bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SUMOylation is required for fungal development and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Lim You‐Jin , Kim Ki‐Tae , Lee Yong‐Hwan 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAmongst the various post‐translational modifications (PTMs), SUMOylation is a conserved process of attachment of a small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) to a protein substrate in eukaryotes. This process regulates many important biological mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, protein stabilization, cell cycle, DNA repair and pathogenesis. However, the functional role of SUMOylation is not well understood in plant‐pathogenic fungi, including the model fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. In this study, we elucidated the roles of four SUMOylation‐associated genes that encode one SUMO protein (MoSMT3), two E1 enzymes (MoAOS1 and MoUBA2) and one E2 enzyme (MoUBC9) in fungal development and pathogenicity. Western blot assays showed that SUMO modification was abolished in all deletion mutants. MoAOS1 and MoUBA2 were mainly localized in the nucleus, whereas MoSMT3 and MoUBC9 were localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. However, the four SUMOylation‐associated proteins were predominantly localized in the nucleus under oxidative stress conditions. Deletion mutants for each of the four genes were viable, but showed significant defects in mycelial growth, conidiation, septum formation, conidial germination, appressorium formation and pathogenicity. Several proteins responsible for conidiation were predicted to be SUMOylated, suggesting that conidiation is controlled at the post‐translational level by SUMOylation. In addition to infection‐related development, SUMOylation also played important roles in resistance to nutrient starvation, DNA damage and oxidative stresses. Therefore, SUMOylation is required for infection‐related fungal development, stress responses and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. This study provides new insights into the role of SUMOylation in the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of the rice blast fungus and other plant pathogens.
Choosing Between Different Time‐Varying Volatility Models for Structural Vector Autoregressive Analysis
Authors: Lütkepohl Helmut , Schlaak Thore 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe performance of information criteria and tests for residual heteroscedasticity for choosing between different models for time‐varying volatility in the context of structural vector autoregressive analysis is investigated. Although it can be difficult to find the true volatility model with the selection criteria, using them is recommended because they can reduce the mean squared error of impulse response estimates substantially relative to a model that is chosen arbitrarily based on the personal preferences of a researcher. Heteroscedasticity tests are found to be useful tools for deciding whether time‐varying volatility is present but do not discriminate well between different types of volatility changes. The selection methods are illustrated by specifying a model for the global market for crude oil.
Isolation of pulmonary veins using a thermoreactive implantable device with external energy transfer: Evaluation in a porcine model
Authors: Boussy Tim , Vandecasteele Tim , Vera Lisse , Schauvliege Stijn , Philpott Matthew , Clement Eli , van Loon Gunther , Willenz Udi , Granada Juan F. , Stone Gregg W. , Reddy Vivek Y. , Van Langenhove Glenn 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well‐established method for the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, but is only partly successful with a high rate of electrical reconnection. We introduce a novel technique in which PVI is accomplished by noninvasive heating of a dedicated thermoresponse implant inserted into the pulmonary veins (PV), demonstrated in a porcine model.MethodsA self‐expanding nitinol‐based implant was positioned in the common inferior PV of 11 pigs, using a fluoroscopy‐guided transatrial appendage approach. Ablation was performed through contactless energy transfer from a primary extracorporal coil to a secondary heat ring (HR) embedded in the proximal part of the implant. Electrophysiological conduction was assessed prior to and postablation, and at 3 months. Histological samples were obtained acutely (n = 4) and after 3 months (n = 7).ResultsIn total, 13 PV implants were successfully positioned in the inferior PVs of 11 animals. Ablation was performed without injury of adjacent structures. PVI and bidirectional block was electrophysiologically confirmed in all cases immediately at the time of implantation and 3 months later in seven chronic animals in whom testing was repeated. Marked evidence of ablation around the proximal HR was evident at 3 months postprocedure, with scar tissue formation and only mild neointimal proliferation.ConclusionsSuccessful PVI can be obtained by external electromagnetic heat transfer to a novel pulmonary vein implant.
