bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic accuracy of three rapid diagnostic tests for typhoid fever at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Maude Rapeephan R. , de Jong Hanna K. , Wijedoru Lalith , Fukushima Masako , Ghose Aniruddha , Samad Rasheda , Hossain Mohammed Amir , Karim Mohammed Rezaul , Faiz Mohammed Abul , Parry Christopher M. ,   CMCH Typhoid Study Group
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for typhoid fever in febrile hospitalised patients in Bangladesh.

Methods

Febrile adults and children admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, were investigated with Bact/Alert® blood cultures and real‐time PCR to detect Salmonella enterica Typhi and Paratyphi A and assays for Rickettsia, leptospirosis and dengue fever. Acute serum samples were examined with the LifeAssay (LA) Test‐it™ Typhoid IgM lateral flow assay detecting IgM antibodies against S. Typhi O antigen, CTKBiotech Onsite Typhoid IgG/IgM Combo Rapid‐test cassette lateral flow assay detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against S. Typhi O and H antigens and SD Bioline line assay for IgG and IgM antibodies against S. Typhi proteins.

Results

In 300 malaria smear‐negative febrile patients [median (IQR) age of 13.5 (5–31) years], 34 (11.3%) had confirmed typhoid fever: 19 positive by blood culture for S. Typhi (three blood PCR positive) and 15 blood culture negative but PCR positive for S. Typhi in blood. The respective sensitivity and specificity of the three RDTs in patients using a composite reference standard of blood culture and/or PCR‐confirmed typhoid fever were 59% and 61% for LifeAssay, 59% and 74% for the CTK IgM and/or IgG, and 24% and 96% for the SD Bioline RDT IgM and/or IgG. The LifeAssay RDT had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 91% when modified with a positive cut‐off of ≥2+ and analysed using a Bayesian latent class model.

Conclusions

These typhoid RDTs demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracies, and better tests are needed.
A precise spacing between the NPA domains of aquaporins is essential for silicon permeability in plants
Authors: Deshmukh Rupesh Kailasrao , Vivancos Julien , Ramakrishnan Gowsica , Guérin Valérie , Carpentier Gabriel , Sonah Humira , Labbé Caroline , Isenring Paul , Belzile Francois J. , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: June 2015

The controversy surrounding silicon (Si) benefits and essentiality in plants is exacerbated by the differential ability of species to absorb this element. This property is seemingly enhanced in species carrying specific nodulin 26‐like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), a subclass of aquaporins. In this work, our aim was to characterize plant aquaporins to define the features that confer Si permeability. Through comparative analysis of 985 aquaporins in 25 species with differing abilities to absorb Si, we were able to predict 30 Si transporters and discovered that Si absorption is exclusively confined to species that possess NIP‐III aquaporins with a GSGR selectivity filter and a precise distance of 108 amino acids (AA) between the asparagine–proline–alanine (NPA) domains. The latter feature is of particular significance since it had never been reported to be essential for Si selectivity. Functionality assessed in the Xenopus oocyte expression system showed that NIPs with 108 AA spacing exhibited Si permeability, while proteins differing in that distance did not. In subsequent functional studies, a Si transporter from poplar mutated into variants with 109‐ or 107‐AA spacing failed to import, and a tomato NIP gene mutated from 109 to 108 AA exhibited a rare gain of function. These results provide a precise molecular basis to classify higher plants into Si accumulators or excluders.
Plant Location, Wind Direction and Pollution Policy Under Offshoring
Authors: Zhao Laixun , Haruyama Tetsugen
Published: June 2015

We examine pollution policy in a unified three‐country framework, with the country in the middle playing double roles as both a polluter and a victim. We find that government preference over profits and consumer surplus to be important and so is environmentalism. In particular, the most downwind country has the least incentives to control pollution. Under oligopoly, several additional undesirable scenarios may arise, due to the interaction between wind direction and the incentive trade‐offs in rent‐shifting and pollution control. We analyse the mechanisms behind and provide policy guidance.
Perception of Teaching and Assessing Technical Proficiency in American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Surgery Residency Programs
Authors: Kim Stanley E. , Case J. Brad , Lewis Daniel D. , Ellison Gary W.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine how American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) small animal surgery residency programs are teaching and assessing technical skills, and ascertain the perceived value of those methods.

Study Design

Internet‐based survey.

Sample Population

Residents and Diplomate supervisors of ACVS small animal residency programs.

Methods

Residents and supervisors were surveyed on their experience of surgery instruction, use of different resources for teaching, type and frequency of feedback, and perceived effectiveness of their programs in imparting technical proficiency.

Results

A total of 130 residents (62%) and 119 supervisors (44%) participated. Both residents and supervisors estimated the resident was the primary surgeon for a mean of 64% of cases, although this proportion varied widely between participants. The majority of residents and supervisors considered that direct intraoperative guidance was the most effective way for residents to develop technical skills. Verbal interactions between supervisor and resident occurred frequently and were highly valued. Regular wet laboratories and access to simulation models were uncommon. Despite over 90% of all participants reporting that a sufficient level of technical aptitude would be attained, only 58% of residents were satisfied with their technical skills training.

