bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Histidine Residue of QseC Is Required for Canonical Signaling between QseB and PmrB in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Breland Erin J. , Zhang Ellisa W. , Bermudez Tomas , Martinez Charles R. , Hadjifrangiskou Maria
Published: April 2017

Two-component systems are prototypically comprised of a histidine kinase (sensor) and a response regulator (responder). The sensor kinases autophosphorylate at a conserved histidine residue, acting as a phosphodonor for subsequent phosphotransfer to and activation of a cognate response regulator. In rare cases, the histidine residue is also essential for response regulator dephosphorylation via a reverse-phosphotransfer reaction. In this work, we present an example of a kinase that relies on reverse phosphotransfer to catalyze the dephosphorylation of its cognate partner. The QseC sensor kinase is conserved across several Gram-negative pathogens; its interaction with its cognate partner QseB is critical for maintaining pathogenic potential. Here, we demonstrate that QseC-mediated dephosphorylation of QseB occurs via reverse phosphotransfer. In previous studies, we demonstrated that, in uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
, exposure to high concentrations of ferric iron (Fe
3+
) stimulates the PmrB sensor kinase. This stimulation, in turn, activates the cognate partner, PmrA, and noncognate QseB to enhance tolerance to polymyxin B. We demonstrate that in the absence of signal, kinase-inactive QseC variants, in which the H246 residue was changed to alanine (A) aspartate (D) or leucine (L), rescued a Δ
qseC
deletion mutant, suggesting that QseC can control QseB activation via a mechanism that is independent of reverse phosphotransfer. However, in the presence of Fe
3+
, the same QseC variants were unable to mediate a wild-type stimulus response, indicating that QseC-mediated dephosphorylation is required for maintaining proper QseB-PmrB-PmrA interactions.

IMPORTANCE
Two-component signaling networks constitute one of the predominant methods by which bacteria sense and respond to their changing environments. Two-component systems allow bacteria to thrive and survive in a number of different environments, including within a human host. Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
, the causative agent of urinary tract infections, rely on two interacting two-component systems, QseBC and PmrAB, to induce intrinsic resistance to the colistin antibiotic polymyxin B, which is a last line of defense drug. The presence of one sensor kinase, QseC, is required to regulate the interaction between the other sensor kinase, PmrB and the response regulators from both systems, QseB and PmrA, effectively creating a “four-component” system required for virulence. Understanding the important role of the sensor kinase QseC will provide insight into additional ways to therapeutically target uropathogens that harbor these signaling systems.
The SPOR Domain, a Widely Conserved Peptidoglycan Binding Domain That Targets Proteins to the Site of Cell Division
Authors: Yahashiri Atsushi , Jorgenson Matthew A. , Weiss David S.
Published: April 2017

Sporulation-related repeat (SPOR) domains are small peptidoglycan (PG) binding domains found in thousands of bacterial proteins. The name “SPOR domain” stems from the fact that several early examples came from proteins involved in sporulation, but SPOR domain proteins are quite diverse and contribute to a variety of processes that involve remodeling of the PG sacculus, especially with respect to cell division. SPOR domains target proteins to the division site by binding to regions of PG devoid of stem peptides (“denuded” glycans), which in turn are enriched in septal PG by the intense, localized activity of cell wall amidases involved in daughter cell separation. This targeting mechanism sets SPOR domain proteins apart from most other septal ring proteins, which localize via protein-protein interactions. In addition to SPOR domains, bacteria contain several other PG-binding domains that can exploit features of the cell wall to target proteins to specific subcellular sites.
Association of the Cold Shock DEAD-Box RNA Helicase RhlE to the RNA Degradosome in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Aguirre Angel A. , Vicente Alexandre M. , Hardwick Steven W. , Alvelos Daniela M. , Mazzon Ricardo R. , Luisi Ben F. , Marques Marilis V.
Published: April 2017

In diverse bacterial lineages, multienzyme assemblies have evolved that are central elements of RNA metabolism and RNA-mediated regulation. The aquatic Gram-negative bacterium
Caulobacter crescentus
, which has been a model system for studying the bacterial cell cycle, has an RNA degradosome assembly that is formed by the endoribonuclease RNase E and includes the DEAD-box RNA helicase RhlB. Immunoprecipitations of extracts from cells expressing an epitope-tagged RNase E reveal that RhlE, another member of the DEAD-box helicase family, associates with the degradosome at temperatures below those optimum for growth. Phenotype analyses of
rhlE
,
rhlB
, and
rhlE rhlB
mutant strains show that RhlE is important for cell fitness at low temperature and its role may not be substituted by RhlB. Transcriptional and translational fusions of
rhlE
to the
lacZ
reporter gene and immunoblot analysis of an epitope-tagged RhlE indicate that its expression is induced upon temperature decrease, mainly through posttranscriptional regulation. RNase E pulldown assays show that other proteins, including the transcription termination factor Rho, a second DEAD-box RNA helicase, and ribosomal protein S1, also associate with the degradosome at low temperature. The results suggest that the RNA degradosome assembly can be remodeled with environmental change to alter its repertoire of helicases and other accessory proteins.

