bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterologous Immunity and Persistent Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Che Jenny W. , Daniels Keith A. , Selin Liisa K. , Welsh Raymond M.
Published: November 2016

One's history of infections can affect the immune response to unrelated pathogens and influence disease outcome through the process of heterologous immunity. This can occur after acute viral infections, such as infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and vaccinia virus, where the pathogens are cleared, but it becomes a more complex issue in the context of persistent infections. In this study, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) was used as a persistent infection model to study heterologous immunity with LCMV. If mice were previously immune to LCMV and then infected with MCMV (LCMV+MCMV), they had more severe immunopathology, enhanced viral burden in multiple organs, and suppression of MCMV-specific T cell memory inflation. MCMV infection initially reduced the numbers of LCMV-specific memory T cells, but continued MCMV persistence did not further erode memory T cells specific to LCMV. When MCMV infection was given first (MCMV+LCMV), the magnitude of the acute T cell response to LCMV declined with age though this age-dependent decline was not dependent on MCMV. However, some of these MCMV persistently infected mice with acute LCMV infection (7 of 36) developed a robust immunodominant CD8 T cell response apparently cross-reactive between a newly defined putative MCMV epitope sequence, M57
727–734
, and the normally subdominant LCMV epitope L
2062–2069
, indicating a profound private specificity effect in heterologous immunity between these two viruses. These results further illustrate how a history of an acute or a persistent virus infection can substantially influence the immune responses and immune pathology associated with acute or persistent infections with an unrelated virus.

IMPORTANCE
This study extends our understanding of heterologous immunity in the context of persistent viral infection. The phenomenon has been studied mostly with viruses such as LCMV that are cleared, but the situation can be more complex with a persistent virus such as MCMV. We found that the history of LCMV infection intensifies MCMV immunopathology, enhances MCMV burden in multiple organs, and suppresses MCMV-specific T cell memory inflation. In the reverse infection sequence, we show that some of the long-term MCMV-immune mice mount a robust CD8 T cell cross-reactive response between a newly defined putative MCMV epitope sequence and a normally subdominant LCMV epitope. These results further illustrate how a history of infection can substantially influence the immune responses and immune pathology associated with infections with an unrelated virus.
Restarting Lytic Gene Transcription at the Onset of Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation
Authors: Cliffe Anna R. , Wilson Angus C.
Published: November 2016

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes a latent reservoir in neurons of human peripheral nerves. In this quiescent state, the viral genome persists as a circular, histone-associated episome, and transcription of viral lytic cycle genes is largely suppressed through epigenetic processes. Periodically, latent virus undergoes reactivation whereby lytic genes are activated and viral replication occurs. In this Gem, we review recent evidence that mechanisms governing the initial transcription of lytic genes are distinct from those of
de novo
infection and directly link reactivation to neuronal stress response pathways. We also discuss evidence that lytic cycle gene expression can be uncoupled from the full reactivation program, arguing for a less sharply bimodal definition of latency.
Structure of a Human Astrovirus Capsid-Antibody Complex and Mechanistic Insights into Virus Neutralization
Authors: Bogdanoff Walter A. , Campos Jocelyn , Perez Edmundo I. , Yin Lu , Alexander David L. , DuBois Rebecca M.
Published: November 2016

Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are a leading cause of viral diarrhea in young children, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. There are no vaccines or antiviral therapies against HAstV disease. Several lines of evidence point to the presence of protective antibodies in healthy adults as a mechanism governing protection against reinfection by HAstV. However, development of anti-HAstV therapies is hampered by the gap in knowledge of protective antibody epitopes on the HAstV capsid surface. Here, we report the structure of the HAstV capsid spike domain bound to the neutralizing monoclonal antibody PL-2. The antibody uses all six complementarity-determining regions to bind to a quaternary epitope on each side of the dimeric capsid spike. We provide evidence that the HAstV capsid spike is a receptor-binding domain and that the antibody neutralizes HAstV by blocking virus attachment to cells. We identify patches of conserved amino acids that overlap the antibody epitope and may comprise a receptor-binding site. Our studies provide a foundation for the development of therapies to prevent and treat HAstV diarrheal disease.

