bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Blade Number on Inducer Cavitating Behavior
Authors: Coutier-Delgosha O. , Caignaert G. , Bois G. , Leroux J.-B.
Published: August 2012

Effects of the blade number on the performance of a rocket engine turbopump inducer are investigated in the present paper. For that purpose, two inducers characterized by three blades and five blades, respectively, were manufactured and tested experimentally. The two inducers were designed on the basis of identical design flow rate and identical pressure elevation at nominal flow rate. The first part of the study focuses on the steady behavior of the inducers in cavitating conditions: evolutions of performance, torque, mass flow rate, and amplitude of radial forces on the shaft according to the inlet pressure are considered. Several flow rates and rotation speeds are investigated. Significant differences between the inducers are obtained concerning the critical cavitation number, the amplitude of the radial forces, and the organization of cavitation in the machinery. Cavitation instabilities are investigated in the second part of the study. Various flow patterns are detected according to the mass flow rate and the cavitation number.
Thermal Modeling and Life Prediction of Water-Cooled Hybrid Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal Collectors
Authors: Xu Xinqiang , Meyers Mark M. , Sammakia Bahgat G. , Murray Bruce T.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a multiphysics, finite element computational model for a hybrid concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) water collector is developed. The collector consists of a solar concentrator, 18 single junction germanium cells connected in series, and a water channel cooling system with heat-recovery capability. The electrical characteristics of the entire module are obtained from an equivalent electrical model for a single solar cell. A detailed thermal and electrical model is developed to calculate the thermal and electrical characteristics of the collector at different water flow rates. These characteristics include the system temperature distribution, outlet water temperature and the thermal and electrical efficiencies. The model is used to study the effect of flow rate on the efficiencies. It is found that both efficiencies improve as the flow rate increases up to a point (0.03 m/s), and after that point remain at relatively constant levels. However, as the flow rate increases the outlet water temperature decreases, reducing the quality of the extracted thermal energy. In addition to the thermal and electrical modeling, finite element analysis is used to estimate the fatigue life of the module based on the different temperature profiles obtained from the thermal model at flow rates of 0.01 m/s and 0.03 m/s. Results show that for the higher flow rate, the outlet water temperature decreases, but the fatigue life improves. Based on the fatigue life model predictions, it is shown that the thickness of die attach layer must be increased for high outlet temperature applications of the hybrid CPV/T collector.
Properties of Composite Cylinders Fabricated by Bladder Assisted Composite Manufacturing
Authors: Anderson J. P. , Altan M. C.
Published: August 2012

An innovative manufacturing method, bladder assisted composite manufacturing (BACM), to fabricate geometrically complex, hollow parts made of polymeric composite materials is presented. Unlike the conventional bladder or diaphragm assisted curing processes, BACM uses an internally heated bladder to provide the consolidation pressure at the required cure temperature. The feasibility of this manufacturing method is demonstrated by fabricating laminated composite cylinders using multiple cure pressures and number of plies. The elastic moduli, failure strength, fiber volume fraction, and void contents of the cylinders were found to be comparable to the values obtained from flat laminates produced by hot plate molding of the same material. Compared to conventional bladder manufacturing methods, the BACM process reduced the energy required to cure the cylinders by almost 50% due to internal heating and insulated mold.
A Simulation of the Thermal Performance of a Small Solar Chimney Already Installed in a Building
Authors: Arce J. , Xamán J. P. , Álvarez G. , Jiménez M. J. , Enríquez R. , Heras M. R.
Published: August 2012

In this paper we present a theoretical study of a small solar chimney. The dimensions of the solar chimney channel are 1.95 m high, 1.70 m wide, and 0.24 m deep. The channel of the solar chimney has in its backside a metallic plate as a solar heat absorber, and it is attached to a concrete wall, which acts as storage and thermal insulation. On the front part of the chimney a glass cover is used to decrease the heat losses to the exterior. For this theoretical study, the steady-state energy balance equations were solved numerically for each element of the solar chimney. The results showed the temperature profiles for the glass cover, the air inside the channel, and the metallic plate. Also, the air mass flow rate was determined. When solar irradiance increases from 100 to 700 W/m2, the maximum instantaneous efficiency of the system varies from 28% to 37%, and also, the volumetric flow rate increases from 61 to 147 m3/h.
Combined Convective-Radiative Thermal Analysis of an Inclined Rooftop Solar Chimney
Authors: Seytier Charline , Naraghi Mohammad H.
Published: August 2012

A model for the combined spectral radiative and convective heat transfer analysis of solar chimneys is developed. The radiation part of this model is based on the spectral distribution of the solar heat flux and spectral radiative properties of solar chimney components. Two approaches are used for the convective part of this model, empirical correlations and a CFD analysis. The empirical correlations are based on the stack effect correlation for airflow motion and a convective heat transfer correlation for the heat transfer coefficient. The empirical correlations are used to obtain an initial estimation of surface temperatures, which are then used in the CFD model to determine an improved estimation of the heat transfer coefficients and airflow rate. Iterating between the spectral radiative and the CFD models resulted in a converged set of values for the solar chimney airflow rate and its thermal characteristics. The model is used to predict the airflow rate for various configurations and solar irradiances of solar chimneys.
Free Form Surface Skinning of 3D Curve Clouds for Conceptual Shape Design
Authors: Batuhan Arisoy Erhan , Orbay Gunay , Burak Kara Levent
Published: August 2012

