bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Noncanonical Autophagy Pathway Restricts Toxoplasma gondii Growth in a Strain-Specific Manner in IFN-γ-Activated Human Cells
Authors: Selleck Elizabeth M. , Orchard Robert C. , Lassen Kara G. , Beatty Wandy L. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Levine Beth , Virgin Herbert W. , Sibley L. David
Published: September 2015

A core set of autophagy proteins is required for gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated clearance of
Toxoplasma gondii
in the mouse because of their control of several downstream effectors, including immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) and guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs). However, these effectors are absent (i.e., IRGs) from or nonessential (i.e., GBPs) in IFN-γ-activated human cells, raising the question of how these cells control parasite replication. Here, we define a novel role for ubiquitination and recruitment of autophagy adaptors in the strain-specific control of
T. gondii
replication in IFN-γ-activated human cells. Vacuoles containing susceptible strains of
T. gondii
became ubiquitinated, recruited the adaptors p62 and NDP52, and were decorated with LC3. Parasites within LC3-positive vacuoles became enclosed in multiple layers of host membranes, resulting in stunting of parasite replication. However, LC3-positive
T. gondii
-containing vacuoles did not fuse with endosomes and lysosomes, indicating that this process is fundamentally different from xenophagy, a form of autophagy involved in the control of intracellular bacterial pathogens. Genetic knockout of ATG16L or ATG7 reverted the membrane encapsulation and restored parasite replication, indicating that core autophagy proteins involved in LC3 conjugation are important in the control of parasite growth. Despite a role for the core autophagy machinery in this process, upstream activation through Beclin 1 was not sufficient to enhance the ubiquitination of
T. gondii
-containing vacuoles, suggesting a lack of reliance on canonical autophagy. These findings demonstrate a new mechanism for IFN-γ-dependent control of
T. gondii
in human cells that depends on ubiquitination and core autophagy proteins that mediate membrane engulfment and restricted growth.

IMPORTANCE
Autophagy is a process of cellular remodeling that allows the cell to recycle senescent organelles and recapture nutrients. During innate immune responses in the mouse, autophagy is recruited to help target intracellular pathogens and thus eliminate them. However, the antimicrobial mediators that depend on autophagy in the mouse are not conserved in humans, raising the issue of how human cells control intracellular pathogens. Our study defines a new pathway for the control of the ubiquitous intracellular parasite
T. gondii
in human cells activated by IFN-γ. Recruitment of autophagy adaptors resulted in engulfment of the parasite in multiple membranes and growth impairment. Although susceptible type 2 and 3 stains of
T. gondii
were captured by this autophagy-dependent pathway, type 1 strains were able to avoid entrapment.
The Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium aceticum: a Missing Link between Rnf- and Cytochrome-Containing Autotrophic Acetogens
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Cebulla Martin , Ilg Marcus M. , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Schiel-Bengelsdorf Bettina , Whited Gregg , Andreesen Jan R. , Gottschalk Gerhard , Daniel Rolf , Dürre Peter
Published: September 2015

Clostridium aceticum
was the first isolated autotrophic acetogen, converting CO
2
plus H
2
or syngas to acetate. Its genome has now been completely sequenced and consists of a 4.2-Mbp chromosome and a small circular plasmid of 5.7 kbp. Sequence analysis revealed major differences from other autotrophic acetogens.
C. aceticum
contains an Rnf complex for energy conservation (via pumping protons or sodium ions). Such systems have also been found in
C. ljungdahlii
and
Acetobacterium woodii
. However,
C. aceticum
also contains a cytochrome, as does
Moorella thermoacetica
, which has been proposed to be involved in the generation of a proton gradient. Thus,
C. aceticum
seems to represent a link between Rnf- and cytochrome-containing autotrophic acetogens. In
C. aceticum
, however, the cytochrome is probably not involved in an electron transport chain that leads to proton translocation, as no genes for quinone biosynthesis are present in the genome.

IMPORTANCE
Autotrophic acetogenic bacteria are receiving more and more industrial focus, as CO
2
plus H
2
as well as syngas are interesting new substrates for biotechnological processes. They are both cheap and abundant, and their use, if it results in sustainable products, also leads to reduction of greenhouse gases.
Clostridium aceticum
can use both gas mixtures, is phylogenetically not closely related to the commonly used species, and may thus become an even more attractive workhorse. In addition, its energy metabolism, which is characterized here, and the ability to synthesize cytochromes might offer new targets for improving the ATP yield by metabolic engineering and thus allow use of
C. aceticum
for production of compounds by pathways that currently present challenges for energy-limited acetogens.
Origin and Possible Genetic Recombination of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus from the First Imported Case in China: Phylogenetics and Coalescence Analysis
Authors: Wang Yanqun , Liu Di , Shi Weifeng , Lu Roujian , Wang Wenling , Zhao Yanjie , Deng Yao , Zhou Weimin , Ren Hongguang , Wu Jun , Wang Yu , Wu Guizhen , Gao George F. , Tan Wenjie
Published: September 2015