IMPORTANCE
Human astroviruses (HAstVs) infect nearly every person in the world during childhood and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Despite the prevalence of this virus, little is known about how antibodies in healthy adults protect them against reinfection. Here, we determined the crystal structure of a complex of the HAstV capsid protein and a virus-neutralizing antibody. We show that the antibody binds to the outermost spike domain of the capsid, and we provide evidence that the antibody blocks virus attachment to human cells. Importantly, our findings suggest that a subunit-based vaccine focusing the immune system on the HAstV capsid spike domain could be effective in protecting children against HAstV disease.
One-Health: a Safe, Efficient, Dual-Use Vaccine for Humans and Animals against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Rabies Virus
Authors: Wirblich Christoph , Coleman Christopher M. , Kurup Drishya , Abraham Tara S. , Bernbaum John G. , Jahrling Peter B. , Hensley Lisa E. , Johnson Reed F. , Frieman Matthew B. , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: November 2016

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 and is a highly pathogenic respiratory virus. There are no treatment options against MERS-CoV for humans or animals, and there are no large-scale clinical trials for therapies against MERS-CoV. To address this need, we developed an inactivated rabies virus (RABV) that contains the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein expressed on its surface. Our initial recombinant vaccine, BNSP333-S, expresses a full-length wild-type MERS-CoV S protein; however, it showed significantly reduced viral titers compared to those of the parental RABV strain and only low-level incorporation of full-length MERS-CoV S into RABV particles. Therefore, we developed a RABV-MERS vector that contained the MERS-CoV S1 domain of the MERS-CoV S protein fused to the RABV G protein C terminus (BNSP333-S1). BNSP333-S1 grew to titers similar to those of the parental vaccine vector BNSP333, and the RABV G–MERS-CoV S1 fusion protein was efficiently expressed and incorporated into RABV particles. When we vaccinated mice, chemically inactivated BNSP333-S1 induced high-titer neutralizing antibodies. Next, we challenged both vaccinated mice and control mice with MERS-CoV after adenovirus transduction of the human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4) receptor and then analyzed the ability of mice to control MERS-CoV infection. Our results demonstrated that vaccinated mice were fully protected from the MERS-CoV challenge, as indicated by the significantly lower MERS-CoV titers and MERS-CoV and mRNA levels in challenged mice than those in unvaccinated controls. These data establish that an inactivated RABV-MERS S-based vaccine may be effective for use in animals and humans in areas where MERS-CoV is endemic.

IMPORTANCE
Rabies virus-based vectors have been proven to be efficient dual vaccines against rabies and emergent infectious diseases such as Ebola virus. Here we show that inactivated rabies virus particles containing the MERS-CoV S1 protein induce potent immune responses against MERS-CoV and RABV. This novel vaccine is easy to produce and may be useful to protect target animals, such as camels, as well as humans from deadly MERS-CoV and RABV infections. Our results indicate that this vaccine approach can prevent disease, and the RABV-based vaccine platform may be a valuable tool for timely vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases.
Human Norovirus Aptamer Exhibits High Degree of Target Conformation-Dependent Binding Similar to That of Receptors and Discriminates Particle Functionality
Authors: Moore Matthew D. , Bobay Benjamin G. , Mertens Brittany , Jaykus Lee-Ann
Published: November 2016

Human noroviruses impose a considerable health burden globally. However, study of their inactivation is still challenging with currently reported cell culture models, as discrimination of infectious viral particles is still difficult. Traditionally, the ability of particles to bind putative carbohydrate receptors is conducted as a proxy for infectivity, but these receptors are inconsistent, expensive, and hard to purify/modify. We report a hitherto unexplored property of a different type of ligand, a nucleic acid aptamer, to mimic receptor binding behavior and assess capsid functionality for a selected strain of norovirus. These emerging ligands are cheaper, more stable, and easily synthesized/modified. The previously unutilized characteristic reported here demonstrates the fundamental potential of aptamers to serve as valuable, accessible tools for any microorganism that is difficult to cultivate/study. Therefore, this novel concept suggests a new use for aptamers that is of great value to the microbiological community—specifically that involving fastidious microbes.
Therapeutic interventions for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review
Authors: Kosik Kyle B , McCann Ryan S , Terada Masafumi , Gribble Phillip A
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify which therapeutic intervention may be most effective for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Design

Systematic literature review. Articles were appraised using the Downs and Black Checklist by 3 reviewers.

Data sources

PubMed along with CINAHL, MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus within EBSCOhost for pertinent articles from their inception through August 2016.

Eligibility criteria for selected studies

Articles included were required to (1) be written in English, (2) report adequate data to calculate effect sizes, (3) identify patients with CAI, (4) use some form of therapeutic intervention and (5) use a self-reported questionnaire as a main outcome measurement.

Results

A broad spectrum of therapeutic interventions were identified related to balance training, multimodal rehabilitation, joint mobilisation, resistive training, soft-tissue mobilisation, passive calf stretching and orthotics. All of the articles included in the balance training category had moderate-to-strong Hedges g with none of the 95% CIs crossing 0. Hedges g effect sizes ranged from −0.67 to −2.31 and −0.51 to −1.43 for activities of daily living and physical activity, respectively. The multimodal rehabilitation category also produced moderate-to-strong Hedges g effect sizes but with large CIs crossing 0. Hedges g effect sizes ranged from −0.47 to −9.29 and −0.62 to −24.29 for activities of daily living and physical activity, respectively.

