bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental variation enables invasions of environmental opportunist pathogens
Authors: Anttila Jani , Laakso Jouni , Kaitala Veijo , Ruokolainen Lasse
Published: October 2015

Emerging infectious diseases are a persistent threat to humans and food production but the mechanisms promoting the emergence of novel pathogens are not fully understood. The widely discussed explanations for pathogen emergence include range shifts, coincidental evolution of virulence, and host immunity variation. Here we propose a novel mechanism of virulence evolution that relies on environmental variability. Our model combines an environmental community experiencing random or periodic variability, to a classical SIR epidemiological model. We assume that environmentally growing, potentially infective variants arise at low frequency from a resident, non‐infective (benign microbial) strain through random variation on genetic material. We found that environmental perturbations commonly promote establishment of sporadic infections or persistent epidemics, by creating transient periods of low competition, which can in turn be exploited by an infective strain. Given the ubiquitous nature of potentially pathogenic environmental micro‐organisms and environmental variability, this mechanism provides a plausible explanation for emerging diseases.
The Beothukis/Culmofrons problem and its bearing on Ediacaran macrofossil taxonomy: evidence from an exceptional new fossil locality
Authors: Liu Alexander G. , Matthews Jack J. , McIlroy Duncan
Published: October 2015

The late Ediacaran siliciclastic successions of eastern Newfoundland, Canada, are renowned for their fossils of soft‐bodied macro‐organisms, which may include some of the earliest animals. Despite the potential importance of such fossils for evolutionary understanding, the taxonomic framework within which Ediacaran macrofossils are described is not clearly defined. Rangeomorphs from a newly discovered fossil surface on the Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland, require us to reconsider contemporary use of morphological characters to distinguish between genera and species within Ediacaran taxa. The new surface exhibits remarkable preservational fidelity, resolving features smaller than 0.1 mm in dimension in both frondose and non‐frondose taxa. Such preservation permits the recognition of rarely observed fourth‐ and fifth‐order rangeomorph branching, offering unparalleled opportunities to investigate the fine‐scale construction of rangeomorph taxa including Culmofrons plumosa Laflamme et al., 2012. Our observations enable resolution of taxonomic issues relating to rangeomorphs, specifically overlap between the diagnoses of the frondose genera Beothukis Brasier and Antcliffe, 2009 and Culmofrons. We propose a taxonomic framework for all Ediacaran macrofossils whereby gross architecture, the presence/absence of discrete morphological characters and consideration of growth programme are used to distinguish genera, whereas morphometric or continuous characters define taxa at the species level. On the basis of its morphological characters, Culmofrons plumosa is herein synonymized to a species (Beothukis plumosa comb. nov.) within the genus Beothukis. This discussion emphasizes the need to standardize the taxonomic approach used to describe Ediacaran macrofossil taxa at both the genus and species levels, and raises important considerations for future formulation of higher‐level taxonomic groups.
Analysis of the sodium chloride‐dependent respiratory kinetics of wheat mitochondria reveals differential effects on phosphorylating and non‐phosphorylating electron transport pathways
Authors: Jacoby R. P. , Che‐Othman M. H. , Millar A. H. , Taylor N. L.
Published: October 2015

A number of previous studies have documented the gross response of mitochondrial respiration to salinity treatment, but it is unclear how NaCl directly affects the kinetics of plant phosphorylating and non‐phosphorylating electron transport pathways. This study investigates the direct effects of NaCl upon different respiratory pathways in wheat, by measuring rates of isolated mitochondrial oxygen consumption across different substrate oxidation pathways in saline media. We also profile the abundance of respiratory proteins by using targeted selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry of mitochondria isolated from control and salt‐treated wheat plants. We show that all pathways of electron transport were inhibited by NaCl concentrations above 400 mM; however electron transfer chains showed divergent responses to NaCl concentrations between 0 and 200 mM. Stimulation of oxygen consumption was measured in response to NaCl in scenarios where exogenous NADH was provided as substrate and electron flow was coupled to the generation of a proton gradient across the inner membrane. Protein abundance measurements show that several enzymes with activities less affected by NaCl are induced by salinity, whereas enzymes with activities inhibited by NaCl are depleted. These data deepen our understanding of how plant respiration responds to NaCl, offering new mechanistic explanations for the divergent salinity responses of whole‐plant respiratory rate in the literature.
Causal Exclusion and Causal Bayes Nets
Authors: Gebharter Alexander
Published: October 2015

In this paper I reconstruct and evaluate the validity of two versions of causal exclusion arguments within the theory of causal Bayes nets. I argue that supervenience relations formally behave like causal relations. If this is correct, then it turns out that both versions of the exclusion argument are valid when assuming the causal Markov condition and the causal minimality condition. I also investigate some consequences for the recent discussion of causal exclusion arguments in the light of an interventionist theory of causation such as Woodward's () and discuss a possible objection to my causal Bayes net reconstruction.
A novel HLA allele, HLA‐A*29:01:08, identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Fabreti‐Oliveira R. A. , Oliveira C. K. F. , Vale E. M. G. , Nascimento E.
Published: October 2015