In product design, designers often create a multitude of concept sketches as part of the ideation and exploration process. Transforming such sketches to 3D digital models requires special expertise due to a lack of intuitive computer aided design (CAD) tools suitable for rapid modeling. Recent advances in sketch-based user interfaces and immersive environments have introduced novel curve design methods that facilitate the transformation of such sketches into 3D digital models. However, rapid surfacing of such data remains an open challenge. Based on the observation that a sparse network of curves is reasonably sufficient to convey the intended geometric shape, we propose a new method for creating approximate surfaces on curve clouds automatically. A notable property of our method is that it relieves many topological and geometric restrictions of 3D conventional networks such as the curves do not need to be connected to one another or gently drawn. Our method calculates a 3D guidance vector field in the space that the curve cloud appears. This guidance vector field helps drive a deformable closed surface onto the curves. During this deformation, surface smoothness is controlled through a set of surface smoothing and subdivision operations. The resulting surface can be further beautified by the user manually using selective surface modification and fairing operations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on several case examples. Our studies have shown that the proposed technique can be particularly useful for rapid visualization.
Slow and fast ultrasonic wave detection improvement in human trabecular bones using Golay code modulation
Authors: Lashkari Bahman , Manbachi Amir , Mandelis Andreas , Cobbold Richard S. C.
Published: August 2012

The identification of fast and slow waves propagating through trabecular bone is a challenging task due to temporal wave overlap combined with the high attenuation of the fast wave in the presence of noise. However, it can provide valuable information about bone integrity and become a means for monitoring osteoporosis. The objective of this work is to apply different coded excitation methods for this purpose. The results for single-sine cycle pulse, Golay code, and chirp excitations are compared. It is shown that Golay code is superior to the other techniques due to its signal enhancement while exhibiting excellent resolution without the ambiguity of sidelobes.
Conversion of Wastes into Bioelectricity and Chemicals by Using Microbial Electrochemical Technologies
Authors: Logan Bruce E. , Rabaey Korneel
Published: August 2012

Waste biomass is a cheap and relatively abundant source of electrons for microbes capable of producing electrical current outside the cell. Rapidly developing microbial electrochemical technologies, such as microbial fuel cells, are part of a diverse platform of future sustainable energy and chemical production technologies. We review the key advances that will enable the use of exoelectrogenic microorganisms to generate biofuels, hydrogen gas, methane, and other valuable inorganic and organic chemicals. Moreover, we examine the key challenges for implementing these systems and compare them to similar renewable energy technologies. Although commercial development is already underway in several different applications, ranging from wastewater treatment to industrial chemical production, further research is needed regarding efficiency, scalability, system lifetimes, and reliability.
Challenges in Metal Recycling
Authors: Reck Barbara K. , Graedel T. E.
Published: August 2012

Metals are infinitely recyclable in principle, but in practice, recycling is often inefficient or essentially nonexistent because of limits imposed by social behavior, product design, recycling technologies, and the thermodynamics of separation. We review these topics, distinguishing among common, specialty, and precious metals. The most beneficial actions that could improve recycling rates are increased collection rates of discarded products, improved design for recycling, and the enhanced deployment of modern recycling methodology. As a global society, we are currently far away from a closed-loop material system. Much improvement is possible, but limitations of many kinds—not all of them technological—will preclude complete closure of the materials cycle.
Comment on “Impaired Respiratory and Body Temperature Control Upon Acute Serotonergic Neuron Inhibition”
Authors: Löffler Stefan , Körber Jochen , Nubbemeyer Udo , Fehsel Karin
Published: August 2012

Ray
et al
. (Reports, 29 July 2011, p. 637) assume that clozapine-
N
4-oxide (CNO) represents a “biologically inert synthetic ligand” that selectively activates the M4 muscarinic receptor-based DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug). In contrast, due to the redox cycling of CNO with clozapine and to their cell membrane permeability, CNO is biologically active and its conversion products are capable of undermining DREADD effects.
The Pulvinar Regulates Information Transmission Between Cortical Areas Based on Attention Demands
Authors: Saalmann Yuri B. , Pinsk Mark A. , Wang Liang , Li Xin , Kastner Sabine
Published: August 2012

The Conductor in the Thalamus

The pulvinar is the largest thalamic nucleus in the brain but its functions remain unclear. The pulvinar is ideally positioned to synchronize activity across the visual cortex.

Saalmann
et al.

