bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of FST1 from Fusarium verticillioides in virulence and transport of inositol
Authors: Niu Chenxing , Payne Gary A. , Woloshuk Charles P.
Published: May 2016

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a polyketide mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides during the colonization of maize kernels, is detrimental to human and animal health. FST1 encodes a putative protein with 12 transmembrane domains; however, its function remains unknown. The FST1 gene is highly expressed by the fungus in the endosperm of maize kernels compared with the levels of expression in germ tissues. Previous research has shown that FST1 affects FB1 production, virulence, hydrogen peroxide resistance, hydrophobicity and macroconidia production. Here, we examine the phylogeny of FST1, its expression in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain lacking a functional myo‐inositol transporter (ITR1) and the effect of amino acid changes in the central loop and C‐terminus regions of FST1 on functionality. The results indicate that expression of FST1 in an ITR1 mutant strain restores growth on myo‐inositol medium to wild‐type levels and restores the inhibitory effects of FB1, suggesting that FST1 can transport both myo‐inositol and FB1 into yeast cells. Our results with engineered FST1 also indicate that amino acids in the central loop and C‐terminus regions are important for FST1 functionality in both S. cerevisiae and F. verticillioides. Overall, this research has established the first characterized inositol transporter in filamentous fungi and has advanced our knowledge about the global regulatory functions of FST1.
Effect of age, decentration, aberrations and pupil size on subjective image quality with concentric bifocal optics
Authors: Rio David , Woog Kelly , Legras Richard
Published: May 2016

Purpose

We investigated the impact of lens centration, wearer aberrations, pupil size and age on the optics of two bifocal contact lenses using image simulation.

Method

Fourteen conditions (i.e. two optical profiles with two and eight concentric zones; two conditions of centration: centred and 0.77 mm decentred; and three conditions of aberrations: 0, 0.15 and 0.35 μm RMS; three pupil sizes: 3, 4.5 and 6 mm) were tested on two populations (i.e. 20–40 and 40–60 years old) using a numerical simulation method. For each condition, images were calculated for proximities ranging from ‐4D to + 2D with steps of 0.25D. Subjects graded the quality of each simulated image (i.e. a target ‘HEV’ of 0.4 logMAR) on a continuous scale from 0 to 5. To limit the effect of the observer's own aberrations, subjects viewed the displayed images through a 3‐mm pupil and their optimal correction.

Results

Both populations reported similar image quality (i.e. average absolute difference of 0.23) except for sharp and low contrast images, which obtained slightly higher grades with younger subjects, probably due to a better contrast sensitivity in this population. Typical decentration had no effect on bifocal contact lenses wearers' vision, as the ratio between areas dedicated to near and distance vision did not change. Aberrations (i.e. mainly 0.24 μm of spherical aberration on a 4.5‐mm pupil) reduced the addition of the two radial zones bifocal optics and introduced a hyperopic shift (i.e. 0.50D) of the through‐focus image quality for the eight radial zone bifocal lens. The combination of typical aberrations with typical decentration created the same effect as typical aberrations alone, meaning that aberration impact was stronger than decentration impact. The two radial zone bifocal lens was dependent on the pupil whereas the eight radial zone lens was not.

Conclusions

When fitting new bifocal optics, the aberrations of the patients, as well as their pupil diameter, are the main subject dependent parameters influencing quality of vision. Typical contact lens decentration and lower cortical treatment efficiency of retinal images of older subjects had relatively little impact.
Ferric carboxymaltose with or without erythropoietin in anemic patients with hip fracture: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bernabeu‐Wittel Máximo , Romero Manuel , Ollero‐Baturone Manuel , Aparicio Reyes , Murcia‐Zaragoza José , Rincón‐Gómez Manuel , Monte‐Secades Rafael , Melero‐Bascones María , Rosso Clara M. , Ruiz‐Cantero Alberto ,   on behalf of the PAHFRAC‐01 Investigators
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture (HF) has raised the requirements of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, whereas this scarce resource may cause morbidity and mortality.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial that aimed to assess efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) with or without erythropoietin (EPO) in reducing RBC transfusion in the perioperative period of HF. Participants (patients > 65 years admitted with HF and hemoglobin [Hb] levels of 90‐120 g/L) were randomly assigned to receive a preoperative single dose of 1 g of FCM (short intravenous [IV] infusion over 15 min), plus 40,000 IU of subcutaneous EPO (EPOFE arm); versus 1 g of IV FCM plus subcutaneous placebo (FE arm); and versus IV and subcutaneous placebo (placebo arm). Primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who received RBC transfusion, and secondary endpoints were the number of RBC transfusions per patient, survival, hemoglobinemia, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; by means of Short Form 36 Version 2 questionnaire).

