bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lcp1 Is a Phosphotransferase Responsible for Ligating Arabinogalactan to Peptidoglycan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Harrison James , Lloyd Georgina , Joe Maju , Lowary Todd L. , Reynolds Edward , Walters-Morgan Hannah , Bhatt Apoorva , Lovering Andrew , Besra Gurdyal S. , Alderwick Luke J.
Published: August 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), has a unique cell envelope which accounts for its unusual low permeability and contributes to resistance against common antibiotics. The main structural elements of the cell wall consist of a cross-linked network of peptidoglycan (PG) in which some of the muramic acid residues are covalently attached to a complex polysaccharide, arabinogalactan (AG), via a unique α-
l
-rhamnopyranose–(1→3)-α-
d
-GlcNAc-(1→P) linker unit. While the molecular genetics associated with PG and AG biosynthetic pathways have been largely delineated, the mechanism by which these two major pathways converge has remained elusive. In Gram-positive organisms, the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) family of proteins are responsible for ligating cell wall teichoic acids to peptidoglycan, through a linker unit that bears a striking resemblance to that found in mycobacterial arabinogalactan. In this study, we have identified
Rv3267
as a mycobacterial LCP homolog gene that encodes a phosphotransferase which we have named Lcp1. We demonstrate that
lcp1
is an essential gene required for cell viability and show that recombinant Lcp1 is capable of ligating AG to PG in a cell-free radiolabeling assay.

IMPORTANCE
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterial organism
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Survival of
M. tuberculosis
rests critically on the integrity of its unique cell wall; therefore, a better understanding of how the genes and enzymes involved in cell wall assembly work is fundamental for us to develop new drugs to treat this disease. In this study, we have identified Lcp1 as an essential phosphotransferase that ligates together arabinogalactan and peptidoglycan, two crucial cell wall macromolecules found within the mycobacterial cell wall. The discovery of Lcp1 sheds new light on the final stages of mycobacterial cell wall assembly and represents a key biosynthetic step that could be exploited for new anti-TB drug discovery.
RNA Sequencing-Based Genome Reannotation of the DermatophyteArthroderma benhamiaeand Characterization of Its Secretome and Whole Gene Expression Profile during Infection
Authors: Tran Van Du T. , De Coi Niccolò , Feuermann Marc , Schmid-Siegert Emanuel , Băguţ Elena-Tatiana , Mignon Bernard , Waridel Patrice , Peter Corinne , Pradervand Sylvain , Pagni Marco , Monod Michel
Published: August 2016

Dermatophytoses (ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and nail infections) are the most common fungal infections, but their virulence mechanisms are poorly understood. Combining transcriptomic data obtained from growth under various culture conditions with data obtained during infection led to a significantly improved genome annotation. About 65% of the protein-encoding genes predicted with our protocol did not match the existing annotation forA. benhamiae. Comparing gene expression during infection on guinea pigs with keratin degradationin vitro, which is supposed to mimic the host environment, revealed the critical importance of using realin vivoconditions for investigating virulence mechanisms. The analysis of genes expressedin vivo, encoding cell surface and secreted proteins, particularly proteases, led to the identification of new allergen and virulence factor candidates.
Non-lethalClostridium sordelliibacteraemia in an immunocompromised patient with pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Bonnecaze Alex K , Stephens Sarah Ellen Elza , Miller Peter John
Published: August 2016

Clostridium sordelliiis a spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive rod that has rarely been reported to cause disease in humans. Resultant mortality from infection is estimated at nearly 70% and is most often correlated with gynaecological procedures, intravenous drug abuse or trauma.C. sordelliiinfection often presents similarly to toxic shock syndrome (TSS); notable features of infection include refractory hypotension, haemoconcentration and marked leucocytosis. Although clinically similar to TSS, a notable difference isC. sordelliiinfections rarely involve fever. The organism's major toxins include haemorrhagic (TcsH) and lethal factor (TcsL), which function to disrupt cytoskeletal integrity. Current literature suggests treatingC. sordelliinfection with a broad-spectrum penicillin, metronidazole and clindamycin. We present a case ofC. sordelliibacteraemia and septic shock in an immunocompromised patient who was recently diagnosed with pleomorphic gluteal sarcoma. Despite presenting in critical condition, the patient improved after aggressive hemodynamic resuscitation, source control and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Silent myocardial infarction secondary to cardiac autonomic neuropathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Unnikrishnan Dileep , Jacob Aasems , Anthony Diaz Mark , Lederman Jeffrey
Published: August 2016

