bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulation act as deterrents towards specialist herbivores and impede the performance of a generalist herbivore
Authors: Kazemi‐Dinan Ardeshir , Thomaschky Sina , Stein Ricardo J. , Krämer Ute , Müller Caroline
Published: January 2014

Extraordinarily high leaf metal concentrations in metal hyperaccumulator plants may serve as an elemental defence against herbivores. However, mixed results have been reported and studies using comparative approaches are missing.

We investigated the deterrent and toxic potential of metals employing the hyperaccumulatorArabidopsis halleri. Effects of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) on the preferences of three Brassicaceae specialists were tested in paired‐choice experiments using differently treated plant material, including transgenic plants. In performance tests, we determined the toxicity and joint effects of both metals incorporated in an artificial diet on the survival of a generalist.

Feeding by all specialists was significantly reduced by metal concentrations from above 1000 μg Zn g−1DWand 18 μg Cd g−1DW. By contrast, metals did not affect oviposition. Generalist survival decreased with increasing concentrations of individual metals, whereby the combination ofZn andCd had an additive toxic effect even at the lowest applied concentrations of 100 μg Zn g−1and 2 μg Cd g−1.

Metal hyperaccumulation protects plants from herbivory resulting from deterrence and toxicity against a wide range of herbivores. The combination of metals exacerbates toxicity through joint effects and enhances elemental defence. Thus, metal hyperaccumulation is ecologically beneficial for plants.
Pansclerotic Morphea with Features of Eosinophilic Fasciitis: Distinct Entities or Part of a Continuum?
Authors: Odhav Ashika , Hoeltzel Mark F. , Canty Kristi
Published: January 2014

Scleroderma is a highly complex disorder in its clinical manifestations and pathogenesis. It has a wide range of clinical manifestations due to varying degrees of vasculopathy, autoimmunity, altered endothelium function, and abnormal fibrosis. The most widely used classification system grouped eosinophilic fasciitis and disabling pansclerotic morphea of childhood into the category of deep morphea. This previous classification does not include a category for overlapping conditions. A proposed new classification includes a new mixed subtype in which a combination of two or more of the previous subtypes is present in the same individual, although eosinophilic fasciitis has been excluded. We present the case of a 4‐year‐old boy who presented with features of disabling pansclerotic morphea and eosinophilic fasciitis simultaneously, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported. This suggests that these diseases are part of a more closely related continuum rather than separate disorders, as currently classified.
Generalized Smooth Muscle Hamartoma with Multiple Congenital Anomalies without the “Michelin Tire Baby” Phenotype
Authors: Janicke Elise C. , Nazareth Michael R. , Rothman Ilene L.
Published: January 2014

We report a patient with generalized smooth muscle hamartoma who presented with many of the variety of congenital anomalies that have been reported in babies with multiple symmetric circumferential rings of folded skin known as Michelin tire baby (MTB) syndrome, but our patient did not show the MTB phenotype. This constellation of findings in the absence of the MTB phenotype has not been previously reported.
Truthmaker Theory Does Not Solve The Gettier Problem
Authors: Vance Chad
Published: January 2014

Truthmaker theory has become immensely popular in recent years. So, it is not surprising that we are beginning to see it put to work in other areas of philosophy. Recently, several philosophers have proposed that truthmaker theory is the key to solving the Gettier problem. Edmund Gettier demonstrated that the traditional analysis of knowledge (as justified, true belief) was unsatisfactory. The truthmaker solution proposes that knowledge is a justified, true belief, where the source of one's justification is either identical to, or else causally related to, the state of affairs which makes the believed proposition true. This amendment of the traditional analysis of knowledge purportedly escapes the problems identified by Gettier cases. In this paper, I will examine two particular recent endorsements of this solution – those from Sven Bernecker and Adrian Heathcote – and argue that truthmaker theory is not the key to solving the Gettier problem.
Dose‐Response Models Incorporating Aerosol Size Dependency for Francisella tularensis
Authors: Teske Sondra S. , Weir Mark H. , Bartrand Timothy A. , Huang Yin , Tamrakar Sushil B. , Haas Charles N.
Published: December 2013

