bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roman Ship 'punta Scifo d' and its Marble Cargo (Crotone, Italy)
Authors: Beltrame Carlo , Lazzarini Lorenzo , Parizzi Simone
Published: July 2016

In the first three centuries AD, large‐scale building projects, both in Rome and in the western colonies, stimulated the demand for marble from the eastern quarries. The Punta Scifo D shipwreck – discovered in 1986 in the Bay of Scifo, south of Crotone, Italy, and investigated in 2011 and 2013 by a team from the Università Ca' Foscari of Venice – is an important source for the reconstruction of this kind of trade in the Roman Empire. Studies of the cargo, dated to the third century AD, were the basis for the virtual reconstruction of a barge about 40 m long carrying a cargo of almost 340 tons. Petrographic and isotopic analyses demonstrated that it carried three different types of marble: mainly Proconnesian, some Pentelic, and one slab of Dokimean marble. The ship probably departed from the island of Marmara, and stopped at Ephesos, and perhaps also at Piraeus.
Radon, Secondhand Smoke, and Children in the Home: Creating a Teachable Moment for Lung Cancer Prevention
Authors: Huntington‐Moskos Luz , Rayens Mary Kay , Wiggins Amanda , Hahn Ellen J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study determined whether having minor children in the home was associated with the teachable moment (TM) constructs of lung cancer worry, perceived risk, health‐related self‐concept, and the novel construct of synergistic risk.

Design and Sample

Secondary data analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of an intervention to reduce home exposure to radon and secondhand smoke (SHS). Quota sample of adults recruited at a Central Kentucky academic medical center (N = 556).

Measures

Survey items assessed lung cancer worry, perceived risk, synergistic risk perception, and health‐related self‐concept.

Results

The presence of children in the home was not a significant predictor of any construct needed to create a TM for lung cancer prevention. Individuals with children living in the home were more likely to be younger, a racial/ethnic minority, a current smoker, and live with a smoker compared to those without children in the home.

Conclusions

There is a critical need to raise parental awareness on child health inequities related to the home exposure to radon and SHS. Public health nurses can create TMs for lung cancer prevention through greater awareness of the risks posed by radon and SHS along with promoting home testing and low‐cost resources to reduce risk.
Public Health Nursing Practice in the Affordable Care Act Era: A National Survey
Authors: Edmonds Joyce K. , Campbell Lisa A. , Gilder Richard E.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To explore public health nurses’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Design and Sample

A cross‐sectional, web‐based survey was completed by a sample of 1,143 public health nurses (PHNs) in the United States.

Measures

Descriptive statistics were analyzed for variables related to general knowledge and perception of the ACA and for the extent of involvement in activities related to the implementation of the ACA. Qualitative analysis was conducted on free text comments to two open‐ended questions about current and future PHNs involvement in the ACA.

Results

Approximately 45% of PHNs reported changes in their daily work due to the ACA. PHNs reported being very or somewhat involved in these activities of the ACA: integration of primary care and public health (62%), provision of clinical preventive services (60.3%), care coordination (55.4%), patient navigation (55.3%), establishment of private‐public partnerships (55.3%), population health strategies (53.6%), population health data assessment and analysis (53.8%), community health assessments (49%), involvement in medical homes (37.8%), provision of maternal and child health home visiting services (32.1%), and involvement in Accountable Care Organizations (29.2%).

Conclusion

PHNs are making substantial contributions to implementation of the ACA.
The Glass Is Half Full: Enhancing Government Performance in an Era of Cynicism
Authors: Vickers Jeremy
Published: July 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR September/October 2016)
Where Have You Gone, Terry Sanford? Governors and Federal Grants
Authors: Thompson Frank J.
Published: July 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR September/October 2016)
Adaptive Isogeometric Digital Height Correlation: Application to Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Kleinendorst S. M. , Hoefnagels J. P. M. , Fleerakkers R. C. , van Maris M. P. F. H. L. , Cattarinuzzi E. , Verhoosel C. V. , Geers M. G. D.
Published: July 2016

A novel adaptive isogeometric digital height correlation (DHC) technique has been developed in which the set of shape functions, needed for discretization of the ill‐posed DHC problem, is autonomously optimized for each specific set of profilometric height images, without a priori knowledge of the kinematics of the experiment. To this end, an adaptive refinement scheme is implemented, which refines the shape functions in a hierarchical manner. This technique ensures local refinement, only in the areas where needed, which is beneficial for the noise robustness of the DHC problem. The main advantage of the method is that it can be applied in experiments where the deformation mechanisms are unknown in advance, thereby complicating the choice of suitable shape functions. The method is applied to a virtual experiment in order to provide a proof of concept. A second virtual experiment is executed with stretchable electronics interconnects, which entail localized buckles upon deformation with complex kinematics. In both cases, accurate results were obtained, demonstrating the beneficial aspects of the proposed method. Moreover, the technique performance on profilometric images of a real experiment with stretchable interconnects was demonstrated.
The Vigna unguiculata Gene Expression Atlas (VuGEA) from de novo assembly and quantification of RNA‐seq data provides insights into seed maturation mechanisms
Authors: Yao Shaolun , Jiang Chuan , Huang Ziyue , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Chang Junil , Zhang Heng , Udvardi Michael , Liu Renyi , Verdier Jerome
Published: July 2016

