bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of
bla
OXA-23
in Acinetobacter spp. in China: Main Roles of Conjugative Plasmid pAZJ221 and Transposon Tn
2009
Authors: Liu Li-Lin , Ji Shu-Juan , Ruan Zhi , Fu Ying , Fu Yi-Qi , Wang Yan-Fei , Yu Yun-Song
Published: January 2015

Production of the OXA-23 carbapenemase is the most common reason for the increasing carbapenem resistance in
Acinetobacter
spp. This study was conducted to reveal the genetic basis of
bla
OXA-23
dissemination in
Acinetobacter
spp. in China. A total of 63 carbapenem-resistant OXA-23-producing
Acinetobacter
sp. isolates, representing different backgrounds, were selected from 28 hospitals in 18 provinces for this study. Generally, two patterns of plasmids carrying
bla
OXA-23
were detected according to S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. A ca. 78-kb plasmid, designated pAZJ221, was found in 23
Acinetobacter baumannii
and three
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
isolates, while a novel ca. 50-kb plasmid was carried by only two other
A. baumannii
isolates. Three of these isolates had an additional copy of
bla
OXA-23
on the chromosome. Transformation of the two plasmids succeeded, but only pAZJ221 was conjugative. Plasmid pAZJ221 was sequenced completely and found to carry no previously known resistance genes except
bla
OXA-23
. The
bla
OXA-23
gene of the remaining 35 isolates was chromosome borne. The
bla
OXA-23
genetic environments were correlated with Tn
2009
in 57 isolates, Tn
2008
in 5 isolates, and Tn
2006
in 1 isolate. The MIC values for the carbapenems with these isolates were not significantly associated with the genomic locations or the copy numbers of
bla
OXA-23
. Overall, these observations suggest that the plasmid pAZJ221 and Tn
2009
have effectively contributed to the wide dissemination of
bla
OXA-23
in
Acinetobacter
spp. in China and that horizontal gene transfer may play an important role in dissemination of the
bla
OXA-23
gene.
Analysis of
embCAB
Mutations Associated with Ethambutol Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from China
Authors: Zhao Li-li , Sun Qing , Liu Hai-can , Wu Xiao-cui , Xiao Tong-yang , Zhao Xiu-qin , Li Gui-lian , Jiang Yi , Zeng Chun-yan , Wan Kang-lin
Published: January 2015

Ethambutol (EMB) plays a pivotal role in the chemotherapy of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Resistance to EMB is considered to be caused by mutations in the
embCAB
operon (
embC
,
embA
, and
embB
). In this study, we analyzed the
embCAB
mutations among 139 MDR-TB isolates from China and found a possible association between
embCAB
operon mutation and EMB resistance. Our data indicate that 56.8% of MDR-TB isolates are resistant to EMB, and 82.2% of EMB-resistant isolates belong to the Beijing family. Overall, 110 (79.1%) MDR-TB isolates had at least one mutation in the
embCAB
operon. The majority of mutations were present in the
embB
gene and the
embA
upstream region, which also displayed significant correlations with EMB resistance. The most common mutations occurred at codon 306 in
embB
(
embB
306), followed by
embB
406,
embA
(−16), and
embB
497. Mutations at
embB
306 were associated with EMB resistance. DNA sequencing of
embB
306–497 was the best strategy for detecting EMB resistance, with 89.9% sensitivity, 58.3% specificity, and 76.3% accuracy. Additionally,
embB
306 had limited value as a candidate predictor for EMB resistance among MDR-TB infections in China.
PmrD Is Required for Modifications to Escherichia coli Endotoxin That Promote Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Rubin Erica J. , Herrera Carmen M. , Crofts Alexander A. , Trent M. Stephen
Published: January 2015

In
Salmonella enterica
, PmrD is a connector protein that links the two-component systems PhoP-PhoQ and PmrA-PmrB. While
Escherichia coli
encodes a PmrD homolog, it is thought to be incapable of connecting PhoPQ and PmrAB in this organism due to functional divergence from the
S. enterica
protein. However, our laboratory previously observed that low concentrations of Mg
2+
, a PhoPQ-activating signal, leads to the induction of PmrAB-dependent lipid A modifications in wild-type
E. coli
(C. M. Herrera, J. V. Hankins, and M. S. Trent, Mol Microbiol 76:1444–1460, 2010,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07150.x
). These modifications include phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) and 4-amino-4-deoxy-
l
-arabinose (
l
-Ara4N), which promote bacterial resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) when affixed to lipid A. Here, we demonstrate that
pmrD
is required for modification of the lipid A domain of
E. coli
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) under low-Mg
2+
growth conditions. Further, RNA sequencing shows that
E. coli
pmrD
influences the expression of
pmrA
and its downstream targets, including genes coding for the modification enzymes that transfer pEtN and
l
-Ara4N to the lipid A molecule. In line with these findings, a
pmrD
mutant is dramatically impaired in survival compared with the wild-type strain when exposed to the CAMP polymyxin B. Notably, we also reveal the presence of an unknown factor or system capable of activating
pmrD
to promote lipid A modification in the absence of the PhoPQ system. These results illuminate a more complex network of protein interactions surrounding activation of PhoPQ and PmrAB in
E. coli
than previously understood.
Selection for a CEACAM Receptor-Specific Binding Phenotype during Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection of the Human Genital Tract
Authors: Sintsova Anna , Wong Henry , MacDonald Kelly S. , Kaul Rupert , Virji Mumtaz , Gray-Owen Scott D.
Published: January 2015