Conclusions

The main findings from this systematic review were balance training provided the most consistent improvements in self-reported function for patients with CAI.
Elective caesarean: does delay in cord clamping for 30 s ensure sufficient iron stores at 4 months of age? A historical cohort control study
Authors: Andersson Ola , Hellström-Westas Lena , Domellöf Magnus
Published: November 2016

Objective

To compare iron stores in infants born after elective caesarean section (CS) and a 30 s delay of umbilical cord clamping with those born vaginally after early (≤10 s) or delayed (≥180 s) cord clamping.

Design

Prospective observational study with historical control.

Setting

Swedish county hospital.

Population

64 infants born after elective CS were compared with a historical control of 166 early clamped and 168 delayed clamped after vaginal birth.

Methods

Blood and iron status were measured in blood samples collected at birth, 48–96 hours after birth, 4 and 12 months of age.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Ferritin at 4 months of age was the primary outcome, second outcome measures were other indicators of iron status, and haemoglobin, at 4 and 12 months of age, as well as respiratory distress at 1 and 6 hours after birth.

Results

At 4 months infants born by elective CS had better iron status than those born vaginally subjected to early cord clamping, shown by higher adjusted mean difference of ferritin concentration (39 µg/L (95% CI 10 to 60)) and mean cell volume (1.8 fL (95% CI 0.6 to 3.0)); and lower levels of transferrin receptors (−0.39 mg/L (95% CI −0.69 to −0.08)). No differences were seen between infants born after elective CS and delayed clamped vaginally born infants at 4 months. No differences were found between groups at 12 months of age.

Conclusions

Waiting to clamp the umbilical cord for 30 s after elective CS results in higher iron stores at 4 months of age compared with early cord clamping after vaginal birth, and seems to ensure iron status comparable with those achieved after 180 s delayed cord clamping after vaginal birth.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Implementation of the BokSmartSafe SixInjury Prevention Programme: a study protocol
Authors: Sewry Nicola , Verhagen Evert , Lambert Mike , van Mechelen Willem , Brown James
Published: November 2016

Background

The injury burden in rugby union (‘rugby’) is high. While exercise-based injury prevention programmes have successfully reduced injuries in other sports such as football, there is minimal research on this topic in rugby union.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of an exercise-based intervention (BokSmartSafe Six) in junior rugby players that aims to reduce the injury risk profile and burden of injury.

Setting

14–16-year-old junior rugby players in two geographically separated locations in South Africa over the 2017 rugby playing season.

Methods

A cluster-randomised controlled trial where the teams are allocated to groups that either (1) have a coach-delivered exercise intervention in their warm-up (BokSmartSafe Six) or (2) continue with their warm-up ‘as usual’ (control group). Injury risk profiles will be assessed through musculoskeletal screening on all players performed at the beginning, middle and end of the trial. Epidemiological measurements include injury surveillance at all matches and training sessions, and exposure to the various warm-up exercises (including BokSmartSafe Sixexercises). Behavioural determinants of coaches will be assessed through standardised theory of planned behaviour questionnaires and focus groups before and after the intervention.

Outcome measures

Comparison in injury risk profiles and burden of injury between the intervention and control groups. Changes in the behavioural determinants of coaches.

Trial registration number:

PACTR201608001730223. Pre-Results.
Decreased flow-mediated dilatation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Shu-Zhen , Wang Peng , Guan Shi-Yang , Li Hong-Miao , Leng Rui-Xue , Pan Hai-Feng , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To derive a more precise comparison of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and normal controls by performing a meta-analysis of appropriate studies.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for all relevant articles. STATA (V.12.0) software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Quality estimation of all appropriate studies was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CIs were calculated with a random-effects model. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic were used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were conducted to assess the publication bias.

Results

In total, 464 articles were obtained after searching the two databases. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity was observed among these 10 studies (Q=102.89, p<0.001, I2=91.3%) with random-effects modelling. The results showed that the RA group had significantly lower FMD% (SMD: −1.405; 95% CI −1.992 to −0.817; p<0.001) than the control group. Egger’s test (p=0.004) indicated that the funnel plot showed a skewed or asymmetrical shape and publication bias existed. Sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness and credibility of our results.

Conclusions

FMD% in patients with RA is significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. FMD% is an important early marker of atherosclerosis. It may be used as a parameter to forecast cardiovascular disease in patients with RA.
Intensified aridity in the Qaidam Basin during the Middle Miocene: constraints from ostracod, stable isotope, and weathering records
Authors: Song Bowen , Ji Junliang , Wang Chaowen , Xu Yadong , Zhang Kexin
Published: November 2016

