System before RFCA. Low amplitude potentials area (LAPA) was quantitatively analyzed and expressed as a percentage of LA surface using the cut‐off <0.5 mV to detect potential sites of fibrosis. The serum concentrations of MMP‐9, PIIINP, and TGFβ1were estimated before RFCA.

Results

Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between LA diastolic function parameters: PALS (−0.54, P < .001), LAs (0.65, P < .001), and LAPA in patients who were in sinus rhythm. Also LA volume significantly correlated with LAPA (0.44, P < .002). None of biomarkers correlated with LAPA.

Conclusion

Left atrial diastolic parameters derived from STE correlate well with the extent of LA fibrosis. Thus, STE may be useful in the noninvasive assessment of LA fibrosis and selection of candidates for RFCA.
Short feeding migration associated with a lower mean size of whitefish in the River Tornionjoki, northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Jokikokko Erkki , Hägerstrand Henry , Lill Jan‐Olof
Published: June 2018

The size of anadromous whitefish caught with dip nets in the River Tornionjoki in the northern part of the Gulf of Bothnia has decreased during recent decades. To find an explanation for this trend, ascending whitefish were sampled in the lower part of the river in August 2016, and they were divided into two groups according to fish length. The length of the SMALL group was ≤ 32 cm (n = 32) and that of the LARGE group ≥ 33 cm (n = 65). The elemental analysis of otoliths revealed that the barium concentration was clearly higher in otoliths from the SMALL group compared to the LARGE group. This indicates that the fish in the LARGE group had migrated to feed further south in the Gulf of Bothnia, with a higher salinity, than the fish in the SMALL group. Because of this migration difference, and a decline in the gillnet effort, especially in the feeding areas near the river mouth, it is assumed that proportionally more fish in the SMALL group are able to ascend the river to spawn than previously, thus decreasing the mean size. At the same time, the heavy gillnet fishery in the south removes fish from the LARGE group.
New tools for MHC research from machine learning and predictive algorithms to the tumour immunopeptidome
Authors: Altmann Daniel M.
Published: June 2018

At a time when immunology seeks to progress ever more rapidly from characterization of a microbial or tumour antigen to the immune correlates that may define protective T‐cell immunity, there is a need for robust tools to enable accurate predictions of peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) and peptide–MHC–T‐cell receptor binding. Improvements in the curation of data sets from high throughput pMHC analysis, such as the NIH Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), and the associated developments of predictive tools rooted in machine‐learning approaches, are having significant impact. When such approaches are linked to the powerful empirical immunopeptidome data sets from peptide MHC elution and mass spectrometry, there is considerable potential for rapid translation to T‐cell therapies and vaccines.
Yoga and Quality of Life in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review
Authors: McGovern Christina E. , Cheung Corjena
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Primary dysmenorrhea is a prevalent condition causing quality of life (QOL) reduction for many women, resulting from pain as well as parallel social and psychological distress. Yoga reduces pain and sympathetic reactivity, thus promoting QOL. This article reports a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of yoga as a QOL improvement method for women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were used in preparation of this review. Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were screened through January 2017 using the keywords yoga, meditation, menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and prostaglandins. English‐language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐experimental studies regarding yoga, primary dysmenorrhea, and QOL were eligible; all yoga styles were included. Two independent reviewers rated the methodological quality of each study selected for review using the Downs and Black checklist; possible scores ranged from 0 to 32. Ratings were established through consensus.

Results

The search yielded a total of 378 articles, of which 14 (age range 13‐45 years, N = 1409) met the criteria for final review: 8 RCTs and 6 quasi‐experimental studies. Downs and Black ratings were predominantly moderate in quality with moderate risk of bias, ranging from 15 to 23 (RCTs) and 10 to 17 (quasi‐experimental studies). Statistically significant improvements along most QOL domains, including physical pain, sleep, concentration, negative feelings, social relationships, work capacity, and overall QOL, were identified after a yoga intervention. Results indicate preliminary evidence for yoga as a safe and effective QOL improvement method for women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Discussion

Practitioners may consider yoga for management of primary dysmenorrhea. However, future research using larger RCTs of high methodological quality is needed to ascertain the magnitude of yoga's clinical significance.
A triangulated evaluation of a youth clinic for patients with kidney disease
Authors: Finderup Jeanette , Kristensen Annalise Fabricius , Christensen Rikke , Jespersen Bente
Published: June 2018

Background

With inspiration from Oxford, UK, a youth clinic outside the hospital for young people with kidney disease was established at a Danish university hospital in Autumn 2014. Four clinics have been held annually.

Objectives

To qualitatively evaluate a new established youth clinic and to gain knowledge of the experiences of young people and their parents with this clinic.

Methods

Three data sets were collected (observation, interviews and focus groups). Data were analysed using Malterud's systematic text condensation.

Findings

Eight themes were identified: (1) A meeting place; (2) a mutual understanding; (3) the young people have established a social community between themselves; (4) I feel less directed by my kidney disease; (5) I accept my life with the disease to a larger extent; (6) I am the safety net; (7) they have their life with the disease under control and they handle it and (8) the youth clinic is a gift from heaven.

