bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase MoPdeH targets MoMck1 of the conserved mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling pathway to regulate cell wall integrity in rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Yin Ziyi , Tang Wei , Wang Jingzhen , Liu Xinyu , Yang Lina , Gao Chuyun , Zhang Jinlong , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: September 2015

In the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the high‐affinity cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase MoPdeH is important not only for cAMP signalling and pathogenicity, but also for cell wall integrity (CWI) maintenance through an unknown mechanism. By utilizing affinity purification, we found that MoPdeH interacts with MoMck1, one of the components of the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade that regulates CWI. Overexpression of MoMCK1 suppressed defects in autolysis and pathogenicity of the ΔMopdeH mutant, although partially, suggesting that MoPdeH plays a critical role in CWI maintenance mediated by the MAP kinase pathway. We found that MoMck1 and two other MAP kinase cascade components, MoMkk1 and MoMps1, modulate intracellular cAMP levels by regulating the expression of MoPDEH through a feedback loop. In addition, disruption of MoMKK1 resulted in less aerial hyphal formation, defective asexual development and attenuated pathogenicity. Moreover, MoMkk1 plays a role in the response to osmotic stress via regulation of MoOsm1 phosphorylation levels, whereas endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress enhances MoMps1 phosphorylation and loss of the MAP kinase cascade component affects the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that MoPdeH functions upstream of the MoMck1–MoMkk1–MoMps1 MAP kinase pathway to regulate CWI, and that MoPdeH also mediates crosstalk between the cAMP signalling pathway, the osmotic sensing high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway and the dithiothreitol (DTT)‐induced UPR pathway in M. oryzae.
Ultraviolet phototherapy for cutaneous diseases: a concise review
Authors: Vangipuram R , Feldman SR
Published: September 2015

Phototherapy is the use of non‐ionizing radiation, primarily in the ultraviolet spectrum, to treat disease. In dermatology, ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy remains an established, lower cost, and often preferred option for many common skin conditions, despite the introduction of newer potent biologics. This article introduces a principal therapeutic modality in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), vitiligo, and morphea among other diseases where oral manifestations may be present, providing basic information about the use of UVA, UVB, and PUVA. Practical considerations and side effects of phototherapy are described. Phototherapy is an effective treatment for many illnesses and carries a relatively benign side‐effect profile.
Could familial Mediterranean fever gene mutations be related to PFAPA syndrome?
Authors: Celiksoy Mehmet H. , Ogur Gonul , Yaman Elif , Abur Ummet , Fazla Semanur , Sancak Recep , Yildiran Alisan
Published: September 2015

Background

The cause and pathophysiology of PFAPA syndrome is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine all MEFV gene variants relevant to familial Mediterranean fever in children with PFAPA syndrome.

Methods

All MEFV gene variants were analyzed in patients with PFAPA syndrome. All patients were evaluated using the Gaslini scoring system. Serum immunoglobulin levels were also determined upon admission.

Results

We evaluated 64 patients with PFAPA syndrome. The median age at diagnosis was 37.5 (min–max: 6–96) months, and the percentage of male patients was 55.0%. The Gaslini diagnostic score for periodic fever was high in 81.0% of the patients. An MEFV gene mutation was found in 42 (66.0%) children. Mostly, heterozygous or compound heterozygous variants of the MEFV gene were found. Two patients were homozygous for R202Q. MEFV gene mutations were not detected in 22 (34.0%) patients. No significant differences in clinical or laboratory findings were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences in period and duration of the fever episodes (p > 0.05). The fever of all 47 patients (100.0%) who received prednisolone during the episodes decreased within hours and did not recur. Eighteen of the patients using prednisolone underwent prophylaxis with colchicine, and the fever episodes of 9/18 (50.0%) patients using colchicine decreased within months.

Conclusions

Most patients presenting with PFAPA syndrome have heterozygous MEFV gene mutations. Whether carrying a heterozygous MEFV gene is the primary cause of this syndrome requires further investigation.
Same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships: Investigating emotional, relational, and communicative responses
Authors: DENES AMANDA , LANNUTTI PAMELA J. , BEVAN JENNIFER L.
Published: September 2015

The present study explores emotional, relational, and communicative responses to different‐sex and same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships. Two‐hundred and eighty‐five men and women completed an online survey. Individuals were asked to read a scenario in which an imagined heterosexual partner engages in infidelity with a different‐sex or same‐sex person. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of these two conditions and then asked to complete several measures assessing their imagined emotions, communicative responses, and relational outcomes. Results revealed that both men and women experienced more negative emotional responses to different‐sex infidelity versus same‐sex infidelity. Additionally, men reported more sexual arousal in response to a woman's same‐sex infidelity versus different‐sex infidelity, while women's sexual arousal did not vary across conditions. Lastly, men's communicative responses to jealousy (CRJs) for same‐sex and different‐sex infidelity did not vary, though women reported that they were more likely to respond to same‐sex infidelity than different‐sex infidelity with denial, and more likely to respond to different‐sex than same‐sex infidelity with signs of possession. Several emotional responses to same‐sex infidelity were also found to predict various CRJs. These findings and the implications of the study are discussed.
The benefits of turn‐taking reciprocal self‐disclosure in get‐acquainted interactions
Authors: SPRECHER SUSAN , TREGER STANISLAV
Published: September 2015