RESULTS

A total of 306 patients (85% women, mean age 83 ± 6.5 years) were included. A total of 52, 51.5, and 54% of patients required RBC transfusion in the EPOFE, FE, and placebo arms, respectively, with no significant differences in the number of RBC transfusions per patient, survival, HRQoL, and adverse events among treatment groups. A significant increase in Hb levels was achieved at discharge (102 g/L vs. 97 g/L) and 60 days after discharge (125 g/L vs. 119 g/L) in the EPOFE arm with respect to placebo arm; in addition, a higher rate of patients recovered from anemia in the EPOFE arm with respect to the placebo arm (52% vs. 39%), 60 days after discharge.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative treatment with FCM alone or in combination with EPO improved recovery from postoperative anemia, but did not reduce the needs of RBC transfusion in patients with HF.
Numerical Simulation of Sealing Behavior of C-Ring for Reactor Pressure Vessel
Authors: Yuanyuan Dong , Ying Luo , Liping Zhang
Published: May 2016

C-ring, whose sealing behavior is the key to the sealing structure, is one of the main seal-rings for a reactor pressure vessel (RPV). A finite-element model with less simplification has been established using ANSYS APDL to simulate the sealing behavior of C-ring. The numerical results, including sealing-behavior curve, specific pressure, and springback value, have been compared with test results at 7.67%, 8.42%, and 8.09% compression ratios, respectively. It confirms the validity of this numerical simulation method. With the numerical method, the deformation and stress distribution and sealing-behavior curve of C-ring can be obtained. The behavior curve can be divided into five sections. At 10% compression ratio, the peak contact stress is 501 MPa, the contact width is 3.22 mm, the total springback value is 0.460 mm, the effective springback value is 0.332 mm, and the linear load is 788  N/mm. As C-ring is composed of three parts, three models, i.e., spring-only, spring with inner lining, and spring with two linings, have been simulated to study the effect of the contact states among each part on sealing behavior.
The Sedov Blast Wave as a Radial Piston Verification Test
Authors: Pederson Clark , Brown Bart , Morgan Nathaniel
Published: May 2016

The Sedov blast wave is of great utility as a verification problem for hydrodynamic methods. The typical implementation uses an energized cell of finite dimensions to represent the energy point source. This approximation can be avoided by directly finding the effects of the energy source as a boundary condition (BC). The proposed method transforms the Sedov problem into an outward moving radial piston problem with a time-varying velocity. A portion of the mesh adjacent to the origin is removed and the boundaries of this hole are forced with the velocities from the Sedov solution. This verification test is implemented on two types of meshes, and convergence is shown. The results from the typical initial condition (IC) method and the new BC method are compared.
Investigation of Reduction in Buckling Capacity of Cylindrical Shells Under External Pressure Due to Partially Cut Ring Stiffeners
Authors: Chikode Snehankush , Raykar Nilesh
Published: May 2016

Circumferential ring stiffeners are commonly used to improve the buckling strength of cylindrical shells. Under special circumstances, stiffener ring needs to be partially cut in order to avoid interference with vessel attachments or surrounding structures. No clear guideline is available in rule-based method to deal with such case. This paper investigates the extent of reduction in buckling capacity for a range of cylindrical shell geometries with stiffener rings having different cross sections and different extents of circumferential cut. Finite-element (FE)-based analysis as per ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Part 5 has been employed to determine the permissible external pressure in each of the cases. Effects of ring cross section and extent of circumferential cut of stiffening ring on the maximum permissible external pressure have been presented. A total of 63 combinations of shell-stiffening ring configurations of different L/D, D/t ratios, cross section shape, and extent of cut have been investigated. Geometrical parameters for these combinations under study are so chosen that normal working range in industries is covered. The results obtained provide guidelines to design shells with partially cut stiffening rings.
Whose culture is it anyway? Social working within a rural community
Authors: Smith Pam
Published: May 2016

When we consider culture one initially thinks of one’s ethnic belonging, but culture also relates to historical, social and familial influences resulting in shared values and beliefs by people living within the same physical and often isolated location. This is what defines a rural culture. These beliefs, experiences and conditions need to be recognised by social workers while working with rural families.This idea of culture is considered within a study held on change in a rural community carried out in Western Southland, New Zealand in 2009. One of the topics explored was the participants’ perception of culture. The discussions with these older citizens are explored alongside other recent rural studies and the participants’ perception of culture. The social worker’s role working within this environment is then explored.
Thinking beyond the contract: A journey to collaborative community social work
Authors: Döbl Stefanie , Ross Amy
Published: May 2016

Social workers from two different Wellington-based community service providers, Newtown Union Health Service (NUHS) and St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Wellington Area discuss their organisations and how they worked together to build an award-winning1 practice model in their community. Their reflection on their work raises important questions regarding our responsibilities and options to meet client needs in a heavily contracted funding environment and presents the learnings and challenges of their collaboration.
Will Marley come home? An exploration of the impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes on people’s relationships with their companion animals
Authors: Evans Nikki , Perez-y-Perez Maria
Published: May 2016

