bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of tomato shoot growth by over‐irrigation is linked to nitrogen deficiency and ethylene
Authors: Fiebig Antje , Dodd Ian C.
Published: May 2015

Although physiological effects of acute flooding have been well studied, chronic effects of suboptimal soil aeration caused by over‐irrigation of containerized plants have not, despite its likely commercial significance. By automatically scheduling irrigation according to soil moisture thresholds, effects of over‐irrigation on soil properties (oxygen concentration, temperature and moisture), leaf growth, gas exchange, phytohormone [abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene] relations and nutrient status of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv. Ailsa Craig) were studied. Over‐irrigation slowly increased soil moisture and decreased soil oxygen concentration by 4%. Soil temperature was approximately 1°C lower in the over‐irrigated substrate. Over‐irrigating tomato plants for 2 weeks significantly reduced shoot height (by 25%) and fresh weight and total leaf area (by 60–70%) compared with well‐drained plants. Over‐irrigation did not alter stomatal conductance, leaf water potential or foliar ABA concentrations, suggesting that growth inhibition was not hydraulically regulated or dependent on stomatal closure or changes in ABA. However, over‐irrigation significantly increased foliar ethylene emission. Ethylene seemed to inhibit growth, as the partially ethylene‐insensitive genotype Never ripe (Nr) was much less sensitive to over‐irrigation than the wild type. Over‐irrigation induced significant foliar nitrogen deficiency and daily supplementation of small volumes of 10 mM Ca(NO3)2 to over‐irrigated soil restored foliar nitrogen concentrations, ethylene emission and shoot fresh weight of over‐irrigated plants to control levels. Thus reduced nitrogen uptake plays an important role in inhibiting growth of over‐irrigated plants, in part by stimulating foliar ethylene emission.
The CBL–CIPK signaling module in plants: a mechanistic perspective
Authors: Sanyal Sibaji K. , Pandey Amita , Pandey Girdhar K.
Published: May 2015

In a given environment, plants are constantly exposed to multitudes of stimuli. These stimuli are sensed and transduced to generate a diverse array of responses by several signal transduction pathways. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is one such important pathway involved in transducing a large number of stimuli or signals in both animals and plants. Ca2+ engages a plethora of decoders to mediate signaling in plants. Among these groups of decoders, the sensor responder complex of calcineurin B‐like protein (CBL) and CBL‐interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) play a very significant role in transducing these signals. The signal transduction mechanism in most cases is phosphorylation events, but some structural role for the pair has also come to light recently. In this review, we discuss the structural nature of the sensor‐responder duo; their mechanism of substrate phosphorylation and also their structural role in modulating targets. Moreover, the mechanism of complex formation and mechanistic role of protein phosphatases with CBL–CIPK module has been mentioned. A comparison of CBL–CIPK with other decoders of Ca2+ signaling in plants also signifies the relatedness and diversity in signaling pathways. Further an attempt has been made to compare this aspect of Ca2+ signaling pathways in different plant species to develop a holistic understanding of conservation of stimulus–response‐coupling mediated by this Ca2+–CBL–CIPK module.
Soil moisture dynamics and restoration of self‐sustaining native vegetation ecosystem on an open‐cut coal mine
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Neldner Victor J. , Doley David , Kusy Brano , Moore Darren , Richter Christian
Published: May 2015

Post‐mining landscape reconstruction on open‐cut coal mines aims to support restoration of self‐sustaining native vegetation ecosystems that in perpetuity require no extra inputs relative to unmined analogs. Little is known about the soil moisture retention capacity of the limited layer of topsoil replaced (often <30 cm deep), impacts of deep ripping of the profile, and the combined impacts of these on plant available water during the mine restoration process. We examined changes in soil moisture parameters (soil water potential, Ψ, and soil water content, Θ) daily using automated soil sensors installed at 30 and 45–65 cm depths on mine restoration sites aged between 3 and 22 years and on adjacent remnant vegetation sites following heavy rainfall events at Meandu mine, southeast Queensland, Australia. Consistent patterns in soil moisture attributes were observed among rehabilitated sites with generally marked differences from remnant sites. Remnant site soil profiles had generally higher Θ after drying than rehabilitated sites and maintained high Ψ for extended periods after rain events. There was a relatively rapid decline of Ψ on reconstructed soil profiles compared with remnant sites although the times of decline onset varied. This response indicated that vegetation restoration sites released soil moisture more rapidly than remnant sites but the rate of drying decreased with increasing rehabilitation age and increased with increasing tree stem density. The rapid drying of mine rehabilitated sites may threaten the survival of some remnant forest species, limit tree growth, and delay restoration of self‐sustaining native ecosystem.
Association between peripheral airway function and neutrophilic inflammation in asthma
Authors: Farah Claude S. , Keulers Laurien A.B. , Hardaker Kate M. , Peters Matthew J. , Berend Norbert , Postma Dirkje S. , Salome Cheryl M. , King Gregory G.
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

Small airway dysfunction is associated with asthma severity and control, but its association with airway inflammation is unknown. The aim was to determine the association between sputum inflammatory cells and the site of small airway dysfunction, measured by multiple breath nitrogen washout in convection‐dependent (Scond) and more peripheral diffusion‐dependent (Sacin) airways.

