bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The scaling of the hydraulic architecture in poplar leaves
Authors: Carvalho Mónica R. , Turgeon Robert , Owens Thomas , Niklas Karl J. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Although much is known about the hydraulics of xylem, the hydraulic interconnectivity and dimensional scaling of phloem with respect to xylem in leaves has not been adequately studied to test alternative hydraulic architectural rules such as da Vinci's rule or Murray's rule, or physiological models such as Münch's Pressure Flow hypothesis.

Using confocal and electron microscopy as well as mathematical analyses, we examined the hydraulic architecture of the mature leaves of the model species Populus tremula × alba across all seven hierarchical orders of the vascular branching.

We show that: phloem and xylem conductive areas increase from minor to major veins; the sum of the conductive areas for each vein order increases exponentially from major to minor veins; the volume of individual sieve tube and vessel members increases from minor to major veins; and phloem conductive area scales isometrically with respect to xylem area across all vein orders.

The application of first principles to our data shows that conductive areas scale according to da Vinci's rule and not according to Murray's rule, and that the phloem network in poplar leaves can generate the pressure gradient envisioned in Münch's hypothesis.
Did trees grow up to the light, up to the wind, or down to the water? How modern high productivity colors perception of early plant evolution
Authors: Boyce C. Kevin , Fan Ying , Zwieniecki Maciej A. 
Published: January 2017

Contents

Summary
552

I.
Introduction
552

II.
Productivity before the angiosperm radiation
553

III.
Reaching for the light?
554

IV.
Why trees?
555

V.
Conclusions
555

Acknowledgements
556

References
556

SummaryFlowering plants can be far more productive than other living land plants. Evidence is reviewed that productivity would have been uniformly lower and less CO2‐responsive before angiosperm evolution, particularly during the early evolution of vascular plants and forests in the Devonian and Carboniferous. This introduces important challenges because paleoecological interpretations have been rooted in understanding of modern angiosperm‐dominated ecosystems. One key example is tree evolution: although often thought to reflect competition for light, light limitation is unlikely for plants with such low photosynthetic potential. Instead, during this early evolution, the capacities of trees for enhanced propagule dispersal, greater leaf area, and deep‐rooting access to nutrients and the water table are all deemed more fundamental potential drivers than light.
Left Atrial Substrate Modification Targeting Low‐Voltage Areas for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: BLANDINO ALESSANDRO , BIANCHI FRANCESCA , GROSSI STEFANO , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , CONTE MARIA ROSA , GAIDO LUCA , GAITA FIORENZO , SCAGLIONE MARCO , RAMETTA FRANCESCO 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundThis meta‐analysis aims to assess the impact of a voltage‐guided substrate modification by targeting low‐voltage area (LVA) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsMEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and references reporting AF ablation and “voltage* OR substrate* OR fibrosis OR fibrotic area*” were screened and studies included if matching inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsSix studies were included. Patients enrolled were 885 (517 in the study group and 368 in the control group). Median age was 60 years; 92% had nonparoxysmal AF. At a mean follow‐up of 17 months, 70% of patients in the study group vs. 43% in the control group were free from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrences (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–5.24). LVA ablation in addition to PVI was more effective than PVI alone and PVI + conventional wide empirical ablation (70% vs. 43%, OR = 3.41, 95% CI 2.22–5.24), without increasing the adverse event rate (2.5% vs. 6%, OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.15–1.26). Compared to PVI + conventional wide empirical ablation, LVA ablation reduced the occurrence of postablation AT (14% vs. 46%, OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.07–0.37), procedure time (176 min vs. 220 min, OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.24–0.56), fluoroscopy time (25 min vs. 31 min, OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.12–0.39), and radiofrequency time (55 min vs. 90 min, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.90).ConclusionsA voltage‐guided substrate modification by targeting LVA in addition to PVI is more effective, safer, and holds a lower proarrhythmic potential than conventional ablation approaches. Further randomized studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The metabolic sensor AKIN10 modulates the Arabidopsis circadian clock in a light‐dependent manner
Authors: Shin Jieun , Sánchez‐Villarreal Alfredo , Davis Amanda M. , Du Shen‐xiu , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Koncz Csaba , Ding Zhaojun , Li Cuiling , Davis Seth J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlants generate rhythmic metabolism during the repetitive day/night cycle. The circadian clock produces internal biological rhythms to synchronize numerous metabolic processes such that they occur at the required time of day. Metabolism conversely influences clock function by controlling circadian period and phase and the expression of core‐clock genes. Here, we show that AKIN10, a catalytic subunit of the evolutionarily conserved key energy sensor sucrose non‐fermenting 1 (Snf1)‐related kinase 1 (SnRK1) complex, plays an important role in the circadian clock. Elevated AKIN10 expression led to delayed peak expression of the circadian clock evening‐element GIGANTEA (GI) under diurnal conditions. Moreover, it lengthened clock period specifically under light conditions. Genetic analysis showed that the clock regulator TIME FOR COFFEE (TIC) is required for this effect of AKIN10. Taken together, we propose that AKIN10 conditionally works in a circadian clock input pathway to the circadian oscillator.
Head injuries in children′s football—results from two prospective cohort studies in four European countries
Authors: Faude O. , Rössler R. , Junge A. , aus der Fünten K. , Chomiak J. , Verhagen E. , Beaudouin F. , Dvorak J. , Feddermann‐Demont N. 
Published: January 2017

