bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Non-Lantibiotic Bacteriocin Garvicin Q Targets Man-PTS in a Broad Spectrum of Sensitive Bacterial Genera
Authors: Tymoszewska Aleksandra , Diep Dzung B. , Wirtek Paulina , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMannose phosphotransferase system (Man-PTS) is the main mannose permease in bacteria but it is also a known receptor for subclass IIa bacteriocins (pediocin-like group) as well as subclass IId lactococcin A (LcnA) and lactococcin B (LcnB) (LcnA-like group). Subclass IIa bacteriocins exhibit a strong activity against Listeria spp. but they are not against Lactococcus spp. In contrast, the LcnA-like bacteriocins act only against Lactococcus lactis strains. Garvicin Q (GarQ) is a subclass IId bacteriocin with minor similarity to LcnA-like bacteriocins and a relatively broad antimicrobial spectrum including, among others, Listeria and Lactococcus spp. To identify the GarQ receptor, we obtained GarQ-resistant mutants of Lactococcus garvieae IBB3403 and L. lactis IL1403 and sequenced their genomes that revealed mutations in genes encoding the membrane-bound Man-PTS IIC or IID subunits encoded by ptnCD in L. lactis and manCD in L. garvieae. This is the first time that a bacteriocin outside the pediocin- and LcnA-like groups is shown to target Man-PTS. The interaction between GarQ and Man-PTS may occur through a new binding pattern involving specific amino acids highly conserved among the GarQ-sensitive bacterial species located in the N-terminal part and extracellular loops of subunit IID and in transmembrane region of IIC.
Effect of hydrogen passivation on the decoupling of graphene on SiC(0001) substrate: First-principles calculations
Authors: Liu Kang , Yan Pinglan , Li Jin , He Chaoyu , Ouyang Tao , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntercalation of hydrogen is important for understanding the decoupling of graphene from SiC(0001) substrate. Employing first-principles calculations, we have systematically studied the decoupling of graphene from SiC surface by H atoms intercalation from graphene boundary. It is found the passivation of H atoms on both graphene edge and SiC substrate is the key factor of the decoupling process. Passivation of graphene edge can weaken the interaction between graphene boundary and the substrate, which reduced the energy barrier significantly for H diffusion into the graphene-SiC interface. As more and more H atoms diffuse into the interface and saturate the Si dangling bonds around the boundary, graphene will detach from substrate. Furthermore, the energy barriers in these processes are relatively low, indicating that these processes can occur under the experimental temperature.
Auditory verbal hallucinations related to altered long-range synchrony of gamma-band oscillations
Authors: Steinmann Saskia , Leicht Gregor , Andreou Christina , Polomac Nenad , Mulert Christoph 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOur understanding of the neural correlates of auditory-verbal-hallucinations (AVH) has substantially increased during the last few years, but is far from sufficient. One current hypothesis, the interhemispheric miscommunication theory, is based on findings from fMRI, DTI and EEG, but there is only limited evidence so far concerning underlying functional coupling mechanisms. Here we report a 64-channel EEG study using lagged phase synchronization analysis and eLORETA source estimation to examine the functional connectivity between bilateral auditory cortices in the gamma-band in 26 schizophrenia patients (13 with and 13 without AVH) and 26 matched healthy controls (HC) while performing a dichotic listening task. We found a significantly reduced right-ear-advantage (REA) in AVH but not in non-AVH patients compared to HC. The major finding was significantly stronger gamma-band connectivity between bilateral auditory cortices during conscious perception of left (versus right) ear syllables in patients with AVH compared to HC and patients without AVH. A significant positive correlation was found between this connectivity alteration and the AVH symptom score in schizophrenia patients. These findings provide further support for the interhemispheric miscommunication hypothesis of AVH pathophysiology by indicating that aberrant gamma-band coupling between auditory cortices is related to the emergence of AVH in schizophrenia.
A unique thermo-induced gel-to-gel transition in a pH-sensitive small-molecule hydrogel
Authors: Xie Hongtao , Asad Ayoubi Mehran , Lu Wensheng , Wang Jide , Huang Jianbin , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFor a hydrogel based on a zwitterionic dendritic surfactant, we report an apparently unprecedented reversible temperature-induced gel-to-gel phase transition below the melting point of its alkyl chains, where the supramolecular self-assembly of surfactant molecules underwent a dramatic transformation from low-temperature surfactant bilayers to high-temperature entangled surfactant worm-like micelles.
Dialect Variation of Copula and Auxiliary Verb BE: African American English–Speaking Children With and Without Gullah/Geechee Heritage
Authors: Berry Jessica R. , Oetting Janna B. 
Published: August 2017