An 83-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension presented to the emergency department with fever and chills of 1 day duration. On examination, temperature was 100.9 F, heart rate 111/min and she had orthostatic hypotension. Laboratory tests showed elevated blood urea nitrogen and white cell count. The patient underwent treatment for symptomatic urinary tract infection and while her fever and leucocytosis resolved, tachycardia persisted. An EKG done showed T inversions in leads II, III, arteriovenous fistula, V2 and V3. Troponin-I was elevated. Nuclear stress test revealed apical wall motion abnormality confirming myocardial infarction. Ewing's tests were carried out at bedside and these diagnosed severe autonomic neuropathy. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause cardiac autonomic neuropathy from chronic inflammation. This case entails the importance of assessing and detecting cardiac autonomic neuropathy in chronic inflammatory conditions, and the need to be cautious of acute coronary events in these patients, even for minimal or no symptoms.
Urgent decisions and a tight spot: embolic infarction of a herniated cerebellar tonsil
Authors: Mc Donagh Ruth , Bradley David , Harbison Joseph Augustine
Published: August 2016

A previously well 30-year-old woman presented at 17:30 with a sudden onset of dizziness, ataxia and headache. She was initially investigated with a CT scan of the brain and lumbar puncture, which yielded no diagnosis. Subsequent MR scan revealed multiple posterior circulation infarcts, along with a previously undiagnosed Arnold-Chiari 2 malformation with an associated syrinx of her cervical and thoracic spine. The infarct involved one of the herniated cerebellar tonsils. Oedema of an infarct in the herniated tonsils caused compression of the medulla at the foramen magnum, with associated neurological symptoms including Lhermitte's phenomenon and headache on valsalva manoeuvre. Owing to these symptoms a surgical decompression was performed. The most likely aetiology of her stroke was determined to be a paradoxical embolus via patent foramen ovale.
Single case of purple urine bag syndrome in an elderly woman with stroke
Authors: Richardson-May James
Published: August 2016

Purple urine bag syndrome is an unusual condition that heralds an underlying urinary tract infection, in which certain bacteria produce a purple discolouration within the catheter bag of affected cases. It is most often seen in elderly women with constipation. While alarming, it can be resolved by treating the infection causing it. This report presents an elderly patient who developed the condition while an inpatient, and discusses the pathogenesis behind the condition.
Renal amyloidosis in leprosy, an infrequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in Europe
Authors: Sanz-Martín Noelia , Samillán-Sosa Kelly del Rocío , De Miguel Julio , Martínez-Miguel Patricia
Published: August 2016

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused byMycobacterium leprae. The main clinical manifestations involve the skin and the peripheral nervous system. Several types of nephropathy have been described in leprosy. One frequent form of renal involvement is amyloidosis, especially in patients with lepromatous leprosy. In these patients, end-stage renal disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Here, we present the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome caused by secondary amyloidosis, chronic peripheral neuropathy and a history of leprosy. The patient was correctly treated in her youth, which is the best way to avoid renal pathology, but she developed a nephrotic syndrome years later.
The Medina Embolic Device: early clinical experience from a single center
Authors: Aguilar Perez Marta , Bhogal Pervinder , Martinez Moreno Rosa , Bäzner Hansjörg , Ganslandt Oliver , Henkes Hans
Published: August 2016

Objective

To report our initial experience with the Medina Embolic Device (MED) in unruptured intracranial aneurysms either as sole treatment or in conjunction with additional devices.

Methods

15 consecutive patients (6 women, 9 men) with unruptured aneurysms were treated between September 2015 and April 2016. The aneurysm fundus measured at least 5 mm. We evaluated the angiographic appearances of treated aneurysms at the end of the procedure and at follow-up, the clinical status, complications, and requirement for adjunctive devices.

Results

The MED was successfully deployed in all but one case and adjunctive devices were required in 10 cases. Aneurysm locations were middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n=3), internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation (n=1), supraclinoid ICA (n=5), posterior communicating artery (n=1), anterior communicating artery (n=2), cavernous ICA (n=2), distal basilar sidewall (n=1), basilar tip (n=1). Three patients had complications although none could be attributed to the MED. Immediate angiographic results were modified Raymond-Roy classification (mRRC) I=1, mRRC II=5, mRRC IIIa=3, mRRC IIIb=5, and one patient showed contrast stasis within the fundus of the aneurysm. Follow-up angiography was available in 11 patients, with four showing complete aneurysm exclusion, six with stable remnants and one patient with an enlarging neck remnant.

Conclusions

The MED represents a major step forward in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. It can result in rapid exclusion of an aneurysm from the circulation and has a good safety profile. We believe that the true value of the MED will be in combining its use with adjunctive devices such as endoluminal flow diverters that will result in rapid aneurysmal exclusion.
Ultrasonic relaxation of some CdO boro-tellurate glasses
Authors: Gaafar M.S. , Mahmoud I.S.
Published: August 2016

50B2O3–(50-x)TeO2–xCdO glass system, with x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mol% have been prepared, to measure the longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation at frequencies of 2, 4, 6, and 14 MHz in the temperature range from 120 to 300 K. Well-defined broad peaks of the absorption curves were observed at different temperatures depending on the glass composition and the operating frequency. The maximum peaks shifted to higher temperatures with the increase of the operating frequency implying the presence of some kind of relaxation process. This process is suggested as due to the thermally activated relaxation process. The variation of the average activation energy of the process mainly depends on the CdO mol% content. Such dependence was analyzed in terms of the loss of standard linear solid type, with low dispersion and a broad distribution of Arrhenius type relaxation with temperature independent relaxation strength. The obtained acoustic activation energy values were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the number of loss centers (number of oxygen atoms that vibrate in the double well potential).
Asymptotic behavior of zero mass spin 2 fields propagating in Kerr spacetime
Authors: Caciotta Giulio , Raparelli Tiziana
Published: August 2016

