bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structural comparison of Listeria monocytogenes protein chaperones PrsA1 and PrsA2 reveals molecular features required for virulence
Authors: Cahoon Laty A. , Freitag Nancy E. , Prehna Gerd
Published: March 2016

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram‐positive environmental bacterium that lives within soil but transitions into a pathogen upon contact with a mammalian host. The transition of L. monocytogenes from soil dweller to cytosolic pathogen is dependent upon secreted virulence factors that mediate cell invasion and intracellular growth. PrsA1 and PrsA2 are secreted bacterial lipoprotein chaperones that contribute to the folding of proteins translocated across the bacterial membrane; PrsA2 is required for L. monocytogenes virulence, whereas the function of PrsA1 remains to be determined. We have solved an X‐ray crystal structure of PrsA1 and have used this model to guide comparison structure‐based mutagenesis studies with PrsA2. Targeted mutagenesis of PrsA2 demonstrates that oligomerization of PrsA2 as well as molecular features of the foldase domain are required for protein secretion and virulence, whereas a functional role was uncovered for PrsA1 in bacterial resistance to alcohol. Interestingly, PrsA2 membrane localization is not required for all PrsA2‐dependent activities, suggesting that the lipoprotein retains function when released from the bacterial cell. PrsA chaperones are thus multifaceted proteins with distinct domains adapted to accommodate the functional needs of a diverse array of secreted substrates.
Direct sensing and signal transduction during bacterial chemotaxis toward aromatic compounds in Comamonas testosteroni
Authors: Huang Zhou , Ni Bin , Jiang Cheng‐Ying , Wu Yu‐Fan , He Yun‐Zhe , Parales Rebecca E. , Liu Shuang‐Jiang
Published: March 2016

Micro‐organisms sense and chemotactically respond to aromatic compounds. Although the existence of chemoreceptors that bind to aromatic attractants and subsequently trigger chemotaxis have long been speculated, such a chemoreceptor has not been demonstrated. In this report, we demonstrated that the chemoreceptor MCP2901 from Comamonas testosteroni CNB‐1 binds to aromatic compounds and initiates downstream chemotactic signaling in addition to its ability to trigger chemotaxis via citrate binding. The function of gene MCP2901 was investigated by genetic deletion from CNB‐1 and genetic complementation of the methyl‐accepting chemotaxis protein (MCP)‐null mutant CNB‐1Δ20. Results showed that the expression of MCP2901 in the MCP‐null mutant restored chemotaxis toward nine tested aromatic compounds and nine carboxylic acids. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analyses demonstrated that the ligand‐binding domain of MCP2901 (MCP2901LBD) bound to citrate, and weakly to gentisate and 4‐hydroxybenzoate. Additionally, ITC assays indicated that MCP2901LBD bound strongly to 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoate and 2‐hydroxybenzoate, which are isomers of gentisate and 4‐hydroxybenzoate respectively that are not metabolized by CNB‐1. Agarose‐in‐plug and capillary assays showed that these two molecules serve as chemoattractants for CNB‐1. Through constructing membrane‐like MCP2901‐inserted Nanodiscs and phosphorelay activity assays, we demonstrated that 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoate and 2‐hydroxybenzoate altered kinase activity of CheA. This is the first evidence of an MCP binding to an aromatic molecule and triggering signal transduction for bacterial chemotaxis.
What and When Second‐Language Learners Revise When Responding to Timed Writing Tasks on the Computer: The Roles of Task Type, Second Language Proficiency, and Keyboarding Skills
Authors: BARKAOUI KHALED
Published: March 2016

This study contributes to the literature on second language (L2) learners’ revision behavior by describing what, when, and how often L2 learners revise their texts when responding to timed writing tasks on the computer and by examining the effects of task type, L2 proficiency, and keyboarding skills on what and when L2 learners revise. Each of 54 participants with 2 levels of L2 proficiency (low vs. high) and 2 levels of keyboarding skills (low vs. high) responded to timed independent and integrated writing tasks on the computer. A keystroke logging program recorded each participant's writing activities. Keystroke data were coded in terms of participants’ revision behavior (e.g., orientation, linguistic domain, and temporal location of revisions) and then compared across tasks and learner groups. The findings suggest that the participants tended to revise form more often than content and that L2 proficiency and, to a lesser extent, task type, but not keyboarding skills, affected participants’ revision behaviors during the timed writing tasks. Overall, the participants made more precontextual (that is, at the point of inscription) revisions than contextual revisions (that is, revisions of already written text), made considerably more typography and language revisions than content revisions, revised more frequently at the phrase and word level than at higher levels, and tended to make precontextual revisions more frequently in the first two thirds of the writing process and contextual revisions most frequently in the last third of the writing session. The findings and their implications for practice and research are discussed.
Prediction of the in planta Phakopsora pachyrhizi secretome and potential effector families
Authors: de Carvalho Mayra C. da C. G. , Costa Nascimento Leandro , Darben Luana M. , Polizel‐Podanosqui Adriana M. , Lopes‐Caitar Valéria S. , Qi Mingsheng , Rocha Carolina S. , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella , Kuwahara Márcia K. , Pereira Goncalo A. G. , Abdelnoor Ricardo V. , Whitham Steven A. , Marcelino‐Guimarães Francismar C.
Published: March 2016

Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, can cause losses greater than 80%. Despite its economic importance, there is no soybean cultivar with durable ASR resistance. In addition, the P. pachyrhizi genome is not yet available. However, the availability of other rust genomes, as well as the development of sample enrichment strategies and bioinformatics tools, has improved our knowledge of the ASR secretome and its potential effectors. In this context, we used a combination of laser capture microdissection (LCM), RNAseq and a bioinformatics pipeline to identify a total of 36 350 P. pachyrhizi contigs expressed in planta and a predicted secretome of 851 proteins. Some of the predicted secreted proteins had characteristics of candidate effectors: small size, cysteine rich, do not contain PFAM domains (except those associated with pathogenicity) and strongly expressed in planta. A comparative analysis of the predicted secreted proteins present in Pucciniales species identified new members of soybean rust and new Pucciniales‐ or P. pachyrhizi‐specific families (tribes). Members of some families were strongly up‐regulated during early infection, starting with initial infection through haustorium formation. Effector candidates selected from two of these families were able to suppress immunity in transient assays, and were localized in the plant cytoplasm and nuclei. These experiments support our bioinformatics predictions and show that these families contain members that have functions consistent with P. pachyrhizi effectors.
Risk of bradykinin B2 receptor ‐58T/C gene polymorphism on hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Kaiping , Yang Pingping , Xu Gaosi
Published: March 2016

The risk of bradykinin B2 receptor (BDKRB2)‐58T/C gene polymorphism on hypertension remains controversial. The Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database, EBSCO, Embase, ISI, MEDLINE, and PubMed were retrieved, and relevant articles were selected. The significant association between BDKRB2 ‐58T/C gene polymorphism and risk of hypertension were found under C‐allele comparison (odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidential intervals (CI): 1.05–1.42), recessive model (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07–1.64), dominant model (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58–0.94), homozygote model (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.11–2.47) and heterozygote model (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.43). The magnitude of the association between the BDKRB2‐58T/C gene polymorphism and risk of hypertension was substantiated in Asians under C‐allele comparison (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04–1.49), recessive model (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04–1.86), dominant model (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.93), homozygote model (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09–2.90) and heterozygote model (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07–1.49). No publication bias was found in the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis suggested ‐58C allele and ‐58CC genotype increase the risk of hypertension in Asians and African‐Americans. Inversely, ‐58TT genotype decreases the risk of hypertension in Asians and African‐Americans.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with thalassemia syndromes
Authors: Fraidenburg Dustin R. , Machado Roberto F.
Published: March 2016

Chronic hemolytic anemia has increasingly been identified as an important risk factor for the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Within the thalassemia syndromes, there are multiple mechanisms, both distinct and overlapping, by which PH develops and that differ among β‐thalassemia major or intermedia patients. PH in β‐thalassemia major correlates with the severity of hemolysis, yet in patients whose disease is well treated with chronic transfusion therapy, the development of PH can be related to cardiac dysfunction and the subsequent toxic effects of iron overload rather than hemolysis. β‐Thalassemia intermedia, on the other hand, has a higher incidence of PH owing to the low level of hemolysis that exists over years without the requirement for frequent transfusions, while splenectomy is shown to play an important role in both types. Standard therapies such as chronic transfusion have been shown to mitigate PH, and appropriate chelation therapy can avoid the toxic effects of iron overload, yet is not indicated in many patients. Limited evidence exists for the use of pulmonary vasodilators or other therapies, such as l‐carnitine, to treat PH associated with thalassemia. Here, we review the most recent findings regarding the pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of PH in thalassemia syndromes.
Perceived Physical Activity Decline as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Pain Catastrophizing, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Geelen Charlotte C. , Kindermans Hanne P. , van den Bergh Joop P. , Verbunt Jeanine A.
Published: March 2016

Background

To fully understand the burden of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), we investigated the relationship of pain catastrophizing with disability and quality of life in patients with PDN. Furthermore, we studied the mediating roles of physical activity and/or decline in physical activity.

Methods

This questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study included 154 patients with PDN. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, gender, pain intensity, and insulin treatment, were performed to assess the association of pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS]) with the outcome variables disability (Pain Disability Index [PDI]) and quality of life (Norfolk Quality of Life Questionnaire Diabetic Neuropathy Version [QOL‐DN]). The mediating roles of actual physical activity (Physical Activity Rating Scale [PARS]) and perceived Physical Activity Decline (PAD) were assessed using mediation analyses according to Baron and Kenny.

Results

This study included 154 patients (62% male). Mean age was 65.7 years (SD = 6.6). PCS (M = 20.3, SD = 13.1) was significantly associated with PDI (M = 32.4, SD = 17.0; R2 = 0.356, P < 0.001), QOL‐DN (M = 52.6, SD = 26.1; R2 = 0.437, P < 0.001), and PAD (M = 7.4, SD = 5.7; R2 = 0.087, P = 0.045). PAD acted as a partial mediator in the associations of PCS with PDI and QOL‐DN, respectively. There was no association of PCS with PARS.

