bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite carbonate and silicate multiphase solid inclusions in metamorphic garnet from ultrahigh‐P eclogite in the Dabie orogen
Authors: Gao X.‐Y. , Zheng Y.‐F. , Chen Y.‐X. , Hu Z.
Published: July 2014

Composite multiphase solid (MS) inclusions composed of carbonate and silicate minerals have been found for the first time in metamorphic garnet from ultrahigh‐P eclogite from the Dabie orogen. These inclusions are morphologically euhedral to subhedral, and some show relatively regular shapes approaching the negative crystal shape of the host garnet. Radial fractures often occur in garnet hosting the inclusions. The inclusions are primarily composed of variable proportions of carbonate and silicate minerals such as calcite, quartz, K‐feldspar and plagioclase, with occasional occurrences of magnetite, zircon and barite. They are categorized into two groups based on the proportions of carbonate and silicate phases. Group I is carbonate‐dominated with variable proportions of silicate minerals, whereas Group II is silicate‐dominated with small proportions of carbonates. Trace element analysis by LA‐ICPMS for the two groups of MS inclusions yields remarkable differences. Group I inclusions exhibit remarkably lower REE contents than Group II inclusions, with significant LREE enrichment and large fractionation between LREE and HREE in the chondrite‐normalized REE diagram. In contrast, Group II inclusions show rather flat REE patterns with insignificant fractionation between LREE and HREE. In the primitive mantle‐normalized spidergram, Group I inclusions exhibit positive anomalies of Zr and Hf, whereas Group II inclusions show negative anomalies of Zr and Hf. Nevertheless, both groups exhibit positive anomalies of Ba, U, Pb and Sr, but negative anomalies of Nb and Ta, resembling the composition of common continental crust. Group I inclusions have higher Ba and U contents than Group II inclusions. Combined with petrological observations, the two groups of MS inclusions are interpreted as having crystallized from composite silicate and carbonate melts during continental subduction‐zone metamorphism. The differences in trace element composition between the two groups are primarily attributed to the proportions of carbonate and silicate phases in the MS inclusions. The silicate melts were derived from the breakdown of hydrous minerals such as paragonite and phengite, whereas the occurrence of carbonate melts indicates involvement of carbonate minerals in the partial melting and thus has great bearing on recycling of supracrustal carbon into the mantle. The coexistence of silicate and carbonate melts in the eclogitic garnet provides insights into the nature of hydrous melts in the subduction factory.
Perceiving the Social Body
Authors: Aulino Felicity
Published: July 2014

This essay develops the concept of the “social body” as a metaphorical representation of hierarchical relationships inThailand, as well as the physical embodiment of social, religious, and political structures. To do so, I trace the symbolic coordinates of groups that correspond to conceptions of individual bodies, along with the habituated means ofperceivingas part of a collective. I argue that conventionalThai social interactions involve active attention to and care of the “social body,” in which differential roles are necessary for group functioning. Ethnographic descriptions of social interactions in public and semi‐private arenas depict the spontaneous and embodied root of moral action in these contexts. The values thus enacted, however, challenge normative ideals of distributive justice and open up questions about “care” for a social body that validates unequal power and resource distribution.
The Moral Implications of Immorality
Authors: Yan Yunxiang
Published: July 2014

This essay focuses on the issue of immorality, an issue that has largely been understudied in anthropology. It examines two types of immoral behavior in contemporary Chinese society, drawing on cases widely agreed upon by ordinary people to be morally wrong. Next, it analyzes moral experiences and moral sentiments among individuals who either were victims of immoral acts or recalled their own feelings of being immoral. Ethnographic evidence shows that immorality tends to be intuitive and emotional in actual social actions but in recollections of moral experiences it is reflected upon with rational reasoning and justification. Immorality is essentially the violation of the social, which may explain why ordinary people use immorality to define and defend their social behavior in everyday life. The recent emphasis on moral reasoning and ethical choice in anthropological studies of moralities has overlooked the social in the moral as well as the role of moral sentiments and intuitions in social actions.
ON THE IMPACT OF COMPETITION ON TRADE AND FIRM LOCATION
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro , Picard Pierre M. , Thisse Jacques‐François
Published: July 2014

We study how the level of trade costs and the intensity of competition interact to explain the nature and intensity of trade within a given industry and the location of firms across countries. As trade costs decrease from very high to very low values, the global economy moves from autarky to two‐way trade, through one‐way trade from the larger to the smaller region. By exploring the intensive and extensive margins of exports, we investigate how the intensity of trade reacts to the degree of competitiveness. Furthermore, when firms are free to change location, they flow from the small to the large country, and the larger country is always a net exported on the manufactured good. Firms located in the big country have a bigger size than those located in the small one. Under one‐way trade, the relocation of firms changes their attitude toward export.
SPRAWL, BLIGHT, AND THE ROLE OF URBAN CONTAINMENT POLICIES: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. CITIES
Authors: Hortas‐Rico Miriam
Published: July 2014

U.S. post‐war suburbanization has reshaped the spatial pattern of growth in many metropolitan areas, with population and employment shift toward the suburbs resulting in the urban decay of central cities. This being the case, the adoption of adequate anti‐sprawl policies should lead to a reduction in city blight. Availability of detailed blight measures at the city level enables us to undertake a novel empirical analysis to test this hypothesis. The empirical specification presented here identifies the specific impact of more stringent anti‐sprawl policies adopted at the metro level, proxied by the adoption of urban containment policies, on city blight. Results indicate that the adoption of such policies has effectively contributed to the reduction of downtown deterioration.
Characteristics of adverse medication events in a children's hospital
Authors: Stacey Sonya , Coombes Ian , Wainwright Claire , Klee Brittany , Miller Hugh , Whitfield Karen
Published: July 2014

Aim

To compare adverse medication events (AMEs) reported in children, via the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD‐10) coding with events reported via other data sources.