IMPORTANCE
DEAD-box RNA helicases are often present in the RNA degradosome complex, helping unwind secondary structures to facilitate degradation.
Caulobacter crescentus
is an interesting organism to investigate degradosome remodeling with change in temperature, because it thrives in freshwater bodies and withstands low temperature. In this study, we show that at low temperature, the cold-induced DEAD-box RNA helicase RhlE is recruited to the RNA degradosome, along with other helicases and the Rho protein. RhlE is essential for bacterial fitness at low temperature, and its function may not be complemented by RhlB, although RhlE is able to complement for
rhlB
loss. These results suggest that RhlE has a specific role in the degradosome at low temperature, potentially improving adaptation to this condition.
Cardiotoxicity with Itraconazole
Authors: Paul Vishesh , Rawal Harsh
Published: April 2017

Itraconazole is a commonly used antifungal drug. In addition to commonly described adverse effects, there have been few reports of heart failure with its use. We present two cases that developed acute systolic heart failure with Itraconazole use. A man in his early 30s was admitted with worsening leg swelling and dyspnoea on exertion. He had been on Itraconazole for blastomyces skin ulcer. His ejection fraction (EF) was found to be 10%–15%. Another man in his 50s was admitted with similar symptoms; his EF was 40%–45%. He had been on Itraconazole for forearm cellulitis. No other aetiology was identified in both patients despite extensive work-up including cardiac catheterisation. Itraconazole was stopped in both the cases. Our first patient did not improve even months after cessation of therapy and was referred for heart transplant. Our second patient improved after a few weeks, and his ejection fraction had improved on repeat testing.
Urethrocutaneous fistula mimicking vesicocutaneous fistula: a rare entity
Authors: Aeron Ruchir , Goel Apul , Sokhal Ashok Kumar , Goel Sunny
Published: April 2017

Urethral fistulas arising from the anterior urethra usually open on the ventral aspect and are located in the penile, scrotal or perineal region. A diabetic 65-year-old man presented with suprapubic urinary fistula that was communicating with a dorsally located internal urethral opening located in the bulbar region. Such unusual fistula has not been described before.
Contradictory coroners? Decision-making in death investigations
Authors: Mclean Maxwell
Published: April 2017

Aim

National coroner data demonstrate differences in the rates at which coroners across England and Wales choose to investigate reported deaths and the frequency by which they record certain conclusions. This study sought to examine how decisions are made by coroners and whether they differed when faced with identical case information.

Methods

Three different clinical scenarios were circulated via a web link to all senior coroners. The case information was contained within a ‘Decision Board’ displayed on screen. Each scenario had nine consistent categories of information, such as the cause of death and the medical history. Participants were asked to indicate an inquest conclusion (verdict) using free text and to provide comments. The way in which participants accessed the case information (order, frequency, etc) was recorded by the computer software.

Results

35 coroners responded. There was little consensus as to conclusion with scenarios 1 and 2 generating four different outcomes and scenario 3 generating an extraordinary eight different conclusions among respondents. Despite coming to widely different conclusions, coroners demonstrated very similar decision-making processes. Conclusions were robustly defended yet proffered alternatives were plentiful. The comments made indicated a difference in the personal attitudes of coroners towards case information.

Conclusions

Different coroners faced with identical case information arrived at widely different case outcomes ranging from no further investigation to finding numerous alternative verdicts. Disparity appeared to be a product of differing personal attitudes among coroners. National coroner consensus to achieve a shared inference from available evidence is urgently needed.
Branch mortality influences phorophyte quality for vascular epiphytes
Authors: Cortes-Anzures Beatriz Olivia , Corona-López Angélica María , Toledo-Hernández Víctor Hugo , Valencia-Díaz Susana , Flores-Palacios Alejandro
Published: April 2017

Trees generate resources for other guilds (e.g., lianas), including the production of supporting branches for the establishment of epiphytes. In a tropical dry forest of central Mexico, we studied whether branch mortality is associated with phorophyte quality. For a one-year period, we monitored the survival of branches with and without vascular epiphytes in tree species with high epiphyte loads (Bursera copallifera (Sessé & Moc. Ex DC.) Bullock, Bursera glabrifolia (Kunth.) Engl.) and low (Bursera fagaroides (Kunth) Engl., Conzattia multiflora (B.L. Rob.) Standl., Ipomoea pauciflora M.Martens & Galeotti, Sapium macrocarpum Müll.Arg.). The lowest (C. multiflora) and highest (I. pauciflora) branch mortalities occurred in phorophytes with low epiphyte loads, whereas branch mortality in S. macrocarpum was 60% and in all Bursera species was <25%. In B. copallifera and B. glabrifolia, the highest branch mortality was in branches with epiphytes, suggesting a negative influence of these plants, but mortality was also associated with larger/older branches. At the end of monitoring, 95% of the epiphytes of I. pauciflora were growing on dead branches. We conclude that branch mortality is low in phorophytes with high epiphyte loads; but in phorophytes with low epiphyte loads, branches can be ephemeral or long lasting. Low epiphyte abundances in phorophytes with long-lasting branches can be caused by other traits that remain to be examined (e.g., seed capture).
Kinetics and mechanism of phenoxide anions addition to 4-nitrobenzofurazan in aqueous solution
Authors: Ben Salah S. , Boubaker T. , Goumont R.
Published: April 2017

