bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synacton and individual activity of synthetic and natural corticotropins
Authors: Vyunova T. V. , Andreeva L. A. , Shevchenko K. V. , Myasoedov N. F.
Published: December 2016

Short endogenous peptides represent one of the most important constituents of the mammalian body's general regulatory system. Some synthesized analogs and modified natural peptides (eg, corticotropins) also show high biological activity. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of regulatory peptides remains unclear. To explain the effects of peptides of intermolecular processes, the hypothesis that a synactonal mechanism underlies the action of regulatory peptides, exemplified by the heptapeptide Semax, has been proposed. Thus, in the total pool of Semax metabolites, which includes the cleavage products of the parental molecule, we can distinguish the functional core, represented by the major metabolic products—peptides HFPGP and PGP. These peptides have their own binding sites with similar although differing characteristics. Together with Semax, they constitute a single complex of bioregulators acting in a certain sequence and in interaction, ie, synacton. It can be assumed that the diverse clinically significant effects of the drug Semax are determined by its synacton. Specific interactions between some tritium‐labeled peptides (basic constituents of the Semax synacton) and plasma membranes of neurons have been characterized. Only a few peptides of the Semax synacton showed competitive activity for the Semax binding sites. Fragments comprising 5 amino acid residues (EHFPG and HFPGP) showed the highest competitive activity. We also characterized the processes of specific ligand‐receptor interactions of some tritium‐labeled corticotropins ([3H‐Pro]MEHFPGP, [3H‐Pro]HFPGP, and [3H‐Pro]PGP) by applying mathematical discriminative models (Scatchard, Hill, Bjerrum, and Lineweaver‐Burk plots). So the intermolecular interactions of these peptides with plasma membranes of neuronal brain targets are probably not limited by specific binding at orthosteric sites. The effect of peptides that act in the synacton considerably extends the regulatory potential of the initial molecule.
Retinoid derivative Tp80 exhibits anti‐hepatitis C virus activity through restoration of GI‐GPx expression
Authors: Nguyen Bao Ngoc , Okuno Yukiko , Ajiro Masahiko , Iida Kei , Denawa Masatsugu , Yamamoto Makoto , Sakamoto Naoya , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Hagiwara Masatoshi
Published: December 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA virus with an estimated infection in ∼180 million people worldwide, and its chronic infection leads to development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although recent development of direct acting antiviral (DAA) compounds improved anti‐HCV regimens, alternative therapeutic compounds are still demanded due to an expected emergence of escape mutants for those DAAs. In order to identify novel anti‐HCV agents, we conducted chemical library screening for 2086 compounds using HCV Rep‐Feo reporter replicon in Huh7 hepatoma cells. Our screening identified retinoid derivative Tp80, which inhibits replication of HCV Rep‐Feo (genotype 1b) and JFH1 HCV (genotype 2a) with 0.62 μM and 1.0 μM, respectively, of 50% effective concentration (EC50), at which cytotoxicity is not evident for host hepatocytes. Subsequent transcriptome profiling revealed Tp80 exhibits anti‐HCV activity through restoration of gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase (GI‐GPx), suppression of which is responsible for HCV‐induced oxidative stress to facilitate HCV replication. Furthermore, comparison of Tp80 with other retinoid derivatives revealed Tp80 shows best potency in both GI‐GPx restoration and anti‐HCV activity among compounds we examined. In conclusion, our current study provides Tp80 as a promising candidate of anti‐HCV compound, suppressing host cellular oxidative stress through a restoration of GI‐GPx.
Effect of flue gas composition on deposit induced high temperature corrosion under laboratory conditions mimicking biomass firing. Part II: Exposures in SO2 containing atmospheres
Authors: Okoro S. C. , Kiamehr S. , Montgomery M. , Frandsen F. J. , Pantleon K.
Published: December 2016

In biomass fired power plants, the fast corrosion of superheaters is facilitated by the presence of corrosive flue gas species, for example, SO2, which are released during combustion. To understand the role of the gas species on the corrosion process, comparative laboratory exposures of deposit (KCl)‐coated and deposit‐free austenitic stainless steel (TP 347H FG) samples to gas mixtures containing SO2 was carried out, under conditions relevant to biomass‐firing. Exposures were conducted isothermally at 560 °C for 72 h, in oxidizing‐sulphidizing, and oxidizing‐sulphidizing‐chlorinating gas mixtures containing 60 ppmv SO2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were complimentarily applied to characterize the resulting corrosion products. A partially molten K2SO4‐layer formed on KCl coated specimens, and corrosion resulted in localized broad pits containing sulphides and oxides. The severe pitting attack was decreased by the presence of HCl in the gas mixture.
Masked trichothecene and zearalenone mycotoxins withstand digestion and absorption in the upper GI tract but are efficiently hydrolyzed by human gut microbiota in vitro
Authors: Gratz Silvia W. , Dinesh Reshma , Yoshinari Tomoya , Holtrop Grietje , Richardson Anthony J. , Duncan Gary , MacDonald Susan , Lloyd Antony , Tarbin Jonathan
Published: December 2016

Scope

Cereal grains are commonly contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins and their plant‐derived masked metabolites. The fate of masked mycotoxins in the human gut is poorly understood. Here we assess the metabolism and transport of glucoside metabolites of common trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T‐2 toxin) and zearalenone compounds (zearalenone, α‐ and β‐zearalenol) in the human gut in vitro.