Legume research and cultivar development are important for sustainable food production, especially of high‐protein seed. Thanks to the development of deep‐sequencing technologies, crop species have been taken to the front line, even without completion of their genome sequences. Black‐eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata) is a legume species widely grown in semi‐arid regions, which has high potential to provide stable seed protein production in a broad range of environments, including drought conditions. The black‐eyed pea reference genotype has been used to generate a gene expression atlas of the major plant tissues (i.e. leaf, root, stem, flower, pod and seed), with a developmental time series for pods and seeds. From these various organs, 27 cDNA libraries were generated and sequenced, resulting in more than one billion reads. Following filtering, these reads were de novo assembled into 36 529 transcript sequences that were annotated and quantified across the different tissues. A set of 24 866 unique transcript sequences, called Unigenes, was identified. All the information related to transcript identification, annotation and quantification were stored into a gene expression atlas webserver (http://vugea.noble.org), providing a user‐friendly interface and necessary tools to analyse transcript expression in black‐eyed pea organs and to compare data with other legume species. Using this gene expression atlas, we inferred details of molecular processes that are active during seed development, and identified key putative regulators of seed maturation. Additionally, we found evidence for conservation of regulatory mechanisms involving miRNA in plant tissues subjected to drought and seeds undergoing desiccation.
The effect of storage on ammonia, cytokine, and chemokine concentrations in feline whole blood
Authors: Cummings Katherine A. , Abelson Amanda L. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Sharp Claire R.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine if the concentrations of ammonia and inflammatory mediators in feline stored whole blood (SWB) increase with duration of storage.

Design

Prospective ex vivo study.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Animals

Thirteen cats, recruited from the hospital feline donor pool, deemed healthy based on the predonation donor screening process.

Interventions

One unit (30 mL) of whole blood was collected from 13 unique blood donor cats, anticoagulated with citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose, and stored at 4°C. Concentrations of ammonia, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL‐10 were measured in 5 units weekly for 4 weeks. Presence of chemokine ligand (CXCL) 8 was measured weekly in 8 other units in the same manner.

Measurements and Main Results

The ammonia concentration increased nonlinearly with duration of storage, from a median of 48 μmol/L (range 25–74 μmol/L) on day 0 and 417 μmol/L (324–457 μmol/L) on day 28. IL‐6 and IL‐10 concentrations were below the lower limits of detection of the assay used (IL‐6 < 31.2 pg/mL and IL‐10 < 125 pg/mL). CXCL‐8 was detected in 4 of 8 SWB units at all time points.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ammonia concentration increases with storage time in feline SWB. The clinical significance of this finding is yet to be determined. The presence of the proinflammatory chemokine CXCL‐8 in feline SWB warrants further research to determine whether it can incite an inflammatory response in the recipient. Further research evaluating the epidemiology of transfusion reactions in cats should evaluate the effect of unit age, and should include the possible impact of the presence of CXCL‐8.
The Anatolio‐Balkan phylogeographic fault: a snapshot from the genus Isophya (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Chobanov Dragan P. , Kaya Sarp , Grzywacz Beata , Warchałowska‐Śliwa Elżbieta , Çıplak Battal
Published: July 2016

Due to active tectonic evolution of the Aegean Area during Miocene and Pleistocene, the Balkans and Anatolia have repeatedly connected and disconnected causing isolation and secondary contact of populations along the present Dardanelles – Sea of Marmara – Bosphorus waterway. This has led to an outstandingly rich fauna and a reticulate biogeography in the area. A typical example is Orthoptera having here possibly highest diversity within the Western Palaearctic. With the present study, we concentrate on the bush‐cricket genus Isophya, which is characteristic with a large share of endemics in the Balkans and Anatolia. We aim to understand when and how the isolation of marine or other barriers in the region of the Turkish Straits System influenced the evolution of the morpho‐acoustic groups of species found on both sides of the strait. For this purpose, sequences of two mitochondrial (COI and ND2) and two nuclear (ITS1 and ITS2) markers were obtained and used for phylogenetic reconstructions, time estimations for lineage divergence and automatic species delineation (statistical parsimony, GMYC, ABGD) tests. The phylogenetic analyses did not support all the existing morphogroups and was in favour of a geographical subdivision for the young lineages. Automatic species delineation tests confirmed most of the present morpho‐acoustic species and suggested further cryptic species, at the same time unifying some phenetic species. Time estimation analyses suggested time to most recent common ancestor of the genus as 8.28 Ma corresponding to the Late Tortonian. As a result of the study, we reached to the following conclusions: (i) most of the studied phenetic species are monophyletic, but some earlier suggested morpho‐species groups are not, (ii) three main episodes dominate the evolutionary history of Isophya (7.32–5.84 Myr in the Messinian, 2.2–2.5 Myr in the beginning of the Pleistocene and at around 0.75 Ma corresponding to the end of the Mid‐Pleistocene transition), all of which well correlate with episodes of existing terrestrial connections between Anatolia and the Balkans, and (iii) there are several faunal exchanges in both directions between Anatolia and the Balkans.
Heat Transfer Correction Methods for Turbocharger Performance Measurements
Authors: Schinnerl Mario , Seume Joerg , Ehrhard Jan , Bogner Mathias
Published: July 2016