Head injuries are considered harmful in children. We analyzed head and neck injuries in organized football in 7‐ to 12‐year‐old children. Data for this analysis were obtained from a prospective cohort study over two consecutive football seasons in two European countries, and a randomized intervention trial over one season in four European countries. Football exposure and injuries were documented through an online database. Detailed information regarding injury characteristics and medical follow‐up was retrieved from coaches, children and parents by phone. Thirty‐nine head injuries and one neck injury (5% of all 791 injuries) were documented during 9933 player‐seasons (total football exposure 688 045 hours). The incidence was 0.25 [95%CI 0.15, 0.35] head/neck injuries per 1000 match hours (N=23 match injuries) and 0.03 [95%CI 0.02, 0.03] per 1000 training hours. Eleven concussions (27.5%), nine head contusions (22.5%), eight lacerations or abrasions (20%), two nose fractures (2.5%), and two dental injuries (2.5%) occurred. The remaining eight injuries were nose bleeding or other minor injuries. Thirty injuries (75%) resulted from contact with another player, and ten injuries were due to collision with an object, falling or a hit by the ball. Whereas 70% of all head injuries (N=28) were due to frontal impacts, 73% of concussions (N=8) resulted from an impact to the occiput. The incidence and severity of head injuries in children′s football are low. Coaches and parents, however, should be sensitized regarding the potential of concussions, particularly after an impact to the occiput.
Compassionate use experience with high‐titer respiratory syncytical virus (RSV) immunoglobulin in RSV‐infected immunocompromised persons
Authors: Falsey Ann R. , Koval Christine , DeVincenzo John P. , Walsh Edward E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause fatal lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in immunocompromised patients. Ribavirin with or without standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is frequently given although efficacy is debated. Infusion of IVIG with high levels of neutralizing antibody against RSV may offer benefit in these patients.MethodsRI‐001 contains standardized levels of high‐titer anti‐RSV neutralizing antibody and was provided for compassionate use to 15 patients with RSV LRTI who either failed conventional therapy or had significant risk of progression. Patients were treated on day 1 with RI‐001 1500 mg/kg, followed 2 days later with 750 mg/kg. Pre‐ and post‐infusion sera were measured for RSV neutralizing antibody. Patient data were analyzed for safety related to infusion of RI‐001, and clinical outcomes.ResultsPatients ranged in age from 2 months to 71 years and 80% had hematologic malignancy or were bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Administration was well tolerated. Pre‐infusion neutralizing titers ranged from 51 to 1765 geometric mean titer (mean 646±519) and all patients demonstrated at least a 4‐fold rise (mean 6410±4470) 5‐10 days post infusion. Eleven of 15 improved and were discharged from the hospital. Days from positive RSV test to RI‐001 treatment was shorter in survivors compared to non‐survivors (4.4±2.8 vs. 20.3±21.0 days, P=.02).ConclusionAdministration of RI‐001 was well tolerated and resulted in significant increases in serum neutralizing antibody titers to RSV. Our data suggest that early identification of RSV and treatment with RI‐001 may offer benefit.
A Neural Dynamic Model Generates Descriptions of Object‐Oriented Actions
Authors: Richter Mathis , Lins Jonas , Schöner Gregor 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDescribing actions entails that relations between objects are discovered. A pervasively neural account of this process requires that fundamental problems are solved: the neural pointer problem, the binding problem, and the problem of generating discrete processing steps from time‐continuous neural processes. We present a prototypical solution to these problems in a neural dynamic model that comprises dynamic neural fields holding representations close to sensorimotor surfaces as well as dynamic neural nodes holding discrete, language‐like representations. Making the connection between these two types of representations enables the model to describe actions as well as to perceptually ground movement phrases—all based on real visual input. We demonstrate how the dynamic neural processes autonomously generate the processing steps required to describe or ground object‐oriented actions. By solving the fundamental problems of neural pointing, binding, and emergent discrete processing, the model may be a first but critical step toward a systematic neural processing account of higher cognition.
The Oral β-Lactamase SYN-004 (Ribaxamase) Degrades Ceftriaxone Excreted into the Intestine in Phase 2a Clinical Studies
Authors: Kokai-Kun John F. , Roberts Tracey , Coughlin Olivia , Sicard Eric , Rufiange Marianne , Fedorak Richard , Carter Christian , Adams Marijke H. , Longstreth James , Whalen Heidi , Sliman Joseph 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