The effect of bioaerosol size was incorporated into predictive dose‐response models for the effects of inhaled aerosols of Francisella tularensis (the causative agent of tularemia) on rhesus monkeys and guinea pigs with bioaerosol diameters ranging between 1.0 and 24 μm. Aerosol‐size‐dependent models were formulated as modification of the exponential and β‐Poisson dose‐response models and model parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood methods and multiple data sets of quantal dose‐response data for which aerosol sizes of inhaled doses were known. Analysis of F. tularensis dose‐response data was best fit by an exponential dose‐response model with a power function including the particle diameter size substituting for the rate parameter k scaling the applied dose. There were differences in the pathogen's aerosol‐size‐dependence equation and models that better represent the observed dose‐response results than the estimate derived from applying the model developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP, 1994) that relies on differential regional lung deposition for human particle exposure.
Bloodstream and central line isolates from hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: data from a developing country
Authors: Ali N. , Adil S.N. , Shaikh M.U.
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) and central line infections remain among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients because of prolonged neutropenia and mucosal damage. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and outcome of bacterial and fungal isolates from patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted at the Aga Khan University and Hospital's bone marrow transplant unit. All patients who underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplant with matched sibling/parent donor were included. The study period ranged from April 2004 to December 2012. Transplantation was performed according to institutional protocols. All patients were admitted in single rooms with positive pressure and high‐efficiency particulate air filters. Ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, and valaciclovir were used for standard prophylaxis, which was started at the time of conditioning. All blood cultures were obtained at clinical suspicion of systemic infection, mainly documented as fever (temperature of >38.5°C). BSIs and line infections were defined as isolation of bacterial or fungal pathogen from at least one blood/central line culture.

Results

In total, 101 of 108 patients developed febrile neutropenia. In the 101 patients, 245 documented febrile episodes occurred. There were 40 culture‐positive episodes and 205 culture‐negative episodes. Of these 40 culture‐positive episodes, 22 patients had bloodstream isolates and 18 had central line isolates. The median ± standard deviation time of febrile neutropenia was day 7 ± 2 days (range: day −3 to day +13). The most common bloodstream isolate was Escherichia coli (n = 9) followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 5). One patient developed Fusarium infection. In central line infections, S. epidermidis was the most common organism (n = 8). In 2 patients with central venous catheters, Candida albicans was the isolate. Transplant‐related mortality from sepsis occurred in 9.2%.

Conclusion

E.coli was mainly responsible for BSI, while gram‐positive organisms dominated catheter‐related febrile episodes. Transplant‐related mortality due to sepsis was 9%.
Co-Simulation of Neuromuscular Dynamics and Knee Mechanics During Human Walking
Authors: Thelen Darryl G. , Won Choi Kwang , Schmitz Anne M.
Published: January 2014

This study introduces a framework for co-simulating neuromuscular dynamics and knee joint mechanics during gait. A knee model was developed that included 17 ligament bundles and a representation of the distributed contact between a femoral component and tibial insert surface. The knee was incorporated into a forward dynamics musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity. A computed muscle control algorithm was then used to modulate the muscle excitations to drive the model to closely track measured hip, knee, and ankle angle trajectories of a subject walking overground with an instrumented knee replacement. The resulting simulations predicted the muscle forces, ligament forces, secondary knee kinematics, and tibiofemoral contact loads. Model-predicted tibiofemoral contact forces were of comparable magnitudes to experimental measurements, with peak medial (1.95 body weight (BW)) and total (2.76 BW) contact forces within 4–17% of measured values. Average root-mean-square errors over a gait cycle were 0.26, 0.42, and 0.51 BW for the medial, lateral, and total contact forces, respectively. The model was subsequently used to predict variations in joint contact pressure that could arise by altering the frontal plane joint alignment. Small variations (±2 deg) in the alignment of the femoral component and tibial insert did not substantially affect the location of contact pressure, but did alter the medio-lateral distribution of load and internal tibia rotation in swing. Thus, the computational framework can be used to virtually assess the coupled influence of both physiological and design factors on in vivo joint mechanics and performance.
Double Diffusive Marangoni Convection Flow of Electrically Conducting Fluid in a Square Cavity With Chemical Reaction
Authors: Saleem M. , Hossain M. A. , Saha Suvash C.
Published: January 2014

Double diffusive Marangoni convection flow of viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid in a square cavity is studied in this paper by taking into consideration of the effect of applied magnetic field in arbitrary direction and the chemical reaction. The governing equations are solved numerically by using alternate direct implicit (ADI) method together with the successive over relaxation (SOR) technique. The flow pattern with the effect of governing parameters, namely the buoyancy ratio W, diffusocapillary ratio w, and the Hartmann number Ha, is investigated. It is revealed from the numerical simulations that the average Nusselt number decreases; whereas the average Sherwood number increases as the orientation of magnetic field is shifted from horizontal to vertical. Moreover, the effect of buoyancy due to species concentration on the flow is stronger than the one due to thermal buoyancy. The increase in diffusocapillary parameter, w causes the average Nusselt number to decrease, and average Sherwood number to increase.
Modeling and Control of an Infinitely Variable Speed Converter
Authors: Zhu W. D. , Wang X. F.
Published: January 2014