Turbocharger performance maps used for the matching process with a combustion engine are measured on test benches which do not exhibit the same boundary conditions as the engine. However, these maps are used in engine simulations, ignoring that the compressor and turbine aerodynamic performance is rated on the basis of quantities which were measured at positions which do not coincide with the respective system boundaries of the turbomachinery. In the operating range of low to mid engine speeds, the ratio between the heat flux and the work done by the turbine and the compressor is much greater than at high speeds where heat transfer phenomena on the compressor side can usually be neglected. Heat losses on the turbine side must be taken into account even at higher shaft speeds when dealing with isentropic turbine efficiencies. Based on an extensive experimental investigation, a one-dimensional heat transfer model is developed. The compressor and turbine side are treated individually and divided into sections of inlet, wheel, outlet, diffuser, and volute. The model demonstrates the capability to properly account for the impact of heat transfer, and thereby improves the predictive accuracy of temperatures relevant for the matching process.
Broadband Combustion Noise Simulation of the PRECCINSTA Burner Based on Stochastic Sound Sources
Authors: Grimm Felix , Ohno Duncan , Noll Berthold , Aigner Manfred , Ewert Roland , Dierke Jürgen
Published: July 2016

Combustion noise in the laboratory scale PRECCINSTA (prediction and control of combustion instabilities in industrial gas turbines) burner is simulated with a new, robust, and highly efficient approach for combustion noise prediction. The applied hybrid method FRPM-CN (fast-random particle method for combustion noise prediction) relies on a stochastic, particle-based sound source reconstruction approach. Turbulence statistics from reacting CFD-RANS (computational fluid dynamics–Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes) simulations are used as input for the stochastic method, where turbulence is synthesized based on a first-order Langevin ansatz. Sound propagation is modeled in the time domain with a modified set of linearized Euler equations and monopole sound sources are incorporated as right-hand side forcing of the pressure equation at every timestep of the acoustics simulations. First, the reacting steady-state CFD simulations are compared to experimental data, showing very good agreement. Subsequently, the computational combustion acoustics (CCA) setup is introduced, followed by comparisons of numerical with experimental pressure spectra. It is shown that FRPM-CN accurately captures absolute combustion noise levels without any artificial correction. Benchmark runs show that the computational costs of FRPM-CN are much lower than that of direct simulation approaches. The robustness and reliability of the method is demonstrated with parametric studies regarding source grid refinement, the choice of either RANS or URANS statistics, and the employment of different global reaction mechanisms.
Experimental Study of the Interaction of Water Sprays With Swirling Premixed Natural Gas Flames
Authors: Lellek Stephan , Barfuß Christoph , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: July 2016

Water injection is often used to control NOx emissions or to increase power output from nonpremixed combustion of gaseous and liquid fuels. Since the emission level in premixed natural gas combustion is significantly lower than for nonpremixed combustion, water injection for emission reduction is usually not an issue. However, the increasing share of fluctuating power output from renewables motivates research activities on the improvement of the operational flexibility of combined cycle power plants. One aspect in that context is power augmentation by injection of liquid water in premixed combustors without drawbacks regarding emissions and flame stability. For research purposes, water injection technology has therefore recently been transferred to premixed combustors burning natural gas. In order to investigate the influence of water injection on premixed combustion of natural gas, an atmospheric single burner test rig has been set up at Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, TU München. The test rig is equipped with a highly flexible water injection system to study the influence of water atomization behavior on flame shape, position, and stabilization. Presented investigations are conducted at gas turbine like preheating temperatures (673 K) and flame temperatures (1800–1950 K) to ensure high technical relevance. In this paper, the interaction between water injection, atomization and macroscopic flame behavior is outlined. Favorable and nonfavorable operating conditions of the water injection system are presented in order to clarify the influence of water atomization and vaporization on flame stability and the emission behavior of the test rig. Water spray quality is assessed externally with a Malvern laser diffraction spectrometer whereas spray distribution in the test rig is determined by means of Mie scattering images at reacting conditions. The flame shape is analyzed using time-averaged OH* chemiluminescence images while the efficiency of water injection at various operating points is evaluated using global emission concentration measurements. Finally, the important influence of the water injection system design on the combustor performance will be shown using combined Mie scattering and OH* chemiluminescence images. At constant adiabatic flame temperatures, a stable flame could be established for water-to-fuel ratios of up to 2.25. While only minor changes could be detected for the heat release distribution in the combustion chamber, the water distribution changes significantly while increasing the amount of water. Finally, changes in NOx emission concentrations can directly be related to water droplet sizes and the global water distribution in the combustion chamber.
Experimental Investigation of Stall and Surge in a Multistage Compressor
Authors: Munari Enrico , Morini Mirko , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero , Suman Alessio
Published: July 2016