An in vitro evaluation of the influence of neonatal endotracheal tube diameter and length on the work of breathing
Authors: Miyake Fuyu , Suga Rika , Akiyama Takahiro , Namba Fumihiko 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundNeonates, particularly premature babies, are often managed with endotracheal intubation and subsequent mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate pulmonary gas exchange. There is no consensus on the standard length of endotracheal tube. Although a short tube reduces resistance and respiratory dead space, it is believed to increase the risk of accidental extubation. There are not entirely coherent data regarding the effect of endotracheal tube length on work of breathing in infants.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of neonatal endotracheal tube diameter and length on the work of breathing using an infant in vitro lung model.MethodWe assessed the work of breathing index and mechanical ventilation settings with various endotracheal tube diameters and lengths using the JTR100 in vitro infant lung model. The basic parameters of the model were breathing frequency of 20 per minutes, inspiratory—expiratory ratio of 1:3, and positive end‐expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. In addition, the diaphragm driving pressure to maintain the set tidal volume was measured as the work of breathing index. The JTR100 was connected to the Babylog 8000plus through the endotracheal tube. Finally, we monitored the peak inspiratory pressure generated during assist‐control volume guarantee mode with a targeted tidal volume of 10‐30 mL.ResultsThe diaphragm driving pressure using a 2.0‐mm inner diameter tube was twice as high as that using a 4.0‐mm inner diameter tube. To maintain the targeted tidal volume, a shorter tube reduced both the diaphragm driving pressure and ventilator‐generated peak inspiratory pressure. The difference in the generated peak inspiratory pressure between the shortest and longest tubes was 5 cmH2O.ConclusionIn our infant lung model, a shorter tube resulted in a lower work of breathing and lower ventilator‐generated peak inspiratory pressure.
Occult dysraphism presenting with acro‐osteolysis
Authors: Gopinath Hima , Valeti Meghana , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe skin and the nervous system share common embryologic origins. Cutaneous stigmata may be early clues to underlying occult spinal dysraphism. The delayed manifestations of spinal dysraphism may also involve the skin. We report a case of a 4‐year‐old child in whom acro‐osteolysis and cutaneous trophic changes on the right foot were the presenting features of occult dysraphism.
Advancement of close range photogrammetry with a portable panoramic image mapping system (PPIMS)
Authors: Chen Yung‐Chuan , Tseng Yi‐Hsing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMobile mapping technologies have contributed to close range photogrammetry becoming an efficient method for a wide range of applications over the last two decades. Advancements have included the integration of multi‐camera images and georeferencing data collected with a mobile mapping system (MMS). This paper proposes the use of a portable panoramic image mapping system (PPIMS), which is a specially designed platform equipped with eight cameras to capture panoramic images and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver (or a prism reflector) for positioning. A rigorous calibration procedure is developed for PPIMS, as well as a bundle adjustment method to solve for the platform exterior orientation parameters (EOPs) which then allows the image EOPs to be calculated. Experimental results demonstrate that PPIMS mapping accuracy can be better than 13 mm, making it comparable with traditional methods but much more efficient in the measuring process.
T‐cell profiles elicited by Toxoplasma gondii in acutely/chronically infected humans
Authors: Silva‐Gutierrez N. , Bahsas Zaky R. , Bouchard M. , Teran Angel G. , Amoroso A. , Peterson D. L. , Salmen S. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm‐blooded species and induce a chronic infection in human hosts. The aim of this work was to investigate Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg polarization, induced by four important T. gondii antigens (SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1) in acutely and chronically infected patients. For this purpose, SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1 were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified, and used to evaluate the proinflammatory and regulatory immune response profiles in seropositive and seronegative individuals. Our results show that SAG1 and ROP1 elicited a proinflammatory profile (INF‐γ, IL‐12 and IL‐17) in individuals in the acute phase, whereas MAG1 and GRA8 induced a regulatory pattern (Treg and TGF‐β) in chronically infected patients. These results reveal fundamental differences in T‐cell polarization induced by T. gondii antigens, which could have important implications in the immunopathogenesis of the disease and in future proposals of therapeutic strategies.