We introduce [Formula: see text], the inhomogeneous equation suitable to describe the solution of the linearized version of the conformal part of the Riemann tensor connected to the perturbations of the Kerr spacetime far from the origin. Then we find the right decays we have to impose to the source term [Formula: see text] to obtain the peeling decays for this linearized solution. We explain how these decays are compatible with the ones we need to attack the full nonlinear problem following the Christodoulou–Klainerman approach, see [7, 11]. This result is expressed explicitly in Theorem 1.1 and requires some new detailed estimates for the connection coefficients related to the null cone foliation in Kerr, see [10], which could be considered as a useful result by itself.
Numerical solutions of the GEW equation using MLS collocation method
Authors: Kaplan Ayşe Gül , Dereli Yılmaz
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the generalized equal width wave (GEW) equation is solved by using moving least squares collocation (MLSC) method. To test the accuracy of the method some numerical experiments are presented. The motion of single solitary waves, the interaction of two solitary waves and the Maxwellian initial condition problems are chosen as test problems. For the single solitary wave motion whose analytical solution was known [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] error norms and pointwise rates of convergence were calculated. Also mass, energy and momentum invariants were calculated for every test problems. Obtained numerical results are compared with some earlier works. It is seen that the method is very efficient and reliable due to obtained numerical results are very satisfactorily. Stability analysis of difference equation was done by applying the moving least squares collocation method for GEW equation.
A Robust Approach for Scene Text Localization Using Rule-Based Confidence Map and Grouping
Authors: Ghanei Shaho , Faez Karim
Published: August 2016

This study presents a robust algorithm to localize both Farsi/Arabic and Latin scene texts with different sizes, fonts and orientations even the low luminance contrast and poor quality ones. First, a new region detector is proposed to extract the candidate text regions. It is an integration of the weighted median filtering, contrast preserving decolorization and MSER techniques. It is robust to the low luminance contrast and poor quality scene texts. Afterwards, a novel method based on the fuzzy inference systems (FIS) is proposed to build a confidence map. This map indicates the likelihood of being text for the extracted candidate regions. Therefore it is exploited to filter the nontext candidates. Finally, a new fuzzy-based approach is proposed to create the single arbitrarily oriented text lines. It is based on the clustering, FIS, minimum area rectangle as well as radon transform techniques. It could also retrieve some of the discarded isolated characters or subwords in the filtering stage. To validate the proposed algorithm, we created a collection of natural images containing both Farsi/Arabic and Latin texts. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method achieves the best performance on our and Epshtein datasets and competitive performances on the ICDAR dataset.
Contracts and Information Structure in a Supply Chain with Operations and Marketing Interaction
Authors: El Ouardighi Fouad , Erickson Gary , Grass Dieter , Jørgensen Steffen
Published: August 2016

The objective of the paper is to study how wholesale price and revenue sharing contracts affect operations and marketing decisions in a supply chain under different dynamic informational structures. We suggest a differential game model of a supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a single retailer that agree on the contract parameters at the outset of the game. The model includes key operational and marketing activities related to a single product in the supply chain. The manufacturer sets a production rate and the rate of advertising efforts while the retailer chooses a purchase rate and the consumer price. The state of the game is summarized in the firms’ backlogs and the manufacturer’s advertising goodwill. Depending on whether the supply chain members have and share state information, they may either make decisions contingent on the current state of the game (feedback Nash strategy), or precommit to a plan of action during the whole game (open-loop Nash strategy). Given a contract type, the impact of the availability of information regarding the state of the game on the firms’ decisions and payoffs is investigated. It is shown that double marginalization can be better mitigated if the supply chain members adopt a contingent strategy under a wholesale price contract and a commitment strategy under a revenue sharing contract.
A Bayesian Networks-Based Risk Identification Approach for Software Process Risk: The Context of Chinese Trustworthy Software
Authors: Li Jianping , Li Minglu , Wu Dengsheng , Dai Qianzhi , Song Hao
Published: August 2016

For all of the many advantages and enormous benefits that information technology has brought to us, it has subjected to increasing risks that need enough attention. Bayesian network (BN) is an important probabilistic inference approach to support reasoning under uncertainty. This paper describes how BN is applied to quantify the occurrence probability of software process risk factors and the influence strength among the process risk factors in the context of Chinese trustworthy software. The information of 52 factors was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 93 project managers in five high Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) level software companies. The focus of this paper is to present the key risk checklist and good timing for process risk control to improve software process risk management. Special effort has been put on the description of the experimental study, which provides the top 20 key risk factors in software process and critical software sub-processes for process risk management. The findings can provide the key risk checklist to software risk manager for risk identification and decision-making in process risk management. This is a general approach and, as such, it can be applied to a certain software project or some software enterprises with updated data.
Cohomology of 𝔞𝔣𝔣(2|1) acting on the space of linear differential operators on the superspace ℝ1|2
Authors: Basdouri Imed , Derbali Ammar , Chraygui Mohamed Elkhames
Published: August 2016