Self‐disclosure can vary on many dimensions, including reciprocity. Using a live‐interaction paradigm, the authors examined how dyads who engaged in turn‐taking self‐disclosure in two interactions differed from dyads who engaged in sequential self‐disclosure (one person disclosed while the other listened in a first interaction, switching roles in the second interaction) on attraction and three interpersonal process variables—responsiveness, enjoyment, and perception of being liked. Turn‐taking (vs. sequentially) disclosing dyads reported greater degrees of attraction, especially after the first interaction. The three process variables were positively associated with attraction and were experienced to a greater degree by dyads who engaged in turn‐taking (vs. sequential) self‐disclosure. These process variables mediated the link between self‐disclosure reciprocity and attraction.
Chasing Prince Charming: Partnering consequences of holding unrealistic standards for a spouse
Authors: BREDOW CARRIE A.
Published: September 2015

Although social scientists have generally assumed that people's standards for a spouse shape their marital behavior, systematic investigations of the role of mate standards in partnering have been rare. Using survey data collected from 471 unmarried individuals and their peer informants, this study used a novel, residual‐based approach to quantify the attainability (rather than the absolute stringency) of people's standards for a spouse. Regression analyses using this index of unrealistic criteria revealed that holding less realistic standards for a marriage partner was associated with several indicators of a propensity to delay or forgo marriage, including greater difficulty establishing high‐quality romantic relationships, lower expectations to marry one's current partner, and lower levels of psychological and behavioral investment in marrying.
Toxicity of venom of Asobara and Leptopilina species to Drosophila species
Authors: Kohyama Tetsuo I. , Kimura Masahito T.
Published: September 2015

The Drosophila parasitoid Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has highly toxic venom that kills host larvae if its injection is not followed by an injection of lateral oviduct components along with egg‐laying. In the present study, the venoms of seven other Drosophila parasitoids (Asobara rossica, Asobara rufescens, Asobara pleuralis, Leptopilina heterotoma, Leptopilina japonica, Leptopilina ryukyuensis, and Leptopilina victoriae) are tested against three kinds of Drosophila species (i.e. Drosophila species that are suitable as host for focal parasitoids, those that are resistant to the parasitoids, and a cosmopolitan species, Drosophila simulans). Venoms of the three Asobara species are not toxic to any of Drosophila species, whereas those of the four Leptopilina species are toxic to some Drosophila species. The toxicity of venom varies among Leptopilina species, and the susceptibility to venom also varies among host Drosophila species. Furthermore, toxicity and paralytic effects of venom are not correlated. Because the toxicity of venom is not adaptive for parasitoids, it may be an inevitable side effect of some components that play an essential role in parasitism.
Cassava brown streak disease and the sustainability of a clean seed system
Authors: McQuaid C. F. , Sseruwagi P. , Pariyo A. , van den Bosch F.
Published: September 2015

One method of reducing disease in crops is the dissemination of disease‐free planting material from a multiplication site to growers. This study assesses the validity and sustainability of this method for cassava brown streak disease, a threat to cassava crops across East Africa. Using mathematical modelling, the effects of different environmental and control conditions on pathogen spread were determined in a single‐field multiplication site. High disease pressure, through large vector populations and disease in the surrounding area, combined with poor roguing practice, resulted in unsuccessful disease suppression. However, fields may produce sufficiently clean material for replanting if these factors can be overcome. Assessing the sustainability of a low‐pressure system over multiple harvests, well‐managed fields were found to maintain low disease levels, although producing sufficient cuttings may prove challenging. Replanting fields from the previous harvest does not lead to degeneration of planting material, only cutting numbers, and the importation of new clean material is not necessarily required. It is recommended that multiplication sites are only established in areas of low disease pressure and vector population density, and the importance of training in field management is emphasized. Cultivars displaying strong foliar symptoms are to be encouraged, as these allow for effective roguing, resulting in negative selection against the disease and reducing its spread. Finally, efforts to increase plant multiplication rates, the number of cuttings that can be obtained from each plant, have a significant impact on the sustainability of sites, as this represents the primary limiting factor to success.
Partisanship, Ministers, and Biotechnology Policy
Authors: Bäck Hanna , Debus Marc , Tosun Jale
Published: September 2015

