bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of daily microincrement deposition in otoliths of juvenile and adult Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens
Authors: Plaza G. , Cerna F.
Published: December 2014

Wild adult specimens of the Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens were captured and reared to validate the daily periodicity of otolith microincrement formation. The postcapture stress generated spontaneous spawning, making it possible to conduct a rearing trial on larvae first in an artificial nutrient‐enriched system (ANES) for 52 days followed by an artificial feeding regime in a culture tank until day 115 post‐hatch. Microincrements of the sagittal otoliths of sacrificed juveniles [mean ± s.d. total length (LT) = 5·13 ± 0·37 cm, range 5–6 cm; c.v. = 7·5%] showed very distinct light and dark zones. The slope of the relationship between the total number of increments after the hatch check and days elapsed after hatching was not significantly different from 1. The transfer from ANES to the artificial feeding regime induced a mark in the sagittal otoliths. The number of microincrements after this induced mark coincided with the number of days elapsed after the transfer date. In parallel experiments, adult E. ringens (mean ± s.d. LT = 14·92 ± 0·55 cm, range 13–16 cm) were exposed to one of two fluorescent marking immersion treatments with either alizarin red S (ARS; 25 mg l−1 per 6 h) or oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC; 200 mg l−1 per 10 h). The microincrements between fluorescent bands were distinct, ranging from 0·89 to 2·75 µm (mean ± s.d. =1·43 ± 0·28 µm; c.v. = 32%) and from 0·71 to 2·89 µm (1·53 ± 0·27 µm; c.v. = 35%) for ARS and OTC, respectively. The relationship between the number of microincrements between marks and the number of elapsed days for ARS and OCT treatments indicated that there was a significant correspondence between the number of increases observed and the number of days. Hence, daily microincrements of otoliths of E. ringens are likely to be formed in juveniles and adults under natural conditions.
Extensive feeding on sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka smolts by bull trout Salvelinus confluentus during initial outmigration into a small, unregulated and inland British Columbia river
Authors: Furey N. B. , Hinch S. G. , Lotto A. G. , Beauchamp D. A.
Published: December 2014

Stomach contents were collected and analysed from 22 bull trout Salvelinus confluentus at the edge of the Chilko Lake and Chilko River in British Columbia, Canada, during spring outmigration of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka smolts. Twenty of the 22 (>90%) stomachs contained prey items, virtually all identifiable prey items were outmigrant O. nerka smolts and stomach contents represented a large portion (0·0–12·6%) of estimated S. confluentus mass. The results demonstrate nearly exclusive and intense feeding by S. confluentus on outmigrant smolts, and support recent telemetry observations of high disappearance rates of O. nerka smolts leaving large natural lake systems prior to entering high‐order unregulated river systems.
How to Adapt the Implantation Technique for the New SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve Design
Authors: SCHYMIK GERHARD , SCHRÖFEL HOLGER , HEIMESHOFF MARTIN , LUIK ARMIN , THOENES MARTIN , MANDINOV LAZAR
Published: December 2014

The new balloon‐expandable Edwards SAPIEN 3 THV has significant design improvements requiring adjustments in the implantation technique as compared to the previous generation SAPIEN XT. Basically, the new valve requires less oversizing due to the outer skirt, which, if positioned underneath the annulus, can reduce the occurrence and severity of paravalvular leak (PVL). As with any transcatheter vale, a thorough assessment of the device‐landing‐zone, the surrounding structures, and the distribution of calcifications is of vast importance. Once the SAPIEN 3 valve is positioned with the initial orientation of the middle balloon marker at the level of the leaflet hinge points, the outer skirt will remain under the annulus, despite the foreshortening of the lower inflow portion of the valve. If there is an incomplete apposition, the outer skirt can conform to the anatomy, close the gaps, and reduce the risk of PVL. When calcifications are located on the edges of the annulus, PVL is common with the SAPIEN XT THV but dramatically reduced with the SAPIEN 3 THV. If the calcification extends from the annulus into the entire LVOT, there is always an incomplete apposition of the either valve frame; however, the resulting PVL is reduced by the outer skirt of the SAPIEN 3. In 165 consecutive SAPIEN 3 patients, 89.7% (n = 145) had none or a trace PVL and there were no patients with moderate or severe PVL.