Methods and results

Masked mycotoxins were incubated with artificial digestive juices and absorption was assessed in differentiated Caco‐2/TC7 cells. Colonic metabolism was studied using fecal batch cultures from five donors and mycotoxins were detected using LC‐MS/MS. All masked mycotoxins were stable under upper GI tract conditions and no absorption was observed. Free trichothecenes were absorbed intact whereas free zearalenone compounds were absorbed and metabolized to undetected compounds by Caco‐2/TC7 cells. Human gut microbiota efficiently hydrolyzed all masked mycotoxins. Trichothecenes were fully recovered as parent mycotoxins whereas 40–70% of zearalenone compounds were further metabolized to unknown metabolites.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that masked trichothecenes will reach the colon intact to be released as parent mycotoxins by gut microbiota, hence contributing to mycotoxin exposure. Masked zearalenone compounds are metabolized by gut microbiota and epithelial cells and the identity and toxicity of metabolites remain to be determined.
UHPLC‐MS‐based HDAC Assay Applied to Bio‐guided Microfractionation of Fungal Extracts
Authors: Zwick Vincent , Allard Pierre‐Marie , Ory Lucie , Simões‐Pires Claudia A. , Marcourt Laurence , Gindro Katia , Wolfender Jean‐Luc , Cuendet Muriel
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are considered as promising targets for cancer treatment. Today, four HDAC inhibitors, vorinostat, romidepsin, belinostat, and panobinostat, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer treatment, while others are in clinical trials. Among them, several are naturally occurring fungal metabolites.

Objective

To develop and optimise an enzyme assay for bio‐guided identification of HDAC inhibitors in fungal strains.

Methods

Fluorescence and MS‐based HDAC enzymatic assays were compared during the bio‐guided fractionation of Penicillium griseofulvum. The MS‐based approach was then optimised to evaluate HDAC selectivity using the human recombinant class I isoform HDAC1 and the class II isoform HDAC6.

Results

Fluorescence‐based assays have several drawbacks when used for bio‐guided fractionation because of the native fluorescence and the trypsin inhibitory ability of compounds present in many extracts. The MS‐based method led to the isolation of gliocladride C, which is selective for HDAC1 and salirepol, which showed an HDAC6 selectivity. Their activity and presence in P. griseofulvum is described here for the first time.

Conclusion

The UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS‐based method using specific HDAC isoforms is suitable to isolate selective HDAC inhibitors by bio‐guided fractionation of fungal strains. Also, it decreases potential interferences with natural products compared to the fluorescence‐based assay.
Superiority of SDS lysis over saponin lysis for direct bacterial identification from positive blood culture bottle by MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Caspar Yvan , Garnaud Cécile , Raykova Mariya , Bailly Sébastien , Bidart Marie , Maubon Danièle
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Fast species diagnosis has an important health care impact, as rapid and specific antibacterial therapy is of clear benefit for patient's outcome. Here, a new protocol for species identification directly from positive blood cultures is proposed.

Experimental design

Four in‐house protocols for bacterial identification by MS directly from clinical positive blood cultures evaluating two lytic agents, SDS and saponin, and two protein extraction schemes, fast (FP) and long (LP) are compared. One hundred and sixty‐eight identification tests are carried out on 42 strains.

Results

Overall, there are correct identifications to the species level in 90% samples for the SDS‐LP, 60% for the SDS‐FP, 48% for the saponin LP, and 43% for the saponin FP. Adapted scores allowed 92, 86, 72, and 53% identification for SDS‐LP, SDS‐FP, saponin LP, and saponin FP, respectively. Saponin lysis is associated with a significantly lower score compared to SDS (0.87 [0.83–0.92], p‐value < 0.001).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This study supports the use of SDS lysis instead of saponin lysis and the application of this rapid and cost‐effective protocol in daily routine for microbiological agents implicated in septicemia.
Factors contributing to students’ misconceptions in learning covalent bonds
Authors: Erman Erman
Published: December 2016