We compute the first cohomology of the affine Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] on the (1,2)-dimensional real superspace with coefficients in the superspace [Formula: see text] of linear differential operators acting on weighted densities. We also compute the same, but [Formula: see text]-relative, cohomology. We explicitly give [Formula: see text]-cocycles spanning these cohomology.
Orbit counting in conjugacy classes for free groups acting on trees
Authors: Kenison George , Sharp Richard
Published: August 2016

In this paper we study the action of the fundamental group of a finite metric graph on its universal covering tree. We assume the graph is finite, connected and the degree of each vertex is at least three. Further, we assume an irrationality condition on the edge lengths. We obtain an asymptotic for the number of elements in a fixed conjugacy class for which the associated displacement of a given base vertex in the universal covering tree is at most T. Under a mild extra assumption we also obtain a polynomial error term.
Normally conjugative relations
Authors: Romano Daniel A.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the concept of normally conjugative relations on sets is introduced. A characterizations of this relations is obtained. In addition, particulary, we show when the anti-order relation [Formula: see text] is normally conjugative. Besides, the concept of finitely normal conjugative relations is introduced and analyzed.
Modified High Frequency Radial Spin Wave Mode Spectrum in a Chirality-Controlled Nanopillar
Authors: Kolthammer J. E. , Rudge J. , Choi B. C. , Hong Y. K.
Published: August 2016

Circular magnetic spin valve nanopillars in a dual vortex configuration have dynamic characteristics strongly dependent on the interlayer dipole coupling. We report here on frequency domain properties of such nanopillars obtained by micromagnetic simulations. After the free layer is chirality switched with spin transfer torque, a radial spin wave eigenmode spectrum forms in the free layer with unusually large edge amplitude. The structure of these modes indicate a departure from the magnetostatic processes typically observed experimentally and treated analytically in low aspect ratio isolated disks. Our findings give new details of dynamic chirality control and relxation in nanopillars and raise potential signatures for experiments.
Mechanical effort predicts the selection of ankle over hip strategies in nonstepping postural responses
Authors: Afschrift Maarten , Jonkers Ilse , De Schutter Joris , De Groote Friedl
Published: August 2016

Experimental studies have shown that a continuum of ankle and hip strategies is used to restore posture following an external perturbation. Postural responses can be modeled by feedback control with feedback gains that optimize a specific objective. On the one hand, feedback gains that minimize effort have been used to predict muscle activity during perturbed standing. On the other hand, hip and ankle strategies have been predicted by minimizing postural instability and deviation from upright posture. It remains unclear, however, whether and how effort minimization influences the selection of a specific postural response. We hypothesize that the relative importance of minimizing mechanical work vs. postural instability influences the strategy used to restore upright posture. This hypothesis was investigated based on experiments and predictive simulations of the postural response following a backward support surface translation. Peak hip flexion angle was significantly correlated with three experimentally determined measures of effort, i.e., mechanical work, mean muscle activity and metabolic energy. Furthermore, a continuum of ankle and hip strategies was predicted in simulation when changing the relative importance of minimizing mechanical work and postural instability, with increased weighting of mechanical work resulting in an ankle strategy. In conclusion, the combination of experimental measurements and predictive simulations of the postural response to a backward support surface translation showed that the trade-off between effort and postural instability minimization can explain the selection of a specific postural response in the continuum of potential ankle and hip strategies.
Sour taste increases swallowing and prolongs hemodynamic responses in the cortical swallowing network
Authors: Mulheren Rachel W. , Kamarunas Erin , Ludlow Christy L.
Published: August 2016

Sour stimuli have been shown to upregulate swallowing in patients and in healthy volunteers. However, such changes may be dependent on taste-induced increases in salivary flow. Other mechanisms include genetic taster status (Bartoshuk LM, Duffy VB, Green BG, Hoffman HJ, Ko CW, Lucchina LA, Weiffenbach JM. Physiol Behav 82: 109–114, 2004) and differences between sour and other tastes. We investigated the effects of taste on swallowing frequency and cortical activation in the swallowing network and whether taster status affected responses. Three-milliliter boluses of sour, sour with slow infusion, sweet, water, and water with infusion were compared on swallowing frequency and hemodynamic responses. The sour conditions increased swallowing frequency, whereas sweet and water did not. Changes in cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (hemodynamic responses) measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy were averaged over 30 trials for each condition per participant in the right and left motor cortex, S1 and supplementary motor area for 30 s following bolus onset. Motion artifact in the hemodynamic response occurred 0–2 s after bolus onset, when the majority of swallows occurred. The peak hemodynamic response 2–7 s after bolus onset did not differ by taste, hemisphere, or cortical location. The mean hemodynamic response 17–22 s after bolus onset was highest in the motor regions of both hemispheres, and greater in the sour and infusion condition than in the water condition. Genetic taster status did not alter changes in swallowing frequency or hemodynamic response. As sour taste significantly increased swallowing and cortical activation equally with and without slow infusion, increases in the cortical swallowing were due to sour taste.
Losing touch: age-related changes in plantar skin sensitivity, lower limb cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability in older adults
Authors: Peters Ryan M. , McKeown Monica D. , Carpenter Mark G. , Inglis J. Timothy
Published: August 2016