Conclusions

Pain catastrophizing was associated with increased disability and decreased quality of life in patients with PDN. Also, it was associated with a perceived decline in physical activity, which had a mediating role in the association between catastrophizing and disability and quality of life, respectively. This study emphasizes the role of catastrophic thinking about pain and the experienced loss in daily activities due to PDN.
Regulation of loquat fruit low temperature response and lignification involves interaction of heat shock factors and genes associated with lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Zeng Jiao‐ke , Li Xian , Zhang Jing , Ge Hang , Yin Xue‐ren , Chen Kun‐song
Published: March 2016

Transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying lignin metabolism have been widely studied in model plants and woody trees, as well as fruit, such as loquat (Eriobotrya japonica). Unlike the well‐known NAC, MYB and AP2/ERF transcription factors, the roles of heat shock factors (HSFs) in lignin regulation have been rarely reported. Two treatments (heat treatment, HT; low temperature conditioning, LTC) were applied to alleviate low temperature‐induced lignification in loquat fruit. Gene expression analysis indicated that EjHSF1 transcript abundance, in parallel with heat shock protein genes (EjHsp), was induced by HT, while expression of EjHSF3 was repressed by LTC. Using dual‐luciferase assays, EjHSF1 and EjHSF3 trans‐activated the promoters of EjHsp genes and lignin biosynthesis‐related genes, respectively. Thus, two distinct regulatory mechanisms of EjHSF transcription factors in chilling injury‐induced fruit lignification are proposed: EjHSF1 transcriptionally regulated EjHsp genes are involved in chilling tolerance, while EjHSF3 transcriptionally regulated lignin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the relations between EjHSF3 and previously characterized fruit lignification regulators, including EjAP2‐1, EjMYB1 and EjMYB2, were also investigated. Yeast‐two hybrid (Y2H) and biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays demonstrated protein‐protein interaction between EjHSF3 and EjAP2‐1. Thus, the involvement of EjHSF3 in fruit lignification is via both lignin biosynthetic genes and the regulator, EjAP2‐1.
Functional specialization of one copy of glutamine phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase in ureide production from symbiotically fixed nitrogen in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Coleto Inmaculada , Trenas Almudena T. , Erban Alexander , Kopka Joachim , Pineda Manuel , Alamillo Josefa M.
Published: March 2016

Purines are essential molecules formed in a highly regulated pathway in all organisms. In tropical legumes, the nitrogen fixed in the nodules is used to generate ureides through the oxidation of de novo synthesized purines. Glutamine phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase (PRAT) catalyses the first committed step of de novo purine synthesis. In Phaseolus vulgaris there are three genes coding for PRAT. The three full‐length sequences, which are intron‐less genes, were cloned, and their expression levels were determined under conditions that affect the synthesis of purines. One of the three genes, PvPRAT3, is highly expressed in nodules and protein amount and enzymatic activity in these tissues correlate with nitrogen fixation activity. Inhibition of PvPRAT3 gene expression by RNAi‐silencing and subsequent metabolomic analysis of the transformed roots shows that PvPRAT3 is essential for the synthesis of ureides in P. vulgaris nodules.
The influence of light, substrate and seed origin on the germination and establishment of an ant‐garden bromeliad
Authors: Leroy C. , Petitclerc F. , Orivel J. , Corbara B. , Carrias J.‐F. , Dejean A. , Céréghino R.
Published: March 2016

Plant germination and development depend upon a seed's successful dispersal into a suitable habitat and its ability to grow and survive within the surrounding biotic and abiotic environment. The seeds of Aechmea mertensii, a tank‐bromeliad species, are dispersed by either Camponotus femoratus or Neoponera goeldii, two ant species that initiate ant gardens (AGs). These two mutualistic ant species influence the vegetative and reproductive traits of the bromeliad through their divergent ecological preferences (i.e. light and substrate). We hypothesised that the seeds dispersed by these two ant species have underlying genetic differences affecting germination, growth and survival of A. mertensii seedlings in different ways. To test this, we used an experimental approach consisting of sowing seeds of A. mertensii: (i) taken from the two AG–ant associations (i.e. seed origin), (ii) in two contrasting light conditions, and (iii) on three different substrates. Light and substrate had significant effects on germination, survival and on eight key leaf traits reflecting plant performance. Seed origin had a significant effect only on germination and on two leaf traits (total dry mass and relative growth rate). Overall, this bromeliad performs better (i.e. high growth and survival rates) when growing both in the shade and in the carton nest developed by C. femoratus ants. These results suggest that the plasticity of the tank bromeliad A. mertensii is mainly due to environment but also to genetic differences related to seed origin, as some traits are heritable. Thus, these two ant species may play contrasting roles in shaping plant evolution and speciation.
Lemna minor tolerance to metal‐working fluid residues: implications for rhizoremediation
Authors: Grijalbo L. , Becerril J. M. , Barrutia O. , Gutierrez‐Mañero J. , Lucas Garcia J. A.
Published: March 2016