Infections by
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
are increasingly common, are often caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, and can result in serious and lasting sequelae, prompting the reemergence of gonococcal disease as a leading global health concern.
N. gonorrhoeae
is a human-restricted pathogen that primarily colonizes urogenital mucosal surfaces. Disease progression varies greatly between the sexes: men usually present with symptomatic infection characterized by a painful purulent urethral discharge, while in women, the infection is often asymptomatic, with the most severe pathology occurring when the bacteria ascend from the lower genital tract into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Classical clinical studies demonstrated that clinically infectious strains uniformly express Opa adhesins; however, their specificities were unknown at the time. While
in vitro
studies have since identified CEACAM proteins as the primary target of Opa proteins, the gonococcal specificity for this human family of receptors has not been addressed in the context of natural infection. In this study, we characterize a collection of low-passage-number clinical-specimen-derived
N. gonorrhoeae
isolates for Opa expression and assess their CEACAM-binding profiles. We report marked
in vivo
selection for expression of phase-variable Opa proteins that bind CEACAM1 and CEACAM5 but selection against expression of Opa variants that bind to the neutrophil-restricted decoy receptor CEACAM3. This is the first study showing phenotypic selection for distinct CEACAM-binding phenotypes
in vivo
, and it supports the opposing functions of CEACAMs that facilitate infection versus driving inflammation within the genital tract.
Interaction and Assembly of Two Novel Proteins in the Spore Wall of the Microsporidian Species Nosema bombycis and Their Roles in Adherence to and Infection of Host Cells
Authors: Yang Donglin , Pan Guoqing , Dang Xiaoqun , Shi Yawei , Li Chunfeng , Peng Pai , Luo Bo , Bian Maofei , Song Yue , Ma Cheng , Chen Jie , Ma Zhengang , Geng Lina , Li Zhi , Tian Rui , Wei Cuifang , Zhou Zeyang
Published: January 2015

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites with rigid spore walls that protect against various environmental pressures. Despite an extensive description of the spore wall, little is known regarding the mechanism by which it is deposited or the role it plays in cell adhesion and infection. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of two novel spore wall proteins, SWP7 and SWP9, in the microsporidian speciesNosema bombycis. SWP7 and SWP9 are mainly localized to the exospore and endospore of mature spores and the cytoplasm of sporonts, respectively. In addition, a portion of SWP9 is targeted to the spore wall of sporoblasts earlier than SWP7 is. Both SWP7 and SWP9 are specifically colocalized to the spore wall in mature spores. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation, far-Western blotting, unreduced SDS-PAGE, and yeast two-hybrid data demonstrated that SWP7 interacted with SWP9. The chitin binding assay showed that, within the total spore protein, SWP9 and SWP7 can bind to the deproteinated chitin spore coats (DCSCs) ofN. bombycis. However, binding of the recombinant protein rSWP7-His to the DCSCs is dependent on the combination of rSWP9–glutathioneS-transferase (GST) with the DCSCs. Finally, rSWP9-GST, anti-SWP9, and anti-SWP7 antibodies decreased spore adhesion and infection of the host cell. In conclusion, SWP7 and SWP9 may have important structural capacities and play significant roles in modulating host cell adherence and infectionin vitro. A possible major function of SWP9 is as a scaffolding protein that supports other proteins (such as SWP7) that form the integrated spore wall ofN. bombycis.
Allosteric Regulation of Lactobacillus plantarum Xylulose 5-Phosphate/Fructose 6-Phosphate Phosphoketolase (Xfp)
Authors: Glenn Katie , Smith Kerry S.
Published: January 2015

Xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp), which catalyzes the conversion of xylulose 5-phosphate (X5P) or fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to acetyl phosphate, plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Recently, we demonstrated that the fungalCryptococcus neoformansXfp2 exhibits both substrate cooperativity for all substrates (X5P, F6P, and Pi) and allosteric regulation in the forms of inhibition by phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), oxaloacetic acid (OAA), and ATP and activation by AMP (K. Glenn, C. Ingram-Smith, and K. S. Smith. Eukaryot Cell13:657–663, 2014). Allosteric regulation has not been reported previously for the characterized bacterial Xfps. Here, we report the discovery of substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation among bacterial Xfps, specifically theLactobacillus plantarumXfp.L. plantarumXfp is an allosteric enzyme inhibited by PEP, OAA, and glyoxylate but unaffected by the presence of ATP or AMP. Glyoxylate is an additional inhibitor to those previously reported forC. neoformansXfp2. As withC. neoformansXfp2, PEP and OAA share the same or possess overlapping sites onL. plantarumXfp. Glyoxylate, which had the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the three inhibitors, binds at a separate site. This study demonstrates that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfp enzymes, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains.

IMPORTANCEXylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp) plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Although we recently demonstrated that the fungalCryptococcusXfp is subject to substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation, neither phenomenon has been reported for a bacterial Xfp. Here, we report that theLactobacillus plantarumXfp displays substrate cooperativity and is allosterically inhibited by phosphoenolpyruvate and oxaloacetate, as is the case forCryptococcusXfp. The bacterial enzyme is unaffected by the presence of AMP or ATP, which act as a potent activator and inhibitor of the fungal Xfp, respectively. Our results demonstrate that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfps, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains.
Application of a Neutral Community Model To Assess Structuring of the Human Lung Microbiome
Authors: Venkataraman Arvind , Bassis Christine M. , Beck James M. , Young Vincent B. , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Huffnagle Gary B. , Schmidt Thomas M.
Published: January 2015

DNA from phylogenetically diverse microbes is routinely recovered from healthy human lungs and used to define the lung microbiome. The proportion of this DNA originating from microbes adapted to the lungs, as opposed to microbes dispersing to the lungs from other body sites and the atmosphere, is not known. We use a neutral model of community ecology to distinguish members of the lung microbiome whose presence is consistent with dispersal from other body sites and those that deviate from the model, suggesting a competitive advantage to these microbes in the lungs. We find that the composition of the healthy lung microbiome is consistent with predictions of the neutral model, reflecting the overriding role of dispersal of microbes from the oral cavity in shaping the microbial community in healthy lungs. In contrast, the microbiome of diseased lungs was readily distinguished as being under active selection. We also assessed the viability of microbes from lung samples by cultivation with a variety of media and incubation conditions. Bacteria recovered by cultivation from healthy lungs represented species that comprised 61% of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences derived from bronchoalveolar lavage samples.

IMPORTANCE
  Neutral distribution of microbes is a distinguishing feature of the microbiome in healthy lungs, wherein constant dispersal of bacteria from the oral cavity overrides differential growth of bacteria. No bacterial species consistently deviated from the model predictions in healthy lungs, although representatives of many of the dispersed species were readily cultivated. In contrast, bacterial populations in diseased lungs were identified as being under active selection. Quantification of the relative importance of selection and neutral processes such as dispersal in shaping the healthy lung microbiome is a first step toward understanding its impacts on host health.
RovS and Its Associated Signaling Peptide Form a Cell-To-Cell Communication System Required for Streptococcus agalactiae Pathogenesis
Authors: Pérez-Pascual David , Gaudu Philippe , Fleuchot Betty , Besset Colette , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Guillot Alain , Monnet Véronique , Gardan Rozenn
Published: January 2015

Bacteria can communicate with each other to coordinate their biological functions at the population level. In a previous study, we described a cell-to-cell communication system in streptococci that involves a transcriptional regulator belonging to the Rgg family and short hydrophobic peptides (SHPs) that act as signaling molecules.
Streptococcus agalactiae
, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium responsible for fatal infections in neonates and immunocompromised adults, has one copy of the
shp/rgg
locus. The SHP-associated Rgg is called RovS in S. agalactiae. In this study, we found that the SHP/RovS cell-to-cell communication system is active in the strain NEM316 of S. agalactiae, and we identified different partners that are involved in this system, such as the Eep peptidase, the PptAB, and the OppA1-F oligopeptide transporters. We also identified a new target gene controlled by this system and reexamined the regulation of a previously proposed target gene,
fbsA
, in the context of the SHP-associated RovS system. Furthermore, our results are the first to indicate the SHP/RovS system specificity to host liver and spleen using a murine model, which demonstrates its implication in streptococci virulence. Finally, we observed that SHP/RovS regulation influences S. agalactiae’s ability to adhere to and invade HepG2 hepatic cells. Hence, the SHP/RovS cell-to-cell communication system appears to be an essential mechanism that regulates pathogenicity in S. agalactiae and represents an attractive target for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

IMPORTANCE
  Rgg regulators and their cognate pheromones, called small hydrophobic peptides (SHPs), are present in nearly all streptococcal species. The general pathways of the cell-to-cell communication system in which Rgg and SHP take part are well understood. However, many other players remain unidentified, and the direct targets of the system, as well as its link to virulence, remain unclear. Here, we identified the different players involved in the SHP/Rgg system in S. agalactiae, which is the leading agent of severe infections in human newborns. We have identified a direct target of the Rgg regulator in S. agalactiae (called RovS) and examined a previously proposed target, all in the context of associated SHP. For the first time, we have also demonstrated the implication of the SHP/RovS mechanism in virulence, as well as its host organ specificity. Thus, this cell-to-cell communication system may represent a future target for S. agalactiae disease treatment.
Rapid and Sensitive RT-QuIC Detection of Human Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Using Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Orrú Christina D. , Groveman Bradley R. , Hughson Andrew G. , Zanusso Gianluigi , Coulthart Michael B. , Caughey Byron
Published: January 2015

Fast, definitive diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is important in assessing patient care options and transmission risks. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nasal-brushing specimens are valuable in distinguishing CJD from non-CJD conditions but have required 2.5 to 5 days. Here, an improved RT-QuIC assay is described which identified positive CSF samples within 4 to 14 h with better analytical sensitivity. Moreover, analysis of 11 CJD patients demonstrated that while 7 were RT-QuIC positive using the previous conditions, 10 were positive using the new assay. In these and further analyses, a total of 46 of 48 CSF samples from sporadic CJD patients were positive, while all 39 non-CJD patients were negative, giving 95.8% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity. This second-generation RT-QuIC assay markedly improved the speed and sensitivity of detecting prion seeds in CSF specimens from CJD patients. This should enhance prospects for rapid and accurate
ante mortem
CJD diagnosis.