HLA‐A*29:01:08 differs from A*29:01:01:01 by a single synonymous substitution at position 519, codon 149 GCG→GCA in exon 3.
A Numerical Model to Study the Role of Surface Textures at Top Dead Center Reversal in the Piston Ring to Cylinder Liner Contact
Authors: Morris N. , Rahmani R. , Rahnejat H. , King P. D. , Howell-Smith S.
Published: October 2015

Minimization of parasitic losses in the internal combustion (IC) engine is essential for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Surface texturing has emerged as a method palliating these losses in instances where thin lubricant films lead to mixed or boundary regimes of lubrication. Such thin films are prevalent in contact of compression ring to cylinder liner at piston motion reversals because of momentary cessation of entraining motion. The paper provides combined solution of Reynolds equation, boundary interactions, and a gas flow model to predict the tribological conditions, particularly at piston reversals. This model is then validated against measurements using a floating liner for determination of in situ friction of an engine under motored condition. Very good agreement is obtained. The validated model is then used to ascertain the effect of surface texturing of the liner surface during reversals. Therefore, the paper is a combined study of numerical predictions and the effect of surface texturing. The predictions show that some marginal gains in engine performance can be expected with laser textured chevron features of shallow depth under certain operating conditions.
Sustainable Engineering in the Global Energy Sector
Authors: Wong Kaufui Vincent
Published: October 2015

The current age is one in dire need of teaching engineers of all branches about sustainability. The principle is that engineering choices have to be decided in the framework of constraints related to energy and materials and decreasing wastes. The federal government would be the most appropriate entity to take actions to drive the burgeoning of sustainable energy technologies. Coal is the most popular fuel globally used with the Rankine cycle for electric power generation. Most of the electric power produced in the world is generated via the Rankine cycle. One of the most efficient simple thermodynamic cycles for electric power generation currently is the gas cycle using natural gas, with the additional potential to decouple the energy sector from the water sector. The combined gas and Rankine cycle is an even more efficient cycle to generate electric power, but then couples the energy sector again to the water sector. Carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas with the longest half-life, is still produced with the gas turbine cycle, but to a lesser degree than the Rankine cycle using coal. The main components of the sustainability aspects of the energy sector are outlined. A number of themes related to sustainability in the energy sector are also presented.
Morphology, composition and electrical properties of SnO2:Cl thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Cheng Hsyi-En , Wen Chia-Hui , Hsu Ching-Ming
Published: October 2015

Chlorine doped SnO2 thin films were prepared using atomic layer deposition at temperatures between 300 and 450 °C using SnCl4 and H2O as the reactants. Composition, structure, surface morphology, and electrical properties of the as-deposited films were examined. Results showed that the as-deposited SnO2 films all exhibited rutile structure with [O]/[Sn] ratios between 1.35 and 1.40. The electrical conductivity was found independent on [O]/[Sn] ratio but dependent on chlorine doping concentration, grain size, and surface morphology. The 300 °C-deposited film performed a higher electrical conductivity of 315 S/cm due to its higher chlorine doping level, larger grain size, and smoother film surface. The existence of Sn2+ oxidation state was demonstrated to minimize the effects of chlorine on raising the electrical conductivity of films.
Reciprocal measurement of acoustic feedback paths in hearing aids
Authors: Sankowsky-Rothe Tobias , Blau Matthias , Schepker Henning , Doclo Simon
Published: October 2015

A reciprocal measurement procedure to measure the acoustic feedback path in hearing aids is investigated. The advantage of the reciprocal measurement compared to the direct measurement is a significantly reduced sound pressure in the ear. The direct and reciprocal measurements are compared using measurements on a dummy head with adjustable ear canals, different earmolds, and variations in the outer sound field. The results show that the reciprocal measurement procedure can be used to obtain plausible feedback paths, while reducing the sound pressure in the ear canal by 30 to 40 dB.
NIH debates human-animal chimeras
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2015

Grant to add human cells to animal embryos is delayed.
Virtual rat brain fails to impress its critics
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: October 2015

The Blue Brain Project publishes its simulation of 30,000 neurons.
First modern humans in China
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: October 2015

Contemporary-looking teeth found in cave suggest that
Homo sapiens
left Africa much earlier than expected.
DNA's repair tricks win chemistry's top prize
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: October 2015

Experiments showed how enzymes keep mutations from wrecking the molecule of life.
A skin-inspired organic digital mechanoreceptor
Authors: Tee Benjamin C.-K. , Chortos Alex , Berndt Andre , Nguyen Amanda Kim , Tom Ariane , McGuire Allister , Lin Ziliang Carter , Tien Kevin , Bae Won-Gyu , Wang Huiliang , Mei Ping , Chou Ho-Hsiu , Cui Bianxiao , Deisseroth Karl , Ng Tse Nga , Bao Zhenan
Published: October 2015

Sensing the force digitally

Our skin provides us with a flexible waterproof barrier, but it also contains a sensor array that feels the world around us. This array provides feedback and helps us to avoid a hot object or increase the strength of our grip on an object that may be slipping away. Tee
et al.
describe an approach to simulate the mechanoreceptors of human skin, using pressure-sensitive foils and printed ring oscillators (see the Perspective by Anikeeva and Koppes). The sensor successfully converted pressure into a digital response in a pressure range comparable to that found in a human grip.