Conclusion

Residents relied on direct interaction with supervisors to develop technical skills. The traditional mode of instruction for veterinary residents is the apprenticeship model, which is partly driven by ACVS requirements of supervisory support. Exposure to other teaching and assessment methods was variable. The current structure of residency programs is successful in imparting technical competency as perceived by supervisors and residents. However, consideration of a more formal method of residency training with structured assessment of technical skills as in human medicine should not be dismissed.
Effect of Intramedullary Rod Diameter on a String of Pearls Plate‐Rod Construct in Mediolateral Bending: An In Vitro Mechanical Study
Authors: Rutherford Scott , Demianiuk Ryan M. , Benamou Jérôme , Beckett Clifford , Ness Malcolm G. , Déjardin Loïc M.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of intramedullary rod (IMR) diameter on the mechanical behavior of string of pearls (SOP) plate‐rod constructs.

Study Design

In vitro mechanical study.

Sample population

Synthetic bone models (n = 24).

Methods

Locking 3.5 mm SOP plates were fixed to a tibial bone model with a 50 mm fracture gap. Four experimental groups (n = 4) were tested: monocortical SOP construct alone and monocortical SOP constructs augmented with a 2.4, 3.2, or 4.0 mm IMR corresponding to 24, 32, or 40% filling of the medullary cavity diameter (SOP‐24, SOP‐32, SOP‐40). Control groups (n = 4) were stabilized with either a bicortical SOP plate (SOP‐B) or a 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC‐DCP) with a 4.0 mm IMR filling 40% of the medullary cavity diameter (LC‐DCP‐40). Specimens were tested in mediolateral bending. Construct compliance (CC) and angular deformation (AD) were compared between construct types (P < .05).

Results

CC and AD incrementally decreased with increasing IMR diameter (P < .001). There were no statistical differences between SOP‐24 and SOP‐B (P = .806) or between SOP‐32 and LC‐DCP‐40 (P = .773), which was also the least compliant of all constructs (P < .001). AD followed an identical pattern of significance.

Conclusions

Biological osteosynthesis often relies on more compliant bridging constructs to promote beneficial micromotion at the fracture. Our study suggests use of a smaller diameter IMR (SOP‐32) is comparable to a conventional plate‐rod construct (LC‐DCP‐40). Should greater compliance be desired, an even smaller diameter IMR (SOP‐24) may prove beneficial while as stable as an accepted bicortical construct (SOP‐B).
Chasing ghosts: the phylogeny of Amaurobioidinae ghost spiders (Araneae, Anyphaenidae)
Authors: Labarque Facundo M. , Soto Eduardo M. , Ramírez Martín J. , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: June 2015

The family Anyphaenidae, also known as ghost spiders, includes a diverse array of nocturnal cursorial spiders that actively hunt on vegetation. The family is mostly distributed in the Americas and has been traditionally divided into three subfamilies. The mostly tropical and North American Anyphaeninae and the Amaurobioidinae, primarily distributed in southern South America, hold the bulk of the diversity, while the Malenellininae includes a single Chilean species. Here, we use a combined morphological and molecular approach to infer the relationships of the subfamily Amaurobioidinae and examine the delimitation of contentious genera. The morphological characters include both genitalic and somatic morphology, whereas molecular data include four markers, two mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and two nuclear (28S, H3). All our analyses agree on the monophyly of Amaurobioidinae, Amaurobioidini, Gayennini, the genera Negayan, Amaurobioides, Josa, Araiya, Arachosia and Monapia, as well as the paraphyly of Anyphaeninae. The total evidence analysis supports the novel placement of Josa as the sister group of both tribes Amaurobioidini and Gayennini, most of the previously known intergeneric relationships within Gayennini, and a clade of Amaurobioidini with a projecting ocular area, including Aysenoides, Axyracrus, Amaurobioides and Aysenia. The sequence data solve the puzzling placement of Philisca puconensis, here transferred to Tomopisthes, and Tasata chiloensis, transferred to Oxysoma. The advantages of the total evidence phylogenetic approach and the evolution of the male copulatory organ are discussed.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats have more orexin neurons in the hypothalamus and enhanced orexinergic input and orexin 2 receptor‐associated nitric oxide signalling in the rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Lee Yen‐Hsien , Tsai Min‐Chien , Li Tzu‐Ling , Dai Yu‐Wen E. , Huang Shang‐Cheng , Hwang Ling‐Ling
Published: June 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Our previous study demonstrates that elevated orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) activity within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributes to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and a lower OX2R protein level was detected in their RVLM. The present study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying elevated orexinergic activity in the RVLM of SHRs, compared with their normotensive counterparts, Wistar‐Kyoto rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Increased orexinergic input into the RVLM and enhanced OX2R responsiveness in the RVLM, which was mainly mediated by augmented OX2R–neuronal nitric oxide synthase signalling, may underlie the elevated OX2R activity within the RVLM of SHRs.