(p.
753
) combined diffusion tensor imaging with multi-electrode recordings from three different brain areas in monkeys to probe thalamo-cortical interactions during visual attention. The pulvinar was found to play a vital role in attention by routing behaviorally relevant information across the visual cortex.
Closed-Loop Control of Epilepsy by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Berényi Antal , Belluscio Mariano , Mao Dun , Buzsáki György
Published: August 2012

Current on Demand

Deep brain electrical stimulation can be a successful therapy in Parkinson's disease, in depression, and in several other psychiatric diseases, especially in drug-resistant cases. Unfortunately, chronic, continuous stimulation is associated with multiple side effects. This could be alleviated by delivering the electrical perturbation only when it is necessary, using closed-loop stimulation. Such an approach is essential for epilepsy, where seizures occur very rarely but with serious consequences. In a rat model for epilepsy,

Berényi
et al.

(p.
735
) prevented seizures by transcranial electrical stimulation using a closed-loop system. Transcranial electrical stimulation was highly effective and reduced seizure duration, on average, by 60 %.
Finding a New Way To Go
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: August 2012

The flush toilet was a transformative invention, but experts say its time may be past and are pioneering ways to recover energy and nutrients from human waste.
Species Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida Bloodstream Isolates from Population-Based Surveillance Studies in Two U.S. Cities from 2008 to 2011
Authors: Lockhart Shawn R. , Iqbal Naureen , Cleveland Angela A. , Farley Monica M. , Harrison Lee H. , Bolden Carol B. , Baughman Wendy , Stein Betsy , Hollick Rosemary , Park Benjamin J. , Chiller Tom
Published: August 2012

Between 2008 and 2011, population-based candidemia surveillance was conducted in Atlanta, GA, and Baltimore, MD. Surveillance had been previously performed in Atlanta in 1992 to 1993 and in Baltimore in 1998 to 2000, making this the first population-based candidemia surveillance conducted over multiple time points in the United States. From 2,675 identified cases of candidemia in the current surveillance, 2,329
Candida
isolates were collected.
Candida albicans
no longer comprised the majority of isolates but remained the most frequently isolated species (38%), followed by
Candida glabrata
(29%),
Candida parapsilosis
(17%), and
Candida tropicalis
(10%). The species distribution has changed over time; in both Atlanta and Baltimore the proportion of
C. albicans
isolates decreased, and the proportion of
C. glabrata
isolates increased, while the proportion of
C. parapsilosis
isolates increased in Baltimore only. There were 98 multispecies episodes, with
C. albicans
and
C. glabrata
the most frequently encountered combination. The new species-specific CLSI
Candida
MIC breakpoints were applied to these data. With the exception of
C. glabrata
(11.9% resistant), resistance to fluconazole was very low (2.3% of isolates for
C. albicans
, 6.2% for
C. tropicalis
, and 4.1% for
C. parapsilosis
). There was no change in the proportion of fluconazole resistance between surveillance periods. Overall echinocandin resistance was low (1% of isolates) but was higher for
C. glabrata
isolates, ranging from 2.1% isolates resistant to caspofungin in Baltimore to 3.1% isolates resistant to anidulafungin in Atlanta. Given the increase at both sites and the higher echinocandin resistance,
C. glabrata
should be closely monitored in future surveillance.
Visual Detection ofrpoBMutations in Rifampin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains by Use of an Asymmetrically Split Peroxidase DNAzyme
Authors: Deng Minggang , Feng Shuo , Luo Fengling , Wang Shaoru , Sun Xiaoming , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Xiao-Lian
Published: August 2012

Multidrug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisis resistant to two first-line antituberculosis drugs, isoniazid and rifampin, resulting in the relapse of tuberculosis.M. tuberculosisgrows very slowly, and thus traditional examination methods take time to test its drug resistance and cannot meet clinical needs. The use of a DNA probe makes it possible to test rifampin resistance. We developed an asymmetrical split-assembly DNA peroxidase assay to detect drug-resistant mutation of rifampin-resistantM. tuberculosisin therpoBgene rapidly and visibly. A new strategy was also designed to eliminate the adverse effects caused by the complicated secondary structure of the target DNA and to improve the efficiency of the probes. This detection system consists of five group detections, covers rifampin-resistant determination region of therpoBgene, and tests 40 kinds of mutations, including the most common mutations at codons 531 and 526. Every group detection or individual mutant allele detection can distinguish corresponding mutant DNA sequences from the wild-type DNA sequences.
Buruli Ulcer Disease in Travelers and Differentiation of Mycobacterium ulcerans Strains from Northern Australia
Authors: Lavender Caroline J. , Globan Maria , Johnson Paul D. R. , Charles Patrick G. P. , Jenkin Grant A. , Ghosh Niladri , Clark Benjamin M. , Martinello Marianne , Fyfe Janet A. M.
Published: August 2012

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing infection of skin and soft tissue caused by
Mycobacterium ulcerans
. In Australia, most cases of BU are linked to temperate, coastal Victoria and tropical, northern Queensland, and strains from these regions are distinguishable by variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing. We present an epidemiological investigation of five patients found to have been infected during interstate travel and describe two nucleotide polymorphisms that differentiate
M. ulcerans
strains from northern Australia.
Development of Rapid Serotype-Specific PCR Assays for Eight Serotypes of Streptococcus suis
Authors: Wang Kaicheng , Sun Xueqiang , Lu Chengping
Published: August 2012

