bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic shift in the emergence of hyperinvasive pandemic meningococcal lineages
Authors: Watkins Eleanor R. , Maiden Martin C. J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHyperinvasive lineages of Neisseria meningitidis, which persist despite extensive horizontal genetic exchange, are a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia worldwide. Over the past 50 years one such lineage of meningococci, known as serogroup A, clonal complex 5 (A:cc5), has caused three successive pandemics, including epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the principal antigens that invoke effective immunity have remained unchanged, distinct A:cc5 epidemic clones have nevertheless emerged. An analysis of whole genome sequence diversity among 153 A:cc5 isolates identified eleven genetic introgression events in the emergence of the epidemic clones, which primarily involved variants of core genes encoding metabolic processes. The acquired DNA was identical to that found over many years in other, unrelated, hyperinvasive meningococci, suggesting that the epidemic clones emerged by acquisition of pre-existing metabolic gene variants, rather than ‘virulence’ associated or antigen-encoding genes. This is consistent with mathematical models which predict the association of transmission fitness with the emergence and maintenance of virulence in recombining commensal organisms.
Impact of saccharides on the drying kinetics of agarose gels measured by in-situ interferometry
Authors: Mao Bosi , Divoux Thibaut , Snabre Patrick 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAgarose gels are viscoelastic soft solids that display a porous microstructure filled with water at 90% w/w or more. Despite an extensive use in food industry and microbiology, little is known about the drying kinetics of such squishy solids, which suffers from a lack of time-resolved local measurements. Moreover, only scattered empirical observations are available on the role of the gel composition on the drying kinetics. Here we study by in-situ interferometry the drying of agarose gels of various compositions cast in Petri dishes. The gel thinning is associated with the displacement of interference fringes that are analyzed using an efficient spatiotemporal filtering method, which allows us to assess local thinning rates as low as 10 nm/s with high accuracy. The gel thinning rate measured at the center of the dish appears as a robust observable to quantify the role of additives on the gel drying kinetics and compare the drying speed of agarose gels loaded with various non-gelling saccharides of increasing molecular weights. Our work shows that saccharides systematically decrease the agarose gel thinning rate up to a factor two, and exemplifies interferometry as a powerful tool to quantify the impact of additives on the drying kinetics of polymer gels.
Development of a facile droplet-based single-cell isolation platform for cultivation and genomic analysis in microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wang Tingting , Zhou Qian , Zhang Peng , Gong Yanhai , Gou Honglei , Xu Jian , Ma Bo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWider application of single-cell analysis has been limited by the lack of an easy-to-use and low-cost strategy for single-cell isolation that can be directly coupled to single-cell sequencing and single-cell cultivation, especially for small-size microbes. Herein, a facile droplet microfluidic platform was developed to dispense individual microbial cells into conventional standard containers for downstream analysis. Functional parts for cell encapsulation, droplet inspection and sorting, as well as a chip-to-tube capillary interface were integrated on one single chip with simple architecture, and control of the droplet sorting was achieved by a low-cost solenoid microvalve. Using microalgal and yeast cells as models, single-cell isolation success rate of over 90% and single-cell cultivation success rate of 80% were demonstrated. We further showed that the individual cells isolated can be used in high-quality DNA and RNA analyses at both gene-specific and whole-genome levels (i.e. real-time quantitative PCR and genome sequencing). The simplicity and reliability of the method should improve accessibility of single-cell analysis and facilitate its wider application in microbiology researches.