Traditional transmission in a vehicle has low efficiency and that in a wind turbine has a constant output-to-input speed ratio, which needs a power converter to regulate the current frequency that can be fed into the grid. Different types of continuously variable transmission (CVT) have been developed for vehicle and wind turbine applications, which allow optimal engine speeds to be selected for different driving conditions in the former and can generate constant-frequency current without using a power converter in the latter. An infinitely variable speed converter (IVSC) is a specific type of CVT that can achieve a zero speed ratio and transmit a large torque at a low speed ratio. An IVSC with drivers that convert an eccentric motion of cams to a concentric motion of the output shaft through one-way bearings is introduced, and an active control system with a combined feedback and feed-forward control that can automatically adjust the eccentricity of outer cams to control the speed ratio of the transmission is developed. The kinematic model of the IVSC is derived and fitted by a polynomial function to serve as the feed-forward function in the control law. The feedback control is used to reduce the system error. A dynamic model of the IVSC is derived to investigate the effect of the dynamic load on the input and output speeds. Static and dynamic tests were conducted to validate the kinematic model of the IVSC. The variation of the average output speed per revolution of the output shaft is 0.56% with respect to the desired output speed in the simulation and 0.91% in the experiments.
Control Architecture Study Focused on Energy Savings of an Aircraft Thermal Management System
Authors: Roberts Rory A. , Decker Daniel D.
Published: January 2014

The next generation of aircraft will face more challenging demands in both electrical and thermal loads. The larger thermal loads reduce the propulsion system efficiency by demanding bleed air from the main engine compressor or imposing a shaft load on the high or low pressure shaft. The approach adopted to power the thermal management system influences the overall fuel burn of the aircraft for a given mission. To assess these demands and to explore conceptual designs for the electrical and thermal management system, a dynamic vehicle level tip-to-tail (T2T) model has been developed. The T2T model captures and quantifies the energy exchanges throughout the aircraft. The following subsystems of the aircraft are simulated in the T2T model: air vehicle system, propulsion system, adaptive power thermal management system, fuel thermal management system, electrical system, and actuator system. This paper presents trade studies evaluating the impact of various approaches in power take-off from the main engine and approaches in control strategy. The trade studies identify different control strategies resulting in significant fuel savings for a given mission profile.
An Approximate Solution for Period-1 Motions in a Periodically Forced Van Der Pol Oscillator
Authors: Luo Albert C. J. , Baghaei Lakeh Arash
Published: January 2014

In this paper the approximate analytical solutions of period-1 motion in the periodically forced van der Pol oscillator are obtained by the generalized harmonic balance (HB) method. Such an approximate solution of periodic motion is given by the Fourier series expression, and the convergence of such an expression is guaranteed by the Fourier series theory of periodic functions. The approximate solution is different from traditional, approximate solution because the number of total harmonic terms (N) is determined by the precision of harmonic amplitude quantity level, set by the investigator (e.g., AN≤ɛ and ɛ=10-8). The stability and bifurcation analysis of the period-1 solutions is completed through the eigenvalue analysis of the coefficient dynamical systems of the Fourier series expressions of periodic solutions, and numerical illustrations of period-1 motions are compared to verify the analytical solutions of periodic motions. The trajectories and analytical harmonic amplitude spectrum for stable and unstable periodic motions are presented. The harmonic amplitude spectrum shows the harmonic term effects on periodic motions, and one can directly know which harmonic terms contribute on periodic motions and the convergence of the Fourier series expression is clearly illustrated.
Strong Sensitivity of Pine Island Ice-Shelf Melting to Climatic Variability
Authors: Dutrieux Pierre , De Rydt Jan , Jenkins Adrian , Holland Paul R. , Ha Ho Kyung , Lee Sang Hoon , Steig Eric J. , Ding Qinghua , Abrahamsen E. Povl , Schröder Michael
Published: January 2014

Cold Glacier Growth

Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica has thinned significantly during the last two decades and has provided a measurable contribution to sea-level rise as a result. Both glacier dynamics and climate are thought to be responsible for thinning, but exactly how they influence the glacier are incompletely known.

Dutrieux
et al.