PurposeWe compared copula and auxiliary verb BE use by African American English–speaking children with and without a creole heritage, using Gullah/Geechee as the creole criterion, to determine if differences exist, the nature of the differences, and the impact of the differences on interpretations of ability.MethodData came from 38 children, aged 5 to 6 years (19 with Gullah/Geechee and 19 without Gullah/Geechee heritage). All were developing language typically, with groups matched on gender, maternal education, and, when possible, test scores. The children's productions of BE were elicited using a screener, probes, and language samples.ResultsAlthough many similarities were documented, the 2 groups' BE systems differed in 3 ways: use of unique forms (i.e.,də), unique use of shared forms (i.e., BEEN), and rates of use of shared forms (e.g.,am, is, was/were, wasforwere). Although most noticeable in the language samples, differences surfaced across tasks and showed the potential to affect interpretations of ability.ConclusionsDialect variation that is tied to children's creole heritage exists, involves 3 types of variation, and potentially affects interpretations of ability. Effects of a heritage language and different types of variation should be considered in research and clinical endeavors with African American English–speaking children.
Do the Hard Things First: A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Exemplar Selection on Generalization Following Therapy for Grammatical Morphology
Authors: Van Horne Amanda Jean Owen , Fey Marc , Curran Maura 
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Complexity-based approaches to treatment have been gaining popularity in domains such as phonology and aphasia but have not yet been tested in child morphological acquisition. In this study, we examined whether beginning treatment with easier-to-inflect (easy first) or harder-to-inflect (hard first) verbs led to greater progress in the production of regular past-tense
–ed
by children with developmental language disorder.

Method

Eighteen children with developmental language disorder (ages 4–10) participated in a randomized controlled trial (easy first,
N
= 10, hard first,
N
= 8). Verbs were selected on the basis of frequency, phonological complexity, and telicity (i.e., the completedness of the event). Progress was measured by the duration of therapy, number of verb lists trained to criterion, and pre/post gains in accuracy for trained and untrained verbs on structured probes.

Results
The hard-first group made greater gains in accuracy on both trained and untrained verbs but did not have fewer therapy visits or train to criterion on more verb lists than the easy-first group. Treatment fidelity, average recasts per session, and verbs learned did not differ across conditions.

Conclusion
When targeting grammatical morphemes, it may be most efficient for clinicians to select harder rather than easier exemplars of the target.
Cross-sectional and Prospective Correlates of Recovery Expectancies in the Rehabilitation of Whiplash Injury
Authors: Elphinston Rachel A. , Thibault Pascal , Carriere Junie S. , Rainville Pierre , Sullivan Michael J.L. 
Published: August 2017

Objectives:
Investigations have shown that expectancies are significant prognostic indicators of recovery outcomes following whiplash injury. However, little is currently known about the determinants of recovery expectancies following whiplash injury. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional and prospective correlates of recovery expectancies in individuals admitted to a rehabilitation program for whiplash injury.

Materials and Methods:
Participants (N=96) completed measures of recovery expectancies, psychosocial variables, symptom severity, symptom duration, and disability at time 0 (admission) and time 1 (discharge).