This study aims to identify students’ misconceptions regarding covalent bonds. Seventy‐seven graduate students in the middle of Indonesia participated in the study. Data were collected in three stages. First, misconceptions were identified by using the Semi Open Diagnostic Test. Ten students who experienced the worst misconceptions were interviewed. Lastly, textbooks were reviewed. Content analysis was used to analyze the misconception data. We identified eight primary misconceptions, namely: (i) a covalent bond is formed between two atoms with a pair of free electrons; (ii) each atom in a stable molecule must follow the octet rules; (iii) a covalent bond is polar if the electron affinity of two bonded atoms is different; (iv) the form of the molecule depends on the number of atoms bonded to the central atom; (v) nonpolar molecules have a dipole moment µ > 0; (vi) all bonds in polar molecules are polar, while all bonds in non‐polar molecules are non‐polar; (vii) the number of bonds depends on the electronegativity of the atoms; and (viii) bond length depends on the type of bond. The main causes of student misconceptions are as follows: (i) incomplete information; (ii) difficulty understanding basic concepts regarding covalent bonds; and (iii) lack of effective communication between students and teachers. The results suggested the following implications for teaching: the teacher should identify misconceptions about prior knowledge or concepts prior to teaching the basics, identify reference book learning, and facilitate effective communication so that information received by the student is complete and correct. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 520–537, 2017
Properties of the offshore low level jet and rotor layer wind shear as measured by scanning Doppler Lidar
Authors: Pichugina Y. L. , Brewer W. A. , Banta R. M. , Choukulkar A. , Clack C. T. M. , Marquis M. C. , McCarty B. J. , Weickmann A. M. , Sandberg S. P. , Marchbanks R. D. , Hardesty R. M.
Published: December 2016

The atmospheric flow phenomenon known as the Low Level Jet (LLJ) is an important source of wind power production in the Great Plains. However, due to the lack of measurements with the precision and vertical resolution needed, particularly at rotor heights, it is not well‐characterized or understood in offshore regions being considered for wind‐farm development.

The present paper describes the properties of LLJs and wind shear through the rotor layer of a hypothetical wind turbine, as measured from a ship‐borne Doppler lidar in the Gulf of Maine in July–August 2004.

LLJs, frequently observed below 600 m, were mostly during nighttime and transitional periods, but they were also were seen during some daytime hours. The presence of a LLJ significantly modified wind profiles producing vertical wind speed shear. When the wind shear was strong, the estimates of wind power based upon wind speeds measured at hub‐height could have significant errors. Additionally, the inference of hub‐height winds from near‐surface measurements may introduce further error in the wind power estimate. The lidar dataset was used to investigate the uncertainty of the simplified power‐law relation that is often employed in engineering approaches for the extrapolation of surface winds to higher elevations. The results show diurnal and spatial variations of the shear exponent empirically found from surface and hub‐height measurements.

Finally, the discrepancies between wind power estimates using lidar‐measured hub‐height winds and rotor equivalent winds are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short forms of the Utrecht‐Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U‐MICS) with the domains of job, romantic relationship, and region
Authors: Schubach Elisabeth , Zimmermann Julia , Noack Peter , Neyer Franz J.
Published: December 2016

The U‐MICS is a self‐report questionnaire designed to assess the identity dimensions from a domain‐specific perspective. The present study reports on the development of a short‐form version for the domains of job and romantic relationship in young adults from Germany and extends this scale to include the domain of region (nSample1 = 95, 84% female, mean age 22.45 years; nSample2 = 1,795, 71% female, mean age 24.53 years). We found the short form to possess adequate psychometric properties and to demonstrate a factor structure congruent to the long‐form version. Regarding validity, the small correlations across domains within dimensions support a domain‐specific approach to identity. The associations between the different identity domains with personality traits are similar, indicating a consistent pattern of convergent validity for all domains. We conclude that “region” provides a valuable complement to the established domains that can all be reliably assessed with the U‐MICS–Short Form.
Long-term validity of the At Risk Mental State (ARMS) for predicting psychotic and non-psychotic mental disorders
Authors: Fusar-Poli P. , Rutigliano G. , Stahl D. , Davies C. , De Micheli A. , Ramella-Cravaro V. , Bonoldi I. , McGuire P.
Published: December 2016

Background

The long-term clinical validity of the At Risk Mental State (ARMS) for the prediction of non-psychotic mental disorders is unknown.

Methods

Clinical register-based cohort study including all non-psychotic individuals assessed by the Outreach And Support in South London (OASIS) service (2002–2015). The primary outcome was risk of developing any mental disorder (psychotic or non-psychotic). Analyses included Cox proportional hazard models, Kaplan–Meier survival/failure function and C statistics.

Results

A total of 710 subjects were included. A total of 411 subjects were at risk (ARMS+) and 299 not at risk (ARMS−). Relative to ARMS−, the ARMS+ was associated with an increased risk (HR = 4.825) of developing psychotic disorders, and a reduced risk (HR = 0.545) of developing non-psychotic disorders (mainly personality disorders). At 6-year, the ARMS designation retained high sensitivity (0.873) but only modest specificity (0.456) for the prediction of psychosis onset (AUC 0.68). The brief and limited intermittent psychotic symptoms (BLIPS) subgroup had a higher risk of developing psychosis, and a lower risk of developing non-psychotic disorders as compared to the attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) subgroup (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the long-term, the ARMS specifically predicts the onset of psychotic disorders, with modest accuracy, but not of non-psychotic disorders. Individuals meeting BLIPS criteria have distinct clinical outcomes.