Methods

Fifty‐three (20–67 years) subjects with asthma on inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment were characterized by spirometry, Scond, Sacin and induced sputum differential counts. %Predicted values for Scond and Sacin were calculated from published reference equations to adjust for the effects of age. Univariate correlations were assessed using the Spearman test. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to account for potential confounders, including age, gender, disease duration, body mass index and ICS dose.

Results

Sacin (%predicted) correlated significantly with neutrophil% (rs = 0.33, P = 0.02), ICS dose (rs = −0.28, P = 0.04) and age (rs = 0.27, P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Sacin related only to neutrophil% (adjusted R2 = 0.18, P = 0.001). Scond (%predicted) correlated significantly only with eosinophil% (rs = 0.39, P = 0.004). There was a trend for a negative relationship with ICS dose (rs = −0.26, P = 0.06). In multivariate analysis, Scond related to eosinophil% and ICS dose independently (adjusted R2 = 0.12, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Acinar and conductive airway dysfunction is associated with different inflammatory profiles in asthmatic airways, independently of the effects of age and disease duration. The association between acinar airway dysfunction and neutrophilic airway inflammation may have implications for asthma treatment.
Parental Wealth and the Black–White Mobility Gap in the U.S.
Authors: Fox Liana E.
Published: May 2015

Utilizing longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), this paper examines the relationship between parental wealth and intergenerational income mobility for black and white families. I find that total parental wealth is positively associated with upward mobility for low‐income white families, but is not associated with reduced likelihood of downward mobility for white families from the top half of the income distribution. Conversely, I find that total parental wealth does not have the same positive association for low‐income black families, while home ownership may have negative associations with the likelihood of upward mobility for these families. However, for black families from the top half of the income distribution, home equity is associated with a decreased likelihood of downward mobility, suggesting a heterogeneous relationship between home ownership and mobility for black families.
They stole her teeth! An exploration of adults with developmental disability experiences with dental care
Authors: Salmasi Amin , Harrison Rosamund , Brondani Mario A
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of adults with developmental disabilities (AWDD) in accessing and utilizing dental services in Vancouver, BC.

Methods

Participants were either self‐advocates or parents/caregivers who discussed their experiences in five focus group discussions with 20 participants in total (age range 17–60 years, 2 males). Each focus group lasted on average 40 minutes. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; the codes were organized into themes and finally into domains.

Results

Seven domains relating to the participants’ experiences with dental care were identified, and included communication, trust, and respect as provided‐based domains to the quality of the dental experience for AWDD and their parents, while financial issues, transitional services, and waiting times were system‐based barriers to access to dental care for theses AWDD. Finally, what makes for a positive dental experience was shared in terms of acknowledging parent's role as advocates and making simple accommodations to see AWDD by the dental office.

Conclusions

Access to a care provider did not necessarily equate to satisfaction with quality of experience. Efforts have to focus on establishing communication and trust with AWDD patients as key to a positive dental experience. We encourage a global discussion on the need to better incorporate dental care for special needs individuals within dental school curricula.
Tea Leaves and Southern Politics: Explaining Tea Party Support in the Region*
Authors: Hood M. V. , Kidd Quentin , Morris Irwin L.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Our research assesses the distinctiveness of Tea Party adherents among mobilized Republicans in the South.

Methods

The data come from an interactive voice response (IVR) survey of households containing at least one Republican primary voter across nine southern states conducted approximately one month before the 2012 presidential election. We analyze the data using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Unlike other scholarship, we find no evidence that racial animosity drives the movement, but we do find a strong relationship between evangelicalism and Tea Party support. We also find Tea Party adherents are older, more likely to be men, less wealthy, more ideologically conservative, and more partisan than their fellow Republicans.

Conclusions

Tea Party supporters in the South are likely to have a significant impact on the future of the Republican Party—both in the South, and nationally. The fact that our profile of southern Tea Party supporters does not include growing segments of the electorate does not bode well for the future development of the GOP.
Complementary information for skewness measures
Authors: García V. J. , Martel M. , Vázquez‐Polo F.J.
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces some new elements to measure the skewness of a probability distribution, suggesting that a given distribution can have both positive and negative skewness, depending on the centred sub‐interval of the support set being observed. A skewness function for positive reals is defined, from which a bivariate index of positive–negative skewness is obtained. Certain interesting properties of this new index are studied, and they are also obtained for some common discrete distributions. We show the advantages of their use as a complement to the information derived by traditional measures of skewness.
Molecular basis for D− Japanese: identification of novel DEL and D− alleles
Authors: Ogasawara K. , Suzuki Y. , Sasaki K. , Osabe T. , Isa K. , Tsuneyama H. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

The occurrence of D− is approximately 0·5% in Japanese, but DEL in apparently D− individuals is relatively common compared with that in Caucasian populations. On the basis of molecular genetics, we examined D− Japanese blood donors.