Age-related changes in the density, morphology, and physiology of plantar cutaneous receptors negatively impact the quality and quantity of balance-relevant information arising from the foot soles. Plantar perceptual sensitivity declines with age and may predict postural instability; however, alteration in lower limb cutaneous reflex strength may also explain greater instability in older adults and has yet to be investigated. We replicated the age-related decline in sensitivity by assessing monofilament and vibrotactile (30 and 250 Hz) detection thresholds near the first metatarsal head bilaterally in healthy young and older adults. We additionally applied continuous 30- and 250-Hz vibration to drive mechanically evoked reflex responses in the tibialis anterior muscle, measured via surface electromyography. To investigate potential relationships between plantar sensitivity, cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability, we performed posturography in subjects during quiet standing without vision. Anteroposterior and mediolateral postural stability decreased with age, and increases in postural sway amplitude and frequency were significantly correlated with increases in plantar detection thresholds. With 30-Hz vibration, cutaneous reflexes were observed in 95% of young adults but in only 53% of older adults, and reflex gain, coherence, and cumulant density at 30 Hz were lower in older adults. Reflexes were not observed with 250-Hz vibration, suggesting this high-frequency cutaneous input is filtered out by motoneurons innervating tibialis anterior. Our findings have important implications for assessing the risk of balance impairment in older adults.
A BSDE with Delayed Generator Approach to Pricing under Counterparty Risk and Collateralization
Authors: Cordoni Francesco , Di Persio Luca
Published: August 2016

We consider a nonlinear pricing problem that takes into account credit risk and funding issues. The aforementioned problem is formulated as a stochastic forward-backward system with delay, both in the forward and in the backward component, whose solution is characterized in terms of viscosity solution to a suitable type of path-dependent PDE.
Gold Nanoparticles Promote Proliferation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells and Have Limited Effects on Cells Differentiation
Authors: Li Chen , Li Zhuoquan , Wang Yan , Liu Hongwei
Published: August 2016

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had been widely applied in the practice and advancement of chemistry, biology, and medicine due to facility of synthesis and versatility in surface functionalization. Recent studies had shown that AuNPs can be applied to cells, affecting cellular physiological processes such as proliferation and differentiation. In this study, four diameters of AuNPs (20, 40, 60, and 80 nm) were cocultured with human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) at six different concentrations. The optimal size and concentration of AuNPs were selected to treat human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to evaluate proliferation. Moreover, the influence of AuNPs on multiple differentiation capacity of hPDLSCs was clarified. The results revealed that AuNPs (60 nm, 56 μM) can effectively promote the proliferation of hPDLCs/hPDLSCsin vitro, slightly enhance osteoblastic differentiation, and have no effect on adipogenic differentiation. In addition, the expression of COL-1, Runx2, BSP, and OCN was upregulated in the presence of AuNPs (60 nm, 56 μM). These results indicated that AuNPs (60 nm, 56 μM) can effectively promote the proliferation of hPDLCs/hPDLSCs and have no significant effect on the differentiation of hPDLSCs. These results provide an insight on the advantage of implementing of AuNPs on hPDLSCs culture and expose the influence of these materials on periodontal tissue engineering.
Continued Multicolumns Bioleaching for Low Grade Uranium Ore at a Certain Uranium Deposit
Authors: Chen Gongxin , Sun Zhanxue , Liu Yajie
Published: August 2016

Bioleaching has lots of advantages compared with traditional heap leaching. In industry, bioleaching of uranium is still facing many problems such as site space, high cost of production, and limited industrial facilities. In this paper, a continued column bioleaching system has been established for leaching a certain uranium ore which contains high fluoride. The analysis of chemical composition of ore shows that the grade of uranium is 0.208%, which is lower than that of other deposits. However, the fluoride content (1.8% of weight) is greater than that of other deposits. This can be toxic for bacteria growth in bioleaching progress. In our continued multicolumns bioleaching experiment, the uranium recovery (89.5%) of 4th column is greater than those of other columns in 120 days, as well as the acid consumption (33.6 g/kg). These results indicate that continued multicolumns bioleaching technology is suitable for leaching this type of ore. The uranium concentration of PLS can be effectively improved, where uranium recovery can be enhanced by the iron exchange system. Furthermore, this continued multicolumns bioleaching system can effectively utilize the remaining acid of PLS, which can reduce the sulfuric acid consumption. The cost of production of uranium can be reduced and this benefits the environment too.
Computational Analysis of Queues with Catastrophes in a Multiphase Random Environment
Authors: Vinodhini G. Arul Freeda , Vidhya V.
Published: August 2016

