bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of gB and pUS3 in Equine Herpesvirus 1 Transfer between Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Endothelial Cells: a DynamicIn VitroModel
Authors: Spiesschaert Bart , Goldenbogen Björn , Taferner Selina , Schade Matthias , Mahmoud Medhat , Klipp Edda , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Azab Walid
Published: September 2015

Infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) effectively transport equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), but not EHV-4, to endothelial cells (EC) lining the blood vessels of the pregnant uterus or central nervous system, a process that can result in abortion or myeloencephalopathy. We examined, using a dynamicin vitromodel, the differences between EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection of PBMC and PBMC-EC interactions. In order to evaluate viral transfer between infected PBMC and EC, cocultivation assays were performed. Only EHV-1 was transferred from PBMC to EC, and viral glycoprotein B (gB) was shown to be mainly responsible for this form of cell-to-cell transfer. For addressing the more dynamic aspects of PBMC-EC interaction, infected PBMC were perfused through a flow channel containing EC in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. By simulating capillary blood flow and analyzing the behavior of infected PBMC through live fluorescence imaging and automated cell tracking, we observed that EHV-1 was able to maintain tethering and rolling of infected PBMC on EC more effectively than EHV-4. Deletion of US3 reduced the ability of infected PBMC to tether and roll compared to that of cells infected with parental virus, which resulted in a significant reduction in virus transfer from PBMC to EC. Taking the results together, we conclude that systemic spread and EC infection by EHV-1, but not EHV-4, is caused by its ability to infect and/or reprogram mononuclear cells with respect to their tethering and rolling behavior on EC and consequent virus transfer.

IMPORTANCEEHV-1 is widespread throughout the world and causes substantial economic losses through outbreaks of respiratory disease, abortion, and myeloencephalopathy. Despite many years of research, no fully protective vaccines have been developed, and several aspects of viral pathogenesis still need to be uncovered. In the current study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that facilitate the cell-associated viremia, which is arguably the most important aspect of EHV-1 pathogenesis. The newly discovered functions of gB and pUS3 add new facets to their previously reported roles. Due to the conserved nature of cell-associated viremia among numerous herpesviruses, these results are also very relevant for viruses such as varicella-zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, human cytomegalovirus, and others. In addition, the constructed mutant and recombinant viruses exhibit potentin vitroreplication but have significant defects in certain stages of the disease course. These viruses therefore show much promise as candidates for future live vaccines.
Regulation of Viral RNA Synthesis by the V Protein of Parainfluenza Virus 5
Authors: Yang Yang , Zengel James , Sun Minghao , Sleeman Katrina , Timani Khalid Amine , Aligo Jason , Rota Paul , Wu Jianguo , He Biao
Published: September 2015

Paramyxoviruses include many important animal and human pathogens. The genome of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), a prototypical paramyxovirus, encodes a V protein that inhibits viral RNA synthesis. In this work, the mechanism of inhibition was investigated. Using mutational analysis and a minigenome system, we identified regions in the N and C termini of the V protein that inhibit viral RNA synthesis: one at the very N terminus of V and the second at the C terminus of V. Furthermore, we determined that residues L16 and I17 are critical for the inhibitory function of the N-terminal region of the V protein. Both regions interact with the nucleocapsid protein (NP), an essential component of the viral RNA genome complex (RNP). Mutations at L16 and I17 abolished the interaction between NP and the N-terminal domain of V. This suggests that the interaction between NP and the N-terminal domain plays a critical role in V inhibition of viral RNA synthesis by the N-terminal domain. Both the N- and C-terminal regions inhibited viral RNA replication. The C terminus inhibited viral RNA transcription, while the N-terminal domain enhanced viral RNA transcription, suggesting that the two domains affect viral RNA through different mechanisms. Interestingly, V also inhibited the synthesis of the RNA of other paramyxoviruses, such as Nipah virus (NiV), human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3), measles virus (MeV), mumps virus (MuV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This suggests that a common host factor may be involved in the replication of these paramyxoviruses.

IMPORTANCE
We identified two regions of the V protein that interact with NP and determined that one of these regions enhances viral RNA transcription via its interaction with NP. Our data suggest that a common host factor may be involved in the regulation of paramyxovirus replication and could be a target for broad antiviral drug development. Understanding the regulation of paramyxovirus replication will enable the rational design of vaccines and potential antiviral drugs.
Genomic Analysis, Phenotype, and Virulence of the Historical Brazilian Smallpox Vaccine Strain IOC: Implications for the Origins and Evolutionary Relationships of Vaccinia Virus
Authors: Medaglia Maria Luiza G. , Moussatché Nissin , Nitsche Andreas , Dabrowski Pjotr Wojtek , Li Yu , Damon Inger K. , Lucas Carolina G. O. , Arruda Luciana B. , Damaso Clarissa R.
Published: September 2015

Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 after an intensive vaccination program using different strains of vaccinia virus (VACV;
Poxviridae
). VACV strain IOC (VACV-IOC) was the seed strain of the smallpox vaccine manufactured by the major vaccine producer in Brazil during the smallpox eradication program. However, little is known about the biological and immunological features as well as the phylogenetic relationships of this first-generation vaccine. In this work, we present a comprehensive characterization of two clones of VACV-IOC. Both clones had low virulence in infected mice and induced a protective immune response against a lethal infection comparable to the response of the licensed vaccine ACAM2000 and the parental strain VACV-IOC. Full-genome sequencing revealed the presence of several fragmented virulence genes that probably are nonfunctional, e.g., F1L, B13R, C10L, K3L, and C3L. Most notably, phylogenetic inference supported by the structural analysis of the genome ends provides evidence of a novel, independent cluster in VACV phylogeny formed by VACV-IOC, the Brazilian field strains Cantagalo (CTGV) and Serro 2 viruses, and horsepox virus, a VACV-like virus supposedly related to an ancestor of the VACV lineage. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that CTGV-like viruses represent feral VACV that evolved in parallel with VACV-IOC after splitting from a most recent common ancestor, probably an ancient smallpox vaccine strain related to horsepox virus. Our data, together with an interesting historical investigation, revisit the origins of VACV and propose new evolutionary relationships between ancient and extant VACV strains, mainly horsepox virus, VACV-IOC/CTGV-like viruses, and Dryvax strain.

IMPORTANCE
First-generation vaccines used to eradicate smallpox had rates of adverse effects that are not acceptable by current health care standards. Moreover, these vaccines are genetically heterogeneous and consist of a pool of quasispecies of VACV. Therefore, the search for new-generation smallpox vaccines that combine low pathogenicity, immune protection, and genetic homogeneity is extremely important. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships and origins of VACV strains are quite nebulous. We show the characterization of two clones of VACV-IOC, a unique smallpox vaccine strain that contributed to smallpox eradication in Brazil. The immunogenicity and reduced virulence make the IOC clones good options for alternative second-generation smallpox vaccines. More importantly, this study reveals the phylogenetic relationship between VACV-IOC, feral VACV established in nature, and the ancestor-like horsepox virus. Our data expand the discussion on the origins and evolutionary connections of VACV lineages.
A Population Genetics Perspective on Geminivirus Infection
Authors: Weigel Karin , Pohl Jens O. , Wege Christina , Jeske Holger
Published: September 2015

The selective accumulation of both DNA components of a bipartite geminivirus,
Abutilon
mosaic virus, was recorded during early systemic infection of
Nicotiana benthamiana
plants. Purified nuclei were diagnosed for viral DNA using hybridization specific for DNA A or DNA B to detect these individual genome components either alone or both simultaneously by dual-color staining. Although this virus needs both components for symptomatic infection, DNA A alone was transported to upper leaves, where it was imported into phloem nuclei and replicated autonomously. The coinfection with DNA A and DNA B revealed an independent spread of both molecules, which resulted in a stochastic distribution of DNA A- and DNA A/B-infected nuclei. A population genetics evaluation of the respective frequencies was compared to a model computation. This elucidated a surprisingly simple relationship between the initial frequencies of the viral DNA components and the number of susceptible cells during the course of early systemic infection.

IMPORTANCE
For bipartite begomoviruses, DNA B-independent long-distance spread of DNA A has been described before, but it has never been shown whether viral DNA A alone invades nuclei of systemic tissues and replicates therein. This is demonstrated now for the first time. During infection with DNA A and DNA B, a similar solitary spread of DNA A can be recognized at early stages. We describe a population genetics model of how the hit probabilities of DNA A and DNA B for susceptible cells determine the relative frequencies of either genome component during the course of infection.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ORF7a Inhibits Bone Marrow Stromal Antigen 2 Virion Tethering through a Novel Mechanism of Glycosylation Interference
Authors: Taylor Justin K. , Coleman Christopher M. , Postel Sandra , Sisk Jeanne M. , Bernbaum John G. , Venkataraman Thiagarajan , Sundberg Eric J. , Frieman Matthew B.
Published: September 2015

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged in November 2002 as a case of atypical pneumonia in China, and the causative agent of SARS was identified to be a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2; also known as CD317 or tetherin) was initially identified to be a pre-B-cell growth promoter, but it also inhibits the release of virions of the retrovirus human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by tethering budding virions to the host cell membrane. Further work has shown that BST-2 restricts the release of many other viruses, including the human coronavirus 229E (hCoV-229E), and the genomes of many of these viruses encode BST-2 antagonists to overcome BST-2 restriction. Given the previous studies on BST-2, we aimed to determine if BST-2 has the ability to restrict SARS-CoV and if the SARS-CoV genome encodes any proteins that modulate BST-2's antiviral function. Through an
in vitro
screen, we identified four potential BST-2 modulators encoded by the SARS-CoV genome: the papain-like protease (PL
Pro
), nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1), ORF6, and ORF7a. As the function of ORF7a in SARS-CoV replication was previously unknown, we focused our study on ORF7a. We found that BST-2 does restrict SARS-CoV, but the loss of ORF7a leads to a much greater restriction, confirming the role of ORF7a as an inhibitor of BST-2. We further characterized the mechanism of BST-2 inhibition by ORF7a and found that ORF7a localization changes when BST-2 is overexpressed and ORF7a binds directly to BST-2. Finally, we also show that SARS-CoV ORF7a blocks the restriction activity of BST-2 by blocking the glycosylation of BST-2.