Visual Responses of Photoreceptor-Degenerated Rats Expressing Two Different Types of Channelrhodopsin Genes
Authors: Sato Masatoshi , Sugano Eriko , Tabata Kitako , Sannohe Kei , Watanabe Yoshito , Ozaki Taku , Tamai Makoto , Tomita Hiroshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOptogenetic technologies are expected to be applicable for clinical use in restoring vision. However, the degree of recovered visual function is highly dependent on the function of the chosen optogenetic gene. To investigate the effect on visual function of dual expression of genes with different wavelength sensitivities, we transduced a modified Volvox-derived channelrhodopsin gene (mVChR1) via an adeno-associated virus vector into transgenic rats harbouring the ChR2 gene in retinal ganglion cells. These transgenic rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea to induce the degeneration of native photoreceptor cells prior to transduction of mVChR1. Optical coherence tomography images indicated the degeneration of the native photoreceptor cells after the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea injection. Complete loss of function of the native photoreceptor cells was confirmed using electroretinograms. In the ChR2 transgenic rats, visually evoked potentials were clearly detectable in spite of native photoreceptor function abolishment; however the responses were limited to within blue wavelengths. In contrast, the limited wavelength sensitivities were improved by the additional transduction of mVChR1, which exhibited sensitivities to green and red. Thus, the transductions of dual genes encoding channelrhodopsins that exhibit different wavelength sensitivities represents a promising candidate method to expand and to enhance rescued wavelength sensitivities in blind subjects.
A clinical study of thermal monitoring techniques of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk locations
Authors: Zhi-yu Han , Ping Liang , Xiao-ling Yu , Zhi-gang Cheng , Fang-yi Liu , Jie Yu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTo confirm the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive thermal monitor technique on percutaneous ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk locations, a total of 189 patients with 226 HCC nodules in high-risk locations were treated with MWA. The real-time temperature of the tissue between the lesion margin and the vital structures was monitored by inserting a 21G thermal monitoring needle. The major indexes of technical success, technique effectiveness, local tumour progression and complications were observed during the follow-up period. Technical success was acquired in all patients. Technique effectiveness was achieved with one session in 119 lesions based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) 3–5 days after treatment. An additional 95 lesions achieved technique effectiveness at the second session. Within the follow–up period of 6–58 months (median 38 months), the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year local tumour progression rate was 11.1%, 18.1%, 19.1%, and 19.9%, respectively. There were no major complications in all the patients except for the common side effects. These results indicate that the thermal monitor technique can be applied to prevent major complications in vulnerable structures and allow percutaneous MWA to achieve satisfactory technique effectiveness in the treatment of HCC in high-risk locations.
Regulation of genes related to immune signaling and detoxification in Apis mellifera by an inhibitor of histone deacetylation
Authors: Hu Yee-Tung , Wu Tsai-Chin , Yang En-Cheng , Wu Pei-Chi , Lin Po-Tse , Wu Yueh-Lung 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe western honeybee (Apis mellifera) is essential for the global economy due to its important role in ecosystems and agriculture as a pollinator of numerous flowering plants and crops. Pesticide abuse has greatly impacted honeybees and caused tremendous loss of honeybee colonies worldwide. The reasons for colony loss remain unclear, but involvement of pesticides and pathogen-pesticide interactions has been hypothesized. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) inhibit the activity of histone acetylase, which causes the hyperacetylation of histone cores and influences gene expression. In this study, sodium butyrate, an HDACi, was used as a dietary supplement for honeybees; after treatment, gene expression profiles were analyzed using quantitative PCR. The results showed that sodium butyrate up-regulated genes involved in anti-pathogen and detoxification pathways. The bioassay results showed that honeybees treated with sodium butyrate were more tolerant to imidacloprid. Additionally, sodium butyrate strengthened the immune response of honeybees to invasions of Nosema ceranae and viral infections. We also performed a bioassay in which honeybees were exposed to pesticides and pathogens. Our results provide additional data regarding the mechanism by which honeybees react to stress and the potential application of HDACis in beekeeping.