A dynamically changing road traffic model which occasionally suffers a disaster (traffic collision, wrecked vehicles, conflicting weather conditions, spilled cargo, and hazardous matter) resulting in loss of all the vehicles (diverted to other routes) has been discussed. Once the system gets repaired, it undergoesn-1trial phases and finally reaches its full capacity phasen. We have obtained the explicit steady state probabilities of the system via Matrix Geometric Method. Probability Generating Function is used to evaluate the time spent by the system in each phase. Various performance measures like mean traffic, average waiting time of vehicles, and fraction of vehicles lost are calculated. Some special cases have also been discussed.
HIV‐1 Tat Regulates Occludin and Aβ Transfer Receptor Expression in Brain Endothelial Cells via Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Yanlan , Huang Wen , Jiang Wenlin , Wu Xianghong , Ye Biao , Zhou Xiaoting
Published: August 2016

HIV‐1 transactivator protein (Tat) has been shown to play an important role in HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between occludin and amyloid‐beta (Aβ) transfer receptors in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) in the context of HIV‐1‐related pathology. The protein expressions of occludin, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) in hCMEC/D3 cells were examined using western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA levels of occludin, RAGE, and LRP1 were measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. HIV‐1 Tat at 1 µg/mL and the Rho inhibitor hydroxyfasudil (HF) at 30 µmol/L, with 24 h exposure, had no significant effect on hCMEC/D3 cell viability. Treatment with HIV‐1 Tat protein decreased mRNA and protein levels of occludin and LRP1 and upregulated the expression of RAGE; however, these effects were attenuated by HF. These data suggest that the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway is involved in HIV‐1 Tat‐mediated changes in occludin, RAGE, and LRP1 in hCMEC/D3 cells. HF may have a beneficial influence by protecting the integrity of the blood‐brain barrier and the expression of Aβ transfer receptors.
Dimethoate Induced Behavioural Changes in Juveniles ofCyprinus carpiovar.communisunder Temperate Conditions of Kashmir, India
Authors: Qayoom Imtiyaz , Shah Feroz A. , Mukhtar Malik , Balkhi Masood H. , Bhat Farooz A. , Bhat Bilal A.
Published: August 2016

The present study was designed to investigate acute toxicity of dimethoate on juvenileCyprinus carpiovar.communis. Fishes weighing10±2 gms were selected and mortality data was statistically evaluated by Finney’s Probit Method. The 96-hour LC50value forCyprinus carpiowas found as 1.1 ppm in static bioassay system. Mean values of physicochemical parameters of aquarium waters determined during bioassay depicted slight variation indicating that the mortality in aquarium fishes occurred due to pesticide exposure and not suffocation. Lab. temperature ranged from 12 to 13°C; water temperature ranged from 11 to 12°C; dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.90 to 4.56 mg/L; pH ranged from 6.90 to 7.05; total dissolved solids ranged from 2.66 to 3.0 × 103 mg/L, while CO2remained at a constant value of 2.0 mg/L. The fishes elicited various behavioural responses such as uncoordinated movements, convulsions, excessive mucus secretion, and imbalanced swimming which ended in a collapse to the bottom of the aquarium. Prior to death, the clinical signs like scale erosion, pale body colour, and hemorrhagic patches over the body were noticed which became more vivid up to the termination of experiments. Results of the study indicate potential toxicity of dimethoate in fingerlings of common carp for which the natural waterbodies must be continuously monitored to reduce its impact across food chains.
A Rare Cause of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis:FusobacteriumInfection—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mohyuddin Ghulam Rehman , Male Heather J.
Published: August 2016