Our previous study showed that elevated orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) activity within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributes to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Herein, we investigated the mechanism(s) underlying the elevated OX2R activity. The following results were found. (i) More hypothalamic orexin A‐immunoreactive (OXA‐IR) cells existed in SHRs than in Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats at either 4 (2217 ± 43 versus 1809 ± 69) or 16 weeks of age (1829 ± 59 versus 1230 ± 84). The number of OXA‐IR cells that project to the RVLM was higher in 16‐week‐old SHRs than in WKY rats (91 ± 11 versus 52 ± 11). (ii) Higher numbers of OXA‐IR and RVLM‐projecting OXA‐IR cells were found in the dorsomedial and perifornical hypothalamus of 16‐week‐old SHRs. (iii) Spontaneously hypertensive rats had higher levels of orexin A and B in the hypothalamus and higher levels of orexin A in the RVLM than did WKY rats. (iv) Unilateral intra‐RVLM application of OX2R agonist, orexin A or [Ala11,d‐Leu15]‐orexin B (50 pmol) induced a larger pressor response in SHRs than in WKY rats. (v) Intra‐RVLM pretreatment with a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 7‐nitro‐indazole (2.5 pmol), or a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (250 pmol), reducedthe intra‐RVLM [Ala11,d‐Leu15]‐orexin B‐induced pressor response in both WKY rats and SHRs. In contrast, an inducible NOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (100 pmol), was ineffective. (vi) Neuronal NOS was co‐expressed with OX2R in RVLM neurons. In conclusion, increased orexinergic input and enhanced OX2R–neuronal NOS signalling may underlie elevated OX2R activity in the RVLM and contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension in SHRs.
A novel method for determining human ex vivo submaximal skeletal muscle mitochondrial function
Authors: Hey‐Mogensen Martin , Gram Martin , Jensen Martin Borch , Lund Michael Taulo , Hansen Christina Neigaard , Scheibye‐Knudsen Morten , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Dela Flemming
Published: June 2015

Key points

The present study utilized a novel method aiming to investigate mitochondrial function in human skeletal muscle at submaximal levels and at a predefined membrane potential.

The effect of age and training status was investigated using a cross‐sectional design.

Ageing was found to be related to decreased leak regardless of training status.

Increased training status was associated with increased mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide emission.

Despite numerous studies, there is no consensus about whether mitochondrial function is altered with increased age. The novelty of the present study is the determination of mitochondrial function at submaximal activity rates, which is more physiologically relevant than the ex vivo functionality protocols used previously. Muscle biopsies were taken from 64 old or young male subjects (aged 60–70 or 20–30 years). Aged subjects were recruited as trained or untrained. Muscle biopsies were used for the isolation of mitochondria and subsequent measurements of DNA repair, anti‐oxidant capacity and mitochondrial protein levels (complexes I–V). Mitochondrial function was determined by simultaneous measurement of oxygen consumption, membrane potential and hydrogen peroxide emission using pyruvate + malate (PM) or succinate + rotenone (SR) as substrates. Proton leak was lower in aged subjects when determined at the same membrane potential and was unaffected by training status. State 3 respiration was lower in aged untrained subjects. This effect, however, was alleviated in aged trained subjects. H2O2 emission with PM was higher in aged subjects, and was exacerbated by training, although it was not changed when using SR. However, with a higher manganese superoxide dismuthase content, the trained aged subjects may actually have lower or similar mitochondrial superoxide emission compared to the untrained subjects. We conclude that ageing and the physical activity level in aged subjects are both related to changes in the intrinsic functionality of the mitochondrion in skeletal muscle. Both of these changes could be important factors in determining the metabolic health of the aged skeletal muscle cell.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2 emission increases with immobilization and decreases after aerobic training in young and older men
Authors: Gram Martin , Vigelsø Andreas , Yokota Takashi , Helge Jørn Wulff , Dela Flemming , Hey‐Mogensen Martin
Published: June 2015

Key points

Currently, it is not known whether impaired mitochondrial function contributes to human ageing or whether potential impairments in mitochondrial function with age are secondary to physical inactivity.

The present study investigated mitochondrial respiratory function and reactive oxygen species emission at a predefined membrane potential in young and older men subjected to 2 weeks of one‐leg immobilization followed by 6 weeks of aerobic cycle training.

Immobilization increased reactive oxygen species emission and decreased ATP generating respiration. Subsequent aerobic training reversed these effects.

By contrast, age had no effect on the measured variables.