Restoring GM1 ganglioside expression ameliorates axonal outgrowth inhibition and cognitive impairments induced by blast traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rubovitch Vardit , Zilberstein Yael , Chapman Joab , Schreiber Shaul , Pick Chaim G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBlast induced traumatic brain injury (B-TBI) may cause various degrees of cognitive and behavioral disturbances but the exact brain pathophysiology involved is poorly understood. It was previously suggested that ganglioside alteration on the axon surface as well as axonal regenerating inhibitors (ARIs) such as myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) were involved in axonal outgrowth inhibition (AOI), leading to brain damage. GM1 ganglioside content in the brain was significantly reduced while GD1 ganglioside was not affected. The axonal regeneration was also reduced as seen by the phosphorylated NF-H expression. Moreover, B-TBI induced a significant elevation in MAG expression in the brains of the injured mice. The blast injured mice exhibited a significant decline in spatial memory as seen by the Y-maze test. In addition, the injured mice showed pronounced damage to the visual memory (as evaluated by the Novel object recognition test). A single low dose of GM1 (2 mg/kg; IP), shortly after the injury, prevented both the cognitive and the cellular changes in the brains of the injured mice. These results enlighten part of the complicated mechanism that underlies the damage induced by B-TBI and may also suggest a potential new treatment strategy for brain injuries.
Chern structure in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms
Authors: Nobukane Hiroyoshi , Matsuyama Toyoki , Tanda Satoshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe quantum anomaly that breaks the symmetry, for example the parity and the chirality, in the quantization leads to a physical quantity with a topological Chern invariant. We report the observation of a Chern structure in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms by employing electric transport. We observed the superconductor-to-insulator transition by reducing the thickness of Sr2RuO4 single crystals. The appearance of a gap structure in the insulating phase implies local superconductivity. Fractional quantized conductance was observed without an external magnetic field. We found an anomalous induced voltage with temperature and thickness dependence, and the induced voltage exhibited switching behavior when we applied a magnetic field. We suggest that there was fractional magnetic-field-induced electric polarization in the interlayer. These anomalous results are related to topological invariance. The fractional axion angle Θ = π/6 was determined by observing the topological magneto-electric effect in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms.
Cognitive dissonance resolution depends on episodic memory
Authors: Chammat Mariam , Karoui Imen El , Allali Sébastien , Hagège Joshua , Lehongre Katia , Hasboun Dominique , Baulac Michel , Epelbaum Stéphane , Michon Agnès , Dubois Bruno , Navarro Vincent , Salti Moti , Naccache Lionel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe notion that past choices affect preferences is one of the most influential concepts of social psychology since its first report in the 50 s, and its theorization within the cognitive dissonance framework. In the free-choice paradigm (FCP) after choosing between two similarly rated items, subjects reevaluate chosen items as more attractive and rejected items as less attractive. However the relations prevailing between episodic memory and choice-induced preference change (CIPC) remain highly debated: is this phenomenon dependent or independent from memory of past choices? We solve this theoretical debate by demonstrating that CIPC occurs exclusively for items which were correctly remembered as chosen or rejected during the choice stage. We used a combination of fMRI and intra-cranial electrophysiological recordings to reveal a modulation of left hippocampus activity, a hub of episodic memory retrieval, immediately before the occurrence of CIPC during item reevaluation. Finally, we show that contrarily to a previous influential report flawed by a statistical artifact, this phenomenon is absent in amnesic patients for forgotten items. These results demonstrate the dependence of cognitive dissonance on conscious episodic memory. This link between current preferences and previous choices suggests a homeostatic function of this regulative process, aiming at preserving subjective coherence.
Chitosan functionalized nanocochleates for enhanced oral absorption of cyclosporine A
Authors: Liu Min , Zhong Xiaoming , Yang Zhiwen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIt remains a significant challenge to overcome the poor permeability of cyclosporine A and enhance its oral absorption. In this study, we have identified a positively charged chitosan that is able to induce coiling up of anionic lipids to form nanocochleates with an average size of 114.2 ± 0.8 nm, without the need for calcium ions. These functional chitosan-induced nanocochleates enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of cyclosporine A, up to a 3-fold increase in oral bioavailability. A fluorescence-labeling study confirmed that absorption mainly occurred in the duodenum and jejunum. Transport studies indicated that uptake of chitosan-induced nanocochleates by Caco-2 cells was by clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, but not by macropinocytosis. Furthermore, three cellular tight junction proteins, ZO-1, F-actin and claudin-4, were significantly down-regulated, suggesting that chitobiose-induced nanocochleates are able to reconstruct and open tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells to enhance drug absorption. In summary, these novel bifunctional chitosan-induced nanocochleates appear to have potential to facilitate oral delivery of cyclosporine A.