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome characterized by excessive activation of the immune system. Bacterial infections are very rare precipitants of this disease. A 19-year-old gentleman presented with headache, fatigue, and malaise. He was found to be hypotensive, tachycardic, and febrile. Broad spectrum antibiotics were initiated, and a lumbar puncture ruled out meningitis. Patient progressively developed shock that required use of vasopressors, as well as renal and respiratory failure. Blood cultures grewFusobacterium necrophorum. Given continued fevers despite appropriate antimicrobials, a bone marrow biopsy was performed revealing increased histiocytes with hemophagocytosis. Dexamethasone was added with dramatic clinical improvement. Our case highlightsFusobacteriumas a rare precipitant of HLH and proves that a high index of clinical suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis of HLH, allowing for prompt initiation of HLH-specific immunosuppressive therapy that can be life-saving.
Load Handling and Repetitive Movements Are Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain among Jute Mill Workers in India
Authors: Goswami S. , Dasgupta S. , Samanta A. , Talukdar G. , Chanda A. , Ray Karmakar P. , Majumdar A. , Bhattacharya D. , Chakrabarti A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction. WHO recognizes low back pain as one of the most important ergonomic stressors. Therefore, the present study was designed to find out the magnitude of the problem among jute mill workers in India and identify possible associations. Methodology. This cross-sectional workplace based study was conducted among eight (8) selected jute mills of India. Subjects with self-reported back pain for at least last 12 weeks were included and n=717 male jute mill workers actively engaged in work entered the study and completed all assessments. Results. Among all participants 55% (n=392) had current chronic low back pain. Age was an important association with subjects in the age group of 40–59 years more likely to have pain (p=0.02, OR 1.44). Regarding ergonomic risk factors lifting of load of more than 20 kg (p=0.04, OR 1.42) and repetitive movements of limbs (p=0.03, OR 0.67) were significant associations of chronic low back pain. Conclusion. This study identified a significant prevalence of current chronic low back pain among jute mill workers. Regarding ergonomic risk factors the present study has identified two significant associations: lifting of load above 20 kg and repetitive movements of limbs. Therefore, this study has identified need for workplace interventions in this occupational group employing approximately 3,50,000 workers in India.
Effect of Element Size in Random Finite Element Analysis for Effective Young’s Modulus
Authors: Ching Jianye , Hu Yu-Gang
Published: August 2016

In random finite element analysis (RFEA), continuous random fields must be discretized. The critical element size to achieve acceptable accuracy in effective Young’s modulus for an elementary soil mass is investigated. It is observed that the discrepancy between the continuous and discretized solutions is governed by the discretization strategy (element-level averaging versus midpoint), spatial variability pattern, and the adopted autocorrelation function. With the element-level averaging strategy, RFEA with element size less than (scale of fluctuation)/5 will not induce significant discrepancy from the continuous solution. Moreover, the element-level averaging strategy is more effective than the midpoint strategy.
Severe Methemoglobinemia due to Sodium Nitrite Poisoning
Authors: Katabami Kenichi , Hayakawa Mineji , Gando Satoshi
Published: August 2016

Case. We report a case of severe methemoglobinemia due to sodium nitrite poisoning. A 28-year-old man was brought to our emergency department because of transient loss of consciousness and cyanosis. He was immediately intubated and ventilated with 100% oxygen. A blood test revealed a methemoglobin level of 92.5%.Outcome. We treated the patient with gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and methylene blue (2 mg/kg) administered intravenously. Soon after receiving methylene blue, his cyanosis resolved and the methemoglobin level began to decrease. After relocation to the intensive care unit, his consciousness improved and he could recall ingesting approximately 15 g sodium nitrite about 1 hour before he was brought to our hospital. The patient was discharged on day 7 without neurologic impairment.Conclusion. Severe methemoglobinemia may be fatal. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of methemoglobinemia is very important so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Missing the Target for Routine Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Consistent and Strong Physician Recommendations Are Lacking for 11- to 12-Year-Old Males
Authors: Vadaparampil Susan T. , Malo Teri L. , Sutton Steven K. , Ali Karla N. , Kahn Jessica A. , Casler Alix , Salmon Daniel , Walkosz Barbara , Roetzheim Richard G. , Zimet Gregory D. , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: August 2016

Background: Rates of routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of adolescent males in the United States are low. Leading health organizations advocate consistent and strong physician recommendations to improve HPV vaccine dissemination. This study describes the prevalence and correlates of consistent and strong physician recommendations for HPV vaccination of adolescent males.

Methods: We surveyed pediatric and family medicine physicians in Florida about their HPV vaccine recommendations for male vaccine-eligible age groups (11–12, 13–17, 18–21 years). Descriptive statistics compared consistency and strength of HPV recommendations across age groups. Multivariable logistic regression examined factors associated with consistent and strong recommendations for 11- to 12-year-olds.

Results: We received 367 completed surveys (51% response rate). Physicians most often consistently and strongly recommended HPV vaccine to males ages 13 to 17 (39%) compared with ages 11 to 12 (31%) and 18 to 21 (31%). Consistent and strong recommendation for 11- to 12-year-old males was more likely to be delivered by Vaccine for Children providers and less likely among physicians who reported more personal barriers to vaccination, particularly concerns about vaccine safety, concerns about adding vaccines to the vaccine schedule, and difficulty in remembering to discuss HPV vaccination.

Conclusions: Physicians' current consistency and strength of HPV vaccine recommendations do not align with national recommendations. Interventions to improve HPV vaccine recommendations must also consider the influence of physicians' personal barriers to HPV vaccine delivery.

Impact: As one of the first studies to examine both consistency and strength of physicians' HPV vaccine recommendations for males, our findings can inform future interventions focused on facilitating physicians' recommendations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1435–46. ©2016 AACR.
Rare Variation in TET2 Is Associated with Clinically Relevant Prostate Carcinoma in African Americans
Authors: Koboldt Daniel C. , Kanchi Krishna L. , Gui Bin , Larson David E. , Fulton Robert S. , Isaacs William B. , Kraja Aldi , Borecki Ingrid B. , Jia Li , Wilson Richard K. , Mardis Elaine R. , Kibel Adam S.
Published: August 2016

Background: Common variants have been associated with prostate cancer risk. Unfortunately, few are reproducibly linked to aggressive disease, the phenotype of greatest clinical relevance. One possible explanation is that rare genetic variants underlie a significant proportion of the risk for aggressive disease.