IMPORTANCE
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged from zoonotic sources in 2002 and caused over 8,000 infections and 800 deaths in 37 countries around the world. Identifying host factors that regulate SARS-CoV pathogenesis is critical to understanding how this lethal virus causes disease. We have found that BST-2 is capable of restricting SARS-CoV release from cells; however, we also identified a SARS-CoV protein that inhibits BST-2 function. We show that the SARS-CoV protein ORF7a inhibits BST-2 glycosylation, leading to a loss of BST-2's antiviral function.
Cell Walls and the Convergent Evolution of the Viral Envelope
Authors: Buchmann Jan P. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: September 2015

Why some viruses are enveloped while others lack an outer lipid bilayer is a major question in viral evolution but one that has received relatively little attention. The viral envelope serves several functions, including protecting the RNA or DNA molecule(s), evading recognition by the immune system, and facilitating virus entry. Despite these commonalities, viral envelopes come in a wide variety of shapes and configurations. The evolution of the viral envelope is made more puzzling by the fact that nonenveloped viruses are able to infect a diverse range of hosts across the tree of life. We reviewed the entry, transmission, and exit pathways of all (101) viral families on the 2013 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) list. By doing this, we revealed a strong association between the lack of a viral envelope and the presence of a cell wall in the hosts these viruses infect. We were able to propose a new hypothesis for the existence of enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, in which the latter represent an adaptation to cells surrounded by a cell wall, while the former are an adaptation to animal cells where cell walls are absent. In particular, cell walls inhibit viral entry and exit, as well as viral transport within an organism, all of which are critical waypoints for successful infection and spread. Finally, we discuss how this new model for the origin of the viral envelope impacts our overall understanding of virus evolution.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment and Regulates the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes Bcl-2 and Bax in rats with cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu Fang , Jiang Yi-Jing , Zhao Hong-Jia , Yao Li-Qun , Chen Li-Dian
Published: September 2015

Background

Post-stroke cognitive impairment seriously affects the quality of life and functional rehabilitation of patients with stroke.

Objective

To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GV20 and GV24 on cognitive impairment and apoptosis including expression of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax in a rat model of cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods

Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to a sham operation control group (SC group, n=10) or underwent surgery and MCAO (n=25). Postoperatively the latter group was randomly subdivided into EA or untreated (IR) groups. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). Apoptosis was examined by detection of Bcl-2 and Bax expression in the cerebral cortex.

Results

The EA group had significantly decreased neurological deficit scores compared to the IR group (p<0.05). In the MWM test, significant differences in escape latency and route were observed between the EA and IR groups (p<0.05). Rats in the EA group performed better in the probe trial than those in the IR group (p<0.05). EA treatment markedly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to the IR group (20.13±4.30% vs 38.40±3.38%; p<0.001). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly increased in the EA group compared to the IR group (1.61±0.19 vs 0.50±0.05, p<0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that EA ameliorates cognitive impairment of rats with IR injury by modulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.
Do neighbourhood socioeconomic circumstances not matter for weight status among Australian men? Multilevel evidence from a household survey of 14 691 adults
Authors: Feng Xiaoqi , Wilson Andrew
Published: September 2015

Objective

A recent analysis of the Australian National Health Survey (2011–2012) reported that the patterning of overweight and obesity among men, unlike for women, was not associated with neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this gender difference in potential neighbourhood ‘effects’ on adult weight status can be observed in analyses of a different source of data.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional sample of 14 693 people aged 18 years or older was selected from the 2012 wave of the ‘Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia’ (HILDA). Three person-level outcomes were considered: (1) body mass index (BMI); (2) a binary indicator of ‘normal weight’ versus ‘overweight or obese’; and (3) ‘normal weight or overweight’ versus ‘obese’. Area-level socioeconomic circumstances were measured using quintiles of the Socio Economic Index For Areas (SEIFA). Multilevel linear and logistic regression models were used to examine associations while accounting for clustering within households and neighbourhoods, adjusting for person-level socioeconomic confounders.

