bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization, antimicrobial resistance and clinico-bioinformatics approaches to address the problem of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Ajlan Abeer M. , Shakil Shazi , Jiman-Fatani Asif A. , Almasaudi Saad B. , Farman Muhammad , Baazeem Zainah M. , Baabdullah Rnda , Alawi Maha , Al-Abdullah Nabeela , Ismaeel Nashat A. , Shukri Hani A. , Azhar Esam I. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe goal of this study was to genotypically characterize extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from the western region of Saudi Arabia and to identify active antibiotics against these isolates using phenotypic and molecular modeling. In total, 211 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates recovered from heterogeneous clinical specimens were identified by MALDI-TOF. Thirty-two sequence types (STs) were identified from a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of ESBL-producing E. coli, including a novel ST (ST8162). The most common ST in the Saudi and expatriate population was ST131, followed by ST38. All the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), and >95% of the isolates were resistant to third-generation (ceftriaxone and ceftazidime) and fourth-generation (cefepime) cephalosporins. The ESBL-positive E. coli isolates primarily harbored the blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes. No resistance was observed against the carbapenem antibiotic group. All the ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were observed to be susceptible to a ceftazidime/avibactam combination. Molecular interaction analyses of the docked complexes revealed the amino acid residues crucial for the binding of antibiotics and inhibitors to the modeled CTX-M-15 enzyme. Importantly, avibactam displayed the most robust interaction with CTX-M-15 among the tested inhibitors in the docked state (∆G = −6.6 kcal/mol). The binding free energy values for clavulanate, tazobactam and sulbactam were determined to be −5.7, −5.9 and −5.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Overall, the study concludes that ‘ceftazidime along with avibactam’ should be carefully used as a treatment option against only carbapenem-resistant MDR ESBL-producing E. coli in this region.
Determination of the Main Phase Transition Temperature of Phospholipids by Nanoplasmonic Sensing
Authors: Chen Wen , Duša Filip , Witos Joanna , Ruokonen Suvi-Katriina , Wiedmer Susanne K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOur study demonstrates that nanoplasmonic sensing (NPS) can be utilized for the determination of the phase transition temperature (Tm) of phospholipids. During the phase transition, the lipid bilayer undergoes a conformational change. Therefore, it is presumed that the Tm of phospholipids can be determined by detecting conformational changes in liposomes. The studied lipids included 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC). Liposomes in gel phase are immobilized onto silicon dioxide sensors and the sensor cell temperature is increased until passing the Tm of the lipid. The results show that, when the system temperature approaches the Tm, a drop of the NPS signal is observed. The breakpoints in the temperatures are 22.5 °C, 41.0 °C, and 55.5 °C for DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC, respectively. These values are very close to the theoretical Tm values, i.e., 24 °C, 41.4 °C, and 55 °C for DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC, respectively. Our studies prove that the NPS methodology is a simple and valuable tool for the determination of the Tm of phospholipids.
Potential identification of vitamin B6 responsiveness in autism spectrum disorder utilizing phenotype variables and machine learning methods
Authors: Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Tamiya Gen , Ueki Masao , Yamanaka Chizuru , Mizuno Satoshi , Kikuya Masahiro , Metoki Hirohito , Matsubara Hiroko , Nagai Masato , Kobayashi Tomoko , Kamiyama Machiko , Watanabe Mikako , Kakuta Kazuhiko , Ouchi Minami , Kurihara Aki , Fukuchi Naru , Yasuhara Akihiro , Inagaki Masumi , Kaga Makiko , Kure Shigeo , Kuriyama Shinichi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe investigated whether machine learning methods could potentially identify a subgroup of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who show vitamin B6 responsiveness by selected phenotype variables. We analyzed the existing data from our intervention study with 17 persons. First, we focused on signs and biomarkers that have been identified as candidates for vitamin B6 responsiveness indicators. Second, we conducted hypothesis testing among these selected variables and their combinations. Finally, we further investigated the results by conducting cluster analyses with two different algorithms, affinity propagation and k-medoids. Statistically significant variables for vitamin B6 responsiveness, including combination of hypersensitivity to sound and clumsiness, and plasma glutamine level, were included. As an a priori variable, the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Society Japan Rating Scale (PARS) scores was also included. The affinity propagation analysis showed good classification of three potential vitamin B6-responsive persons with ASD. The k-medoids analysis also showed good classification. To our knowledge, this is the first study to attempt to identify subgroup of persons with ASD who show specific treatment responsiveness using selected phenotype variables. We applied machine learning methods to further investigate these variables’ ability to identify this subgroup of ASD, even when only a small sample size was available.
Cell-based chemical fingerprinting identifies telomeres and lamin A as modifiers of DNA damage response in cancer cells