The thick and continuous Cenozoic successions in the Qaidam Basin provide an excellent paleoclimate archive. Here, we focus on the ostracod fauna, stable isotope records, and paleoweathering indices from a well-dated Cenozoic sedimentary section in the Qaidam Basin, to develop an understanding of Middle Miocene aridification in central Asia. Microfossil analyses suggest that the ostracod species diversity decreased suddenly after 13.3 Ma, and that the dominant ostracod genus shifted from Ilyocypris to Cyprideis. Stable isotope data from ostracod valves have displayed abrupt positive shifts of 3.75‰ in δ18O values and 5.28‰ in δ13C values since 13.3 Ma. The chemical index of weathering (CIW) and K2O/Na2O ratios decrease markedly after 13.3 Ma, reflecting a significant decrease in chemical weathering intensity. These combined and consistent observations suggest that the Qaidam Basin has experienced increased aridification since 13.3 Ma. The dating was obtained directly from previous magnetostratigraphic studies and can be correlated accurately with global climate evolution and regional tectonic events. A comparison of these results with global paleoclimatic records and previous geologic studies of the Tibetan Plateau revealed that global cooling, rather than uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, played a key role in the drying of the Qaidam Basin at approximately 13 Ma.
Climate change alters the quantity and phenology of habitat for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in small Boreal Shield lakes
Authors: Guzzo Matthew M. , Blanchfield Paul J.
Published: November 2016

We analyzed monitoring data (1970–2013) from small Boreal Shield lakes to understand how variations in air temperature and precipitation affect the phenology and amount of habitat for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Annual air temperatures increased by ∼2 °C (significant in fall and winter). In response, ice cover was reduced by ∼19 days. Despite earlier ice-offs, springs became longer, allowing lake trout longer access to littoral regions when water temperatures were cool. Although summer surface water temperatures increased, the summer did not lengthen. Instead, later spring-warming and fall-cooling of lakes caused summer to shift later in the year, potentially delaying fall spawning. Complete loss of optimal oxythermal habitat volume occurred in all lakes and became more prevalent over time, more so in the darkest lakes. Although air temperatures did not become more variable, several habitat measures did, including mean summer surface water temperatures, duration of ice cover, timing of ice-off, and minimum volumes of optimal oxythermal habitat. Our results suggest that future warming will impose greater thermal stress on lake trout, but may be tempered by longer springs.
EXTREME PRESSURE SYNERGISTIC MECHANISM OF BISMUTH NAPHTHENATE AND SULFURIZED ISOBUTENE ADDITIVES
Authors: XU XIN , HU JIANQIANG , YANG SHIZHAO , XIE FENG , GUO LI
Published: November 2016

A four-ball tester was used to evaluate the tribological performances of bismuth naphthenate (BiNap), sulfurized isobutene (VSB), and their combinations. The results show that the antiwear properties of BiNap and VSB are not very visible, but they possess good extreme pressure (EP) properties, particularly sulfur containing bismuth additives. Synergistic EP properties of BiNap with various sulfur-containing additives were investigated. The results indicate that BiNap exhibits good EP synergism with sulfur-containing additives. The surface analytical tools, such as X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), were used to investigate the topography, composition contents, and depth profile of some typical elements on the rubbing surface. Smooth topography of wear scar further confirms that the additive showed good EP capacities, and XPS and EDX analyzes indicate that tribochemical mixed protective films composed of bismuth, bismuth oxides, sulfides, and sulfates are formed on the rubbing surface, which improves the tribological properties of lubricants. In particular, a large number of bismuth atoms and bismuth sulfides play an important role in improving the EP properties of oils.
Kinetic model for S-TBBS-DPG NR vulcanization: Extrapolation from S-TBBS and S-DPG experimental data
Authors: Milani Gabriele , Milani Federico
Published: November 2016