Results

Neighbourhood-level factors accounted for 4.9% of the overall variation in BMI, whereas 20.1% was attributable to household-level factors. Compared with their peers living in deprived neighbourhoods, mean BMI was 0.7 kg/m2lower among men and 2.2 kg/m2lower among women living in affluent areas, with a clear trend across categories. Similarly, the percentage of overweight and obese, and obesity specifically, was lower in affluent areas for both men and women. These results were robust to adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

Unlike findings from the national health survey, but in line with evidence from other high-income countries, this study finds an inverse patterning of BMI by neighbourhood disadvantage for men, and especially among women. The potential mediators which underpin this gender difference in BMI within disadvantaged neighbourhoods warrant further investigation.
Missed nursing care is linked to patient satisfaction: a cross-sectional study of US hospitals
Authors: Lake Eileen T , Germack Hayley D , Viscardi Molly Kreider
Published: September 2015

Background

As nurses are the principal care provider in the hospital setting, the completion or omission of nursing care is likely to have a sizable impact on the patient care experience. However, this relationship has not been explored empirically.

Aim

To describe the prevalence and patterns of missed nursing care and explore their relationship to the patient care experience.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used secondary nurse and patient survey data from 409 adult non-federal acute care US hospitals in four states. Descriptive statistics were calculated and linear regression models were conducted at the hospital level. Regression models included controls for hospital structural characteristics.

Results

In an average hospital, nurses missed 2.7 of 12 required care activities per shift. Three-fourths (73.4%) of nurses reported missing at least one activity on their last shift. This percentage ranged from 25 to 100 across hospitals. Nurses most commonly reported not being able to comfort or talk with patients (47.6%) and plan care (38.5%). 6 out of 10 patients rated hospitals highly. This proportion ranged from 33% to 90% across hospitals. At hospitals where nurses missed more care (1 SD higher=0.74 items), 2.2% fewer patients rated the hospital highly (p<0.001); a coefficient equivalent to a one-quarter SD change.

Conclusions

Missed nursing care is common in US hospitals and varies widely. Most patients rate their hospital care experience highly, but this also varies widely across hospitals. Patients have poorer care experiences in hospitals where more nurses miss required nursing care. Supporting nurses’ ability to complete required care may optimise the patient care experience. As hospitals face changing reimbursement landscapes, ensuring adequate nursing resources should be a top priority.
Impact of post-colposcopy management on women's long-term worries: results from the UK population-based TOMBOLA trial
Authors: Sharp Linda , Cotton Seonaidh , Cruickshank Margaret , Gray Nicola , Smart Louise , Whynes David , Little Julian
Published: September 2015

Background

Effective cervical screening reduces cancer incidence and mortality. However, these benefits may be accompanied by some harms, potentially including, adverse psychological impacts. Studies suggest women may have concerns about various specific issues, such as cervical cancer.

Aim

To compare worries about cervical cancer, future fertility, having sex, and general health between women managed by alternative policies at colposcopy.

Design

Multicentre individually-randomised controlled trial, nested within the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programmes.

Setting

UK.

Methods

1515 women, aged 20–59 years, with low-grade cytology who attended colposcopy during February 2001–October 2002, were randomised to immediate loop excision or punch biopsies with recall for treatment if cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2/3 was confirmed. Women completed questionnaires at recruitment and after 12, 18, 24 and 30 months. Outcomes were prevalence of worries at each time-point (point prevalence) and at any time-point during follow-up (12–30 months; cumulative prevalence). Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat (ITT); secondary per-protocol analysis compared groups according to management received among women with an abnormal transformation zone.

Results

Cumulative prevalence of worries was: cervical cancer 40%; having sex 26%, future fertility 24%, and general health 60%. In ITT analyses, there were no statistically significant differences between management arms in cumulative or point prevalence of any of the worries. In per-protocol analyses, between-group differences were significant only for future fertility; cumulative prevalence was highest in women who underwent punch biopsies and treatment.

Conclusions

There is no difference in the prevalence of specific worries in women randomised to alternative post-colposcopy management policies.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN:34841617.
Biosimilars: what do patients need to consider?
Authors: Skingle Diana
Published: September 2015

A view from the EULAR Standing Committee of People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe (SCPARE) on some of the issues that patients might wish to consider about biosimilars in shared decision-making discussions with their rheumatologist. The paper also points to the need for more information on biosimilars being made available in lay language.
Fine-scale spatial association between baleen whales and forage fish in the Celtic Sea
Authors: Volkenandt Mareike , O’Connor Ian , Guarini Jean-Marc , Berrow Simon , O’Donnell Ciaran
Published: September 2015