SYN-004 (ribaxamase) is a β-lactamase designed to be orally administered concurrently with intravenous β-lactam antibiotics, including most penicillins and cephalosporins. Ribaxamase's anticipated mechanism of action is to degrade excess β-lactam antibiotic that is excreted into the small intestine. This enzymatic inactivation of excreted antibiotic is expected to protect the gut microbiome from disruption and thus prevent undesirable side effects, including secondary infections such as
Clostridium difficile
infections, as well as other antibiotic-associated diarrheas. In phase 1 clinical studies, ribaxamase was well tolerated compared to a placebo group and displayed negligible systemic absorption. The two phase 2a clinical studies described here were performed to confirm the mechanism of action of ribaxamase, degradation of β-lactam antibiotics in the human intestine, and were therefore conducted in subjects with functioning ileostomies to allow serial sampling of their intestinal chyme. Ribaxamase fully degraded ceftriaxone to below the level of quantitation in the intestines of all subjects in both studies. Coadministration of oral ribaxamase with intravenous ceftriaxone was also well tolerated, and the plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were unchanged by ribaxamase administration. Since ribaxamase is formulated as a pH-dependent, delayed-release formulation, the activity of ribaxamase in the presence of the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole was examined in the second study; coadministration of these drugs did not adversely affect ribaxamase's ability to degrade ceftriaxone excreted into the intestine. These studies have confirmed the
in vivo
mechanism of action of ribaxamase, degradation of β-lactam antibiotics in the human intestine (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT02419001 and NCT02473640).
Identification of Escherichia coli and Shigella Species from Whole-Genome Sequences
Authors: Chattaway Marie A. , Schaefer Ulf , Tewolde Rediat , Dallman Timothy J. , Jenkins Claire 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
and
Shigella
species are closely related and genetically constitute the same species. Differentiating between these two pathogens and accurately identifying the four species of
Shigella
are therefore challenging. The organism-specific bioinformatics whole-genome sequencing (WGS) typing pipelines at Public Health England are dependent on the initial identification of the bacterial species by use of a kmer-based approach. Of the 1,982
Escherichia coli
and
Shigella
sp. isolates analyzed in this study, 1,957 (98.4%) had concordant results by both traditional biochemistry and serology (TB&S) and the kmer identification (ID) derived from the WGS data. Of the 25 mismatches identified, 10 were enteroinvasive
E. coli
isolates that were misidentified as
Shigella flexneri
or
S. boydii
by the kmer ID, and 8 were
S. flexneri
isolates misidentified by TB&S as
S. boydii
due to nonfunctional
S. flexneri
O antigen biosynthesis genes. Analysis of the population structure based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data derived from the WGS data showed that the remaining discrepant results belonged to clonal complex 288 (CC288), comprising both
S. boydii
and
S. dysenteriae
strains. Mismatches between the TB&S and kmer ID results were explained by the close phylogenetic relationship between the two species and were resolved with reference to the MLST data.
Shigella
can be differentiated from
E. coli
and accurately identified to the species level by use of kmer comparisons and MLST. Analysis of the WGS data provided explanations for the discordant results between TB&S and WGS data, revealed the true phylogenetic relationships between different species of
Shigella
, and identified emerging pathoadapted lineages.