A sizeable number of New Zealand homes contain at least one companion animal – and many of these are afforded the status of family member by their human owner(s). It follows then that when a series of high-magnitude earthquakes shook the New Zealand city of Christchurch and the Canterbury region it is located within, many people and their companion animals were impacted. Generic and disaster-specific research into animal-human relationships has mostly been undertaken outside of the profession of social work. However, a number of recent social work research and theoretical papers draw attention to the need for this discipline to also embrace this field (Evans & Gray, 2012; Morley & Fook, 2005; Tedeschi, Fitchett, & Molidor, 2005; Risley-Curtiss, Holley, & Wolf, 2006b; Risley-Curtiss, 2010). The aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes has revealed a need to look critically at how animal-human relationships are perceived, and the potential for these relationships to be considered within routine social work assessments and interventions. This paper considers the role of companion animals in people’s lives, addresses the status of these animals during the Canterbury earthquakes, explores issues of loss and resiliency within animal-human relationships and looks at the implications of these relationships for social work practice and research.
In The Zone: Keeping hope alive through shaky times
Authors: Milner Vaughan
Published: May 2016

Social service organisations exist to provide help and support when life is difficult. Maintaining this through the crisis and long recovery from significant natural disasters requires purpose, resources and care full attention to staff. Presbyterian Support Upper South Island (PSUSI) had a pre-earthquake focus on activity that supported community connectedness. The need for this type of work has become more pronounced during the two years since the September 2010 earthquakes. This article explores from a management perspective what it has taken to keep the organisation running and the challenges of flexing from core activities through the ever changing and shaky reality known as the new normal. The way the value dimensions of the organisation have been tested is canvassed as is the way they have provided an enduring capability platform. A conceptual model encompassing community needs during the quakes and for the future is developed.
Implementing registration within a health organisation setting
Authors: Henderson Erica , Fry Kim
Published: May 2016

This article tracks the journey MidCentral Health took after the introduction of the Social Workers Registration Act (2003). The accomplishments and the challenges that we encountered along the way indicate the importance of engaging the entire organisation to raise awareness and support for health social workers to not only achieve registration but stand alongside our regulated colleagues.
Continuing professional development of registered social workers in New Zealand
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Duke Jan
Published: May 2016

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a significant feature of contemporary practice in most professions. In New Zealand, the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) is empowered under legislation to set expectations for CPD. Initially NZ-registered social workers were expected to undertake 150 hours of CPD activities across a three-year period. A random audit undertaken in 2010 found that social workers were not planning their CPD activities in a purposeful way (Duke, 2012), and were struggling to meet the target and as a consequence the requirements were reduced. A content analysis of CPD logs was undertaken in order to provide a snapshot of CPD activities of 84 randomly selected registered social workers. Findings demonstrate that, while a broad range of activities were undertaken by social workers, there was only weak evidence for the enhancement of reflective practice. Engagement in scholarly activity and research was low among the randomly selected group.
Social work registration and professionalism: Social justice and poverty – fellow travellers or discarded passengers?
Authors: O’Brien Mike
Published: May 2016

Poverty is a central focus for social work and social workers, but has received much less attention over recent times. While the ANZASW Code of Ethics and SWRB Code of Conduct differ in their expectations of social workers on social justice issues, it is the impact of managerialism and neo-liberalism and their incorporation of postmodern language of difference and diversity that is much more significant in this comparative neglect. Social workers need to reassert their collective voice on issues of poverty to meet their ethical obligations for competent practice.
A former President reflects on the effects of social worker registration upon the Association: An interview with Rose Henderson
Authors: Henderson Rose , O'Donoghue Kieran
Published: May 2016

This article is derived from an interview conversation between Kieran and Rose about her reflections as President during the implementation of the Social Workers Registration Act.
The White Paper for Vulnerable Children and the Munro Review of Child Protection in England: a comparative critique
Authors: Hyslop Ian
Published: May 2016

The apparent understandings of knowledge for child protection social work practice which inform the New Zealand White Paper for Vulnerable Children are contrasted with the views expressed in the Munro Review of Child Protection in England. It is argued that the rational-technical view of child protection practice knowledge critiqued in the Munro Review is the driving influence in the White Paper. It is further suggested that the White Paper is underpinned by neoliberal conceptions of individuated responsibility which conflict with the socially situated and relational understandings which are native to the theory and practice of social work. Consequently, the socio-technical social work practice knowledge form recognised and promoted in the Munro Review is marginalised in the White Paper. It is also argued that the failings of the child protection system in Aotearoa New Zealand are more appropriately associated with political and managerial misapprehension of knowledge for competent practice than with the shortcomings of social work as a vehicle for effective child protection. It is suggested that it is high time for the social work voice to be rediscovered and reasserted if effective, relationally engaged, practice with high needs children and their families is to be developed and promoted in politically challenging times.
‘Always take the weather with you’ – Aotearoa New Zealand social work in a dynamic global society
Authors: Fraser Sarah , Simpson Sophie
Published: May 2016