Streptococcus suis
is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing severe infections in pigs and humans. Thirty-three serotypes of
S. suis
have been identified using serum agglutination. The capsular polysaccharides synthesis (
cps
) locus is usually conserved among different strains of the same serotype. The
cps
loci of 15 serotypes have been sequenced, while the loci of the other serotypes remain unknown. In the present study, two to six serotype-specific genes of each of eight serotypes, i.e., serotypes 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 19, 23, and 25, were identified using cross-hybridization with 93 nucleic acid probes specific to genes in the
cps
locus, and serotype-specific PCR assays for rapid and sensitive detection of the eight serotypes were then developed. The PCR typing results of the 148 serologically typeable isolates were completely consistent with agglutination results. Furthermore, some autoagglutinating, acapsular, and multiagglutinating strains which could not be differentiated by traditional serum agglutination assays were positive in the PCR assays. Use of the PCR assays with clinical tonsillar specimens showed that the assays are sensitive and able to identify samples with autoagglutinating isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the serotype-specific genes of the eight
Streptococcus suis
serotypes and develop rapid and sensitive PCR assays for the eight serotypes which can be identified only by serum agglutination.
Type-Specific Identification of Anogenital Herpes Simplex Virus Infections by Use of a Commercially Available Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
Authors: Van Der Pol Barbara , Warren Terri , Taylor Stephanie N. , Martens Mark , Jerome Keith R. , Mena Leandro , Lebed Joel , Ginde Savita , Fine Paul , Hook Edward W.
Published: August 2012

Herpes infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI), but diagnostic methods for genital herpes have not kept pace with the movement toward molecular testing. Here, we describe an FDA-approved molecular assay that identifies and types herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections for use in routine clinical settings. Paired samples from anogenital lesions were tested using the BD ProbeTec HSV Q
x
(HSVQ
x
) system, HSV culture and, a laboratory-developed PCR assay. Family planning, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), or sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in the United States served as recruitment sites. Sensitivity and specificity estimates, head-to-head comparisons, measures of agreement, and latent-class analyses were performed to provide robust estimates of performance. A total of 508 participants (174 men and 334 women) with anogenital lesions were included; 260 HSV-2 and 73 HSV-1 infections were identified. No differences in test performance based on gender, clinic type, location of the lesion, or type of lesion were observed. The sensitivity of HSV-2 detection ranged from 98.4 to 100% depending on the analytical approach, while the specificity ranged from 80.6%, compared to the less sensitive culture method, to 97.0%, compared to PCR. For HSV-1, the sensitivity and specificity ranges were 96.7 to 100% and 95.1 to 99.4%, respectively. This assay may improve our ability to accurately diagnose anogenital lesions due to herpes infection.
Microbiological Applications of High-Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Tong Steven Y. C. , Giffard Philip M.
Published: August 2012

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis uses real-time PCR instrumentation to interrogate DNA sequence variation and is a low-cost, single-step, closed-tube method. Here we describe HRM technology and provide examples of varied clinical microbiological applications to highlight the strengths and limitations of HRM analysis.
Defective HIV-1 Particle Assembly in AP-3-Deficient Cells Derived from Patients with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Type 2
Authors: Liu Ling , Sutton Jessica , Woodruff Elvin , Villalta Fernando , Spearman Paul , Dong Xinhong
Published: August 2012

Adaptor protein complex 3 (AP-3) is a heterotetramer that is involved in signal-mediated protein sorting to endosomal-lysosomal organelles. AP-3 deficiency in humans, induced by mutations in the
AP3B1
gene, which encodes the β3A subunit of the AP-3 complex, results in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 2 (HPS2), which is a rare genetic disorder with defective lysosome-related organelles. In a previous study, we identified the AP-3 complex as an important contributor to HIV-1 assembly and release. We hypothesized that cells from patients affected by HPS2 should demonstrate abnormalities of HIV-1 assembly. Here we report that HIV-1 particle assembly and release are indeed diminished in HPS2 fibroblast cultures. Transient or stable expression of the full-length wild-type β3A subunit in HPS2 fibroblasts restored the impaired virus assembly and release. In contrast, virus-like particle release mediated by MA-deficient Gag mutants lacking the AP-3 binding site was not altered in HPS2 cells, indicating that the MA domain serves as the major viral determinant required for the recruitment of the AP-3 complex. AP-3 deficiency decreased HIV-1 Gag localization at the plasma membrane and late endosomes and increased the accumulation of HIV-1 Gag at an intermediate step between early and late endosomes. Blockage of the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway in HPS2 cells did not reverse the inhibited virus assembly and release imposed by the AP-3 deficiency. These results demonstrate that the intact and stable AP-3 complex is required for HIV-1 assembly and release, and the involvement of the AP-3 complex in late stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle is independent of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 in T Cell Responses during Acute Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection
Authors: Zhou Shenghua , Cerny Anna M. , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A. , Finberg Robert W.
Published: August 2012