For the first time in the literature, duckweed (Lemna minor) tolerance (alone or in combination with a consortium of bacteria) to spent metal‐working fluid (MWF) was assessed, together with its capacity to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of this residue. In a preliminary study, L. minor response to pre‐treated MWF residue (ptMWF) and vacuum‐distilled MWF water (MWFw) was tested. Plants were able to grow in both residues at different COD levels tested (up to 2300 mg·l−1), showing few toxicity symptoms (mainly growth inhibition). Plant response to MWFw was more regular and dose responsive than when exposed to ptMWF. Moreover, COD reduction was less significant in ptMWF. Thus, based on these preliminary results, a second study was conducted using MWFw to test the effectiveness of inoculation with a bacterial consortium isolated from a membrane bioreactor fed with the same residue. After 5 days of exposure, COD in solutions containing inoculated plants was significantly lower than in non‐inoculated ones. Moreover, inoculation reduced β+γ‐tocopherol levels in MWFw‐exposed plants, suggesting pollutant imposed stress was reduced. We therefore conclude from that L. minor is highly tolerant to spent MWF residues and that this species can be very useful, together with the appropriate bacterial consortium, in reducing COD of this residue under local legislation limits and thus minimise its potential environmental impact. Interestingly, the lipophilic antioxidant tocopherol (especially the sum of β+γ isomers) proved to be an effective plant biomarker of pollution.
Salt effects on functional traits in model and in economically important Lotus species
Authors: Uchiya P. , Escaray F. J. , Bilenca D. , Pieckenstain F. , Ruiz O. A. , Menéndez A. B.
Published: March 2016

A common stress on plants is NaCl‐derived soil salinity. Genus Lotus comprises model and economically important species, which have been studied regarding physiological responses to salinity. Leaf area ratio (LAR), root length ratio (RLR) and their components, specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf mass fraction (LMF) and specific root length (SRL) and root mass fraction (RMF) might be affected by high soil salinity. We characterised L. tenuis, L. corniculatus, L. filicaulis, L. creticus, L. burtii and L. japonicus grown under different salt concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mm NaCl) on the basis of SLA, LMF, SRL and RMF using PCA. We also assessed effects of different salt concentrations on LAR and RLR in each species, and explored whether changes in these traits provide fitness benefit. Salinity (150 mm NaCl) increased LAR in L. burtii and L. corniculatus, but not in the remaining species. The highest salt concentration caused a decrease of RLR in L. japonicus Gifu, but not in the remaining species. Changes in LAR and RLR would not be adaptive, according to adaptiveness analysis, with the exception of SLA changes in L. corniculatus. PCA revealed that under favourable conditions plants optimise surfaces for light and nutrient acquisition (SLA and SRL), whereas at higher salt concentrations they favour carbon allocation to leaves and roots (LMF and RMF) in detriment to their surfaces. PCA also showed that L. creticus subjected to saline treatment was distinguished from the remaining Lotus species. We suggest that augmented carbon partitioning to leaves and roots could constitute a salt‐alleviating mechanism through toxic ion dilution.
Methods for a Retrospective Population‐based and Clinic‐based Subfertility Cohort Study: the Fertility Experiences Study
Authors: Stanford Joseph B. , Sanders Jessica N. , Simonsen Sara E. , Hammoud Ahmad , Gibson Mark , Smith Ken R.
Published: March 2016

Background

Most cohort‐based research for subfertility has been conducted in clinic‐based cohorts, which may differ from population‐based cohorts.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited parallel cohorts of subfertile women: one by sampling two specialty fertility clinics in Utah, and one by population‐based sampling based on marriage and birth records. The index date (of first clinic visit or subfertility status) was between 2000 and 2009, and we linked the women recruited to subsequent birth certificate records through December 2010.

Results

We enrolled 459 women through clinic‐based sampling and 501 women through population‐based sampling. Clinic‐based women were older, had higher annual household income and more likely to have had a most intensive treatment of intrauterine insemination (31%) or in vitro fertilisation (46%) than women from population recruitment (19% and 14% respectively). Conversely, they were less likely to have received no medical treatment (9%) compared to women from population recruitment (41%). For both types of sampling, prior to eligibility screening, non‐responders were less likely to link to a live birth than responders: 51% vs. 58% for clinic‐based, and 69% vs. 76% for the population‐based with an index date in 2004.

Conclusions

Population‐based sampling for subfertility cohort research identifies women who were more likely to have had less intensive treatment or no treatment. However, in both clinic‐based and population‐based sampling, women who have had a live birth are more likely to respond to retrospective recruitment.
Prenatal Programming of Infant Neurobehaviour in a Healthy Population
Authors: Appleton Allison A. , Murphy Megan A. , Koestler Devin C. , Lesseur Corina , Paquette Alison G. , Padbury James F. , Lester Barry M. , Marsit Carmen J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Identifying the prenatal origins of mental conditions is of increasing interest, yet most studies have focused on high‐risk populations and cannot disentangle prenatal and postnatal programming effects. Thus, we examined whether profiles of neurobehaviour indicative of future risk could be identified in healthy 1–3‐day‐old infants, and examined associations with perinatal risk factors.

Methods

Participants included 627 healthy mothers and term infants from a population‐based US cohort. Neurobehaviour was assessed within 24–72 h after delivery with the NICU Network Neurobehavioural Scales (NNNS). A model‐based clustering algorithm was used to derive neurobehavioural profiles from NNNS scores. Maternal health histories, pregnancy conditions and behaviours, labour/delivery factors, and infant attributes were examined in relation to the neurobehavioural profiles.