Social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and in the international community has weathered many storms over the years. The forecast is for further challenges ahead as the world continues to grapple with economic uncertainties, changing political forces and environments. While in the South Pacific, indigenous and local models of practice are being recognised, developed and refined, social work is also shaped by the global context of our profession. This article reviews the history of the 2000 International Definition of Social Work (International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), 2000) and explores the increasing diversity of voices behind the proposed new definition to be presented forratification at the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development in July 2014. The influence that social workers from our small South Pacific nation are having on the future of global social work is then explored from the perspectives of an emerging social work student and one who has been active in the profession for over three decades.
The Why, What, Where of social work: A personal reflection on the social work role over a thirty-year period
Authors: Smith Pam
Published: May 2016

As the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers celebrates its 50th anniversary it is timely to reflect on our personal and professional journeys. I present my reflections and then I consider why others may enter the profession and what literature tells us. I conclude with an encouragement for others. The ‘what’ and ‘where’ I briefly touch on but leave as a challenge for others to explore.
Roots of the Urban Mind
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: May 2016

The stress of living with strangers may have spawned cherished aspects of city life.
A Plague of Rats
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: May 2016

As more people crowd into urban slums, the risks posed by rodent-borne diseases are on the rise.
Targeting of cancer neoantigens with donor-derived T cell receptor repertoires
Authors: Strønen Erlend , Toebes Mireille , Kelderman Sander , van Buuren Marit M. , Yang Weiwen , van Rooij Nienke , Donia Marco , Böschen Maxi-Lu , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Olweus Johanna , Schumacher Ton N.
Published: May 2016

Outsourcing cancer immunotherapy

Successful cancer immunotherapy depends on a patient's T cells recognizing tumor-specific mutations and then waging a lethal attack. Despite tumors harboring many mutations, most individuals have very few T cells that respond to these so-called “neo-antigens.” Strønen
et al.
isolated T cells from healthy donors that responded to predicted neo-antigens expressed by melanomas taken from three patients, sometimes including neo-antigens that the patient's own T cells ignored (see the Perspective by Yadav and Delamarre). Testing whether such an outsourcing strategy could improve clinical outcomes will be an important next step.

Science
, this issue p.
1337
; see also p.
1275
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp.
hygroscopicus
NBRC 16556
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Oguchi Akio , Hamada Moriyuki , Tamura Tomohiko , Suzuki Ken-ichiro , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: May 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain NBRC 16556, deposited as
Streptomyces hygroscopicus
subsp.
hygroscopicus
into the NBRC culture collection. An average nucleotide identity analysis confirmed that the taxonomic identification is correct. The genome sequence will serve as a valuable reference for genome mining to search new secondary metabolites.
Genome Sequence of Propionibacterium acidipropionici ATCC 55737
Authors: Luna-Flores Carlos H. , Nielsen Lars K. , Marcellin Esteban
Published: May 2016

Propionibacterium acidipropionici
produces propionic acid as its main fermentation product. Traditionally derived from fossil fuels, environmental and sustainable issues have revived the interest in producing propionic acid using biological resources. Here, we present the closed sequence of
Propionibacterium acidipropionici
ATCC 55737, an efficient propionic acid producer.
First Insights into the Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Archaeon
Halalkalicoccus paucihalophilus
(DSM 24557)
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Mucek Katharina , Enders Marieke , Pankok Frederik , Daniel Rolf
Published: May 2016

Halalkalicoccus paucihalophilus
is an extremely halophilic, Gram-negative, and nonmotile coccus-like archaeon, which was originally isolated from the Lop Nur region in the northwest of China. The genome consists of a single replicon (3.98 Mbp).
H. paucihalophilus
is able to utilize mannose, which is unique for members of this genus.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp
.
Strain Allo2, a Salt-Tolerant Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Allocasuarina
Authors: Oshone Rediet , Ngom Mariama , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Sy Mame Ourèye , Champion Antony , Thomas W. Kelley , Tisa Louis S.
Published: May 2016

Frankia
sp. strain Allo2 is a member of
Frankia
lineage Ib, which is able to reinfect plants of the
Casuarinaceae
family, and exhibits a high level of salt tolerance compared to other isolates. Here, we report the 5.3-Mbp draft genome sequence of
Frankia
sp. strain Allo2 with a G+C content of 70.0% and 4,224 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Limnobacter
sp. Strain CACIAM 66H1, a Heterotrophic Bacterium Associated with Cyanobacteria
Authors: da Silva Fábio Daniel Florêncio , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Moraes Pablo Henrique Gonçalves , Siqueira Andrei Santos , Dall'Agnol Leonardo Teixeira , Baraúna Anna Rafaella Ferreira , Martins Luisa Carício , Oliveira Karol Guimarães , de Lima Clayton Pereira Silva , Nunes Márcio Roberto Teixeira , Vianez-Júnior João Lídio Silva Gonçalves , Gonçalves Evonnildo Costa
Published: May 2016