Method

AME reports were retrieved using codes Y40–Y59 and X40–X44 over 6 months. Patients’ charts were manually reviewed to identify events associated with error and/or harm with medicines during a hospital admission. Medication name, group, error, harm and alert documentation were recorded. Clinical incidents and pharmacist interventions were reviewed for the same period.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐three events from January to June 2011 were recorded by ICD‐10 coding in 180 patients. After duplicated, missing or unrelated events were excluded and 146 AMEs remained. In the same period, 117 AMEs were reported as incidents and 190 as pharmacist interventions. In total, 276 children with 447 events were reported via all sources. Little duplication between data sources was evident. In total, 158 events involved harm, with 135 of these from ICD‐10 coding, 16 from incident reports and 2 pharmacist interventions (including 6 events from multiple sources). Error was involved in 3% of ICD10 reports, 97% of incidents and 100% of interventions. Only 14% of harm‐related events from ICD‐10 were documented on the medical record clinical alert. Chemotherapy accounted for 31% of harm‐related events, antimicrobials 18%, corticosteroids 14% and narcotics 12%.

Conclusion

Of the harm‐related events, 85% were documented via ICD‐10 coding with few documented in other databases. Review of ICD‐10‐coded AMEs can provide valuable information to improve patient safety and quality.
Comparison of Botrytis cinerea Populations Collected from Tomato Greenhouses in Northern Algeria
Authors: Adjebli Ahmed , Leyronas Christel , Aissat Kamel , Nicot Philippe C.
Published: July 2014

To estimate the genetic diversity and population structure for a better understanding of the spread of Botrytis cinerea, we genotyped with nine microsatellite markers 174 isolates collected from four greenhouses during three growing seasons in the region of Bejaia. Four of these isolates were detected as Botrytis pseudocinerea according to the allele size at locus Bc6. For all other isolates further studied, all loci were polymorphic, with the mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 2.77 to 5.22. Considerable genetic variability was detected in all subpopulations (D* > 0.87; Hnb > 0.40). Based on the standardized index of association analysis, significant but low levels of clonality occurred, not excluding the possibility of recombination (rD = 0.07, P < 0.001). A total of 109 haplotypes were characterized among the isolates, few of which were shared between subpopulations. This, together with moderate genetic differentiation among subpopulations according to the geographical origin (0.080 < FST < 0.167), suggested a low level of inoculum exchange among greenhouses and little carry‐over of inoculum from one sampling season to the next. The importance of genetic structure of B. cinerea populations is discussed and should be taken into consideration for the management of grey mould.
AtfA, a new factor in global regulation of transcription in Acinetobacter spp
Authors: Withers Ryan , Doherty Geoff P. , Jordan Matthew , Yang Xiao , Dixon Nicholas E. , Lewis Peter J.
Published: July 2014

Acinetobacter species are widely distributed bacteria in the environment, and have recently gained notoriety as opportunistic nosocomial pathogens. Here we characterize a novel RNA polymerase‐interacting protein named acidic transcription factor A, AtfA. It is small and highly acidic, and is widely distributed throughout the γ proteobacteria, including other significant pathogens in the genera Moraxella, Pseudomonas, Legionella and Vibrio. In the model species A. baylyi ADP1, deletion of atfA significantly affects expression of over 500 genes, resulting in a large cell phenotype, reduced cell fitness, impaired biofilm formation and twitching motility, and increased sensitivity to antibiotics. Deletion of atfA also causes dramatically enhanced sensitivity to ethanol, which is an important growth promoter and virulence factor in Acinetobacter spp. The results suggest that auxiliary factors of RNA polymerase with important biological roles remain to be discovered.
Code blue: Acinetobacter baumannii, a nosocomial pathogen with a role in the oral cavity
Authors: Richards A.M. , Abu Kwaik Y. , Lamont R.J.
Published: July 2014

Actinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen that can cause a wide range of serious conditions including pneumonia, meningitis, necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. It is also a major cause of wound infections in military personnel injured during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, leading to its popular nickname of ‘Iraqibacter’. Contributing to its success in clinical settings is resistance to environmental stresses such as desiccation and disinfectants. Moreover, in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of A. baumannii strains with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. Acinetobacter baumannii is an inhabitant of oral biofilms, which can act as a reservoir for pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Subgingival colonization by A. baumannii increases the risk of refractory periodontitis. Pathogenesis of the organism involves adherence, biofilm formation and iron acquisition. In addition, A. baumannii can induce apoptotic cell death in epithelial cells and kill hyphal forms of Candida albicans. Virulence factors that have been identified include pili, the outer membrane protein OmpA, phospholipases and extracellular polysaccharide. Acinetobacter baumannii can sense blue light through a blue‐light sensing using flavin (BLUF) domain protein, BlsA. The resulting conformational change in BlsA leads to changes in gene expression, including virulence genes.
Expression of γ‐tocopherol methyltransferase in chloroplasts results in massive proliferation of the inner envelope membrane and decreases susceptibility to salt and metal‐induced oxidative stresses by reducing reactive oxygen species
Authors: Jin Shuangxia , Daniell Henry
Published: July 2014