Authors: Fujiwara Chiaki , Muramatsu Yukiko , Nishii Megumi , Tokunaka Kazuhiro , Tahara Hidetoshi , Ueno Masaru , Yamori Takao , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Seimiya Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTelomere maintenance by telomerase activity supports the infinite growth of cancer cells. MST-312, a synthetic telomerase inhibitor, gradually shortens telomeres at non-acute lethal doses and eventually induces senescence and apoptosis of telomerase-positive cancer cells. Here we report that MST-312 at higher doses works as a dual inhibitor of telomerase and DNA topoisomerase II and exhibits acute anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and xenografted tumours in vivo. Our cell-based chemical fingerprinting approach revealed that cancer cells with shorter telomeres and lower expression of lamin A, a nuclear architectural protein, exhibited higher sensitivity to the acute deleterious effects of MST-312, accompanied by formation of telomere dysfunction-induced foci and DNA double-strand breaks. Telomere elongation and lamin A overexpression attenuated telomeric and non-telomeric DNA damage, respectively, and both conferred resistance to apoptosis induced by MST-312 and other DNA damaging anticancer agents. These observations suggest that sufficient pools of telomeres and a nuclear lamina component contribute to the cellular robustness against DNA damage induced by therapeutic treatment in human cancer cells.
Self-triggered Asynchronous Optical Sampling Terahertz Spectroscopy using a Bidirectional Mode-locked Fiber Laser
Authors: Baker R. Dawson , Yardimci N. Tolga , Ou Yi-Hsin , Kieu Khanh , Jarrahi Mona 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe report a self-triggered asynchronous optical sampling terahertz spectroscopy system based on a single bidirectional mode-locked fiber laser and plasmonics-enhanced photoconductive nanoantennas. The fiber laser generates two optical mutually coherent pulse trains with a stable repetition rate difference, enabling time-domain terahertz spectroscopy without using any mechanical delay line, stabilization electronics, or external trigger. The resolved terahertz spectra over a 0.1–2 THz frequency range and a 30-second measurement time show more than a 70-dB dynamic range, revealing water absorption lines matching the HITRAN database, through a light-weight and compact spectroscopy setup.
Continuous theta-burst stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex inhibits improvement on a working memory task
Authors: Vékony Teodóra , Németh Viola Luca , Holczer Adrienn , Kocsis Krisztián , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Vécsei László , Must Anita 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTheta-burst stimulation (TBS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may be more effective for modulating cortical excitability compared to standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, the impact of intermittent (iTBS) and continuous TBS (cTBS) on working memory (WM) is poorly studied. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of iTBS and cTBS on WM over the left and right DLPFC. iTBS, cTBS or sham stimulation was administered over the right and left hemisphere of fifty-one healthy human subjects. WM was assessed before and after TBS using the 1-back, 2-back, and 3-back tasks. We found classical practice effects in the iTBS and the sham group: WM performance improved following stimulation as measured by the discriminability index. However, this effect could not be observed in the cTBS group. We did not find any hemisphere-dependent effects, suggesting that the practice effect is not lateralized, and TBS affects WM performance in a comparable manner if administered either over the left or the right hemisphere. We propose that our findings represent a useful addition to the literature of TBS-induced effects on WM. Moreover, these results indicate the possibility of clarifying processes underlying WM performance changes by using non-invasive brain stimulation.
Genome-wide analysis of horizontally acquired genes in the genus Mycobacterium
Authors: Panda Arup , Drancourt Michel , Tuller Tamir , Pontarotti Pierre 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHorizontal gene transfer (HGT) was attributed as a major driving force for the innovation and evolution of prokaryotic genomes. Previously, multiple research endeavors were undertaken to decipher HGT in different bacterial lineages. The genus Mycobacterium houses some of the most deadly human pathogens; however, the impact of HGT in Mycobacterium has never been addressed in a systematic way. Previous initiatives to explore the genomic imprints of HGTs in Mycobacterium were focused on few selected species, specifically among the members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Considering the recent availability of a large number of genomes, the current study was initiated to decipher the probable events of HGTs among 109 completely sequenced Mycobacterium species. Our comprehensive phylogenetic analysis with more than 9,000 families of Mycobacterium proteins allowed us to list several instances of gene transfers spread across the Mycobacterium phylogeny. Moreover, by examining the topology of gene phylogenies here, we identified the species most likely to donate and receive these genes and provided a detailed overview of the putative functions these genes may be involved in. Our study suggested that horizontally acquired foreign genes had played an enduring role in the evolution of Mycobacterium genomes and have contributed to their metabolic versatility and pathogenicity.
Parameters affecting the arcing time of HVDC circuit breakers using black box arc model
Authors: Gouda Osama E. , Ibrahim Doaa Khalil , Soliman Adel 
Published: September 2018