Research in public policy and political economy has provided many insights in the evolution of public resistance against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the last two decades. But how does the partisan composition of a government, its programmatic orientation and the allocation of cabinet offices affect policy making in this specific area? We argue that the regulation of GMOs is determined by the ideological orientation of governments and the presence of parties with a specific ideological background in the cabinet. In addition, we hypothesize that the parties' control over relevant cabinet posts matter for GMO regulation. We test our hypotheses by using an innovative dataset that contains information on biotechnology regulation outputs of European governments in the time period from 1996 until 2013, the partisan composition and policy‐area specific positions of governments, and the party affiliation of key cabinet actors. The results show that the presence of a Christian democratic party in a cabinet increases the chances of a ban on biotech crops, in particular if it controls the Ministry of the Environment.
C‐reactive Protein: Repeated Measurements will Improve Dialysis Patient Care
Authors: Cobo Gabriela , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: September 2015

Systemic inflammation is a common feature in the uremic phenotype and associates with poor outcomes. The awareness regarding the importance of inflammation assessment in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has risen in recent years, and despite the development of novel biomarkers, C‐reactive protein (CRP) is still the most measured inflammatory parameter. Notwithstanding, the possible weak points of CRP determination, this biomarker has demonstrated being useful both for guidance in clinical practice and for risk estimation. In addition, regular determination of CRP among dialysis patients has been associated with better outcomes in different dialysis facilities. Because persistent inflammation may be a silent reflection of various pathophysiologic alterations in CKD, it is crucial that inflammatory markers are regularly monitored and therapeutic attempts be made to target this inflammation.
Easy come, easy go. Retention of blood donors
Authors: van Dongen A.
Published: September 2015

Retention of blood donors has benefits over recruitment of new blood donors. Retention is defined as preventing donors from lapsing and eventually becoming inactive. This review paper discusses literature on the importance of efforts to retain donors, specifically new donors, since lapsing is most common before the fifth donation. Studies have found that intention to donate, attitudes towards blood donation and self‐efficacy (does one feel capable of donating blood) are predictors of blood donation. Feelings of ‘warm glow’ predict donation behaviour better than altruism. The existing literature further suggests that first time donors can be retained by paying extra attention to adverse events (vasovagal reactions and fatigue). These events could be reduced by drinking water and muscle tension exercises. Feelings of anxiety (in regular donors) and stress can further prevent donors from returning. Planning donations amongst busy lives can help retention, and suggestions are given on which interventions might be helpful.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveal extensive phosphorylation of regulatory proteins in developing rice anthers
Authors: Ye Juanying , Zhang Zaibao , Long Haifei , Zhang Zhimin , Hong Yue , Zhang Xumin , You Chenjiang , Liang Wanqi , Ma Hong , Lu Pingli
Published: September 2015

Anther development, particularly around the time of meiosis, is extremely crucial for plant sexual reproduction. Meanwhile, cell‐to‐cell communication between somatic (especial tapetum) cells and meiocytes are important for both somatic anther development and meiosis. To investigate possible molecular mechanisms modulating protein activities during anther development, we applied high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses for developing rice (Oryza sativa) anthers around the time of meiosis (RAM). In total, we identified 4984 proteins and 3203 phosphoproteins with 8973 unique phosphorylation sites (p‐sites). Among those detected here, 1544 phosphoproteins are currently absent in the Plant Protein Phosphorylation DataBase (P3DB), substantially enriching plant phosphorylation information. Mapman enrichment analysis showed that ‘DNA repair’,’transcription regulation’ and ‘signaling’ related proteins were overrepresented in the phosphorylated proteins. Ten genetically identified rice meiotic proteins were detected to be phosphorylated at a total of 25 p‐sites; moreover more than 400 meiotically expressed proteins were revealed to be phosphorylated and their phosphorylation sites were precisely assigned. 163 putative secretory proteins, possibly functioning in cell‐to‐cell communication, are also phosphorylated. Furthermore, we showed that DNA synthesis, RNA splicing and RNA‐directed DNA methylation pathways are extensively affected by phosphorylation. In addition, our data support 46 kinase‐substrate pairs predicted by the rice Kinase‐Protein Interaction Map, with SnRK1 substrates highly enriched. Taken together, our data revealed extensive protein phosphorylation during anther development, suggesting an important post‐translational modification affecting protein activity.
Establishing a reentry procedure for human immunodeficiency virus screening–reactive donors in China
Authors: Li Ling , Xu Ting , Yang Tao , Zang Liang , Cheng Weifang , Lin Hongkeng , Zhu Shaowen , Zhao Binghai , Duan Rong , Li Chunling , Huang Mei , Liu Yuqiang , Ming Chengyan , Xu Shuguang , Wang Chuanxi , Wu Yanyun , Liu Zhong
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Screening of blood donors for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus Types 1 and 2 (anti‐HIV‐1/2) and/or HIV nucleic acid test (NAT) is a well‐established venue to prevent HIV transfusion‐transmitted disease. However, with the current available technologies, HIV testing may result in donor loss due to false‐positive results. This study intended to establish a donor reentry procedure for HIV screening–reactive donors in China.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

From September 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014, a total of 465 donors from 14 Chinese blood centers were enrolled in this study. Enrollment criteria include all donors who were screened reactive or belonged to the “gray zone” by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or reactive by NAT when tested at the local blood centers. All donor samples were sent to a central HIV confirmation laboratory where anti‐HIV‐1/2 and HIV individual‐donation NATs were conducted. If the results were reactive for anti‐HIV‐1/2, then the samples were tested with a recombinant immunoblot assay.