Science
, this issue p.
313
; see also p.
274
Panoramix enforces piRNA-dependent cotranscriptional silencing
Authors: Yu Yang , Gu Jiaqi , Jin Ying , Luo Yicheng , Preall Jonathan B. , Ma Jinbiao , Czech Benjamin , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: October 2015

A Gaulish partner in silencing transposons

Small noncoding piRNAs protect animal germline genomes from devastating mutation and rearrangement caused by transposons. In fruit fly ovaries, piRNAs bind to Piwi proteins, and together they are required for the recognition and silencing of these parasitic DNA elements. Yu
et al.
show that the gene Panoramix acts downstream of the piRNA-driven recognition of transposons to silence their transcription. Panoramix does this by binding newly synthesized transposon RNAs.

Science
, this issue p.
339
A Novel Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
Type XI Primer for Detection of
mecC
-Harboring Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Directly from Screening Specimens
Authors: Petersdorf Sabine , Herma Miriam , Rosenblatt Meike , Layer Franziska , Henrich Birgit
Published: October 2015

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) screening using real-time PCR has decreased in sensitivity due to the emergence of variant staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
) types. We have designed and validated a novel SCC
mec
XI primer, which enables for the first time the rapid detection of
mecC
-harboring MRSA directly from nasopharyngeal swabs without prior cultivation.
Critical Role of K1685 and K1829 in the Large Protein of Rabies Virus in Viral Pathogenicity and Immune Evasion
Authors: Tian Dayong , Luo Zhaochen , Zhou Ming , Li Mingming , Yu Lan , Wang Chong , Yuan Jiaolong , Li Fang , Tian Bin , Sui Baokun , Chen Huanchun , Fu Zhen F. , Zhao Ling
Published: October 2015

Rabies, one of the oldest infectious diseases, still presents a public health threat in most parts of the world today. Its pathogen, rabies virus (RABV), can utilize its viral proteins, such as the nucleoprotein and phosphorylation protein, to subvert the host innate immune system. For a long time, the large (L) protein was believed to be essential for RABV transcription and replication, but its role in viral pathogenicity and immune evasion was not known. Recent studies have found that the conserved K-D-K-E tetrad motif in the L protein is related to the methyltransferase (MTase) activity in the viral mRNA process. In the present study, a series of RABV mutations in this motif was constructed with the recombinant CVS-B2c (rB2c) virus. Two of these mutants, rB2c-K1685A and rB2c-K1829A, were found to be stable and displayed an attenuated phenotype in both
in vitro
growth and
in vivo
pathogenicity in adult and suckling mice. Further studies demonstrated that these two mutants were more sensitive to the expression of the interferon-stimulated gene product IFIT2 than the parent virus. Taken together, our results suggest that K1685 and K1829 in the L protein play important roles in pathogenicity and immune evasion during RABV infection.

IMPORTANCE
Rabies continues to present a public health threat in most areas of the world, especially in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. The pathogenic mechanisms for rabies are not well understood. In the present study, it was found that the recombinant rabies viruses rB2c-K1685A and rB2c-K1829A, carrying mutations at the predicted MTase catalytic sites in the L protein, were highly attenuated both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Further studies showed that these mutants were more sensitive to the expression of the interferon-stimulated gene product IFIT2 than the parent virus. These findings improve our understanding of rabies pathogenesis, which may help in developing potential therapeutics and an avirulent rabies vaccine.
Primary cutaneous myxoid spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma: a rare skin cancer
Authors: Harris Carla Natalie , Green Ruth , Khan Irfan
Published: October 2015