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes a severe acute respiratory tract infection with a high fatality rate in humans. Coronaviruses are capable of infecting multiple species and can evolve rapidly through recombination events. Here, we report the complete genomic sequence analysis of a MERS-CoV strain imported to China from South Korea. The imported virus, provisionally named ChinaGD01, belongs to group 3 in clade B in the whole-genome phylogenetic tree and also has a similar tree topology structure in the open reading frame 1a and -b (ORF1ab) gene segment but clusters with group 5 of clade B in the tree constructed using the S gene. Genetic recombination analysis and lineage-specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) comparison suggest that the imported virus is a recombinant comprising group 3 and group 5 elements. The time-resolved phylogenetic estimation indicates that the recombination event likely occurred in the second half of 2014. Genetic recombination events between group 3 and group 5 of clade B may have implications for the transmissibility of the virus.

IMPORTANCE
The recent outbreak of MERS-CoV in South Korea has attracted global media attention due to the speed of spread and onward transmission. Here, we present the complete genome of the first imported MERS-CoV case in China and demonstrate genetic recombination events between group 3 and group 5 of clade B that may have implications for the transmissibility of MERS-CoV.
Modeling the Context-Dependent Associations between the Gut Microbiome, Its Environment, and Host Health
Authors: Sharpton Thomas J. , Gaulke Christopher A.
Published: September 2015

Changes in the gut microbiome are often associated with disease. One of the major goals in microbiome research is determining which components of this complex system are responsible for the observed differences in health state. Most studies apply a reductionist approach, wherein individual organisms are evaluated independently of the surrounding context of the microbiome. While such methods have yielded valuable insights into the microbiome, they fail to identify patterns that may be obscured by contextual variation. A recent report by Schubert et al. [A. M. Schubert, H. Sinani, and P. D. Schloss, mBio 6(4):e00974-15, 2015, doi: 10.1128/mBio.00974-15] communicates an alternative approach to the study of the microbiome's association with host health. By coupling a multifactored experimental design with regression modeling, the authors are able to profile context-dependent changes in the microbiome and predict health status. This work underscores the value of incorporating model-based procedures into the investigation of the microbiome and illustrates the potential clinical transformations that may arise through their use.
Infections Associated with Exotic Cuisine: The Dangers of Delicacies
Authors: Hochberg Natasha S. , Bhadelia Nahid
Published: September 2015

“Exotic” food dishes are an expression of regional culture, religion, and ethnicity worldwide. With the increase in international travel to remote areas of the world, globalization of the food supply, and changes in food habits, more people are consuming dishes once considered exotic. Such behavioral changes require awareness by consumers and clinicians about the risks of food-borne infections. This chapter addresses pathogens associated with consumption of raw or undercooked seafood including anisakidosis,
Diphyllobothrium latum
infection, flukes, and other infectious and toxin-mediated diseases. We discuss the geographic distribution of the pathogens, symptomatology, and basic principles of treatment. Food products derived from turtles, snakes, and other reptiles are reviewed, and we address the risk of gnathostomiasis, sparganosis, trichinellosis, and other pathogens. In discussing infections associated with undercooked beef, pork, and bush meat, we address dysentery, amebiasis, toxoplasmosis,
Taenia
infections, and risks of novel viral infections, among others. We also review infectious risks from poultry, dairy, and other food items, focusing on those organisms encountered less frequently by clinicians in developed countries. The wide range of infectious organisms related to exotic cuisine underscores the importance of educating the adventurous traveler and warrants continued vigilance on the part of the clinician.
Diseases Transmitted by Cats
Authors: Goldstein Ellie J. C. , Abrahamian Fredrick M.
Published: September 2015

Humans and cats have shared a close relationship since ancient times. Millions of cats are kept as household pets, and 34% of households have cats. There are numerous diseases that may be transmitted from cats to humans. General modes of transmission, with some overlapping features, can occur through inhalation (e.g., bordetellosis); vector-borne spread (e.g., ehrlichiosis); fecal-oral route (e.g., campylobacteriosis); bite, scratch, or puncture (e.g., rabies); soil-borne spread (e.g., histoplasmosis); and direct contact (e.g., scabies). It is also likely that the domestic cat can potentially act as a reservoir for many other zoonoses that are not yet recognized. The microbiology of cat bite wound infections in humans is often polymicrobial with a broad mixture of aerobic (e.g.,
Pasteurella
,
Streptococcus
,
Staphylococcus
) and anaerobic (e.g.,
Fusobacterium
,
Porphyromonas
,
Bacteroides
) microorganisms. Bacteria recovered from infected cat bite wounds are most often reflective of the oral flora of the cat, which can also be influenced by the microbiome of their ingested prey and other foods. Bacteria may also originate from the victim’s own skin or the physical environment at the time of injury.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Bacterial Interference
Authors: Nicolle Lindsay E.
Published: September 2015