Arc interruption of high voltage direct current (HVDC) circuit breakers (CBs) is one of the main challenging factors for using HVDC grids. To evaluate the arc interrupting capability in HVDC CBs, black box arc models are used to represent the nonlinear arc conductance depending on Cassie and Mayr dynamic arc equations. Extensive simulation studies are carried out to investigate the effect of controlled and uncontrolled parameters on the CB arcing time. A real line represents a part of 500 kV electrical connection systems between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is simulated to be a faulty load. It is found that the arcing time of the HVDC CB can be reduced by increasing the value of cooling power coefficient (p) and decreasing the value of arc time constant (τ). It is also deduced that the arcing time is reduced by the increase of the commutation capacitance value (C) and decreasing the commutation inductance (L) value and vice versa. Moreover, it is concluded that the arcing time is greatly affected by the fault location and the fault arc resistance () according to fault conditions.
Strong tidal energy dissipation in Saturn at Titan’s frequency as an explanation for Iapetus orbit
Authors: Polycarpe William , Saillenfest Melaine , Lainey Valéry , Vienne Alain , Noyelles Benoît , Rambaux Nicolas 
Published: September 2018

Context. Natural satellite systems present a large variety of orbital configurations in the solar system. While some are clearly the result of known processes, others still have largely unexplained eccentricity and inclination values. Iapetus, the furthest of Saturn’s main satellites, has a still unexplained 3% orbital eccentricity and its orbital plane is tilted with respect to its local Laplace plane (8° of free inclination). On the other hand, astrometric measurements of saturnian moons have revealed high tidal migration rates, corresponding to a quality factor Q of Saturn of around 1600 for the mid-sized icy moons.
Aims. We show how a past crossing of the 5:1 mean motion resonance between Titan and Iapetus may be a plausible scenario to explain Iapetus’ orbit.
Methods. We have carried out numerical simulations of the resonance crossing using an N-body code as well as using averaged equations of motion. A large span of migration rates were explored for Titan and Iapetus was started on its local Laplace plane (15° with respect to the equatorial plane) with a circular orbit.
Results. The resonance crossing can trigger a chaotic evolution of the eccentricity and the inclination of Iapetus. The outcome of the resonance is highly dependent on the migration rate (or equivalently on Q). For a quality factor Q of over around 2000, the chaotic evolution of Iapetus in the resonance leads in most cases to its ejection, while simulations with a quality factor between 100 and 2000 show a departure from the resonance with post-resonant eccentricities spanning from 0 up to 15%, and free inclinations capable of reaching 11°. Usually high inclinations come with high eccentricities but some simulations (less than 1%) show elements compatible with Iapetus’ current orbit
Conclusions. In the context of high tidal energy dissipation in Saturn, a quality factor between 100 and 2000 at the frequency of Titan would bring Titan and Iapetus into a 5:1 resonance, which would perturb Iapetus’ eccentricity and inclination to values observed today. Such rapid tidal migration would have avoided Iapetus’ ejection around 40–800 million years ago.
Evaluation of Peak Reflux Velocities with Vector Flow Imaging and Spectral Doppler Ultrasound in Varicose Veins
Authors: Bechsgaard Thor , Hansen Kristoffer , Brandt Andreas , Moshavegh Ramin , Forman Julie , Føgh Pia , Klitfod Lotte , Bækgaard Niels , Lönn Lars , Jensen Jørgen , Nielsen Michael 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Purpose Spectral Doppler ultrasound (SDUS) is used for quantifying reflux in lower extremity varicose veins. The technique is angle-dependent opposed to the new angle-independent Vector Flow Imaging (VFI) method. The aim of this study was to compare peak reflux velocities obtained with VFI and SDUS in patients with chronic venous disease, i. e., pathological retrograde blood flow caused by incompetent venous valves.
Materials and Methods 64 patients with chronic venous disease were scanned with VFI and SDUS in the great or the small saphenous vein, and reflux velocities were compared to three assessment tools for chronic venous disease. A flow rig was used to assess the accuracy and precision of the two methods.
Results The mean peak reflux velocities differed significantly (VFI: 47.4 cm/s vs. SDUS: 62.0 cm/s, p<0.001). No difference in absolute precision (p=0.18) nor relative precision (p=0.79) was found. No correlation to disease severity, according to assessment tools, was found for peak reflux velocities obtained with either method. In vitro, VFI was more accurate but equally precise when compared to SDUS.
Conclusion Both VFI and SDUS detected the pathologic retrograde flow in varicose veins but measured different reflux velocities with equal precision. VFI may play a role in evaluating venous disease in the future.
Parent Instrumentality for Adolescent Eating and Activity
Authors: Orehek Edward , Ferrer Rebecca 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Background
Parent–adolescent interactions have health implications for adolescents. Parents can be instrumental to healthy eating by purchasing fruits and vegetables or refraining from purchasing hedonic (low nutrient, high energy-dense) foods. Parents can be instrumental to healthy activity by modeling exercise behavior or discouraging sedentary activities.