Significant outcomes

In the long-term, the ARMS designation is still significantly associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders but its prognostic accuracy is only modest. There is no evidence that the ARMS is associated with an increased risk of developing non-psychotic mental disorders. The BLIPS subgroup at lower risk of developing non-psychotic disorders compared to the APS subgroup.

Limitations

While incident diagnoses employed in this study are high in ecological validity they have not been subjected to formal validation with research-based criteria.
A developmental study of glutamatergic neuron populations in the ventrobasal and the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus: Comparing Genetic Absence Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and normal control wistar rats
Authors: Kirazlı Özlem , Çavdar Safiye , Yıldızel Sercan , Onat Filiz , Kaptanoğlu Erkan
Published: December 2016

An imbalance of GABAergic inhibition and glutamatergic excitation is suspected to be the cause of absence epileptic seizures. Absence seizures are known to be generated in thalamocortical circuitry. In the present study we used light microscopy immunohistochemistry to quantify the density of glutamate+ve neurons at two developmental stages (P10 and P60) in two thalamic nuclei, the ventrobasal (VB) and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in Wistar rats and compared the results with similar data obtained from genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS).

Rats were perfused transcardially with glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde fixative, then samples from VB and LGN were removed from each animal and sectioned. The glutamatergic neurons were labelled using light‐microscopic glutamate immunohistochemistry. The disector method was used to quantify the glutamate+ve neurons in VB and LGN of GAERS and Wistar rats. The data were statistically analyzed.

The distribution of the glutamate+ve neurons in the VB thalamic nucleus showed a significant reduction in the neuronal profiles per unit thalamic area from P10 to P60 in both Wistar and GAERS. The decrease was greater in the GAERS compared to the Wistar animals. However, in the LGN no reduction was observed either in the Wistar or in the GAERS. Comparing the density of glutamate+ve neurons in the VB thalamic nucleus of P10 of Wistar animals with of P10 GAERS showed statistically significant greater densities of these neurons in GAERS than in the Wistar rats. However no significant difference was present at P60 between the Wistar and GAERS animals.

The disproportional decrease in GAERS may be related to the onset of absence seizures or may be related to neurogenesis of absence epilepsy.
Successful Placement of Penile Prostheses in Men with Severe Corporal Fibrosis Following Vacuum Therapy Protocol
Authors: Tsambarlis Peter N. , Chaus Fahad , Levine Laurence A.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation in men with severe corporal fibrosis presents a significant surgical challenge. For the past 7 years, we have used a novel, preoperative protocol of daily vacuum therapy (VT) using a vacuum erection device for at least 3 months before PP placement for men with severe corporal fibrosis from PP infection or ischemic priapism.

Aim

To evaluate this standardized preoperative regimen.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent three-piece PP placement at our institution from 2008 through 2015. Of these, 13 men had severe corporal fibrosis from prior PP infection (11 of 13) or prolonged ischemic priapism (2 of 13). Our protocol included VT for 10 to 15 minutes at least two times daily in all patients for at least 3 months (mean = 3.5 months).

Main Outcome Measures

We report on our surgical experience and post-VT stretched flaccid penile length (SFPL) compared with baseline SFPL.

Results

All 13 men underwent successful three-piece PP placement with standard-size cylinders without additional surgical maneuvers. There was one infection and one erosion requiring revision. Daily average use of VT was 32.5 minutes. SFPL increased 0.92 cm (range = 0–2 cm, SD = 0.76 cm) after VT and three-piece PP placement compared with preoperative SFPL. These men also noted improved quality of life and sexuality as measured by postoperative office interviews.

Conclusion

The use of VT before surgery appears to result in softening of corporal fibrosis and facilitates placement of a PP regardless of the period from developing corporal fibrosis to starting VT. We strongly recommend preoperative corporal tissue rehabilitation with VT to improve surgical outcomes and to decrease difficulty during PP implantation in men with severe corporal fibrosis.
Observatories and Telescopes of Modern Times
Authors: Leverington David
Published: December 2016

This volume gives an historical overview of the development of professional optical and radio observatories from 1945 to today. It covers the environment in which these facilities were developed by organisations in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, often led by larger-than-life individuals, as well as exploring the financial and political factors that both constrained and encouraged progress. As ever more expensive optical facilities were built, they exploited new technologies to significantly improve their performance: CCDs, active and adaptive optics, and spun honeycomb and segmented mirrors. The second half of this volume turns to the parallel history of radio astronomy facilities throughout the world, finishing with the ALMA observatory in Chile. This is the ground-based companion to the author's previous work on space astronomy, New Cosmic Horizons (2001). It is written for both technical and non-technical readers interested in the modern history of astronomy and its observational facilities.
The Politics of Crisis Management
Authors: Boin Arjen , ‘t Hart Paul , Stern Eric , Sundelius Bengt
Published: December 2016