Results:
Consistent with previous research, more positive recovery expectancies at time 0 were related to reductions in pain at time 1 (r=−0.33, P<0.01). Scores on measures of pain catastrophizing, fear of movement and reinjury, and depression were significantly correlated with recovery expectancies. Pain severity, duration of work disability, and neck range of motion were not significantly correlated with recovery expectancies. Over the course of treatment, 40% of the sample showed moderate to large changes (an increase of ≥20%) in recovery expectancies, there were small changes (<20%) in 30% of the sample, and negative changes in 20% of the sample. A hierarchical regression showed that decreases in fear of movement and reinjury (β=−0.25, P<0.05) and pain catastrophizing (β=−0.23, P<0.05) were associated with increases in recovery expectancies through the course of treatment.

Conclusions:
The discussion addresses the processes linking pain-related psychosocial factors to recovery expectancies and makes recommendations for interventions that might be effective in increasing recovery expectancies.
Increased Pain Sensitivity in Accident-related Chronic Pain Patients With Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Vaegter Henrik B. , Andersen Tonny E. , Harvold Mathea , Andersen Per G. , Graven-Nielsen Thomas 
Published: August 2017

Objectives:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in chronic pain, and associated with increased pain, hyperalgesia, and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate antinociceptive and pronociceptive pain mechanisms, pain intensity, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement) in patients with accident-related chronic spinal pain with (N=44) and without (N=64) comorbid PTSD characteristics.Materials and Methods:Cuff algometry was performed on lower legs to assess pressure pain threshold (cPPT), tolerance (cPTT), temporal summation of pain (increase in pain scores to 10 repeated stimulations), and conditioning pain modulation (increase in cPPT during cuff pain conditioning on the contralateral leg). Warmth detection threshold and heat pain threshold at the hand were also assessed. Clinical pain intensity (numerical rating scale), psychological distress, and PTSD symptomatology (ICD-11) were assessed with questionnaires. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate possible psychological mediators in the associations between PTSD and pain (intensity and mechanisms).Results:Patients with PTSD demonstrated increased pain intensity, and psychological distress as well as reduced warmth detection threshold and cPTT compared with patients without PTSD (P<0.05). No significant differences in cPPT, heat pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, and conditioning pain modulation were found. The association between PTSD and pain intensity was mediated by pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement mediated the association with cPTT.Discussion:The association between PTSD and pain intensity is in accordance with the mutual-maintenance and fear-avoidance models. Future studies should investigate changes in pain intensity and mechanisms after treatment targeting comorbid PTSD in chronic pain patients.
Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes in Delayed Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Dec Wojciech 
Published: August 2017

Background:
The need to restore both the missing breast volume and breast surface area makes achieving excellent aesthetic outcomes in delayed breast reconstruction especially challenging. Autologous breast reconstruction can be used to achieve both goals. The aim of this study was to identify surgical maneuvers that can optimize aesthetic outcomes in delayed breast reconstruction.

Methods:
This is a retrospective review of operative and clinical records of all patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral delayed breast reconstruction with autologous tissue between April 2014 and January 2017. Three groups of delayed breast reconstruction patients were identified based on patient characteristics.

Results:
A total of 26 flaps were successfully performed in 17 patients. Key surgical maneuvers for achieving aesthetically optimal results were identified. A statistically significant difference for volume requirements was identified in cases where a delayed breast reconstruction and a contralateral immediate breast reconstruction were performed simultaneously.

Conclusions:
Optimal aesthetic results can be achieved with: (1) restoration of breast skin envelope with tissue expansion when possible, (2) optimal positioning of a small skin paddle to be later incorporated entirely into a nipple areola reconstruction when adequate breast skin surface area is present, (3) limiting the reconstructed breast mound to 2 skin tones when large area skin resurfacing is required, (4) increasing breast volume by deepithelializing, not discarding, the inferior mastectomy flap skin, (5) eccentric division of abdominal flaps when an immediate and delayed bilateral breast reconstructions are performed simultaneously; and (6) performing second-stage breast reconstruction revisions and fat grafting.
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF FULL-FIELD STIMULUS THRESHOLD DECLINE IN CHOROIDEREMIA
Authors: Dimopoulos Ioannis S. , Freund Paul R. , Knowles JACOB A. , MacDonald Ian M. 
Published: August 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate full-field sensitivity thresholds (FSTs) across a wide range of choroideremia (CHM) disease stages and to determine their applicability as functional endpoints for CHM clinical trials.