Purpose
This research leverages theory on goal pursuit within relationships to investigate whether parents are instrumental to adolescents’ eating and activity.

Methods
Using a national sample of 1,556 parent–adolescent dyads, we conducted dyadic analyses to examine whether parent instrumentality (both parent-perceived and adolescent-perceived) for healthy behaviors was associated with adolescent engagement in those behaviors. We examined whether the link between parent instrumentality and adolescent BMI was mediated by parent instrumentality. We also explored whether parent instrumentality was associated with parent behaviors and parent BMI.

Results
Greater adolescent-perceived parent instrumentality was associated with greater fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, and lower sedentariness. Parent-perceived parent instrumentality was associated with greater adolescent fruit and vegetable consumption, less hedonic eating, and more activity. Mediation modeling suggests that adolescent BMI is partially attributable to parent instrumentality for activity. Instrumental parents also engage in healthier behaviors, some of which in turn are associated with lower parent BMI.

Conclusions
Findings have implications for the promotion of healthy eating and activity patterns among adolescents. Parental instrumentality for behavior may be an important target for interventions to improve adolescent health, and interventions may be most successful in facilitating adolescent behavior change if they target both parent- and adolescent-perceived parent instrumentality.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor, Febuxostat Ameliorates the High Salt Intake–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Namai-Takahashi Asako , Sakuyama Akihiro , Nakamura Takahiro , Miura Takahiro , Takahashi Junta , Kurosawa Ryo , Kohzuki Masahiro , Ito Osamu 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a source of reactive oxygen species production in the heart. However, pathophysiological role of XO has not been clarified in hypertensive heart disease. Thus, the present study examined the impacts of high salt (HS) intake and febuxostat (Fx), a XO inhibitor in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats.