The γ‐tocopherol methyltransferase (γ‐TMT) is an important enzyme regulating synthesis of four tocopherols (α, γ, β and δ). In this report, we investigated the role of γ‐TMT in regulating abiotic stress within chloroplasts. The At γ‐tmt overexpressed via the tobacco chloroplast genome accumulated up to 7.7% of the total leaf protein, resulting in massive proliferation of the inner envelope membrane (IEM, up to eight layers). Such high‐level expression of γ‐TMT converted most of γ‐tocopherol to α‐tocopherol in transplastomic seeds (~10‐fold higher) in the absence of abiotic stress. When grown in 400 mm NaCl, α‐tocopherol content in transplastomic TMT leaves increased up to 8.2‐fold and 2.4‐fold higher than wild‐type leaves. Likewise, under heavy metal stress, α‐tocopherol content in the TMT leaves increased up to 7.5‐fold, twice higher than in the wild type. Under extreme salt stress, the wild type accumulated higher starch and total soluble sugars, but TMT plants were able to regulate sugar transport. Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide content in wild type increased up to 3‐fold within 48 h of NaCl stress when compared to TMT plants. The ion leakage from TMT leaves was significantly less than wild‐type plants under abiotic stress and with less malondialdehyde, indicating lower lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these studies show that α‐tocopherol plays a crucial role in the alleviation of salt and heavy metal stresses by decreasing ROS, lipid peroxidation and ion leakage, in addition to enhancing vitamin E conversion. Increased proliferation of the IEM should facilitate studies on retrograde signalling from chloroplast to the nucleus.
Feasibility of liver weight estimation by postmortem computed tomography images: An autopsy study
Authors: Inai Kunihiro , Noriki Sakon , Kinoshita Kazuyuki , Nishijima Akihiko , Sakai Toyohiko , Kimura Hirohiko , Naiki Hironobu
Published: July 2014

Although organ weight gives pathologists information about the pathogenesis of diseases at autopsy, the knowledge is rarely helpful in postmortem virtual autopsy by computed tomography (CT). To investigate the feasibility of liver weight estimation based on liver volume estimated from three‐dimensional CT images and the specific gravity of liver, thirty cadavers who died in the University of Fukui Hospital and whose family members agreed to postmortem CT and autopsy were prospectively enrolled. Mean specific gravity of liver was 1.054 ± 0.009 g/mL (95% confidence interval: 1.0507–1.0573 g/mL). The specific gravity was positively correlated to Hounsfield unit (HU) values of less than 40 (cases with moderate to severe fatty deposition) and remained stable between 1.05 to 1.065 g/mL for HU values greater than 40 (cases with mild or no fatty change). The liver weight estimated by our formula corresponded well to the actual liver weight, and the correlation coefficient was 0.96 (P < 1 × 10−13). The estimated liver weight calculated from estimated liver volume and the specific gravity of 1.055 g/mL was highly accurate, whereas the specific gravity should be reduced by 2%–3% in patients with an HU value less than 40 due to fatty deposition.
Classification of independent components of EEG into multiple artifact classes
Authors: Frølich Laura , Andersen Tobias S. , Mørup Morten
Published: July 2014

In this study, we aim to automatically identify multiple artifact types in EEG. We used multinomial regression to classify independent components of EEG data, selecting from 65 spatial, spectral, and temporal features of independent components using forward selection. The classifier identified neural and five nonneural types of components. Between subjects within studies, high classification performances were obtained. Between studies, however, classification was more difficult. For neural versus nonneural classifications, performance was on par with previous results obtained by others. We found that automatic separation of multiple artifact classes is possible with a small feature set. Our method can reduce manual workload and allow for the selective removal of artifact classes. Identifying artifacts during EEG recording may be used to instruct subjects to refrain from activity causing them.
Ablation of frequent premature ventricular complex in an athlete
Authors: Grazioli G. , Fernández‐Armenta J. , Prat S. , Berruezo A. , Brugada J. , Sitges M.
Published: July 2014

Premature ventricular complex are common findings in the exam of many athletes. There is no extensive scientific evidence in the management of this situation particularly when associated with borderline contractile function of the left ventricle. In this case report, we present a 35‐year‐old asymptomatic healthy athlete with high incidence (over 10 000 beats in 24 h) of premature ventricular complex and left ventricular dilatation with dysfunction, which persisted after a resting period of 6 months without training. We performed radiofrequency ablation of the premature ventricular complex focus. After 1‐year follow‐up, he was asymptomatic without arrhythmia and the left ventricle normalized its size and function as shown by echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance.
The Establishment of Party Policy Committees in the U.S. Senate: Coordination, Not Coercion*
Authors: Crespin Michael H. , Madonna Anthony , Sievert Joel , Ament‐Stone Nathaniel
Published: July 2014

Objective

We seek to determine if institutional changes designed to increase intraparty coordination influenced observed levels of party unity in the U.S. Senate. In particular, we test competing claims regarding the effects of establishing party policy committees following the adoption of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.