Flow instability conditions, in particular during surge and stall phenomena, have always influenced the operational reliability of turbocompressors and have attracted significant interest resulting in extensive literature. Nowadays, this subject is still one of the most investigated because of its high relevance on centrifugal and axial compressor operating flow range, performance, and efficiency. Many researchers approach this important issue by developing numerical models, whereas others approach it through experimental studies specifically carried out in order to better comprehend this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to experimentally analyze the stable and unstable operating conditions of an aeronautic turboshaft gas turbine axial–centrifugal compressor installed on a brand new test rig properly designed for this purpose. The test facility is set up in order to obtain (i) the compressor performance maps at rotational speeds up to 25,000 rpm and (ii) the compressor transient behavior during surge. By using two different test rig layouts, instabilities occurring in the compressor, beyond the peak of the characteristic curve, are identified and investigated. These two types of analysis are carried out, thanks to pressure, temperature, and mass flow sensors located in strategic positions along the circuit. These measurement sensors are part of a proper control and acquisition system, characterized by an adjustable sampling frequency. Thus, the desired operating conditions of the compressor in terms of mass flow and rotational speed and transient of these two parameters are regulated by this dedicated control system.
Measurements and Modeling of Ingress in a New 1.5-Stage Turbine Research Facility
Authors: Patinios Marios , Scobie James A. , Sangan Carl M. , Michael Owen J. , Lock Gary D.
Published: July 2016

In gas turbines, hot mainstream flow can be ingested into the wheel-space formed between stator and rotor disks as a result of the circumferential pressure asymmetry in the annulus; this ingress can significantly affect the operating life, performance, and integrity of highly stressed, vulnerable engine components. Rim seals, fitted at the periphery of the disks, are used to minimize ingress and therefore reduce the amount of purge flow required to seal the wheel-space and cool the disks. This paper presents experimental results from a new 1.5-stage test facility designed to investigate ingress into the wheel-spaces upstream and downstream of a rotor disk. The fluid-dynamically scaled rig operates at incompressible flow conditions, far removed from the harsh environment of the engine which is not conducive to experimental measurements. The test facility features interchangeable rim-seal components, offering significant flexibility and expediency in terms of data collection over a wide range of sealing flow rates. The rig was specifically designed to enable an efficient method of ranking and quantifying the performance of generic and engine-specific seal geometries. The radial variation of CO2 gas concentration, pressure, and swirl is measured to explore, for the first time, the flow structure in both the upstream and downstream wheel-spaces. The measurements show that the concentration in the core is equal to that on the stator walls and that both distributions are virtually invariant with radius. These measurements confirm that mixing between ingress and egress is essentially complete immediately after the ingested fluid enters the wheel-space and that the fluid from the boundary layer on the stator is the source of that in the core. The swirl in the core is shown to determine the radial distribution of pressure in the wheel-space. The performance of a double radial-clearance seal is evaluated in terms of the variation of effectiveness with sealing flow rate for both the upstream and the downstream wheel-spaces and is found to be independent of rotational Reynolds number. A simple theoretical orifice model was fitted to the experimental data showing good agreement between theory and experiment for all cases. This observation is of great significance as it demonstrates that the theoretical model can accurately predict ingress even when it is driven by the complex unsteady pressure field in the annulus upstream and downstream of the rotor. The combination of the theoretical model and the new test rig with its flexibility and capability for detailed measurements provides a powerful tool for the engine rim-seal designer.
A Frequency-Based Interpretation of Energy-Based Model Reduction of Linear Systems
Authors: Louca Loucas S.
Published: July 2016