METHODS
Eight-week old, male Dahl-S rats were fed a normal salt diet (0.6% NaCl) or a HS diet (8% NaCl) for 8 weeks. A part of the rats fed the HS diet were simultaneously treated with Fx (3 mg/kg/day).

RESULTS
HS intake increased blood pressure and heart weight with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in the left ventricle (LV), and Fx diminished them. HS increased the XO activity 4.7-fold and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity 1.5-fold, and Fx not only blocked the XO activity but also inhibited the HS-increased NADPH oxidase activity. HS increased the expression of XO, collagen, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the LV, and Fx reduced the expression and phosphorylation of these proteins except XO.

CONCLUSIONS
Fx ameliorates the HS intake-induced hypertension, LV hypertrophy, and fibrosis with decreasing the TGF-β1 expression and ERK phosphorylation in Dahl-S rats. Fx also down-regulates cardiac NADPH oxidase and renin–angiotensin system. The XO inhibition may be an effective therapy for hypertensive heart disease.
Sedimentary basin investigation using receiver function: an East African Rift case study
Authors: Piana Agostinetti Nicola , Martini Francesca , Mongan Joe 
Published: September 2018

SUMMARYWe apply receiver function (RF) methodology to map the geometry of a sedimentary basin along a ∼10-km-long profile of broadband seismometers that recorded continuously for approximately 3 months. For a subset of the stations, we apply the Neighbourhood Algorithm inversion scheme, to quantify the geometry of basin bounding fault directly beneath the stations. We compare our results with active reflection seismic data and with the lithostratigraphy from a well located along the profile. We find that the  P-to-s conversions from the sediments–basement interface (SBI), recorded in RF data sets together with information on intrabasin structures, are useful for obtaining high resolution images of the basin. The depth of the SBI derived from RF inversion is consistent (within ∼0.4 km) with the estimates from active reflection seismic and the well data. This study highlights that analysis of teleseismic waveforms can retrieve relevant information on the structure of a sedimentary basin.
Kidney diseases associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Uppal Nupur N , Monga Divya , Vernace Melchiore A , Mehtabdin Khurram , Shah Hitesh H , Bijol Vanesa , Jhaveri Kenar D 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWaldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B-cell lymphoma characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration in the bone marrow and other organs and the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin M protein in the serum. Although uncommon, several kidney diseases have been associated with WM. In addition to kidney diseases related to lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma infiltration, a variety of glomerular and tubular lesions have been described in patients with WM. Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis are the two predominant glomerular pathologies seen in WM. In this article we review the kidney diseases associated with WM. We also briefly review some nephrotoxicities of novel chemotherapeutic and targeted therapies used for the treatment of WM.
Refugee Migration and Electoral Outcomes
Authors: Dustmann Christian , Vasiljeva Kristine , Piil Damm Anna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo estimate the causal effect of refugee migration on voting outcomes in parliamentary and municipal elections in Denmark, our study is the first that addresses the key problem of immigrant sorting by exploiting a policy that assigned refugee immigrants to municipalities on a quasi-random basis. We find that in all but the most urban municipalities, allocation of larger refugee shares between electoral cycles leads to an increase in the vote share for right-leaning parties with an anti-immigration agenda, and we show large differences in voters’ responses to refugee allocation according to pre-policy municipal characteristics. However, in the largest and urban municipalities, refugee allocation has—if anything—the opposite effect on vote shares for anti-immigration parties. This coincides with a sharp divide in attitudes to refugees between urban and rural populations, which may be partly explained by distinctive interactions between natives and those with different background in cities and rural areas. Refugee allocation also has a large impact on the anti-immigration parties’ choice of where to stand for municipal election, and we provide some evidence that it influences voter turnout.