Crisis management has become a defining feature of contemporary governance. In times of crisis, communities and members of organizations expect their leaders to minimize the impact, while critics and bureaucratic competitors make use of social media to blame incumbent rulers and their policies. In this extreme environment, policymakers must somehow establish a sense of normality, and foster collective learning from the crisis experience. In the new edition of this uniquely comprehensive analysis, the authors examine how strategic leaders deal with the challenges they face, the political risks and opportunities they encounter, the pitfalls they must avoid, and the paths towards reform they may pursue. The book is grounded in decades of collaborative, cross-national and multidisciplinary case study research and has been updated to include new insights and examples from the last decade. This is an original and important contribution from experts in public policy and international security.
Mixed Methods
Authors: Schrauf Robert W.
Published: December 2016

Attention to cultural variation has become an important source of insight in the social, behavioural, and health sciences. Mixed methods research provides an especially sensitive and powerful way to make systematic cross-cultural comparisons, in which qualitative approaches give a window onto cultural meaning and the phenomenological 'feel' of social life, and quantitative methods facilitate hypothesis testing and sophisticated modelling of social and behavioural phenomena. For researchers engaged in cross-cultural projects, this book offers a theory-based approach to integrating 'numbers' and 'text' based on discourse as the originary form of data collection, the method and framework of analysis, and the medium of publication. The book provides concise explanations, targeted examples, step-by-step instructions, and actual analyses of cross-cultural, quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data, with special attention to language(s) and translation as clues to the study of cultural variation.
LDPC Code Designs, Constructions, and Unification
Authors: Li Juane , Lin Shu , Abdel-Ghaffar Khaled , Ryan William E. , Costello, Jr Daniel J.
Published: December 2016

Written by leading experts, this self-contained text provides systematic coverage of LDPC codes and their construction techniques, unifying both algebraic- and graph-based approaches into a single theoretical framework (the superposition construction). An algebraic method for constructing protograph LDPC codes is described, and entirely new codes and techniques are presented. These include a new class of LDPC codes with doubly quasi-cyclic structure, as well as algebraic methods for constructing spatially and globally coupled LDPC codes. Authoritative, yet written using accessible language, this text is essential reading for electrical engineers, computer scientists and mathematicians working in communications and information theory.
Where Did the Revolution Go?
Authors: della Porta Donatella
Published: December 2016

Where Did the Revolution Go? considers the apparent disappearance of the large social movements that have contributed to democratization. Revived by recent events of the Arab Spring, this question is once again paramount. Is the disappearance real, given the focus of mass media and scholarship on electoral processes and 'normal politics'? Does it always happen, or only under certain circumstances? Are those who struggled for change destined to be disappointed by the slow pace of transformation? Which mechanisms are activated and deactivated during the rise and fall of democratization? This volume addresses these questions through empirical analysis based on quantitative and qualitative methods (including oral history) of cases in two waves of democratization: Central Eastern European cases in 1989 as well as cases in the Middle East and Mediterranean region in 2011.
Understanding Maple
Authors: Thompson Ian
Published: December 2016

Maple is a powerful symbolic computation system that is widely used in universities around the world. This short introduction gives readers an insight into the rules that control how the system works, and how to understand, fix, and avoid common problems. Topics covered include algebra, calculus, linear algebra, graphics, programming, and procedures. Each chapter contains numerous illustrative examples, using mathematics that does not extend beyond first-year undergraduate material. Maple worksheets containing these examples are available for download from the author's personal website. The book is suitable for new users, but where advanced topics are central to understanding Maple they are tackled head-on. Many concepts which are absent from introductory books and manuals are described in detail. With this book, students, teachers and researchers will gain a solid understanding of Maple and how to use it to solve complex mathematical problems in a simple and efficient way.
Lesions of Left Basal Ganglia and Insula Structures Impair Executive Functions but not Emotion Recognition: A Case Report
Authors: Švegar Domagoj , Antulov Ronald , Tkalčić Mladenka , Antončić Igor
Published: December 2016

Increasing research evidence suggests that basal ganglia are an important part of frontal-subcortical circuit which is involved not only in motor control but also in affective, cognitive and executive functions. In this article, we describe the ability of facial emotion recognition and cognitive functioning in a patient with left basal ganglia and insula damage. The patient's ability to recognise facial emotional expressions was intact in spite of unilateral injury of the left insula and basal ganglia. He showed preserved intellectual function in general, but experienced difficulties on subsets of the executive functions: set-shifting and ability to activate or generate cognitive strategies, commonly found in patients with caudate lesions. This case contributes to evidence that striatal structures are important for executive functions.
Lessons From an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease on a Hematology-Oncology Unit
Authors: Francois Watkins Louise K. , Toews Karrie-Ann E. , Harris Aaron M. , Davidson Sherri , Ayers-Millsap Stephanie , Lucas Claressa E. , Hubbard Brian C. , Kozak-Muiznieks Natalia A. , Khan Edward , Kutty Preeta K.
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVES

To define the scope of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), to identify the source, and to stop transmission.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Epidemiologic investigation of an LD outbreak among patients and a visitor exposed to a newly constructed hematology-oncology unit.