A robust extrapolation model requiring few input parameters to predict the kinetic constants characterizing the curing behavior of NR vulcanized in presence of sulfur and two accelerants (TBSS and DPG) at different concentrations is discussed. The numerical model based on the reproduction of rheometer curves by means of the well-known Han’s kinetic model, which describes with kinetic base the most important NR vulcanization phases, namely curing initiation, formation of matured crosslinked polymer and reversion. The derived mathematical model is a closed form exponential function depending on only three kinetic constants. The procedure proposed is a two-step one. In the first step, kinetic constants of NR in the presence of single activators (i.e. either only with S and TBBS or S and DPG) are estimated by means of an interactive trial and error optimization software (GURU) that proceeds in approximating more and more strictly normalized experimental rheometer curves with Han’s function. Four different concentrations of S and TBSS (or S and DPG) are assumed as calibration points. In the second step, from the results obtained previously, kinetic constants for NR with any S-TBBS-DPG concentration of technical relevance are deduced by means of standard mathematical extrapolation. The procedure is benchmarked on 16 different S-TBBS-DPG concentrations at two temperatures (150[Formula: see text]C and 180[Formula: see text]C), for which both experimental data are available and kinetic constants are previously derived with GURU. Quite good agreement is found, meaning that the approach may be useful for practical purposes, because expensive and cumbersome experimental investigations can be avoided.
DFT study of the physicochemical properties of A- and B-type procyanidin oligomers
Authors: Mendoza-Wilson Ana María , Carmelo-Luna Francisco Javier , Astiazarán-García Humberto , Pacheco-Moreno Bertha I. , Anduro-Corona Iván , Rascón-Durán María Lucila
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties of the oligomers of procyanidins (PCs) including PA1, PA2, PB1, PB2, PC1 and a B-type tetramer, taking into account of their conformations related to the interflavan links using the density functional theory (DFT). This information may provide useful insight into the potential effect of physicochemical properties on the absorption of PCs. The results indicate that A-type and B-type PCs in all of their conformations tend to be more stable in water than in octanol, showing a hydrophilic character due to their negative log [Formula: see text] values, which increase with the degree of polymerization (DP). The studied PCs, including the B-type tetramer, can achieve an appropriate molecular size (i.e. width and length) that can allow them to pass through the pores in the paracellular route in the human small intestine. The factor that could limit the absorption of the PC oligomers with increases in size is the higher number of hydroxyl groups exposed to the outside of the molecule due to their potential to interact with other molecules, which is based on electrostatic potential maps.
Spectroscopic characterization of water soluble phosphonato corrole: The effect of H-bounds on the self-assembled species
Authors: Randazzo Rosalba , Savoldelli Andrea , Cristaldi D. Andrea , Cunsolo Alessandra , Gaeta Massimiliano , Fragalà M. Elena , Nardis Sara , D’Urso Alessandro , Paolesse Roberto , Purrello Roberto
Published: November 2016

Hierarchical self-assembly of porphyrins is an intrigue research field, which can lead to the design of functional materials. Porphyrin derivatives self-assembling under hierarchical control allows to understand the principles governing molecular recognition processes, as demonstrated for meso-tetrakis(4-phosphonatophenyl)porphyne (H2TPPP) whose polyprotic nature is responsible for a pH-dependent hierarchical aggregation. Herein, self-assembly of meso-tris(4-phosphonatophenyl)corrole (TPPC) in aqueous solution has been spectroscopically studied and compared to that of TPPP. The corrole aggregation does not follow the hierarchical rules that govern the porphyrin counterpart due to the accessibility of the core of the macrocycle to protons, promoted by the reduced number of involved intermolecular H-bonds.
Deep-cavity subporphyrazines with extended π-perimeters
Authors: Münnich Roman , Löser Patricia , Winzenburg Andreas , Faust Rüdiger
Published: November 2016

Unprecedentedly large subporphyrazines (SubPz) with dibenzoquinoxalino-fusion and peripheral phenyl substitution were prepared by the cyclization of perfluorated or non-fluorous polyphenyl-substituted quinoxaline dinitriles and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The compounds suitability to act as photosensitizers was explored by wavelength-specific induction of singlet oxygen luminescence and was shown to be excellent. Determination of 1O2-quantum yields suggests that fluorine substitution enhances the photosensitization efficiencies of the SubPz. On the other hand, cyclic voltammetry reveals an increase of irreversible reductive processes in case of the fluorinated SubPz.
Mg(OH)2/Graphene Nanocomposites Prepared by Cathodic Electrodeposition for the Adsorption of Congo Red
Authors: Deng Xinzhong , Wang Yaowu , Peng Jianping , Liu Kejia , Feng Naixiang , Di Yuezhong
Published: November 2016

A facile cathodic electrodeposition process was developed to prepare Mg(OH)2/Graphene nanocomposites (MGN), which was used to remove Congo Red (CR), an anionic dye from aqueous solution. The morphology and phase structure were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of experimental parameters, such as graphene content, adsorption time, initial concentrations of CR and pH values, on the adsorption capacity of CR were studied. The obtained MGN shows the good performance in CR, with an adsorption capacity of 1986.43[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The equilibrium adsorption and kinetics data fit with Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order model, respectively. Thermodynamic data suggest that CR adsorption onto MGN is spontaneous ([Formula: see text]: –9.62[Formula: see text]kJ[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text] at 313[Formula: see text]K, endothermic ([Formula: see text]: 36.261[Formula: see text]kJ[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text] and the degree of disorder increased ([Formula: see text]: 146.848[Formula: see text]J[Formula: see text]moL[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text] at the solid-solution interface. Moreover, the adsorption activation energy ([Formula: see text]: 38.929[Formula: see text]kJ[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text] of CR evaluated from the Arrhenius equation illustrates that it is a physical process. This adsorbent exhibits efficient adsorption properties and high recycling efficiency, making it a promising adsorbent for removing anionic dyes.
Fault-Tolerant Formation Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Presence of Actuator Faults and Obstacles
Authors: Liu Zhixiang , Yuan Chi , Yu Xiang , Zhang Youmin
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a leader-follower type of fault-tolerant formation control (FTFC) methodology with application to multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of actuator failures and potential collisions. The proposed FTFC scheme consists of both outer-loop and inner-loop controllers. First, a leader-follower control scheme with integration of a collision avoidance mechanism is designed as the outer-loop controller for guaranteeing UAVs to keep the desired formation while avoiding the approaching obstacles. Then, an active fault-tolerant control (FTC) strategy for counteracting the actuator failures and also for preventing the healthy actuators from saturation is synthesized as the inner-loop controller. Finally, a group of numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Reconstruction of Order Flows using Aggregated Data
Authors: Toke Ioane Muni
Published: November 2016