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is very common. In healthy women, asymptomatic bacteriuria increases with age, from <1% in newborns to 10% to 20% of women age 80 years, but is uncommon in men until after age 50 years. Individuals with underlying genitourinary abnormalities, including indwelling devices, may also have a high frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria, irrespective of age or gender. The prevalence is very high in residents of long-term–care facilities, from 25% to 50% of women and 15% to 40% of men.
Escherichia coli
is the most frequent organism isolated, but a wide variety of other organisms may occur. Bacteriuria may be transient or persist for a prolonged period. Pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria identified in early pregnancy and who are untreated have a risk of pyelonephritis later in pregnancy of 20% to 30%. Bacteremia is frequent in bacteriuric subjects following mucosal trauma with bleeding, with 5% to 10% of patients developing severe sepsis or septic shock. These two groups with clear evidence of negative outcomes should be screened for bacteriuria and appropriately treated. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in other populations is benign and screening and treatment are not indicated. Antimicrobial treatment has no benefits but is associated with negative outcomes including reinfection with antimicrobial resistant organisms and a short-term increased frequency of symptomatic infection post-treatment. The observation of increased symptomatic infection post-treatment, however, has led to active investigation of bacterial interference as a strategy to prevent symptomatic episodes in selected high risk patients.
Cranial nerve palsies after shunting of an isolated fourth ventricle
Authors: Simonin Alexandre , Levivier Marc , Bloch Jocelyne , Messerer Mahmoud
Published: September 2015

An isolated fourth ventricle is characterised by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trapping in the fourth ventricle. Although there is no consensus regarding treatment, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting of the fourth ventricle is an option. Complications include infection, mechanical irritation of the brainstem, malfunction and overdrainage. Cranial nerve palsy is a rare complication and has been mostly described in children. We present two adult cases of abducens and facial nerve palsies occurring secondary to this procedure. Placement of a higher resistance valve brought about complete recovery in one patient while withdrawal of the catheter by a few millimetres led to complete recovery in the second patient.
IgA vasculitis (formerly Henoch-Schönlein purpura) in an adult with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bernardino Vera , Mendes-Bastos Pedro , Rodrigues Ana , Riso Nuno
Published: September 2015

We report a case of a 65-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome, presenting palpable purpuric lesions, necrotic blisters and swelling ankles, after a previous tracheobronchitis episode. Laboratory data were remarkable for mild proteinuria and imaging studies were normal. A skin biopsy showed IgA deposits on superficial dermal capillaries and IgA vasculitis (IgAV) (former Henoch-Schönlein purpura) was assumed. The patient was treated with colchicine, deflazacort and azathioprine, but as a regression in the purpuric lesions was noted, a decline in renal function was detected. A kidney biopsy revealed mesangial proliferation with IgA deposition and IgAV nephritis was considered. Immunosuppressive treatment was adjusted, with progressive normalisation of renal function and disappearance of proteinuria over a monthly follow-up; after 6 months, total remission was achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IgAV in an adult patient with SLE.
Cardiac metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pattni Neeraj , Rennie Andrew , Hall Timothy , Norman Aidan
Published: September 2015

We present a case of isolated cardiac metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. An 89-year-old woman was due to undergo curative resection of a histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar region. On admission, it was noted that there were ECG changes, and following further investigations, the patient was diagnosed with a cardiac metastasis of her oral malignancy. The presentation, including the diagnostic difficulties, as well as the clinical features of this rare case, are discussed.
Recurrent respiratory infections and unusual radiology: a woman with Kartagener's syndrome
Authors: Ronnevi Cecilia , Ortiz-Villalon Cristian , Pawlowski Jacek , Ferrara Giovanni
Published: September 2015

A 39-year-old woman with known situs inversus and a medical history of asthma had been suffering from recurring bronchial pneumonias and sinusitis for as long as she could remember. After being treated several times with antibiotics due to the frequent respiratory infections and after a CT scan that showed bilateral bronchiectasis, she was referred to the department of respiratory diseases, where another confirming X-ray and a bronchoscopy were performed based on a suspicion of Kartagener's syndrome.
Cervical diverticulitis: a novel complication of a neonatal colonic interposition graft following oesophagectomy
Authors: Punwani Vishal V , Ong Eugene , Hii Michael W
Published: September 2015