Methods

A standard serological technique was used for RhD typing, and we selected 3526 D− blood samples. Genomic DNA obtained from whole blood was used for RHD analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Multiplex PCR to detect all of the RHD exons and use of PCR‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) to detect RHD deletion (RHD*01N.01) and c.1227G>A mutation (for RHD*01EL.01) were performed.

Results

Multiplex PCR and PCR‐SSP revealed that 3091 of 3526 D− individuals (87·7%) were homozygous for RHD*01N.01, and 318 individuals (9·0%) had the RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01N.01 or RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01EL.01 genotype. The other 103 in the 3526 individuals (2·9%) had the known D‐CE‐D hybrid allele, RHD*01N.04, and the association of RHCE*Ce with RHD*01EL.01 as well as RHD*01N.04 was observed. The remaining 14 individuals had RHD*01N.01 hemizygous with one of the following alleles: RHD*01N.06 (3), RHD*01N.07 (1), RHD*04N.01 (1), RHD*DEL8 (1), RHD with c.761C>G (p.Ser254Ter) (2), RHD with c.1252T>A (p.Ter418Lysex26) (2) and apparently common RHD (4). Adsorption and elution tests with anti‐D revealed that the individuals with c.761C>G mutation were D− while the individuals with c.1252T>A mutation were DEL.

Conclusions

The RHD genotype of more than 96% of D− Japanese could be determined by conventional PCR‐SSP. In addition, we identified a novel DEL allele having c.1252T>A mutation and a novel RHD silencing allele having c.761C>G nonsense mutation.
The Flow Field in a Virtual Model of a Rotary Kiln as a Function of Inlet Geometry and Momentum Flux Ratio
Authors: Sofia Larsson I. A. , Staffan Lundström T. , Daniel Marjavaara B.
Published: May 2015

The rotary kiln is the middle part of a grate-kiln iron ore pelletizing process and consists of a large, cylindrical rotating oven with a burner in one end. The flame is the heart of the process, delivering the necessary heat. The combustion process is largely controlled by the turbulent diffusion mixing between the primary fuel jet and the combustion air, called the secondary air, which is mostly induced through the kiln hood. The relatively high momentum of the secondary air implies that the resulting flow field has a significant impact on the combustion process, justifying a systematic study of the factors influencing the dynamics of the secondary air flow field, by neglecting the primary fuel jet and the combustion. The objective of this work is thus to investigate how the geometry and the momentum flux ratio of the inlets affect the flow field in the kiln. Down-scaled models of the kiln are investigated numerically. It is found that the resulting flow field is highly affected by both the geometry and momentum flux ratio of the inlet flows, including effects from pressure driven secondary flow occurring in the semicircular inlet ducts. The dynamics of the flow is further investigated using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) resulting in a deeper understanding of the forming, interaction and convection of the vortical structures.
Shock Mitigation by Means of Low- to High-Frequency Nonlinear Targeted Energy Transfers in a Large-Scale Structure
Authors: AL-Shudeifat Mohammad A. , Vakakis Alexander F. , Bergman Lawrence A.
Published: May 2015

In this computational study, the implementation of passive nonlinear vibro-impact attachments (termed nonlinear energy sinks (NESs)) for shock mitigation of an otherwise linear multistory large-scale structure is investigated. This is achieved by inducing passive targeted energy transfer (TET) from the fundamental (lowest-frequency and most energetic) structural mode to high-frequency modes, through a series of vibro-impacts induced by the attachments. The functionality of the passive attachments is based on single-sided vibro-impacts (SSVIs), enabling rapid and one-way scattering of shock energy from low- to high-frequency structural modes. Hence, redistribution of shock energy in the modal space of the structure occurs as energy gets nonlinearly scattered to high frequencies. In turn, this energy scattering rapidly reduces the overall amplitude of the transient structural response, and increases the effective dissipative capacity of the integrated NES-structure assembly. The effective modal dissipation rates of the integrated assembly can be controlled by the inherent damping of the NESs, and can be qualitatively studied in detail by defining appropriate dissipative measures which track the TETs from low- and high-frequency structural modes. Ideally, the optimized NESs can passively scatter up to 80% of the input shock energy from the fundamental structural mode to high-frequency modes in the limit when their inherent damping is zero and the coefficient of restitution during vibro-impacts is unity. When dissipative effects are introduced into the NESs, additional energy exchanges between the NESs and high-frequency modes occur. Our study facilitates the predictive design of vibro-impact NESs for optimal and rapid shock mitigation of large-scale structures.
A Complete Analysis and a Novel Solution for Instability in Pump Controlled Asymmetric Actuators
Authors: Çalışkan Hakan , Balkan Tuna , Platin Bülent E.
Published: May 2015

This paper addresses the stability problem of pump controlled asymmetric hydraulic actuators and proposes a physical solution for it. The system under consideration utilizes a shuttle valve to compensate for unequal flow rates due to the asymmetry in the actuator. Possible hydraulic circuit configurations resulting from various valve positions are defined on the load pressure versus velocity plane and a generalized linear model of the system is derived. The investigation shows that there exists a critical load pressure region in which any equilibrium point requiring a partially open spool position is unstable during the retraction of the actuator. A particular valve underlap is proposed in order to avoid the instability and a shuttle valve selection guide is presented. Theoretical findings are validated by both numerical simulations and experimental tests. Results show that the undesired pressure oscillations are removed up to certain actuator velocities with the use of an underlapped shuttle valve.
Phonon Heat Conduction in Multidimensional Heterostructures: Predictions Using the Boltzmann Transport Equation
Authors: Ali Syed Ashraf , Mazumder Sandip
Published: May 2015