The new generation SAPIEN 3 valve allows more challenging anatomies to be treated, requires less oversizing, and can reduce PVL. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:82–89)
Online colour training system for dental students: a comprehensive assessment of different training protocols
Authors: Liu M. , Chen L. , Liu X. , Yang Y. , Zheng M. , Tan J.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training effect and to determine the optimal training protocol for a recently developed online colour training system. Seventy students participated in the evaluation. They first completed a baseline test with shade guides (SGT) and the training system (TST), and then trained with one of the three system training methods (Basic colour training for group E1, Vitapan Classical for E2, and Vitapan 3D‐Master for E3) or shade guides (group C1) for 4 days. The control group (C2) received no training. The same test was performed after training and they finally completed a questionnaire. The correct matches after training increased in three experimental groups and group C1. Among experimental groups, the greatest improvement of correct matching number was achieved by group E3 (4·00 ± 1·88 in SGT, 4·29 ± 2·73 in TST), followed by E2 (2·29 ± 2·73 in SGT, 3·50 ± 3·03 in TST) and E1 (2·00 ± 2·60 in SGT, 1·93 ± 2·96 in TST). The difference between E3 and E1 was statistically significant (P = 0·036 in SGT, 0·026 in TST). The total average training time was shorter in group E2 (15·39 ± 4·22 min) and E3 (17·63 ± 5·22 min), with no significant difference between them. Subjective evaluations revealed that self‐confidence in colour matching were improved greater in group C1 and E3. In conclusion, all tested sections of the system effectively improved students' colour‐matching ability. Among system training methods, Vitapan 3D‐Master showed the best performance; it enabled greater shade‐matching improvement, it saved time and was superior in subjective evaluations.
Effects of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) with different rates on autonomic nervous system responses and self‐reported levels of stress
Authors: Tanosoto T. , Bendixen K. H. , Arima T. , Hansen J. , Terkelsen A. J. , Svensson P.
Published: December 2014

To characterise self‐reported levels of stress and autonomic responses in healthy humans evoked by different rates of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT). Fifteen participants performed PASATs with different rates (3·6‐, 2·4‐, 1·6‐ or 1·2‐s intervals) and a control task, in random order. Correct responses, self‐reported levels of stress and autonomic responses to the PASATs were estimated. Increased PASAT rates were associated with decreases in correct responses (P < 0·001) and increases in self‐reported levels of stress (P < 0·001). For autonomic responses, significant changes were seen in 10 variables during 2·4‐s PASAT compared with the respective baseline; however, significant differences in relative changes from baseline were found between the 2·4‐s PASAT and control task only for mean RR‐intervals (P < 0·001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·002 and P = 0·006) and cardiac output (P < 0·001). Regarding comparison between the four PASATs, significant differences in the relative changes from baseline were seen between the 3·6‐s PASAT and faster PASATs, for example mean RR‐intervals, high‐frequency power and respiration rate; however, there were no differences between the faster PASATs. The autonomic responses during the PASATs with different rates were quite similar for the faster PASATs (intervals < 2·4 s); however, the slowest 3·6‐s PASAT evoked significantly less self‐reported stress and autonomic arousal compared with the faster PASATs. Standardization of the PASAT rate may be important for studies on autonomic nervous system function and self‐reported measures of stress. Future studies may test more complex interactions between stress, autonomic responses and pain responses.
Growth and haematological response of indigenous Venda chickens aged 8 to 13 weeks to varying dietary lysine to energy ratios
Authors: Alabi O. J. , Ng'ambi J. W. , Mbajiorgu E. F. , Norris D. , Mabelebele M.
Published: December 2014

The effect of feeding varying dietary lysine to energy levels on growth and haematological values of indigenous Venda chickens aged 8 – 13 weeks was evaluated. Four hundred and twenty Venda chickens (BW 362 ± 10 g) were allocated to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated seven times, and each replicate had fifteen chickens. Four maize–soya beans‐based diets were formulated. Each diet had similar CP (150 g/kg DM) and lysine (8 g lysine/kg DM) but varying energy levels (11, 12, 13 and 14 MJ ME/kg DM). The birds were reared in a deep litter house; feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data on growth and haematological values were collected and analysed using one‐way analysis of variance. Duncan's test for multiple comparisons was used to test the significant difference between treatment means (p < 0.05). A quadratic equation was used to determine dietary lysine to energy ratios for optimum parameters which were significant difference. Results showed that dietary energy level influenced (p < 0.05) feed intake, feed conversion ratio, live weight, haemoglobin and pack cell volume values of chickens. Dry matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and nitrogen retention not influenced by dietary lysine to energy ratio. Also, white blood cell, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in female Venda chickens aged 91 days were not influenced by dietary lysine to energy ratio. It is concluded that dietary lysine to energy ratios of 0.672, 0.646, 0.639 and 0.649 optimized feed intake, growth rate, FCR and live weight in indigenous female Venda chickens fed diets containing 8 g of lysine/kg DM, 150 g of CP/kg DM and 11 MJ of ME/kg DM. This has implications in diet formulation for indigenous female Venda chickens.
The Transcriptional Signatures of Cells from the Human Peyronie's Disease Plaque and the Ability of These Cells to Generate a Plaque in a Rat Model Suggest Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Gelfand Robert A. , Vernet Dolores , Kovanecz Istvan , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The success of medical therapies for Peyronie's disease (PD) has not been optimal, possibly because many of them went directly to clinical application without sufficient preclinical scientific research. Previous studies revealed cellular and molecular pathways involved in the formation of the PD plaque and in particular the role of the myofibroblast.

Aims

The current work aimed to determine under normal and fibrotic conditions what differentiates PD cells from tunica albuginea (TA) and corpora cavernosa (CC) cells by defining their global transcriptional signatures and testing in vivo whether PD cells can generate a PD-like plaque.

