bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legionella pneumophila strain associated with the first evidence of person-to-person transmission of Legionnaires’ disease: a unique mosaic genetic backbone
Authors: Borges Vítor , Nunes Alexandra , Sampaio Daniel A. , Vieira Luís , Machado Jorge , Simões Maria J. , Gonçalves Paulo , Gomes João P. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA first strong evidence of person-to-person transmission of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD) was recently reported. Here, we characterize the genetic backbone of this case-related Legionella pneumophila strain (“PtVFX/2014”), which also caused a large outbreak of LD. PtVFX/2014 is phylogenetically divergent from the most worldwide studied outbreak-associated L. pneumophila subspecies pneumophila serogroup 1 strains. In fact, this strain is also from serogroup 1, but belongs to the L. pneumophila subspecies fraseri. Its genomic mosaic backbone reveals eight horizontally transferred regions encompassing genes, for instance, involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis or encoding virulence-associated Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system (T4BSS) substrates. PtVFX/2014 also inherited a rare ~65 kb pathogenicity island carrying virulence factors and detoxifying enzymes believed to contribute to the emergence of best-fitted strains in water reservoirs and in human macrophages, as well as a inter-species transferred (from L. oakridgensis) ~37.5 kb genomic island (harboring a lvh/lvr T4ASS cluster) that had never been found intact within L. pneumophila species. PtVFX/2014 encodes another lvh/lvr cluster near to CRISPR-associated genes, which may boost L. pneumophila transition from an environmental bacterium to a human pathogen. Overall, this unique genomic make-up may impact PtVFX/2014 ability to adapt to diverse environments, and, ultimately, to be transmitted and cause human disease.
Plasmon enhanced optical tweezers with gold-coated black silicon
Authors: Kotsifaki D. G. , Kandyla M. , Lagoudakis P. G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPlasmonic optical tweezers are a ubiquitous tool for the precise manipulation of nanoparticles and biomolecules at low photon flux, while femtosecond-laser optical tweezers can probe the nonlinear optical properties of the trapped species with applications in biological diagnostics. In order to adopt plasmonic optical tweezers in real-world applications, it is essential to develop large-scale fabrication processes without compromising the trapping efficiency. Here, we develop a novel platform for continuous wave (CW) and femtosecond plasmonic optical tweezers, based on gold-coated black silicon. In contrast with traditional lithographic methods, the fabrication method relies on simple, single-step, maskless tabletop laser processing of silicon in water that facilitates scalability. Gold-coated black silicon supports repeatable trapping efficiencies comparable to the highest ones reported to date. From a more fundamental aspect, a plasmon-mediated efficiency enhancement is a resonant effect and therefore, dependent on the wavelength of the trapping beam. Surprisingly, a wavelength characterization of plasmon-enhanced trapping efficiencies has evaded the literature. Here, we exploit the repeatability of the recorded trapping efficiency, offered by the gold-coated black silicon platform and perform a wavelength-dependent characterization of the trapping process, revealing the resonant character of the trapping efficiency maxima. Gold-coated black silicon is a promising platform for large-scale parallel trapping applications that will broaden the range of optical manipulation in nanoengineering, biology and the study of collective biophotonic effects.
Fast response to human voices in autism
Authors: Lin I-Fan , Agus Trevor R. , Suied Clara , Pressnitzer Daniel , Yamada Takashi , Komine Yoko , Kato Nobumasa , Kashino Makio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are reported to allocate less spontaneous attention to voices. Here, we investigated how vocal sounds are processed in ASD adults, when those sounds are attended. Participants were asked to react as fast as possible to target stimuli (either voices or strings) while ignoring distracting stimuli. Response times (RTs) were measured. Results showed that, similar to neurotypical (NT) adults, ASD adults were faster to recognize voices compared to strings. Surprisingly, ASD adults had even shorter RTs for voices than the NT adults, suggesting a faster voice recognition process. To investigate the acoustic underpinnings of this effect, we created auditory chimeras that retained only the temporal or the spectral features of voices. For the NT group, no RT advantage was found for the chimeras compared to strings: both sets of features had to be present to observe an RT advantage. However, for the ASD group, shorter RTs were observed for both chimeras. These observations indicate that the previously observed attentional deficit to voices in ASD individuals could be due to a failure to combine acoustic features, even though such features may be well represented at a sensory level.
Methodological considerations of electron spin resonance spin trapping techniques for measuring reactive oxygen species generated from metal oxide nanomaterials
Authors: Jeong Min Sook , Yu Kyeong-Nam , Chung Hyun Hoon , Park Soo Jin , Lee Ah Young , Song Mi Ryoung , Cho Myung-Haing , Kim Jun Sung 
Published: May 2016