A 72-year-old woman presented to the plastic surgery outpatient department with a nodular lesion to her shin. This nodule had increased in size, but was slow growing. The patient had a history of sun-damaged skin. On visual examination, the lesion was thought to be a naevus or basal cell carcinoma. The nodule was excised. Histologically, the lesion was classified as a primary cutaneous myxoid spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma. Currently, there is only one other paper that describes this rare skin cancer. As a result of the histological findings, the lesion margin was further excised. The wound failed to heal as expected due to the patient developing a methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfection. She is currently being closely monitored due to the unknown pathway the carcinoma may take.
Plyometric exercise combined with high-intensity interval training improves metabolic abnormalities in young obese females more so than interval training alone
Authors: Racil Ghazi , Zouhal Hassane , Elmontassar Wassim , Abderrahmane Abderraouf Ben , De Sousa Maysa Vieira , Chamari Karim , Amri Mohamed , Coquart Jeremy B.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the effects of 12 weeks of plyometric exercise combined with HIIT (P+HIIT) on anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness data in young obese females. Sixty-eight participants (age, 16.6 ± 1.3 y; body mass, 82.8 ± 5.0 kg; body fat, 39.4% ± 3.3%; body mass index z score, 2.9 ± 0.4) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 blocks per session of 6–8 bouts of 30-s runs at 100% velocity at peak oxygen uptake, with 30-s active recovery between bouts at 50%velocity at peak oxygen uptake (n = 23)); P+HIIT (2 blocks per session of 3 different 15-s plyometric exercises with 15-s passive recoveries, totaling 2 min for each plyometric exercise + the same HIIT program (n = 26)); or control (no exercise (n = 19)). Anthropometric (body mass, body mass index z score, body fat, lean body mass, and waist circumference), biochemical (plasma glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, leptin/adiponectin ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), physical fitness (peak oxygen uptake, velocity at peak oxygen uptake, squat jump, and countermovement jump performances), and energy intake data were collected. Both training programs improved the anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness variables. However, the P+HIIT program induced greater improvements than did the HIIT program in lean body mass (+3.0% ± 1.7%), plasma glucose and leptin concentrations (–11.0% ± 4.7% and –23.8% ± 5.8%, respectively), plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio (–40.9% ± 10.9%), HOMA-IR (–37.3% ± 6.2%), and squat jump performance (22.2% ± 7.5%). Taken together, these findings suggest that adding plyometric exercises to a HIIT program may be more beneficial than HIIT alone in obese female adolescents.
Multi-Output Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System for Protein Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Nguyen Thanh , Khosravi Abbas , Creighton Douglas , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: October 2015

A new multi-output interval type-2 fuzzy logic system (MOIT2FLS) is introduced for protein secondary structure prediction in this paper. Three outputs of the MOIT2FLS correspond to three structure classes including helix, strand (sheet) and coil. Quantitative properties of amino acids are employed to characterize twenty amino acids rather than the widely used computationally expensive binary encoding scheme. Three clustering tasks are performed using the adaptive vector quantization method to construct an equal number of initial rules for each type of secondary structure. Genetic algorithm is applied to optimally adjust parameters of the MOIT2FLS. The genetic fitness function is designed based on the Q3 measure. Experimental results demonstrate the dominance of the proposed approach against the traditional methods that are Chou-Fasman method, Garnier-Osguthorpe-Robson method, and artificial neural network models.
Development of understanding of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic chondrichthyan fossil record
Authors: Underwood Charlie , Ward David , Guinot Guillaume
Published: October 2015

Fossils of post-Palaeozoic sharks and rays are common and well known, and have been extensively studied. Early studies, especially the monographic works of Agassiz and Smith Woodward, described species based on macroscopic remains of isolated teeth, fin spines and rostral ‘teeth’ as well as rare specimens of articulated skeletons and skulls. This material was obtained from a range of sources but especially from commercial collectors in Britain and mainland Europe. Additional research over subsequent decades also concentrated on large specimens, giving a very biased perception of the chondrichthyan record. The use of large-scale bulk sampling in the latter part of the twentieth century revealed a previously unknown wealth of small fossils, especially teeth, and vastly improved knowledge of ancient sharks and rays. Widening use of these techniques to obtain small specimens has led to a dramatic increase in the fossil taxa known. In addition, reassessment of previously known taxa has allowed generic diversity of some clades to be appreciated. Detailed work on skeletal anatomy, in part aided by new non-destructive methods, continues to improve knowledge of shark and ray diversity, phylogeny and radiation.
Impact of blood pressure perturbations on arterial stiffness
Authors: Lim Jisok , Pearman Miriam E. , Park Wonil , Alkatan Mohammed , Machin Daniel R. , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: October 2015

Although the associations between chronic levels of arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) have been fairly well studied, it is not clear whether and how much arterial stiffness is influenced by acute perturbations in BP. The primary aim of this study was to determine magnitudes of BP dependence of various measures of arterial stiffness during acute BP perturbation maneuvers. Fifty apparently healthy subjects, including 25 young (20–40 yr) and 25 older adults (60–80 yr), were studied. A variety of BP perturbations, including head-up tilt, head-down tilt, mental stress, isometric handgrip exercise, and cold pressor test, were used to encompass BP changes induced by physical, mental, and/or mechanical stimuli. When each index of arterial stiffness was plotted with mean BP, all arterial stiffness indices, including cardio-ankle vascular index or CAVI ( r = 0.50), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity or cfPWV ( r = 0.51), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity or baPWV ( r = 0.61), arterial compliance ( r = −0.42), elastic modulus ( r = 0.52), arterial distensibility ( r = −0.32), β-stiffness index ( r = 0.19), and Young's modulus ( r = 0.35) were related to mean BP (all P < 0.01). Changes in CAVI, cfPWV, baPWV, and elastic modulus were significantly associated with changes in mean BP in the pooled conditions, while changes in arterial compliance, arterial distensibility, β-stiffness index, and Young's modulus were not. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that BP changes in response to various forms of pressor stimuli were associated with the corresponding changes in arterial stiffness indices and that the strengths of associations with BP varied widely depending on what arterial stiffness indices were examined.
Type 1 cannabinoid receptor modulates water deprivation-induced homeostatic responses
Authors: Ruginsk Silvia G. , Vechiato Fernanda M. V. , Uchoa Ernane T. , Elias Lucila L. K. , Antunes-Rodrigues Jose
Published: October 2015