A molecular marker for the specific detection of new pathotype 5‐like strains of Plasmodiophora brassicae in canola
Authors: Zhou Q. , Hwang S. F. , Strelkov S. E. , Fredua‐Agyeman R. , Manolii V. P. 
Published: April 2018

Clubroot of crucifers, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is managed in canola (Brassica napus) by the deployment of resistant cultivars. Recently, however, new strains of P. brassicae have been detected in Alberta, Canada, that can overcome this resistance. Some of these strains are classified as pathotype 5 on the differential system of Williams, but are distinguished by their ability to overcome host resistance. In order to expedite the identification of these new pathotype 5‐like strains, three primer sets were developed based on the 18S‐ITS region of the pathogen. With primers P5XF3 and P5XR3, a 127 bp product was amplified from all new pathotype 5‐like strains following optimized PCR analysis. A TaqMan probe‐based quantitative assay was also developed. These protocols could be used to detect as little as 0.5 pg P. brassicae DNA, and as few as 104 mL−1 pathogen resting spores; infection of host tissues could be detected as soon as 4 days after inoculation. The PCR and qPCR assays described in this study represent useful tools for the rapid and reliable diagnosis and quantification of new pathotype 5‐like strains of P. brassicae.
Haste makes waste—Should current guideline recommendations for initiation of renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury be changed?
Authors: Vanmassenhove Jill , Vanholder Raymond , Van Biesen Wim , Lameire Norbert 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere is broad consensus among guideline organizations that renal replacement therapy (RRT) should not be delayed in case of life‐threatening conditions. However, in case of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) without these conditions, it is unclear whether immediate RRT has an advantage over delayed RRT. Two recently published randomized controlled trials (AKIKI and ELAIN) with seemingly opposite results have reignited the discussion whether guideline recommendations on initiation strategies in severe AKI should be adapted. This editorial discusses RRT initiation strategies in severe AKI, based on recent literature and highlights the potential advantages and disadvantages of immediate vs delayed start. Overall, evidence in favor of immediate compared to delayed strategies is sparse and there is wide heterogeneity across studies making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. RRT should not be delayed in case of refractory hyperkalemia, severe metabolic acidosis or pulmonary edema resistant to diuretics. In all other cases, a delayed strategy seems justified and might enhance renal recovery. RRT is not a “it doesn't hurt to try” technique and can expose the patient to a higher risk of bleeding, hemodynamic problems, under‐dosing of antibiotics, loss of nutrients, catheter‐related complications and the uncertain effects of blood‐membrane interactions. There is no compelling reason to change current guideline recommendations and research focus should shift toward the development of algorithms as a decision aid tool for RRT initiation in severe AKI.