(p.
174
, published online 2 January) provide another layer of detail to our understanding of the process through observations of ocean temperatures in the surrounding waters. The thermocline adjacent in the sea adjacent to the glacier calving front (where ice is discharged) lowered by 250 meters in the austral summer of 2012. This change exposed the bottom of the ice shelf to colder surface waters rather than to the warmer, deeper layer, thereby reducing heat transfer from the ocean to the overlying ice and decreasing basal melting of the ice by more than 50% compared to 2010. Those 2012 ocean conditions were partly caused by a strong La Niña event, thus illustrating how important atmospheric variability is for regulating how the Antarctic Ice Sheet responds to climate change.
Medicaid Increases Emergency-Department Use: Evidence from Oregon's Health Insurance Experiment
Authors: Taubman Sarah L. , Allen Heidi L. , Wright Bill J. , Baicker Katherine , Finkelstein Amy N.
Published: January 2014

Health Economy?

The intensity of arguments over social science issues often seems inversely correlated with the quantity of experimental evidence.

Taubman
et al.

(p.
263
, published online 2 January; see the Policy Forum by

Fisman

) report on the latest analysis of an ongoing controlled experiment—the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment—that seeks to identify and quantify the effects of extending health insurance coverage to a low-income adult population. A substantial increase was observed in visits to the emergency departments of hospitals, corresponding to approximately 120 U.S. dollars per year more in hospital costs.
Microbicidal Power of Alpha Radiation in Sterilizing Germinating Bacillus anthracis Spores
Authors: Rivera Johanna , Morgenstern Alfred , Bruchertseifer Frank , Kearney John F. , Turnbough Charles L. , Dadachova Ekaterina , Casadevall Arturo
Published: December 2013

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) takes advantage of the specificity and affinity of the antigen-antibody interaction to deliver microbicidal radioactive nuclides to a site of infection. In this study, we investigated the microbicidal properties of an alpha particle-emitting
213
Bi-labeled monoclonal antibody (MAb), EA2-1 (
213
Bi-EA2-1), that binds to the immunodominant antigen on
Bacillus anthracis
spores. Our results showed that dormant spores were resistant to
213
Bi-EA2-1. Significant spore killing was observed following treatment with EA2-1 labeled with 300 μCi
213
Bi; however, this effect was not dependent on the MAb. In contrast, when spores were germinating,
213
Bi-EA2-1 mediated MAb-specific killing in a dose-dependent manner. Dormant spores are very resistant to RIT, and RIT should focus on targeting vegetative cells and germinating spores.
Efficacy of Humanized Carbapenem and Ceftazidime Regimens against Enterobacteriaceae Producing OXA-48 Carbapenemase in a Murine Infection Model
Authors: Wiskirchen Dora E. , Nordmann Patrice , Crandon Jared L. , Nicolau David P.
Published: December 2013

Enterobacteriaceae
producing the OXA-48 carbapenemase are emerging worldwide, leaving few treatment options. Efficacy has been demonstrated
in vivo
with ceftazidime against a ceftazidime-susceptible OXA-48 isolate but not with imipenem despite maintaining susceptibility. The relationship between phenotype and
in vivo
efficacy was assessed for OXA-48 producers using humanized regimens of 2 g doripenem every 8 h (q8h; 4 h infusion), 1 g ertapenem q24h, 2 g ceftazidime q8h (2 h inf), and 500 mg levofloxacin q24h. Each regimen was evaluated over 24 h against an isogenic pair (wild-type and OXA-48
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains) and six clinical OXA-48 isolates with and without other extended-spectrum β-lactamases in immunocompetent and neutropenic murine thigh infection models. Efficacy was determined using the change in bacterial density versus 24-h growth controls in immunocompetent studies and 0-h controls in neutropenic studies. Bacterial reductions of ≥1 log CFU were observed with all agents for the wild-type strain. Consistent with low MICs, ceftazidime and levofloxacin exhibited efficacy against the isogenic OXA-48 strain, whereas doripenem did not, despite having a susceptible MIC; no activity was observed with ertapenem, consistent with a resistant MIC. Similar trends were observed for the clinical isolates evaluated. Ceftazidime, levofloxacin, and ertapenem efficacy against isogenic and clinical OXA-48-producing strains correlated well with phenotypic profiles and pharmacodynamic targets, whereas efficacy with doripenem was variable over the MIC range studied. These data suggest that carbapenems may not be a reliable treatment for treating OXA-48 producers and add to previous observations with KPC and NDM-1 suggesting that genotype may better predict activity of the carbapenems than the phenotypic profile.
Role of OmpA in the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Smani Younes , Fàbrega Anna , Roca Ignasi , Sánchez-Encinales Viviana , Vila Jordi , Pachón Jerónimo
Published: December 2013