Baleen whales can be regularly observed in the Celtic Sea; however, little is known about their local foraging behaviour. The study objective was to determine whether or not baleen whales selectively prey upon particular forage fish species or, on the contrary, is predation on the Celtic Sea plateau driven by random encounters between prey and predator? Concurrent sighting surveys for fin (Balaenoptera physalus), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales were carried out simultaneously from 2007 to 2013 during dedicated fisheries acoustic surveys assessing the abundance and distribution of forage fish. Probabilities of spatial overlap between baleen whales and forage fish were analysed and compared with the probability of a random encounter. For estimations of foraging threshold and prey selectivity, mean fish biomass and fish length were calculated when baleen whales and forage fish co-occurred. Whales were dominantly observed in areas with herring (Clupea harengus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus), while areas with mackerel (Scomber scombrus) were not targeted. A prey detection range of up to 8 km was found, which enables baleen whales to track their prey to minimize search effort. Fish densities within the defined foraging distance ranged from 0.001 to 3 kg·m−2 and were correlated to total fish abundance. No prey size selectivity according to fish length was found. By linking baleen whale distribution to high-density herring and sprat areas, it was possible to identify the Celtic Sea as a prey hot spot for baleen whales during autumn.
Detecting moose (Alces alces) browsing damage in young boreal forests from airborne laser scanning data
Authors: Melin M. , Matala J. , Mehtätalo L. , Suvanto A. , Packalen P.
Published: September 2015

Large herbivores can have large impacts on their habitats through extensive browsing. Similarly, human actions can have large impacts both on habitats and on the animals utilizing the habitats. In Finland, the increase in clear-cut areas has been highly positive for moose in particular, because these areas provide an easy and abundant source of winter food. For the forest owners, moose browsing causes growth and quality losses or even the destruction of whole stand. We aimed to identify moose browsing damage from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and to predict damaged areas. The data was used to detect the difference in forest structure caused by moose browsing (lost branches and twigs) in relation to reference areas without moose browsing. The damaged areas were located, measured, and confirmed by forestry professionals, and ALS data was collected after the damage. In the end, the structural differences that browsing caused proved to be clear enough to be detected with metrics calculated from ALS data. Many variables were significantly different between the damage and no-damage areas. With logistic regression, we were able to differentiate the areas with significant, large-scale damage from no-damage areas with a 76% accuracy. However, the model was too keen to predict false-positive cases (classifying no-damage areas as damaged). It was shown that ALS data can be used in detecting moose browsing damage in a case where the damage is extremely severe (like in here). Yet, to make the results more accurate, better field data about the damaged areas would be needed.
Mechanisms increasing n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids in the heart
Authors: Glück Tobias , Rupp Heinz , Alter Peter
Published: September 2015

Due to ambiguous findings on cardiovascular benefits of systemic omega-3 fatty acid therapy, endogenous mechanisms contributing to local organ-specific concentrations of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) were examined. Using gas chromatography, 43 fatty acids were analyzed in atrial and ventricular myocardium and in pericardial fluid of male Wistar rats. To examine the endogenous fatty acid metabolism, precursors were administered into the pericardial sac. Pro- and anti-inflammatory actions were induced by talc or fenofibrate, respectively. Physical exercise and a sedentary obese state were used for increased beta-oxidation. DHA (22:6n-3) was increased in ventricular when compared with atrial myocardium (9.0 ± 2.1% vs. 4.7 ± 1.0%, p < 0.001). Intrapericardial EPA (20:5n-3) application lead to an increase of the succeeding tetracosapentaenoic acid (24:5n-3) in atrial myocardium, which is a key precursor of DHA. In contrast, proinflammatory stimulation of the n-6 HUFA pathway did not influence the n-3 metabolism. Exercise- and obesity-induced increased beta-oxidation, the finalizing step of DHA synthesis, was associated with increased ventricular DHA concentrations (6.7 ± 1.0% vs. 8.4 ± 1.2%, p < 0.01). It is concluded that the endogenous metabolism contributes markedly to myocardial HUFA concentrations. The findings are supposed to influence the efficacy of oral HUFA treatment and provide a rationale for divergent findings of previous trials on omega-3 therapy.
Pathophysiology and prevention of sudden cardiac death
Authors: Goyal Vineet , Jassal Davinder S. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: September 2015

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is known to occur in individuals with diverse diseases. Each disease state has a specific etiology and pathophysiology, and is diagnosed and treated differently. Etiologies for SCD include cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, congenital coronary artery anomalies, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and aortic valve stenosis. A potential unifying mechanism of SCD in these diseases involves a massive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system’s stress response and the subsequent elevation of circulating catecholamines. The diagnosis of cardiac diseases that contribute to an increased risk for SCD is accomplished by a combination of different techniques including electrocardiography, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and invasive cardiac catheterization. Several therapies including anti-arrhythmic drugs, β-blockers, and antiplatelet agents may be used as medical treatment in patients for the prevention of SCD. Invasive therapies including percutaneous angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are also used in the clinical management of SCD.
The effects of modern war and military activities on biodiversity and the environment
Authors: Lawrence Michael J. , Stemberger Holly L.J. , Zolderdo Aaron J. , Struthers Daniel P. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: September 2015