The present study investigated the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) as a potential candidate to mediate the homeostatic responses triggered by 24 h of water deprivation, which constitutes primarily a hydroelectrolytic challenge and also significantly impacts energy homeostasis. The present results demonstrated for the first time that CB1R mRNA expression is increased in the hypothalamus of water-deprived (WD) rats. Furthermore, the administration of ACEA, a CB1R selective agonist, potentiated WD-induced dipsogenic effect, whereas AM251, a CB1R antagonist, attenuated not only water but also salt intake in response to WD. In parallel with the modulation of thirst and salt appetite, we confirmed that CB1Rs are essential for the development of appropriated neuroendocrine responses. Although the administration of ACEA or AM251 did not produce any effects on WD-induced arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, oxytocin (OXT) plasma concentrations were significantly decreased in WD rats treated with ACEA. At the genomic level, ACEA significantly decreased AVP and OXT mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of WD rats, whereas AM251 potentiated both basal and WD-induced stimulatory effects on the transcription of AVP and OXT genes. In addition, we showed that water deprivation alone upregulated proopiomelanocortin, Agouti-related peptide, melanin-concentrating hormone, and orexin A mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, and that CB1Rs regulate main central peptidergic pathways controlling food intake, being that most of these effects were also significantly influenced by the hydration status. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CB1Rs participate in the homeostatic responses regulating fluid balance and energy homeostasis during water deprivation.
Endothelin contributes to blunted renal autoregulation observed with a high-salt diet
Authors: Fellner Robert C. , Guan Zhengrong , Cook Anthony K. , Pollock David M. , Inscho Edward W.
Published: October 2015

Autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) is an essential function of the renal microcirculation that has been previously shown to be blunted by excessive dietary salt. Endogenous endothelin 1 (ET-1) is increased following a high-salt (HS) diet and contributes to the control of RBF but the differential effects of ET-1 on renal microvessel autoregulation in response to HS remain to be established. We hypothesized that a HS diet increases endothelin receptor activation in normal Sprague-Dawley rats and blunts autoregulation of RBF. The role of ET-1 in the blunted autoregulation produced by a HS diet was assessed in vitro and in vivo using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation and anesthetized rats, respectively. Using highly selective antagonists, we observed that blockade of either ETAor ETBreceptors was sufficient to restore normal autoregulatory behavior in afferent arterioles from HS-fed rats. Additionally, normal autoregulatory behavior was restored in vivo in HS-fed rats by simultaneous ETAand ETBreceptor blockade, whereas blockade of ETBreceptors alone showed significant improvement of normal autoregulation of RBF. Consistent with this observation, autoregulation of RBF in ETBreceptor-deficient rats fed HS was similar to both ETB-deficient rats and transgenic control rats on normal-salt diets. These data support the hypothesis that endogenous ET-1, working through ETBand possibly ETAreceptors, contributes to the blunted renal autoregulatory behavior in rats fed a HS diet.
Acetazolamide during acute hypoxia improves tissue oxygenation in the human brain
Authors: Wang Kang , Smith Zachary M. , Buxton Richard B. , Swenson Erik R. , Dubowitz David J.
Published: October 2015

Low doses of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide provides accelerated acclimatization to high-altitude hypoxia and prevention of cerebral and other symptoms of acute mountain sickness. We previously observed increases in cerebral O2 metabolism (CMRO2) during hypoxia. In this study, we investigate whether low-dose oral acetazolamide (250 mg) reduces this elevated CMRO2 and in turn might improve cerebral tissue oxygenation (PtiO2) during acute hypoxia. Six normal human subjects were exposed to 6 h of normobaric hypoxia with and without acetazolamide prophylaxis. We determined CMRO2 and cerebral PtiO2 from MRI measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral venous O2 saturation. During normoxia, low-dose acetazolamide resulted in no significant change in CBF, CMRO2, or PtiO2. During hypoxia, we observed increases in CBF [48.5 (SD 12.4) (normoxia) to 65.5 (20.4) ml·100 ml−1·min−1 (hypoxia), P < 0.05] and CMRO2 [1.54 (0.19) to 1.79 (0.25) μmol·ml−1·min−1, P < 0.05] and a dramatic decline in PtiO2 [25.0 to 11.4 (2.7) mmHg, P < 0.05]. Acetazolamide prophylaxis mitigated these rises in CBF [53.7 (20.7) ml·100 ml−1·min−1 (hypoxia + acetazolamide)] and CMRO2 [1.41 (0.09) μmol·ml−1·min−1 (hypoxia + acetazolamide)] associated with acute hypoxia but also reduced O2 delivery [6.92 (1.45) (hypoxia) to 5.60 (1.14) mmol/min (hypoxia + acetazolamide), P < 0.05]. The net effect was improved cerebral tissue PtiO2 during acute hypoxia [11.4 (2.7) (hypoxia) to 16.5 (3.0) mmHg (hypoxia + acetazolamide), P < 0.05]. In addition to its renal effect, low-dose acetazolamide is effective at the capillary endothelium, and we hypothesize that local interruption in cerebral CO2 excretion accounts for the improvements in CMRO2 and ultimately in cerebral tissue oxygenation during hypoxia. This study suggests a potentially pivotal role of cerebral CO2 and pH in modulating CMRO2 and PtiO2 during acute hypoxia.
Long-term training modifies the modular structure and organization of walking balance control
Authors: Sawers Andrew , Allen Jessica L. , Ting Lena H.
Published: October 2015