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as a nosocomial pathogen with an increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. The role of the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in antimicrobial resistance remains poorly understood. In this report, disruption of the
ompA
gene led to decreased MICs of chloramphenicol, aztreonam, and nalidixic acid. We have characterized, for the first time, the contribution of OmpA in the antimicrobial resistance phenotype of
A. baumannii
.
In VitroCharacterization of MK-1439, a Novel HIV-1 Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Authors: Lai Ming-Tain , Feng Meizhen , Falgueyret Jean-Pierre , Tawa Paul , Witmer Marc , DiStefano Daniel , Li Yuan , Burch Jason , Sachs Nancy , Lu Meiqing , Cauchon Elizabeth , Campeau Louis-Charles , Grobler Jay , Yan Youwei , Ducharme Yves , Côté Bernard , Asante-Appiah Ernest , Hazuda Daria J. , Miller Michael D.
Published: December 2013

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are a mainstay of therapy for treating human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1)-infected patients. MK-1439 is a novel NNRTI with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12, 9.7, and 9.7 nM against the wild type (WT) and K103N and Y181C reverse transcriptase (RT) mutants, respectively, in a biochemical assay. Selectivity and cytotoxicity studies confirmed that MK-1439 is a highly specific NNRTI with minimum off-target activities. In the presence of 50% normal human serum (NHS), MK-1439 showed excellent potency in suppressing the replication of WT virus, with a 95% effective concentration (EC95) of 20 nM, as well as K103N, Y181C, and K103N/Y181C mutant viruses with EC95of 43, 27, and 55 nM, respectively. MK-1439 exhibited similar antiviral activities against 10 different HIV-1 subtype viruses (a total of 93 viruses). In addition, the susceptibility of a broader array of clinical NNRTI-associated mutant viruses (a total of 96 viruses) to MK-1439 and other benchmark NNRTIs was investigated. The results showed that the mutant profile of MK-1439 was superior overall to that of efavirenz (EFV) and comparable to that of etravirine (ETR) and rilpivirine (RPV). Furthermore, E138K, Y181C, and K101E mutant viruses that are associated with ETR and RPV were susceptible to MK-1439 with a fold change (FC) of <3. A two-drugin vitrocombination study indicated that MK-1439 acts nonantagonistically in the antiviral activity with each of 18 FDA-licensed drugs for HIV infection. Taken together, thesein vitrodata suggest that MK-1439 possesses the desired properties for further development as a new antiviral agent.
Nonfunctional Variant 3 Factor H Binding Proteins as Meningococcal Vaccine Candidates
Authors: van der Veen Stijn , Johnson Steven , Jongerius Ilse , Malik Talat , Genovese Alessia , Santini Laura , Staunton David , Ufret-Vincenty Rafael L. , Pickering Matthew C. , Lea Susan M. , Tang Christoph M.
Published: December 2013

Neisseria meningitidisis a human-specific pathogen and leading cause of meningitis and septicemia. Factor H binding protein (fHbp), a virulence factor which protectsN. meningitidisfrom innate immunity by binding the human complement regulator factor H (fH) with high affinity, is also a key antigen in vaccines being developed to prevent meningococcal disease. fHbp can be divided into three variant groups (V1, V2, and V3) that elicit limited immunological cross-reactivity. The interaction of fH with fHbp could impair the immunogenicity of this antigen by hindering access to the antigenic epitopes in fHbp, providing the rationale for the development of nonfunctional fHbps as vaccine candidates. Here, we characterized the two nonfunctional V3 fHbps, fHbpT286Aand fHbpE313A, which each contains a single amino acid substitution that leads to a marked reduction in affinity for fH without affecting the folding of the proteins. The immunogenicity of the nonfunctional fHbps was assessed in transgenic mice expressing a single chimeric fH containing domains of human fH involved in binding to fHbp. No differences in anti-V3 fHbp antibody titers were elicited by the wild-type V3 fHbp, V3 fHbpT286A, and V3 fHbpE313A, demonstrating that the nonfunctional fHbps retain their immunogenicity. Furthermore, the nonfunctional V3 fHbps elicit serum bactericidal activity that is equivalent to or higher than that observed with the wild-type protein. Our findings provide the basis for the rational design of next-generation vaccines containing nonfunctional V3 fHbps.
Efficacy of a Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Using ChAd63 and Modified Vaccinia Ankara Expressing Thrombospondin-Related Anonymous Protein as Assessed with Transgenic Plasmodium berghei Parasites
Authors: Bauza Karolis , Malinauskas Tomas , Pfander Claudia , Anar Burcu , Jones E. Yvonne , Billker Oliver , Hill Adrian V. S. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo
Published: December 2013