Methods

First, we examine Congress at the vote level by looking at the overall proportion of votes that could be classified as “party unity votes” before and after the establishment of the policy committees. Second, we employ a micro‐level analysis by examining individual senators’ procedural party support scores.

Results

We find that members of the majority party were more likely to have higher levels of procedural unity after the adoption of policy committees.

Conclusion

The establishment of party policy committees in the Senate played a role in helping party leaders coordinate activities, advance a legislative agenda, and maintain high levels of party unity on the floor by better structuring procedural votes.
Hematologic differences between Dachshunds and mixed breed dogs
Authors: Torres Ahmira R. , Cassle Stephen E. , Haymore Michael , Hill Richard C.
Published: July 2014

Background

Healthy Dachshunds, like Greyhounds, are reported to have a higherHCTthan other dog breeds; however, there appears to be no objective information to support this observation.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whetherRBCcounts, indices, and total and differentialWBCcounts differ between Dachshunds and mixed breed dogs.

Methods

In this retrospective study,CBCdata and total solids were compared between 61 healthy Dachshunds and 60 mixed breed dogs that were presented for health check, dental prophylaxis, or neutering to a university and a private clinic.

Results

Dachshunds had higher mean PCV (52% vs 50%;P = .047), mean HCT (52% vs 48%;P = .0003), mean RBC count (7.7 × 106/μL vs 7.1 × 106/μL;P = .0004), and mean HGB concentration (18.2 g/dL vs 16.8 g/dL;P = .0003) than mixed breed dogs. There were slight differences in HCT and HGB concentration between clinics (P < .05). There was no evidence of a difference in MCV, MCHC, and total solids between breeds (P > .5). More Dachshunds than mixed breed dogs had RBC variables above the reference interval: 29% vs 2% for HCT (P = .001); 40% vs 7% for HGB concentration (P = .0006); and 26% vs 5% for RBC count (P = .01). There were statistically significant but clinically unimportant differences in differential WBC counts.

Conclusions

Compared with mixed breed dogs, Dachshunds have higherPCV,HCT,RBCcount, andHGBconcentration. Veterinarians should consider these differences when interpreting CBCs.
Impacts of climate and land‐cover changes on water resources in a humid subtropical watershed: a case study from East Texas, USA
Authors: Heo Joonghyeok , Yu Jaehyung , Giardino John R. , Cho Huidae
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the response of water resources regarding the climate and land‐cover changes in a humid subtropical watershed during the period 1970–2009. A 0.7°C increase in temperature and a 16.3% increase in precipitation were observed. Temperature had a lower increase trend, and precipitation showed definite increasing trend compared to previous studies. The main trend of land‐cover change was conversion of vegetation and barren lands to developed and crop lands affected by human intervention, and forest and grass to bush/shrub which considered to be caused by natural climate system. Hydrologic responses to climate and land‐cover changes resulted in increases of surface run‐off (15.0%), soil water content (2.7%), evapotranspiration (20.1%) and a decrease in groundwater discharge (9.2%). We found that surface run‐off is relatively stable with precipitation, whereas groundwater discharge and soil water content are sensitive to changes in land cover, especially land cover brought about by human intervention.
Independent calculation of dose distributions for helical tomotherapy using a conventional treatment planning system
Authors: Klüter Sebastian , Schubert Kai , Lissner Steffen , Sterzing Florian , Oetzel Dieter , Debus Jürgen , Schlegel Wolfgang , Oelfke Uwe , Nill Simeon
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

The dosimetric verification of treatment plans in helical tomotherapy usually is carried out via verification measurements. In this study, a method for independent dose calculation of tomotherapy treatment plans is presented, that uses a conventional treatment planning system with a pencil kernel dose calculation algorithm for generation of verification dose distributions based on patient CT data.

Methods:

A pencil beam algorithm that directly uses measured beam data was configured for dose calculation for a tomotherapy machine. Tomotherapy treatment plans were converted into a format readable by an in‐house treatment planning system by assigning each projection to one static treatment field and shifting the calculation isocenter for each field in order to account for the couch movement. The modulation of the fluence for each projection is read out of the delivery sinogram, and with the kernel‐based dose calculation, this information can directly be used for dose calculation without the need for decomposition of the sinogram. The sinogram values are only corrected for leaf output and leaf latency. Using the converted treatment plans, dose was recalculated with the independent treatment planning system. Multiple treatment plans ranging from simple static fields to real patient treatment plans were calculated using the new approach and either compared to actual measurements or the 3D dose distribution calculated by the tomotherapy treatment planning system. In addition, dose–volume histograms were calculated for the patient plans.

Results:

Except for minor deviations at the maximum field size, the pencil beam dose calculation for static beams agreed with measurements in a water tank within 2%/2 mm. A mean deviation to point dose measurements in the cheese phantom of 0.89% ± 0.81% was found for unmodulated helical plans. A mean voxel‐based deviation of −0.67% ± 1.11% for all voxels in the respective high dose region (dose values >80%), and a mean local voxel‐based deviation of −2.41% ± 0.75% for all voxels with dose values >20% were found for 11 modulated plans in the cheese phantom. Averaged over nine patient plans, the deviations amounted to −0.14% ± 1.97% (voxels >80%) and −0.95% ± 2.27% (>20%, local deviations). For a lung case, mean voxel‐based deviations of more than 4% were found, while for all other patient plans, all mean voxel‐based deviations were within ±2.4%.