A 47-year-old woman presented to a tertiary emergency department with an 8-day history of odynophagia, a 4 cm swelling on her left neck and intermittent fevers. Shortly following her birth, a congenital oesophageal atresia had been managed surgically with colonic interposition graft. Contrast CT of the neck demonstrated several large diverticula within her interposition graft at the level of the cervical vertebrae. A colocutaneous fistula was identified between the colon and left neck, with an associated abscess. The patient received intravenous meropenem followed by abscess drainage. A high output fistula developed at the drainage site, and the patient required intravenous fluids and stoma placement to manage fluid discharge. She left the hospital after a 17-day stay. At 6-month follow-up, the wound was erythematous, but the patient was otherwise well. We believe that this is the first reported case of diverticular disease arising in what was originally neonatal colon interposed for oesophageal atresia at birth.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Hindocha Sumeet , Gopaluni Seerapani , Collins Graham P , Shenbagaraman Packiam
Published: September 2015

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare lymphoid neoplasm occurring in about 6% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Although nephrotic syndrome due to various glomerulopathies is well described in patients with lymphomas, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with MCL has been reported only once before. We present a second case of FSGS associated with MCL that was resistant to standard treatment of FSGS but resolved when the underlying MCL was treated.
Lung protective ventilation in patients undergoing major surgery: a systematic review incorporating a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng , Hu Xiaoyun , Zhang Xia , Zhu Xiuqi , Chen Liqian , Zhu Li , Hu Caibao , Du Bin
Published: September 2015

Objective

Protective ventilation (PV) has been validated in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, the effect of PV in patients undergoing major surgery is controversial. The study aimed to explore the beneficial effect of PV on patients undergoing a major operation by systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

Various levels of medical centres.

Participants

Patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

Interventions

PV with low tidal volume.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Study end points included acute lung injury (ALI), pneumonia, atelectasis, mortality, length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO and EMBASE were searched from inception to May 2015. Search strategies consisted of terms related to PV and anaesthesia. We reported OR for binary outcomes including ALI, mortality, pneumonia, atelectasis and other adverse outcomes. Weighted mean difference was reported for continuous outcomes such as LOS in the ICU and hospital, pH value, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygenation and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV).

Main results

A total of 22 citations were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. PV had protective effect against the development of ALI as compared with the control group, with an OR of 0.41 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.87). PV tended to be beneficial with regard to the development of pneumonia (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.28) and atelectasis (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.01), but statistical significance was not reached. Other adverse outcomes such as new onset arrhythmia were significantly reduced with the use of PV (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.93).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that PV can reduce the risk of ALI in patients undergoing major surgery. However, there is insufficient evidence that such a beneficial effect can be translated to more clinically relevant outcomes such as mortality or duration of MV.

Trial registration number

The study was registered in PROSPERO (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/) under registration number CRD42013006416.
Capturing the experiences of patients across multiple complex interventions: a meta-qualitative approach
Authors: Webster Fiona , Christian Jennifer , Mansfield Elizabeth , Bhattacharyya Onil , Hawker Gillian , Levinson Wendy , Naglie Gary , Pham Thuy-Nga , Rose Louise , Schull Michael , Sinha Samir , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Upshur Ross , Wilson Lynn
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The perspectives, needs and preferences of individuals with complex health and social needs can be overlooked in the design of healthcare interventions. This study was designed to provide new insights on patient perspectives drawing from the qualitative evaluation of 5 complex healthcare interventions.

Setting

Patients and their caregivers were recruited from 5 interventions based in primary, hospital and community care in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

We included 62 interviews from 44 patients and 18 non-clinical caregivers.

Intervention

Our team analysed the transcripts from 5 distinct projects. This approach to qualitative meta-evaluation identifies common issues described by a diverse group of patients, therefore providing potential insights into systems issues.

Outcome measures

This study is a secondary analysis of qualitative data; therefore, no outcome measures were identified.

Results

We identified 5 broad themes that capture the patients’ experience and highlight issues that might not be adequately addressed in complex interventions. In our study, we found that: (1) the emergency department is the unavoidable point of care; (2) patients and caregivers are part of complex and variable family systems; (3) non-medical issues mediate patients’ experiences of health and healthcare delivery; (4) the unanticipated consequences of complex healthcare interventions are often the most valuable; and (5) patient experiences are shaped by the healthcare discourses on medically complex patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that key assumptions about patients that inform intervention design need to be made explicit in order to build capacity to better understand and support patients with multiple chronic diseases. Across many health systems internationally, multiple models are being implemented simultaneously that may have shared features and target similar patients, and a qualitative meta-evaluation approach, thus offers an opportunity for cumulative learning at a system level in addition to informing intervention design and modification.
Work conditions, mental workload and patient care quality: a multisource study in the emergency department
Authors: Weigl Matthias , Müller Andreas , Holland Stephan , Wedel Susanne , Woloshynowych Maria
Published: September 2015

Background

Workflow interruptions, multitasking and workload demands are inherent to emergency departments (ED) work systems. Potential effects of ED providers’ work on care quality and patient safety have, however, been rarely addressed. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associations of ED staff's workflow interruptions, multitasking and workload with patient care quality outcomes.