Plasmodium vivax
is the world's most widely distributed malaria parasite and a potential cause of morbidity and mortality for approximately 2.85 billion people living mainly in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Despite this dramatic burden, very few vaccines have been assessed in humans. The clinically relevant vectors modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and the chimpanzee adenovirus ChAd63 are promising delivery systems for malaria vaccines due to their safety profiles and proven ability to induce protective immune responses against
Plasmodium falciparum
thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) in clinical trials. Here, we describe the development of new recombinant ChAd63 and MVA vectors expressing
P. vivax
TRAP (PvTRAP) and show their ability to induce high antibody titers and T cell responses in mice. In addition, we report a novel way of assessing the efficacy of new candidate vaccines against
P. vivax
using a fully infectious transgenic
Plasmodium berghei
parasite expressing
P. vivax
TRAP to allow studies of vaccine efficacy and protective mechanisms in rodents. Using this model, we found that both CD8
+
T cells and antibodies mediated protection against malaria using virus-vectored vaccines. Our data indicate that ChAd63 and MVA expressing PvTRAP are good preerythrocytic-stage vaccine candidates with potential for future clinical application.
Oral Intoxication of Mice with Shiga Toxin Type 2a (Stx2a) and Protection by Anti-Stx2a Monoclonal Antibody 11E10
Authors: Russo L. M. , Melton-Celsa A. R. , Smith M. A. , Smith M. J. , O'Brien A. D.
Published: December 2013

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) strains cause food-borne outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis and, less commonly, a serious kidney-damaging sequela called the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Stx, the primary virulence factor expressed by STEC, is an AB5toxin with two antigenically distinct forms, Stx1a and Stx2a. Although both toxins have similar biological activities, Stx2a is more frequently produced by STEC strains that cause HUS than is Stx1a. Here we asked whether Stx1a and Stx2a act differently when delivered orally by gavage. We found that Stx2a had a 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 2.9 μg, but no morbidity occurred after oral intoxication with up to 157 μg of Stx1a. We also compared several biochemical and histological parameters in mice intoxicated orally versus intraperitoneally with Stx2a. We discovered that both intoxication routes caused similar increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, indicative of kidney damage, as well as electrolyte imbalances and weight loss in the animals. Furthermore, kidney sections from Stx2a-intoxicated mice revealed multifocal, acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Of particular note, we detected Stx2a in kidney sections from orally intoxicated mice in the same region as the epithelial cell type in which ATN was detected. Lastly, we showed reduced renal damage, as determined by renal biomarkers and histopathology, and full protection of orally intoxicated mice with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 11E10 directed against the toxin A subunit; conversely, an irrelevant MAb had no therapeutic effect. Orally intoxicated mice could be rescued by MAb 11E10 6 h but not 24 h after Stx2a delivery.
The assessment and impact of sarcopenia in lung cancer: a systematic literature review
Authors: Collins Jemima , Noble Simon , Chester John , Coles Bernadette , Byrne Anthony
Published: January 2014

Objectives

There is growing awareness of the relationship between sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function), and outcomes in cancer, making it a potential target for future therapies. In order to inform future research and practice, we undertook a systematic review of factors associated with loss of muscle mass, and the relationship between muscle function and muscle mass in lung cancer, a common condition associated with poor outcomes.

Design

We conducted a computerised systematic literature search on five databases. Studies were included if they explored muscle mass as an outcome measure in patients with lung cancer, and were published in English.

Setting

Secondary care.

Participants

Patients with lung cancer.

Primary outcome

Factors associated with loss of muscle mass and muscle function, or sarcopenia, and the clinical impact thereof in patients with lung cancer.

Results

We reviewed 5726 citations, and 35 articles were selected for analysis. Sarcopenia, as defined by reduced muscle mass alone, was found to be very prevalent in patients with lung cancer, regardless of body mass index, and where present was associated with poorer functional status and overall survival. There were diverse studies exploring molecular and metabolic factors in the development of loss of muscle mass; however, the precise mechanisms that contribute to sarcopenia and cachexia remain uncertain. The effect of nutritional supplements and ATP infusions on muscle mass showed conflicting results. There are very limited data on the correlation between degree of sarcopenia and muscle function, which has a non-linear relationship in older non-cancer populations.