Second-order rate constants (k1) for the σ-complexation of 4-nitrobenzofurazan 1 with four 4-X-substituted phenoxide anions 2a–2d (X = OCH3, CH3, H and Cl) were measured in aqueous solution at 20 °C. Using this series of phenoxide anions as a reference, the electrophilicity parameter (E) of this electrophile 1 has been evaluated according to Mayr’s approach. With the E value of –9.42, Mayr’s equation was found to correctly predict the rate constants for the reactions of 1 with hydroxide ion in H2O and a 1:1 ratio of H2O to CH3CN. However, the large βnuc value of 1.12 obtained in the present work is clearly consistent with a single electron transfer (SET) mechanism.
Nest site selection and breeding biology of Western House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii) using natural cavities in Western Canada
Authors: Kaluthota C.D. , Rendall D.
Published: April 2017

House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon Vieillot, 1809) are among the best studied songbirds in North America, but most of what is known about this model species derives from studies using artificial nestboxes. Consequently, we know comparatively little about the natural breeding biology of House Wrens and whether it corresponds to patterns reported from nestboxes. To address these issues, we report a study of nest site selection and breeding phenology in Western House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii Audubon, 1839) using natural cavities in aspen forests in southwest Alberta, Canada. A total of 96 breeding pairs, representing 77 different banded males, were studied across a 4 year period (2011–2014). In total, 78% of arriving males paired, with 52% of nests successfully fledging. More than 30% of males attempted polygyny, but only 8% succeeded. Distinct patterns were observed for many characteristics of the nest site and cavity, including the type of tree used, as well as the cardinal direction and dimensions of the cavity entrance, its location on the nest tree, and its height above the ground, some of which were related to pairing and breeding success. Results are compared with studies of House Wrens using artificial nestboxes with broader application to many other model species likewise studied primarily using nestboxes.
Scared fitless: Context-dependent response of fear to loss of predators over evolutionary time in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Elliott Kyle H. , Norris D. Ryan , Betini Gustavo S. , Dworkin Ian
Published: April 2017

Fear of predation can disappear rapidly in the absence of predators, as bolder individuals outcompete vigilant individuals for food and mates. To examine the evolution of fear in a seasonal environment, we exposed Drosophila melanogaster to mantid predators during the breeding season and the non-breeding season, and compared these with a control. We compared three Drosophila lineages that were maintained in captivity for (1) ∼45 years without mantid predators, (2) ∼5 years without mantid predators, and (3) ∼5 years with mantid predators (predator-evolved). The presence of a predator during the non-breeding season caused reduced fecundity in the following breeding season, independent of the evolutionary lineage. However, the presence of a predator during reproduction caused offspring to emerge earlier, and this effect was more pronounced in the predator-evolved lineage. Thus, the fear response was related to evolutionary lineage only during the larval life stage, which is when foraging competition, and hence the cost of fear, may be highest. We present one of the first experimental demonstrations that emotion (fear) can evolve in response to environmental context.
Dark matter from Starobinsky supergravity
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Khlopov Maxim Yu.
Published: April 2017

We review our recent results on dark matter from Starobinsky supergravity. In this context, a natural candidate for cold dark matter is the gravitino. On the other hand, assuming the supersymmetry broken at scales much higher than the electroweak scale, gravitinos are superheavy particles. In this case, they may be non-thermally produced during inflation, in turn originated by the scalaron field with Starobinsky’s potential. Assuming gravitinos as Lightest Supersymmetric Particles (LSSP), the non-thermal production naturally accounts for the right amount of cold dark matter. Metastability of the gravitino LSSP leads to observable effects of their decay, putting constraints on the corresponding Unstable or Decaying Dark Matters scenarios. In this model, the gravitino mass is controlled by the inflaton field and it runs with it. This implies that a continuous spectrum of superheavy gravitinos is produced during the slow-roll epoch. Implications in phenomenology, model building in Grand Unified Theory (GUT) scenarios, intersecting D-brane models and instantons in string theories are discussed.
Interaction of the branes in the presence of the background fields: The dynamical, nonintersecting, perpendicular, wrapped-fractional configuration
Authors: Maghsoodi Elham , Kamani Davoud
Published: April 2017

We shall obtain the interaction of the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-branes in the toroidal-orbifold space–time [Formula: see text]. The configuration of the branes is nonintersecting, perpendicular, moving-rotating, wrapped-fractional with background fields. For this, we calculate the bosonic boundary state corresponding to a dynamical fractional-wrapped [Formula: see text]-brane in the presence of the Kalb–Ramond field, a [Formula: see text] gauge potential and an open string tachyon field. The long-range behavior of the interaction amplitude will be extracted.
Low frequency acoustic properties of a honeycomb-silicone rubber acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Gao Nansha , Hou Hong
Published: April 2017