Methods

We applied a mixed-methods design in a two-step procedure. First, we conducted a time-motion study to observe the rate of interruptions and multitasking activities. Second, during 20-day shifts we assessed ED staff's reports on workflow interruptions, multitasking activities and mental workload. Additionally, we assessed two care quality indicators with standardised questionnaires: first, ED patients’ evaluations of perceived care quality; second, patient intrahospital transfers evaluated by ward staff. The study was conducted in a medium-sized community ED (16 600 annual visits).

Results

ED personnel's workflow was disrupted on average 5.63 times per hour. 30% of time was spent on multitasking activities. During 20 observations days, data were gathered from 76 ED professionals, 239 patients and 205 patient transfers. After aggregating daywise data and controlling for staffing levels, prospective associations revealed significant negative associations between ED personnel's mental workload and patients’ perceived quality of care. Conversely, workflow interruptions were positively associated with patient-related information on discharge and overall quality of transfer.

Conclusions

Our investigation indicated that ED staff's capability to cope with demanding work conditions was associated with patient care quality. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the complex effects of interruptions and multitasking in the ED environment for creating safe and efficient ED work and care systems.
Assessing changes in the UK pet cat and dog populations: numbers and household ownership
Authors: Murray J. K. , Gruffydd‐Jones T. J. , Roberts M. A. , Browne W. J.
Published: September 2015

The main aim of this study was to replicate methodology used to estimate the size of the UK pet cat and dog populations in 2006 and the proportion of households owning cats/dogs in 2007, to produce updated data to compare trends in ownership and population sizes. A cross‐sectional study design was used to collect telephone interview data from 3155 households in the UK. 2011 UK human census data were used to predict the size of the cat and dog populations owned by households in the UK in 2011. Of the households, 23 per cent (714/3155) owned one or more cats and 30 per cent (940/3155) owned one or more dogs. There was some overlap in pet ownership with 7 per cent (210/3155) of households owning both one or more cats and one or more dogs. There was a small but significant decrease in the proportion of households that owned one or more cats in 2011 compared with 2007, with no change in the proportion owning dogs. However, overall, the total number of cats and dogs that were estimated to be owned by UK households did not change significantly between 2006 and 2011. The estimated size (and 95% CIs) of the pet cat and dog populations in the UK in 2011 was 10,114,764 cats (9,138,603–11,090,924) and 11,599,824 dogs (10,708,070–12,491,578).
Effects of accessibility to the transit stations on intercity travel mode choices in contexts of high speed rail in the Windsor–Quebec corridor in Canada
Authors: Wong Billy , Habib Khandker M. Nurul
Published: September 2015

Main objective of this paper is investigating the role of transit station accessibility on intercity travel mode choices in contexts of a proposed High Speed Rail. The study area is the Quebec–Windsor corridor, which is the most important corridor in Canada and one of the most important corridors in North America. A web-based joint revealed preference – stated preference survey is used to collect data for empirical investigation. To contribute further to travel survey methods, an innovative social media based data collection approach is taken. As opposed to explicit sample frame-based sample selection approach, it applies a reverse procedure of open sample frame-based data collection. The web-based survey is spread through social media groups (that are open in sense that information of all individuals are not known explicitly) and the collected responses are screened to match with population distributions. Results prove the potential of such data collection approach in extracting representative samples of the population of concern. The collected dataset, which has close representation of the population, is used to estimate discrete mode choice model (Nested Logit model) of intercity mode choices. Empirical model reveals that intercity travellers are more concerned about access to and egress from transit stations than the main in-vehicle travel while selecting intercity travel modes. The result of this investigate imply that transit station accessibility should be given careful consideration for the success of any innovative travel mode, e.g., high speed rail.
Influence of discharge, hydraulics, water temperature, and dispersal on density synchrony in brown trout populations (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Bret Victor , Bergerot Benjamin , Capra Hervé , Gouraud Véronique , Lamouroux Nicolas
Published: September 2015