War is an ever-present force that has the potential to alter the biosphere. Here we review the potential consequences of modern war and military activities on ecosystem structure and function. We focus on the effects of direct conflict, nuclear weapons, military training, and military produced contaminants. Overall, the aforementioned activities were found to have overwhelmingly negative effects on ecosystem structure and function. Dramatic habitat alteration, environmental pollution, and disturbance contributed to population declines and biodiversity losses arising from both acute and chronic effects in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. In some instances, even in the face of massive alterations to ecosystem structure, recovery was possible. Interestingly, military activity was beneficial under specific conditions, such as when an exclusion zone was generated that generally resulted in population increases and (or) population recovery; an observation noted in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Additionally, military technological advances (e.g., GPS technology, drone technology, biotelemetry) have provided conservation scientists with novel tools for research. Because of the challenges associated with conducting research in areas with military activities (e.g., restricted access, hazardous conditions), information pertaining to military impacts on the environment are relatively scarce and are often studied years after military activities have ceased and with no knowledge of baseline conditions. Additional research would help to elucidate the environmental consequences (positive and negative) and thus reveal opportunities for mitigating negative effects while informing the development of optimal strategies for rehabilitation and recovery.
Review of lattice supersymmetry and gauge-gravity duality
Authors: Joseph Anosh
Published: September 2015

We review the status of recent investigations on validating the gauge-gravity duality conjecture through numerical simulations of strongly coupled maximally supersymmetric thermal gauge theories. In the simplest setting, the gauge-gravity duality connects systems of D0-branes and black hole geometries at finite temperature to maximally supersymmetric gauged quantum mechanics at the same temperature. Recent simulations show that nonperturbative gauge theory results give excellent agreement with the quantum gravity predictions, thus proving strong evidence for the validity of the duality conjecture and more insight into quantum black holes and gravity.
High pressure growth and characterization of SrCrO3 single crystal
Authors: Cao L. P. , Pan L. Q. , Li W. M. , Wang X. C. , Liu Q. Q. , Long Y. W. , Gu C. Z. , Jin C. Q.
Published: September 2015

Single crystal [Formula: see text] was prepared under high pressure and high temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) result shows a cubic perovskite structure. The magnetic and resistivity measurement results indicate that [Formula: see text] is a paramagnetic semiconductor.
BSFCoS: Block and Sparse Principal Component Analysis-Based Fast Co-Saliency Detection Method
Authors: Shen Ning-Min , Li Jing , Zhou Pei-Yun , Huo Ying , Zhuang Yi
Published: September 2015

Co-saliency detection, an emerging research area in saliency detection, aims to extract the common saliency from the multi images. The extracted co-saliency map has been utilized in various applications, such as in co-segmentation, co-recognition and so on. With the rapid development of image acquisition technology, the original digital images are becoming more and more clearly. The existing co-saliency detection methods processing these images need enormous computer memory along with high computational complexity. These limitations made it hard to satisfy the demand of real-time user interaction. This paper proposes a fast co-saliency detection method based on the image block partition and sparse feature extraction method (BSFCoS). Firstly, the images are divided into several uniform blocks, and the low-level features are extracted from Lab and RGB color spaces. In order to maintain the characteristics of the original images and reduce the number of feature points as well as possible, Truncated Power for sparse principal components method are employed to extract sparse features. Furthermore, K-Means method is adopted to cluster the extracted sparse features, and calculate the three salient feature weights. Finally, the co-saliency map was acquired from the feature fusion of the saliency map for single image and multi images. The proposed method has been tested and simulated on two benchmark datasets: Co-saliency Pairs and CMU Cornell iCoseg datasets. Compared with the existing co-saliency methods, BSFCoS has a significant running time improvement in multi images processing while ensuring detection results. Lastly, the co-segmentation method based on BSFCoS is also given and has a better co-segmentation performance.
Quadratic BSDEs with jumps: Related nonlinear expectations
Authors: Kazi-Tani Nabil , Possamaï Dylan , Zhou Chao
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we continue the study of quadratic backward SDEs with jumps, that is to say for which the generator has quadratic growth in the variables [Formula: see text], started in our accompanying paper [12]. Relying on the existence and uniqueness result of [12], we define the corresponding [Formula: see text]-expectations and study some of their properties. We obtain in particular a nonlinear Doob–Meyer decomposition for [Formula: see text]-submartingales and a downcrossing inequality which implies their regularity in time. As a consequence of these results, we also obtain a converse comparison theorem for our class of BSDEs. Finally, we provide a dual representation for the corresponding dynamic risk measures, and study the properties of their inf-convolution, giving several explicit examples.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions for neutral stochastic partial integrodifferential equations with infinite delays
Authors: Diop Mamadou Abdoul , Caraballo Tomás , Mahamat Zene Mahamat
Published: September 2015