Type I interferons (IFNs), predominantly IFN-α and -β, play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections. Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a key innate immune molecule in the type I IFN signaling pathway, is essential for the type I IFN response to many viruses, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Here, we show that although IRF7 knockout (KO) mice failed to control the replication of LCMV in the early stages of infection, they were capable of clearing LCMV infection. Despite the lack of type I IFN production, IRF7 KO mice generated normal CD4
+
T cell responses, and the expansion of naïve CD8
+
T cells into primary CD8
+
T cells specific for LCMV GP
33–41
was relatively normal. In contrast, the expansion of the LCMV NP
396
-specific CD8
+
T cells was severely impaired in IRF7 KO mice. We demonstrated that this defective CD8
+
T cell response is due neither to an impaired antigen-presenting system nor to any intrinsic role of IRF7 in CD8
+
T cells. The lack of a type I IFN response in IRF7 KO mice did not affect the formation of memory CD8
+
T cells. Thus, the present study provides new insight into the impact of the innate immune system on viral pathogenesis and demonstrates the critical contribution of innate immunity in controlling virus replication in the early stages of infection, which may shape the quality of CD8
+
T cell responses.
Acute Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated with Increased Frequencies of Activated and Apoptosis-Vulnerable T Cells in HIV-1-Infected Infants
Authors: Slyker Jennifer A. , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. , Dong Tao , Reilly Marie , Richardson Barbra , Emery Vincent C. , Atzberger Ann , Mbori-Ngacha Dorothy , Lohman-Payne Barbara L. , John-Stewart Grace C.
Published: August 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) coinfection is associated with infant HIV-1 disease progression and mortality. In a cohort of Kenyan HIV-infected infants, the frequencies of activated (CD38+HLA-DR+) and apoptosis-vulnerable (CD95+Bcl-2−) CD4+and CD8+T cells increased substantially during acute CMV infection. The frequency of activated CD4+T cells was strongly associated with both concurrent CMV coinfection (P= 0.001) and HIV-1 viral load (P= 0.05). The frequency of apoptosis-vulnerable cells was also associated with CMV coinfection in the CD4 (P= 0.02) and CD8 (P< 0.001) T cell subsets. Similar observations were made in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. CMV-induced increases in T cell activation and apoptosis may contribute to the rapid disease progression in coinfected infants.
Second-Site Mutations Selected in Transcriptional Regulatory Sequences Compensate for Engineered Mutations in the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Harouaka Djamila , Wertz Gail W.
Published: August 2012

The active template for RNA synthesis for vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and other negative-strand viruses is the RNA genome in association with the nucleocapsid (N) protein. The N protein molecules sequester the genomic RNA and are linked together by a network of noncovalent interactions. We previously demonstrated that mutations predicted to weaken interactions between adjacent N protein molecules altered the levels of RNA synthesis directed from subgenomic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) templates. To determine if these mutations affect virus replication, recombinant viruses containing single-amino-acid substitutions in the N protein were recovered. Four mutations altered transcription and genome replication levels, perturbed viral protein synthesis, and inhibited virus replication. Selective pressure for improved virus replication was applied by eight sequential passages. After five passages, virus replication improved and RNA synthesis recovered concomitantly with the restoration of the protein molar ratios to near-wild-type levels. Genome sequences were compared before and after passage to determine whether compensatory mutations were selected and to potentially identify interactions between N protein molecules or between the RNP template and the viral polymerase. Improved virus replication correlated with the selection of additional mutations located in
cis
-acting transcriptional regulatory sequences at the gene junctions of the genome rather than in coding sequences, with one exception. The engineered N gene mutations perturbed mRNA and protein expression levels, but the selection of modified transcriptional regulatory sequences with passage facilitated the restoration of wild-type protein expression by modulating transcription levels, reflecting the adaptability and versatility of gene regulation by transcriptional control.
The Genome of Pieris rapae Granulovirus
Authors: Zhang Bao-Qin , Cheng Ruo-Lin , Wang Xiao-Feng , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: August 2012

Pieris rapae
granulovirus (PrGV) can infect and kill larvae of
Pieris rapae
, a worldwide and important pest of mustard family crops. The PrGV genome consists of 108,592 bp, is AT rich (66.8%), and is most structurally and organizationally similar to the
Choristoneura occidentalis
granulovirus genome. Of the predicted 120 open reading frames (ORFs), 32 genes specifically occurred in GVs, including four genes unique to PrGV (
Pr9
,
Pr32
,
Pr53
, and
Pr117
).
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Prevalent Isolate of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in South China
Authors: Luo Yongwen , Zhang Jie , Deng Xianbo , Ye Yu , Liao Ming , Fan Huiying
Published: August 2012