Methods

Human TA, PD, and CC cells were grown with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1; TA+, PD+, CC+) or without it (TA−, PD−, CC−) and assayed by (i) immunofluorescence, Western blot and RT-PCR for myofibroblast, smooth muscle cell and stem cell markers; (ii) collagen content; and (iii) DNA microarray analysis. The ability of PD+ cells to induce a PD-like plaque in an immuno-suppressed rat model was assessed by Masson trichrome and Picrosirius Red stainings.

Main Outcomes Measures

Fibroproliferative features of PD cells and identification of related key genes as novel targets to reduce plaque size.

Results

Upon TGFβ1stimulation, collagen levels were increased by myofibroblasts in the PD+ but not in the CC+ cells. The transcriptional signature of the PD− cells identified fibroproliferative, myogenic (myofibroblasts), inflammatory, and collagen turnover genes that differentiate them from TA− or CC− cells and respond to TGFβ1 with a PD+ fibrotic phenotype, by upregulation of IGF-1, ACTG2, MYF5, ACTC1, PSTN, COL III, MMP3, and others. The PD+ cells injected into the TA of the rat induce a PD-like plaque.

Conclusions

This suggests a novel combination therapy to eliminate a PD plaque by targeting the identified genes to (i) improve collagenase action by stimulating endogenous metalloproteinases specific to key collagen types and (ii) counteract fibromatosis by inhibiting myofibroblast generation, proliferation, and/or apoptosis.
Overexpression of p53 but not Rb in the cytoplasm of neurons and small vessels in an autopsy of a patient with Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Miyahara Hiroaki , Itonaga Tomoyo , Maeda Tomoki , Izumi Tatsuro , Ihara Kenji
Published: December 2014

Cockayne syndrome presents senescence‐like changes starting in early infancy; however, the mechanism of premature aging remains unclear. In an autopsy of a 23‐year‐old woman with Cockayne syndrome, we evaluated the correlation between Cockayne pathology and the expression patterns of the senescence‐associated proteins p53 and Rb. Neuropathological findings in this case revealed basal ganglia calcification, tigroid leukodystrophy, bizarre reactive astrocytes, severe cerebellar atrophy with loss of Purkinje cells, and arteriolar/neuronal calcifications in the hypothalamus. Multiple arteriolar calcifications and sclerotic changes were seen in the central nervous system and kidney, but the endothelium of the aorta and coronary arteries remained intact appropriately for the individual's age without any finding of arteriosclerosis. Overexpression of p53 protein was confirmed in the cytoplasm of neurons in the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum, of arteriolar endothelial cells of the cerebrum and renal glomerular capillaries, and of cutaneous epithelial cells. The distribution of p53 overexpression was coincident with that of pathological alteration, such as neuronal loss, calcification and atrophy. High expression of p53 was localized in the cytoplasm, not in the nucleus. In contrast to p53, Rb was not expressed in any senescence lesion. In terms of senescence, distinct differences are found among organs in a patient with Cockayne syndrome. This segmental progeria differs from natural aging, and implicates p53 overexpression in the etiology of CS.
Testing the credibility of historical newspaper reporting of extreme climate and weather events
Authors: Munro Duncan , Fowler Anthony
Published: December 2014

In recent years, newspaper research has been streamlined by digitisation and online hosting by PapersPast. This paper tests the reliability and credibility of reporting of extreme weather and climatic events through PapersPast to determine if newspaper research of past climate can be further streamlined. Searches were conducted through four early‐20th‐century Auckland newspapers, where counts of articles returned by key‐word searches for particular periods were compared against periods of known extremes. We find that blind searches have only limited potential in identifying extreme weather and climatic events and that they are no substitute for thorough analyses of documentary sources.
Photosynthetic leaf area modulates tiller bud outgrowth in sorghum
Authors: KEBROM TESFAMICHAEL H. , MULLET JOHN E.
Published: December 2014

Shoot branches or tillers develop from axillary buds. The dormancy versus outgrowth fates of buds depends on genetic, environmental and hormonal signals. Defoliation inhibits bud outgrowth indicating the role of leaf‐derived metabolic factors such as sucrose in bud outgrowth. In this study, the sensitivity of bud outgrowth to selective defoliation was investigated. At 6 d after planting (6 DAP), the first two leaves of sorghum were fully expanded and the third was partially emerged. Therefore, the leaves were selectively defoliated at 6 DAP and the length of the bud in the first leaf axil was measured at 8 DAP. Bud outgrowth was inhibited by defoliation of only 2 cm from the tip of the second leaf blade. The expression of dormancy and sucrose‐starvation marker genes was up‐regulated and cell cycle and sucrose‐inducible genes was down‐regulated during the first 24 h post‐defoliation of the second leaf. At 48 h, the expression of these genes was similar to controls as the defoliated plant recovers. Our results demonstrate that small changes in photosynthetic leaf area affect the propensity of tiller buds for outgrowth. Therefore, variation in leaf area and photosynthetic activity should be included when integrating sucrose into models of shoot branching.
The effect of 222‐nm UVC phototesting on healthy volunteer skin: a pilot study
Authors: Woods Julie A , Evans Alan , Forbes Paul Donald , Coates Philip J , Gardner June , Valentine Ronan M , Ibbotson Sally H , Ferguson James , Fricker Christopher , Moseley Harry
Published: December 2014

Background

Frequent topical antiseptic use to hands is now common in healthcare and other work environments. Inevitably, the use of such antiseptics will present an occupational risk for irritancy and allergic dermatitis. New, less irritant and even non‐chemical antimicrobial approaches are under investigation.