In this article, two models for phonon transmission across semiconductor interfaces are investigated and demonstrated in the context of large-scale spatially three-dimensional calculations of the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). These include two modified forms of the classical diffuse mismatch model (DMM): one, in which dispersion is accounted for and another, in which energy transfer between longitudinal acoustic (LA) and transverse acoustic (TA) phonons is disallowed. As opposed to the vast majority of the previous studies in which the interface is treated in isolation, and the thermal boundary conductance is calculated using closed-form analytical formulations, the present study also considers the interplay between the interface and intrinsic (volumetric) scattering of phonons. This is accomplished by incorporating the interface models into a parallel solver for the full seven-dimensional BTE for phonons. A verification study is conducted in which the thermal boundary resistance of a silicon/germanium interface is compared against the previously reported results of molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. The BTE solutions overpredicted the interfacial resistance, and the reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. It is found that due to the interplay between intrinsic and interface scattering, the interfacial thermal resistance across a Si(hot)/Ge(cold) bilayer is different from that of a Si(cold)/Ge(hot) bilayer. Finally, the phonon BTE is solved for a nanoscale three-dimensional heterostructure, comprised of multiple blocks of silicon and germanium, and the time evolution of the temperature distribution is predicted and compared against predictions using the Fourier law of heat conduction.
Effects of Two Football Stud Types on Knee and Ankle Kinetics of Single-Leg Land-Cut and 180° Cut Movements on Infilled Synthetic Turf
Authors: Bennett Hunter J. , Brock Elizabeth , Brosnan James T. , Sorochan John C. , Zhang Songning
Published: May 2015

Higher ACL injury rates have been recorded in cleats with higher torsional resistance in American football, which warrants better understanding of shoe/stud-dependent joint kinetics. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in knee and ankle kinetics during single-leg land cuts and 180° cuts on synthetic infilled turf while wearing 3 types of shoes. Fourteen recreational football players performed single-leg land cuts and 180° cuts in nonstudded running shoes (RS) and in football shoes with natural (NTS) and synthetic turf studs (STS). Knee and ankle kinetic variables were analyzed with a 3 × 2 (shoe × movement) repeated-measures ANOVA (P < .05). A significant shoe-by-movement interaction was found in loading response peak knee adduction moments, with NTS producing smaller moments compared with both STS and RS only in 180° cuts. Reduced peak negative plantar flexor powers were also found in NTS compared with STS. The single-leg land cut produced greater loading response and push-off peak knee extensor moments, as well as peak negative and positive extensor and plantar flexor powers, but smaller loading peak knee adduction moments and push-off peak ankle eversion moments than 180° cuts. Overall, the STS and 180° cuts resulted in greater frontal plane knee loading and should be monitored for possible increased ACL injury risks.
Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Patterns in Older Adults After Hip Fracture: A Call to Action
Authors: Fleig Lena , McAllister Megan M. , Brasher Penny , Cook Wendy L. , Guy Pierre , Puyat Joseph H. , Khan Karim M. , McKay Heather A. , Ashe Maureen C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

To characterize patterns of sedentary behavior and physical activity in older adults recovering from hip fracture and to determine characteristics associated with activity.

Methods:

Community-dwelling, Canadian adults (65 years+) who sustained hip fracture wore an accelerometer at the waist for seven days and provided information on quality of life, falls self-efficacy, cognitive functioning, and mobility.

Results:

There were 53 older adults (mean age [SD] 79.5 [7.8] years) enrolled in the study; 49 had valid data and demonstrated high levels of sedentary time (median [p10, p90] 591.3 [482.2, 707.2] minutes/day), low levels of light activity (186.6 [72.6, 293.7]), and MVPA (2 [0.1, 27.6]), as well as few daily steps (2467.7 [617.1, 6820.4]). Regression analyses showed that age, gender, gait speed, and time since fracture were associated with outcomes.

Conclusions:

Older adults have long periods of sedentary time with minimal activity. Results are a call to action to encourage people to sit less and move more.
Telescope clash deeply rooted in Hawaii's past
Authors: Loomis Ilima , Cho Adrian
Published: May 2015

Opponents say Thirty Meter Telescope violates sovereignty and sacred ground.
Deep-ocean microbe is closest living relative of complex cells
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: May 2015

Genomic study of “Loki” supports a revisionist view of the origin of eukaryotes.
A closer mimic of the oxygen evolution complex of photosystem II
Authors: Sun Licheng
Published: May 2015

An inorganic cluster replicates many of the structural aspects of the complex that photosplits water and powers photosynthesis

[Also see Report by

Zhang
et al.

]
Understanding friction in layered materials
Authors: Liechti Kenneth M.
Published: May 2015

A scanning probe technique provides a clearer picture of friction at the nanometer scale

[Also see Report by

Koren
et al.