Methods:
Thirty CHM subjects (60 eyes) and 50 healthy controls (50 eyes) underwent FST testing under dark-adapted conditions to determine rod- and cone-mediated FSTs. Central retinal structure and function were assessed using fundus autofluorescence and microperimetry. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to compare FST responses with the residual area of retinal pigment epithelium in the peri- and parafoveal regions, as well as the mean and highest macular microperimetry sensitivity.

Results:
All patients with CHM had a baseline of 18 dB elevation in dark-adapted rod FSTs, including the least affected individuals. Further FST sensitivity loss was exponentially associated with decrease in the area of residual peri- and parafoveal retinal pigment epithelium, with precipitous loss of sensitivity noted for fundus autofluorescence areas less than 5 mm2. Cone FSTs were comparable with controls, except for advanced stages of CHM. Full-field sensitivity threshold responses showed high correlation with both mean and highest macular microperimetry thresholds (P < 0.001). In some cases of absent macular fundus autofluorescence, the peripheral retina could contribute to detectable rod FST responses but with severely diminished cone-driven responses.

Conclusion:
Full-field sensitivity threshold testing demonstrated a baseline level of rod dysfunction in CHM present in all rod photoreceptors. Further decline in FST responses correlated strongly with the extent of central retina structural and functional loss. Full-field sensitivity threshold allowed quantification of residual rod function in peripheral islands of vision, which cannot be reliably achieved with other conventional tests. As such, the FST can serve as a complimentary tool to guide patient selection and expand the eligibility criteria for current and future CHM clinical trials.
ATYPICAL FORM OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY WITH SEVERE FIBROVASCULAR PROLIFERATION IN THE OPTIC DISK REGION
Authors: Yokoi Tadashi , Katagiri Satoshi , Hiraoka Miina , Nakayama Yuri , Hosono Katsuhiro , Hotta Yoshihiro , Nishina Sachiko , Azuma Noriyuki 
Published: August 2017

Purpose:
To describe severe fibrovascular proliferation that developed in the optic disk region in an atypical form of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:
Retrospective observational case reports.

Results:
Four patients (8 eyes) with ROP were included. Three patients were born very prematurely (24–25 weeks of gestational age; weight, 500–1,000 grams); 1 patient was born at 33 weeks of gestational age. Among all eight eyes of four patients who received prompt ROP screening and underwent laser photocoagulation, six eyes had atypical and severe fibrovascular proliferation mainly in the optic disk region; the other two eyes, including one eye with classic ROP and one eye with aggressive posterior ROP, did not have the atypical form. All eight eyes had a total to partial retinal detachment. Among the six eyes with the atypical form, early vitreous surgery with lensectomy was possible in three eyes; only late vitreous surgery with lensectomy was possible in two eyes; one eye was inoperable. Three eyes had a partial or complete reattachment, whereas three eyes had a total retinal detachment. Among the six eyes with atypical fibrovascular proliferation, only two eyes obtained light perception vision.

Conclusion:
An atypical and severe form of ROP, in which fibrovascular proliferation grew mainly from the optic disk region, needs further investigation for treatment in addition to laser photocoagulation and vitreous surgery.
THE EXPANDING CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION IN MACULAR DYSTROPHIES
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Casalino Giuseppe , Iacono Pierluigi , Introini Ugo , Adamyan Tatevik , Bandello Francesco 
Published: August 2017