Methods

A Sterilray disinfectant source (222 nm) conventionally used to sterilize equipment and work surfaces was assessed for tolerability in human skin. Using an escalating dosage study methodology, four skin phototype I and II healthy volunteers had their minimal erythema dose (MED) determined. Punch biopsies of irradiated sites were stained for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD). The degree of CPD was compared with that in biopsies from unexposed skin and from areas exposed to UVB (280–315 nm) radiation.

Results

Calibrated spectral measurements revealed emission at a peak wavelength of 222 nm with 97% emission at wavelengths less than 250 nm. At low doses below the threshold bacteriostatic effect, the source was capable of inducing both erythema and CPD formation in human skin. In two individuals, cells in the basal layer were not shielded by the overlying tissue as indicated by the presence of CPD.

Conclusion

The source showed an erythemogenic or CPD potential at lower doses than those required to reach the reported threshold bacteriostatic effect.
Periodontal disease in children and adolescents of Latin America
Authors: Botero Javier E. , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Duque Andres , Jaramillo Adriana , Contreras Adolfo
Published: December 2014

Periodontal diseases are a group of infectious diseases that mainly include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of periodontal disease in subjects of all ages, including children and adolescents. Less frequent types of periodontal disease include aggressive periodontitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and various diseases of herpesviral and fungal origin. This review aimed to retrieve relevant information from Latin America on the prevalence of periodontal diseases among children and adolescents of the region. Gingivitis was detected in 35% of young Latin American subjects and showed the highest frequencies in Colombia (77%) and Bolivia (73%) and the lowest frequency in Mexico (23%). The frequency of gingivitis in subjects from other Latin American countries was between 31% and 56%. Periodontitis may affect <10% of the young population in Latin America, but the data are based on only a few studies. A more precise assessment of the distribution and severity of periodontal disease in children and adolescents of Latin America may help policy makers and dentists to institute more effective public health measures to prevent and treat the disease at an early age to avoid major damage to the permanent dentition.
Quality of life of older people in an urban slum of India
Authors: Ghosh Somenath , Bandyopadhyay Sanjib , Bhattacharya Saikat , Misra Raghunath , Das Saibal
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine different domains of quality of life (QOL) and their relationship to sociodemographic characteristics among older people in an urban slum in India.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted (n = 120). Selected individuals were interviewed, and their QOL was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was then performed.

Results

Of those included in the study population, 61.7% were men, all were Hindus, 46.7% were members of the general caste, 19.2% were illiterate, 35% were unemployed, and 72.5% lived with their joint family (i.e. extended family). Mean scores in each domain studied did not significantly differ between the sexes, age groups, castes, and family types. Subjects with more education, who were married, and with greater income had significantly better QOL scores. Mean scores were also better in certain domains among persons who had their own income and who resided with their children.

Conclusion

Having low education, being single, lacking personal income, and not living with their children significantly reduced QOL in the elderly subjects. Attention should be given to these factors to help elderly individuals age in a healthy manner.
Determinants of oral health‐related quality of life of the institutionalized elderly
Authors: Zenthöfer Andreas , Rammelsberg Peter , Cabrera Tomas , Schröder Johannes , Hassel Alexander Jochen
Published: December 2014

Background

Diminished oral health of the institutionalized elderly has frequently been reported. This is not only of significance with regard to nutrition and general health, but it can also affect oral health‐related quality of life. This paper evaluates the effects of oral and general conditions on oral health‐related quality of life for the institutionalized elderly, as measured by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐four residents of four long‐term care homes in southern Germany agreed to participate in this study, and interviews were conducted using the GOHAI questionnaire. The Revised Oral Health Assessment Guide was applied to allocate participants into two groups: satisfactory oral health and poor oral health. To evaluate the effects of age, gender, number of chronic diseases, frequently taken drugs, care level, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, periodontitis (for participants with their own teeth), pressures caused by prostheses, and type of denture worn, a linear regression model with the total GOHAI score was calculated with these determinants.