IMPORTANCE
A long-standing problem in dealing with various neurodegenerative protein misfolding diseases is early and accurate diagnosis. This issue is particularly important with human prion diseases, such as CJD, because prions are deadly, transmissible, and unusually resistant to decontamination. The recently developed RT-QuIC test allows for highly sensitive and specific detection of CJD in human cerebrospinal fluid and is being broadly implemented as a key diagnostic tool. However, as currently applied, RT-QuIC takes 2.5 to 5 days and misses 11 to 23% of CJD cases. Now, we have markedly improved RT-QuIC analysis of human CSF such that CJD and non-CJD patients can be discriminated in a matter of hours rather than days with enhanced sensitivity. These improvements should allow for much faster, more accurate, and practical testing for CJD. In broader terms, our study provides a prototype for tests for misfolded protein aggregates that cause many important amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and tauopathies.
Anti-TNF drug and antidrug antibody level monitoring in IBD: a practical guide
Authors: Hendy Philip , Hart Ailsa , Irving Peter
Published: January 2015

The antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) medications, adalimumab and infliximab, play an important role in the management of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. For those in whom anti-TNF is effective, the therapy is associated with fewer symptoms, improved quality of life and disease and surgery-free survival. Unfortunately, up to 30% of patients will fail to respond to anti-TNF drugs while up to 50% of those who do see an initial response will lose response at some point. The introduction of drug monitoring for anti-TNFs, including drug level and antidrug antibody level testing allows a more personalised management of patients and improves patient outcomes. This article reviews the data for the use of anti-TNF monitoring and presents a ‘how to’ guide for clinicians.
Cigarette smoking and pulmonary tuberculosis in northern California
Authors: Smith Geneé S , Van Den Eeden Stephen K , Baxter Roger , Shan Jun , Van Rie Annelies , Herring Amy H , Richardson David B , Emch Michael , Gammon Marilie D
Published: January 2015

Background

A positive association between smoking and increased risk of tuberculosis disease is well documented for populations outside the USA. However, it is unclear whether smoking increases risk of tuberculosis in the USA, where both smoking prevalence and disease rates are much lower than in the countries where previous studies have been conducted.

Methods

To explore the tuberculosis–smoking association in a more generalisable US population-based sample, we conducted a nested case–control study among members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). We identified all newly diagnosed cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) disease between 1996 and 2010. Each of the 2380 cases were individually matched to two controls by age, gender and race/ethnicity. ORs and 95% CIs for the association between smoking status and PTB were calculated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for all matching factors.

Results

Increased PTB risk was observed among ever-smokers (OR=1.35; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.53), as well as current (OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.48) and past (OR=1.43; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.67) smokers, compared with never-smokers. Increased intensity and duration of smoking were also positively associated with PTB risk.

Conclusions

Our findings among a more generalisable US population support the hypothesis that smoking increases risk of PTB, underscoring the importance of tobacco cessation and prevention programmes in eliminating tuberculosis.
Commitment to nursing excellence
Authors: O'Dwyer Louise
Published: January 2015

With more than 100 veterinary nurses qualifying each year, CVS wanted to make high‐quality CPD available to its qualified VNs. Louise O'Dwyer, one of the group's clinical directors, explains what its MiNurse Academy offers
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: O'Dwyer Louise
Published: January 2015

Louise O'Dwyer qualified as a veterinary nurse and is now a clinical director with CVS. She recently celebrated becoming doubly board certified.
Aspects of nonlocality in quantum field theory, quantum gravity and cosmology
Authors: Barvinsky A. O.
Published: January 2015

This paper contains a collection of essays on nonlocal phenomena in quantum field theory, gravity and cosmology. Mechanisms of nonlocal contributions to the quantum effective action are discussed within the covariant perturbation expansion in field strengths and spacetime curvatures. Euclidean version of the Schwinger–Keldysh technique for quantum expectation values is presented as a special rule of obtaining the nonlocal effective equations of motion for the mean quantum field from the Euclidean effective action. This rule is applied to a new model of ghost free nonlocal cosmology which can generate the de Sitter (dS) cosmological evolution at an arbitrary value of Λ — a model of dark energy with the dynamical scale selected by a kind of a scaling symmetry breaking mechanism. This model is shown to interpolate between the superhorizon phase of a scalar mediated gravity and the short distance general relativistic limit in a special metric frame related by a nonlocal conformal transformation to the original metric.
The constituent-quark model — Nowadays
Authors: Plessas W.
Published: January 2015