Ecological interactions between cyanobacteria and heterotrophic prokaryotes are poorly known. To improve the genomic studies of heterotrophic bacterium-cyanobacterium associations, the draft genome sequence (3.2 Mbp) of
Limnobacter
sp. strain CACIAM 66H1, found in a nonaxenic culture of
Synechococcus
sp. (cyanobacteria), is presented here.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Flavobacterium
sp. Strain TAB 87, Able To Inhibit the Growth of Cystic Fibrosis Bacterial Pathogens Belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia Complex
Authors: Presta Luana , Inzucchi Ilaria , Bosi Emanuele , Fondi Marco , Perrin Elena , Miceli Elisangela , Tutino Maria Luisa , Lo Giudice Angelina , de Pascale Donatella , Fani Renato
Published: May 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of the
Flavobacterium
sp. TAB 87 strain, isolated from Antarctic seawater during a summer campaign near the French Antarctic station Dumont d'Urville (60°40′S, 40°01′E). It will allow for comparative genomics and the fulfillment of both fundamental and application-oriented investigations. It allowed the recognition of genes associated with the production of bioactive compounds and antibiotic resistance.
Complete Nucleotide Sequences and Genome Organization of Two Pepper Mild Mottle Virus Isolates from
Capsicum annuum
in South Korea
Authors: Choi Seung-Kook , Choi Gug-Seoun , Kwon Sun-Jung , Yoon Ju-Yeon
Published: May 2016

The complete genome sequences of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)-P2 and -P3 were determined by the Sanger sequencing method. Although PMMoV-P2 and PMMoV-P3 have different pathogenicity in some pepper cultivars, the complete genome sequences of PMMoV-P2 and -P3 are composed of 6,356 nucleotides (nt). In this study, we report the complete genome sequences and genome organization of PMMoV-P2 and -P3 isolates from pepper species in South Korea.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine journals
Authors: Weber Ellen J
Published: May 2016

Editor's note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors.Ellen J Weber
Venous sinus stenting in patients without idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Levitt Michael R , Albuquerque Felipe C , Gross Bradley A , Moon Karam , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Ducruet Andrew F , Crowley R Webster
Published: May 2016

Background

Venous sinus stenting is an effective treatment for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis.

Objective

To determine the usefulness of venous sinus stenting in the treatment of patients with symptomatic venous sinus stenosis without a diagnosis of IIH.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective multicenter database of patients undergoing venous sinus stenting between January 2008 and February 2016. Patients with acute dural venous sinus thrombosis, arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation, or IIH were excluded. Clinical, radiological, and ophthalmological information was recorded.

Results

Nine patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent venous sinus stenting for symptomatic dural venous sinus stenosis. Reasons for treatment included isolated unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (n=1), congenital hydrocephalus (n=2), unilateral pulsatile tinnitus following prior venous sinus thrombosis (n=1), acquired hydrocephalus following dural sinus thrombosis (n=2), meningitis (n=2) and tumor invasion into the dural venous sinus (n=1). Six patients underwent lumbar puncture or shunt tap, and all of these patients had elevated intracranial pressure. All stenoses were located in the transverse sinus, transverse–sigmoid junction and/or jugular bulb, and all were treated with self-expanding bare-metal stents. At follow-up, clinical symptoms had resolved in all but two patients, both of whom had congenital hydrocephalus and pre-existing shunts. There was no significant in-stent stenosis, and patients with ophthalmological follow-up demonstrated improvement of papilledema.

Conclusions

Dural venous sinus stenting may be an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic venous sinus stenosis without IIH in carefully selected cases, but may not be effective in resolving the symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus.
The response of North Atlantic diadromous fish to multiple stressors, including land use change: a multidecadal study
Authors: de Eyto Elvira , Dalton Catherine , Dillane Mary , Jennings Eleanor , McGinnity Philip , O’Dwyer Barry , Poole Russell , Rogan Ger , Taylor David
Published: May 2016

Reduction of freshwater habitat quality due to land use change can have major impacts on diadromous fish. Partitioning this impact from other potential drivers, such as changing marine conditions and climate, is hampered by a lack of long-term data sets. Here, four decades of data were used to assess the impact of land use change on Salmo salar and anadromous Salmo trutta in the Burrishoole catchment, Ireland, one of the few index sites for diadromous fish in the North Atlantic. Land use change was found to have no significant impact on the freshwater survival of either salmon or trout. However, climate impacted significantly on the survival of salmon and trout in fresh water, with poor survival in years with wetter, warmer winters, coinciding with positive North Atlantic Oscillation values. Additionally, cold springs were associated with higher survival in trout. The addition of hatchery fish into the salmon spawning cohort coincided with low freshwater survival. Our results highlight the necessity for a broad ecosystem approach in any conservation effort of these species.
Constraints on the ωπ form factor from analyticity and unitarity
Authors: Ananthanarayan B. , Caprini Irinel , Kubis Bastian
Published: May 2016