How does long-term training affect the neural control of movements? Here we tested the hypothesis that long-term training leading to skilled motor performance alters muscle coordination during challenging, as well as nominal everyday motor behaviors. Using motor module (a.k.a., muscle synergy) analyses, we identified differences in muscle coordination patterns between professionally trained ballet dancers (experts) and untrained novices that accompanied differences in walking balance proficiency assessed using a challenging beam-walking test. During beam walking, we found that experts recruited more motor modules than novices, suggesting an increase in motor repertoire size. Motor modules in experts had less muscle coactivity and were more consistent than in novices, reflecting greater efficiency in muscle output. Moreover, the pool of motor modules shared between beam and overground walking was larger in experts compared with novices, suggesting greater generalization of motor module function across multiple behaviors. These differences in motor output between experts and novices could not be explained by differences in kinematics, suggesting that they likely reflect differences in the neural control of movement following years of training rather than biomechanical constraints imposed by the activity or musculoskeletal structure and function. Our results suggest that to learn challenging new behaviors, we may take advantage of existing motor modules used for related behaviors and sculpt them to meet the demands of a new behavior.
Shear Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Kim Heecheul , Kim Min Sook , Ko Myung Joon , Lee Young Hak
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the shear capacities of concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates as shear reinforcement. To examine the shear performance, we manufactured and tested a total of eight specimens. Test variables included the GFRP strip-width-to-spacing ratio and type of opening array. The specimen with a GFRP plate with a3×2opening array showed the highest shear strength. From the test results, the shear strength increased as the strip-width-to-strip-spacing ratio increased. Also, we used the experimental results to evaluate whether the shear strength equations of ACI 318-14 and ACI 440.1R can be applied to the design of GFRP shear reinforcement. In the results, the ACI 440 equation underestimated the experimental results more than that of ACI 318.
Application of Passivity-Based Control and Time-Frequency Representation in a Doubly Fed Induction Generator System
Authors: Liu Yingpei , Liang Haiping
Published: October 2015

In order to improve the performance of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) system, we put forward a high performance nonlinear passivity-based control (PBC) method on DFIG. Firstly, we build a PBC mathematical model for DFIG. We design the passive controller for the inner loop in the control system based on passivity theory. Then we calculate the rotor’s control voltages which are modulated afterwards to pulse to control the rotor side converter. The maximal wind energy capture is effectively realized. The rotor speed and DFIG currents fast track their expected values. The independent regulation of the stator active power and reactive power is achieved. Finally we perform simulations to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, we employ the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) as two time-frequency representation methods to indicate that the proposed method in the paper performs well from the perspective of energy distribution in time and frequency domain.
Uncommon Variant of Type II Monteggia Fracture with Concomitant Distal Humeral Fracture
Authors: Matta Jihad F. , El Rassi George S. , Abd El Nour Hicham G. , El Asmar Rachel
Published: October 2015

Monteggia fracture-dislocation, a common injury sustained by pediatric population, is a rare entity in adults. It was first observed by Giovanni Battista Monteggia and later classified by Bado into 4 groups. The term “Monteggia equivalent or variant” was introduced to describe certain injuries with similar radiographic pattern and biomechanism of injury. Since then various types and their variants have been described in the literature. We present a complex fracture pattern in a 55-year-old male not previously described in the literature along with its treatment modality and favorable outcome.
Real-Time Connection Monitoring of Ubiquitous Networks for Intrusion Prediction: A SequentialKNN Voting Approach
Authors: Kang Bokyoung , Kim Dongsoo , Kim Minsoo
Published: October 2015

In the ubiquitous network environment where numerous devices are connecting each other, it is believed that security will play an important role in overall network management. And the wireless sensor network (WSN) is commonly considered to be one of such networks prone to a wide range of attacks due to its inherent characteristics. For the sound operation of WSN, it is important to block malicious connections from the network as early as possible. This paper proposes a novel approach to real-time monitoring of network by using the sequentialKNN voting. When connection data is sequentially recorded on the log, the final result of ongoing behavior is predicted probabilistically with only partial data, which iterates consecutively as additional connection data are accumulated to the log. Once this predicted probability reaches certain preset threshold value for possible network intrusion, then we can do some preventive actions for this ongoing connection. The value of this research lies in that the eventualities are predicted at the early stage of connection with partial information available. Since the prediction uses sequentialKNN voting, the accuracy of our approach can be even more enhanced as with the volume of log grows.
Current and New Approaches in GMO Detection: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Fraiture Marie-Alice , Herman Philippe , Taverniers Isabel , De Loose Marc , Deforce Dieter , Roosens Nancy H.
Published: October 2015