RESULTS

Based on the repeat testing at the central HIV confirmation laboratory 8 or 16 weeks after the study, 252 donors of 465 (54.2%) who completed the study could be classified in two categories for HIV status: 45 (18%) true positive and 207 (82%) false positive. A total of 213 of 465 (45.8%) donors were lost on follow‐up and, thus, their HIV status cannot be determined with certainty. Based on these data, a donor reentry procedure was proposed.

CONCLUSION

Based on our proposed donor reentry procedure for HIV screening–reactive donors, a majority of screening‐positive donors (82%, 207/252) can be reentered safely.
Ultrasonographic and pathologic study of schwannoma in a Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Sirri Rubina , Diana Alessia , Scarpa Filippo , Brachelente Chiara , Vitellozzi Giovanni , Ceredi Luca , Mandrioli Luciana
Published: September 2015

An adult Goldfish (Carassius auratus) developed an exophitic, multinodular, mass in the dorsal region involving the fin. The clinical and pathologic approach included ultrasonography, cytology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural evaluation. B‐mode and color Doppler ultrasonographic findings showed an oval, well‐defined mass with slightly inhomogeneous parenchymatous echotexture associated with an intense intralesional vascularization. Cytology and histology revealed neoplastic pleomorphic spindle cells arranged in a storiform pattern or in palisades typical of Antoni A pattern schwannoma. Moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and occasional binucleation were also present. The neoplastic tissue deeply infiltrated the skeletal muscle of the dorsal region. Immunohistochemistry showed a diffuse cytoplasmic immunoreactivity of neoplastic cells to S100 protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA); glial fibrillary acidic protein was negative. The PCNA proliferation rate was 23.5% (calculated as the mean of 10 fields). Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells were juxtaposed with parallel nuclei forming the typical palisade pattern and sharing cytoplasmic and nuclear features with human schwannoma. This is the first cytologic description supplied with echographic investigation of a malignant schwannoma in a fish species.
Evaluation of Two Measurement Techniques to Quantify Fuel–Air Mixing of a Gas Turbine Premixer at Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Estefanos Wessam , Hamza Mahmoud , Bhayaraju Umesh , Jeng San-Mou
Published: September 2015

In the present study, two measurement techniques are adopted to evaluate the fuel–air mixing under atmospheric conditions using an industrial fuel–air premixer. These techniques are CO2 mixing and planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) in water. In these techniques, CO2 and fluorescent dye are injected as fuel simulants. CO2 measurements are used to validate PLIF in water. In the CO2 technique, CO2 concentrations are converted to fuel mass fractions, whereas in the PLIF technique, a modified post processing method is used to convert the LIF signal into fuel mass fraction. The experiments are conducted at the same Reynolds number and momentum flux ratio for two injection strategies. To study the effect of the flow aerodynamics on the mixing results, high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements are conducted in water at the same Reynolds number. A comparison of fuel concentrations measured with the CO2 and PLIF techniques shows good quantitative agreement at all momentum flux ratios. However, deviations between the two techniques are observed at locations of high fuel concentration gradients. The unsteady mixing is evaluated using the PLIF technique with high temporal resolution. Analysis of PIV and PLIF data shows that unsteady mixing is lower at regions of high fluctuations in velocity. Moreover, it is found that there is high unsteady mixing at locations of high concentration gradient.
Effect of Channel Geometry on Formability of 304 Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells—Simulation and Experiments
Authors: Zhou Ting-Yen , Chen Yong-Song
Published: September 2015

A bipolar plate (BP) is one of the key components of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and accounts for a major portion of their manufacturing cost. Stainless steel is considered as one of the candidate materials for the BPs of the cells because of the short manufacturing process. In this study, the effects of channel geometry on the formability of 304 stainless steel in a stamping process are investigated via numerical simulation and experiments. A finite element (FE) model using ansys, a commercial software, is developed to analyze the effects of selected channel geometry parameters on the formability of stamped stainless steel sheets. Modeling results are compared partly to the results of a series of stamping experiments. Both modeling and experimental results suggest that the draft angle has a greater influence on formability than other parameters in a stamping process.
Undergraduate Project in Compressor Rig Design, Fabrication, and Testing for Complete Engineering Training
Authors: Duc Vo Huu , Trépanier Jean-Yves
Published: September 2015