Various modeling techniques have been proposed in order to make modeling a more systematic procedure and to facilitate the development of modeling software that provide users, even experienced users, more ease when developing good models for control and design. The author has previously developed an energy-based modeling metric called “element activity” that was implemented in the model order reduction algorithm (MORA). While MORA was originally developed for the reduction of nonlinear models, the purpose of this paper is to gain insight into this methodology when applied to the reduction of linear models. Toward this end, the steady-state response to sinusoidal inputs is considered. Element activity is calculated analytically for any given excitation frequency, and a series of reduced models, which depend on the excitation frequency content, are generated. The results show through a quarter-car vehicle model that MORA generates a series of models whose spectral radius increases, as successively lower activity elements are included. It is demonstrated that low activity elements are related with high-frequency dynamics.
Constrained Tracking Control by Gain-Scheduled Feedback With Optimal State Resets: A General Servo Problem and an Online Optimization Method
Authors: Wada Nobutaka , Miyahara Hidekazu , Saeki Masami
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a tracking control problem for discrete-time linear systems with actuator saturation is addressed. The reference signal is assumed to be generated by an external dynamics. First, a design condition of a controller parameterized by a single scheduling parameter is introduced. The controller includes a servo compensator to achieve zero steady-state error. Then, a control algorithm that guarantees closed-loop stability and makes the tracking error converge to zero is given. In the control algorithm, the controller state as well as the scheduling parameter is updated online so that the tracking control performance is improved. Then, it is shown that the decision problem of the scheduling parameter and the controller state can be transformed into a convex optimization problem with respect to a scalar parameter. Based on this fact, we propose a numerically efficient algorithm for solving the optimization problem. Further, we propose a method of modifying the control algorithm so that the asymptotic tracking property is ensured even when the numerical error exists in the optimal solution. A numerical example and an experimental result are provided to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Tonal noise of a controlled-diffusion airfoil at low angle of attack and Reynolds number
Authors: Padois Thomas , Laffay Paul , Idier Alexandre , Moreau Stéphane
Published: July 2016

The acoustic signature of a controlled-diffusion airfoil immersed in a flow is experimentally characterized. Acoustic measurements have been carried out in an anechoic open-jet-wind-tunnel for low Reynolds numbers (from 5 × 104 to 4.3 × 105) and several angles of attack. As with the NACA0012, the acoustic spectrum is dominated by discrete tones. These tonal behaviors are divided into three different regimes. The first one is characterized by a dominant primary tone which is steady over time, surrounded by secondary peaks. The second consists of two unsteady primary tones associated with secondary peaks and the third consists of a hump dominated by several small peaks. A wavelet study allows one to identify an amplitude modulation of the acoustic signal mainly for the unsteady tonal regime. This amplitude modulation is equal to the frequency interval between two successive tones. Finally, a bispectral analysis explains the presence of tones at higher frequencies.
Structure of a yeast activated spliceosome at 3.5 Å resolution
Authors: Yan Chuangye , Wan Ruixue , Bai Rui , Huang Gaoxingyu , Shi Yigong
Published: July 2016

How spliceosomes make the first cut

In eukaryotes, transcribed precursor mRNA includes noncoding sequences that must be spliced out. This is done by the spliceosome, a dynamic complex in which five small nuclear RNAs and several proteins go through a series of ordered interactions and conformational rearrangements to achieve splicing. Two protein structures provide a look at the first catalytic step in the pathway. Yan
et al.
report the structure of the activated spliceosome (the B
act
complex) at 3.5 Å resolution, revealing how latency is maintained even though the complex is mostly primed for catalysis. Wan
et al.
report the structure of the catalytic step 1 spliceosome (the C complex) at 3.4 Å resolution; this complex forms after the first step of the splicing reaction.

Science
, this issue pp.
904
and
895
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of a French Isolate of
Maize rough dwarf virus
, a
Fijivirus
Member in the Family
Reoviridae
Authors: Svanella-Dumas L. , Marais A. , Faure C. , Theil S. , Thibord J. B. , Candresse T.
Published: July 2016

The complete nucleotide sequence of a French isolate of
Maize rough dwarf virus
(MRDV) was determined by next-generation sequencing and compared with the single available complete sequence and with the partial sequences of two additional isolates available in online databases.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Tetrabromobisphenol A–Degrading Strain,
Ochrobactrum
sp. T, Isolated from an Electronic Waste Recycling Site
Authors: Liang Zhishu , Li Guiying , An Taicheng , Zhang Guoxia , Das Ranjit
Published: July 2016

Ochrobactrum
sp. T was previously isolated from a sludge sample collected from an electronic waste recycling site and characterized as a unique tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)–degrading bacterium. Here, the draft genome sequence (3.9 Mb) of
Ochrobactrum
sp. T is reported to provide insights into its diversity and its TBBPA biodegradation mechanism in polluted environments.
Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain RTd22, an Endophyte of the Mexican Sunflower
Authors: Chagas Fernanda O. , Ruzzini Antonio C. , Bacha Larissa V. , Samborskyy Markyian , Conti Raphael , Pessotti Rita C. , de Oliveira Luciana G. , Clardy Jon , Pupo Monica T.
Published: July 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain RTd22, an endophytic actinobacterium that was isolated from the roots of the Mexican sunflower
Tithonia diversifolia
. The bacterium's 11.1-Mb linear chromosome is predicted to encode a large number of unknown natural products.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of Grapevine Fabavirus, a Novel Putative Member of the Genus
Fabavirus
Authors: Al Rwahnih Maher , Alabi Olufemi J. , Westrick Nathaniel M. , Golino Deborah , Rowhani Adib
Published: July 2016