In many countries, genetically modified organisms (GMO) legislations have been established in order to guarantee the traceability of food/feed products on the market and to protect the consumer freedom of choice. Therefore, several GMO detection strategies, mainly based on DNA, have been developed to implement these legislations. Due to its numerous advantages, the quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the method of choice for the enforcement laboratories in GMO routine analysis. However, given the increasing number and diversity of GMO developed and put on the market around the world, some technical hurdles could be encountered with the qPCR technology, mainly owing to its inherent properties. To address these challenges, alternative GMO detection methods have been developed, allowing faster detections of single GM target (e.g., loop-mediated isothermal amplification), simultaneous detections of multiple GM targets (e.g., PCR capillary gel electrophoresis, microarray, and Luminex), more accurate quantification of GM targets (e.g., digital PCR), or characterization of partially known (e.g., DNA walking and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)) or unknown (e.g., NGS) GMO. The benefits and drawbacks of these methods are discussed in this review.
Smooth Muscle Cells of Penis in the Rat: Noninvasive Quantification with Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Zhang Jia-Jie , Qiao Xiao-Hui , Gao Feng , Bai Ming , Li Fan , Du Lian-Fang , Xing Jin-Fang
Published: October 2015

Purpose. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of cavernosum play an important role in erection. It is of great significance to quantitatively analyze the level of SMCs in penis. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) on evaluating the level of SMCs in penis quantitatively. Materials and Methods. Twenty healthy male rats were selected. The SWE imaging of penis was carried out and then immunohistochemistry analysis of penis was performed to analyze the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin in penis. The measurement index of SWE examination was tissue stiffness (TS). The measurement index of immunohistochemistry analysis was positive area percentage of alpha smooth muscle actin (AP). Results. Sixty sets of data of TS and AP were obtained. The results showed that TS was significantly correlated with AP and the correlation coefficient was −0.618 (p<0.001). The result of TS had been plotted against the AP measurements. The relation between the two results has been fitted with quadric curve; the goodness-of-fit index was 0.364 (p<0.001). Conclusions. The level of SMCs in penis was successfully quantified in vivo with SWE. SWE can be used clinically for evaluating the level of SMCs in penis quantitatively.
The Diagnosis Value of Promoter Methylation of UCHL1 in the Serum for Progression of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Gongping , Zhang Wei , Zhou Bo , Jin Canhui , Wang Zengfang , Yang Yantong , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Ye , Feng Xiaoshan
Published: October 2015

Background.Aberrant promoter methylation has been considered as a potential molecular marker for gastric cancer (GC). However, the role of methylation of FLNC, THBS1, and UCHL1 in the development and progression of GC has not been explored.Methods.The promoter methylation status of UCHL1, FLNC, THBS1, and DLEC1 was assessed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP) in the serum of 82 GC patients, 46 chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) subjects, and 40 healthy controls.Results.All four genes had significantly higher methylation levels in GC patients than in CAG and control subjects. However, only UCHL1 methylation was significantly correlated with the tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. While THBS1 methylation was altered in an age-dependent manner, FLNC methylation was correlated with differentiation andHelicobacter pyloriinfection. DLEC1 methylation was only associated with tumor size. Moreover, methylated UCHL1 with or without THBS1 in the serum was found to be significantly associated with a poor prognosis.Conclusion.The promoter methylation degree of FLNC, THBS1, UCHL1, and DLEC1 in serum could tell the existence of GC and only UCHL1 in the serum was also associated with poor prognosis of GC.
Contribution of Genetic Factors to Sjögren’s Syndrome and Sjögren’s Syndrome Related Lymphomagenesis
Authors: Nezos Adrianos , Mavragani Clio P.
Published: October 2015

We aimed to summarize the current evidence related to the contributory role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and SS-related lymphoma. Genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus previously considered conferring increased susceptibility to SS development have been also revealed as important contributors in recent genome wide association studies. Moreover, genetic variations outside the MHC locus involving genes in type I interferon pathway, NF-κB signaling, B- and T-cell function and methylation processes have been shown to be associated with both SS and SS-related lymphoma development. Appreciating the functional implications of SS-related genetic variants could provide further insights into our understanding of SS heterogeneity, allowing the design of tailored therapeutic interventions.
Effect of Malathion on Reproductive Parameters of Engorged FemaleRhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplusTicks of Punjab Districts, India
Authors: Jyoti  , Singh N. K. , Singh Harkirat , Rath S. S.
Published: October 2015