Purpose:To assess the prevalence and the clinical course of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in patients affected by macular dystrophies.Methods:Prospective case series. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was assessed on the basis of the leakage detected on fluorescein angiography.Results:A total of 162 eyes from 81 patients with macular dystrophy were included in the study. FCE was diagnosed in seven eyes (4.3% of the eyes), including four eyes with Best vitelliform dystrophy, two eyes with pattern dystrophy associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and one case of Stargardt disease. In eyes with FCE and macular dystrophy, the mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.4 ± 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (approximately corresponding to 20/50 Snellen equivalent) at baseline and was stable to 0.41 ± 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (approximately corresponding to 20/50 Snellen equivalent) at the final visit. In four of these seven eyes, FCE was associated with a subfoveal CNV. The CNV was managed with one intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injection, achieving the complete anatomical stabilization of the CNV and recovery of the best-corrected visual acuity.Conclusion:Focal choroidal excavation can be infrequently encountered in patients with macular dystrophies. The presence of CNV may complicate FCE in these patients, and anti–vascular endothelial growth factor seems to be an effective treatment with no progression of FCE over time.
A Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Surgically Amenable Epiphora
Authors: Schulz Christopher B. , Kennedy Alasdair , Rogers Simon 
Published: August 2017

Purpose:In evaluating epiphora and its management, the bottom line for all stakeholders is whether an intervention confers any real benefit on quality of life. A review was conducted to identify and appraise patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in surgically amenable epiphora.Methods:A systematic search was conducted of studies relating to surgical intervention for epiphora. Patient-reported outcome measures were identified and assessed against standard criteria.Results:Of 30,544 identified articles, 227 were eligible for data extraction. Of these, 69% reported a PROM as the primary outcome. PROMs identified included single-item symptom scores (48% of primary outcome PROMs), single-item reports of improvement (30%), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (3%), Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (0.5%), Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Symptom Score (0.5%), Ocular Surface Disease Index (0.5%), Visual Function Questionnaire-25, the Short Form-36 Health Survey, and 3 other symptom scores. None were developed through consultation with the target population, and there was inadequate testing of content validity. The strengths and limitations of each PROM are presented, with regard to interpretation, responsiveness, reliability, and validity.Discussion:The importance of robust and psychometrically sound PROMs is essential if the under-reporting of quality of life improvement in patients treated for epiphora is to change. Recommendations for the use of each identified PROM are discussed.Conclusions:Several PROMs have been used in the recent literature to evaluate patients undergoing surgery to treat epiphora. Assessed against standard criteria, no PROM has proven to be both psychometrically robust and clinically meaningful for use in this population. Future PROM development should be guided by this standard framework.
Cerebral white matter structure is disrupted in Gulf War Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Van Riper Stephanie M. , Alexander Andrew L. , Koltyn Kelli F. , Stegner Aaron J. , Ellingson Laura D. , Destiche Daniel J. , Dougherty Ryan J. , Lindheimer Jacob B. , Cook Dane B. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) affects ∼25% of the 700,000 Veterans deployed during the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991). The cause of their pain is unknown, and there are no efficacious treatments. A small body of literature suggests that brain abnormalities exist in Gulf War Veterans (GVs), yet relationships between brain abnormalities and disease symptoms remain largely unexplored. Our purpose was to compare white matter (WM) integrity between GVCMP and matched, healthy Veteran controls (GVCO) and investigate relationships between cerebral WM integrity and symptoms. Thirty GVCMP and 31 controls completed magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging. Tract-based spatial statistics estimated WM fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity over the whole brain (P < 0.05) and were corrected using threshold-free cluster enhancement. GVCMP had greater pain symptoms and mood disturbance and lower quality of life and physical function compared with GVCO (P < 0.05). GVCMP had lower WM integrity across several brain regions implicated in chronic pain (P < 0.05) including the middle and inferior frontal gyrus, corpus callosum, corona radiata, precentral gyrus, external capsule, and posterior thalamic radiation. For GVCMP, WM integrity was associated with pain and mood symptoms in widespread brain areas that were found to be different between groups (P < 0.05). Results indicate widespread WM microstructure disruption across brain regions implicated in pain processing and modulation in chronic pain. The observed relationships between WM microstructure and symptoms encourage the testing of treatments designed to improve the brain health of affected Veterans.