Light-induced dynamic shaping and self-division of multipodal polyelectrolyte-surfactant microarchitectures via azobenzene photomechanics
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Sharma Kamendra P. , Harniman Robert L. , Richardson Robert M. , Hutchings Ricky J. , Alibhai Dominic , Li Mei , Mann Stephen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLight-induced shape transformations represent a fundamental step towards the emergence of adaptive materials exhibiting photomechanical behaviours. Although a range of covalent azobenzene-based photoactive materials has been demonstrated, the use of dynamic photoisomerization in mesostructured soft solids involving non-covalent co-assembly has received little attention. Here we prepare discrete micrometre-sized hydrated particles of a hexagonally ordered polyelectrolyte-surfactant mesophase based on the electrostatically induced co-assembly of poly(sodium acrylate) (PAA) and trans-azobenzene trimethylammonium bromide (trans-azoTAB), and demonstrate unusual non-equilibrium substrate-mediated shape transformations to complex multipodal microarchitectures under continuous blue light. The microparticles spontaneously sequester molecular dyes, functional enzymes and oligonucleotides, and undergo self-division when transformed to the cis state under UV irradiation. Our results illustrate that weak bonding interactions in polyelectrolyte-azobenzene surfactant mesophases can be exploited for photo-induced long-range molecular motion, and highlight how dynamic shape transformations and autonomous division can be activated by spatially confining azobenzene photomechanics in condensed microparticulate materials.
Improving Art Museum Accessibility for Adults With Acquired Hearing Loss
Authors: Meyer Susanna , Larrivee Linda , Veneziano-Korzec Ann , Stacy Katrina 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Adults with hearing loss rated the accessibility of guided or docent-led art museum tours with and without hearing assistive technology (HAT).

Method

Nineteen individuals (average age 64 years, range 35–87 years) with acquired hearing loss participated. All participants had a bilateral hearing loss (mild to profound) using hearing aids (
n
= 12), cochlear implants (
n
= 5), or no technology (
n
= 2). Two docents who were previously trained to modify their presentations and use clear speech led the tours. Participants experienced a tour with and without the museum's HAT and rated its effectiveness using a rating scale. The study used a pre–post test design.

Results

The docent-led tours with HAT were rated significantly higher (
p
= .003) than the tours without HAT. Participants made several suggestions on improving museum accessibility for individuals with hearing loss.

Conclusions
The use of HAT during a museum tour was beneficial for individuals with hearing loss. Training docents to modify their presentations, use clear speech, and HAT improved the accessibility of docent-led tours for individuals with hearing loss.
Simple variable tap‐length algorithm for high‐noise environment
Authors: Wei Ying , Yan Zhibin 
Published: January 2017

In the variable tap‐length algorithm, fast‐convergence rate and small steady‐state fluctuation of the tap‐length are two important criteria to evaluate performance of the algorithm. Furthermore, the simplicity and robustness to the noise are the key points for the algorithm to be applied in practise. Along this line, a very simple variable tap‐length algorithm is processed where the adaptation rule for fractional tap‐length is modified by incorporating strategy of limiting the amplitude of difference between squared output error and squared segmented error. Only at a slight cost of computational complexity, the proposed algorithm can achieve both small steady‐state fluctuation and fast‐convergence rate of the tap‐length under a high stochastic Gaussian noise condition (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 0 dB) or a deterministic impulsive noise condition.