Conclusions:

The presented method is suitable for independent dose calculation for helical tomotherapy within the known limitations of the pencil beam algorithm. It can serve as verification of the primary dose calculation and thereby reduce the need for time‐consuming measurements. By using the patient anatomy and generating full 3D dose data, and combined with measurements of additional machine parameters, it can substantially contribute to overall patient safety.
Transmission Potential of Antimony-Resistant Leishmania Field Isolates
Authors: Seblova Veronika , Oury Bruno , Eddaikra Naouel , Aït-Oudhia Khatima , Pratlong Francine , Gazanion Elodie , Maia Carla , Volf Petr , Sereno Denis
Published: July 2014

We studied the development of antimony-resistant
Leishmania infantum
in natural vectors
Lutzomyia longipalpis
and
Phlebotomus perniciosus
to ascertain the risk of parasite transmission by sand flies. All three resistant strains produced fully mature late-stage infections in sand flies; moreover, the resistant phenotype was maintained after the passage through the vector. These results highlight the risk of circulation of resistant
Leishmania
strains and question the use of human drugs for treatment of dogs as
Leishmania
reservoirs.
Repurposing the Open Access Malaria Box To Discover Potent Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii and Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Boyom Fabrice F. , Fokou Patrick V. T. , Tchokouaha Lauve R. Y. , Spangenberg Thomas , Mfopa Alvine N. , Kouipou Ruffin M. T. , Mbouna Cedric J. , Donfack Valerie F. Donkeng , Zollo Paul H. A.
Published: July 2014

Toxoplasmosis and amebiasis are important public health concerns worldwide. The drugs currently available to control these diseases have proven limitations. Therefore, innovative approaches should be adopted to identify and develop new leads from novel scaffolds exhibiting novel modes of action. In this paper, we describe results from the screening of compounds in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) open access Malaria Box in a search for new anti-
Toxoplasma
and anti-
Entamoeba
agents. Standard
in vitro
phenotypic screening procedures were adopted to assess their biological activities. Seven anti-
Toxoplasma
compounds with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of <5 μM and selectivity indexes (SI) of >6 were identified. The most interesting compound was MMV007791, a piperazine acetamide, which has an IC
50
of 0.19 μM and a selectivity index of >157. Also, we identified two compounds, MMV666600 and MMV006861, with modest activities against
Entamoeba histolytica
, with IC
50
s of 10.66 μM and 15.58 μM, respectively. The anti-
Toxoplasma
compounds identified in this study belong to scaffold types different from those of currently used drugs, underscoring their novelty and potential as starting points for the development of new antitoxoplasmosis drugs with novel modes of action.
Deletion Mutations Conferring Substrate Spectrum Extension in the Class A β-Lactamase
Authors: Hwang Junghyun , Cho Kwang-Hwi , Song Han , Yi Hyojeong , Kim Heenam Stanley
Published: July 2014

We describe four new deletion mutations in a class A β-lactamase PenA in
Burkholderia thailandensis
, each conferring an extended substrate spectrum. Single-amino-acid deletions T171del, I173del, and P174del and a two-amino-acid deletion, R165_T167delinsP, occurred in the omega loop, increasing the flexibility of the binding cavity. This rare collection of mutations has significance, allowing exploration of the diverse evolutionary trajectories of β-lactamases and as potential future mutations conferring high-level ceftazidime resistance on isolates from clinical settings, compared with amino acid substitution mutations.
Chloroquine Remains Effective for Treating Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Pursat Province, Western Cambodia
Authors: Amaratunga Chanaki , Sreng Sokunthea , Mao Sivanna , Tullo Gregory S. , Anderson Jennifer M. , Chuor Char Meng , Suon Seila , Fairhurst Rick M.
Published: July 2014

Chloroquine (CQ) is used to treat
Plasmodium vivax
malaria in areas where CQ resistance has not been reported. The use of artemisinin (ART)-based combination therapies (ACTs) to treat CQ-sensitive
P. vivax
infections is effective and convenient but may promote the emergence and worsening of ART resistance in sympatric
Plasmodium falciparum
populations. Here, we show that CQ effectively treats
P. vivax
malaria in Pursat Province, western Cambodia, where ART-resistant
P. falciparum
is highly prevalent and spreading. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00663546.)
Experimental Therapy with Azoles against Candida guilliermondii
Authors: Sanchis Marta , Pastor Francisco Javier , Capilla Javier , Sutton Deanna A. , Fothergill Annette W. , Guarro Josep
Published: July 2014

We evaluated the
in vitro
killing activity of voriconazole (VRC) and posaconazole (PSC) against two clinical isolates of
Candida guilliermondii
. The two drugs showed fungistatic activity against both isolates and were effective in reducing kidney fungal burden in a neutropenic murine model of disseminated candidiasis in infected mice. PSC was significantly more effective than VRC against one of the strains. The serum levels of PSC and VRC were above the corresponding MICs for these isolates.
First Identification of a Chromosomally Located Penicillinase Gene in Kingella kingae Species Isolated in Continental Europe
Authors: Basmaci Romain , Bidet Philippe , Berçot Béatrice , Jost Christelle , Kwon Thérésa , Gaumetou Elodie , Bonacorsi Stéphane
Published: July 2014