Results

Seven discrete neurobehavioural profiles were identified, including one average functioning profile, and two inversely patterned below and above average profiles. Higher pregnancy weight gain (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10, 1.88) and birthweight percentiles (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10, 1.95) were associated with greater odds of below average newborn neurobehaviour. Above average neurobehaviour was associated with experiencing longer gestations (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02, 1.64) and higher 5‐min APGAR scores (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.07, 5.52). Maternal pregnancy alcohol use (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33, 0.89), and fetal distress (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01, 0.72) were associated with lower likelihood of having average neurobehaviour.

Conclusion

Distinct profiles of neurobehaviour can be derived in a healthy population of newborns, with different sets of perinatal factors predicting different patterns of neurobehaviour. These findings suggest a potential in utero origin for mental health risk.
Moveable types: the de‐individuated portrait in the age of mechanical reproduction
Authors: Clement Taylor
Published: March 2016

In sixteenth‐century Europe, the practice of recycling physiognomy woodcuts created duplicates of faces that appeared in multiple contexts, such that they were defined and redefined only by the textual inscriptions accompanying them. This article examines the reuse and repetition of the anonymous portrait illustrations in publications of physiognomy books, broadsides, pamphlets, and playbooks, paying particular attention to printers who copied stock images of faces from editions of Cocles's physiognomy texts. Developments in printing press technology and cost‐effective printing methods contribute to a new type of portrait that is subject to reuse and recycling. In England, John Waylande's publication of Thomas Hill's English physiognomy was one of the first works to employ reuse of physiognomic portraits, and this treatise influenced the textual productions of William Seres and Richard Jones as the printers shared woodcuts. In the last decades of the sixteenth century, Jones reprints physiognomy woodcuts as the ‘mug shots’ of criminals, leading to the development of facial types in print. The flexible fungibility and mass‐social character typing of anonymous and recycled printed portraits demonstrates further complexities of identity and selfhood in the Renaissance, where character typing and other de‐individualized notions of personhood are actively at work.
Investigation on the Distribution of Gold Across the Ahar Area (NW Iran) Using Stream‐Sediment and BLEG Methods
Authors: Simmonds Vartan , Jahangiryar Fatemeh , Moazzen Mohssen , Ravaghi Ahmad
Published: March 2016

The Ahar area is located in NW Iran. The main part of the area is covered by Eocene andesitic and andesi‐basaltic rocks within which several granitoid intrusives of Oligocene age are emplaced. This caused vast hydrothermal alterations and Cu and Au mineralization. In this regard, this contribution aims to explore the distribution of gold across the region based on systematic sampling of stream sediments and using the secondary geochemical halos, as well as the bulk leach extractable gold (BLEG) method. Meanwhile, the results obtained from these two methods will be compared in order to find out if the anomalous zones match with each other. For this, 620 stream sediment samples of −80 mesh grain size and 422 BLEG samples were collected and analyzed by Fire Assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods, respectively. For BLEG samples, gold was first dissolved using KCN before being analyzed by the AAS method. Furthermore, 84 rock samples were also collected during the field control surveys and were analyzed by Fire Assay and ICP‐OES methods for gold and other elements, respectively. After determining the distribution characteristics and statistical parameters of gold in each group of samples, anomaly maps of gold for each method were prepared, revealing almost similar anomalous zones across the region. Based on these maps, most of the discovered anomalies correlate well with granitoid intrusives of Oligocene age and the related hydrothermal alterations, which have occurred within the intrusives and the host andesitic‐basaltic rocks of Eocene age, especially at the NE and central parts of the area and east of Ahar. Some silicic veins and veinlets have been observed during field surveys in these parts, within which high concentrations of Au and sometimes Cu are determined. Another anomalous zone is located over the hydrothermal alterations within trachy‐andesitic and andesitic volcanics of Pliocene age at the SE part of the quadrangle, where vast alterations caused by volcanic fumaroles and epithermal mineralization of gold and Pb–Zn is discovered. In this regard, the SE and NE parts of the area and the east Ahar area are proposed, in order of importance, for further detailed investigations.
‘Back to the Fathers’: The Nature of Historical Understanding in 20th century Patristic Ressourcement
Authors: Ip Pui Him
Published: March 2016

Patristic ressourcement is a style of twentieth‐century theology that attempts to retrieve and re‐appropriate the classical sources of theology in the patristic period for the present. Its goal is thus always beyond a mere curiosity in historical reality. Its historical engagement is rather driven by the desire to make classical theology ‘alive’ in the present. Such a goal raises a serious question about the nature of historical scholarship carried out in this style of theology: what kind of historical understanding is presupposed by the theologians working in this style? Two recent books have documented the nature of patristic engagement found in two theologians who arguably worked within this style: T. F. Torrance (1913–2007) and Georges Florovsky (1893–1979). This review essay highlights the salient features in these books that provide substantial insights on the question of historical understanding in patristic ressourcement. Because each book carries out a distinct method to understand this style of patristic scholarship, I shall also offer some comments on the merits and limitations of each approach for studying and evaluating the nature of historical understanding in patristic ressourcement.
Sedimentology of coexisting travertine and tufa deposits in a mounded geothermal spring carbonate system, Obruktepe, Turkey
Authors: Lopez Benjamin , Camoin Gilbert , Özkul Mehmet , Swennen Rudy , Virgone Aurélien
Published: March 2016