AbstractQualitative and quantitative analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated on the surfaces of nanomaterials are important for understanding their toxicity and toxic mechanisms, which are in turn beneficial for manufacturing more biocompatible nanomaterials in many industrial fields. Electron spin resonance (ESR) is a useful tool for detecting ROS formation. However, using this technique without first considering the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and proper conditions of the spin trapping agent (such as incubation time) may lead to misinterpretation of the resulting data. In this report, we suggest methodological considerations for ESR as pertains to magnetism, sample preparation and proper incubation time with spin trapping agents. Based on our results, each spin trapping agent should be given the proper incubation time. For nanomaterials having magnetic properties, it is useful to remove these nanomaterials via centrifugation after reacting with spin trapping agents. Sonication for the purpose of sample dispersion and sample light exposure should be controlled during ESR in order to enhance the obtained ROS signal. This report will allow researchers to better design ESR spin trapping applications involving nanomaterials.
Lanthanide-Connecting and Lone-Electron-Pair Active Trigonal-Pyramidal-AsO3 Inducing Nanosized Poly(polyoxotungstate) Aggregates and Their Anticancer Activities
Authors: Zhao Jun-Wei , Li Hai-Lou , Ma Xing , Xie Zhigang , Chen Li-Juan , Zhu Yongsheng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBy virtue of the stereochemical effect of the lone-electron pair located on the trigonal-pyramidal-AsO3 groups and the one-pot self-assembly strategy in the conventional aqueous solution, a series of novel lanthanide-bridging and lone-electron-pair active trigonal-pyramidal-AsO3 inducing nanosized poly(polyoxotungstate) aggregates [H2N(CH3)2]6 Na24H16{[Ln10W16(H2O)30O50](B-α-AsW9O33)8}·97H2O [Ln = EuIII (1), SmIII (2), GdIII (3), TbIII (4), DyIII (5), HoIII (6), ErIII (7), TmIII (8)] were prepared and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The most remarkable structural feature is that the polyanionic skeleton of {[Ln10W16(H2O)30O50](B-α-AsW9O33)8}46− is constructed from eight trivacant Keggin [B-α-AsW9O33]9− fragments through ten Ln centers and sixteen bridging W atoms in the participation of fifty extraneous oxygen atoms. Notably, 4 and 8 can be stable in the aqueous solution not only for eight days but also in the range of pH = 3.9–7.5. Moreover, the cytotoxicity tests of 4 and 8 toward human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, human breast cancer (MCF–7) cells and mouse fibroblast (L929) cells were performed by the 3-(4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the cell apoptosis processes were characterized by calcein AM/PI staining experiments, annexin V-FITC/PI staining experiments and morphological changes.
A Modified Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (mTI-RADS) For Thyroid Nodules in Coexisting Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Zhou Hang , Yue Wen-Wen , Du Lin-Yao , Xu Jun-Mei , Liu Bo-Ji , Li Xiao-Long , Wang Dan , Zhou Xian-Li , Xu Hui-Xiong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo develop a conventional ultrasound (US) modified Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (mTI-RADS) to stratify the malignancy risk of thyroid nodule in coexisting Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). The study included 138 malignant and 292 benign thyroid nodules confirmed by cytological or histopathological results. The risk score (RS) for each significant US feature was estimated by multiplying corresponding regression coefficient and the total score for each nodule was defined as the sum of these individual scores. The mTI-RADS was established according to the total RS and divided into category 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5. Marked hypoechogenicity, taller-than-wide shape, poorly-defined margin, microcalcification or macrocalcification and halo sign absence were statistically significant US features in prediction of thyroid malignancy (all p < 0.05). The total RS for each nodule was defined as following: RS = 2.1× (if marked hypoechogenicity) + 1.2× (if taller-than-wide shape) + 1.7× (if no halo sign) + 0.6× (if poorly-defined margin) + 1.2× (if microcalcification or macrocalcification). The malignancy rates in mTI-RADS category 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 nodules were 3.7%, 19.3%, 38.1%, 62.7% and 94.1%, respectively, with significant differences among different categories (P < 0.001). The mTI-RADS category may facilitate subsequent treatment management in HT patients.
MerTK cleavage limits proresolving mediator biosynthesis and exacerbates tissue inflammation
Authors: Cai Bishuang , Thorp Edward B. , Doran Amanda C. , Subramanian Manikandan , Sansbury Brian E. , Lin Chyuan-Sheng , Spite Matthew , Fredman Gabrielle , Tabas Ira 
Published: May 2016

SignificanceSpecialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are lipids that temper inflammation, enhance efferocytosis, and repair tissue damage after inflammation. However, the upstream regulators of SPM production are not completely identified. We show here that Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) signaling in macrophages promotes the production of SPMs both in vitro and in vivo, and thereby contributes to the resolution process. Moreover, inflammation-induced MerTK cleavage can limit this response, as shown by the improvement in resolution in a new MerTK-cleavage resistant mouse model. These findings increase our knowledge of the regulation of SPM biosynthesis and suggest new ideas for improving resolution in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Bacterial β-Kdo glycosyltransferases represent a new glycosyltransferase family (GT99)
Authors: Ovchinnikova Olga G. , Mallette Evan , Koizumi Akihiko , Lowary Todd L. , Kimber Matthew S. , Whitfield Chris 
Published: May 2016

Significance
Glycosyltransferase enzymes synthesize complex sugar-containing macromolecules that play pivotal roles in the biology of all cells. Bacteria produce a remarkable range of these glycoconjugate structures, often containing unusual sugars. For example, Gram-negative bacteria exploit an unusual eight-carbon sugar (Kdo) as a linkage point between diverse glycan structures and conserved lipid termini in LPS and (some) capsules. Here, we describe the distribution and phylogenetic relationships of a new family of β-Kdo glycosyltransferases. Although these enzymes resemble some other glycosyltransferases, including those forming α-Kdo linkages, they are not readily identified as glycosyltransferases by bioinformatics approaches. The structure of a prototypical enzyme reveals extensive insertions, deletions, and rearrangements in the normally highly conserved GT-B–fold, highlighting the unusual structure of this glycosyltransferase family.
Francisella Infection in Cultured Tilapia in Thailand and the Inflammatory Cytokine Response
Authors: Jantrakajorn Sasibha , Wongtavatchai Janenuj 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Francisella infections developed in freshwater Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and red tilapia Oreochromis spp. farms in Thailand during 2012–2014. The diseased fish were lethargic and pale in color and showed numerous white nodules in their enlarged spleens. Histopathological examination and electron microscopy suggested that the white nodules were multifocal granulomas consisting of coccobacilli within vacuolated cells. Isolation of Francisella-like bacteria was achieved from 42 of 100 samples, while polymerase chain reaction confirmed Francisella infections in all samples. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from samples obtained from three different geographical culture areas revealed more than 99% similarity with F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis. The influence of Francisella infection on inflammatory cytokines was determined on splenic cells of fish intraperitoneally injected with the bacteria (0.8 × 105 colony-forming units per fish). Infected tilapia showed significantly greater expression of the pro-inflammatory genes interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) within 24 h postinjection (hpi) and for up to 96 hpi. However, down-regulation of an anti-inflammatory gene, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was observed as early as 24 hpi. This investigation demonstrates that an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to the infection may account for the substantial number of granulomas in fish hematopoietic tissues that was found in the later stage of the disease.
Received September 9, 2015; accepted December 13, 2015
Infected Donor Biomass and Active Feeding Increase Waterborne Transmission of Ichthyophonus sp. to Rainbow Trout Sentinels