A novel virus-like sequence from grapevine was identified by Illumina sequencing. The genomic organization was most similar to that of members of the genus
Fabavirus
. Polyproteins RNA-1 and RNA-2 of the virus tentatively named grapevine fabavirus (GFabV) shared 34 to 23% sequence identities with
Broad bean wilt virus 2
(BBWV2), respectively. GFabV was successfully graft transmitted to
Vitis vinifera
cv. Cabernet Franc.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Psychrobacter alimentarius
PAMC 27889, a Psychrophile Isolated from an Antarctic Rock Sample
Authors: Lee Jaejin , Kwon Miye , Yang Jae Young , Woo Jusun , Lee Hong Kum , Hong Soon Gyu , Kim Ok-Sun
Published: July 2016

Psychrobacter alimentarius
PAMC 27889, a Gram-negative, psychrophilic bacterium, was isolated from an Antarctic rock sample. Here, we report the complete genome of
P. alimentarius
PAMC 27889, which has the nonmevalonate methylerythritol phosphate pathway of terpenoid biosynthesis and a complete gene cluster for benzoate degradation.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Clostridium difficile
Strain IT1118, an Epidemic Isolate Belonging to the Emerging PCR Ribotype 018
Authors: Wasels François , Barbanti Fabrizio , Spigaglia Patrizia
Published: July 2016

Clostridium difficile
PCR ribotype 018 has emerged in Italy, South Korea, and Japan, causing severe infections and outbreaks. In this study, we sequenced the genome of IT1118, an Italian clinical isolate, to clarify the molecular features contributing to the success of this epidemic type.
BCG vaccination at birth and early childhood hospitalisation: a randomised clinical multicentre trial
Authors: Stensballe Lone Graff , Sørup Signe , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine Stabell , Greisen Gorm , Jeppesen Dorthe Lisbeth , Birk Nina Marie , Kjærgaard Jesper , Nissen Thomas Nørrelykke , Pihl Gitte Thybo , Thøstesen Lisbeth Marianne , Kofoed Poul-Erik , Pryds Ole , Ravn Henrik
Published: July 2016

Background

The BCG vaccine is administered to protect against tuberculosis, but studies suggest there may also be non-specific beneficial effects upon the infant immune system, reducing early non-targeted infections and atopic diseases. The present randomised trial tested the hypothesis that BCG vaccination at birth would reduce early childhood hospitalisation in Denmark, a high-income setting.

Methods

Pregnant women planning to give birth at three Danish hospitals were invited to participate. After parental consent, newborn children were allocated to BCG or no intervention within 7 days of age. Randomisation was stratified by prematurity. The primary study outcome was number of all-cause hospitalisations analysed as repeated events. Hospitalisations were identified using The Danish National Patient Register. Data were analysed by Cox proportional hazards models in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

Results

4184 pregnant women were randomised and their 4262 children allocated to BCG or no intervention. There was no difference in risk of hospitalisation up to 15 months of age; 2129 children randomised to BCG experienced 1047 hospitalisations with a mean of 0.49 hospitalisation per child compared with 1003 hospitalisations among 2133 control children (mean 0.47), resulting in a HR comparing BCG versus no BCG of 1.05 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.18) (intention-to-treat analysis). The effect of BCG was the same in children born at term (1.05 (0.92 to 1.18)) and prematurely (1.07 (0.63 to 1.81), p=0.94). The effect was also similar in the two sexes and across study sites. The results were essentially identical in the per-protocol analysis and after adjustment for baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

BCG vaccination at birth did not reduce the risk of hospitalisation for somatic acquired disease until 15 months of age in this Danish study population.

Trial registration number

NCT01694108, results.
Effect of exercise training on C reactive protein: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials
Authors: Fedewa Michael V , Hathaway Elizabeth D , Ward-Ritacco Christie L
Published: July 2016

Purpose

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of chronic systemic inflammation frequently used in cardiovascular disease risk assessment. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative estimate of the magnitude of change in CRP following participation in physical exercise interventions.

Methods

All studies included in the meta-analysis were peer reviewed and published in English. Human participants were assigned to a non-exercise comparison group or exercise training group, with the intervention lasting ≥2 weeks. CRP levels were measured at baseline, during and/or after completion of the exercise training programme. Random-effects models were used to aggregate a mean effect size (ES), 95% CIs and potential moderators.

Results

83 randomised and non-randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and resulted in 143 effects (n=3769). The mean ES of 0.26 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.34, p<0.001) indicated a decrease in CRP following exercise training. A decrease in body mass index (BMI; β=1.20, SE=0.25, p<0.0001) and %Fat (β=0.76, SE=0.21, p=0.0002) were associated with a decrease in CRP, independently accounting for 11.1% and 6.6% of the variation in response, respectively. Exercise training led to a greater reduction in CRP when accompanied by a decrease in BMI (ES=0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.50); however, a significant improvement in CRP occurred in the absence of weight loss (ES=0.19, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.28; both p<0.001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that engaging in exercise training is associated with a decrease in CRP levels regardless of the age or sex of the individual; however, greater improvements in CRP level occur with a decrease in BMI or %Fat.
Distinguishing the associations between daily mortality and hospital admissions and nitrogen dioxide from those of particulate matter: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mills I C , Atkinson R W , Anderson H R , Maynard R L , Strachan D P
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To quantitatively assess time-series studies of daily nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and mortality and hospital admissions which also controlled for particulate matter (PM) to determine whether or to what extent the NO2associations are independent of PM.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Time-series studies—published in peer-reviewed journals worldwide, up to May 2011—that reported both single-pollutant and two-pollutant model estimates for NO2and PM were ascertained from bibliographic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) and reviews. Random-effects summary estimates were calculated globally and stratified by different geographical regions, and effect modification was investigated.