A widespread porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) occurred in southern China during 2010 to 2012. A virulent field PEDV strain, GD-B, was isolated from a sucking piglet suffering from severe diarrhea in Guangdong, China. We sequenced and analyzed the complete genome of strain GD-B, which will promote a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of PEDV field isolates in southern China.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian-Like H4N8 Swine Influenza Virus Discovered in Southern China
Authors: Su Shuo , Qi Wen-bao , Chen Ji-dang , Cao Nan , Zhu Wan-jun , Yuan Li-guo , Wang Heng , Zhang Gui-hong
Published: August 2012

We report here the complete genomic sequence of an avian-like H4N8 swine influenza virus containing an H5N1 avian influenza virus segment from swine in southern China. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of all eight viral RNA segments demonstrated that these are wholly avian influenza viruses of the Asia lineage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of interspecies transmission of an avian H4N8 influenza virus to domestic pigs under natural conditions.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian-Origin H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus Isolated from Dogs in South Korea
Authors: Park Seong-Jun , Moon Hyoung-Joon , Kang Bo-Kyu , Hong Minki , Na Woonseong , Kim Jeong-Ki , Poo Haryoung , Park Bong-Kyun , Song Dae-Sub
Published: August 2012

An avian-origin Korean H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) strain, designated A/canine/Korea/01/2007 (H3N2), was isolated from nasal swabs of pet dogs exhibiting severe respiratory syndrome in 2007. In the present study, we report the first complete genome sequence containing 3′ and 5′ noncoding regions (NCRs) of H3N2 CIV, which will provide important insights into the molecular basis of pathogenesis, transmission, and evolution of CIV.
Pancreaticopleural fistula complicating chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Shah Dharita , Desai Aditi Bhagirath , Salvi Bharat
Published: August 2012

Pancreaticopleural fistula is an extremely rare complication of chronic pancreatitis with characteristic feature that it may appear in the absence of changes of acute pancreatitis. We present a case of a 32-year-old man whose CT scan showed multiple pseudocysts along the body and tail of the pancreas, left crus of diaphragm and in the posterior mediastinum with associated splenoportal thrombosis. MR cholangiopancreatography imaging diagnosed the case as a pancreatico-pleural fistula, with the fistulous tract connecting distal body and tail of the pancreas to the posterior mediastinum through a diaphragmatic hiatus with right-sided mild-to-moderate pleural effusion. Meanwhile the patient was treated conservatively for his acute symptoms that included pleural tap also. Finally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was done and minor papilla papillotomy was performed and a stent was placed. Knowledge about such cases would help one to be aware of such a rare but dangerous complication, so that timely and correct diagnosis and management can be undertaken.
Necrotising fasciitis of the thumb
Authors: Dias Laura , Markeson Daniel , Evgeniou Evgenios , Misra Alok
Published: August 2012

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare condition that should be diagnosed early and managed aggressively in order to avoid death. We present a case of necrotising fasciitis of the thumb and discuss the assessment and management of this serious condition.  A 44-year-old woman presented with a painful and erythematous right thumb and progressive swelling of her hand following a minor injury to the tip of her thumb 3 days previously. A diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis was made and the patient underwent urgent debridement of non-viable tissue. She required 1 week of supportive therapy in intensive treatment unit and was discharged from hospital after 3 weeks. Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressing life-threatening infection, usually caused by streptococcal organisms. Immediate resuscitation, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and early surgical debridement are necessary in order to avoid significant morbidity and mortality.
The hairy-print for levamisole-induced vasculitis: Figure 1
Authors: Lazareth Hélène , Peytavin Gilles , Polivka Laura , Dupin Nicolas
Published: August 2012

Levamisole-induced vasculitis is a well-characterised antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA)-positive vasculitis in cocaine abuser patients. However, due to the short half-life of levamisole in serum and urine, the causal role of levamisole is not established. Here we report the detection of both levamisole and cocaine in hair samples of a patient who presented with an ANCA-positive vasculitis. The higher concentration of levamisole in proximal sample of the hair confirms that the patient abused of cocaine added with levamisole in the days preceding the development of skin lesions. Although a direct causative role has not been established, our report strongly suggests that levamisole may have triggered vasculitis in this case.
Case stories in general practice: a focus group study
Authors: Abildsnes Eirik , Flottorp Signe , Stensland Per
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To explore the interactive process of sharing case stories in small-group activity in general practice.

Design

Qualitative focus group study.

Setting

Peer-group meetings of doctors attending specialist training or continuous medical education in general practice.

Participants

Twenty female and 30 male doctors working in general practice in Norway.

Results

The storyline of case presentations included detailed stories with emotional engagement, co-authored by other group members. The stories initiated discussions and reflections concerning patients’ and doctors’ perspectives, medical ethics as well as clinical problems. The safe atmosphere allowed testing out boundaries of socially shared knowledge.