The results of the present study support the notion that increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production mediates the detrimental effects seen after physical inactivity and that ageing per se does not cause mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, defined as increased oxidative stress and lower capacity for energy production, may be seen with ageing and may cause frailty, or it could be that it is secondary to physical inactivity. We studied the effect of 2 weeks of one‐leg immobilization followed by 6 weeks of supervised cycle training on mitochondrial function in 17 young (mean ± SEM: 23 ± 1 years) and 15 older (68 ± 1 years) healthy men. Submaximal H2O2 emission and respiration were measured simultaneously at a predefined membrane potential in isolated mitochondria from skeletal muscle using two protocols: pyruvate + malate (PM) and succinate + rotenone (SR). This allowed measurement of leak and ATP generating respiration from which the coupling efficiency can be calculated. The protein content of the anti‐oxidants manganese superoxide dismuthase (MnSOD), CuZn superoxide dismuthase, catalase and gluthathione peroxidase 1 was measured by western blotting. Immobilization decreased ATP generating respiration using PM and increased H2O2 emission using both PM and SR similarly in young and older men. Both were restored to baseline after the training period. Furthermore, MnSOD and catalase content increased with endurance training. The young men had a higher leak respiration at inclusion using PM and a higher membrane potential in State 3 using both substrate combinations. Collectively, the findings of the present study support the notion that increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species mediates the detrimental effects seen after physical inactivity. Age, on the other hand, was not associated with impairments in anti‐oxidant protein levels, mitochondrial respiration or H2O2 emission using either protocol.
ClC‐1 mutations in myotonia congenita patients: insights into molecular gating mechanisms and genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Imbrici P. , Maggi L. , Mangiatordi G. F. , Dinardo M. M. , Altamura C. , Brugnoni R. , Alberga D. , Pinter G. Lauria , Ricci G. , Siciliano G. , Micheli R. , Annicchiarico G. , Lattanzi G. , Nicolotti O. , Morandi L. , Bernasconi P. , Desaphy J.‐F. , Mantegazza R. , Camerino D. Conte
Published: June 2015

Key points

Loss‐of‐function mutations of the skeletal muscle ClC‐1 channel cause myotonia congenita with variable phenotypes.

Using patch clamp we show that F484L, located in the conducting pore, probably induces mild dominant myotonia by right‐shifting the slow gating of ClC‐1 channel, without exerting a dominant‐negative effect on the wild‐type (WT) subunit.

Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that F484L affects the slow gate by increasing the frequency and the stability of H‐bond formation between E232 in helix F and Y578 in helix R.

Three other myotonic ClC‐1 mutations are shown to produce distinct effects on channel function: L198P shifts the slow gate to positive potentials, V640G reduces channel activity, while L628P displays a WT‐like behaviour (electrophysiology data only).

Our results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and altered ClC‐1 function.

Myotonia congenita is an inherited disease caused by loss‐of‐function mutations of the skeletal muscle ClC‐1 chloride channel, characterized by impaired muscle relaxation after contraction and stiffness. In the present study, we provided an in‐depth characterization of F484L, a mutation previously identified in dominant myotonia, in order to define the genotype–phenotype correlation, and to elucidate the contribution of this pore residue to the mechanisms of ClC‐1 gating. Patch‐clamp recordings showed that F484L reduced chloride currents at every tested potential and dramatically right‐shifted the voltage dependence of slow gating, thus contributing to the mild clinical phenotype of affected heterozygote carriers. Unlike dominant mutations located at the dimer interface, no dominant‐negative effect was observed when F484L mutant subunits were co‐expressed with wild type. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed that F484L affected the slow gate by increasing the frequency and stability of the H‐bond formation between the pore residue E232 and the R helix residue Y578. In addition, using patch‐clamp electrophysiology, we characterized three other myotonic ClC‐1 mutations. We proved that the dominant L198P mutation in the channel pore also right‐shifted the voltage dependence of slow gating, recapitulating mild myotonia. The recessive V640G mutant drastically reduced channel function, which probably accounts for myotonia. In contrast, the recessive L628P mutant produced currents very similar to wild type, suggesting that the occurrence of the compound truncating mutation (Q812X) or other muscle‐specific mechanisms accounted for the severe symptoms observed in this family. Our results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and altered ClC‐1 function.
Neuroendocrine factors regulate retinoic acid receptors in normal and hypoplastic lung development
Authors: Pereira‐Terra Patrícia , Moura Rute S. , Nogueira‐Silva Cristina , Correia‐Pinto Jorge
Published: June 2015

Key points

Retinoic acid (RA) and ghrelin levels are altered in human hypoplastic lungs when compared to healthy lungs. Although considerable data have been obtained about RA, ghrelin and bombesin in the congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) rat model, neuroendocrine factors have never been associated with the RA signalling pathway in this animal model.

In this study, the interaction between neuroendocrine factors and RA was explored in the CDH rat model.

The authors found that normal fetal lung explants treated with RA, bombesin and ghrelin showed an increase in lung growth. Hypoplastic lungs presented higher expression levels of the RA receptors α and γ. Moreover bombesin and ghrelin supplementation, in vitro, to normal lungs increased RA receptor α/γ expression whereas administration of bombesin and ghrelin antagonists to normal and hypoplastic lungs decreased it.