Conclusions

Loss of muscle mass is a significant contributor to morbidity in patients with lung cancer. Loss of muscle mass and function may predate clinically overt cachexia, underlining the importance of evaluating sarcopenia, rather than weight loss alone. Understanding this relationship and its associated factors will provide opportunities for focused intervention to improve clinical outcomes.
End-of-life conversations and care: an asset-based model for community engagement
Authors: Matthiesen Mary , Froggatt Katherine , Owen Elaine , Ashton John R
Published: January 2014

Background

Public awareness work regarding palliative and end-of-life care is increasingly promoted within national strategies for palliative care. Different approaches to undertaking this work are being used, often based upon broader educational principles, but little is known about how to undertake such initiatives in a way that equally engages both the health and social care sector and the local communities. An asset-based community engagement approach has been developed that facilitates community-led awareness initiatives concerning end-of-life conversations and care by identifying and connecting existing skills and expertise.

Aims

(1) To describe the processes and features of an asset-based community engagement approach that facilitates community-led awareness initiatives with a focus on end-of-life conversations and care; and (2) to identify key community-identified priorities for sustainable community engagement processes.

Methods

An asset-based model of community engagement specific to end-of-life issues using a four-step process is described (getting started, coming together, action planning and implementation). The use of this approach, in two regional community engagement programmes, based across rural and urban communities in the northwest of England, is described.

Findings

The assets identified in the facilitated community engagement process encompassed people's talents and skills, community groups and networks, government and non-government agencies, physical and economic assets and community values and stories. Five priority areas were addressed to ensure active community engagement work: information, outreach, education, leadership and sustainability.

Conclusions

A facilitated, asset-based approach of community engagement for end-of-life conversations and care can catalyse community-led awareness initiatives. This occurs through the involvement of community and local health and social care organisations as co-creators of this change across multiple sectors in a sustainable way. This approach provides a framework for other communities seeking to engage with public awareness in end-of-life issues.
Cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC dual lumen balloon for the treatment of vasospasm following intracranial aneurysm rupture
Authors: Heit Jeremy J , Choudhri Omar , Marks Michael P , Dodd Robert L , Do Huy M
Published: January 2014

Background

Cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Intra-arterial administration of calcium channel blockers or intracranial angioplasty may be performed when non-invasive medical management fails to prevent neurologic deterioration. Technical improvements in balloon catheters are expected to improve the success and safety of cerebral angioplasty.

Objective

To describe our initial experience with the new Scepter XC balloon catheter in cerebral vasospasm treatment following SAH.

Design

All patients who underwent cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC balloon for the treatment of medically refractory cerebral vasospasm after SAH were identified. Patient demographic information, procedural details, and outcome were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results

Five consecutive patients undergoing vasospasm treatment with cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC were identified. All treated patients had medically refractory vasospasm that was moderate or severe. Angioplasty of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, the V4 segment of the vertebral artery, and the basilar artery was performed. All angioplasty procedures were technically successful, and the degree of vasospasm improved significantly following angioplasty. There were no complications related to the cerebral angioplasty procedures.

Conclusions

The Scepter XC balloon catheter is safe and effective in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm following SAH. The excellent trackability and stability of the balloon catheter and the extra compliant design of the balloon represent technical advancements in the endovascular armamentarium in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.
Basis for recommending an update of wind velocity pressures in Canadian design codes
Authors: Hong H.P. , Mara T.G. , Morris R. , Li S.H. , Ye W.
Published: January 2014

Reference wind velocity pressures corresponding to specified return period wind speeds are provided in several Canadian design codes. A review of the two most recent editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) indicates that significant changes in some 50-year return period wind speeds, vAH-50, were introduced in the 2010 version of the NBCC-2010 compared to the previous NBCC-2005. The changes are due to analysis approaches, available wind records, and a re-examination of anemometer histories. To potentially improve the estimates of vAH-50, wind records in the Environment Canada HLY01 digital archive were processed. Two hundred and thirty-five meteorological stations are considered in the analysis, and height and exposure corrected annual maximum hourly-mean wind speed, VAH, are extracted. Statistical analysis and distribution fitting were carried out using the Gumbel distribution and generalized extreme value distribution and several fitting methods were employed. The results indicate that it is preferable to treat VAHas a Gumbel variate, and to carry out the fit using the generalized least-squares method. Wind speed contour maps for Canada are developed based on the estimated vAH-Tfor T equal to 50, 500, and 1000 years. A comparison of the maps of vAH-50to those inferred from NBCC-2005 and NBCC-2010 shows that the developed map retains some of the smoothness of the wind speeds exhibited in NBCC-2010, while maintains the localized wind speed features presented in NBCC-2005. Results also show that the wind speed corresponding to the factored design wind load in NBCC-2010 is associated with a return period ranging from 200 to 5000 years, but for 90% of stations considered, the range narrows to 300 to 900 years.
FABRICATIONS OF MICRO TOOLS AND MICRO PATTERNS BY ELECTROCHEMICAL MICROMACHINING AND SOME INVESTIGATION INTO OVERPOTENTIAL
Authors: JAIN V. K. , CHAUHAN A. S. , THAKUR ANURAG , SIDPARA AJAY
Published: January 2014