In this work we study the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic behavior of mild solutions for neutral stochastic partial integrodifferential equations with infinite delays. To prove the results, we use the theory of resolvent operators as developed by R. Grimmer [13], as well as a version of the fixed point principle. We establish sufficient conditions ensuring that the mild solutions are exponentially stable in [Formula: see text]th-moment. An example is provided to illustrate the abstract results.
QM study of complexation between natural bilirubin and poly-terthiophene carboxylic acid–Mn(II) as a biosensor: Temperature and interferences effect
Authors: Ghiasi Mina , Molaei Masoumeh , Zahedi Mansour
Published: September 2015

Bilirubin is an insoluble yellow pigment produced from heme catabolism and serves as a diagnostic marker of liver and blood disorders. Here, a systematic study of several interactions and arrangements between different forms of natural bilirubin and poly-5, 2[Formula: see text]-5[Formula: see text], 2[Formula: see text]-terthiophene-3-carboxylic acid/Mn(II)2complex, PTTCA–Mn(II)2, as a biosensor of bilirubin has been investigated extensively. The PTTCA–Mn(II)2biosensor detects natural bilirubin through the mediated electron transfer by the Mn[Formula: see text]. Initially, density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP and different basis sets including 6-31G* and 6-311G** has been employed to calculate the details of electronic structure and electronic energies of natural biliverdin and [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-bilirubin. Next, the interaction of the PTTCA–Mn(II)2biosensor, being in three possible spin states, with [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-natural bilirubin with 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry using UB3LYP/6-31G* method has been investigated. Natural population analysis (NPA) calculations have been used to derive more suitable interaction sites of bilirubin with Mn[Formula: see text] ions in PTTCA–Mn(II)2biosensor. Investigation of different manganese complexes with bilirubin shows that the most stable complex is high spin state (total electron spin [Formula: see text]) rather than intermediate and low spin states with 1:2 stoichiometry. Also, the temperature effect and interferences from other biological compounds such as ascorbic acid, L-glutamic acid, uric acid, creatine, glucose and dopamine have been investigated. The nature of the interaction between manganese metal cations and natural bilirubin is also discussed employing NPA, molecular orbital (MO) analysis and Bader’s Atoms in Molecule (AIM) theory.
Modeling the heterogeneity of p53 dynamics in DNA damage response
Authors: Wu Wenlei , Sun Weibin , Sun Tingzhe
Published: September 2015

The tumor suppressor p53 can be activated by DNA damage and exhibits undamped pulses. Recent reports have demonstrated a non-threshold mechanism for p53 dynamics. However, no related theoretical studies have been proposed. Here, we constructed a refined DNA damage repair model that incorporated both intrinsic and extrinsic DNA lesions. We proposed that the basal DNA damage may trigger significant fractions of p53 pulses. We also reproduced the heterogeneity of p53 dynamics in experiments. The number of p53 pulses showed no correlations with DNA damage. We also replicated the linear correlation between DNA damage and the probability of igniting a pulse. Our model has unraveled the heterogeneous p53 responses.
Basis set dependence using DFT/B3LYP calculations to model the Raman spectrum of thymine
Authors: Bielecki Jakub , Lipiec Ewelina
Published: September 2015

Raman spectroscopy (including surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS)) is a highly promising experimental method for investigations of biomolecule damage induced by ionizing radiation. However, proper interpretation of changes in experimental spectra for complex systems is often difficult or impossible, thus Raman spectra calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) provide an invaluable tool as an additional layer of understanding of underlying processes. There are many works that address the problem of basis set dependence for energy and bond length consideration, nevertheless there is still lack of consistent research on basis set influence on Raman spectra intensities for biomolecules. This study fills this gap by investigating of the influence of basis set choice for the interpretation of Raman spectra of the thymine molecule calculated using the DFT/B3LYP framework and comparing these results with experimental spectra. Among 19 selected Pople’s basis sets, the best agreement was achieved using 6-31[Formula: see text](d,p), 6-31[Formula: see text](d,p) and 6-11[Formula: see text]G(d,p) sets. Adding diffuse functions or polarized functions for small basis set or use of a medium or large basis set without diffuse or polarized functions is not sufficient to reproduce Raman intensities correctly. The introduction of the diffuse functions ([Formula: see text]) on hydrogen atoms is not necessary for gas phase calculations. This work serves as a benchmark for further research on the interaction of ionizing radiation with DNA molecules by means of ab initio calculations and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, this work provides a set of new scaling factors for Raman spectra calculation in the framework of DFT/B3LYP method.
A unified description of particles, strings and branes in Clifford spaces and p-brane/polyparticle duality
Authors: Castro Carlos
Published: September 2015