]
GTEx detects genetic effects
Authors: Gibson Greg
Published: May 2015

The genetic basis for variation among individuals in transcript abundance across tissues is analyzed

[Also see Research Article by
Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Consortium
and Reports by

Melé
et al.

and

Rivas
et al.

]
Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccination Induces Divergent Proinflammatory or Regulatory T Cell Responses in Adults
Authors: Boer Mardi C. , Prins Corine , van Meijgaarden Krista E. , van Dissel Jaap T. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Joosten Simone A.
Published: May 2015

Mycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only currently available vaccine against tuberculosis, induces variable protection in adults. Immune correlates of protection are lacking, and analyses on cytokine-producing T cell subsets in protected versus unprotected cohorts have yielded inconsistent results. We studied the primary T cell response, both proinflammatory and regulatory T cell responses, induced by BCG vaccination in adults. Twelve healthy adult volunteers who were tuberculin skin test (TST) negative, QuantiFERON test (QFT) negative, and BCG naive were vaccinated with BCG and followed up prospectively. BCG vaccination induced an unexpectedly dichotomous immune response in this small, BCG-naive, young-adult cohort: BCG vaccination induced either gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ+) interleukin 2-positive (IL-2+) tumor necrosis factor α-positive (TNF-α+) polyfunctional CD4+T cells concurrent with CD4+IL-17A+and CD8+IFN-γ+T cells or, in contrast, virtually absent cytokine responses with induction of CD8+regulatory T cells. Significant induction of polyfunctional CD4+IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+T cells and IFN-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confined to individuals with strong immunization-induced local skin inflammation and increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Conversely, in individuals with mild inflammation, regulatory-like CD8+T cells were uniquely induced. Thus, BCG vaccination either induced a broad proinflammatory T cell response with local inflammatory reactogenicity or, in contrast, a predominant CD8+regulatory T cell response with mild local inflammation, poor cytokine induction, and absent polyfunctional CD4+T cells. Further detailed fine mapping of the heterogeneous host response to BCG vaccination using classical and nonclassical immune markers will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and determinants that underlie the induction of apparently opposite immune responses and how these impact the ability of BCG to induce protective immunity to TB.
Molecular Engineering of Ghfp, the Gonococcal Orthologue of Neisseria meningitidis Factor H Binding Protein
Authors: Rippa Valentina , Santini Laura , Lo Surdo Paola , Cantini Francesca , Veggi Daniele , Gentile Maria Antonietta , Grassi Eva , Iannello Giulia , Brunelli Brunella , Ferlicca Francesca , Palmieri Emiliano , Pallaoro Michele , Aricò Beatrice , Banci Lucia , Pizza Mariagrazia , Scarselli Maria
Published: May 2015

Knowledge of the sequences and structures of proteins produced by microbial pathogens is continuously increasing. Besides offering the possibility of unraveling the mechanisms of pathogenesis at the molecular level, structural information provides new tools for vaccine development, such as the opportunity to improve viral and bacterial vaccine candidates by rational design. Structure-based rational design of antigens can optimize the epitope repertoire in terms of accessibility, stability, and variability. In the present study, we used epitope mapping information on the well-characterized antigen ofNeisseria meningitidisfactor H binding protein (fHbp) to engineer its gonococcal homologue, Ghfp. Meningococcal fHbp is typically classified in three distinct antigenic variants. We introduced epitopes of fHbp variant 1 onto the surface of Ghfp, which is naturally able to protect against meningococcal strains expressing fHbp of variants 2 and 3. Heterologous epitopes were successfully transplanted, as engineered Ghfp induced functional antibodies against all three fHbp variants. These results confirm that structural vaccinology represents a successful strategy for modulating immune responses, and it is a powerful tool for investigating the extension and localization of immunodominant epitopes.
Pulmonary Fungal Infection Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: Dionne Brandon , Neff Luke , Lee Samuel A. , Sutton Deanna A. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Lindner Jonathan , Fan Hongxin , Jakeman Bernadette
Published: May 2015

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
is a mold known to cause onychomycosis and dermatomycosis; however, it is an extremely rare cause of systemic infection. We report a case of pulmonary infection with
Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
in an immunocompromised patient and discuss
in vitro
susceptibility data from this case and previous literature.
Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Identification with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Panagea Theofano , Pincus David H. , Grogono Dorothy , Jones Melissa , Bryant Josephine , Parkhill Julian , Floto R. Andres , Gilligan Peter
Published: May 2015

We determined that the Vitek MS Plus matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry using research-use-only (RUO) v.4.12 and
in vitro
-diagnostic (IVD) v.3.0 databases accurately identified 41
Mycobacterium abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
and 13
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
isolates identified by whole-genome sequencing to the species but not the subspecies level, from Middlebrook 7H11 and
Burkholderia cepacia
selective agars. Peak analysis revealed three peaks potentially able to differentiate between subspecies.
Point-Counterpoint: Cervical Cancer Screening Should Be Done by Primary Human Papillomavirus Testing with Genotyping and Reflex Cytology for Women over the Age of 25 Years
Authors: Stoler Mark H. , Austin R. Marshall , Zhao Chengquan
Published: May 2015