These data reveal for the first time that there is a link between neuroendocrine factors and RA, and that neuroendocrine factors sensitise the lung to the RA action through RA receptor modulation.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is characterised by a spectrum of lung hypoplasia and consequent pulmonary hypertension, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Moreover, CDH has been associated with an increase in the levels of pulmonary neuroendocrine factors, such as bombesin and ghrelin, and a decrease in the action of retinoic acid (RA). The present study aimed to elucidate the interaction between neuroendocrine factors and RA. In vitro analyses were performed on Sprague–Dawley rat embryos. Normal lung explants were treated with bombesin, ghrelin, a bombesin antagonist, a ghrelin antagonist, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), RA dissolved in DMSO, bombesin plus RA and ghrelin plus RA. Hypoplastic lung explants (nitrofen model) were cultured with bombesin, ghrelin, bombesin antagonist or ghrelin antagonist. The lung explants were analysed morphometrically, and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α, β and γ expression levels were assessed via Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry analysis of RAR was performed in normal and hypoplastic lungs 17.5 days post‐conception (dpc). Compared with the controls, hypoplastic lungs exhibited significantly higher RARα/γ expression levels. Furthermore considering hypoplastic lungs, bombesin and ghrelin antagonists decreased RARα/γ expression. Normal lung explants (13.5 dpc) treated with RA, bombesin plus RA, ghrelin plus RA, bombesin or ghrelin exhibited increased lung growth. Moreover, bombesin and ghrelin increased RARα/γ expression levels, whereas the bombesin and ghrelin antagonists decreased RARα/γ expression. This study demonstrates for the first time that neuroendocrine factors function as lung growth regulators, sensitising the lung to the action of RA through up‐regulation of RARα and RARγ.
Cortical actin regulation modulates vascular contractility and compliance in veins
Authors: Saphirstein Robert J. , Gao Yuan Z. , Lin Qian Qian , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: June 2015

Key points

Most cardiovascular research focuses on arterial mechanisms of disease, largely ignoring venous mechanisms.

Here we examine ex vivo venous stiffness, spanning tissue to molecular levels, using biomechanics and magnetic microneedle technology, and show for the first time that venous stiffness is regulated by a molecular actin switch within the vascular smooth muscle cell in the wall of the vein.

This switch connects the contractile apparatus within the cell to adhesion structures and facilitates stiffening of the vessel wall, regulating blood flow return to the heart.

These studies also demonstrate that passive stiffness, the component of total stiffness not attributable to vascular smooth muscle activation, is severalfold lower in venous tissue than in arterial tissue.

We show here that the activity of the smooth muscle cells plays a dominant role in determining total venous stiffness and regulating venous return.

The literature on arterial mechanics is extensive, but far less is known about mechanisms controlling mechanical properties of veins. We use here a multi‐scale approach to identify subcellular sources of venous stiffness. Portal vein tissue displays a severalfold decrease in passive stiffness compared to aortic tissues. The α‐adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE) increased tissue stress and stiffness, both attenuated by cytochalasin D (CytoD) and PP2, inhibitors of actin polymerization and Src activity, respectively. We quantify, for the first time, cortical cellular stiffness in freshly isolated contractile vascular smooth muscle cells using magnetic microneedle technology. Cortical stiffness is significantly increased by PE and CytoD inhibits this increase but, surprisingly, PP2 does not. No detectable change in focal adhesion size, measured by immunofluorescence of FAK and zyxin, accompanies the PE‐induced changes in cortical stiffness. Probing with phospho‐specific antibodies confirmed activation of FAK/Src and ERK pathways and caldesmon phosphorylation. Thus, venous tissue stiffness is regulated both at the level of the smooth muscle cell cortex, via cortical actin polymerization, and by downstream smooth muscle effectors of Src/ERK signalling pathways. These findings identify novel potential molecular targets for the modulation of venous capacitance and venous return in health and disease.
Dynamic Parameter Identification of Overactuated Parallel Robots
Authors: Briot Sébastien , Krut Sébastien , Gautier Maxime
Published: June 2015

Offline robot dynamic identification methods are based on the use of the inverse dynamic identification model (IDIM), which calculates the joint forces/torques (estimated as the product of the known control signal (the input reference of the motor current loop) with the joint drive gains) that are linear in relation to the dynamic parameters, and on the use of the linear least squares technique to calculate the parameters (IDIM-LS technique). However, as actuation-redundant parallel robots are overactuated, their IDIM has an infinity of solution for the force/torque prediction, depending on the value of the desired overconstraint that is a priori unknown in the identification process. As a result, the IDIM cannot be used as it is for such a class of parallel robots. This paper proposes a procedure for the dynamic parameter identification of actuation-redundant parallel robots. The procedure takes advantage of two possible modified formulations for the IDIM of actuation-redundant robots that can be used for identification purpose. The modified IDIM formulations project some or all input torques/forces onto the robot bodies, thus leading to a unique solution of the model that can then be used in the identification process. A systematic and straightforward way to compute these modified IDIM is presented. The identification of the inertial parameters of a planar parallel robot with actuation redundancy, the DualV, is then carried out using these modified IDIM. Experimental results show the validity of the methods.
Response Analysis of a Nonstationary Lowering Operation for an Offshore Wind Turbine Monopile Substructure
Authors: Li Lin , Gao Zhen , Moan Torgeir
Published: June 2015