The present performance of the constituent-quark model as an effective tool to describe low-energy hadrons on the basis of quantum chromodynamics is exemplified along the relativistic constituent-quark model with quark dynamics relying on a realistic confinement and a Goldstone-boson-exchange hyperfine interaction. In particular, the spectroscopy of all known baryons is covered within a universal model in good agreement with phenomenology. The structure of the nucleons as probed under electromagnetic, weak, and gravitational interactions is produced in a correct manner. Likewise, the electroweak form factors of the baryons with u, d, and s flavor contents, calculated so far, result reasonably. Shortcomings still remain with regard to hadronic resonance decays.
A2 PULLEY INTEGRITY AND THE STRENGTH OF FLEXOR TENDON REPAIR: A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY IN A CHICKEN MODEL
Authors: Langbart Marc J. , Glezos Constantine M. , Smith Belinda J. , Clarke Elizabeth C. , Lawson Richard D. , Tonkin Michael A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: This study assesses the influence of A2 pulley integrity on the strength of the repair. Method: Part 1- The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons of 72 Cobb chicken feet were severed and repaired in the region of the A2 pulley using a modified Kessler core suture and an epitendinous suture. The A2 pulley was either left intact, divided for 50% of its length, or divided in its entirety. The distal interphalangeal joint was fixed at a position of 20°, 40° or 60° of joint flexion. The load to failure, integrity of the A2 pulley and the site of tendon failure were analysed. Part 2- A further 32 chicken feet were used to exclude the effects of freezing and thawing on results and to analyse differences when using a core suture only. Results: No difference in failure load between any of the test groups or subgroups was identified. The integrity of the A2 pulley was preserved in all specimens. The most common cause of failure was distal suture pull-out. Discussion: This study does not demonstrate that release of the A2 pulley provides an advantage in increasing tendon repair strength. Division of 50% of the A2 pulley does not predispose to pulley rupture. Flexor tendon repair strength did not alter with distal interphalangeal joint flexion between 20° and 60°. Clinical Relevance: The findings of this study do not support division of the A2 pulley to prevent flexor tendon repair failure if repair methods of appropriate strength are utilised.
Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine and Antibacterial Properties ofZnONanoparticles Synthesized from Solution Combustion Method
Authors: Manjunath K. , Lingaraju K. , Kumar D. , Nagabhushan H. , Samrat D. , Reddy V. , Dupont J. , Ramakrishnappa T. , Nagaraju G.
Published: January 2015

We have successfully synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) from solution combustion method using combustible fuel (Green gram). XRD pattern confirms that the prepared compound is composed of wurtzite hexagonal zinc-oxide. FTIR spectrum of ZnO NPs shows the band at ~ 417 cm-1associated with the characteristic vibration of Zn - O . The UV-Vis spectrum shows a strong absorption band at ~ 365 nm which is blue shifted due to quantum confinement effect. TEM images show the average sizes of the nanoparticles are found to be almost ~ 15–30 nm. The as-synthesized product shows good electrochemical sensing of dopamine. Furthermore the antibacterial properties of ZnO NPs were investigated by their bactericidal activity against four bacterial strains using the agar well diffusion method.
A Torso-Moving Balance Control Strategy for a Walking Biped Robot Subject to External Continuous Forces
Authors: Kim Yeoun-Jae , Lee Joon-Yong , Lee Ju-Jang
Published: January 2015

Moving the torso laterally in a walking biped robot can be mechanically more torque-efficient than not moving the torso according to recent research. Motivated by this observation, a torque-efficient torso-moving balance control strategy of a walking biped robot subject to a persistent continuous external force is suggested and verified in this paper. The torso-moving balance control strategy consists of a preliminary step and two additional steps. The preliminary step (disturbance detection) is to perceive the application of an external force by a safety boundary of zero moment point, detected approximately from cheap pressure sensors. Step 1 utilizes center of gravity (COG) Jacobian, centroidal momentum matrix and linear quadratic problem calculation to shift the zero moment point to the center of the support polygon. Step 2 makes use of H∞ controllers for a more stable state shift from single support phase to double support phase. By comparing the suggested torso moving control strategy to the original control strategy that we suggested previously, a mixed balance control strategy is suggested. The strategy is verified through numerical simulation results.
China's Financial Contribution to International Environmental Cooperation and Preliminary Design of Future Environmental Financial Governance
Authors: ZHANG Wen , NAN Yingjie
Published: January 2015

China has always been making contributions and sharing experiences, within its capacity, to promote international environmental cooperation, however, being questioned for its role as a recipient country by the rest of the world has caused huge obstacles in the way of international cooperation. This paper will test out China's historical financial contribution to main multilateral cooperation platforms and will eliminate the misunderstanding about China's role in international environmental and climate change cooperation in recent years through comparing with cases of other countries. Also, Principal Component Analysis is conducted using the UN Millennium Development Goals as evaluation criteria to assess sample countries' comprehensive development level. Based on this analysis, combining the result with historical per capita CO 2 emission level of these countries, with the aid of K-means clustering, this paper sorts these sample countries into groups, with a view to designing a preliminary environmental financial governance mechanism for international cooperation under the principal of "common but differentiated responsibility", providing reference for finance-related negotiations and consultations under Durban Platform of UNFCCC which is working on boosting a new protocol and legislations. These legal documents will be completed by 2015 and will come into effect in 2020.
Resistance exercise-induced S6K1 kinase activity is not inhibited in human skeletal muscle despite prior activation of AMPK by high-intensity interval cycling
Authors: Apró William , Moberg Marcus , Hamilton D. Lee , Ekblom Björn , van Hall Gerrit , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Blomstrand Eva
Published: January 2015