Outcome measures

Mortality and hospital admissions for various cardiovascular or respiratory diseases in different age groups in the general population.

Results

60 eligible studies were identified, and meta-analysis was conducted on 23 outcomes. Two-pollutant model study estimates generally showed that the NO2associations were independent of PM mass. For all-cause mortality, a 10 µg/m3increase in 24-hour NO2was associated with a 0.78% (95% CI 0.47% to 1.09%) increase in the risk of death, which reduced to 0.60% (0.33% to 0.87%) after control for PM. Heterogeneity between geographical region-specific estimates was removed by control for PM (I2from 66.9% to 0%). Estimates of PM and daily mortality assembled from the same studies were greatly attenuated after control for NO2: from 0.51% (0.29% to 0.74%) to 0.18% (−0.11% to 0.47%) per 10 µg/m3PM10and 0.74% (0.34% to 1.14%) to 0.54% (−0.25% to 1.34%) for PM2.5.

Conclusions

The association between short-term exposure to NO2and adverse health outcomes is largely independent of PM mass. Further studies should attempt to investigate whether this is a generic PM effect or whether it is modified by the source and physicochemical characteristics of PM. This finding strengthens the argument for NO2having a causal role in health effects.
Advancing animal welfare science: sharing knowledge, debating issues
Authors: Orritt Rachel
Published: July 2016

Established animal welfare scientists and others at the beginning of their career gathered in York last month to discuss recent advances in animal welfare science. Organised by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, the meeting aimed to provide a forum for sharing knowledge and practice, discussion and debate. Rachel Orritt, a PhD researcher at the University of Lincoln, reports on proceedings
Protecting public health, safeguarding animal welfare
Authors: Hawksworth‐Brookes Bethany
Published: July 2016

Recent graduate Bethany Hawksworth‐Brookes decided at vet school that her true interests lay in veterinary public health
ESCRTs and associated proteins in lysosomal fusion with endosomes and autophagosomes
Authors: Majumder Priyanka , Chakrabarti Oishee
Published: July 2016

Endolysosomal and autophagosomal degradation pathways are highly connected at various levels, sharing multiple molecular effectors that modulate them individually or simultaneously. These two lysosomal degradative pathways are primarily involved in the disposal of cargo internalized from the cell surface or long-lived proteins or aggregates and aged organelles present in the cytosol. Both of these pathways involve a number of carefully regulated vesicular fusion events that are dependent on ESCRT proteins. The ESCRT proteins especially ESCRT-I and III participate in the regulation of fusion events between autophagosome/amphisome and lysosome. Along with these, a number of functionally diverse ESCRT associated and regulatory proteins such as, endosomal PtdIns (3) P 5-kinase Fab1, ALIX, mahogunin ring finger 1, atrogin 1, syntaxin 17, ATG12–ATG3 complex, and protein kinase CK2α are involved in fusion events in either or both the lysosomal degradative pathways.
Debugging distributed systems
Authors: Beschastnikh Ivan , Wang Patty , Brun Yuriy , Ernst Michael D.
Published: July 2016

ShiViz is a new distributed system debugging visualization tool.
The hidden dividends of microservices
Authors: Killalea Tom
Published: July 2016

Microservices aren't for every company, and the journey isn't easy.
Central neural control of the cardiovascular system: current perspectives
Authors: Dampney Roger A. L.
Published: July 2016

This brief review, which is based on a lecture presented at the American Physiological Society Teaching Refresher Course on the Brain and Systems Control as part of the Experimental Biology meeting in 2015, aims to summarize current concepts of the principal mechanisms in the brain that regulate the autonomic outflow to the cardiovascular system. Such cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms do not operate in isolation but are closely coordinated with respiratory and other regulatory mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. The brain regulates the cardiovascular system by two general means: 1) feedforward regulation, often referred to as “central command,” and 2) feedback or reflex regulation. In most situations (e.g., during exercise, defensive behavior, sleep, etc.), both of these general mechanisms contribute to overall cardiovascular homeostasis. The review first describes the mechanisms and central circuitry subserving the baroreceptor, chemoreceptor, and other reflexes that work together to regulate an appropriate level of blood pressure and blood oxygenation and then considers the brain mechanisms that defend the body against more complex environmental challenges, using dehydration and cold and heat stress as examples. The last section of the review considers the central mechanisms regulating cardiovascular function associated with different behaviors, with a specific focus on defensive behavior and exercise.
The benefit of self-testing and interleaving for synthesizing concepts across multiple physiology texts
Authors: Linderholm Tracy , Dobson John , Yarbrough Mary Beth
Published: July 2016