Simulation of Bayes' rule by means of Monte Carlo method
Authors: Gangur Mikuláš , Svoboda Milan 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis contribution shows a simple implementation of Monte Carlo simulation method when presenting Bayes' rule. The implementation is carried out in the environment of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets by means of a generator of random numbers. The empiric results gained by simulation serve to confirm the correctness of the chosen procedures in calculations using Bayes' formula.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct sealing is inconsistent when performed with a bipolar vessel‐sealing device in healthy cats
Authors: Mitchell Jeffrey W. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Johnson Eric G. , Steffey Michele A. , Pascoe Peter J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a technique for video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) thoracic duct ligation (TDL) in normal cats with a bipolar vessel‐sealing device and to assess durability of the seal.Study DesignProspective case series.AnimalsSix healthy research cats.MethodsCats were placed under anesthesia for computed tomography lymphangiography (CTLA) to identify thoracic duct anatomy. On the basis of CTLA findings, cats were positioned in either right or left lateral recumbency for a 3‐port VATS TDL. Thoracic duct branches were dissected from the aorta after subcutaneous indirect near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) lymphography with indocyanine green was performed to optimize detection. A vessel‐sealing device was used to seal each thoracic duct in 1 or more locations. Postattenuation, indirect NIRF lymphography was repeated to confirm complete occlusion of thoracic duct flow. CTLA was repeated in all cats 3 months postoperatively.ResultsThe thoracic duct was surgically approached from the right in 3 cats and from the left in 3 cats. A median of 2.5 (range 1‐6) TDL seal sites were applied. In 2 cats, leakage of chyle was detected during dissection. At 3 months postoperatively, CTLA confirmed reestablished chylous flow in 5 of 6 cats, appearing to occur through recanalization of previously sealed sites rather than through development of de novo lymphatic vessels.ConclusionVATS TDL is feasible in cats, although the variable and delicate nature of feline thoracic duct anatomy should be considered preoperatively.Clinical significanceBipolar vessel‐sealing devices are not a durable modality for thoracic duct sealing in healthy cats in a seal only fashion.
Challenges to controlling rabies in skunk populations using oral rabies vaccination: A review
Authors: Wohlers A. , Lankau E. W. , Oertli E. H. , Maki J. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryControlling rabies in skunk populations is an important public health concern in many parts of the United States due to the potential for skunk rabies outbreaks in urban centres and the possible role for skunks in raccoon rabies variant circulation. Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programmes have supported wildlife rabies control efforts globally but using ORV to control rabies in skunk populations has proven more challenging than with other target species, like foxes, coyotes and raccoons. A review of published studies found that some ORV constructs are immunogenic in skunks and protect against virulent rabies virus challenges, especially when delivered by direct installation into the oral cavity. However, in field ORV programmes using currently available vaccine‐bait formats and distribution methods targeting other rabies reservoir species, skunks often fail to seroconvert. Field effectiveness of ORV in skunks appears to be limited by poor bait uptake or inadequate ingestion of vaccine rather than from poor vaccine efficacy. Observations of captive skunks revealed vaccine spillage when handling and biting into baits such that modification of bait formats might improve field effectiveness. In addition, a dose–response relationship between bait distribution density and post‐baiting seroconversion among skunks was observed across the limited number of field studies. Additional research is needed to identify opportunities to modify ORV baits and distribution strategies to improve the viability of ORV as a rabies control strategy in skunks.
Rainfall, evapotranspiration and rainfall deficit trend in Alor Setar, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Aimi Athirah , Yusof Fadhilah , Mispan Muhamad Radzali , Kamaruddin Hasliana 
Published: April 2018

Rainfall and potential evapotranspiration are important variables in water balance study. Rainfall data were obtained from Malaysian Meteorological Department while estimates of potential evapotranspiration were calculated using Penman-Monteith method. Trend analysis of monthly and annual rainfall, potential evapotranspiration and rainfall deficit are essential to manage irrigation system in agricultural systems. This is because changes in trend of these parameters may affect the water cycle and ecosystem. Annual and monthly values of these variables were analysed from 1980-2009. Results indicated increasing trends of 16.2 mm yr-1 and 3.01 mm yr-1 for both annual rainfall and potential evapotranspiration, respectively. Consequently, these trends resulted in annual rainfall deficit of 1.69 mm per year.