In order to overcome the influence of mass law on traditional acoustic materials and obtain a lightweight thin-layer structure which can effectively isolate the low frequency noises, a honeycomb-silicone rubber acoustic metamaterial was proposed. Experimental results show that the sound transmission loss (STL) of acoustic metamaterial in this paper is greatly higher than that of monolayer silicone rubber metamaterial. Based on the band structure, modal shapes, as well as the sound transmission simulation, the sound insulation mechanism of the designed honeycomb-silicone rubber structure was analyzed from a new perspective, which had been validated experimentally. Side length of honeycomb structure and thickness of the unit structure would affect STL in damping control zone. Relevant conclusions and design method provide a new concept for engineering noise control.
An upper bound for the Tarski numbers of nonamenable groups of piecewise projective homeomorphisms
Authors: Lodha Yash
Published: April 2017

The Tarski number of a nonamenable group is the smallest number of pieces needed for a paradoxical decomposition of the group. Nonamenable groups of piecewise projective homeomorphisms were introduced in [N. Monod, Groups of piecewise projective homeomorphisms, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 110(12) (2013) 4524–4527], and nonamenable finitely presented groups of piecewise projective homeomorphisms were introduced in [Y. Lodha and J. T. Moore, A finitely presented non amenable group of piecewise projective homeomorphisms, Groups, Geom. Dyn. 10(1) (2016) 177–200]. These groups do not contain non-abelian free subgroups. In this paper, we prove that the Tarski number of all groups in both families is at most 25. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of a paradoxical decomposition with 25 pieces.

Our argument also applies to any group of piecewise projective homeomorphisms that contains as a subgroup the group of piecewise [Formula: see text] homeomorphisms of [Formula: see text] with rational breakpoints and an affine map that is a not an integer translation.
EFFECTS OF YTTRIUM NITRATE ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE OF ZrO2–Y2O3 CERAMIC COATINGS PREPARED BY A MODIFIED PEO PROCESS ON AN Al–12Si ALLOY
Authors: PING WANG , LIGUO ZHOU , JING HAN , YONGCHUN GUO
Published: April 2017

A ZrO2–Al2O3 ceramic coating and YSZ–Al2O3 coating were prepared on ZAlSil2Cu3Ni2 alloys by a modified plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in zirconium salt solution. The microstructure, heat-insulating and high temperature oxidation properties were investigated by SEM, XRD and a fabricated heat insulation temperature testing device. The results showed that the surface of the YSZ–Al2O3 coating was composed of fine particles and had lower roughness. Yttrium partially stabilized the zirconia solid solution (Y[Formula: see text]Zr[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] which was formed in zirconium yttrium salt solution with a higher reaction temperature. The growth rate of the YSZ–Al2O3 coating was greater than the ZrO2–Al2O3 coating. Especially, the outward growth obviously improves. Furthermore, the heat insulation property of the coating enhances. The curves of the weight gains in the sample with YSZ–Al2O3 coating showed a logarithmic shape under the high temperature oxidation treatment of 400[Formula: see text]C. The weight gains of the sample with YSZ–Al2O3 coating were relatively lower than that of the as-coated sample. The ceramic layer had good high temperature stability.
Spatial Indexing of Complex Virtual Reality Scenes in the Web
Authors: Kontakis Konstantinos , Malamos Athanasios G. , Steiakaki Malvina , Panagiotakis Spyros
Published: April 2017

Over the past few years, Web3D technology has dominated in the integration of 3D scenes in HTML5 browsers. This inclusion of graphics into web browsers produced new possibilities for web applications that integrate hi-end visualization with the efficient information management that internet performs. However, even though that such Web3D environments come with solid foundations in geometric and visual representations, they still lack indexing mechanisms that will reveal additional information from graphics. This paper aims to contribute in this direction, applying a 3D R-tree approach that organizes and implements spatial indexing inside an X3DOM scene, while at the same time, it could be also used to perform spatial queries with optimized times between its 3D objects.
A New Combined Feature Extraction Method for Persian Handwritten Digit Recognition
Authors: Parseh Mohammad Javad , Meftahi Mojtaba
Published: April 2017

Feature extraction is one of the most important steps in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems, that is effective in recognition accuracy. In this paper, a suitable combination of different features such as zoning, hole size, crossing counts, etc. for Persian handwritten digits recognition is proposed. Due to high number of features, feature vector dimensions will be high that increases training time exponentially. In this paper, to solve this problem, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method is employed for reducing the feature vector dimensions. Finally, data are classified by Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification method. The proposed method has been executed on HODA dataset which is one of the largest standard datasets of Persian handwritten digits that includes 60[Formula: see text]000 training and 20[Formula: see text]000 test samples. The proposed method reaches to 99.07% of accuracy in this dataset, and the experimental results show significant improvement in accuracy of Persian handwritten OCR compared to the previous methods.
Mechanism Design of a Humanoid Robotic Torso Based on Bionic Optimization
Authors: Yao Peng , Li Tao , Luo Minzhou , Zhang Qingqing , Tan Zhiying
Published: April 2017