Combining endurance and strength training in the same session has been reported to reduce the anabolic response to the latter form of exercise. The underlying mechanism, based primarily on results from rodent muscle, is proposed to involve AMPK-dependent inhibition of mTORC1 signaling. This hypothesis was tested in eight trained male subjects who in randomized order performed either resistance exercise only (R) or interval cycling followed by resistance exercise (ER). Biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis before and after endurance exercise and repeatedly after resistance exercise were assessed for glycogen content, kinase activity, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression. Mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate was measured at rest and during 3 h of recovery using the stable isotope technique. In ER, AMPK activity was elevated immediately after both endurance and resistance exercise (∼90%, P < 0.05) but was unchanged in R. Thr389 phosphorylation of S6K1 was increased severalfold immediately after exercise ( P < 0.05) in both trials and increased further throughout recovery. After 90 and 180 min recovery, S6K1 activity was elevated (∼55 and ∼110%, respectively, P < 0.05) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation was reduced (∼55%, P < 0.05) with no difference between trials. In contrast, markers for protein catabolism were differently influenced by the two modes of exercise; ER induced a significant increase in gene and protein expression of MuRF1 ( P < 0.05), which was not observed following R exercise only. In conclusion, cycling-induced elevation in AMPK activity does not inhibit mTOR complex 1 signaling after subsequent resistance exercise but may instead interfere with the hypertrophic response by influencing key components in protein breakdown.
Modulation of the immune system during postpartum uterine inflammation
Authors: Walker Caroline G. , Meier Susanne , Hussein Hassan , McDougall Scott , Burke Chris R. , Roche John R. , Mitchell Murray D.
Published: January 2015

Postpartum uterine inflammation (endometritis) in the dairy cow is associated with lower fertility at both the time of infection and after the inflammation has resolved. We hypothesized that aberrant DNA methylation may be involved in the subfertility associated with uterine inflammation. The objective of this study was to characterize genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression in the endometrium of dairy cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE). Endometrial tissues were obtained at 29 days postpartum ( n = 12), and microarrays were used to characterize transcription and DNA methylation. Analyses revealed 1,856 probes differentially expressed in animals with SCE ( n = 6) compared with controls (CON, n = 6, P < 0.05, Storey Multiple testing correction) and 2,976 probes with significant correlation between gene expression and bacteriology score. No significant associations among DNA methylation and gene expression were detected. Analysis of transcription data using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified several pathways and processes enriched in SCE cows, with the majority related to the immune response. Furthermore, the top ontology terms enriched in genes that had expression data correlated to bacteriology score were: Defense response, inflammatory response, and innate immune response. Gene expression profiles in cows with subclinical endometritis in this study indicate that the immune response is activated, potentially resulting in a local proinflammatory environment in the uterus. If this period of inflammation is prolonged it could result in tissue damage or failure to complete involution of the uterus, which may create a suboptimal environment for future pregnancy.
Isoform Composition and Gene Expression of Thick and Thin Filament Proteins in Striated Muscles of Mice after 30-Day Space Flight
Authors: Ulanova Anna , Gritsyna Yulia , Vikhlyantsev Ivan , Salmov Nikolay , Bobylev Alexander , Abdusalamova Zarema , Rogachevsky Vadim , Shenkman Boris , Podlubnaya Zoya
Published: January 2015

Changes in isoform composition, gene expression of titin and nebulin, and isoform composition of myosin heavy chains as well as changes in titin phosphorylation level in skeletal (m. gastrocnemius, m. tibialis anterior, and m. psoas) and cardiac muscles of mice were studied after a 30-day-long space flight onboard the Russian spacecraft “BION-M” number 1. A muscle fibre-type shift from slow-to-fast and a decrease in the content of titin and nebulin in the skeletal muscles of animals from “Flight” group was found. Using Pro-Q Diamond staining, an ~3-fold increase in the phosphorylation level of titin in m. gastrocnemius of mice from the “Flight” group was detected. The content of titin and its phosphorylation level in the cardiac muscle of mice from “Flight” and “Control” groups did not differ; nevertheless an increase (2.2 times) in titin gene expression in the myocardium of flight animals was found. The observed changes are discussed in the context of their role in the contractile activity of striated muscles of mice under conditions of weightlessness.
A Case of a Laryngeal MALT Lymphoma in a Patient with a History of Gastric MALT
Authors: Ashamalla Mark , Teng Marita S. , Brody Joshua , Demicco Elizabeth , Parikh Rahul , Dharmarajan Kavita , Bakst Richard L.
Published: January 2015