An ambitious project in propulsion was introduced as part of the final-year integrator project offerings of the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs at École Polytechnique de Montréal in 2011–2012. It has been running successfully for the past three academic years. The project consists in the design, fabrication, and placement into service of a functional instrumented multistage compressor test rig, including the compressor, for research in compressor aerodynamics. A team of 15–17 senior-year undergraduate engineering students is given a set of design and performance specifications and measurement requirements, an electric motor and drive, a data acquisition system, and some measurement probes. They must complete the project in two semesters with a budget on the order of Can$15,000. The compressor is made from rapid prototyping to keep production cost and time reasonable. However, the required rotation speed of 7200 rpm stretches the limits of the plastic material and presents the same structural challenges as industrial compressors running at higher speeds. The students are split into subteams according to the required disciplines, namely, compressor aerodynamics, general aerodynamics, structures, dynamics, mechanical design and integration, instrumentation, and project management. For the initial phase, which covers the first two months, the students receive short seminars from experts in academia and industry in each discipline and use the knowledge from fundamental engineering courses to analytically model the different components to come up with a preliminary design. In the second phase, covering three to six, the students are trained at commercial simulation tools and use them for detailed analysis to refine and finalize the design. In each of the first two phases, the students present their work in design reviews with a jury made up of engineers from industry and supervising professors. During the final phase, the compressor is built and tested with data acquisition and motor control programs written by the students. Finally, the students present their results with comparison of measured performance with numerical and analytical predictions from the first two phases and hand over their compressor rig with design and test reports as well as a user manual and an assembly/maintenance manual. This complete project allows the students to put into practice virtually all the courses of their undergraduate engineering curriculum while giving them an extensive taste of the rich and intellectually challenging environment of gas turbine and turbomachinery engineering.
Residual Stress Reduction in Single Pass Welds Using Parallel Line Reheating
Authors: Wang Junqiang , Han Jianmin , Domblesky Joseph P. , Li Weijing , Yang Zhiyong , Zhao Yingxin
Published: September 2015

Current postweld heat treatment (PWHT) methods rely mainly on static thermal sources or line heating using dispersed beams which require significant capital investment and often pose limits on weldment size. In the current study, an alternative PWHT method based on line heating is presented and analyzed. The method, which is intended to perform low temperature stress relief, employs parallel oxyacetylene torches to induce a tensile stress in the vicinity of the weld toe. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements taken from bead-on-plate (BOP) welds made using ASTM A572-50 showed a 37% decrease in the peak longitudinal stress after parallel line reheating was performed. A corresponding reduction in the stress gradient on the plate surface was also observed. Welding and reheating were also modeled in sysweld to assess how torch placement affected the longitudinal stress distribution and an optimum offset was identified for the 8-mm plate thickness used. Analysis of the thermomechanical history in the vicinity of the weld toe indicates that a tensile stress is superposed during reheating and is concurrent with the reduction in the peak longitudinal stress.
Rotating Resistance of Belt Conveyor Idler Rolls
Authors: Wheeler Craig A.
Published: September 2015

The primary function of idler rolls in a belt conveyor system is to support the conveyor belt along its length. Predicting the cumulative resistance of idler rolls is vitally important in calculating the belt tension and therefore power requirements of a system, particularly on long overland conveyors where there are typically more than one thousand idler rolls per kilometer of belt. The rotating resistance occurs due to the friction of the rolling elements in the bearings, the viscous drag of the lubricant, and the friction of the contact lip seals. This paper provides theoretical methods to calculate each component of the rotating resistance and describes an apparatus designed to measure this resistance force under simulated operating conditions.
Development and validation of a combined phased acoustical radiosity and image source model for predicting sound fields in rooms
Authors: Marbjerg Gerd , Brunskog Jonas , Jeong Cheol-Ho , Nilsson Erling
Published: September 2015

A model, combining acoustical radiosity and the image source method, including phase shifts on reflection, has been developed. The model is denoted Phased Acoustical Radiosity and Image Source Method (PARISM), and it has been developed in order to be able to model both specular and diffuse reflections with complex-valued and angle-dependent boundary conditions. This paper mainly describes the combination of the two models and the implementation of the angle-dependent boundary conditions. It furthermore describes how a pressure impulse response is obtained from the energy-based acoustical radiosity by regarding the model as being stochastic. Three methods of implementation are proposed and investigated, and finally, recommendations are made for their use. Validation of the image source method is done by comparison with finite element simulations of a rectangular room with a porous absorber ceiling. Results from the full model are compared with results from other simulation tools and with measurements. The comparisons of the full model are done for real-valued and angle-independent surface properties. The proposed model agrees well with both the measured results and the alternative theories, and furthermore shows a more realistic spatial variation than energy-based methods due to the fact that interference is considered.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bell Pepper Endornavirus Isolate from Canada
Authors: Chen Bin , Bernards Mark , Wang Aiming
Published: September 2015