A new torso structure for a humanoid robot has been proposed. The structural characteristics and functions of human torso have been considered to gain inspirations for design purposes. The proposed torso structure consists of six revolute units divided into two basic categories connected in a serial chain mechanism. The proposed torso structure shows more advantages compared to traditional humanoid robots in terms of high degrees of freedom (DOFs), high stiffness, self-locking capabilities, as well as easy-to-control features. Bionic optimization design based on objective function method has been implemented on structural design for better motion performances. A 3D model has been elaborated and simulated in SolidWorks and ADAMS environments for structural design and kinematic simulation purposes, respectively. Simulation results show that the new bionic torso structure is able to well imitate movements of human torso.
Gray images of (1 − u)-constacyclic codes over the ring 𝔽pk + u𝔽pk + v𝔽pk + uv𝔽pk
Authors: Kewat Pramod Kumar , Kushwaha Sarika
Published: April 2017

Let [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a prime and [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. We define a gray map from a linear code of length [Formula: see text] over the ring [Formula: see text] to a linear code of length [Formula: see text] over the field [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we characterize the gray images of [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes of an arbitrary length over the ring [Formula: see text] in terms of quasicyclic codes over [Formula: see text]. We obtain some optimal linear codes over [Formula: see text] as gray images.
New kind of special matrix functions and generating functions
Authors: Al-Gonah Ahmed Ali , Al-Samadi Fatima Mohammed
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a new kind of special matrix functions is introduced and some properties of these special matrix function are established. Further, some generating functions for the 3-variable Hermite matrix-based Laguerre polynomials involving the special matrix function are derived by using operational methods.
On semi-projective modules and their endomorphism rings
Authors: Patel Manoj Kumar , Kumar Varun , Gupta A. J.
Published: April 2017

This paper provides the several homological characterization of perfect rings and semi-simple rings in terms of semi-projective modules. We investigate whether Hopkins–Levitzki Theorem extend to semi-projective module i.e. whether there exists an artinian semi-projective module which are noetherian. Unfortunately, the answer we have is negative; counter example is given. However, it is shown that the answer is positive for certain large classes of semi-projective modules in Proposition 2.26. We have discussed the summand intersection property, summand sum property for semi-projective modules. Apart from this, we have introduced the idea of [Formula: see text]-hollow modules, also several necessary and sufficient conditions are established when the endomorphism rings of a semi-projective modules is a local ring.
An alternative but short proof of a result of Zhu and Lu concerning general sum-connectivity index
Authors: Ali Akbar
Published: April 2017

Recently, Zhu and Lu, [On the general sum-connectivity index of tricyclic graphs, J. Appl. Math. Comput. 51(1) (2016) 177–188] determined the graphs having maximum general sum-connectivity index among all [Formula: see text]-vertex tricyclic graphs. In this short note, an alternative but considerable short approach is proposed for determining the aforementioned graphs.
Earth science as a philosophical background to medicine: an essay based on the autobiography of Dr Otto Sperling (1602–81)
Authors: Hoch Ella
Published: April 2017

Earth science was not taught in schools in the seventeenth century. Geology began in principle with Steno's
Prodromus
of 1669, which reflected tendencies in the European curiosity about nature, but had little contemporary impact. As a child in busy Protestant Hamburg, Otto Sperling was influenced by Renaissance ideas in the early 1600s and investigated plants with his family's encouragement; he continued in pharmacy and later in medicine in Leiden. As a student he visited the relatively strong medicine milieu in Copenhagen and had the opportunity to sail as a participant in King Christian IV's official visit to Bergen. Venturing into southern Norway's mountainous landscapes, he studied plants, animals and rocks. Sperling's nature studies continued on journeys in northern and southern Europe and he graduated as
Doctor medicinae
in Padova in 1627.
En route
towards England, his ship was driven to Norway, where the locals persuaded him to settle as a physician. An encounter with the Danish nobleman Corfitz Ulfeldt (1606–64) took Sperling to some of the highest medical posts and later, during Denmark–Norway's decline, dragged him into the political maelstrom. Sperling's autobiography, written in his late sixties in a Copenhagen prison, is testimony to the importance of Earth science to Sperling's philosophy and performance as a doctor.
Essential Norms of Volterra Type Operators between Zygmund Type Spaces
Authors: Ye Shanli , Lin Caishu
Published: April 2017

We investigate the boundedness of some Volterra type operators between Zygmund type spaces. Then, we give the essential norms of such operators in terms of g,φ, their derivatives, and the nth power φn of φ.
Kinematics of the Normal Knee during Dynamic Activities: A Synthesis of Data from Intracortical Pins and Biplane Imaging
Authors: Gasparutto Xavier , Moissenet Florent , Lafon Yoann , Chèze Laurence , Dumas Raphaël
Published: April 2017