The recent discoveries of deeply buried Cretaceous reservoir bodies in the Atlantic Ocean revealed that relationships between the distribution of spring carbonate deposits and faults are poorly understood. The well‐exposed Quaternary deposits at Obruktepe (Denizli Basin, Turkey) provide an opportunity to reconstruct the three‐dimensional sedimentary architecture of such a system. Integration of sedimentological, lithofacies and geochemical analyses reveals complexity in the lateral relationships between sedimentary environments, faults and geothermal spring carbonates. Five environmental systems are distinguished based on the lithofacies analysis: (i) vent; (ii) smooth slope; (iii) travertine‐terrace; (iv) tufa‐barrage; and (v) flood systems. Encrusting, baffling and settling sedimentary processes are reflected in data acquired at several scales, from lithofacies observations to the morphology and arrangement of geobodies, together with microfabrics and stable carbon and oxygen isotope data. Mean values of +4·9‰ δ13C and −8·74‰ δ18O Vienna PeeDee Belemnite reflect geothermal circulation of springwaters. The environmental distribution and lithofacies indicate a lateral continuum between travertine and tufa deposits within this hot spring system. This finding supports two depositional models in which water flow variation is the main control on both CaCO3 precipitation and the resulting formation of travertine and tufa. The proposed models address the factors responsible for the development of these complex mound‐shaped carbonate spring deposits, and how they are related to fluid circulation at depth and in association with faults.
On the Elementary Neural Forms of Micro‐Interactional Rituals: Integrating Autonomic Nervous System Functioning Into Interaction Ritual Theory
Authors: Heinskou Marie Bruvik , Liebst Lasse Suonperä
Published: March 2016

Randall Collins's interaction ritual (IR) theory suggests social solidarity as hardwired in the human neurological capacity for rhythmic entrainment. Yet, this article suggests thatIRtheory may benefit from being tied more firmly to recent neurobiological research, specifically Stephen W. Porges's polyvagal theory that proposes autonomic nervous system functioning as a basis for emotions and social behavior. In this perspective,IRtheory does not sufficiently acknowledge the human nervous system as a system involving a phylogenetically ordered response hierarchy, of which only one subsystem supports prosocial behavior. The ritual ingredients of mutual attention and shared mood may, moreover, be specified as part of a social engagement system, neurally regulating attention and emotional arousal via a face–heart connection. The article suggests that this social engagement system provides part of the neural basis for rhythmic entrainment. The polyvagal theory furthermore challengesIRtheory to reconsider the importance of individual biological differences—ritual success may not merely be ascribed to interactional effects, but also to reciprocal causality between situations and neurobiological properties of ritual participants.
Using a WebMapping Platform to Engage Volunteers to Collect Data on Invasive Plants Distribution
Authors: Marchante Hélia , Morais Maria Cristina , Gamela Alexandre , Marchante Elizabete
Published: March 2016

WebMapping and citizen science are increasing their importance as tools both in science communication and in gathering abundant data. Nevertheless, gathering good and plentiful data from citizens when the scientific theme is unknown to them is a demanding challenge. Invasoras.pt is a science communication endeavor that targets the general public and one of its core elements is a WebMapping platform that intends to engage volunteers to geolocate invasive plants in Portugal. Besides gathering data for scientific research and to support management, the platform raises awareness about invasive plants. The platform has been available since March 2013 and receives data from a smartphone application and a Web application. Validated sightings are shown on an online map. All data is available through a Google Fusion Table and GBIF database (open data logic). Several strategies (interactive contents, printed materials, workshops and social media) were used to overcome the challenges of engaging contributors and making them better skilled to contribute with good data. After two years of steady growth in members (ca. 600) and sightings (>5400) the results are better than expected particularly amongst a population not familiarized with either citizen science or invasive plants. The outcomes of the platform and the efficacy of each strategy are analyzed and the accuracy and usefulness of the data are discussed.
Sensitivity of blood and tissue diagnostics for gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus disease in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Fisher C.E. , Alexander J. , Bhattacharya R. , Rakita R.M. , Kirby K.A. , Boeckh M. , Limaye A.P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is the most common manifestation of tissue‐invasive CMV infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, but the diagnostic yields of blood and tissue testing have not been systematically assessed in a large patient cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively identified consecutive SOT recipients with biopsy‐confirmed GI CMV disease who had both tissue and blood (CMV polymerase chain reaction or antigenemia) diagnostic testing performed within 14 days of diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess the association between patient factors and viremia and the diagnostic yield of tests performed on biopsy specimens.