Conclusions

Sharing case stories in small groups in general practice initiated interaction that facilitated meaning-making, reflection and peer support.
TACKLING THE TREFOILS
Authors: FENN ROGER
Published: August 2012

The classical trefoil is famous for having a 3-coloring which distinguishes it from the unknot. The 3-coloring is also notorious for not distinguishing the right-handed from the left-handed trefoil. However with a bit of tweaking the three colors can also be used for this task. What lies behind the method is an extension of the definition of a birack to a partial birack. An operation on biracks called doubling converts the 3-color quandle into a partial biquandle. Coloring with this biquandle distinguishes the right-handed from the left-handed trefoil. Equivalently it defines an element of the homology of the quandle or biquandle classifying space. The same treatment is applied to 2-coloring a diagram of a knot. A useful spin-off is a simplified and extended treatment of biracks and biquandles. Full details are given.
RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT MUSCLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION PROCESSES IN AN ENERGY-BASED MUSCLE LOAD SHARING COST FUNCTION
Authors: NIKOOYAN ALI A. , VEEGER HEJ , WESTERHOFF PETER , BERGMANN GEORG , VAN DER HELM FRANS C. T.
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study is to quantify the relative contributions of two muscle energy consumption processes (the detachment of cross-bridges and calcium-pumping) incorporated in a recently developed muscle load sharing cost function, namely the energy-based criterion, by using in vivo measured glenohumeral-joint reaction forces (GH-JRFs). Motion data and in vivo GH-JRFs were recorded for four patients carrying an instrumented shoulder implant while performing abduction and forward flexion motions up to their maximum possible arm elevations. Motion data were used as the input to the delft shoulder and elbow model for the estimation of GH-JRFs. The widely used stress as well as the energy-based cost functions were adopted as the load sharing criteria. For the energy-based criterion, simulations were run for a wide range of different weight parameters (determining the relative contribution of the two energy processes) in the neighborhood of the previously assumed parameters for each subject and motion. The model-predicted and in vivo-measured GH-JRFs were compared for all model simulations. Application of the energy-based criterion with new identified parameters resulted in significant (two-tailed p < 0.05, post-hoc power ~ 0.3) improvement (on average ~20%) of the model-predicted GH-JRFs at the maximal arm elevation compared to when using either the stress or the pre-assumed form of the energy-based criterion. About 25% of the total energy consumption was calculated for the calcium-pumping process at maximal muscle activation level when using the new parameters. This value was comparable to the corresponding ones reported in the previous literature. The identified parameters are recommended to be used instead of their predecessors.
The dilatancy–diffusion hypothesis and earthquake predictability
Authors: Main Ian G. , Bell Andrew F. , Meredith Philip G. , Geiger Sebastian , Touati Sarah
Published: August 2012

The dilatancy–diffusion hypothesis was one of the first attempts to predict the form of potential geophysical signals that may precede earthquakes, and hence provide a possible physical basis for earthquake prediction. The basic hypothesis has stood up well in the laboratory, where catastrophic failure of intact rocks has been observed to be associated with geophysical signals associated both with dilatancy and pore pressure changes. In contrast, the precursors invoked to determine the predicted earthquake time and event magnitude have not stood up to independent scrutiny. There are several reasons for the lack of simple scaling between the laboratory and the field scales, but key differences are those of scale in time and space and in material boundary conditions, coupled with the sheer complexity and non-linearity of the processes involved. ‘Upscaling’ is recognized as a difficult task in multi-scale complex systems generally and in oil and gas reservoir engineering specifically. It may however provide a clue as to why simple local laws for dilatancy and diffusion do not scale simply to bulk properties at a greater scale, even when the fracture system that controls the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the reservoir rock is itself scale-invariant.
Andersonian and Coulomb stresses in Central Costa Rica and its fault slip tendency potential: new insights into their associated seismic hazard
Authors: López Allan
Published: August 2012

Plate boundary forces acting within the Cocos Plate that is being subducted at a rate of 8.5–9.0 cm a
−1
towards N32°E below the Caribbean Plate and the Panama microplate are found responsible for contemporaneous superimposed compressive, wrench and extensive fault patterns in Central Costa Rica. The stress inversion of fault-slip planes and focal mechanisms reveals a prevailing convergence-imposed N20°–45°E almost horizontal compression. Ellipsoid
R
values [
R
=(σ
1
–σ
2
)/(σ
2
–σ
3
)] in the range of 0.3–0.05 and 0.8–0.93 are responsible for the permutation of σ
2
to σ
3
and σ
2
to σ
1
, respectively, and show typical Andersonian configurations with one stress axis vertical or close to it. Coulomb failure stress (CFS) analysis reveals that up to 5 bars (0.5 MPa) of tectonic loading are being imposed on east–west thrusts and on critically oriented conjugate NW- and NE-trending strike-slip faults. Non-optimally oriented structures are potential targets for reactivation even with 2 bars (0.2 MPa) of load. Triggering and interaction with volcanic activity is highly suspected in one documented recent case. When the regional fault population was tested for its slip tendency (τ
/
σ
n
), a good correlation with CFS results was found.
Geomechanical modelling of fault reactivation in the Ceduna Sub-basin, Bight Basin, Australia
Authors: Macdonald J. , Backé G. , King R. , Holford S. , Hillis R.
Published: August 2012