METHODS

An LD case was defined as radiographically confirmed pneumonia in a person with positive urinary antigen testing and/or respiratory culture forLegionellaand exposure to the hematology-oncology unit after February 20, 2014. Cases were classified as definitely or probably healthcare-associated based on whether they were exposed to the unit for all or part of the incubation period (2–10 days). We conducted an environmental assessment and collected water samples for culture. Clinical and environmental isolates were compared by monoclonal antibody (MAb) and sequence-based typing.

RESULTS

Over a 12-week period, 10 cases were identified, including 6 definite and 4 probable cases. Environmental sampling revealedLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (Lp1) in the potable water at 9 of 10 unit sites (90%), including all patient rooms tested. The 3 clinical isolates were identical to environmental isolates from the unit (MAb2-positive, sequence type ST36). No cases occurred with exposure after the implementation of water restrictions followed by point-of-use filters.

CONCLUSIONS

Contamination of the unit’s potable water system with Lp1 strain ST36 was the likely source of this outbreak. Healthcare providers should routinely test patients who develop pneumonia at least 2 days after hospital admission for LD. A single case of LD that is definitely healthcare associated should prompt a full investigation.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:306–313
GURGA CHIYA AND TEPE MARANI: NEW EXCAVATIONS IN THE SHAHRIZOR PLAIN, IRAQI KURDISTAN
Authors: Wengrow David , Carter Robert , Brereton Gareth , Shepperson Mary , Hamarashi Sami Jamil , Saber Saber Ahmed , Bevan Andrew , Fuller Dorian , Himmelman Helen , Sosnowska Hanna , Carretero Lara Gonzalez
Published: December 2016

Gurga Chiya and Tepe Marani are small, adjacent mounds located close to the town of Halabja in the southern part of the Shahrizor Plain, one of the most fertile regions of Iraqi Kurdistan. Survey and excavation at these previously unexplored sites is beginning to produce evidence for human settlement spanning the sixth to the fourth millennia,c. 5600–3300 cal.b.c. In Mesopotamian chronology this corresponds to the Late Neolithic through to Chalcolithic periods; the Halaf, Ubaid, and Uruk phases of conventional culture history. In Iraqi Kurdistan, documentation of these periods—which witnessed many important transformations in prehistoric village life—is currently very thin. Here we offer a preliminary report on the emerging results from the Shahrizor Plain, with a particular focus on the description of material culture (ceramic and lithic assemblages), in order to establish a benchmark for further research. We also provide a detailed report on botanical remains and accompanying radiocarbon dates, which allow us to place this new evidence in a wider comparative framework. A further, brief account is given of Late Bronze Age material culture from the upper layers at Gurga Chiya. We conclude with observations on the significance of the Shahrizor Plain for wider research into the later prehistory of the Middle East, and the importance of preserving and investigating its archaeological record.
Generation and characteristics of vortex rings free of piston vortex and stopping vortex effects
Authors: Das Debopam , Bansal M. , Manghnani A.
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a novel method for generating vortex rings that circumvents some of the drawbacks associated with existing methods in producing them. The predominant effects that occur in previously used methods are due to the presence of some of the other vortices such as the stopping vortex, piston vortex, image vortex and orifice lip generated vortices in the early stage of development. These disturbances influence the geometric, kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a vortex ring and lead to mismatches with classical theoretical predictions. It is shown in the present study that the disturbance free vortex rings produced follow the classical theory. Flow visualization and particle image velocimetry experiments are carried out in the Reynolds number (defined as the ratio of circulation ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$) and kinematic viscosity ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$)) range, $2270<Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}<6790$, to find the translational velocity, total and core circulation, core diameter, ring diameter and bubble diameter. In reference to the earlier studies, significant differences are noted in the variations of the vortex ring diameter and core diameter. A model for the core diameter during the formation stage is proposed. The translational velocity variation with time shows that the second-order accurate formula derived using Hamilton’s equation by Fraenkel (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 51, 1972, pp. 119–135) predicts it best.
Theory of Mach reflection of detonation at glancing incidence
Authors: Bdzil John B. , Short Mark
Published: December 2016