Environmental factors may cause synchronous density variations between populations. A better understanding of the processes underlying synchrony is fundamental to predicting resilience loss in metapopulations subject to environmental change. The present study investigated the determinants of synchrony in density time series of three age groups of resident brown trout (Salmo trutta) (0+, 1+, and adults) in 36 stream reaches. A series of Mantel tests were implemented to disentangle the relative effects on trout synchrony of geographical proximity, environmental synchrony in key environmental variables affecting trout dynamics (discharge, water temperature, hydraulics, and spawning substrate mobility), and density-dependent dispersal. Results indicated that environmental synchrony strongly explained trout synchrony over distances less than 75 km. This effect was partly due to a negative influence on 0+ trout of strong discharges during the emergence period and a more complex influence of substrate mobility during the spawning period. Dispersal between reaches had a weak influence on results. Juvenile and adult densities were strongly driven by survival processes and were not influenced by environmental synchrony. The results suggest that the environment can have general effects on population dynamics that may influence the resilience of metapopulations.
Dew as a sustainable non-conventional water resource: a critical review
Authors: Tomaszkiewicz Marlene , Abou Najm Majdi , Beysens Daniel , Alameddine Ibrahim , El-Fadel Mutasem
Published: September 2015

Over the last 20 years, dew harvesting has evolved to fruition because of a better understanding of its physics, thermodynamics, and the radiative cooling process of condensing substrates. Although resultant yields are relatively small, dew positions itself as a viable water resources supplement because it occurs naturally and frequently in many locations globally, particularly in the absence of precipitation or when more traditional water sources are subject to depletion. Moreover, dew water is generally potable, especially in rural locations, where it is most beneficial. This review summarizes dew harvesting research achievements to date including formation processes, collection in various environments, prediction models, water quality, and applications. The paper concludes with outlining existing gaps and future research needs to improve the understanding and performance of dew harvesting in the context of adaptation to climate change.
Quantum vorticity in nature
Authors: Huang Kerson
Published: September 2015

Quantum vorticity occurs in superfluidity, which arises from a spatial variation of the quantum phase. As such, it can occur in diverse systems over a wide range of scales, from the electroweak sector and QCD of the standard model of particle theory, through the everyday world, to the cosmos. I review the observable manifestations, and their unified description in terms of an order parameter that is a complex scalar field.
Unknotting numbers for handlebody-knots and Alexander quandle colorings
Authors: Iwakiri Masahide
Published: September 2015

A crossing change of a handlebody-knot is that of a spatial graph representing it. We see that any handlebody-knot can be deformed into trivial one by some crossing changes. So we define the unknotting numbers for handlebody-knots. In the case classical knots, which are considered as genus one handlebody-knots, Clark, Elhamdadi, Saito and Yeatman gave lower bounds of the Nakanishi indices by the numbers of some finite Alexander quandle colorings, and hence they also gave lower bounds of the unknotting numbers. In this paper, we give lower bounds of the unknotting numbers for handlebody-knots with any genus by the numbers of some finite Alexander quandle colorings of type at most [Formula: see text].
A structural aspect of the category of quandles
Authors: Bourn Dominique
Published: September 2015

We show that the category of quandles satisfies a Maltsev property relative to a certain class of split epimorphisms. This structural aspect produces a class of congruences, called puncturing, which have the property to permute with any other congruence.
The Post–Cold War Anthropology of Central America
Authors: Burrell Jennifer L. , Moodie Ellen
Published: September 2015

This article reviews the recent and emerging post–Cold War sociocultural anthropology research on Central America, defined as the five countries that share a common colonial and postcolonial history: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Following a consideration of the foundational literature widely engaged by scholars to theorize regional processes, three sections reflect major themes of investigation in the area: political economy, including environmental concerns and migration; political, ethnic, and religious subjectivities; and violence, democracy, and in/security, including gangs. We conclude that the well-developed anthropology of Central America has made key contributions to disciplinary analyses and debates, especially in the fields of political and economic anthropology and in terms of furthering studies of violence, migration, neoliberalism, and postconflict democracy. Anthropologists working in the region have been at the forefront of public and “engaged” anthropology, recognizing the political contexts and power relations in which knowledge is produced.
Comparative Analysis of Gene Regulatory Networks: From Network Reconstruction to Evolution
Authors: Thompson Dawn , Regev Aviv , Roy Sushmita
Published: September 2015

Regulation of gene expression is central to many biological processes. Although reconstruction of regulatory circuits from genomic data alone is therefore desirable, this remains a major computational challenge. Comparative approaches that examine the conservation and divergence of circuits and their components across strains and species can help reconstruct circuits as well as provide insights into the evolution of gene regulatory processes and their adaptive contribution. In recent years, advances in genomic and computational tools have led to a wealth of methods for such analysis at the sequence, expression, pathway, module, and entire network level. Here, we review computational methods developed to study transcriptional regulatory networks using comparative genomics, from sequence to functional data. We highlight how these methods use evolutionary conservation and divergence to reliably detect regulatory components as well as estimate the extent and rate of divergence. Finally, we discuss the promise and open challenges in linking regulatory divergence to phenotypic divergence and adaptation.
Genetics of Gonadal Stem Cell Renewal
Authors: Greenspan Leah Joy , de Cuevas Margaret , Matunis Erika
Published: September 2015