Bell pepper endornavirus (BPEV) is a double-stranded RNA virus infecting economically important crops, such as peppers. Next-generation sequencing of small RNAs extracted from the leaves of a pepper plant showing mild viral symptoms, along with subsequent analysis, identified BPEV. The complete genome of this isolate was cloned and sequenced.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain LFM046, a Producer of Medium-Chain-Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Cardinali-Rezende Juliana , Alexandrino Paulo Moises Raduan , Nahat Rafael Augusto Theodoro Pereira de Souza , Sant’Ana Débora Parrine Vieira , Silva Luiziana Ferreira , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera , Taciro Marilda Keico
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas
sp. LFM046 is a medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA
MCL
) producer capable of using various carbon sources (carbohydrates, organic acids, and vegetable oils) and was first isolated from sugarcane cultivation soil in Brazil. The genome sequence was found to be 5.97 Mb long with a G+C content of 66%.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Rare Human Group C Rotavirus Strains Isolated from Two Cases of Acute Gastroenteritis
Authors: Chen Long , Zhao De-Jian , Yang Hong , Zhang Hai-Long , Yao Xiang-Jie , Zhang Ren-Li , He Ya-Qing
Published: September 2015

This is a report of the complete genomic sequences of two rare group C rotavirus strains RVC/SZ94/CHN/2011 and RVC/SZ272/CHN/2011, isolated from two cases of acute gastroenteritis in Shenzhen, southern China, in 2011. These two strains display a close genetic relationship to 2007 Chinese strain YNR001 and 2008 Japanese strain BK0830.
Post-Genomic Analysis of Members of the Family
Vibrionaceae
Authors: Boyd E. Fidelma , Carpenter Megan R. , Chowdhury Nityananda , Cohen Analuisa L. , Haines-Menges Brandy L. , Kalburge Sai S. , Kingston Joseph J. , Lubin J.B. , Ongagna-Yhombi Serge Y. , Whitaker W. Brian
Published: September 2015

Similar to other genera and species of bacteria, whole genomic sequencing has revolutionized how we think about and address questions of basic
Vibrio
biology. In this review we examined 36 completely sequenced and annotated members of the
Vibrionaceae
family, encompassing 12 different species of the genera
Vibrio, Aliivibrio
, and
Photobacterium
. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among representatives of this group of bacteria by using three housekeeping genes and 16S rRNA sequences. With an evolutionary framework in place, we describe the occurrence and distribution of primary and alternative sigma factors, global regulators present in all bacteria. Among
Vibrio
we show that the number and function of many of these sigma factors differs from species to species. We also describe the role of the
Vibrio
-specific regulator ToxRS in fitness and survival. Examination of the biochemical capabilities was and still is the foundation of classifying and identifying new
Vibrio
species. Using comparative genomics, we examine the distribution of carbon utilization patterns among
Vibrio
species as a possible marker for understanding bacteria-host interactions. Finally, we discuss the significant role that horizontal gene transfer, specifically, the distribution and structure of integrons, has played in
Vibrio
evolution.
Achromobacter causing a thrombophlebitis and osteomyelitis combination: a rare cause
Authors: Pamuk Gizem , Aygun Deniz , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: September 2015

Achromobacter xylosoxidansis a Gram-negative, aerobic bacillus, present in normal human flora of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Infections due to Achromobacter are infrequent and have mostly been reported in immunocompromised patients. Rarely, however, the microorganism can cause soft tissue infections even in healthy subjects with a history of trauma. We report thrombophlebitis complicated with osteomyelitis secondary toAchromobacterin a 15-year-old girl with a history of purulent discharge from the ankle due to local trauma caused by tight fitting shoes.
Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) of the terminal ileum presenting as acute intestinal obstruction without intussusception
Authors: Hiremath Srikantaiah , Nanjappa Nikhil , Kamath Sulatha
Published: September 2015

Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are rare entities. They commonly occur in the stomach, and a fraction of them are present in the small intestines. The exact aetiopathogenesis for IFPs remains unknown. Most small bowel IFPs are asymptomatic and usually go undetected until they produce symptoms. IFPs are responsible for roughly 2% of all small bowel obstructions. They act as a lead point for intussusception, by telescoping into the distal bowel loops. Nearly 85 such cases have been reported in the literature. However, if the IFP is sufficiently large and pedunculated, it could cause mechanical intraluminal obstruction without intussusception. We report one such case in a middle-aged man who had an impending perforation of the terminal ileum caused by an IFP. Resection and anastomosis of the offending segment of the small intestine remains the standard of care. IFPs lack malignant potential and recurrences are rare.
Maternal mental health, and child growth and development, in four low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Bennett Ian M , Schott Whitney , Krutikova Sofya , Behrman Jere R
Published: September 2015

Objective

Extend analyses of maternal mental health and infant growth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to children through age eight years, and broaden analyses to cognitive and psychosocial outcomes.

Design

Community-based longitudinal cohort study in four LMICs (Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam). Surveys and anthropometric assessments were carried out when the children were approximately ages 1, 5 and 8 years. Risk of maternal common mental disorders (rCMDs) was assessed with the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ)-20 (score ≥8).

Setting

Rural and urban as well as low- and middle-income communities.

Participants

7722 mothers and their children.