Kingella kingae
is the major pathogen causing osteoarticular infections (OAI) in young children in numerous countries. Plasmid-borne TEM-1 penicillinase production has been sporadically detected in a few countries but not in continental Europe, despite a high prevalence of
K. kingae
infections. We describe here for the first time a
K. kingae
β-lactamase-producing strain in continental Europe and demonstrate the novel chromosomal location of the
bla
TEM-1
gene in
K. kingae
species.
Mycobacterial Gene
cuvA
Is Required for Optimal Nutrient Utilization and Virulence
Authors: Mir Mushtaq , Prisic Sladjana , Kang Choong-Min , Lun Shichun , Guo Haidan , Murry Jeffrey P. , Rubin Eric J. , Husson Robert N.
Published: July 2014

To persist and cause disease in the host,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
must adapt to its environment during infection. Adaptations include changes in nutrient utilization and alterations in growth rate.
M. tuberculosis
Rv1422 is a conserved gene of unknown function that was found in a genetic screen to interact with the
mce4
cholesterol uptake locus. The Rv1422 protein is phosphorylated by the
M. tuberculosis
Ser/Thr kinases PknA and PknB, which regulate cell growth and cell wall synthesis.
Bacillus subtilis
strains lacking the Rv1422 homologue
yvcK
grow poorly on several carbon sources, and
yvcK
is required for proper localization of peptidoglycan synthesis. Here we show that
Mycobacterium smegmatis
and
M. tuberculosis
strains lacking Rv1422 have growth defects in minimal medium containing limiting amounts of several different carbon sources. These strains also have morphological abnormalities, including shortened and bulging cells, suggesting a cell wall defect. In both mycobacterial species, the Rv1422 protein localizes uniquely to the growing cell pole, the site of peptidoglycan synthesis in mycobacteria. An
M. tuberculosis
ΔRv1422 strain is markedly attenuated for virulence in a mouse infection model, where it elicits decreased inflammation in the lungs and shows impaired bacterial persistence. These findings led us to name this gene
cuvA
(
c
arbon
u
tilization and
v
irulence protein
A
) and to suggest a model in which deletion of
cuvA
leads to changes in nutrient uptake and/or metabolism that affect cell wall structure, morphology, and virulence. Its role in virulence suggests that CuvA may be a useful target for novel inhibitors of
M. tuberculosis
during infection.
Nitric Oxide Levels Regulate the Immune Response of Drosophila melanogaster Reference Laboratory Strains to Bacterial Infections
Authors: Eleftherianos Ioannis , More Kareen , Spivack Stephanie , Paulin Ethan , Khojandi Arman , Shukla Sajala
Published: July 2014

Studies on the innate immune response against microbial infections in
Drosophila melanogaster
involve mutant strains and their reference strains that act as experimental controls. We used five standard
D. melanogaster
laboratory reference strains (Oregon R, w1118, Canton-S, Cinnabar Brown, and Yellow White [YW]) and investigated their response against two pathogenic bacteria (
Photorhabdus luminescens
and
Enterococcus faecalis
) and two nonpathogenic bacteria (
Escherichia coli
and
Micrococcus luteus
). We detected high sensitivity among YW flies to bacterial infections and increased bacterial growth compared to the other strains. We also found variation in the transcription of certain antimicrobial peptide genes among strains, with Oregon and YW infected flies showing the highest and lowest gene transcription levels in most cases. We show that Oregon and w1118 flies possess more circulating hemocytes and higher levels of phenoloxidase activity than the other strains upon infection with the nonpathogenic bacteria. We further observed reduced fat accumulation in YW flies infected with the pathogenic bacteria, which suggests a possible decline in physiological condition. Finally, we found that nitrite levels are significantly lower in infected and uninfected YW flies compared to w1118 flies and that nitric oxide synthase mutant flies in YW background are more susceptible to bacterial infection compared to mutants in w1118 background. Therefore, increased sensitivity of YW flies to bacterial infections can be partly attributed to lower levels of nitric oxide. Such studies will significantly contribute toward a better understanding of the genetic variation between
D. melanogaste
r reference strains.
The HtrA-Like Protease CD3284 Modulates Virulence of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Bakker Dennis , Buckley Anthony M. , de Jong Anne , van Winden Vincent J. C. , Verhoeks Joost P. A. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Douce Gillian R. , Kuijper Ed J. , Smits Wiep Klaas , Corver Jeroen
Published: July 2014