It is described how the Extended Relativity Theory in [Formula: see text]-spaces (Clifford spaces) allows a unified formulation of point particles, strings, membranes and [Formula: see text]-branes, moving in ordinary target spacetime backgrounds, within the description of a single polyparticle moving in [Formula: see text]-spaces. The degrees of freedom of the latter are provided by Clifford polyvector-valued coordinates (antisymmetric tensorial coordinates). A correspondence between the [Formula: see text]-brane ([Formula: see text]-loop) “Schrödinger-like” equations of Ansoldi–Aurilia–Spallucci and the polyparticle wave equation in [Formula: see text]-spaces is found via the polyparticle/[Formula: see text]-brane correspondence. This correspondence might provide another unexplored avenue to quantize [Formula: see text]-branes (a notoriously difficult and unsolved problem) from the more straightforward quantization of the polyparticle in [Formula: see text]-spaces, even in the presence of external interactions. We conclude with comments about the compositeness nature of the polyvector-valued coordinate operators in terms of ordinary [Formula: see text]-brane coordinates via the evaluation of [Formula: see text]-ary commutators.
Darboux transformation and exact solutions of the integrable Heisenberg ferromagnetic equation with self-consistent potentials
Authors: Yersultanova Z. S. , Zhassybayeva M. , Yesmakhanova K. , Nugmanova G. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: September 2015

Integrable Heisenberg ferromagnetic equations are an important subclass of integrable systems. The M-XCIX equation is one of a generalizations of the Heisenberg ferromagnetic equation and are integrable. In this paper, the Darboux transformation of the M-XCIX equation is constructed. Using the DT, a 1-soliton solution of the M-XCIX equation is presented.
Effect of Supports on Soot Oxidation of Copper Catalysts: BaTiO3 Versus Fe2O3@BaTiO3 Core/Shell Microsphere
Authors: Fan Guoliang , Zhao Liu , Gong Cairong , Ma Jia , Xue Gang
Published: September 2015

Copper catalysts prepared using two kinds of supports (BaTiO3 and Fe2O3@BaTiO[Formula: see text] have been tested for soot combustion. Perovskite-type oxide BaTiO3 shows excellent properties as support but has small specific surface area. Fe2O3@BaTiO3 core/shell microspheres, as improved support of BaTiO3 support, were fabricated by a hydrothermal-annealing approach. Fe2O3@BaTiO3 support has large specific surface area, which optimizes the contact condition of the gas-soot-catalyst three-phase reaction. Due to the Cu-Fe2O3@BaTiO3 interaction, the redox properties of copper are improved. Soot combustion is tested under O2 gas flow and NOx/O2 gas flow, and Fe2O3@BaTiO3 supported copper catalyst (Cu/Fe2O3@BaTiO[Formula: see text] all shows higher catalytic activity and CO2 selectivity than BaTiO3 supported copper catalyst (Cu/BaTiO[Formula: see text].
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and origin of salinity in Ajabshir aquifer, East Azerbaijan, Iran
Authors: Samani Saeideh , Moghaddam Asghar Asghari
Published: September 2015

Inverse geochemical modelling with PHREEQC and multivariate statistical methods were used to determine the origin of groundwater chemical constituents and identify the source of salinity in parts of Ajabshir alluvial aquifer, East Azerbaijan, Iran. Q mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to partition groundwater in the study area into hydrochemical facies. Three major water groups were identified by HCA. Groundwater samples collected from the study area were classified as recharge area waters (Group 1: Na–Ca–HCO
3
water; Group 2: Ca–Na–HCO
3
water) in the northern, central and northeastern areas. Discharge area waters were identified in the vicinity of Urmia Lake and in southern parts of the study area (Group 3: Na–Cl water). Principal components analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation using the Kaiser criterion identified three principal sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Factor 1 accounts for the salinity of the water, factor 2 represents silicate mineral weathering, and factor 3 represents calcite dissolution and incongruent silicate mineral weathering. Inverse modelling for major ions and the results of HCA confirmed the results obtained with PCA. The results of this study showed that water–rock interaction is an important mechanism in the evolution of water chemistry. The results also identified the following phenomena as important mechanisms in the composition of Group 3 waters: saline water upconing, mixing between freshwater and saline water, reverse flow from the salt flats toward the aquifer, flatness of the ground surface and very low velocity of the groundwater, shallow depth of the groundwater and evaporation from it, a silt–clay boundary at the outlet of groundwater flow from the aquifer, and airborne transport of salt particles from the salt flats.
Alice, aggregates and tax: muddy waters
Authors: Braithwaite Colin J. R. , Heath Rachel A.
Published: September 2015

On 7 March 2012 the European Court decided to annul the 2002 decision by the European Commission that it would not raise any objections to the current imposition of the Aggregates Levy by the UK government and in particular to exemptions. On 31 July 2013 the Commission decided to open formal investigation procedures to give further consideration to certain aspects of the exemptions. This shift in policy will require that the fundamental problems in the definitions that are applied to identify supposed exempt materials are addressed and resolved. Here we discuss these issues and point out areas of ambiguity, indicating the reasons why these cause problems, and suggest solutions.