Form factors are important low-energy quantities and an accurate knowledge of these sheds light on the strong interactions. A variety of methods based on general principles have been developed to use information known in different energy regimes to constrain them in regions where experimental information needs to be tested precisely. Here we review our recent work on the electromagnetic [Formula: see text] form factor in a model-independent framework known as the method of unitarity bounds, partly motivated by the discrepancies noted recently between the theoretical calculations of the form factor based on dispersion relations and certain experimental data measured from the decay [Formula: see text]. We have applied a modified dispersive formalism, which uses as input the discontinuity of the [Formula: see text] form factor calculated by unitarity below the [Formula: see text] threshold and an integral constraint on the square of its modulus above this threshold. The latter constraint was obtained by exploiting unitarity and the positivity of the spectral function of a QCD correlator, computed on the spacelike axis by operator product expansion and perturbative QCD. An alternative constraint is obtained by using data available at higher energies for evaluating an integral of the modulus squared with a suitable weight function. From these conditions we derived upper and lower bounds on the modulus of the [Formula: see text] form factor in the region below the [Formula: see text] threshold. The results confirm the existence of a disagreement between dispersion theory and experimental data on the [Formula: see text] form factor around 0.6 GeV, including those from NA60 published in 2016.
Computational Modelling of Fracture Propagation in Rocks Using a Coupled Elastic-Plasticity-Damage Model
Authors: Kolo Isa , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , Sousa Rita L.
Published: May 2016

A coupled elastic-plasticity-damage constitutive model, AK Model, is applied to predict fracture propagation in rocks. The quasi-brittle material model captures anisotropic effects and the distinct behavior of rocks in tension and compression. Calibration of the constitutive model is realized using experimental data for Carrara marble. Through the Weibull distribution function, heterogeneity effect is captured by spatially varying the elastic properties of the rock. Favorable comparison between model predictions and experiments for single-flawed specimens reveal that the AK Model is reliable and accurate for modelling fracture propagation in rocks.
Design and Implementation of a Vehicle Social Enabler Based on Social Internet of Things
Authors: Shin Taehwan , Byun Jinsung
Published: May 2016

In recent years, the combination of novel context-aware systems with the Internet of Things (IoT) has received great attention with the advances in network and context-awareness technologies. Various context-aware consumer electronics based on IoT for intelligent and personalized user-centric services have been introduced. However, although the paradigm of the IoT has evolved from smart objects into social objects, the existing context-aware systems have not reflected the changes in these paradigms well. Therefore, this paper proposes a social enabler (S-Enabler) in order to overcome this limitation. The S-Enabler plays an important role in converting the existing objects into social objects. This paper presents the middleware architecture and cooperation processes for a social IoT-based smart system. In this paper, the S-Enabler is designed to be applied to a vehicle and an energy saving service is introduced by using the S-Enabler. The proposed energy saving service can reduce energy consumption and fuel consumption based on social behaviors such as sharing or competition. The performance of the S-Enabler is discussed through a simple vehicle service scenario. The experimental results show that the S-Enabler reduced fuel consumption by up to 31.7%.
Oxidative Stress and Liver Morphology in Experimental Cyclosporine A-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Korolczuk Agnieszka , Caban Kinga , Amarowicz Magdalena , Czechowska Grażyna , Irla-Miduch Joanna
Published: May 2016

Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressive drug used after organ’s transplantation. The adverse effects on such organs as kidney or liver may limit its use. Oxidative stress is proposed as one of the mechanisms of organs injury. The study was designed to elucidate CsA-induced changes in liver function, morphology, oxidative stress parameters, and mitochondria in rat’s hepatocytes. Male Wistar rats were used: group A (control) receiving physiological saline, group B cyclosporine A in a dose of 15 mg/kg/day subcutaneously, and group C the CsA-vehicle (olive oil). On the 28th day rats were anesthetized. The following biochemical changes were observed in CsA-treated animals: increased levels of ALT, AST, and bilirubin in the serum, statistically significant changes in oxidative stress parameters, and lipid peroxidation products in the liver supernatants: MDA+4HAE, GSH, GSSG, caspase 3 activity, and ADP/ATP, NAD+/NADH, and NADP+/NADPH ratios. Microscopy of the liver revealed congestion, sinusoidal dilatation, and focal hepatocytes necrosis with mononuclear cell infiltration. Electron microscope revealed marked mitochondrial damage. Biochemical studies indicated that CsA treatment impairs liver function and triggers oxidative stress and redox imbalance in rats hepatocytes. Changes of oxidative stress markers parallel with mitochondrial damage suggest that these mechanisms play a crucial role in the course of CsA hepatotoxicity.
The Design and Thermal Reliability Analysis of a High-Efficiency K-Band MMIC Medium-Power Amplifier with Multiharmonic Matching
Authors: Shang Y. , Xu H. , Mo J. , Wang Z. , Xu X. , Tu Z. , Zhang X. , Zheng H. , Chen W. , Yu F.
Published: May 2016