We investigate TRTH tick-by-tick data on three exchanges (Paris, London and Frankfurt) and on a five-year span. A simple algorithm helps the synchronization of the trades and quotes data, enhancing the basic procedure. The analysis of the performance of this algorithm turns out to be a forensic tool assessing the quality of the database: significant technical changes affecting the exchanges are tracked through the data. Moreover, the choices made when reconstructing order flows have consequences on the quantitative models that are calibrated afterwards on such data. Finally, this order flow reconstruction provides a refined look at the Lee–Ready procedure and its optimal lags. Findings are in line with both financial reasoning and the analysis of an illustrative Poisson model.
Evolution and Extinction of Land Snails on Oceanic Islands
Authors: Chiba Satoshi , Cowie Robert H.
Published: November 2016

Nonmarine molluscs are the major animal group with the greatest number of recorded extinctions due to anthropogenic impacts, and that number is certainly a serious underestimate. Land snails, particularly endemic land snails of oceanic islands, are the group of molluscs that have sustained the most extinctions. Understanding their ecology and the evolutionary processes that have led to their extreme vulnerability is crucial if we are to be able to conserve these diverse and important species. Oceanic island snails tend to have low α-diversity and high β-diversity, and divergence of habitat use among related species is known to occur in some radiations of land snails on oceanic islands. Processes of speciation and ecological interaction are possible major drivers of these patterns. The ecological opportunities available at the initial stage of insular evolution and the scarcity of effective predators may have led to divergence of habitat use and high β-diversity in oceanic island snails. Fewer and less diverse predators on oceanic islands lead to the evolution of fewer and less diverse defense traits in oceanic island snails, which results in their high vulnerability to non-native predators. High β-diversity of oceanic island snails also results in great vulnerability to habitat loss. Accordingly, the high susceptibility of oceanic island snails to extinction reflects their evolutionary history.
Legal Socialization: Coercion versus Consent in an Era of Mistrust
Authors: Trinkner Rick , Tyler Tom R.
Published: November 2016

Legal socialization is the process whereby people develop their relationship with the law via the acquisition of law-related values, attitudes, and reasoning capacities. Research on legal socialization distinguishes between two different orientations toward the law: coercive and consensual. Coercive orientations are rooted in the use of force and punishment, ultimately leading to an instrumentally focused relationship built on dominance. Consensual orientations are rooted in the acquisition of values encompassing concerns over treatment, decision making, and boundaries. When authorities embody these values, they promote trust and legitimacy and foster a relationship built on shared values and the voluntary acceptance of legal authority. Despite these findings, the appropriateness of a consensual over a coercive approach is heavily contested across legal and nonlegal contexts. However, research consistently demonstrates that socializing supportive values and encouraging favorable attitudes not only motivates compliance with the law but promotes voluntary deference and willing cooperation with legal authorities.
Molecular Determinants of BK Channel Functional Diversity and Functioning
Authors: Latorre Ramon , Castillo Karen , Carrasquel-Ursulaez Willy , Sepulveda Romina V. , Gonzalez-Nilo Fernando , Gonzalez Carlos , Alvarez Osvaldo
Published: November 2016

Large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+(BK) channels play many physiological roles ranging from the maintenance of smooth muscle tone to hearing and neurosecretion. BK channels are tetramers in which the pore-forming α subunit is coded by a single gene ( Slowpoke, KCNMA1). In this review, we first highlight the physiological importance of this ubiquitous channel, emphasizing the role that BK channels play in different channelopathies. We next discuss the modular nature of BK channel-forming protein, in which the different modules (the voltage sensor and the Ca2+binding sites) communicate with the pore gates allosterically. In this regard, we review in detail the allosteric models proposed to explain channel activation and how the models are related to channel structure. Considering their extremely large conductance and unique selectivity to K+, we also offer an account of how these two apparently paradoxical characteristics can be understood consistently in unison, and what we have learned about the conduction system and the activation gates using ions, blockers, and toxins. Attention is paid here to the molecular nature of the voltage sensor and the Ca2+binding sites that are located in a gating ring of known crystal structure and constituted by four COOH termini. Despite the fact that BK channels are coded by a single gene, diversity is obtained by means of alternative splicing and modulatory β and γ subunits. We finish this review by describing how the association of the α subunit with β or with γ subunits can change the BK channel phenotype and pharmacology.
Applying the Mini-Open Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Self-Anchored Stand-Alone Polyetheretherketone Cage in Lumbar Revision Surgery
Authors: Kuang Lei , Chen Yuqiao , Li Lei , Lü Guohua , Wang Bing
Published: November 2016