Authors: LaPatra S. E. , Kocan R. M. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The precise nature of Ichthyophonus sp. transmission among wild fishes has eluded description for over a century. Transmission among piscivores is direct, via ingestion of infected prey, but there is also evidence for waterborne transmission between infected and uninfected individuals. Transmission among planktivores is believed to be via a waterborne infectious cell, but definitive proof of this mechanism has not been forthcoming. To explore possible mechanisms of transmission we used Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss as a model system and examined the consequence of housing infected donor fish with uninfected (sentinel) fish, without physical contact. We examined two variables linked to transmission: (1) feeding and nonfeeding sentinel fish, and (2) biomass of infected donor fish. Specific-pathogen free sentinel trout were placed in fine-mesh baskets suspended in tanks containing varying numbers of larger Ichthyophonus-infected donor fish and held for 10 weeks, during which time they were examined by in vitro explant culture for the presence of Ichthyophonus. Treatment groups consisted of fed and unfed sentinels housed with infected donors of increasing biomass. After 10 weeks infection prevalence in fed sentinels was significantly higher than in unfed sentinels, and Ichthyophonus was detected earlier in fed fish than in unfed fish. There was no correlation between infection prevalence and donor biomass in fed sentinels, but there was a strong correlation between infection prevalence and increasing donor biomass in unfed sentinels. These data suggest that Ichthyophonus is maintained in wild fish populations by two distinct mechanisms: (1) waterborne infectious cells ingested directly from the water by planktivores, and (2) both infected prey and waterborne infectious cells ingested by piscivores.
Received November 13, 2015; accepted February 13, 2016
Potential for a Simple GPS-Based Binary Logit Model to Predict Fishing Effort in a Vertical Hook-and-Line Reef Fish Fishery
Authors: Baker M. Scott , Sciance Marc Benjamin , Halls Joanne N. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Accurate fishing effort information is fundamental to the successful management of fisheries resources. Automated, independent, and reliable methods for quantifying fishing effort are needed. The use of vessel speed from Global Positioning System (GPS) data to identify fishing activity has worked well for trawl fisheries but has been less successful in stationary fisheries. Therefore, five trips on four vessels from a vertical hook-and-line reef fish fishery were used to examine the efficacy of GPS (speed and time) and electronic video monitoring (EVM) sensor (drum and video) data to corroborate an observer's account of effort using binary logistic regression classification (logit) models as well as a simple speed and time filter (filter). One minute was the minimum data collection interval examined that documented 100% of fishing events. As no fishing occurred at night, opportunistically defined as the 7 h between 2200 and 0500 hours, these records were excluded from analyses. During the day, vessels spent on average 45.2% of the time fishing. Classification success of the approaches examined ranged from 82.4% to 89.5%. Models that included both GPS and EVM sensor data outperformed the filter and GPS-only models. In general, the filter and most model results can be used as a proxy for observer effort data, at least for the trips examined here. The GPS-based speed + time logit model was chosen as the preferred approach because of its discriminatory power compared with the filter and the existing widespread use and lower costs of GPS data collection relative to EVM systems and sensors. The speed + time logit model outlined here may have broad utility in this and similar vertical-line fisheries, including the offshore marine recreational fishing sector.
Received September 9, 2015; accepted December 15, 2015
Teaching basic life support with an automated external defibrillator using the two-stage or the four-stage teaching technique
Authors: Bjørnshave Katrine , Krogh Lise Q. , Hansen Svend B. , Nebsbjerg Mette A. , Thim Troels , Løfgren Bo 
Published: May 2016

Introduction
Laypersons often hesitate to perform basic life support (BLS) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) because of self-perceived lack of knowledge and skills. Training may reduce the barrier to intervene. Reduced training time and costs may allow training of more laypersons. The aim of this study was to compare BLS/AED skills’ acquisition and self-evaluated BLS/AED skills after instructor-led training with a two-stage versus a four-stage teaching technique.

Methods
Laypersons were randomized to either two-stage or four-stage teaching technique courses. Immediately after training, the participants were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario to assess their BLS/AED skills. Skills were assessed using the European Resuscitation Council BLS/AED assessment form. The primary endpoint was passing the test (17 of 17 skills adequately performed). A prespecified noninferiority margin of 20% was used.