We present a theory for Mach reflection of a detonation undergoing glancing incidence reflection off of a rigid wall. Our focus is on condensed-phase explosives, which we describe with a constant adiabatic gamma equation of state and an irreversible and either state-independent or weakly state-dependent reaction rate. We consider two detonation models: (1) the instantaneous reaction heat-release Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) limit and (2) the spatially resolved reaction heat-release Zeldovich–von Neumann–Dø̈ring (ZND) limit, where here we only consider that a small fraction of the detonation energy release is spatially resolved (the SRHR limit). We observe a three-shock reflection in the CJ limit case, with a Mach shock that is curved. We develop an analytical expression for the triple-point track angle as a function of the angle of incidence. For the SRHR model, we observe a smooth lead shock, akin to von Neumann reflection, with no reflected shock in the reaction zone. Only at larger angles of incidence is a three-shock Mach reflection observed.
Prediction of installed jet noise
Authors: Lyu B. , Dowling A. P. , Naqavi I.
Published: December 2016

A semianalytical model for installed jet noise is proposed in this paper. We argue and conclude that there exist two distinct sound source mechanisms for installed jet noise, and the model is therefore composed of two parts to account for these different sound source mechanisms. Lighthill’s acoustic analogy and a fourth-order space–time correlation model for the Lighthill stress tensor are used to model the sound induced by the equivalent turbulent quadrupole sources, while the trailing-edge scattering of near-field evanescent instability waves is modelled using Amiet’s approach. A non-zero ambient mean flow is taken into account. It is found that, when the rigid surface is not so close to the jet as to affect the turbulent flow field, the trailing-edge scattering of near-field evanescent waves dominates the low-frequency amplification of installed jet noise in the far-field. The high-frequency noise enhancement on the reflected side is due to the surface reflection effect. The model agrees well with experimental results at different observer angles, apart from deviations caused by the mean-flow refraction effect at high frequencies at low observer angles.
Working the Early Shift: Older Inland Northern Speech and the Beginnings of the Northern Cities Shift
Authors: Gordon Matthew J. , Strelluf Christopher
Published: December 2016

The complex series of vowel changes known as the Northern Cities Shift has been extensively documented over the last four decades across the broad territory of the Inland North dialect region. Little is known, however, about the origins of the shift, and there remain open questions about where the changes began and which vowel initiated the process. This paper examines such questions by analyzing the speech of several people born in the late 19thand early 20thcenturies using archival recordings of oral history interviews. Drawing on acoustic data we identify what appear to be early stages of the Northern Cities Shift in some individual speakers though many in the sample give no evidence of participating in the changes. We consider the implications of these findings for accounts of how the shift began with particular focus on Labov’s (2010) proposal.
A randomised, controlled, crossover study of the effect of diet on angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) through modification of the gut microbiome
Authors: Blædel Trine , Holm Jacob B. , Sundekilde Ulrik K. , Schmedes Mette S. , Hess Anne L. , Lorenzen Janne K. , Kristiansen Karsten , Dalsgaard Trine K. , Astrup Arne , Larsen Lesli H.
Published: December 2016

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor that is involved in lipid metabolism and angiogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that the ANGPTL4 protein is modulated by the gut microbiota, possibly through increased concentrations of SCFA, such as C4, found in whole-fat milk or as a result of fermentation of inulin. This study investigated whether a standardised diet either high in fat content or supplemented with inulin powder would increase plasma ANGPTL4 in overweight men and whether this increase was mediated through a compositional change of the gut microbiota. The study had a crossover design with three arms, where participants were given a standardised isoenergetic diet supplemented with inulin powder, whole-fat milk or water (control). Plasma and urine samples were collected before and after each intervention period. Faecal samples and adipose tissue biopsies were collected after each intervention period. The study included twenty-one participants of whom eighteen completed the study. The dietary interventions did not change ANGPTL4 plasma concentration, nor was plasma ANGPTL4 associated with plasma lipids, TAG or NEFA concentration. The relative abundance of bifidobacteria following the inulin diet was higher, compared with the control diet. However, the changes in microbiota were not associated with plasma ANGPTL4 and the overall composition of the microbiota did not change between the dietary periods. Although weight was maintained throughout the dietary periods, weight was negatively associated with plasma ANGPTL4 concentration. In the adipose tissue,ANGPTL4expression was correlated with leptin expression, but not with hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression.
Effect of a plant sterol-enriched spread on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation in hypercholesterolaemic subjects
Authors: Ras R. T. , Fuchs D. , Koppenol W. P. , Schalkwijk C. G. , Otten-Hofman A. , Garczarek U. , Greyling A. , Wagner F. , Trautwein E. A.
Published: December 2016