Results

The mean ± SD GOHAI score was 53.3 ± 6.2 in the satisfactory oral health group and 48.7 ± 7.3 in the poor oral health group. Statistical analysis showed that the GOHAI scores were significantly different in satisfactory oral health and poor oral health groups (P = 0.030) and were affected by care level (P = 0.008) and type of dentures worn (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that oral health‐related quality of life of the institutionalized elderly is low and is positively associated with better oral health.
Labor in Transitional Societies: Conflict, Democracy, and Neoliberalism
Authors: Cope Zak
Published: December 2014

This article examines the role that labor has played and can play in transitional societies, that is, in societies moving away from endemic violent conflict and/or authoritarian rule, and toward ostensibly democratic political norms. Specifically, it looks at the position of labor inNorthernIreland,Poland, andSouthAfrica before and after the “double transition,” that is, the transition not only toward a fuller democratic dispensation, but also toward neoliberal socioeconomic structures. The aims of the article are, first, to question the compatibility of democracy with neoliberal capitalism and, second, to describe how the stratification of labor established by international capitalism has profoundly shaped the social context in which the organized working class acts to advance its goals. The article concludes by making some suggestions relevant to strategies appropriate to the struggle to make labor a united and leading force for social progress.
Disposable Bodies and Labor Rights: Workers in China's Automotive Industry
Authors: Chan Anita , Chen Yiu Por , Xie Yuhua , Wei Zhao , Walker Cathy
Published: December 2014

This article focuses on the serious occupational health and safety (OHS) injuries affecting the workers of one of China's most important industries—automotive assembly—and particularly the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that are common in the industry. The data are drawn from a 2011 survey of 1,100 autoworkers conducted at twelve assembly plants in seven Chinese cities. By correlating injury rates with age, speed of the assembly line, length of work hours, mental pressure, availability of floaters to replace absent workers, ease to take sick leave, etc., the data identify the most salient causes of MSD. The study raises the issue that the state and management's ignoring of MSD and the lack of workers' participation and representation in the plants constituted a violation of labor rights. The article offers some remedies that are applicable both in China and internationally.
March for Justice: The Protest of India's Maruti Suzuki Auto Workers against Imprisonment and Dismissals
Authors: Nowak Jörg
Published: December 2014

In January 2014, the workers of Maruti Suzuki who had been sacked in summer 2012 organized a fifteen‐day long march through the surrounding villages and into New Delhi. Half of the permanent staff and all contract workers had been arbitrarily fired after an uprising in the factory. The article reports about how the workers led the march and accounts for their perspectives on the struggle. Several intellectuals and trade union leaders, such as Yogendra Yadav and Arundhati Roy, held speeches during the march, and striking public sector workers met and hosted the workers participating in the march.
Population transcriptomics of human malaria parasites reveals the mechanism of artemisinin resistance
Authors: Mok Sachel , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Ferreira Pedro E. , Zhu Lei , Lin Zhaoting , Yeo Tomas , Chotivanich Kesinee , Imwong Mallika , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Dhorda Mehul , Nguon Chea , Lim Pharath , Amaratunga Chanaki , Suon Seila , Hien Tran Tinh , Htut Ye , Faiz M. Abul , Onyamboko Marie A. , Mayxay Mayfong , Newton Paul N. , Tripura Rupam , Woodrow Charles J. , Miotto Olivo , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Nosten François , Day Nicholas P. J. , Preiser Peter R. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Fairhurst Rick M. , Bozdech Zbynek
Published: December 2014

Mechanisms propelling drug resistance

If it were to spread, resistance to the drug artemisinin would seriously derail the recent gains of global malaria control programs (see the Perspective by Sibley). Mutations in a region called the K13-propeller are predictive for artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. Mok
et al.
looked at the patterns of gene expression in parasites isolated from more than 1000 patients sampled in Africa, Bangladesh, and the Mekong region. A range of mutations that alter protein repair pathways and the timing of the parasite's developmental cycle were only found in parasites from the Mekong region. Straimer
et al.
genetically engineered the K13 region of parasites obtained from recent clinical isolates. Mutations in this region were indeed responsible for the resistance phenotypes.

Science
, this issue p.
431
, p.
428
; see also p.
373
Genome Sequence of Bacillus simplex Strain P558, Isolated from a Human Fecal Sample
Authors: Croce Olivier , Hugon Perrine , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Bibi Fehmida , Robert Catherine , Azhar Esam Ibraheem , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: December 2014

Bacillus simplex
strain P558 was isolated from a fecal sample of a 25-year-old Saudi male. We sequenced the 5.98-Mb genome of the strain and compared it to that of
B. simplex
strain 1NLA3E
.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens LN2, Which Shows Nematicidal Activity against
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
H06 Nematodes
Authors: Qiu Xuehong , Zhan Zu-Bing , Yan Xun , Han Richou
Published: December 2014

We present here the 5.6-Mb genome sequence of
Photorhabdus luminescens
strain LN2, a Gram-negative bacterium that is a symbiont of
Heterorhabditis indica
LN2 and shows nematicidal activity against
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
H06 nematodes.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Marine Bacterium Phaeodactylibacter xiamenensis Strain KD52, Isolated from the Phycosphere of Microalga
Phacodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Chen Zhangran , Lei Xueqian , Li Yi , Zhang Jingyan , Zhang Huajun , Yang Luxi , Zheng Wei , Xu Hong , Zheng Tianling
Published: December 2014

Phaeodactylibacter xiamenensis
KD52 is a novel bacterium isolated from a culture of the alga
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of this strain, which will provide an opportunity to further understand the functional genes related to signing for nutrition from the host algae and the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial properties.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Mannitol-Producing Strain Lactobacillus mucosae CRL573
Authors: Bleckwedel Juliana , Terán Lucrecia C. , Bonacina Julieta , Saavedra Lucila , Mozzi Fernanda , Raya Raúl R.
Published: December 2014