A new high-efficiency K-band MMIC medium-power amplifier (PA) is designed with multiharmonic matching using GaAs pHEMT process technology. It has an operation frequency centered at 26 GHz with a bandwidth of 2 GHz. A 20 dBm 1 dB-compression-point output power and 40% efficiency are achieved. A novel thermal reliability analysis method based on ICEPAK is proposed also to evaluate its thermal characteristic. The test result by using a QFI InfraScope™infrared imaging system is compared with the simulation result. It agrees well with an accuracy within ±1°C differences, which reflects the advantages of the thermal analysis method with respect to accuracy and convenience for use.
Daily Living Movement Recognition for Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Applications
Authors: Martinelli Alessio , Morosi Simone , Del Re Enrico
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, activity recognition is a central topic in numerous applications such as patient and sport activity monitoring, surveillance, and navigation. By focusing on the latter, in particular Pedestrian Dead Reckoning navigation systems, activity recognition is generally exploited to get landmarks on the map of the buildings in order to permit the calibration of the navigation routines. The present work aims to provide a contribution to the definition of a more effective movement recognition for Pedestrian Dead Reckoning applications. The signal acquired by a belt-mounted triaxial accelerometer is considered as the input to the movement segmentation procedure which exploits Continuous Wavelet Transform to detect and segment cyclic movements such as walking. Furthermore, the segmented movements are provided to a supervised learning classifier in order to distinguish between activities such as walking and walking downstairs and upstairs. In particular, four supervised learning classification families are tested: decision tree, Support Vector Machine,k-nearest neighbour, and Ensemble Learner. Finally, the accuracy of the considered classification models is evaluated and the relative confusion matrices are presented.
Assessment of Anterior Segment Changes in Pseudophakic Eyes, Using Ultrasonic Biomicroscopic Imaging, after Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil or Gas Tamponade
Authors: Ünsal Erkan , Eltutar Kadir , Karini Belma , Kızılay Osman
Published: May 2016

Objective. To evaluate the morphological changes of the anterior segment using ultrasonic biomicroscopy (UBM) imaging in pseudophakic patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil or gas (C3F8) internal tamponade agent injection.Method. This prospective study included pseudophakic patients with planned PPV, divided into two groups according to internal tamponade agent: those in which silicone oil was used (n=27, Group 1) and those in which gas (C3F8) was used (n=24, Group 2). UBM measurements were performed in the supine position before and one week after surgery.Results. In patients of Group 1, postoperative trabecular meshwork-ciliary process distance (T-CPD) and iris-ciliary process distance (I-CPD), according to preoperative values, were found to be statistically significantly reduced, and postoperative mean value of scleral thickness (ST) and intraocular pressure (IOP), according to preoperative value, was found to be statistically significantly increased. In patients of Group 2, postoperative mean values of anterior chamber depth (ACD), ciliary body thickness (CBT), T-CPD, I-CPD, and IOP, according to preoperative values, were found to be statistically significantly reduced. Preoperatively, in Group 2 patients, according to Group 1 patients, TIA and IOP were found to be statistically significantly increased. Preoperative and postoperative IOP between the measured parameters with UBM showed no statistically significant correlation.Conclusions. Gases cause more morphological changes in the anterior segment structures. It is thought that complications such as increased intraocular pressure can be seen more frequently for this reason.
Cortical Reorganization following Injury Early in Life
Authors: Artzi Moran , Shiran Shelly Irene , Weinstein Maya , Myers Vicki , Tarrasch Ricardo , Schertz Mitchell , Fattal-Valevski Aviva , Miller Elka , Gordon Andrew M. , Green Dido , Ben Bashat Dafna
Published: May 2016

The brain has a remarkable capacity for reorganization following injury, especially during the first years of life. Knowledge of structural reorganization and its consequences following perinatal injury is sparse. Here we studied changes in brain tissue volume, morphology, perfusion, and integrity in children with hemiplegia compared to typically developing children, using MRI. Children with hemiplegia demonstrated reduced total cerebral volume, with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and reduced total white matter volumes, with no differences in total gray matter volume, compared to typically developing children. An increase in cortical thickness at the hemisphere contralateral to the lesion (CLH) was detected in motor and language areas, which may reflect compensation for the gray matter loss in the lesion area or retention of ipsilateral pathways. In addition, reduced cortical thickness, perfusion, and surface area were detected in limbic areas. Increased CSF volume and precentral cortical thickness and reduced white matter volume were correlated with worse motor performance. Brain reorganization of the gray matter within the CLH, while not necessarily indicating better outcome, is suggested as a response to neuronal deficits following injury early in life.
Therapeutic Effect of Intrastromal Voriconazole, Topical Voriconazole, and Topical Natamycin onFusariumKeratitis in Rabbit
Authors: Nejabat Mahmood , Yaqubi Nafiseh , Khosravi Amir , Zomorodian Kamiar , Ashraf Mohammad Javad , Salouti Ramin
Published: May 2016