This study addresses numerical modeling and time-domain simulations of the lowering operation for installation of an offshore wind turbine monopile (MP) with a diameter of 5.7 m and examines the nonstationary dynamic responses of the lifting system in irregular waves. Due to the time-varying properties of the system and the resulting nonstationary dynamic responses, numerical simulation of the entire lowering process is challenging to model. For slender structures, strip theory is usually applied to calculate the excitation forces based on Morison's formula with changing draft. However, this method neglects the potential damping of the structure and may overestimate the responses even in relatively long waves. Correct damping is particularly important for the resonance motions of the lifting system. On the other hand, although the traditional panel method takes care of the diffraction and radiation, it is based on steady-state condition and is not valid in the nonstationary situation, as in this case in which the monopile is lowered continuously. Therefore, this paper has two objectives. The first objective is to examine the importance of the diffraction and radiation of the monopile in the current lifting model. The second objective is to develop a new approach to address this behavior more accurately. Based on the strip theory and Morison's formula, the proposed method accounts for the radiation damping of the structure during the lowering process in the time-domain. Comparative studies between different methods are presented, and the differences in response using two types of installation vessel in the numerical model are also investigated.
A Family of Dual-Segment Compliant Joints Suitable for Use as Surrogate Folds
Authors: Delimont Isaac L. , Magleby Spencer P. , Howell Larry L.
Published: June 2015

Origami-inspired design is an emerging field capable of producing compact and efficient designs. The object of a surrogate fold is to provide a foldlike motion in a nonpaper material without undergoing yielding. Compliant mechanisms provide a means to achieve these objectives as large deflections are achieved. The purpose of this paper is to present a continuum of compliant joints capable of achieving motions not currently available with existing compliant joints. A series of compliant joints are presented in which the joint can be designed to allow or resist a variety of secondary motions. Closed-form solutions are presented for these compliant joints.
Origami Actuator Design and Networking Through Crease Topology Optimization
Authors: Fuchi Kazuko , Buskohl Philip R. , Bazzan Giorgio , Durstock Michael F. , Reich Gregory W. , Vaia Richard A. , Joo James J.
Published: June 2015

Origami structures morph between 2D and 3D conformations along predetermined fold lines that efficiently program the form of the structure and show potential for many engineering applications. However, the enormity of the design space and the complex relationship between origami-based geometries and engineering metrics place a severe limitation on design strategies based on intuition. The presented work proposes a systematic design method using topology optimization to distribute foldline properties within a reference crease pattern, adding or removing folds through optimization, for a mechanism design. Optimization techniques and mechanical analysis are co-utilized to identify an action origami building block and determine the optimal network connectivity between multiple actuators. Foldable structures are modeled as pin-joint truss structures with additional constraints on fold, or dihedral, angles. A continuous tuning of foldline stiffness leads to a rigid-to-compliant transformation of the local foldline property, the combination of which results in origami crease design optimization. The performance of a designed origami mechanism is evaluated in 3D by applying prescribed forces and finding displacements at set locations. A constraint on the number of foldlines is used to tune design complexity, highlighting the value-add of an optimization approach. Together, these results underscore that the optimization of function, in addition to shape, is a promising approach to origami design and motivates the further development of function-based origami design tools.
Analytical Model to Determine the Strength of Form-Fit Connection Joined by Die-Less Hydroforming
Authors: Weddeling Christian , Gies Soeren , Khalifa Nooman Ben , Erman Tekkaya A.
Published: June 2015

Modern lightweight concept structures are increasingly composed of several dissimilar materials. Due to the different material properties of the joining partners, conventional and widely used joining techniques often reach their technological limits when applied in the manufacturing of such multimaterial structures. This leads to an increasing demand for appropriate joining technologies, like joining by die-less hydroforming (DHF) for connecting tubular workpieces. The present work introduces an analytical model to determine the achievable strength of form-fit connections. This approach, taking into account the material parameters as well as the groove and tube geometry, is based on a membrane analysis assuming constant wall thicknesses. Besides a fundamental understanding of the load transfer mechanism, this analytic approach allows a reliable joining zone design. To validate the model, experimental investigations using aluminum specimens are performed. A mean deviation between the calculated and the measured joint strength of about 19% was found. This denotes a good suitability of the analytical approach for the design process of the joining zone.
Genetic assignment of large seizures of elephant ivory reveals Africa’s major poaching hotspots
Authors: Wasser S. K. , Brown L. , Mailand C. , Mondol S. , Clark W. , Laurie C. , Weir B. S.
Published: June 2015

Focused on protecting a few

The illegal ivory trade threatens the persistence of stable wild elephant populations. The underground and covert nature of poaching makes it difficult to police. Wasser
et al.
used genetic tools to identify the origins of elephant tusks seized during transit (see the Perspective by Hoelzel). The majority of source animals were part of just a few wild elephant populations in Africa—and just two areas since 2006. Increased focus on enforcement in a few such areas could help interrupt poaching activities and restore wild elephant populations.