Detection of Tilapia Lake Virus in Clinical Samples by Culturing and Nested Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Kembou Tsofack Japhette Esther , Zamostiano Rachel , Watted Salsabeel , Berkowitz Asaf , Rosenbluth Ezra , Mishra Nischay , Briese Thomas , Lipkin W. Ian , Kabuusu Richard M. , Ferguson Hugh , del Pozo Jorge , Eldar Avi , Bacharach Eran 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Tilapia are an important group of farmed fish that serve as a significant protein source worldwide. In recent years, substantial mortality of wild tilapia has been observed in the Sea of Galilee and in commercial ponds in Israel and Ecuador. We have identified the etiological agent of these mass die-offs as a novel orthomyxo-like virus and named it tilapia lake virus (TiLV). Here, we provide the conditions for efficient isolation, culturing, and quantification of the virus, including the use of susceptible fish cell lines. Moreover, we describe a sensitive nested reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay allowing the rapid detection of TiLV in fish organs. This assay revealed, for the first time to our knowledge, the presence of TiLV in diseased Colombian tilapia, indicating a wider distribution of this emerging pathogen and stressing the risk that TiLV poses for the global tilapia industry. Overall, the described procedures should provide the tilapia aquaculture industry with important tools for the detection and containment of this pathogen.
Evaluation of the GenoType MTBDR
sl
Version 2.0 Assay for Second-Line Drug Resistance Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates in South Africa
Authors: Gardee Y. , Dreyer A. W. , Koornhof H. J. , Omar S. V. , da Silva P. , Bhyat Z. , Ismail N. A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Early detection of resistance to second-line antituberculosis drugs is important for the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The GenoType MTBDR
sl
version 2.0 (VER 2.0) line probe assay has been redesigned for molecular detection of resistance-conferring mutations of fluoroquinolones (FLQ) (
gyrA
and
gyrB
genes) and second-line injectable drugs (SLID) (
rrs
and
eis
genes). The study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the GenoType MTBDR
sl
VER 2.0 assay for the detection of second-line drug resistance compared with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST), using the Bactec MGIT 960 system on
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex isolates from South Africa. A total of 268 repository isolates collected between 2012 and 2014, which were rifampin monoresistant or MDR based on DST, were selected. MTBDR
sl
VER 2.0 testing was performed on these isolates and the results analyzed. The MTBDR
sl
VER 2.0 sensitivity and specificity indices for culture isolates were the following: FLQ, 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95.8 to 100%) and 98.9% (95% CI, 96.1 to 99.9%); SLID, 89.2% (95% CI, 79.1 to 95.6%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 95.7 to 99.7%). The sensitivity and specificity observed for individual SLID were the following: amikacin, 93.8% (95% CI, 79.2 to 99.2%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 95.5 to 99.7%); kanamycin, 89.2% (95% CI, 79.1 to 95.6%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 95.5 to 99.7%); and capreomycin, 86.2% (95% CI, 68.3 to 96.1%) and 95.9% (95% CI, 92.2 to 98.2%). An interoperator reproducibility of 100% and an overall interlaboratory performance of 93% to 96% were found. The overall improvement in sensitivity and specificity with excellent reproducibility makes the GenoType MTBDR
sl
VER 2.0 a highly suitable tool for rapid screening of clinical isolates for second-line drug resistance for use in high-burden TB/HIV settings.
Evaluation of the Parasight Platform for Malaria Diagnosis