Method: To identify such variants, we performed a two-stage approach using whole-exome sequencing followed by targeted sequencing of 800 genes in 652 aggressive prostate cancer patients and 752 disease-free controls in both African and European Americans. In each population, we tested rare variants for association using two gene-based aggregation tests. We established a study-wide significance threshold of 3.125 × 10−5 to correct for multiple testing.

Results: TET2 in African Americans was associated with aggressive disease, with 24.4% of cases harboring a rare deleterious variant compared with 9.6% of controls (FET P = 1.84 × 10−5, OR = 3.0; SKAT-O P = 2.74 × 10−5). We report 8 additional genes with suggestive evidence of association, including the DNA repair genes PARP2 and MSH6. Finally, we observed an excess of rare truncation variants in 5 genes, including the DNA repair genes MSH6, BRCA1, and BRCA2. This adds to the growing body of evidence that DNA repair pathway defects may influence susceptibility to aggressive prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that rare variants influence risk of clinically relevant prostate cancer and, if validated, could serve to identify men for screening, prophylaxis, and treatment.

Impact: This study provides evidence that rare variants in TET2 may help identify African American men at increased risk for clinically relevant prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(11); 1456–63. ©2016 AACR.
Evaluating Acetate Metabolism for Imaging and Targeting in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Fontana Francesca , Ge Xia , Su Xinming , Hathi Deep , Xiang Jingyu , Cenci Simone , Civitelli Roberto , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Akers Walter J. , D'avignon Andre , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Shokeen Monica
Published: August 2016

Purpose: We hypothesized that in multiple myeloma cells (MMC), high membrane biosynthesis will induce acetate uptake in vitro and in vivo. Here, we studied acetate metabolism and targeting in MMC in vitro and tested the efficacy of 11C-acetate–positron emission tomography (PET) to detect and quantitatively image myeloma treatment response in vivo.

Experimental design: Acetate fate tracking using 13C-edited-1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) was performed to study in vitro acetate uptake and metabolism in MMC. Effects of pharmacological modulation of acetate transport or acetate incorporation into lipids on MMC cell survival and viability were assessed. Preclinical mouse MM models of subcutaneous and bone tumors were evaluated using 11C-acetate-PET/CT imaging and tissue biodistribution.

Results: In vitro, NMR showed significant uptake of acetate by MMC and acetate incorporation into intracellular metabolites and membrane lipids. Inhibition of lipid synthesis and acetate transport was toxic to MMC, while sparing resident bone cells or normal B cells. In vivo, 11C-acetate uptake by PET imaging was significantly enhanced in subcutaneous and bone MMC tumors compared with unaffected bone or muscle tissue. Likewise, 11C-acetate uptake was significantly reduced in MM tumors after treatment.

Conclusions: Uptake of acetate from the extracellular environment was enhanced in MMC and was critical to cellular viability. 11C-Acetate–PET detected the presence of myeloma cells in vivo, including uptake in intramedullary bone disease. 11C-Acetate–PET also detected response to therapy in vivo. Our data suggested that acetate metabolism and incorporation into lipids was crucial to MM cell biology and that 11C-acetate–PET is a promising imaging modality for MM. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 416–29. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular Programming of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells and IL15 Resistance
Authors: Doedens Andrew L. , Rubinstein Mark P. , Gross Emilie T. , Best J. Adam , Craig David H. , Baker Megan K. , Cole David J. , Bui Jack D. , Goldrath Ananda W.
Published: August 2016

Despite clinical potential and recent advances, durable immunotherapeutic ablation of solid tumors is not routinely achieved. IL15 expands natural killer cell (NK), natural killer T cell (NKT) and CD8+ T-cell numbers and engages the cytotoxic program, and thus is under evaluation for potentiation of cancer immunotherapy. We found that short-term therapy with IL15 bound to soluble IL15 receptor α–Fc (IL15cx; a form of IL15 with increased half-life and activity) was ineffective in the treatment of autochthonous PyMT murine mammary tumors, despite abundant CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Probing of this poor responsiveness revealed that IL15cx only weakly activated intratumoral CD8+ T cells, even though cells in the lung and spleen were activated and dramatically expanded. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells exhibited cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic resistance to IL15. Our data showed that in the case of persistent viral or tumor antigen, single-agent systemic IL15cx treatment primarily expanded antigen-irrelevant or extratumoral CD8+ T cells. We identified exhaustion, tissue-resident memory, and tumor-specific molecules expressed in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, which may allow therapeutic targeting or programming of specific subsets to evade loss of function and cytokine resistance, and, in turn, increase the efficacy of IL2/15 adjuvant cytokine therapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 799–811. ©2016 AACR.