Science
, this issue p.
84
; see also p.
34
Keeping cool: Enhanced optical reflection and radiative heat dissipation in Saharan silver ants
Authors: Shi Norman Nan , Tsai Cheng-Chia , Camino Fernando , Bernard Gary D. , Yu Nanfang , Wehner Rüdiger
Published: June 2015

Keeping cool

Silver ants inhabit one of the hottest and driest environments on Earth, the Saharan sands, where most insects shrivel and die moments after contact. Shi
et al.
show that the triangular shape of the silver hairs that cover their bodies enables this existence. The hairs both increase the reflection of near-infrared rays and dissipate heat from the ants' bodies, even under full sun conditions. Evolution's simple solution to intense heat management in this species could lead to better designs for passive cooling of human-produced objects.

Science
, this issue p.
298
Priming a broadly neutralizing antibody response to HIV-1 using a germline-targeting immunogen
Authors: Jardine Joseph G. , Ota Takayuki , Sok Devin , Pauthner Matthias , Kulp Daniel W. , Kalyuzhniy Oleksandr , Skog Patrick D. , Thinnes Theresa C. , Bhullar Deepika , Briney Bryan , Menis Sergey , Jones Meaghan , Kubitz Mike , Spencer Skye , Adachi Yumiko , Burton Dennis R. , Schief William R. , Nemazee David
Published: June 2015

Steps in the right direction

HIV-1 mutates rapidly, making it difficult to design a vaccine that will protect people against all of the virus' iterations. A potential successful vaccine design might protect by eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which target specific regions on HIV-1's trimeric envelope glycoprotein (Env) (see the Perspective by Mascola). Jardine
et al.
used mice engineered to express germline-reverted heavy chains of a particular bNAb and immunized them with an Env-based immunogen designed to bind to precursors of that bNAb. Sanders
et al.
compared rabbits and monkeys immunized with Env trimers that adopt a nativelike conformation. In both cases, immunized animals produced antibodies that shared similarities with bNAbs. Boosting these animals with other immunogens may drive these antibodies to further mutate into the longsought bNAbs. Chen
et al.
report that retaining the cytoplasmic domain of Env proteins may be important to attract bNAbs. Removing the cytoplasmic domain may distract the immune response and instead generate antibodies that target epitopes on Env that would not lead to protection.

Science
, this issue p.
139
,
10.1126/science.aac4223
, p.
156
; see also p.
191
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli O145:NM Bacteriophage vB_EcoM_AYO145A, a New Member of O1-Like Phages
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Niu Yan D. , Chen Jinding , McAllister Tim A. , Stanford Kim
Published: June 2015

Previously, bacteriophage vB_EcoM_AYO145A, which lyses Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
O145:NM, was classified as an O1-like virus of the
Myoviridae
family. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this phage and a comparative genomic analysis with other known O1-like phages.
Genome Sequence of Mycobacteriophage Phayonce
Authors: Pope Welkin H. , Jacobetz Emily , Johnson Courtney A. , Kihle Brooke L. , Sobeski Margaret A. , Werner Madison B. , Adkins Nancy L. , Kramer Zachary J. , Montgomery Matthew T. , Grubb Sarah R. , Warner Marcie H. , Bowman Charles A. , Russell Daniel A. , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: June 2015

Mycobacteriophage Phayonce is a newly isolated phage recovered from a soil sample in Pittsburgh, PA, using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 as a host. Phayonce's genome is 49,203 bp long and contains 77 protein-coding genes, 23 of them having predicted functions. Phayonce shares a strong similarity in nucleotide sequence with phages of cluster P.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Comamonas
sp. Strain E6 (NBRC 107749), a Degrader of Phthalate Isomers through the Protocatechuate 4,5-Cleavage Pathway
Authors: Shimodaira Jun , Kamimura Naofumi , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Masai Eiji
Published: June 2015

Comamonas
sp. strain E6 can degrade
o
-phthalate, terephthalate, and isophthalate via the protocatechuate 4,5-cleavage pathway. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of E6 in order to provide insights into its mechanisms in
o
-phthalate catabolism and its potential use for biotechnological applications.
Draft Genome Sequences of Marine RNA Viruses SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3 Recovered from San Francisco Wastewater
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: June 2015