Plant sterols (PS) lower LDL-cholesterol, an established risk factor for CHD. Endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation are two important features in the development of atherosclerosis. Whether PS affect biomarkers of endothelial function and low-grade inflammation is not well studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of regular intake of PS on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation. In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, which was primarily designed to investigate the effect of PS intake on vascular function (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01803178), 240 hypercholesterolaemic but otherwise healthy men and women consumed a low-fat spread with added PS (3 g/d) or a placebo spread for 12 weeks. Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers (both vascular and intracellular adhesion molecules 1 and soluble endothelial-selectin) and low-grade inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1) were measured using a multi-array detection system based on electrochemiluminescence technology. Biomarkers were combined using z-scores. Differences in changes from baseline between the PS and the placebo groups were assessed. The intake of PS did not significantly change the individual biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation. The z-scores for endothelial dysfunction (−0·02; 95 % CI −0·15, 0·11) and low-grade inflammation (−0·04; 95 % CI −0·16, 0·07) were also not significantly changed after PS intake compared with placebo. In conclusion, biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation were not affected by regular intake of 3 g/d PS for 12 weeks in hypercholesterolaemic men and women.
Overexpression of Trypanosoma rangeli trypanothione reductase increases parasite survival under oxidative stress
Authors: BELTRAME-BOTELHO I.T. , STOCO P.H. , STEINDEL M. , ANDERSSON B. , PELOSO E.F. , GADELHA F.R. , GRISARD E.C.
Published: December 2016

The infectivity and virulence of pathogenic trypanosomatids are directly associated with the efficacy of their antioxidant system. Among the molecules involved in the trypanosomatid response to reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, trypanothione reductase (TRed) is a key enzyme. In this study, we performed a molecular and functional characterization of the TRed enzyme fromTrypanosoma rangeli(TrTRed), an avirulent trypanosome of mammals. TheTrTRed gene has an open reading frame (ORF) of 1473 bp (~490 aa, 53 kDa) and occurs as a single-copy gene in the haploid genome. The predicted protein contains two oxidoreductase domains, which are equally expressed in the cytosol of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) generation is reduced and endogenous H2O2production is elevated inT. rangeliChoachí strain compared withT. cruziY strain epimastigotes. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2does not induce significant alterations inTrTRed expression. Overexpression ofTrTRed did not influencein vitrogrowth or differentiation into trypomastigotes, but mutant parasites showed increased resistance to H2O2-induced stress. Our results indicate thatT. rangeliconstitutively expresses TRed during the entire life cycle, with reduced levels during infective and non-replicative trypomastigote stages.
Modelling of relativistic ion-acoustic waves in ultra-degenerate plasmas
Authors: Haas Fernando
Published: December 2016

We consider the relativistic ion-acoustic mode in a plasma composed by cold ions and an ultra-degenerate electron gas, described the relativistic Vlasov–Poisson system. A critical examination of popular fluid models for relativistic ion-acoustic waves is provided, comparing kinetic and hydrodynamic results. The kinetic linear dispersion relation is shown to be reproduced by the rigorous relativistic hydrodynamic equations with Chandrasekhar’s equation of state.
Morphometric relationships and relative growth of 20 uncommon bivalve species from the Algarve coast (southern Portugal)
Authors: Vasconcelos Paulo , Moura Paula , Pereira Fábio , Pereira Alexandre M. , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: December 2016

This study reports the morphometric relationships and relative growth of 20 uncommon bivalve species collected along the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Morphometric relationships were established between three linear variables (shell length, height and width) and one ponderal variable (total weight) and the relative growth between variables (isometryvsallometry) was analysed in order to assess their variation throughout ontogeny. In addition, morphometric indices (elongation, compactness, convexity and density) based on ratios of those linear and ponderal variables were calculated in order to further characterize morphologically the bivalve species. A total of 2512 individuals belonging to nine bivalve families were analysed, comprising specimens with broad ranges in both shell length (11.8–109.0 mm SL) and total weight (0.2–354.6 g TW). All morphometric relationships were highly significant (P< 0.001) and displayed invariably high correlation coefficients (r= 0.727–0.998). Among a total of 60 morphometric relationships, 27 isometries, 25 positive allometries and 8 negative allometries were registered. The morphometric indices displayed a remarkable variation among taxa, reflecting the high morphological diversity of these miscellaneous bivalve species. Discriminant analysis provided a spatial visualization of the species morphometric variables that further evidenced their main shape features, the distinctness between some species and families (e.g. Pharidae and Cardiidae) and the morphological resemblance among some species belonging to other families (e.g. Veneridae and Tellinidae). Overall, this information is useful and has practical application in diverse research fields, including studies on systematics and taxonomy, physiology, biology, ecology, fisheries assessment and management.
The integration of epigenetics and genetics in nutrition research for CVD risk factors
Authors: Ma Yiyi , Ordovas Jose M.
Published: December 2016

There is increasing evidence documenting gene-by-environment (G × E) interactions for CVD related traits. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. DNA methylation may represent one of such potential mechanisms. The objective of this review paper is to summarise the current evidence supporting the interplay among DNA methylation, genetic variants, and environmental factors, specifically (1) the association between SNP and DNA methylation; (2) the role that DNA methylation plays in G × E interactions. The current evidence supports the notion that genotype-dependent methylation may account, in part, for the mechanisms underlying observed G × E interactions in loci such asAPOE, IL6and ATP-binding cassette A1. However, these findings should be validated using intervention studies with high level of scientific evidence. The ultimate goal is to apply the knowledge and the technology generated by this research towards genetically based strategies for the development of personalised nutrition and medicine.