Screening for cervical cancer with cytology testing has been very effective in reducing cervical cancer in the United States. For decades, the approach was an annual Pap test. In 2000, the Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomavirus (HPV) test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for screening women who have atypical squamous cells of underdetermined significance (ASCUS) detected by Pap test to determine the need for colposcopy. In 2003, the FDA approved expanding the use of the test to include screening performed in conjunction with a Pap test for women over the age of 30 years, referred to as “cotesting.” Cotesting allows women to extend the testing interval to 3 years if both tests have negative results. In April of 2014, the FDA approved the use of an HPV test (the cobas HPV test) for primary cervical cancer screening for women over the age of 25 years, without the need for a concomitant Pap test. The approval recommended either colposcopy or a Pap test for patients with specific high-risk HPV types detected by the HPV test. This was based on the results of the ATHENA trial, which included more than 40,000 women. Reaction to this decision has been mixed. Supporters point to the fact that the primary-screening algorithm found more disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse [CIN3+]) and also found it earlier than did cytology or cotesting. Moreover, the positive predictive value and positive-likelihood ratio of the primary-screening algorithm were higher than those of cytology. Opponents of the decision prefer cotesting, as this approach detects more disease than the HPV test alone. In addition, the performance of this new algorithm has not been assessed in routine clinical use. Professional organizations will need to develop guidelines that incorporate this testing algorithm. In this Point-Counterpoint, Dr. Stoler explains why he favors the primary-screening algorithm, while Drs. Austin and Zhao explain why they prefer the cotesting approach to screening for cervical cancer.
Characterization of an Enterococcus gallinarum Isolate Carrying a Dual
vanA
and
vanB
Cassette
Authors: Eshaghi Alireza , Shahinas Dea , Li Aimin , Kariyawasam Ruwandi , Banh Philip , Desjardins Marc , Melano Roberto G. , Patel Samir N.
Published: May 2015

The ability of vancomycin resistance determinants to be horizontally transferred within enterococci species is a concern. Identification and characterization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a clinical isolate have a significant impact on infection control practices. In this study, we describe a clinical isolate of
Enterococcus gallinarum
exhibiting high-level resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The genetic characterization of this isolate showed the presence of
vanA
and
vanB
genes in addition to the naturally carried
vanC
gene.
vanA
was identified on pA6981, a 35,608-bp circular plasmid with significant homology to plasmid pS177. The
vanB
operon was integrated into the bacterial chromosome and showed a high level of homology to previously reported Tn
1549
and Tn
5382
. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of
E. gallinarum
carrying both
vanA
and
vanB
operons, indicating the importance of identifying the vancomycin resistance mechanism in non-
E. faecium
and non-
E. faecalis
enterococcal species.
Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Vaccine Is Fully Attenuated by a Combination of Partial Attenuations in the S, M, and L Segments
Authors: Ikegami Tetsuro , Hill Terence E. , Smith Jennifer K. , Zhang Lihong , Juelich Terry L. , Gong Bin , Slack Olga A. L. , Ly Hoai J. , Lokugamage Nandadeva , Freiberg Alexander N.
Published: May 2015

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease endemic to Africa and characterized by a high rate of abortion in ruminants and hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or blindness in humans. RVF is caused by Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV; familyBunyaviridae, genusPhlebovirus), which has a tripartite negative-stranded RNA genome (consisting of the S, M, and L segments). Further spread of RVF into countries where the disease is not endemic may affect the economy and public health, and vaccination is an effective approach to prevent the spread of RVFV. A live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine is one of the best-characterized RVF vaccines for safety and efficacy and is currently conditionally licensed for use for veterinary purposes in the United States. Meanwhile, as of 2015, no other RVF vaccine has been conditionally or fully licensed for use in the United States. The MP-12 strain is derived from wild-type pathogenic strain ZH548, and its genome encodes 23 mutations in the three genome segments. However, the mechanism of MP-12 attenuation remains unknown. We characterized the attenuation of wild-type pathogenic strain ZH501 carrying a mutation(s) of the MP-12 S, M, or L segment in a mouse model. Our results indicated that MP-12 is attenuated by the mutations in the S, M, and L segments, while the mutations in the M and L segments confer stronger attenuation than those in the S segment. We identified a combination of 3 amino acid changes, Y259H (Gn), R1182G (Gc), and R1029K (L), that was sufficient to attenuate ZH501. However, strain MP-12 with reversion mutations at those 3 sites was still highly attenuated. Our results indicate that MP-12 attenuation is supported by a combination of multiple partial attenuation mutations and a single reversion mutation is less likely to cause a reversion to virulence of the MP-12 vaccine.