In the past decade,
Clostridium difficile
has emerged as an important gut pathogen. Symptoms of
C. difficile
infection range from mild diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis. Besides the two main virulence factors toxin A and toxin B, other virulence factors are likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In other Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, conserved high-temperature requirement A (HtrA)-like proteases have been shown to have a role in protein homeostasis and quality control. This affects the functionality of virulence factors and the resistance of bacteria to (host-induced) environmental stresses. We found that the
C. difficile
630 genome encodes a single HtrA-like protease (CD3284; HtrA) and have analyzed its role
in vivo
and
in vitro
through the creation of an isogenic ClosTron-based
htrA
mutant of
C. difficile
strain 630Δ
erm
(wild type). In contrast to the attenuated phenotype seen with
htrA
deletion in other pathogens, this mutant showed enhanced virulence in the Golden Syrian hamster model of acute
C. difficile
infection. Microarray data analysis showed a pleiotropic effect of
htrA
on the transcriptome of
C. difficile
, including upregulation of the toxin A gene. In addition,
the htrA
mutant showed reduced spore formation and adherence to colonic cells. Together, our data show that
htrA
can modulate virulence in
C. difficile
.
FurC Regulates Expression of
zupT
for the Central Zinc Importer ZupT of Cupriavidus metallidurans
Authors: Schmidt Christopher , Schwarzenberger Claudia , Große Cornelia , Nies Dietrich H.
Published: July 2014

The zinc importer ZupT is required for the efficient allocation of zinc to zinc-dependent proteins in the metal-resistant bacterium
Cupriavidus metallidurans
but not for zinc import
per se
. The expression of
zupT
is upregulated under conditions of zinc starvation.
C. metallidurans
contains three members of the Fur family of regulators that qualify as candidates for the
zupT
regulator. The expression of a
zupT-lacZ
reporter gene fusion was strongly upregulated in a Δ
furC
mutant but not in a Δ
furA
or Δ
furB
mutant. Expression of the genes for transition-metal importers (
pitA
,
corA1
,
corA2
, and
corA3
) was not changed in this pattern in all three Δ
fur
mutants, but they were still downregulated under conditions of elevated zinc concentrations, indicating the presence of another zinc-dependent regulator. FurA was a central regulator of the iron metabolism in
C. metallidurans
, and
furA
was constitutively expressed under the conditions tested. Expression of
furB
was upregulated under conditions of iron starvation, and FurB could be an iron starvation Fur connecting general metal and iron homeostasis, as indicated by the phenotype of a Δ
furB
Δ
furC
double mutant. FurC was purified as a Strep-tagged protein and retarded the electrophoretic mobility of a DNA fragment upstream of
zupT
. Binding of FurC to this operator region was influenced by the presence of zinc ions and EDTA. Thus, FurC is the main zinc uptake regulator (Zur) of
C. metallidurans
and represses synthesis of the central zinc importer ZupT when sufficient zinc is present.
Bacterial Nonhomologous End Joining Requires Teamwork
Authors: Matthews Lindsay A. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: July 2014

All living organisms must repair DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in order to survive. Many bacteria rely on nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) when only a single copy of the genome is available and maintain NHEJ pathways with a minimum of two proteins. In this issue,
Bhattarai and colleagues
identify additional factors that can work together to aid in survival of stationary-phase cells with chromosomal breaks.
A prophylactic fresh frozen plasma transfusion leads to a possible case of transfusion-related acute lung injury
Authors: Banerjee Debasree , Hussain Rashid , Mazer Jeffrey , Carino Gerardo
Published: July 2014

A 39-year-old man with cholangiocarcinoma presented with fever and abdominal pain. He was hypotensive, jaundiced and had right upper quadrant tenderness. Laboratory testing showed a leucocytosis, elevated liver function tests, total bilirubin and International Normalised Ratio (INR). Given the concern for cholangitis, the patient was given antibiotics and three units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) before biliary drain placement. After drain placement, and within 3 h of receiving blood products, the patient became tachypnoeic and hypoxic with a chest X-ray revealing new bilateral airspace disease. The rapid development of respiratory distress was determined to most likely be transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). He rapidly progressed to intubation and required 100% FiO2, high positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and intermittent-prone ventilation for 48 h but eventually recovered and was extubated. TRALI is an under-recognised aetiology for respiratory distress in the critically ill. Adopting a conservative transfusion strategy may prevent TRALI.
Silent diabetes mellitus, periodontitis and a new case of thalamic abscess
Authors: Karageorgiou Ioannis , Chandler Christopher , Whyte Martin Brunel
Published: July 2014

Brain abscess is an unusual complication of uncontrolled diabetes. A solitary thalamic abscess is an uncommon type of brain abscess. We report a case of thalamic abscess, whereupon diabetes mellitus and periodontitis were diagnosed. The diagnosis and management of thalamic abscess, and the interplay of type 2 diabetes and periodontitis are discussed. A 56-year-old, Caucasian, man with no medical or travel history, presented with 5-day symptoms of meningeal irritation. Body mass index 30.6 kg/m2. CT demonstrated a solitary midline lesion with neoplasia as a differential diagnosis. It was biopsied and cultures grewStreptococcus milleri. He was treated by stereotactic puncture, external drainage and targeted intrathecal and systemic antibiotic therapy. HIV negative but glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 10.7% (93 mmol/mol). Dental examination revealed a small molar abscess. Radiological resolution of the thalamic abscess occurred within 2 months. Diabetes improved with 7 weeks of insulin, and maintained on metformin, HbA1c 6.9% (51 mmol/mol). There was no residual neurological disability.
Spontaneous regression of a biopsy confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bhardwaj Neil , Li Mo , Price Timothy , Maddern Guy J
Published: July 2014