Main outcome measures

Child stunting and underweight (Z score ≤2 of height and weight for age), and <20th centile for: cognitive development (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test), and the psychosocial outcomes self pride and life satisfaction.

Results

A high rate of rCMD, stunting and underweight was seen in the cohorts. After adjusting for confounders, significant associations were found between maternal rCMDs and growth variables in the first year of life, with persistence to age 8 years in India and Vietnam, but not in the other countries. India and Vietnam also showed significant associations between rCMDs and lower cognitive development. After adjustment, rCMD was associated with low life satisfaction in Ethiopia but not in the other cohorts.

Conclusions

Associations of maternal rCMD in the first year of life with child outcomes varied across the study cohorts and, in some cases, persisted across the first 8 years of life of the child, and included growth, cognitive development and psychosocial domains.
Fish consumption and risk of depression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Fang , Liu Xiaoqin , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: September 2015

Background

The association between fish consumption and risk of depression is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science database for all relevant studies up to March 2015. We pooled the relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs from individual studies with random effects model, and conducted meta-regression to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by Egger's test and the funnel plot.

Results

A total of 26 studies involving 150 278 participants were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled RR of depression for the highest versus lowest consumption of fish was 0.83 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.93). The findings remained significant in the cohort studies (RR=0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.94, n=10) as well as in the cross-sectional studies (RR=0.82, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.00, n=16). When men and women were analysed separately, a significant inverse association was also observed. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that high-fish consumption can reduce the risk of depression.
Creating a whole institution approach to in-service training in sexual and reproductive health in Uganda
Authors: Graffy Jonathan , Capewell Sarah J , Goodhart Clare , Rwamatware Birungi Mutahunga
Published: September 2015

Background

Uganda has one of the world's highest fertility rates, and high unmet need for family planning, even when clients have contact with health facilities. Misconceptions about contraceptive side effects and inadequate training for healthcare workers contribute to this.

Aim

To develop and evaluate in-service training for family planning, across a whole institution.

Design

Course evaluation. Impact on services.

Methods

Following a needs assessment, two courses were developed, adapting WHO'sTraining Resource Package for Family Planning.All staff were offered level 1 training (five 1 h sessions). The 30 h level 2 course aimed to train clinical staff to certificate level; assessed by written exam, consultation skills and presentations. Quantitative evaluation assessed changes in pre-course and post-course knowledge and confidence scores. Participant feedback was analysed thematically.

Results

Of the hospital's 76 clinical staff, 44 attended some training. Of these, 21 attended and 19 completed level 2. Mean knowledge scores increased from 15.9 (SD 4.5) to 20.8 (SD 3.1)/26 (95% CI 4.9 (2.5–7.2)). Confidence rose from 8.1 (SD 1.5) to 9.5 (SD 0.5) (95% CI 1.4 (0.7–2.2)). Nine were accredited to fit intrauterine devices and implants, and three just implants. Screening for unmet need is being introduced and outreach work aims to overcome barriers to adoption of family planning.

Conclusions

Brief in-service training improves health workers’ knowledge and skills, corrects misconceptions and increases the priority given to family planning. When aligned to local need and the culture of the institution, training can prompt moves to address unmet need for family planning.
Influence of hydrological connectivity on winter limnology in floodplain lakes of the Saskatchewan River Delta, Saskatchewan
Authors: MacKinnon Brett D. , Sagin Jay , Baulch Helen M. , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich , Jardine Timothy D.
Published: September 2015

Globally, hydrological connectivity between rivers and their floodplains has been reduced by river flow management and land transformation. The Saskatchewan River Delta is North America’s largest inland delta and a hub for fish and fur production. To determine the influence of connectivity on limnology within this northern floodplain, water chemistry and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) were analyzed during the winter of 2014 in 26 shallow lakes along a hydrological gradient. A total of five lake connectivity categories were determined by optical remote sensing imagary of surface water coverage area from years of varying flood intensities. Accuracy of categories was verified by degree of 18O and 2H enrichment within lakes. Both isotopes showed marked successional enrichment between connectivity categories, with more isolated lakes exhibiting greater enrichment. Water chemistry in lakes with greater connectivity to the main channel were characterized by higher pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and sulfates and lower total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ammonium compared with more isolated lakes. These findings illustrate how connectivity influences water chemistry in northern floodplain lakes and how it might determine the suitability of these lakes as winter refuge for fishes. Additionally, our study provides supporting evidence for the effective use of optical remote sensing imagery, an inexpensive and accessible source of data for researchers, when determining connectivity characteristics of large northern floodplain systems. Additionally, this study provides further evidence that the inundation of floodplain lakes by river water during peak discharge has an impact on the conditions within the lakes long into the winter ice-cover season. Understanding the year-round influence of river–floodplain connection is imperative for assessing potential impacts of climate change and future water regulation on such ecosystems.
Online Hierarchical Scheduling on Two Uniform Machines with Bounded Job Sizes
Authors: Lu Xinrong , Liu Zhaohui
Published: September 2015