Lactobacillus mucosae
CRL573, isolated from child fecal samples, efficiently converts fructose and/or sucrose into the low-calorie sugar mannitol when cultured in modified MRS medium at pH 5.0. Also, the strain is capable of producing bacteriocin. The draft genome sequence of this strain with potential industrial applications is presented here.
Draft Genome Sequence of Propane- and Butane-Oxidizing Actinobacterium Rhodococcus ruber IEGM 231
Authors: Ivshina Irena B. , Kuyukina Maria S. , Krivoruchko Anastasiya V. , Barbe Valérie , Fischer Cécile
Published: December 2014

We report a draft genome sequence of
Rhodococcus ruber
IEGM 231, isolated from a water spring near an oil-extracting enterprise (Perm region, Russian Federation). This sequence provides important insights into the genetic mechanisms of propane and
n
-butane metabolism, organic sulfide and beta-sitosterol biotransformation, glycolipid biosurfactant production, and heavy metal resistance in actinobacteria.
Improving management of paracetamol overdose: a software solution
Authors: Stewart Michael , Robinson Alison , Curran Andy
Published: December 2014

Objective

Paracetamol overdose is a common presentation to UK emergency departments, and national audits consistently identify shortfalls in the management of these patients. This study assesses the potential of a web-based computer application to improve the assessment and treatment of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients was identified and their actual management and that advised by the software were assessed against current guidelines.

Results

The application gave correct advice in all cases, significantly outperforming both actual treatment when the patients originally presented, and national performance based on previous College of Emergency Medicine audits.

Conclusions

Advice from custom-written software outperforms actual treatment of patients presenting after paracetamol overdose.
Increased Th17 cells in flow cytometer-sorted CD45RO-positive memory CD4 T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Ming-Fei , Wang Chrong-Reen
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Th17/IL-17 dysregulation is involved in human autoimmunity, and recent evidence suggests the character of long-lived differentiated memory cells in Th17. By directly measuring the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), elevated circulating frequencies of Th17 cells have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with inconsistent results regarding the correlation with disease activities. In this study, the association between circulating Th17 frequencies and disease activities or laboratory parameters was examined in flow cytometer-sorted CD45RO-positive memory CD4 T cells from SLE.

Methods

PBMC samples were obtained from 48 female lupus patients and another 48 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. We examined frequencies of Th17 cells by sorting the purified CD4 T cells bearing the CD45RO marker, followed by intracellular IL-17A staining after in vitro activation. Frequencies of Th1 and TFoxp3cells were also measured by intracellular IFN-γ and Foxp3 staining, respectively. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and other laboratory parameters were further correlated with frequencies of different T cell subsets.

Results

In SLE, increased frequencies of Th17 cells were found with a positive correlation in SLEDAI. Higher frequencies of Th17 cells were found in lupus nephritis. There was a positive correlation between frequencies of Th17 cells and daily proteinuria amount.

Conclusions

By examining the sorted CD45RO-positive memory CD4 T cells, we confirm the dysregulation of Th17/IL-17 in SLE, implicating the potential to treat lupus patients with selective IL-17/IL-17R blockades.
Y-stent assisted coiling of bifurcation aneurysms with Enterprise stent: long-term follow-up
Authors: Limbucci Nicola , Renieri Leonardo , Nappini Sergio , Consoli Arturo , Rosi Andrea , Mangiafico Salvatore
Published: December 2014

Background

Y-stent assisted coiling has been proposed for the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms, but there are many technical variations. We report our single-center experience of Y-stent assisted coiling of bifurcation aneurysms with the closed cell Enterprise stent in order to evaluate the safety and long-term results of this technique. The literature on Y-stenting and its hemodynamic effects are reviewed.

Methods

Fifty-two consecutive patients with wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms underwent Y-stent assisted coiling with two Enterprise stents. The procedure was completed in 48 cases (92.3%) and technical failure occurred in 4 cases (7.3%). Cases performed with other stents were excluded. All procedures were performed under double antiplatelet therapy. Periodic clinical and neuroradiological follow-up was performed.

Results

Mean neuroradiological follow-up time was 26 months. Complete immediate occlusion was obtained in 87.5% of patients. Two remnants had regrown at follow-up and were recoiled, achieving complete occlusion. The late neuroradiological occlusion rate was: complete occlusion 93.6%, neck remnant 4.3%, sac remnant 2.1%. No in-stent stenosis was detected at follow-up. Among the 48 procedures, two complications occurred (4.2%). Mortality was 2.1%. No delayed ischemic stroke occurred.