Purpose. Evaluating the therapeutic effect of topical and intrastromal voriconazole and topical natamycin onFusariumkeratitis.Methods. 24 rabbits were selected. The stroma of their corneas was inoculated with suspension ofFusarium solanispecies complex. Seven days after injection they were divided into 4 groups randomly: the first group was treated with topical voriconazole (TV) 1% for one week, the second one with one-time intrastromal injection of voriconazole (ISV) 50 microgram/0.1 mL, and the third group with topical gel of natamycin (TN) for one week, and the last one did not receive any antifungal treatment. Finally the eyes were enucleated and sclerocorneal buttons were sent for histological and microbiological examinations.Results. After treatment the ISV group and TN group showed significantly lower clinical score and colony forming units than the control group (P=0.040andP=0.026, resp.), but there was statistically no significant difference between control and TV groups (P=0.249) or between ISV and TN groups (P=0.665). In pathological evaluation, fewer chronic inflammations were reported in 2 of the 3 buttons from TV group and 3 of the 3 buttons from ISV and TN groups in comparison with the control group.Conclusion. Intrastromal injection of voriconazole seems to be effective in treatment ofFusariumkeratitis as much as topical natamycin and these are more effective than topical voriconazole.
Association of Continuous-Equivalent Urea Clearances with Death Risk in Intermittent Hemodialysis
Authors: Vartia Aarne , Huhtala Heini , Mustonen Jukka
Published: May 2016

Background. Several reports describe favorable results from frequent hemodialysis, but due to the lack of unequivocal dose measures it is not clear whether the benefits are due to more efficient toxin removal or other factors. Methods. The associations with death risk of six continuous-equivalent urea clearance measures were compared in 57 conventional in-center hemodialysis treatment periods of 51 patients, together 114 patient years. The double pool dose measures were calculated with the Solute-Solver program and separately scaled to urea distribution volume or normalized with body surface area. Results. Mortality associated significantly with equivalent renal urea clearance (EKR) scaled to urea distribution volume (V) (p=0.033) and with EKR normalized with body surface area (BSA) (p=0.044) but not with V-scaled (p=0.059) nor BSA-normalized (p=0.183) standard clearance (stdK). Women had significantly higher normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), EKR/V, and stdK/V than men but slightly lower BSA-normalized dose measures and lower mortality. Protein catabolic rate and dialysis dose correlated positively with each other and with survival. Conclusions. The prognostically most valid continuous-equivalent clearance in the present material was EKR/V, calculated from double pool urea generation rate, distribution volume, and time-averaged concentration.
The Potential of Curcumin in Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sanivarapu Raghavendra , Vallabhaneni Vijayalakshmi , Verma Vivek
Published: May 2016

Current treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) is supportive at best; despite great efforts, the lack of better treatment solutions looms large on neurological science and medicine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice known for its medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties, has been validated to harbor immense effects for a multitude of inflammatory-based diseases. However, to date there has not been a review on curcumin’s effects on SCI. Herein, we systematically review all known data on this topic and juxtapose results of curcumin with standard therapies such as corticosteroids. Because all studies that compare the two show superior results for curcumin over corticosteroids, it could be true that curcumin better acts at the inflammatory source of SCI-mediated neurological injury, although this question remains unanswered in patients. Because curcumin has shown improvements from current standards of care in other diseases with few true treatment options (e.g., osteoarthritis), there is immense potential for this compound in treating SCI. We critically and systematically summarize available data, discuss clinical implications, and propose further testing of this well-tolerated compound in both the preclinical and the clinical realms. Analyzing preclinical data from a clinical perspective, we hope to create awareness of the incredible potential that curcumin shows for SCI in a patient population that direly needs improvements on current therapy.
Differentiation‐Associated MicroRNA Alterations in Mouse Heart‐Derived Sca‐1+CD31− and Sca‐1+CD31+ Cells
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhan Jinxi , Li Yun , Wang Xiaoxia , Xu Lu , Yu Juan , Pu Shiming , Zhou Zuping
Published: May 2016

Cardiac resident stem/progenitor cells (CSC/CPCs) are critical to the cellular and functional integrity of the heart because they maintain myocardial cell homeostasis. Several populations of CSC/CPCs have been identified based on expression of different stem cell‐associated antigens. Sca‐1+ cells in the cardiac tissue may be the most common CSC/CPCs. However, they are a heterogeneous cell population and, in transplants, clinicians might transplant more endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, or other cells than stem cells. The purposes of this study were to (1) isolate CSC/CPCs with Lin−CD45−Sca‐1+CD31− and Lin−CD45−Sca‐1+CD31+ surface antigens using flow‐activated cell sorting; (2) investigate their differentiation potential; and (3) determine the molecular basis for differences in stemness characteristics between cell subtypes. The results indicated that mouse heart‐derived Sca‐1+CD31− cells were multipotent and retained the ability to differentiate into different cardiac cell lineages, but Sca‐1+CD31+ cells did not. Integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression indicated that 20 microRNAs and 49 mRNAs were inversely associated with Sca‐1+CD31− and Sca‐1+CD31+ subtype stemness characteristics. In particular, mmu‐miR‐322‐5p had more targeted and inversely associated genes and transcription factors and might have higher potential for CSC/CPCs differentiation.