This paper studies the online hierarchical scheduling problem on two uniform machines with bounded job sizes, where the first machine M1 receives both low and high hierarchy jobs, while the second machine M2 only receives high hierarchy jobs. The machines have a speed ratio of s(s ≥ 1), and M2 runs faster. Jobs are revealed one by one, and before the current job is scheduled, we have no information about next jobs except that the size of any job is in the interval [1, t]. The objective is to minimize the makespan. We present optimal algorithms for all (s, t) pairs.
A Dynamic Approach to the Dividend Discount Model
Authors: Lazzati Natalia , Menichini Amilcar A.
Published: September 2015

We derive a dynamic model of the firm with endogenous investment and leverage ratio within the framework of the dividend discount model (DDM). Our valuation model incorporates two relevant components, namely, managerial flexibility and long-run growth. We dispense with any utility specification capturing the preferences of shareholders and obtain closed-form solutions for the firm problem. A standard parameterization suggests that the value of the real options and long-run growth opportunities can easily represent more than 8% and 10% of share price, respectively. We also find that these two components of the stock price are both complements and countercyclical. We finally identify industries where valuation models that do not incorporate these features can lead to considerable underpricing of securities.
Spectral investigations of meso-tetraalkylporphyrin-fullerene host–guest complexes
Authors: Grover Nitika , Rathi Pinki , Sankar Muniappan
Published: September 2015

Meso-tetraalkylporphyrins and their Zn(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Single crystal X-ray structure of meso-tetrapropylporphyrin (3) revealed the orientation of alkyl chains and planar conformation of porphyrin macrocycle. Spectroscopic, photophysical and electrochemical redox properties of self-assembled donor–acceptor dyads formed by meso-tetraalkylporphyrins and fullerene C 60 were investigated. These studies revealed 1:1 supramolecular dyad formation between the electron donor porphyrins and the electron acceptor, fullerene entities. The determined association constants (K) follow the order: H2TMeP (1) > H2TEtP (2) > H2TPrP (3) > H2THexP > H2TPP . The effect of alkyl chain length on porphyrin-fullerene complexation was investigated. The redox behavior of self-assembled dyads was investigated in PhCN containing 0.1 M TBAPF6 as supporting electrolyte. The oxidation potentials of dyads are positively shifted (20–100 mV) as compared to corresponding meso-tetraalkylporphyrins indicating the supramolecular interactions between the constituents in the ground state. The geometric and electronic structure of 1: C 60 was probed by DFT calculations which suggested the possibility of charge transfer from meso-tetraalkylporphyrin to fullerene C 60.
Polarized Protein Transport and Lumen Formation During Epithelial Tissue Morphogenesis
Authors: Blasky Alex J. , Mangan Anthony , Prekeris Rytis
Published: September 2015

One of the major challenges in biology is to explain how complex tissues and organs arise from the collective action of individual polarized cells. The best-studied model of this process is the cross talk between individual epithelial cells during their polarization to form the multicellular epithelial lumen during tissue morphogenesis. Multiple mechanisms of apical lumen formation have been proposed. Some epithelial lumens form from preexisting polarized epithelial structures. However, de novo lumen formation from nonpolarized cells has recently emerged as an important driver of epithelial tissue morphogenesis, especially during the formation of small epithelial tubule networks. In this review, we discuss the latest findings regarding the mechanisms and regulation of de novo lumen formation in vitro and in vivo.
Dysanapsis and the resistive work of breathing during exercise in healthy men and women
Authors: Dominelli Paolo B. , Molgat-Seon Yannick , Bingham Derek , Swartz Philippa M. , Road Jeremy D. , Foster Glen E. , Sheel A. William
Published: September 2015

We asked if the higher work of breathing (Wb) during exercise in women compared with men is explained by biological sex. We created a statistical model that accounts for both the viscoelastic and the resistive components of the total Wband independently compares the effects of biological sex. We applied the model to esophageal pressure-derived Wbvalues obtained during an incremental cycle test to exhaustion. Subjects were healthy men ( n = 17) and women ( n = 18) with a range of maximal aerobic capacities (V̇o2 maxrange: men = 40-68 and women = 39–60 ml·kg−1·min−1). We also calculated the dysanapsis ratio using measures of lung recoil and forced expiratory flow as index of airway caliber. By applying the model we found that the differences in the total Wbduring exercise in women are due to a higher resistive Wbrather than viscoelastic Wb. We also found that the higher resistive Wbis independently explained by biological sex. To account for the known effect of lung volumes on the dysanapsis ratio we compared the sexes with an analysis of covariance procedures and found that when vital capacity was accounted for the adjusted mean dysanapsis ratio is statistically lower in women (0.17 vs. 0.25 arbitrary units; P < 0.05). Our collective findings suggest that innate sex-based differences may exist in human airways, which result in significant male-female differences in the Wbduring exercise in healthy subjects.