Few studies have provided in vivo tibiofemoral kinematics of the normal knee during dynamic weight-bearing activities. Indeed, gold standard measurement methods (i.e., intracortical pins and biplane imaging) raise ethical and experimental issues. Moreover, the conventions used for the processing of the kinematics show large inconsistencies. This study aims at synthesising the tibiofemoral kinematics measured with gold standard measurement methods. Published kinematic data were transformed in the standard recommended by the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB), and a clustering method was applied to investigate whether the couplings between the degrees of freedom (DoFs) are consistent among the different activities and measurement methods. The synthesised couplings between the DoFs during knee flexion (from 4° of extension to −61° of flexion) included abduction (up to −10°); internal rotation (up to 15°); and medial (up to 10 mm), anterior (up to 25 mm), and proximal (up to 28 mm) displacements. These synthesised couplings appeared mainly partitioned into two clusters that featured all the dynamic weight-bearing activities and all the measurement methods. Thus, the effect of the dynamic activities on the couplings between the tibiofemoral DoFs appeared to be limited. The synthesised data might be used as a reference of normal in vivo knee kinematics for prosthetic and orthotic design and for knee biomechanical model development and validation.
Add-on Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Japanese Patients Treated with Entecavir
Authors: Tamai Hideyuki , Ida Yoshiyuki , Shingaki Naoki , Shimizu Ryo , Fukatsu Kazuhiro , Itonaga Masahiro , Yoshida Takeichi , Maeda Yoshimasa , Moribata Kosaku , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Kato Jun , Kitano Masayuki
Published: April 2017

Entecavir requires long-term administration. Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy leads to significant reduction of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) levels. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of adding PEG-IFN-α-2a to entecavir toward cessation of entecavir. A total of 23 patients treated with entecavir underwent add-on PEG-IFN-α-2a therapy (90 μg per week) for 48 weeks. Viral response (VR) was defined as more than 50% reduction of baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) level at 72 weeks from the start of therapy. Complete response (CR) was defined as the decline of HBs Ag levels <100 IU/mL. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBe Ag) seroconversion rate was 25% (2/8), and VR rate was 52% (12/23). CR was observed in four patients (17%). However, CR rate in baseline HBs Ag level <2000 IU/mL and HBe Ag negative patients was 50% (4/8). Univariate analysis showed that the percentage of HBs Ag level reduction at week 12 was significantly associated with VR. The area under the curve value was 0.848. Adding PEG-IFN-α-2a to entecavir has limited efficacy. The percentage reduction of HBs Ag level at week 12 may be a useful predictor for VR.
Theoretical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of a Rail Damper to Minimize Short‐Pitch Rail Corrugation
Authors: Zhao Caiyou , Wang Ping , Sheng Xi , Meng Duo
Published: April 2017

The Cologne‐egg fastening systems applied in metro lines, which can be subjected to rail corrugation, are considered in this paper. To understand the mechanism of the formation and development of rail corrugation, dynamic models of the wheel and the track with Cologne‐egg fastening system in the frequency domain are developed to analyse the wheel and track vibration behaviour. A field test is also analysed to verify the validity of the mechanism. Using these experimental and theoretical results, the vibration mode of the rail that is responsible for rail corrugation is determined. Based on the results, a novel rail damper that can suppress the track pinned‐pinned resonance and smooth the track receptance is presented to minimize short‐pitch rail corrugation. It is ultimately found from theoretical simulation and experimental investigation that the application of the rail damper is a long‐term and effective method of controlling short‐pitch rail corrugation in metro lines.
Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertension Resulting from Fructose Enriched Diet in Wistar Rats
Authors: Dupas Julie , Feray Annie , Goanvec Christelle , Guernec Anthony , Samson Nolwenn , Bougaran Pauline , Guerrero François , Mansourati Jacques
Published: April 2017

Increased sugar consumption, especially fructose, is strongly related to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate long term effects of fructose supplementation on Wistar rats. Three-week-old male rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control (C;n=14) and fructose fed (FF;n=18), with a fructose enriched drink (20–25% w/v fructose in water) for 21 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, fasting glycemia, and bodyweight were regularly measured. Glucose tolerance was evaluated three times using an oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin levels were measured concomitantly and insulin resistance markers were evaluated (HOMA 2-IR, Insulin Sensitivity Index for glycemia (ISI-gly)). Lipids profile was evaluated on plasma. This fructose supplementation resulted in the early induction of hypertension without renal failure (stable theoretical creatinine clearance) and in the progressive development of fasting hyperglycemia and insulin resistance (higher HOMA 2-IR, lower ISI-gly) without modification of glucose tolerance. FF rats presented dyslipidemia (higher plasma triglycerides) and early sign of liver malfunction (higher liver weight). Although abdominal fat weight was increased in FF rats, no significant overweight was found. In Wistar rats, 21 weeks of fructose supplementation induced a metabolic syndrome (hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia) but not T2D.
Do Routine Preoperative and Intraoperative Urine Cultures Benefit Pediatric Vesicoureteral Reflux Surgery?
Authors: Hettel Daniel R. , Gill Bradley C. , Rhee Audrey C.
Published: April 2017