Stem cells are necessary for the maintenance of many adult tissues. Signals within the stem cell microenvironment, or niche, regulate the self-renewal and differentiation capability of these cells. Misregulation of these signals through mutation or damage can lead to overgrowth or depletion of different stem cell pools. In this review, we focus on the Drosophila testis and ovary, both of which contain well-defined niches, as well as the mouse testis, which has become a more approachable stem cell system with recent technical advances. We discuss the signals that regulate gonadal stem cells in their niches, how these signals mediate self-renewal and differentiation under homeostatic conditions, and how stress, whether from mutations or damage, can cause changes in cell fate and drive stem cell competition.
Effect of Aqueous Extract fromMorinda officinalis F. C. Howon Microwave-Induced Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testis Axis Impairment in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Song Bin , Wang Fengjuan , Wang Wei
Published: September 2015

The present study aimed to assess the protective effects of aqueous extract fromMorinda officinalis F. C. Howon microwave-induced reproductive impairment in male rats. Microwave exposure injury was induced by exposure of 900 MHz microwaves at 218 μm/cm2radiation densities, 24 hours/day for 10 days. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to: normal control, microwave exposure model, or water layer or ethyl acetate layer of aqueous extract 40 g/kg treatment groups. After 2 weeks of treatment, sexual performance, serum levels of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or testosterone, morphological analysis of testis and epididymis, and GnRH protein expression in the hypothalamus were measured. Pretreatment with water layer of aqueous extract 40 g/kg significantly improved sexual performance, increased serum testosterone level, and decreased LH and GnRH level compared with microwave exposed model rats (allP<0.05). Water layer of aqueous extract treatment significantly increased seminiferous cell or sperm number in testis and epididymis. Protein expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus significantly decreased in the water layer of aqueous extract treated group (P<0.05). Ethyl acetate layer of aqueous extract did not show obvious effects on the measured parameters. These findings suggest that water layer of aqueous extract 40 g/kg ameliorates microwave-reduced reproductive impairment.
An Efficient Kernel Learning Algorithm for Semisupervised Regression Problems
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lv Shaogao
Published: September 2015

Kernel selection is a central issue in kernel methods of machine learning. In this paper, we investigate the regularized learning schemes based on kernel design methods. Our ideal kernel is derived from a simple iterative procedure using large scale unlabeled data in a semisupervised framework. Compared with most of existing approaches, our algorithm avoids multioptimization in the process of learning kernels and its computation is as efficient as the standard single kernel-based algorithms. Moreover, large amounts of information associated with input space can be exploited, and thus generalization ability is improved accordingly. We provide some theoretical support for the least square cases in our settings; also these advantages are shown by a simulation experiment and a real data analysis.
Visual Interhemispheric and Striate-Extrastriate Cortical Connections in the Rabbit: A Multiple Tracer Study
Authors: Andelin Adrian K. , Bruning David J. , Felleman Daniel J. , Olavarria Jaime F.
Published: September 2015

Previous studies in rabbits identified an array of extrastriate cortical areas anatomically connected with V1 but did not describe their internal topography. To address this issue, we injected multiple anatomical tracers into different regions in V1 of the same animal and analyzed the topography of resulting extrastriate labeled fields with reference to the patterns of callosal connections and myeloarchitecture revealed in tangential sections of the flattened cortex. Our results extend previous studies and provide further evidence that rabbit extrastriate areas resemble the visual areas in rats and mice not only in their general location with respect to V1 but also in their internal topography. Moreover, extrastriate areas in the rabbit maintain a constant relationship with myeloarchitectonic borders and features of the callosal pattern. These findings highlight the rabbit as an alternative model to rats and mice for advancing our understanding of cortical visual processing in mammals, especially for projects benefiting from a larger brain.
Novel Longitudinal and Propensity Score Matched Analysis of Hands-On Cooking and Nutrition Education versus Traditional Clinical Education among 627 Medical Students
Authors: Monlezun Dominique J. , Leong Benjamin , Joo Esther , Birkhead Andrew G. , Sarris Leah , Harlan Timothy S.
Published: September 2015