The author retrospectively studied twenty-two patients who underwent revision lumbar surgeries using ALLIF with a self-anchored stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage. The operation time, blood loss, and perioperative complications were evaluated. Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores of leg and back pain were analyzed preoperatively and at each time point of postoperative follow-up. Radiological evaluation including fusion, disc height, foraminal height, and subsidence was assessed. The results showed that the ALLIF with a self-anchored stand-alone PEEK cage is safe and effective in revision lumbar surgery with minor surgical trauma, low access-related complication rates, and satisfactory clinical and radiological results.
Portfolio-Associated Faculty: A Qualitative Analysis of Successful Behaviors from the Perspective of the Student
Authors: Kopechek Jack , Khandelwal Sorabh , Grieco Carmine Alexander , Post Douglas M. , Davis John A. , Ledford Cynthia H.
Published: November 2016

Purpose. While some aspects of what makes for an effective portfolio program are known, little is published about what students value in the faculty-student-portfolio relationship. Lack of student buy-in and faculty engagement can be significant challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify behaviors and types of engagement that students value in their relationships with portfolio-associated faculty. Methods. Medical students (174) participating in the Ohio State University College of Medicine Portfolio Program described behaviors observed in their portfolio-associated faculty in a survey completed at the end of the first year of their four-year program. Narrative responses were coded and categorized into themes, followed by member checking. Results. A total of 324 comments from 169 students were analyzed. Four themes were identified: (1) creating a supportive environment; (2) inspiring academic and professional growth; (3) investing time in students; and (4) providing advice and direction. Conclusions. The themes identified suggest that students value certain types of coaching and mentoring behaviors from their portfolio-associated faculty. The themes and their specific subcategories may be useful in making decisions regarding program development and guiding recruitment and training of these faculty coaches.
Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome Caused by Carbamazepine Used for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Ono Yuko , Shimo Tsuyoshi , Shirafuji Yoshinori , Hamada Toshihisa , Masui Masanori , Obata Kyoichi , Yao Mayumi , Kishimoto Koji , Sasaki Akira
Published: November 2016

An 88-year-old man was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, and treatment of carbamazepine 200 mg/day was initiated. About 6 weeks later, the patient developed a skin rash accompanied by fever. He was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) caused by carbamazepine. Oral carbamazepine treatment was stopped, but blood tests showed acute liver and acute renal failure. Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) for carbamazepine, human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) IgG, and CMV-HRP were negative. Oral prednisolone therapy was begun 18 days later. The titer of HHV-6 IgG antibodies was then detected (640 times). Following treatment, liver and renal function improved and the erythema disappeared.
Tree Species Composition and Regeneration Status of Shitalpur Forest Beat under Chittagong North Forest Division, Bangladesh
Authors: Nur Asadozzaman , Nandi Rajasree , Jashimuddin Mohammed , Hossain Mohammed Akhter
Published: November 2016

Biodiversity erosion particularly in developing countries is a matter of great concern to the global ecological community. Species composition and regeneration indicate the health of forest. This study explored tree species composition and regeneration of natural hill forest of Shitalpur under Chittagong North Forest Division through 27 sample plots of 20 m × 20 m for trees and 2 m × 2 m for regeneration. A total of 47 tree species belonging to 29 families and 17 regenerating species belonging to 15 families were recorded. The tree stem density, basal area, and wood volume were 0.49 m2/ha, 1425 stem/ha, and 189.9 m3/ha, respectively. Mean regeneration was significantly higher in bottom hill (14374 seedlings/ha) compared to top hill (9671 seedlings/ha). Toona ciliata was highest (4444 seedlings/ha) at the bottom hill compared to other hill positions. The result shows that only 36% of the tree species (17 out of 47) are regenerating in the study area, meaning majority of the tree species (64%) are not getting favorable conditions to regenerate. This might be due to absence of mature tree species as a result of overexploitation by local people. The findings may help in monitoring the species composition changes over time and adopting specific conservation programs for Shitalpur Forest.
Effectiveness of Long Term Supervised and Assisted Physiotherapy in Postsurgery Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Kale S. , Srivastava N. , Bagga V. , Shetty A.
Published: November 2016

Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the leading potentially malignant disorders prevailing in India. A number of conservative and surgical treatment options have been suggested for this potentially malignant disorder (Arakeri and Brennan, 2013). While the role of physiotherapy has been highlighted in the conservative management, its importance in postsurgical cases to avoid scar contracture and subsequent relapse has not been given due importance in the literature. The following is a case report of a male patient surgically treated for OSMF (oral submucous fibrosis) and meticulously followed up for recalls and physiotherapy. The constant supervision and motivation for physiotherapy along with the constant assistance helped achieve satisfying results.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Current Concepts about the Basic Science and Clinical Treatments
Authors: Li Hong-Yun , Hua Ying-Hui
Published: November 2016

Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most frequently ankle and foot overuse injuries, which is a clinical syndrome characterized by the combination of pain, swelling, and impaired performance. The two main categories of Achilles tendinopathy are classified according to anatomical location and broadly include insertional and noninsertional tendinopathy. The etiology of Achilles tendinopathy is multifactorial including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Failed healing response and degenerative changes were found in the tendon. The failed healing response includes three different and continuous stages (reactive tendinopathy, tendon disrepair, and degenerative tendinopathy). The histological studies have demonstrated an increased number of tenocytes and concentration of glycosaminoglycans in the ground substance, disorganization and fragmentation of the collagen, and neovascularization. There are variable conservative and surgical treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy. However, there has not been a gold standard of these treatments because of the controversial clinical results between various studies. In the future, new level I researches will be needed to prove the effect of these treatment options.
Effects of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection on Chinese Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 5-Year Follow-Up Results
Authors: Lu Yingyi , Huang Jianfeng , Zhao Jing , Yu Xiaobing , Long Li , Dai Hong
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To observe the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab injection on wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) over 5 years in Chinese patients. Methods. Thirty-seven patients who were diagnosed with wAMD in our hospital from June 2007 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The PRN regimen and the treatment and extend regimen were applied. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of ranibizumab injections, and changes in the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion over 5 years were analyzed. Results. The mean BCVA measured by the ETDRS chart at baseline was 47.4 and 5 years after the treatment it was 34.89 letters, which was significantly different (p=0.013). Fourteen eyes (37.8%) had improved visual acuity after 5 years. The number of injections in 5 years was 11.53, and most of the injections were in the first two years. Seventeen (45.9%) cases developed fibrous lesions, and 2 (5.4%) cases had atrophic lesions after 5 years. The fibrosis/atrophy was significantly correlated with the injection numbers (Pearson, r=0.663, and p=0.000). Conclusion. Most of the patients can maintain visual acuity treated by ranibizumab in the first 3 years. After 5 years, some patients can still improve or maintain visual acuity. Fibrous scarring of the lesion is the main reason for a decrease in vision of wAMD patients.
A Self-Organizing Incremental Spatiotemporal Associative Memory Networks Model for Problems with Hidden State
Authors: Wang Zuo-wei
Published: November 2016

Identifying the hidden state is important for solving problems with hidden state. We prove any deterministic partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDP) can be represented by a minimal, looping hidden state transition model and propose a heuristic state transition model constructing algorithm. A new spatiotemporal associative memory network (STAMN) is proposed to realize the minimal, looping hidden state transition model. STAMN utilizes the neuroactivity decay to realize the short-term memory, connection weights between different nodes to represent long-term memory, presynaptic potentials, and synchronized activation mechanism to complete identifying and recalling simultaneously. Finally, we give the empirical illustrations of the STAMN and compare the performance of the STAMN model with that of other methods.
Fludarabine Treatment of Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Induces a Digital Ischemia
Authors: Soyaltin Utku Erdem , Yuce Yildirim Deniz , Yildirim Mustafa , Ugur Mehmet Can , Ekinci Ferhat , Ceylan Cengiz , Akar Harun
Published: November 2016

We report a 63-year-old man with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who presented with asymmetrical Raynaud’s phenomenon of sudden onset which progressed to acral gangrene rapidly in a week. These symptoms began approximately one week after the fourth cycle of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and were accompanied by pain, numbness, and cyanosis in the fingers of his right hand except the first finger. Fludarabine may play a role in acral vascular syndrome. The treatment with fludarabine in patients with evolving digital ischemia should be carried out with caution.
Work-Related Psychosocial Factors and Mental Health Problems Associated with Musculoskeletal Pain in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Freimann Tiina , Pääsuke Mati , Merisalu Eda
Published: November 2016

Background. Musculoskeletal pain is the most common cause of incapacity among nurses. This study aimed to report the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among hospital nurses and to explore the associations of work-related psychosocial factors and mental health problems with musculoskeletal pain.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among registered nurses at Tartu University Hospital during April and May 2011. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the associations between dependent and independent variables.Results. Analysis was based on 404 nurses (45% of the hospital’s nursing population). The overall prevalence of MSP was 70% in the past year and 64% in the past month. Lower back (57%) and neck (56%) were the body areas most commonly painful in the past year. Higher quantitative and emotional demands, work pace, low justice and respect in the workplace, influence on work organisation, and role conflicts were significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain among nurses (p<0.05). All mental health problems and most strongly somatic stress symptoms were associated with musculoskeletal pain.Conclusions. Work-related psychosocial risk factors and mental health problems, especially somatic stress symptoms, have an important impact on the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among university hospital nurses.