Results

A total of 101 patients (73% donor seropositive/recipient seronegative [D+/R−], 22% recipient seropositive [R+]) had GI CMV disease (58% upper, 22% lower, and 20% both) at a median of 185 days (range, 21–6345 days) post transplant. In multivariate analysis, R+ CMV serostatus (odds ratio [OR] 0.1 [0.0–0.4], P < 0.001) and diagnosis >6 months post transplant (OR 0.3 [0.1–0.9], P = 0.03) were each independently associated with absence of CMV viremia at time of diagnosis. In the subset of patients (n = 29) in whom both histopathology and viral culture were performed on biopsy specimens, 11 (39%) had CMV detected only by culture and had similar clinical characteristics and outcomes to those with positive histopathology (P > 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

The sensitivity of viremia in SOT recipients with GI CMV disease is significantly lower in CMV‐seropositive patients and in those >6 months post transplant. Addition of viral culture to endoscopic biopsy specimens significantly increases the diagnostic yield for GI CMV disease.
Further studies to evaluate methods of leucoreduction to prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness and induce tolerance in a dog platelet transfusion model
Authors: Slichter S. J. , Abrams K. , Bailey S. Lawrence , Pellham E. , Gettinger I. , Christoffel T. , Gaur L. , Latchman Y. , Nelson K. , Bolgiano D.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Three leucoreduction filters were evaluated – when used alone or combined with centrifuge leucoreduction (C‐LR) – to prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness in a dog platelet transfusion model.

Materials and Methods

Donor platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) or buffy coat (BC) platelets were either filter leucoreduced (F‐LR) or F‐LR/C‐LR,51Cr radiolabelled and transfused. Weekly transfusions were given for up to 8 weeks or until platelet refractoriness. Recipients who accepted treated transfusions were then given non‐leucoreduced (non‐LR) platelets to determine whether donor‐specific tolerance had been induced.

Results

Acceptance of F‐LR PRPtransfusions ranged from 29% to 66%. F‐LR/C‐LRtransfusions prepared fromPRPwere accepted by 92%, fromBCby 63% and from pooledPRPby 75% of recipients (p=NS); overall acceptance rate of F‐LR/C‐LRtransfusions was 83%. Tolerance to subsequent non‐LRtransfusions occurred in 45% of the F‐LR‐/C‐LR‐accepting recipients unrelated toDR‐B compatibility between donors and recipients (P= 0·18).

Conclusion

In a dog platelet transfusion model, acceptance of donor platelets required combining F‐LRwith C‐LRas apparently each process removes different immunizingWBCs.
Pancarpal Arthrodesis Without Rigid Coaptation Using the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate in Dogs
Authors: Ramirez Juan M. , Macias Carlos
Published: March 2016

Objective

To describe the complications, short‐ and long‐term outcomes, and owner satisfaction for dogs treated with pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using the 2.7/3.5 mm locking and dynamic compression plate (DCP) hybrid pancarpal arthrodesis plate (hybrid DCP [HDCP]) without rigid coaptation in the postoperative period.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs with carpal injuries requiring PCA (n=15).

Methods

Records (May 2007–October 2013) of dogs that had PCA using 3.5/2.7 mm HDCP (1 or 2 plates) and a Robert‐Jones bandage were reviewed to determine intra‐ and post‐operative complications and overall limb function. Follow‐up was obtained by clinical evaluation at our institution and telephone interview of owners.

Results

Fourteen dogs had PCA stabilized with a single HDCP and 1 giant breed dog had PCA stabilized with 2 HDCP on the dorsal aspect of the carpus secured onto the 3rd and 4th metacarpal bones. Two dogs presented with bilateral injuries. Thirteen owners (87%) judged the results of surgery as excellent and 2 (13%) judged the results of surgery as good. Minor complications (4 limbs; 23%) were occasional episodes of mild lameness in 3 dogs and 3 episodes of discharging sinus tracts in a single dog. Major complications (3 limbs; 17%) included 1 surgical site infection and implant failure in a 43 kg dog with an active leishmaniasis infection and a concurrent bilateral sacro‐iliac luxation. Two dogs developed episodes of discharging sinus tract and pain over the most distal screw that eventually necessitated plate removal.

Conclusion

PCA without rigid coaptation can successfully be performed using the HDCP.
Investigation of Turbocharger Dynamics Using a Combined Explicit Finite and Discrete Element Method Rotor–Cartridge Model
Authors: Brouwer Matthew D. , Sadeghi Farshid
Published: March 2016

The objectives of this investigation were to develop a coupled dynamic model for turbocharger ball bearing rotor systems, correlate the simulated shaft motion with experimental results, and analyze the corresponding bearing dynamics. A high-speed turbocharger test rig was designed and developed in order to measure the dynamic response of a rotor under various operating conditions. Displacement sensors were used to record shaft motion over a range of operating speeds. To achieve the objectives of the analytical investigation, a discrete element angular contact ball bearing cartridge model was coupled with an explicit finite element shaft to simulate the dynamics of the turbocharger test rig. The bearing cartridge consists of a common outer ring, a pair of split inner races, and a row of balls on each end of the cartridge. The dynamic cartridge model utilizes the discrete element method in which each of the bearing components (i.e., races, balls, and cages) has six degrees-of-freedom. The rotor is modeled using the explicit finite element method. The cartridge and rotor models are coupled such that the motion of the flexible rotor is transmitted to the inner races of the cartridge with the corresponding reaction forces and moments from the bearings being applied to the rotor. The coupled rotor–cartridge model was used to investigate the shaft motion and bearing dynamics as the system traverses critical speeds. A comparison of the analytical and experimental shaft motion results resulted in minimal correlation but showed similarity through the critical speeds. The cartridge model allowed for thorough investigation of bearing component dynamics. Effects of ball material properties were found to have a significant impact on turbocharger rotor and bearing dynamics.
Evaluation of Passive Cooling Systems for Residential Buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alaidroos Alaa , Krarti Moncef
Published: March 2016