Objective. To determine if routine preoperative and intraoperative urine cultures (UCx) are necessary in pediatric vesicoureteral (VUR) reflux surgery by identifying their association with each other, preoperative symptoms, and surgical outcomes.Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of patients undergoing ureteral reimplant(s) for primary VUR at a tertiary academic medical center between years 2000 and 2014 was done. Preoperative UCx were defined as those within 30 days before surgery. A positive culture was defined as >50,000 colony forming units of a single organism.Results. A total of 185 patients were identified and 87/185 (47.0%) met inclusion criteria. Of those, 39/87 (45%) completed a preoperative UCx. Only 3/39 (8%) preoperative cultures returned positive, and all of those patients were preoperatively symptomatic. No preoperatively asymptomatic patients had positive preoperative cultures. Intraoperative cultures were obtained in 21/87 (24.1%) patients; all were negative. No associations were found between preoperative culture results and intraoperative cultures or between culture result and postoperative complications.Conclusions. In asymptomatic patients, no associations were found between the completion of a preoperative or intraoperative UCx and surgical outcomes, suggesting that not all patients may require preoperative screening. Children presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) prior to ureteral reimplantation may benefit from preoperative UCx.
SACA: Self-Aware Communication Architecture for IoT Using Mobile Fog Servers
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Lim Jae Deok , Kim Jeong Nyeo , You Ilsun
Published: April 2017

Internet of things (IoT) aims at bringing together large business enterprise solutions and architectures for handling the huge amount of data generated by millions of devices. For this aim, IoT is necessary to connect various devices and provide a common platform for storage and retrieval of information without fail. However, the success of IoT depends on the novelty of network and its capability in sustaining the increasing demand by users. In this paper, a self-aware communication architecture (SACA) is proposed for sustainable networking over IoT devices. The proposed approach employs the concept of mobile fog servers which make relay using the train and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks. The problem is presented based on Wald’s maximum model, which is resolved by the application of a distributed node management (DNM) system and state dependency formulations. The proposed approach is capable of providing prolonged connectivity by increasing the network reliability and sustainability even in the case of failures. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical and network simulations in terms of significant gains attained with lesser delay and fewer packet losses. The proposed approach is also evaluated against Sybil, wormhole, and DDoS attacks for analyzing its sustainability and probability of connectivity in unfavorable conditions.
Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide Prevents Hematopoietic Stem Cells Senescence in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mouse Model
Authors: Mu Xinyi , Zhang Yanyan , Li Jing , Xia Jieyu , Chen Xiongbin , Jing Pengwei , Song Xiaoying , Wang Lu , Wang Yaping
Published: April 2017

Age-related regression in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/HPCs) limits replenishment of the blood and immune system and hence contributes to hematopoietic diseases and declined immunity. In this study, we employed D-gal-induced aging mouse model and observed the antiaging effects of Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide (ASP), a major active ingredient in dong quai (Chinese Angelica Sinensis), on the Sca-1+ HSC/HPCs in vivo. ASP treatment prevents HSC/HPCs senescence with decreased AGEs levels in the serum, reduced SA-β-Gal positive cells, and promoted CFU-Mix formation in the D-gal administrated mouse. We further found that multiple mechanisms were involved: (1) ASP treatment prevented oxidative damage as total antioxidant capacity was increased and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), 8-OHdG, and 4-HNE were declined, (2) ASP reduced the expression of γ-H2A.X which is a DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) marker and decreased the subsequent ectopic expressions of effectors in p16Ink4a-RB and p19Arf-p21Cip1/Waf senescent pathways, and (3) ASP inhibited the excessive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in aged HSC/HPCs, as the expressions of β-catenin, phospho-GSK-3β, and TCF-4 were decreased, and the cyto-nuclear translocation of β-catenin was inhibited. Moreover, compared with the positive control of Vitamin E, ASP exhibited a better antiaging effect and a weaker antioxidation ability, suggesting a novel protective role of ASP in the hematopoietic system.
Effect of Drop Foot on Spatiotemporal, Kinematic, and Kinetic Parameters during Gait
Authors: Wiszomirska Ida , Błażkiewicz Michalina , Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna , Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka Grażyna , Wit Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Background. The complexity of the structure and function of a living body can be affected by disorders and can cause various dysfunctions. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine compensatory mechanisms in subjects with drop foot during gait. Methods. The study evaluated 10 subjects with drop foot (DF) whose results were compared to a group of 10 healthy controls (C). Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters during the gait cycle were collected using Vicon system synchronized with Kistler platforms. Results. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters were significantly different between the analysed groups. In the DF group, the subjects walked almost 47% slower and performed 60% less steps per minute compared to the C group. The main problem in the DF group was insufficient ankle dorsiflexion in the 0–10% of the gait cycle. Mean values in the groups during the first 10% of the gait cycle were as follows: DF (−10.42 ± 5.7°) and C (−2.37 ± 1.47°), which affected the substantial differences in the values of muscle torque: DF (0.2 ± 0.1 Nm/kg) and C (−0.26 ± 0.06 Nm/kg). Conclusions. Comparative analysis for joint angles and torques demonstrated that the mechanism of compensation is the most noticeable in the knee joint and less in the hip joint.
Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia due to Impaired Renal Tubular Calcium Excretion in a Type 2 Diabetic Patient
Authors: Yang Sihao , Ren Yan , Li Xi , Tian Haoming , An Zhenmei , Chen Tao
Published: April 2017