We are reporting a case of a 62-year-old African American woman with a history of gastric MALT lymphoma successfully treated with radiation who presented with a laryngeal MALT lymphoma 4 years after her original diagnosis. She received definitive radiation with a complete response. The case presented is unique for the rare presentation of a MALT lymphoma in the larynx, especially in light of the patient’s previously treated gastric MALT lymphoma years ago.
Cloud Model-Based Energy Management Strategy for Parallel Hybrid Vehicles
Authors: Wu Xiaolan , Guo Guifang , Bai Zhifeng
Published: January 2015

Using the uncertain conversion capacity between the expressions of quantitative and qualitative concept in the cloud model, an energy management strategy based on cloud model is developed for parallel hybrid vehicles (PHVs). By the driver input and the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage, a set of rules are developed to effectively determine the torque split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor. An analysis of the simulation results is conducted using ADVISOR in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. It is confirmed that the control scheme can be used to improve fuel economy and emission of the hybrid vehicles.
Assessment of Duration of Staying Free from Acquiring Rehappening Opportunistic Infections among Pre-ART People Living with HIV/AIDS between 2008 and 2013
Authors: Bizuayehu Habtamu Mellie , Abyu Direslgne Misker , Aweke Amlaku Mulat
Published: January 2015

Introduction.In regional state of the study area, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevalence is 2.2% and opportunistic infections (OIs) occurred in 88.9% of pre-ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Even though OIs are prevalent in the study area, duration of staying free from acquiring rehappening opportunistic infections and its determinant factors are not studied.Method. The study was conducted in randomly selected 341 adult Pre-ART PLWHA who are included in chronic HIV care. OI free duration was estimated using the actuarial life table and Kaplan Meier survival. Cox proportional-hazard model was used to calculate hazard rate.Result. OIs were rediagnosed in three quarters (75.37%) participants. In each week the probability of getting new recurrence OI was about 15.04 per 1000 person weeks. The median duration of not acquiring OI recurrence was 54 weeks. After adjustment, variables associated with recurrence were employment status, marital status, exposure for prophylaxis and adherence to it, CD4 count, and hemoglobin value.Conclusion. Giving prophylaxis and counseling to adhere it, rise in CD4 and hemoglobin level, and enhancing job opportunities should be given for PLWHA who are on chronic HIV care while continuing the care.
Two Kinds of New Integrable Couplings of the Negative-Order Korteweg-de Vries Equation
Authors: Feng Binlu , Zhang Yufeng
Published: January 2015

Based on some known loop algebras with finite dimensions, two different negative-order integrable couplings of the negative-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) hierarchy of evolution equations are generated by making use of the Tu scheme, from which the corresponding negative-order integrable couplings of the negative-order KdV equations are followed to be obtained. The resulting Hamiltonian structure of one negative integrable coupling is derived from the variational identity.
Estimating Young’s Modulus of Single‐Walled Zirconia Nanotubes Using Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Muhammad Ibrahim Dauda , Awang Mokhtar , Mamat Othman , Shaari Ku Zilati Ku
Published: January 2015

The single‐walled zirconia nanotube is structurally modeled and its Young’s modulus is valued by using the finite element approach. The nanotube was assumed to be a frame‐like structure with bonds between atoms regarded as beam elements. The properties of the beam required for input into the finite element analysis were computed by connecting energy equivalence between molecular and continuum mechanics. Simulation was conducted by applying axial tensile strain on one end of the nanotube while the other end was fixed and the corresponding reaction force recorded to compute Young’s modulus. It was found out that Young’s modulus of zirconia nanotubes is significantly affected by some geometrical parameters such as chirality, diameter, thickness, and length. The obtained values of Young’s modulus for a certain range of diameters are in agreement with what was obtained in the few experiments that have been conducted so far. This study was conducted on the cubic phase of zirconia having armchair and zigzag configuration. The optimal diameter and thickness were obtained, which will assist in designing and fabricating bulk nanostructured components containing zirconia nanotubes for various applications.
Unusual Response of Subclavian In-Stent Restenosis to Balloon Angioplasty in a Patient with HIV
Authors: Rana Mohammad Atif , Beedupalli Jagan , Akkus Nuri I.
Published: January 2015

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and use of protease inhibitors have been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Increased rates of coronary in-stent restenosis are reported in these patients. There is limited data available on peripheral vascular disease interventions on these patients. Herein we report an aggressive subclavian in-stent restenosis with an unexpected response to balloon angioplasty treatment with a large, mobile tissue flap formation and its treatment with another stent.
Temporary Redundant Transmission Mechanism for SCTP Multihomed Hosts
Authors: Mohana Geetha D. , Muthusundar S. K. , Subramaniam M. , Ayyaswamy Kathirvel
Published: January 2015