The Ceduna Sub-basin is located within the Bight Basin on the Australian southern margin. Recent structural analysis using newly acquired two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic data demonstrates two Late Cretaceous delta–deepwater fold–thrust belts (DDWFTBs), which are overlain by Cenozoic sediments. The present-day normal fault stress regime identified in the Bight Basin indicates that the maximum horizontal stress (
S
Hmax
) is margin parallel; Andersonain faulting theory therefore suggests the delta-top extensional faults are oriented favourably for reactivation. A breached hydrocarbon trap encountered in the Jerboa-1 well demonstrates this fault reactivation. Faults interpreted from 3D seismic data were modelled using the Poly3D
©
geomechanical code to determine the risk of reactivation. Results indicate delta-top extensional faults that dip 40–70° are at moderate–high risk of reactivation, while variations in the orientation of the fault planes results in an increased risk of reactivation. Two pulses of inversion are identified in the Ceduna Sub-basin and correlate with the onset of rifting and fault reactivation in the Santonian. We propose a ridge-push mechanism for this stress which selectively reactivates extensional faults on the delta-top, forming inversion anticlines that are prospective for hydrocarbon exploration.
Pressure conditions for shear and tensile failure around a circular magma chamber; insight from elasto-plastic modelling
Authors: Gerbault Muriel
Published: August 2012

Overpressure within a circular magmatic chamber embedded in an elastic half space is a widely used model in volcanology. However, this overpressure is generally assumed to be bounded by the bedrock tensile strength since gravity is neglected. Critical overpressure for wall failure is thus greater. It is shown analytically and numerically that wall failure occurs in shear rather than in tension, because the Mohr–Coulomb yield stress is less than the tensile yield stress. Numerical modelling of progressively increasing overpressure shows that bedrock failure develops in three stages: (1) tensile failure at the ground surface; (2) shear failure at the chamber wall; and (3) fault connection from the chamber wall to the ground surface. Predictions of surface deformation and stress with the theory of elasticity break down at stage 3. For wall tensile failure to occur at small overpressure, a state of lithostatic pore-fluid pressure is required in the bedrock which cancels the effect of gravity. Modelled eccentric shear band geometries are consistent with theoretical solutions from engineering plasticity and compare well with shear structures bordering exhumed intrusions. This study shows that the measured ground surface deformation may be misinterpreted when neither plasticity nor pore-fluid pressure is accounted for.

Supplementary material:

The numerical benchmark data are available at:
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18517
.
Stress fluctuation during thrust-related folding: Boltaña anticline (Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Tavani S. , Fernandez O. , Muñoz J. A.
Published: August 2012

A common feature of thrust-related anticlines developing in thrust wedges is the presence of extensional structures paralleling the fold axial trend (i.e. longitudinal structures). These form in response to hinge-perpendicular stretching and indicate that the minimum stress component orients parallel to the regional shortening direction, that is, the maximum and minimum stress components locally invert. Under the assumption that the regional stress component paralleling the shortening direction is almost constant during folding, such an inversion requires a large local stress drop. In the thrust-related Boltaña anticline, folding was both predated and accompanied by the development of longitudinal extensional faults. Meso-scale contractional structures are only rarely found. Where contractional structures are present, cross-cutting relationships indicate that these structures episodically developed within a mainly extensional framework which was established during flexural bending of the foredeep and continued during thrust-related folding. We conclude that the coexistence of extensional and compressional structures relates to a stress fluctuation, with normal faulting and discontinuous fold growth occurring during ‘extensional’ and ‘compressional’ stages, respectively.
SDF-1α (CXCL12) regulation of lateral mobility contributes to activation of LFA-1 adhesion
Authors: Wu Xing , Yu Tao , Bullard Daniel C. , Kucik Dennis F.
Published: August 2012

Regulation of integrin activity enables leukocytes to circulate freely, avoiding inappropriate adhesion while maintaining the ability to adhere quickly at sites of infection or inflammation. This regulation involves at least two components: affinity for ligand and affinity-independent avidity effects such as lateral mobility. Using lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) as a model, we investigated the role of integrin release from cytoskeletal motion constraints in response to the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α) in this process. All experiments were done in primary T cells to avoid nonphysiological activation processes often seen with the use of cell lines. We found that SDF-1α releases LFA-1 from cytoskeletal constraints as effectively as does cytochalasin D. The resultant increased diffusion is correlated with a robust increase in LFA-1-mediated adhesion under physiological shear stress. We further investigated the role of the highly conserved GFFKR sequence in the LFA-1 cytoplasmic domain. We report that the GFFKR sequence is both necessary and sufficient for regulation of the SDF-1α-triggered proadhesive release from cytoskeleton interactions. While this does not address the role of transient SDF-1α-induced conformational changes in the activation process, these results strongly suggest that any model of chemokine-induced LFA-1 activation must take into account chemokine-induced integrin lateral mobility. In addition, these results have ramifications for models of differential binding of LFA-1 to surface-bound vs. soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1.