The present study was aimed at evaluating effects of malathion on the various reproductive parameters, namely, egg mass weight (EMW), reproductive index (RI), percentage inhibition of oviposition (%IO), and hatchability percentage of eggs ofRhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplus(Canestrini 1887) females from 19 districts of Punjab, India. The effect on various parameters was found to be dose dependent and more discernible upon exposure to higher concentrations. Complete cessation of egg laying was recorded in tick isolates on exposure to 5000 ppm and above. The values of %IO ranged in 4.4–68.6, 25.2–76.2, 35.6–100.0, 45.7–100.0, and 71.4–100.0 in groups treated with 1250, 2500, 5000, 10000, and 20000 ppm of malathion, respectively. A low hatching % was recorded in eggs of all treated female ticks in comparison to control treated with distilled water and complete inhibition of hatching was recorded at 10000 ppm and above. However, the survival of the hatched larvae was not affected and was similar to control group. The results of the current study can be of immense help in formulation and implementation of effective tick control measures.
The Anticandidal and Toxicity Properties of Lampranthus francisci
Authors: Moyo Batanai , Mukanganyama Stanley
Published: October 2015

Fungal infections have been rising due to the increasing number of immunocompromised patients and intensive use of some antifungal agents. Lampranthus francisci is an ornamental succulent plant. In Zimbabwe, the fresh sap from the leaves is used to treat fungal scalp infections. The activity of L. francisci fresh and dry acetone, ethanol, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts against Candida albicans and Candida krusei was determined. Mouse peritoneal cavity cells and sheep red blood cells were used to investigate L. francisci’s toxicity profile. The hydroethanolic extracts were the most effective extracts against C. albicans. The fresh ethanol extract was the most effective extract against C. krusei. The dry acetone extract, dry ethanol extract, and the fresh and dry aqueous extracts promoted the growth of C. krusei. The hydroethanolic extracts caused haemolysis of sheep cells. The hydroethanolic extracts promoted the growth of the mouse peritoneal cavity red blood cells. Both aqueous extracts increased the density of the mouse cells, but only the fresh extract increased the metabolism of the mouse cells. L. francisci has some fungicidal activity and boosts the growth of immune cells, thus validating its use in ethnomedicine. L. francisci extracts are potential leads for the isolation of immune stimulatory compounds.
Mitochondrial Genetics Regulate Breast Cancer Tumorigenicity and Metastatic Potential
Authors: Feeley Kyle P. , Bray Alexander W. , Westbrook David G. , Johnson Larry W. , Kesterson Robert A. , Ballinger Scott W. , Welch Danny R.
Published: October 2015

Current paradigms of carcinogenic risk suggest that genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors influence an individual's predilection for developing metastatic breast cancer. Investigations of tumor latency and metastasis in mice have illustrated differences between inbred strains, but the possibility that mitochondrial genetic inheritance may contribute to such differences in vivo has not been directly tested. In this study, we tested this hypothesis in mitochondrial–nuclear exchange mice we generated, where cohorts shared identical nuclear backgrounds but different mtDNA genomes on the background of the PyMT transgenic mouse model of spontaneous mammary carcinoma. In this setting, we found that primary tumor latency and metastasis segregated with mtDNA, suggesting that mtDNA influences disease progression to a far greater extent than previously appreciated. Our findings prompt further investigation into metabolic differences controlled by mitochondrial process as a basis for understanding tumor development and metastasis in individual subjects. Importantly, differences in mitochondrial DNA are sufficient to fundamentally alter disease course in the PyMT mouse mammary tumor model, suggesting that functional metabolic differences direct early tumor growth and metastatic efficiency. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4429–36. ©2015 AACR.
Preclinical Validation of the Utility of BLZ-100 in Providing Fluorescence Contrast for Imaging Spontaneous Solid Tumors
Authors: Fidel Janean , Kennedy Katie C. , Dernell William S. , Hansen Stacey , Wiss Valorie , Stroud Mark R. , Molho Joshua I. , Knoblaugh Sue E. , Meganck Jeffrey , Olson James M. , Rice Brad , Parrish-Novak Julia
Published: October 2015

There is a need in surgical oncology for contrast agents that can enable real-time intraoperative visualization of solid tumors that can enable complete resections while sparing normal surrounding tissues. The Tumor Paint agent BLZ-100 is a peptide–fluorophore conjugate that can specifically bind solid tumors and fluoresce in the near-infrared range, minimizing light scatter and signal attenuation. In this study, we provide a preclinical proof of concept for use of this imaging contrast agent as administered before surgery to dogs with a variety of naturally occurring spontaneous tumors. Imaging was performed on excised tissues as well as intraoperatively in a subset of cases. Actionable contrast was achieved between tumor tissue and surrounding normal tissues in adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas. Subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas were labeled with the highest fluorescence intensity and greatest tumor-to-background signal ratio. Our results establish a foundation that rationalizes clinical studies in humans with soft tissue sarcoma, an indication with a notably high unmet need. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4283–91. ©2015 AACR.