IMPORTANCERift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-transmitted viral disease that is endemic to Africa and that has the potential to spread into other countries. Vaccination is considered an effective way to prevent the disease, and the only available veterinary RVF vaccine in the United States is a live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine, which is conditionally licensed. Strain MP-12 is different from its parental pathogenic RVFV strain, strain ZH548, because of the presence of 23 mutations. This study determined the role of individual mutations in the attenuation of the MP-12 strain. We found that full attenuation of MP-12 occurs by a combination of multiple mutations. Our findings indicate that a single reversion mutation will less likely cause a major reversion to virulence of the MP-12 vaccine.
Cross-Reactive Neuraminidase-Inhibiting Antibodies Elicited by Immunization with Recombinant Neuraminidase Proteins of H5N1 and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Liu Wen-Chun , Lin Chia-Ying , Tsou Yung-Ta , Jan Jia-Tsrong , Wu Suh-Chin
Published: May 2015

Neuraminidase (NA), an influenza virus envelope glycoprotein, removes sialic acid from receptors for virus release from infected cells. For this study, we used a baculovirus-insect cell expression system to construct and purify recombinant NA (rNA) proteins of H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1203/2004) and pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) (A/Texas/05/2009) influenza viruses. BALB/c mice immunized with these proteins had high titers of NA-specific IgG and NA-inhibiting (NI) antibodies against H5N1, pH1N1, H3N2, and H7N9 viruses. H5N1 rNA immunization resulted in higher quantities of NA-specific antibody-secreting B cells against H5N1 and heterologous pH1N1 viruses in the spleen. H5N1 rNA and pH1N1 rNA immunizations both provided complete protection against homologous virus challenges, with H5N1 rNA immunization providing better protection against pH1N1 virus challenges. Cross-reactive NI antibodies were further dissected via pH1N1 rNA protein immunizations with I149V (NA with a change of Ile to Val at position 149), N344Y, and I365T/S366N NA mutations. The I365T/S366N mutation of pH1N1 rNA enhanced cross-reactive NI antibodies against H5N1, H3N2, and H7N9 viruses. It is our hope that these findings provide useful information for the development of an NA-based universal influenza vaccine.

IMPORTANCE
Neuraminidase (NA) is an influenza virus enzymatic protein that cleaves sialic acid linkages on infected cell surfaces, thus facilitating viral release and contributing to viral transmission and mucus infection. In currently available inactivated or live, attenuated influenza vaccines based on the antigenic content of hemagglutinin proteins, vaccine efficacy can be contributed partly through NA-elicited immune responses. We investigated the NA immunity of different recombinant NA (rNA) proteins associated with pH1N1 and H5N1 viruses. Our results indicate that H5N1 rNA immunization induced more potent cross-protective immunity than pH1N1 rNA immunization, and three mutated residues, I149V, I365T, and S366N, near the NA enzyme active site(s) are linked to enhanced cross-reactive NA-inhibiting antibodies against heterologous and heterosubtypic influenza A viruses. These findings provide useful information for the development of an NA-based universal influenza vaccine.
Interferon Gamma Prolongs Survival of Varicella-Zoster Virus-Infected Human NeuronsIn Vitro
Authors: Baird Nicholas L. , Bowlin Jacqueline L. , Hotz Taylor J. , Cohrs Randall J. , Gilden Don
Published: May 2015

Infection of human neuronsin vitrowith varicella-zoster virus (VZV) at a low multiplicity of infection does not result in a cytopathic effect (CPE) within 14 days postinfection (dpi), despite production of infectious virus. We showed that by 28 dpi a CPE ultimately developed in infected neurons and that interferon gamma inhibited not only the CPE but also VZV DNA accumulation, transcription, and virus production, thereby prolonging the life of VZV-infected neurons.
Novel Functions of Hendra Virus G N-Glycans and Comparisons to Nipah Virus
Authors: Bradel-Tretheway Birgit G. , Liu Qian , Stone Jacquelyn A. , McInally Samantha , Aguilar Hector C.
Published: May 2015

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are reportedly the most deadly pathogens within the
Paramyxoviridae
family. These two viruses bind the cellular entry receptors ephrin B2 and/or ephrin B3 via the viral attachment glycoprotein G, and the concerted efforts of G and the viral fusion glycoprotein F result in membrane fusion. Membrane fusion is essential for viral entry into host cells and for cell-cell fusion, a hallmark of the disease pathobiology. HeV G is heavily N-glycosylated, but the functions of the N-glycans remain unknown. We disrupted eight predicted N-glycosylation sites in HeV G by conservative mutations (Asn to Gln) and found that six out of eight sites were actually glycosylated (G2 to G7); one in the stalk (G2) and five in the globular head domain (G3 to G7). We then tested the roles of individual and combined HeV G N-glycan mutants and found functions in the modulation of shielding against neutralizing antibodies, intracellular transport, G-F interactions, cell-cell fusion, and viral entry. Between the highly conserved HeV and NiV G glycoproteins, similar trends in the effects of N-glycans on protein functions were observed, with differences in the levels at which some N-glycan mutants affected such functions. While the N-glycan in the stalk domain (G2) had roles that were highly conserved between HeV and NiV G, individual N-glycans in the head affected the levels of several protein functions differently. Our findings are discussed in the context of their contributions to our understanding of HeV and NiV pathogenesis and immune responses.