We report the draft genome sequences of marine RNA viruses SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3, which were assembled from metagenomic sequencing of organisms in San Francisco wastewater. These viruses were most closely related to marine RNA virus JP-B and algae viruses.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Putrescine-Producing Strain Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
1AA59
Authors: Ladero Victor , del Rio Beatriz , Linares Daniel M. , Fernandez María , Mayo Baltasar , Martín M. Cruz , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

We report here the 2,576,542-bp genome annotated draft assembly sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
1AA59. This strain—isolated from a traditional cheese—produces putrescine, one of the most frequently biogenic amines found in dairy products.
Complete Genome Sequence of Sedimenticola thiotaurini Strain SIP-G1, a Polyphosphate- and Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Accumulating Sulfur-Oxidizing Gammaproteobacterium Isolated from Salt Marsh Sediments
Authors: Flood Beverly E. , Jones Daniel S. , Bailey Jake V.
Published: June 2015

We report the closed genome sequence of
Sedimenticola thiotaurini
strain SIP-G1 and an unnamed plasmid obtained through PacBio sequencing with 100% consensus concordance. The genome contained several distinctive features not found in other published
Sedimenticola
genomes, including a complete nitrogen fixation pathway, a complete ethanolamine degradation pathway, and an alkane-1-monooxygenase.
Genome Sequence of the Soil Bacterium
Janthinobacterium
sp. KBS0711
Authors: Shoemaker William R. , Muscarella Mario E. , Lennon Jay T.
Published: June 2015

We present a draft genome of
Janthinobacterium
sp. KBS0711 that was isolated from agricultural soil. The genome provides insight into the ecological strategies of this bacterium in free-living and host-associated environments.
Citius, Altius, Fortius: beneficial effects of resistance training for young athletes: Narrative review
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D , Lloyd Rhodri S , MacDonald James , Myer Gregory D
Published: June 2015

The motto of the Olympic Games isCitius, Altius, Fortiuswhich is Latin for ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’. It is a clarion call to all competitors, including the youngest, to engage in training strategies that prepare athletes to be the best in the world. Existing research indicates that various forms of resistance training can elicit performance improvements in young athletes. Stronger young athletes will be better prepared to learn complex movements, master sport tactics, and sustain the demands of training and competition. An integrative training programme grounded in resistance training and motor skill development can optimise a young athlete's potential to maximise their athletic and sporting performance, while reducing the risk of a sports-related injury. Resistance training may be especially important for modern-day young athletes who are more likely to specialise in one sport at an early age at the expense of enhancing general physical fitness and learning diversified sport skills. Structured interventions that include qualified instruction; targeted movement practice; and strength and conditioning activities that are developmentally appropriate, progressive and technique driven are needed to attain a level of athleticism that is consistent with the Olympic motto.
The SQUIRE Guidelines: an evaluation from the field, 5 years post release
Authors: Davies Louise , Batalden Paul , Davidoff Frank , Stevens David , Ogrinc Greg
Published: June 2015

Background

The Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) Guidelines were published in 2008 to increase the completeness, precision and accuracy of published reports of systematic efforts to improve the quality, value and safety of healthcare. Since that time, the field has expanded. We asked people from the field to evaluate the Guidelines, a novel approach to a first step in revision.

Methods

Evaluative design using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 29 end users and an advisory group of 18 thinkers in the field. Sampling of end users was purposive to achieve variation in work setting, geographic location, area of expertise, manuscript writing experience, healthcare improvement and research experience.

Results

Study participants reported that SQUIRE was useful in planning a healthcare improvement project, but not as helpful during writing because of redundancies, uncertainty about what was important to include and lack of clarity in items. The concept "planning the study of the intervention" (item 10) was hard for many participants to understand. Participants varied in their interpretation of the meaning of item 10b "the concept of the mechanism by which changes were expected to occur". Participants disagreed about whether iterations of an intervention should be reported. Level of experience in writing, knowledge of the science of improvement and the evolving meaning of some terms in the field are hypothesised as the reasons for these findings.

Conclusions

The original SQUIRE Guidelines help with planning healthcare improvement work, but are perceived as complicated and unclear during writing. Key goals of the revision will be to clarify items where conflict was identified and outline the key components necessary for complete reporting of improvement work.
BET 2: Probiotics and crying time in babies with infantile colic
Authors: Batchelor Nina , Kelly Jennifer , Choi Hyun , Geary Brona
Published: June 2015

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether probiotics reduced crying time in babies with infantile colic. Using the reported searches 88 papers were found, of which five presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that there is evidence that the administration of probiotics decreases the severity and duration of infantile colic when compared with placebo and some proprietary remedies.
BET 3: In suspected corneal foreign body should local anaesthetic be applied before or after eye examination?
Authors: Mallia Anne Bonnici , Wylie Katharine
Published: June 2015

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether local anaesthetic should be instilled before or after eye examination in suspected corneal foreign body. 83 papers were found in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library using the reported searches, but none presented any evidence to answer the clinical question. It is concluded that there is no evidence to guide the time of installation and that local advice should be followed.