A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with histologically proven multiple bilobar hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in 2012. The lesions were inoperable and a repeat CT scan prior to starting chemotherapy revealed spontaneous regression of these lesions. Subsequent repeat scans have revealed continued regression of these lesions despite no active treatment. The case is presented with a literature review and discussion summarising the possible aetiologies of this phenomenon.
Performance based seismic assessment of bridges designed according to Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code
Authors: Sheikh M. Neaz , Légeron Frédéric
Published: July 2014

Recent research efforts have focused on the development of performance based seismic design methodologies for structures. However, the seismic design rules prescribed in the current Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) is based largely on force based design principles. Although a set of performance requirements (performance objectives) for different return period earthquake events have been specified, there is no explicit requirement in the CHBDC to check the attainment of such performance objectives for the designed bridges. Also, no engineering parameters have been assigned to the specified performance objectives. This paper correlates seismic performance objectives (both qualitative and quantitative) with engineering parameters, based on the data collected from published experimental investigations and field investigation reports of recent earthquakes. A simple method has been developed and validated with experimental results for assessing the performance of bridges designed according to CHBDC. It has been found that the design rules prescribed in CHBDC do not guarantee that specified multiple seismic performance objectives can be achieved. An implicit seismic design rule in the form of performance response modification factor has been outlined for the performance based seismic design of bridges.
Fault zone migration by footwall shortcut and recumbent folding along an inverted fault: example from the Mosha Fault, Central Alborz, Northern Iran
Authors: Ehteshami-Moinabadi Mohsen
Published: July 2014

The Mosha Fault is a multiply inverted fault in the Central Alborz. Field observations and structural data from this fault show that a footwall shortcut is the major mode of response of this fault to contractional deformation. Although the Mosha Fault is a basement-involved fault, there is no evidence of involvement of basement along its footwall shortcuts, at least in the study area. Footwall shortcuts along this fault vary in size from several hundreds of metres to tens of kilometres, suggesting that a footwall shortcut can be scale independent. It is proposed that footwall shortcuts can also occur as blind thrusts under fault-related folds in the terrains near the major inverted faults. Similar cases also exist in other regions such as Japan. Some large footwall shortcuts may be the causative fault of devastating earthquakes in the active inverted terrains such as the south Central Alborz. Incompetent layers acting as detachments may play an important role in the development of footwall shortcuts. Recumbent folding in the form of a cover nappe in the footwall of the Mosha Fault is another case of southward migration of deformation along the Mosha Fault by which the fault has responded to the Oligo-Miocene compression. This case can be considered as a newly recognized style of deforming structure that occurred along an inverted fault.
Lobal affinity of Late Wisconsin tills at St. Marys in southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dreimanis Aleksis , Karrow Paul F. , Barnett Peter J.
Published: July 2014

The exposures at the St. Marys Cement Inc. quarry at St. Marys, Ontario, have been studied by geologists since the mid-1950s. This paper summarizes previous and new information collected in 2009, 2010, and 2012 and discusses the record of sediments resting on the bedrock surface that have been exposed during quarry operations. The exposed sediments illustrate the dynamic behavior of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in this area during the Late Wisconsin. Evidence for subglacial meltwater activity, shifting ice-flow directions during till deposition, a local or regional erosion event, possible subaerial exposure, and ice-marginal sedimentation is observed in the sequence of tills and stratified sediments exposed in the quarries. It also highlights how rapid lateral facies changes, complex contact relationships, and steep erosional contacts can prove to be challenging for correlation and extrapolation of subsurface units into three-dimensional stratigraphic models. Fourteen units were identified of which the lower six were deposited during the Nissouri age (Catfish Creek Drift). This included five layers of till deposited by a glacier that alternated from flowing out of the Lake Huron basin to that of a regional flow to the south-southwest. An angular unconformity cuts into these sediments and separates them from a finer-grained sediment sequence (primarily of Port Bruce age) consisting of glaciofluvial gravel, two fine-textured till layers, and rhythmically bedded glaciolacustrine sediments, all overlain by the uppermost till, the Rannoch Till, and Mitchell Moraine ice-marginal fan sediments.
Stable isotope patterns of benthic organisms from the Great Lakes region indicate variable dietary overlap ofDiporeiaspp. and dreissenid mussels
Authors: Foley Carolyn J. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Nalepa Thomas F. , Sepúlveda Marisol S. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: July 2014

Competition between native and invasive species may bring about a suite of ecological and evolutionary outcomes, including local extirpations. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, competition for food may explain the dramatic decline of Diporeia spp. amphipods following the introduction of dreissenid mussels. This hypothesis has not been confirmed, in part because dreissenids and Diporeia appear to co-exist and flourish in other systems, including the Finger Lakes of New York. We used carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen stable isotope ratios to examine resource use by Diporeia from three spatially distinct populations (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Cayuga Lake), dreissenids from areas where they co-occur with Diporeia (Lake Michigan and Cayuga Lake), and Diporeia from Lake Michigan collected before and after dreissenid invasion (1986–2009). Our results suggest that dreissenids may affect resource use by Diporeia in areas of co-occurrence, but the extent to which those effects are positive or negative is unclear. Terrestrial inputs may provide an important subsidy for Diporeia populations in small systems but may not be substantial enough in the Great Lakes to ensure that both taxa thrive.