Transient Exacerbation of Nasal Symptoms following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors: A Prospective Study
Authors: Davies Benjamin , Tirr Erica , Wang Yi , Gnanalingham Kanna 
Published: January 2017

Object Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the commonest approach to pituitary tumors. One disadvantage of this approach is the development of early postoperative nasal symptoms. Our aim was to clarify the peak onset of these symptoms and their temporal evolution.
Methods The General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was administered to 56 patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors preoperatively and at 1 day, 3 days, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Most patients underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas (N = 49; 88%) and through a uninostril approach (N = 55; 98%). Total GNPI (0–135) and scores for the 45 individual components were compared.
Results GNPI scores peaked at 1 to 3 days postoperatively, with rapid reduction to baseline by 2 weeks and below baseline by 6 to 12 months postsurgery (p < 0.01). Of the 45 individual symptoms on the GNPI scale, 19 (42%) worsened transiently after surgery (p < 0.05). Functioning tumors had a higher GNPI scores at postoperative day 1 and 3 than nonfunctioning tumors, although their temporal evolution was the same (p < 0.05).
Conclusions Nasal morbidity following endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is common, but transient, more so in the functioning subgroup. Nasal symptoms improve below baseline by 6 to 12 months, without the need for specific long-term postoperative interventions in the vast majority of patients.
Functional Outcomes of 24-Hour Thumb Immobilization in Healthy Volunteers: Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Muppavarapu Raghuveer , Tsytsikova Lyubov , Dalwadi Poonam , Cassidy Charles , Gottschalk Michael 
Published: January 2017

Background Immobilization is often needed for the treatment of wrist and hand injuries. The current best method of immobilization for several types of injuries has yet to be elucidated with little being reported on the functional differences of each type of immobilization.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcome between healthy young volunteers with a 24-hour short arm cast (SAC) versus thumb spica cast (TSC) immobilization.
Methods A total of 50 healthy volunteers completed a baseline typing assessment and a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity functional scoring assessment. Participants in group 1 were randomly initially assigned to a TSC of their dominant hand followed by an SAC, whereas participants in group 2 were randomly initially assigned to a TSC of their nondominant hand followed by an SAC. The volunteers completed the typing assessment and PROMIS assessment at the end of the 24-hour casting period.
Results A total of 50 participants were enrolled in the study with 25 in group 1 and 25 in group 2. There was a 24.3-point difference between the average PROMIS score for participants with SAC compared with participants with TSC (93 vs. 68.7; p = 0.0001). There was a significant difference between the typing speed and accuracy of participants with SAC compared with participants with TSC (p = 0.0001).
Conclusion There is a significant difference in functionality of a TSC immobilization versus an SAC immobilization according to the PROMIS functional outcome score and typing speed in a 24-hour casting period. SAC immobilization should be considered to have a possible similar effect in pathologic conditions instead of TSC immobilization given these findings even though a 24-hour period is not enough to provide adequate long-term conclusions.
Level of Evidence I, prospective comparative study.
Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood in an Infant with Symptoms Resembling Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency
Authors: Sreedharan Mini , Chalipat Shiji , Mohammed Kunju , Devadathan Kalpana 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGlucose transporter type 1 (glut1) deficiency syndrome presents with developmental delay, microcephaly, and recurrent seizures during infancy, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypoglycorrhachia and mutations in the SLC2A1 gene. We describe a baby with microcephaly, global developmental delay, seizures from 3 months of age, and CSF glucose in the lower limit of normal range, with heterozygous p.Glu815Lys mutation of the ATP1A3 gene and no mutation in the SLC2A1 gene. Mutations in ATP1A3 gene are associated with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). Interestingly the baby developed episodes of recurrent bouts of alternating hemiplegia from 13 months of age. The case is reported to highlight ATP1A3 mutation as a probable etiology for glut1 deficiency like syndrome and AHC. A brief review of literature emphasizing the overlapping paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal symptoms of the two conditions is also included.