Background. Physicians are inadequately equipped to respond to the global obesity and nutrition-associated chronic disease epidemics. We investigated superiority of simulation-based medical education with deliberate practice (SBME-DP) hands-on cooking and nutrition elective in a medical school-based teaching kitchen versus traditional clinical education for medical students.Materials and Methods. A 59-question panel survey was distributed to an entire medical school twice annually from September 2012 to May 2014. Student diet and attitudes and competencies (DACs) counseling patients on nutrition were compared using conditional multivariate logistic regression, propensity score-weighted, and longitudinal panel analyses. Inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis (IVWM) was used for planned subgroup analysis by year and treatment estimates across the three methods.Results. Of the available 954 students, 65.72% (n=627) unique students were followed to produce 963 responses. 11.32% (n=109) of responses were from 84 subjects who participated in the elective. SBME-DP versus traditional education significantly improved fruit and vegetable diet (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07–1.79,p=0.013) and attitudes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.40–2.35,p<0.001) and competencies (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.54–1.92,p<0.001).Conclusions. This study reports for the first time superiority longitudinally for SBME-DP style nutrition education for medical students which has since expanded to 13 schools.
Stability Assessment and Optimization Design of Lakeside Open-Pit Slope considering Fluid-Solid Coupling Effect
Authors: Fan Wenchen , Cao Ping , Zhang Ke , Li Kaihui , Chen Chong
Published: September 2015

Chengmenshan copper mine, located at Jiujiang city in the Jiangxi Province, is a rarely lakeside open-pit mine in China. Since the open-pit is very close to Sai Lake, the seasonally changed water level and the distance between lake and slope have great influence to the stability of open-pit slope. Based on the drill data and geological sections, a numerical model of the slope is built. With the fluid-mechanical interaction associated, the stability of the slopes is numerically analyzed, in which different lake water levels and lake-slope distances are taken into consideration. The comparative analysis shows that a larger lake-slope distance can promise better slope stability and weaken the sensitivity of slope stability to water. The stability of slopes with different heights is analyzed to find that the stability weakens and the sensitivity is enhanced with the height increasing. To the most serious situation, the slope height and the lake water level being 238 m and 17.2 m, respectively, theFsvalue equals 1.18945 which is extremely closed to the allowable safety factor of 1.20 for slope design. According to the minimumFsfor slope design, the minimum distance between lake and open-pit slope is found to be 60 m.
A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Approach in Determining the Employer’s Selection Criteria
Authors: Muda Nora , Mat Roji Noor Sulawati
Published: September 2015

The industrial training program is part of the academic curriculum at the tertiary level. It plays an important role in providing students with the exposure to a real working environment in the industry. Through this program, the higher education institutions (HEI) could identify the gaps in the curriculum based on the requirements from the industry. In addition, the feedback from the industry will help the HEI to equip students with relevant skills according to the demands from the industry. Indirectly, it can help to address the issue of unemployed graduates of which the number seems to increase from time to time. Therefore, this study aims to obtain the feedback from the employers out there in order to determine the most preferred criteria in selecting students for the industrial training placement by using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach. The findings, through the development of house of quality based on the QFD approach, show that communication skills and students’ participation in sports and cocurricular activities at their university are the most preferred selection criteria. Therefore, the QFD approach can be used to translate the employers’ feedback in improving the marketability of the students in the industry.
A Rare Case of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Secondary to Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis
Authors: Grover Kunal , Zainah Hadeel , Bhatnagar Shubhita , Stein Tricia
Published: September 2015

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare presentation of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. While histoplasmosis has been reported to cause hemoptysis and alveolar hemorrhage in children, the English language literature lacks any adult case reports documenting this association. We report a case of pulmonary histoplasmosis where the initial presentation was pneumonia with a subsequent diagnosis of DAH.
Surgical Removal of a Canine Aortic Thromboembolism Secondary to Pancreatitis
Authors: Narak Jill , Graff Emily C. , Saile Katrin , Tillson D. Michael
Published: September 2015

A 7-year-old castrated male Pomeranian was evaluated on emergency for diagnostic work-up and treatment for acute nonpainful paraparesis. The neurologic examination suggested a L4-S3 myelopathy, but physical examination revealed lack of femoral pulses and rectal hypothermia, as well as a grade II/VI systolic heart murmur, so ischemic neuromyopathy was suspected. Clinicopathologic analysis revealed increased muscle enzymes and proteinuria. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed aortic thromboembolism (ATE), and surgical histopathology diagnosed necrotizing pancreatitis. Surgical aortic thrombectomy was performed, and antithrombotic therapy was instituted. Pancreatitis was treated supportively. The dog was discharged to the owners after 10 days of hospitalization. Recheck examination 6 weeks after initial presentation revealed a normal neurologic examination and normal femoral pulses. The patient has had no further bouts of pancreatitis and remains neurologically normal 5 years after initial presentation. Canine ATE is relatively rare compared to the feline counterpart. Directed therapy for feline ATE is often not recommended, as underlying conditions are oftentimes ultimately fatal. Underlying etiologies for canine ATE include cardiovascular disease and endocrinopathies, but canine ATE secondary to pancreatitis has not yet been reported. Surgical removal of aortic thromboembolus should be considered as curative for pelvic limb dysfunction in the canine patient without a terminal underlying disease.