In SCTP’s Concurrent Multipath Transfer, if data is sent to the destined IP(s) without knowledge of the paths condition, packets may be lost or delayed. This is because of the bursty nature of IP traffic and physical damage to the network. To offset these problems, network path status is examined using our new mechanism Multipath State Aware Concurrent Multipath Transfer using redundant transmission (MSACMT‐RTv2). Here the status of multiple paths is analyzed, initially and periodically thereafter transmitted. After examination, paths priority is assigned before transmission. One path is temporarily employed as redundant path for the failure‐expected path (FEP); this redundant path is used for transmitting redundant data. At the end of predefined period, reliability of the FEP is confirmed. If FEP is ensured to be reliable, temporary path is transformed into normal CMT path. MSACMT‐RTv2 algorithm is simulated using the Delaware University ns‐2 SCTP/CMT module (ns‐2; V2.29). We present and discuss MSACMT‐RTv2 performance in asymmetric path delay and with finite receiver buffer (rbuf) size. We extended our experiment to test robustness of this algorithm and inferred exhaustive result. It is inferred that our algorithm outperforms better in terms of increasing the throughput and reducing the latency than existing system.
Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in US Health Centers through Patient-Centered Medical Home Transformation
Authors: Moshkovich Olga , Lebrun-Harris Lydie , Makaroff Laura , Chidambaran Preeta , Chung Michelle , Sripipatana Alek , Lin Sue C.
Published: January 2015

Over the last 50 years, the incidence of cervical cancer has dramatically decreased. However, health disparities in cervical cancer screening (CCS) persist for women from racial and ethnic minorities and those residing in rural and poor communities. For more than 45 years, federally funded health centers (HCs) have been providing comprehensive, culturally competent, and quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. To enhance the quality of care and to ensure more women served at HCs are screened for cervical cancer, over eight HCs received funding to support patient-centered medical home (PCMH) transformation with goals to increase CCS rates. The study conducted a qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti software to describe the barriers and challenges to CCS and PCMH transformation, to identify potential solutions and opportunities, and to examine patterns in barriers and solutions proposed by HCs. Interrater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa. The findings indicated that HCs more frequently described patient-level barriers to CCS, including demographic, cultural, and health belief/behavior factors. System-level barriers were the next commonly cited, particularly failure to use the full capability of electronic medical records (EMRs) and problems coordinating with external labs or providers. Provider-level barriers were least frequently cited.
Thyroid Carcinoma with Pituitary Metastases: 2 Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Lim Weiying , Lim Dawn Shaoting , Chng Chiaw Ling , Lim Adoree Yiying
Published: January 2015

We present 2 patients with pituitary metastases from thyroid carcinoma—the first from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and the second from follicular thyroid carcinoma. The first patient, a 50-year-old lady, presented with 2-week history of hoarseness of voice, dysphagia, dyspnoea, and neck swelling. Imaging revealed metastatic thyroid cancer to lymph nodes and bone. Histology from surgery confirmed anaplastic thyroid cancer. She was found to have pituitary metastases postoperatively when she presented with nonvertiginous dizziness. She subsequently underwent radiotherapy and radioiodine treatment but passed away from complications. The second patient, a 65-year-old lady, presented with loss of appetite and weight with increased goitre size and dyspnoea. Surgery was performed in view of compressive symptoms and histology confirmed follicular thyroid carcinoma. Imaging revealed metastases to bone, lung, and pituitary. She also had panhypopituitarism with hyperprolactinemia and diabetes insipidus. She received radioiodine therapy but eventually passed away from complications.
Use of Early Biomarkers in Neonatal Brain Damage and Sepsis: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bersani Iliana , Auriti Cinzia , Ronchetti Maria Paola , Prencipe Giusi , Gazzolo Diego , Dotta Andrea
Published: January 2015

The identification of early noninvasive biochemical markers of disease is a crucial issue of the current scientific research, particularly during the first period of life, since it could provide useful and precocious diagnostic information when clinical and radiological signs are still silent. The ideal biomarker should be practical and sensitive in the precocious identification of at risk patients. An earlier diagnosis may lead to a larger therapeutic window and improve neonatal outcome. Brain damage and sepsis are common causes of severe morbidity with poor outcome and mortality during the perinatal period. A large number of potential biomarkers, including neuroproteins, calcium binding proteins, enzymes, oxidative stress markers, vasoactive agents, and inflammatory mediators, have been so far investigated. The aim of the present review was to provide a brief overview of some of the more commonly investigated biomarkers used in case of neonatal brain damage and sepsis.
Optimizing Traffic Operation in Designing Specific Upgrades
Authors: Sangsefidi Ebrahim , Rashidbenam Mohammadjafar , Kabiri Shahab , Amid Hossein , Sangsefidi Maryam
Published: January 2015

Transport forms one of the primary needs in all categories of the population in modern society; it is of paramount concern for traffic engineers, transport planners, and policy makers to understand and evaluate the quality of service being provided by the transport facilities designed by them. This paper presents an investigation in profile geometric design and traffic flow operation on two-lane two-way highways and provides analyses that will help in a better understanding of traffic operation on these facilities to select the optimum profile configuration. The effects of influencing parameters consisting of grade, length of grade, traffic composition, and traffic volume are evaluated and finally a systematic procedure to evaluate flow rate under the base condition is presented. Finally, based on these achievements an algorithm is introduced to select optimum Finished Ground of profile view. Results show that the percentage of heavy vehicles has a contributing effect on traffic operation so that the optimum profile configuration is incredibly affected by this factor. Source data have been obtained from Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) as a pioneer document in respect of quantifying the concept of capacity for a transport facility.