Conclusion

The youth clinic had a positive impact on the young peoples’ daily life with kidney disease and has helped most of the young people to have more faith in themselves and their own abilities to handle life with kidney disease. Meeting with peers and the youth clinic being located outside the hospital were of utmost importance.
Language educators’ regard for variation in late modernity: Perceptions of linguistic variation in minority contexts
Authors: Murchadha Noel Ó , Flynn Colin
Published: June 2018

This article investigates language educators’ regard for linguistic variation in a minority language context. It argues that teachers function as language norm authorities who may influence the linguistic practices and ideologies of students, and that this role takes on added significance in minority language contexts where access to the target language may be limited. Data are presented from a study on the linguistic ideologies of Irish language educators – ‘new speakers’ who acquired the language mainly thorough the education system. Participants’ ideologies on variation in modern spoken Irish were explored using semi‐structured interviews incorporating a speaker evaluation design. Although participants valorise traditional dialectal varieties of Irish, in line with established hierarchies, ideological frameworks are contested so that new ways of using Irish are beginning to gain overt acceptance. The results reveal the manner in which hierarchies of language variation in the Irish language are in flux in our contemporary late‐modern period.
The one constant: a causal effect of collective bargaining on employment growth? Evidence from German linked‐employer‐employee data
Authors: Brändle Tobias , Goerke Laszlo
Published: June 2018

A large number of articles have analysed ‘the one constant’ in the economic effects of trade unions, namely that collective bargaining reduces employment growth by 2–4% points per year. Evidence is, however, mostly related to Anglo‐Saxon countries. We investigate whether a different institutional setting might lead to a different outcome, making the constant a variable entity. Using linked‐employer‐employee data for Germany, we find a negative correlation between being covered by a sector‐wide bargaining agreement or firm‐level contract and employment growth of about 1% point per annum. However, the correlation between employment growth and collective bargaining is not robust to the use of panel methods. We conclude that the results of the literature using cross‐section data might be driven by selection.
Numerical analysis of soil water dynamics in a soil column with an artificial capillary barrier growing leaf vegetables
Authors: Wongkaew A. , Saito H. , Fujimaki H. , Šimůnek J.
Published: June 2018

An artificial capillary barrier (CB), which consists of two layers of gravel and coarse sand, was used to improve the soil water retention capacity of the root zone of sandy soil for the cultivation of Japanese spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis). The performance of a CB under specific conditions can be evaluated using numerical simulations. However, there have been relatively few numerical studies analyzing soil water dynamics in CB systems during crop growth. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the performance of a CB during the cultivation of Japanese spinach irrigated at different rates and (ii) to investigate the effect of the irrigation schedule on root water uptake. Numerical analysis was performed using HYDRUS‐1D after the soil hydraulic properties of the CB materials were determined. In most cases, the HYDRUS‐1D results agreed well with the experimental soil water content data without any calibration when the dual‐porosity model describing soil hydraulic properties was used for gravel and coarse sand. We found that the dual‐porosity model was able to attenuate the unrealistically steep reduction in the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity predicted by the single‐porosity model. The numerical simulations also showed that the CB played an important role in maintaining plant‐available water in the root zone while maximizing the water use efficiency. The numerical simulations revealed that the irrigation frequency could be reduced by half during the early growth stage, and the water use efficiency could be greatly improved with the CB layer installed.
Cephalic anatomy of Sphaeriusidae and a morphology‐based phylogeny of the suborder Myxophaga (Coleoptera)
Authors: Yavorskaya Margarita I. , Anton Eric , Jałoszyński Paweł , Polilov Alexey , Beutel Rolf G.
Published: June 2018

Myxophaga are a small group of beetles, but phylogenetically crucial as one of the four coleopteran suborders. The monogeneric Sphaeriusidae, one of four myxophagan families, comprise about 20 species, most of them living in moist substrate at river edges. The morphology of the minute hemispherical adult is very insufficiently known. Consequently, we document external and internal head structures using scanning electron microscopy, microtome sections and three‐dimensional reconstructions. The results are discussed with respect to effects of miniaturization and also functional aspects, especially microphagous feeding habits. The head ofSphaeriusis less affected by size reduction compared with other beetles of the same size class (e.g. larger Ptiliidae, Corylophidae). Features related to very small size are the absence of externally visible ridges and a partial shift of the brain into the prothorax. The cephalic musculature is apparently not affected. The feeding apparatus is similar to what is found in microphagous species of Polyphaga, especially in Scirtoidea and Staphyliniformia. However, in contrast to polyphagans with similar feeding habits, the hypopharyngeal longitudinal ridge (or process) ofSphaeriusis strongly reduced and a fimbriate galea is lacking. The observed features are also evaluated in a cladistic analysis of larval and adult characters. The results are distinctly in conflict with branching patterns suggested by analyses of molecular data, but in agreement with previous morphological studies. In contrast to a pattern obtained in a recent molecular study – (Hydroscaphidae + (Torridincolidae + (Sphaeriusidae + Lepiceridae))) – our analyses yielded Lepiceridae as sister to the remaining Myxophaga (branch support 9), andSphaeriusas sister taxon of Hydroscaphidae (branch support 5). The monophyletic origin of the latter two taxa is supported by unusual synapomorphies of adults and larvae.Sphaeriusis characterized by numerous autapomorphies of the head: a labro‐mandibular locking device, a bipartite M. frontoepipharyngalis (M9) with subcomponents oriented in the opposite direction, a deep antennal furrow, an intercalary antennomere with a structure resembling a sucking disc, a strongly elongated flagellomere 1, a compact three‐segmented antennal club, strong bundles of M. tentorioscapalis (M4) originating on the posterior head capsule, a concave anterior side of maxillary palpomere 2, and an elongated second pair of tormae posteriorly connected with a process of the hypopharyngeal suspensorium.