Conclusions

Y-stent assisted coiling has a high immediate occlusion rate and very good long-term stability. The procedure is relatively safe, although the complication and mortality rates are not negligible. Two Enterprise stents can be safely used for Y-stenting and, indeed, offer the advantage of easier catheterization, delivery and deployment into distal and tortuous vessels than open cell stents.
A PCR-RFLP method to detect hybridization between the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and the native northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), and its application in Ontario lakes
Authors: Grafe Simon F. , Boutin Céline , Pick Frances R. , Bull Roger D.
Published: December 2014

The discovery of hybridization between the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and native northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum Kom.) has generated interest in establishing the hybrid’s distribution and invasiveness. Identification of hybrid M. spicatum × M. sibiricum requires molecular genetic analysis, however, as the hybrid’s morphology overlaps with both parent species. Using plants collected from 10 lakes in Ontario, Canada, we compared a previous method of identification (sequencing the nuclear ITS region) with a simpler screening method (PCR-RFLP of the ITS region). Both methods agreed on the identification of hybrid M. spicatum × M. sibiricum and both parent species, supporting the suitability of PCR-RFLP to screen for the hybrid. Four of 29 samples were identified as hybrid M. spicatum × M. sibiricum, which were all found in three adjacent lakes associated with the Rideau Canal Waterway. The PCR-RFLP method should enable greater sampling effort to screen for hybrid M. spicatum × M. sibiricum and establish its geographic distribution across connected waterways.
Phylogenetic analyses and nitrate-reducing activity of fungal cultures isolated from the permanent, oceanic oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea
Authors: Manohar Cathrine Sumathi , Menezes Larissa Danielle , Ramasamy Kesava Priyan , Meena Ram M.
Published: December 2014

Reports on the active role of fungi as denitrifiers in terrestrial ecosystems have stimulated an interest in the study of the role of fungi in oxygen-deficient marine systems. In this study, the culturable diversity of fungi was investigated from 4 stations within the permanent, oceanic, oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea. The isolated cultures grouped within the 2 major fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; diversity estimates in the stations sampled indicated that the diversity of the oxygen-depleted environments is less than that of mangrove regions and deep-sea habitats. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA sequences revealed a few divergent isolates that clustered with environmental sequences previously obtained by others. This is significant, as these isolates represent phylotypes that so far were known only from metagenomic studies and are of phylogenetic importance. Nitrate reduction activity, the first step in the denitrification process, was recorded for isolates under simulated anoxic, deep-sea conditions showing ecological significance of fungi in the oxygen-depleted habitats. This report increases our understanding of fungal diversity in unique, poorly studied habitats and underlines the importance of fungi in the oxygen-depleted environments.
Nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting symmetries in the Freedman–Townsend model: Augmented superfield formalism
Authors: Shukla A. , Krishna S. , Malik R. P.
Published: December 2014

We derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations, corresponding to the (1-form) Yang–Mills (YM) and (2-form) tensorial gauge symmetries of the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) Freedman–Townsend (FT) model, by exploiting the augmented version of Bonora–Tonin's (BT) superfield approach to BRST formalism where the 4D flat Minkowskian theory is generalized onto the (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold. One of the novel observations is the fact that we are theoretically compelled to go beyond the horizontality condition (HC) to invoke an additional set of gauge-invariant restrictions (GIRs) for the derivation of the full set of proper (anti-)BRST symmetries. To obtain the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations, corresponding to the tensorial (2-form) gauge symmetries within the framework of augmented version of BT-superfield approach, we are logically forced to modify the FT-model to incorporate an auxiliary 1-form field and the kinetic term for the antisymmetric (2-form) gauge field. This is also a new observation in our present investigation. We point out some of the key differences between the modified FT-model and Lahiri-model (LM) of the dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theories. We also briefly mention a few similarities.
Topological Fulde–Ferrell superfluids of a spin–orbit coupled Fermi gas
Authors: Xu Yong , Zhang Chuanwei
Published: December 2014

Topological Fermi superfluids have played the central role in various fields of physics. However, all previous studies focus on the cases where Cooper pairs have zero center-of-mass momenta (i.e., normal superfluids). The topology of Fulde–Ferrell (FF) superfluids with nonzero momentum pairings have never been explored until recent findings that FF superfluids in a spin–orbit (SO) coupled Fermi gas can accommodate Majorana fermions in real space in low dimensions and Weyl fermions in momentum space in three dimension. In this review, we first discuss the mechanism of pairings in SO coupled Fermi gases in optical lattices subject to Zeeman fields, showing that SO coupling as well as Zeeman fields enhance FF states while suppress Larkin–Ovchinnikov states. We then present the low temperature phase diagram including both FF superfluids and topological FF superfluids phases in both two dimension and three dimension. In one dimension, Majorana fermions as well as phase dependent order parameter are visualized. In three dimension, we show the properties of Weyl fermions in momentum space such as anisotropic linear dispersion, Fermi arch, and gaplessness away from k⊥ = 0. Finally, we discuss some possible methods to probe FF superfluids and topological FF superfluids in cold atom systems.
A NEW ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF HYPERBOLIC DISCOUNTING IN VERY LONG TERM PROJECT APPRAISAL
Authors: RAMBAUD SALVADOR CRUZ
Published: December 2014