IMPORTANCE
Viral envelope glycoproteins are important for viral pathogenicity and immune evasion. N-glycan shielding is one mechanism by which immune evasion can be achieved. In paramyxoviruses, viral attachment and membrane fusion are governed by the close interaction of the attachment proteins H/HN/G and the fusion protein F. In this study, we show that the attachment glycoprotein G of Hendra virus (HeV), a deadly paramyxovirus, is N-glycosylated at six sites (G2 to G7) and that most of these sites have important roles in viral entry, cell-cell fusion, G-F interactions, G oligomerization, and immune evasion. Overall, we found that the N-glycan in the stalk domain (G2) had roles that were very conserved between HeV G and the closely related Nipah virus G, whereas individual N-glycans in the head quantitatively modulated several protein functions differently between the two viruses.
MAVS Coordination of Antiviral Innate Immunity
Authors: Vazquez Christine , Horner Stacy M.
Published: May 2015

RNA virus infection is sensed in the cytoplasm by the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors. These proteins signal through the host adaptor protein MAVS to trigger the antiviral innate immune response. Here, we describe how MAVS subcellular localization impacts its function and the regulation underlying MAVS signaling. We propose a model to describe how the coordination of MAVS functions at the interface between the mitochondria and the mitochondrion-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane programs antiviral signaling.
Ecological Drivers of Virus Evolution: Astrovirus as a Case Study
Authors: Mendenhall Ian H. , Smith Gavin J. D. , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran
Published: May 2015

Although RNA viruses exhibit a high frequency of host jumps, major differences exist among the different virus families. Astroviruses infect a wide range of hosts, affecting both public health systems and economic production chains. Here we delineate the ecological and adaptive processes that drive the cross-species transmission of astroviruses. We observe that distinct transmission zones determine the prevailing astrovirus host and virus diversity, which in turn suggests that no single host group (e.g., bats) can be the natural reservoir, as illustrated through our phylogenetic analysis.
Multivalvular infective endocarditis in pregnancy presenting with septic pulmonary emboli
Authors: English Nicola , Weston Polly
Published: May 2015

A 33-year-old woman presented at 36 weeks gestation with worsening respiratory distress. A CT–pulmonary angiogram was performed to rule out a massive pulmonary embolism; instead, this identified extensive septic pulmonary emboli throughout both lung fields. Given the continuing maternal deterioration, a non-elective caesarean section was performed. A transoesophageal echocardiogram identified multiple large cardiac valve vegetations on both sides of her heart with an associated aortic root abscess. She responded well to a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics.
Anomalous left anterior descending artery: an uncommon cause of ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Rajani Ali Raza , Rafiq Muhammad Anwer , Mian Muhammad Hamid , Baslaib Fahad Omar
Published: May 2015

A healthy 32-year-old Asian man presented in emergency with a history of severe chest pain. ECG showed normal sinus rhythm with ST elevations in the anterior chest leads. He was diagnosed with anterior wall ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and was thrombolysed with tenecteplase. The cardiac enzymes and troponin level were significantly high and echocardiography demonstrated akinetic anterior segment of left ventricle. Coronary angiography exhibited anomalous left anterior descending artery originating from right sinus of Valsalva without atherosclerotic lesion.
Propofol extravasation: a rare cause of compartment syndrome
Authors: Kalraiya Ashish Jain , Madanipour Suroosh , Colaco Henry , Cobiella Carlos
Published: May 2015

We detail a rare cause of forearm compartment syndrome that occurred in an 18-year-old patient who presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13/15 after a mixed drug overdose and subsequently required intubation. She suffered extravasation of her propofol infusion, which resulted in intrinsic compression within her forearm muscle compartments. Fortunately, the diagnosis of compartment syndrome was made swiftly and the patient was taken to theatre within 3 h where she underwent an emergency forearm fasciotomy. She made an uneventful recovery and at follow-up her wounds had healed well with no associated morbidity or loss of function. The learning points of this study highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome while maintaining a high index of suspicion. In addition to a thorough history and examination, consideration of the potential underlying causes allows for a swifter diagnosis and a quicker transition to theatre.
Interventions for migraine prophylaxis: protocol of an umbrella systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Hui , Chen Min , Huang Dequan , Li Juan , Chen Qin , Fang Jianqiao
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Multiple interventions are effective for migraine prophylaxis. However, the comparative effectiveness of these interventions is still not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarise the direct and indirect evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to prevent migraine attack.

Methods and analysis

We will perform an umbrella systematic review to identify eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for the recommended interventions for migraine prophylaxis according to the guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for systematic reviews, which will be screened for RCTs. We will describe the general information of the RCTs for participants, interventions, outcome measurements, comparisons and the primary findings. Additionally, a network meta-analysis will be conducted to determine the comparative effectiveness of the treatments with a random-effects model. The absolute and relative effectiveness of the treatments will be provided. The heterogeneity and inconsistency between trials will be assessed by the I2statistical test and Cochrane's Q test. Risk of bias will be assessed and the overall strength of the evidence will be summarised.

Discussion

The result of this network meta-analysis will provide direct and indirect evidence of treatments for migraine prophylaxis, and it may provide a ranking of the treatments for patients and clinicians to help them select the best option.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015015297.