Authors: Eshel Yochay , Houri-Yafin Arnon , Benkuzari Hagai , Lezmy Natalie , Soni Mamta , Charles Malini , Swaminathan Jayanthi , Solomon Hilda , Sampathkumar Pavithra , Premji Zul , Mbithi Caroline , Nneka Zaitun , Onsongo Simon , Maina Daniel , Levy-Schreier Sarah , Cohen Caitlin Lee , Gluck Dan , Pollak Joseph Joel , Salpeter Seth J. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 500 million malaria tests are performed annually. While microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the main diagnostic approaches, no single method is inexpensive, rapid, and highly accurate. Two recent studies from our group have demonstrated a prototype computer vision platform that meets those needs. Here we present the results from two clinical studies on the commercially available version of this technology, the Sight Diagnostics Parasight platform, which provides malaria diagnosis, species identification, and parasite quantification. We conducted a multisite trial in Chennai, India (Apollo Hospital [
n
= 205]), and Nairobi, Kenya (Aga Khan University Hospital [
n
= 263]), in which we compared the device to microscopy, RDTs, and PCR. For identification of malaria, the device performed similarly well in both contexts (sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 100% at the Indian site and sensitivity of 99.3% and specificity of 98.9% at the Kenyan site, compared to PCR). For species identification, the device correctly identified 100% of samples with
Plasmodium vivax
and 100% of samples with
Plasmodium falciparum
in India and 100% of samples with
P. vivax
and 96.1% of samples with
P. falciparum
in Kenya, compared to PCR. Lastly, comparisons of the device parasite counts with those of trained microscopists produced average Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.84 at the Indian site and 0.85 at the Kenyan site.
Optical Screening for Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and for Observation of Phenotypic Diversity among Strains of the Genetically Clonal Species Bacillus anthracis
Authors: McLaughlin Heather P. , Gargis Amy S. , Michel Pierre , Sue David , Weigel Linda M. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

During high-impact events involving
Bacillus anthracis
, such as the Amerithrax incident of 2001 or the anthrax outbreaks in Russia and Sweden in 2016, critical decisions to reduce morbidity and mortality include rapid selection and distribution of effective antimicrobial agents for treatment and postexposure prophylaxis. Detection of antimicrobial resistance currently relies on a conventional broth microdilution method that requires a 16- to 20-h incubation time for
B. anthracis
. Advances in high-resolution optical screening offer a new technology to more rapidly evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility and to simultaneously assess the growth characteristics of an isolate. Herein, we describe a new method developed and evaluated as a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test for
B. anthracis
. This method is based on automated digital time-lapse microscopy to observe the growth and morphological effects of relevant antibiotics with an optical screening instrument, the oCelloScope.
B. anthracis
strains were monitored over time in the presence or absence of penicillin, ciprofloxacin, or doxycycline. Susceptibility to each antibiotic was determined in ≤4 h, 75 to 80% less than the time required for conventional methods. Time-lapse video imaging compiled from the optical screening images revealed unexpected differences in growth characteristics among strains of
B. anthracis
, which is considered to be a clonal organism. This technology provides a new approach for rapidly detecting phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and for documenting growth attributes that may be beneficial in the further characterization of individual strains.