This paper characterizes the long term social discount rate (SDR) in terms of indices of variation and identifies a class of discount functions that assign weight to the distant future in terms of the asymptotes of their hazard rates. Let A(t) be a discount function supported on [0, +∞[, whose instantaneous discount rate is δ(t) = -( ln A(t))′. In this paper, we study the limiting behavior of δ(t) and a criterion to relate this limit to so-called long and heavy-tailed discount functions. Moreover, we study the discount functions of regular variation and, more specifically, the rapidly and the slowly-varying (singular) discount functions. In this way, the hyperbolic discounting exhibits long (and then heavy) tailedness, and it is intermediate between rapidly and the slowly-varying discount functions, which makes it a suitable function for long term discounting processes.
Integration Algorithm for Covariance Nonstationary Dynamic Analysis of SDOF Systems Using Equivalent Stochastic Linearization
Authors: Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Acciani Giuseppe , Fiore Alessandra , Abrescia Angela
Published: December 2014

Random vibration theory is the natural way to deal with some dynamic actions whose nature is deeply random, such as wind, earthquakes or sea waves. Moreover only in a few cases exact solutions are available, so that approximate solutions are usually adopted: Stochastic equivalent linearization is one of the widely used. Its application needs specific numerical techniques, whose complexity is greater in nonstationary cases than in stationary ones and that are usually approached in time domain instead of frequency domain. In this paper, an iterative integration algorithm is proposed in order to solve this problem for single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) oscillators, using the evolutive Lyapunov equation for nonlinear mechanical linearized system by stochastic linearization technique. It updates linearized system matrix coefficients step by step, by an iterative procedure based on a predictor–corrector technique. The proposed algorithm is described and applied to an hysteretic Bouc–Wen SDOF system excited by a modulated filtered white noise nonstationary process. The accuracy and computational cost are analyzed showing the efficiency of the proposed integrating procedure.
Damage Detection of Bridges Using Response of Vehicle Considering Road Surface Roughness
Authors: Li Zhenhu , Au Francis Tat Kwong
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA)-based method to identify the damage of girder bridges from the response of a vehicle moving over the bridge. The continuous wavelet transform-based method works when the surface is smooth but the identification becomes difficult when the road surface is rough. To deal with this problem, the identification process is formulated as an optimization problem and a guided GA is used to search for the global optimal value. The vertical accelerations of the vehicle running over the bridge at the intact and damaged states are used to identify the occurrence and location of the damage. Frequencies of the bridge at the intact and damaged states can be extracted from these responses, from which the frequency-based method can roughly estimate the possible locations of the damage. These locations are not unique as frequencies alone are insufficient to identify the damage location. However these initial results can be used to narrow down the search region on which the GA can focus. Numerical study shows that the strategy can identify the damage location for simply supported and continuous girder bridges even though road surface roughness and measurement noise are taken into account.
Dynamic Analysis of Electrostatically Actuated Nanobeam Based on Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Miandoab Ehsan Maani , Pishkenari Hossein Nejat , Yousefi-Koma Aghil
Published: December 2014

In this study, dynamic response of a micro- and nanobeams under electrostatic actuation is investigated using strain gradient theory. To solve the governing sixth-order partial differential equation, mode shapes and natural frequencies of beam using Euler–Bernoulli and strain gradient theories are derived and then compared with classical theory. Galerkin projection is utilized to convert the partial differential equation to ordinary differential equations representing the system mode shapes. Accuracy of proposed one degree of freedom model is verified by comparing the dynamic response of the electrostatically actuated micro-beam with analogue equation and differential quadrature methods. Moreover, the static pull-in voltages of micro-beams found by one DOF model are compared with the reported data in literature. The main advantage of proposed method based on the Galerkin method is its simplicity and also its low computational cost in analyzing the dynamic and static responses of micro- and nanobeams. Additionally, effect of axial force, beam thickness and applied voltage are analyzed. The results obtained based on strain gradient theory, are compared with classical and modified couple stress theories which are the special cases of the strain gradient theory. It is shown that strain gradient theory leads to higher frequency and lower amplitude in comparison with two other theories.
"DIRECTION-ORIENTED MOTION AND BALANCED SHORT-STANCE TAI CHI" MODEL: BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PRACTICABILITY
Authors: LEE LIAN-HUI , LIN HWAI-TING , LU CHENG-HSIEN , HSIEH LISA LI-CHEN , CHEN SHUN-SHENG , CHANG WEN-NENG , CHANG KU-CHOU , LIN TSU-KUNG , TSAI NAI-WEN
Published: December 2014

Previous clinical studies on Tai Chi have often randomly adopted Tai Chi movements that are complicated and not systematic for the elderly and beginners to learn. This study aimed to develop a direction-based and easy-to-learn Tai Chi model, the practicability of which was also tested. This model adopted seven typical movements of the Yang-style Tai Chi form that were divided into four motion directions. The biomechanical characteristics, including muscle activation, body center of gravity movement, and center of pressure of the practitioner during Tai Chi were measured to identify the model's characteristics and practicability. After three months of training, the patterns of measured biomechanical characteristics of the beginners were similar to those of the masters. This model maintains the principal features of traditional Tai Chi and allows beginners to more easily practice the movements within a short period of time. Beginners can also use this model under relaxed conditions, with the correct kinesiology of Tai Chi motions, and quickly practice Tai Chi at a level similar to that of masters.