The case we presented here was a 73-year-old gentleman, who was admitted to endocrinology department due to recurrent fatigue for 1 year. He had medical histories of type 2 diabetes for 18 years and developed CKD 4 years ago. He also suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease, moderate sleep apnea syndrome, primary hypothyroidism, and gout. His treatment regimen was complicated which included Caltrate D and compound α-keto acid (1200 mg calcium/d). Laboratory examination revealed that his serum calcium level elevated, 24-hour urine calcium output decreased, PTH level was suppressed, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D was in normal low range. No other specific abnormalities were found in serum bone turnover markers, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and bone scintigraphy. The diagnosis was suggested to be hypocalciuric hypercalcemia but was different from familial or acquired hypocalciuric hypercalcemia which were featured by elevated PTH level. The patient was asked to restrict calcium intake and to take diuretics; then his serum calcium level gradually lowered. In brief, patients with CKD could present with hypocalciuric hypercalcemia due to impaired renal calcium excretion. In this case, calcium restriction should be applied for treatment.
Genome-Wide Identification ofbZIPFamily Genes Involved in Drought and Heat Stresses in Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Authors: Wang Xiao-Long , Chen Xinlu , Yang Tian-Bao , Cheng Qunkang , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: April 2017

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) genes are known to play a crucial role in response to various processes in plant as well as abiotic or biotic stress challenges. We have performed an identification and characterization of 50bZIPgenes across the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) genome, which were divided into 10 clades according to the phylogenetic relationship of the strawberry bZIP proteins with those inArabidopsisand rice. Five categories of intron patterns were observed within basic and hinge regions of the bZIP domains. Some additional conserved motifs have been found with the group specificity. Further, we predicted DNA-binding specificity of the basic and hinge regions as well as dimerization properties of leucine zipper regions, which was consistent with our phylogenetic clade and classified into 20 subfamilies. Across the different developmental stages of 15 organs and two types of fruits, the clade AbZIPmembers showed different tissue-specific expression patterns and the duplicated genes were differentially regulated, indicating a functional diversification coupled with the expansion of this gene family in strawberry. Under normal growth conditions,mrna11837andmrna30280of clade A showed very weak expression levels in organs and fruits, respectively; but higher expression was observed with different set of genes following drought and heat treatment, which may be caused by the separate response pathway between drought and heat treatments.
Etiological and Resistance Profile of Bacteria Involved in Urinary Tract Infections in Young Children
Authors: Sorlózano-Puerto Antonio , Gómez-Luque José María , Luna-del-Castillo Juan de Dios , Navarro-Marí José María , Gutiérrez-Fernández José
Published: April 2017

Background.The objective of this study was to identify the bacteria most frequently responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI) in the population of under-2-year-olds in our geographic area and to evaluate the activity of antibiotics widely used for UTI treatment during a 4-year study period.Materials and Methods.A retrospective analysis was conducted of data on the identification and susceptibility of microorganisms isolated in urine samples from children under 2 years of age.Results.A total of 1,045 uropathogens were isolated.Escherichia coliaccounted for the majority (60.3%) of these, followed byEnterococcus faecalis(22.4%) andKlebsiellaspp. (6.5%). The highestE. colisusceptibility rates (>90%) were to piperacillin-tazobactam, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, imipenem, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin, and the lowest were to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cotrimoxazole. Among all bacteria isolated, we highlight the overall high activity of piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin against both community and hospital isolates and the reduced activity of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalosporins, gentamicin, and cotrimoxazole. There was no significant change in the total activity of any of the studied antibiotics over the 4-year study period.Conclusion.Empiric treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cotrimoxazole, cephalosporins, and gentamicin may be inadequate due to their limited activity against uropathogens in our setting.
Research of Microorganism Corrosion Properties of 2024-T31 Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy in Oil-Water System
Authors: Cui Yan-yu , Li Jia , Ding Qing-miao
Published: April 2017

The surface analysis techniques and chemical technical means (polarization curves and AC impedance technique) were applied to research the corrosion characteristics of microorganisms SRB of 2024-T31 aluminum-magnesium alloy in the oil-water system, and the corrosion mechanism was finally analyzed. The results showed that SRB accelerate the corrosion process and cause uneven pitting on the surface of the metal matrix. Passive and biological films control the corrosion of the metal substrate in bacterial oil-water system. In the initial stage of immersion, a loose and uneven biofilm formed on the surface of substrate which accelerated its corrosion. In the midterm, the effect of biofilm gradually weakened while the protective effect of the passive film grew more insistently; the rate of corrosion slowed down. In the later period, localized corrosion cell of large cathode/small anode formed on the surface of the substrate which accelerates the corrosion.