Study on empathetic-pain perception in brain induced by three levels of empathetic-pain perception stimuli
Authors: Md Yassin Siti Norhayati , Priya Utama Nugraha , Mohamad Salim Maheza Irna 
Published: April 2018

Empathetic-pain perception is a divergence from empathy which is a pain perceived as a reflection of perception from others. The study of empathetic-pain perception and empathy were always related with psychological disorder effecting social and humanity values. The process involved in empathetic-pain perception formations in brain were believed to be different if induced by different level of empathetic-pain perception stimuli. Therefore, this paper was aimed to study the processes involved in empathetic-pain perception formation by revealing the activation-time intervals and source location of the highest empathetic-pain perception intensity. This study conducted an experiment to induce empathetic-pain perception on 16 participants using still pictures as visual-stimuli. Electroencephalograph (EEG) recorded brain signal of the participants during the visual-stimuli presentations while the EEG signal were analysed using MATLAB® toolbox, EEGLAB. Time/frequency decomposition in EEGLAB produces ERSP images which determines the activation-time intervals for empathetic-pain perception and, by performing source localization within the activation-time intervals using sLORETA, the source locations for most active processes in empathetic-pain perception were determined. The processes involved in empathetic-pain perception formation in every level were ‘stimuli-learning’ and ‘memory-reconstructions’ by Posterior Cingulate BA 30, pain-regulation by either Postcentral Gyrus BA 2, Cingulate Gyrus BA 24 or both, and visual-stimuli and visual-memory processing by Lingual Gyrus at almost similar time intervals. However, the processes were also performed by various brain areas to either perform attention-sustain process while managed working memory and self-control regulation by Middle Frontal Gyrus BA 46, mirror-neurons activation while processed attention information and emotions by Inferior Parietal Lobule BA 40, multisensory integration by Superior Temporal Gyrus BA 22, or motor-neurons activation to control the skeletal system respectively in every level by Paracentral Lobule BA 6 and Precentral Gyrus BA44. In conclusion, the empathetic-pain perception formation process discovery were necessary to differentiate every affectional level of the empathetic-pain perception.
The conjugacy class graph of some finite groups and its energy
Authors: Mahmoud Rabiha , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad 
Published: April 2018

The energy of a graph which is denoted by is defined to be the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix. In this paper we present the concepts of conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups and introduce the general formula for the energy of the conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups. The energy of any dihedral group of order in different cases, depends on the parity of is proved in this paper. Also we introduce the general formula for the conjugacy class graph of generalized quaternion groups and quasidihedral groups.
SPR sensor for detection of heavy metal ions: Manipulating the EM waves polarization modes
Authors: Mukhtar Wan Maisarah , Mohd Halim Razman , Ahmad Dasuki Karsono , Abdul Rashid Affa Rozana , Mohd Taib Nur Athirah 
Published: April 2018

Water contamination by heavy metals is a common issue encountered in many countries due to industrial and urban wastes in water resources which give health and socio-economic impacts. This work is carried out to investigate the effect of EM wave polarization modes on the sensing properties of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in detecting heavy metal ions namely mercury (Hg) and plumbum (Pb). Three types of polarization modes such as p-polarized, s-polarized and circular-polarized light were introduced. Gold and silver thin films with thicknesses of 50nm were deposited on top of SPR layer system to excite surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The SPR curves were analyzed by studying the FWHM, Q-factor and angle shifting characteristics. We manage to prove theoretically that the SPR phenomena able to be created by using not only the p-polarized light, yet by employing a circular-polarized light. The sensor shows positive respond for both polarization modes, where the troughs were red-shifted about 23.78% as Pb was introduced on the top of the gold-coated SPR sensor. The SPR angles were shifted about 24.45% as the sensor was exposed with Hg metal ions. Different response due to the presence of different analytes exhibits an excellent criteria of high selectivity sensor. In conclusion, the combination of p-polarized light or circular-polarized light and gold thin film able to accentuate the significant role of SPR sensor in detecting heavy metal ions.
Nursing quality indicator outcomes in hospitals with a Clinical Nurse Leader: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sage Lauren , Harris Janet 
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:
What nursing quality indicator outcomes related to nosocomial infections have been identified in studies reporting upon care of patients by Clinical Nurse Leaders?
The objective of this scoping review is to explore existing literature related to nursing quality indicator outcomes specific to nosocomial infections in studies reporting upon care of patients by Clinical Nurse Leaders, examine and conceptually map the evidence, and identify any gaps.