In this paper, passive cooling strategies have been investigated to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing cooling thermal loads and air conditioning energy consumption for residential buildings in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Specifically, three passive cooling techniques have been evaluated including natural ventilation, downdraft evaporative cooling, and earth tube cooling. These passive cooling systems are applied to a prototypical KSA residential villa model with an improved building envelope. The analysis has been carried using detailed simulation tool for several cities representing different climate conditions throughout KSA. The impact of the passive cooling systems is evaluated on both energy consumption and electrical peak demand for residential villas with and without improved building envelope for five cities, representatives of various climate conditions in KSA. It is found that both natural ventilation and evaporative cooling provide a significant reduction in cooling energy use and electrical peak demand for the prototypical villa located in dry KSA climates such as that of Riyadh and Tabuk. Natural ventilation alone has reduced the cooling energy end-use by 22%, while the evaporative cooling system has resulted in 64% savings in cooling energy end-use. Moreover, the natural ventilation is found to have a high potential in all KSA climates, while evaporative cooling can be suitable only in hot and dry climates such as Riyadh and Tabuk. Finally, the analysis showed that natural ventilation provided the lowest electrical peak demand when applied into the improved envelope residential buildings in all five cities in KSA.
The Improvement of Antimicrobial Activity of Kanamycin and Ciprofloxacin Antibiotics Coupled With Biocompatible Magnetite Nanoparticles and Characterization of Their Structure
Authors: Hasanova Ulviyya Alimammad , Ramazanov Mahammadali Ahmad , Maharramov Abel Mammadali , Hajiyeva Sarvinaz Faiq , Parfyonova Yana Vacheslav , Eyvazova Goncha Malik , Hajiyeva Flora Vidadi , Guliyeva Narmina Arthur , Veliyeva Solmaz Bayram
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we present the synthesis of nanostructures of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) with ciprofloxacin and kanamycin antibiotics, based on self-assembling principle. The nanostructures were prepared in crystallite size, ranging 8–16 nm, in one pot addition setup and further washing steps, using only iron precursors and above-mentioned antibiotics as stabilizers. Nanostructures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis methods, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy methods. It was found that they have well-shaped spherical form and are homogeneous in size. The quantitative analysis of nanostructured antibiotics was performed by atom absorbance spectroscopy (AAS) as well as on the basis of Lambert–Beer law. Prepared nanostructures were tested on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Obtained results demonstrated that these nanostructures are able to improve antimicrobial properties and decrease the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of pristine kanamycin and ciprofloxacin antibiotics.
The acoustical role of vocal tract in the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus pusillus
Authors: Ma Xin , Li Ting , Lu Hongwang
Published: March 2016

The sound field distribution in the vocal tract with a single sound source in the glottis and the transfer function of the supraglottal vocal tract of the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus pusillus, have been obtained using the finite-element method (FEM) technique. The models of vocal tracts used for FEM calculation are constructed by tomography scanning. These models are used to set up a finite-element model for calculating the sound field distribution by loading the unit sound source in the glottis. By changing the frequency of the unit sound source, the frequency response was figured out and the acoustic role of vocal tract chambers was examined by obtaining the transfer function and sound pressure distribution before and after filling the chambers using voxels. Sound pressures in the trachea and nostrils are recorded and some analysis of the acoustics of the subglottal and vocal tract was made to find the function of the construction in the vocal tract and subglottal parts. The results show nasal chambers can effectively improve the Q (quality factor) value near the second harmonic, and alternate the sound distribution in the supraglottal part. Whereas the tracheal chambers can reduce the amplitude second harmonic in the subglottal part, its function is like a notch filter which can block the second harmonic component of the back propagation sound under the glottis.
Speech rate and pitch characteristics of infant-directed speech: Longitudinal and cross-linguistic observations
Authors: Narayan Chandan R. , McDermott Lily C.
Published: March 2016

The speech rate and pitch (F0) characteristics of naturalistic, longitudinally recorded infant- and adult-directed speech are reported for three, genetically diverse languages. Previous research has suggested that the prosodic characteristics of infant-directed speech are slowed speech rate, raised mean pitch, and expanded pitch range relative to adult-directed speech. Sixteen mothers (5 Sri Lankan Tamil, 5 Tagalog, 6 Korean) were recorded in their homes during natural interactions with their young infants, and adults, over the course of 12 months beginning when the infant was 4 months old. Regression models indicated that the difference between infant- and adult-directed speech rates decreased across the first year of infants' development. Models of pitch revealed predicted differences between infant- and adult-directed speech but did not provide evidence for cross-linguistic or longitudinal effects within the time period investigated for the three languages. The universality of slowed speech rate, raised pitch, and expanded pitch range is discussed in light of individuals' highly variable implementation of these prosodic features in infant-directed speech.