Results
The two-stage teaching technique (n=72, pass rate 57%) was noninferior to the four-stage technique (n=70, pass rate 59%), with a difference in pass rates of −2%; 95% confidence interval: −18 to 15%. Neither were there significant differences between the two-stage and four-stage groups in the chest compression rate (114±12 vs. 115±14/min), chest compression depth (47±9 vs. 48±9 mm) and number of sufficient rescue breaths between compression cycles (1.7±0.5 vs. 1.6±0.7). In both groups, all participants believed that their training had improved their skills.

Conclusion
Teaching laypersons BLS/AED using the two-stage teaching technique was noninferior to the four-stage teaching technique, although the pass rate was −2% (95% confidence interval: −18 to 15%) lower with the two-stage teaching technique.
Characterizing the Mechanistic Pathways of the Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction in Xenogeneic Neonatal Islet Cell Transplantation
Authors: Liuwantara David , Chew Yi Vee , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Hawkes Joanne M. , Burns Heather L. , O'Connell Philip J. , Hawthorne Wayne J. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction
The instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) causes major loss of islets after transplantation and consequently represents the initial barrier to survival of porcine neonatal islet cell clusters (NICC) after xenotransplantation.

Methods
This study used novel assays designed to characterize the various immunologic components responsible for xenogeneic IBMIR to identify initiators and investigate processes of IBMIR-associated coagulation, complement activation and neutrophil infiltration. The IBMIR was induced in vitro by exposing NICC to platelet-poor or platelet-rich human plasma or isolated neutrophils.

Results
We found that xenogeneic IBMIR was characterized by rapid, platelet-independent thrombin generation, with addition of platelets both accelerating and exacerbating this response. Platelet-independent complement activation was observed as early as 30 minutes after NICC exposure to plasma. However, membrane attack complex formation was not observed in NICC histopathology sections until after 60 minutes. We demonstrated for the first time that NICC-mediated complement activation was necessary for neutrophil activation in the xenogeneic IBMIR setting. Finally, using the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, we identified substantial loss of islet function (up to 40%) after IBMIR with surviving NICC showing evidence of mitochondrial damage.

Conclusions
This study used novel assays to describe multiple key pathways by which xenogeneic IBMIR causes islet destruction, allowing further refinement of future interventions aimed at resolving the issue of IBMIR in xenotransplantation.
Top-down beta enhances bottom-up gamma
Authors: Richter Craig G. , Thompson William H. , Bosman Conrado A. , Fries Pascal 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSeveral recent studies have demonstrated that the bottom-up signaling of a visual stimulus is subserved by interareal gamma-band synchronization, whereas top-down influences are mediated by alpha-beta band synchronization. These processes may implement top-down control of stimulus processing if top-down and bottom-up mediating rhythms are coupled via cross-frequency interaction. To test this possibility, we investigated Granger-causal influences among awake male macaque primary visual area V1, higher visual area V4 and parietal control area 7a during attentional task performance. Top-down 7a-to-V1 beta-band influences enhanced visually driven V1-to-V4 gamma-band influences. This enhancement was spatially specific and largest when beta-band activity preceded gamma-band activity by ∼0.1 s, suggesting a causal effect of top-down processes on bottom-up processes. We propose that this cross-frequency interaction mechanistically subserves the attentional control of stimulus selection.Significance StatementContemporary research indicates that the alpha-beta frequency band underlies top-down control, while the gamma-band mediates bottom-up stimulus processing. This arrangement inspires an attractive hypothesis, which posits that top-down beta-band influences directly modulate bottom-up gamma band influences via cross-frequency interaction. We evaluate this hypothesis determining that beta-band top-down influences from parietal area 7a to visual area V1 are correlated with bottom-up gamma frequency oscillations from V1 to area V4, in a spatially specific manner, and that this correlation is maximal when top-down activity precedes bottom-up activity. These results show that for top-down processes such as spatial attention, elevated top-down beta-band influences directly enhance feedforward stimulus induced gamma-band processing, leading to enhancement of the selected stimulus.