A testing-based learning strategy is one that relies on the act of recalling (i.e., testing) information after exposure, and interleaving is a strategy in which the learning materials are presented in a serial order (e.g., texts 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3) versus a blocked order (e.g., texts 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3). Although both learning strategies have been thoroughly investigated, few studies have examined their additive effect with higher-order cognitive tasks such as the ability to identify themes across multiple texts, and none of those did so using physiology information. The purpose of the present study was to compare recall and thematic processing across five different physiology texts. Participants were randomly assigned to learn the texts using one of the following four learning strategies: 1) study-study-study (S-S-S) using a blocked order, 2) S-S-S using an interleaved order, 3) study-test-study (S-T-S) using a blocked order, and 4) S-T-S using an interleaved order. Over the course of the following week, the S-T-S groups had more stable recall of key text ideas compared with the S-S-S groups, and the S-T-S group had more stable recall of thematic information than the S-S-S group when interleaving was used as the presentation order.
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) controls monocyte production and maturation and the steady-state size of the liver in pigs
Authors: Sauter Kristin A. , Waddell Lindsey A. , Lisowski Zofia M. , Young Rachel , Lefevre Lucas , Davis Gemma M. , Clohisey Sara M. , McCulloch Mary , Magowan Elizabeth , Mabbott Neil A. , Summers Kim M. , Hume David A.
Published: July 2016

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) is an essential growth and differentiation factor for cells of the macrophage lineage. To explore the role of CSF1 in steady-state control of monocyte production and differentiation and tissue repair, we previously developed a bioactive protein with a longer half-life in circulation by fusing pig CSF1 with the Fc region of pig IgG1a. CSF1-Fc administration to pigs expanded progenitor pools in the marrow and selectively increased monocyte numbers and their expression of the maturation marker CD163. There was a rapid increase in the size of the liver, and extensive proliferation of hepatocytes associated with increased macrophage infiltration. Despite the large influx of macrophages, there was no evidence of liver injury and no increase in circulating liver enzymes. Microarray expression profiling of livers identified increased expression of macrophage markers, i.e., cytokines such as TNF, IL1, and IL6 known to influence hepatocyte proliferation, alongside cell cycle genes. The analysis also revealed selective enrichment of genes associated with portal, as opposed to centrilobular regions, as seen in hepatic regeneration. Combined with earlier data from the mouse, this study supports the existence of a CSF1-dependent feedback loop, linking macrophages of the liver with bone marrow and blood monocytes, to mediate homeostatic control of the size of the liver. The results also provide evidence of safety and efficacy for possible clinical applications of CSF1-Fc.
Maximal oxygen uptake is proportional to muscle fiber oxidative capacity, from chronic heart failure patients to professional cyclists
Authors: van der Zwaard Stephan , de Ruiter C. Jo , Noordhof Dionne A. , Sterrenburg Renske , Bloemers Frank W. , de Koning Jos J. , Jaspers Richard T. , van der Laarse Willem J.
Published: July 2016

V̇o2 maxduring whole body exercise is presumably constrained by oxygen delivery to mitochondria rather than by mitochondria's ability to consume oxygen. Humans and animals have been reported to exploit only 60-80% of their mitochondrial oxidative capacity at maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2 max). However, ex vivo quantification of mitochondrial overcapacity is complicated by isolation or permeabilization procedures. An alternative method for estimating mitochondrial oxidative capacity is via enzyme histochemical quantification of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. We determined to what extent V̇o2 maxattained during cycling exercise differs from mitochondrial oxidative capacity predicted from SDH activity of vastus lateralis muscle in chronic heart failure patients, healthy controls, and cyclists. V̇o2 maxwas assessed in 20 healthy subjects and 28 cyclists, and SDH activity was determined from biopsy cryosections of vastus lateralis using quantitative histochemistry. Similar data from our laboratory of 14 chronic heart failure patients and 6 controls were included. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was predicted from SDH activity using estimated skeletal muscle mass and the relationship between ex vivo fiber V̇o2 maxand SDH activity of isolated single muscle fibers and myocardial trabecula under hyperoxic conditions. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity predicted from SDH activity was related ( r2= 0.89, P < 0.001) to V̇o2 maxmeasured during cycling in subjects with V̇o2 maxranging from 9.8 to 79.0 ml·kg−1·min−1. V̇o2 maxmeasured during cycling was on average 90 ± 14% of mitochondrial oxidative capacity. We conclude that human V̇o2 maxis related to mitochondrial oxidative capacity predicted from skeletal muscle SDH activity. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity is likely marginally limited by oxygen supply to mitochondria.