Electrochemical micromachining (ECMM) is a well-known advanced machining process for fabrication of micro components such as tools, nozzles, mixers, etc. on electrically conductive workpieces. In the present work, experiments are conducted for fabrication of micro tools and micro patterns on the in-house developed and fabricated electrochemical micromachining setup. Effect of various process parameters such as voltage, interelectrode gap, machining time, duty cycle, and electrolyte concentration are studied on micro tools and over potential (in case of fabrication of micro patterns). It is observed that the average change in diameter of the micro tool after the ECMM process increases almost linearly with increase in voltage and time, and increases quadratically with increase in pulse duty ratio and electrolyte concentration. Overpotential increases with increase in applied voltage, interelectrode gap, and duty cycle. Further, overpotential initially decreases quadratically with increase in electrolyte concentration and then increases.
PERFORMANCE OF A COATED CEMENTED CARBIDE TOOL IN HIGH SPEED MILLING OF TI-6AL-4V ALLOY
Authors: TAN GUANGYU , ZHANG YUHUA , LI GUANGHUI , LIU GUANGJUN , RONG YIMING (KEVIN)
Published: January 2014

A series of experiments were conducted to study the performance of a coated cemented carbide tool in high speed milling of Ti -6 Al -4 V alloy. Experimental measurements of three components of the cutting forces were performed by using a three-component dynamometer. The cutting temperature was measured by using an infrared thermal imager. The variation of cutting forces and cutting temperature with the cutting parameters are investigated. The influence of cutting speed, axial depth of cut, and feed rate on the cutting forces and cutting temperature are analyzed and discussed. The wear patterns of the tool were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analysis of energy spectrum, and the wear mechanism is discussed. It is found that abrasive wear and adhesive wear are the dominant wear mechanism of the tool.
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPPING TOOL TO AID THE DECISION-MAKING OF R&D INVESTMENTS
Authors: ARMAN HUSAM , GINDY NABIL , KABLI MOHAMMAD , CAVIN SHIRLEY
Published: January 2014

The technology planning activity that leads to an effective R&D portfolio must involve decisions that are taken under a considerable degree of uncertainty. In this paper, we describe an integrated technology planning approach with the focus on the use of technology roadmapping concept in a systematic process, using dedicated and customized software which utilizes integer linear programming (ILP) tools, to aid decision-makers in selecting the optimum portfolio of R&D projects in the manufacturing processes of large, high-technology companies. The optimum portfolio is based on the projects' contribution toward company's business and market requirements employing Strategic Technology Alignment Roadmapping (STAR) process, which is being developed at the University of Nottingham. The STAR methodology and the software tool have been tested in industrial scenarios using real data from two high-tech companies.
EXPERIMENTAL AND CFD INVESTIGATION OF R410A DISTRIBUTORS FOR AIR CONDITIONER
Authors: HAN QING , ZHANG CHI , CHEN JIANGPING
Published: January 2014

In order to obtain a higher heat transfer coefficient of refrigerant flow, the diameter of tubes tends to be smaller and smaller, which leads to large pressure drop of the refrigerant flow. Therefore, multiple numbers of parallel refrigerant passages are employed by using distributors. It is very important to distribute the two-phase refrigerant evenly into each tube, otherwise the thermal performance is significantly deteriorated. The performance reduction by flow mal-distribution could be as large as 20–25%. The goal of this paper is to investigate the influence of different configurations to the performance of refrigerant distributors by experiments and computational fluid dynamic code. The effects of mass flow rate and quality of distributor inlet on the characteristics were also quantitatively considered. In this study, an experiment test rig was built to measure the mass flow rate and quality of four circuits after using distributors under different conditions respectively. Refrigerant R410A was used as working fluids. Three classic types (jet, cyclone and reservoir) of distributors with four paths were manufactured and tested under relevant operating conditions. The inlet temperature was 4°C, mass flow rate range was 50–100 kg/h and the quality range was 0.1–0.3. Experimental results show that the maximum deviation of mass flow rate for jet, cyclone and reservoir type is 13.0%, 21.6% and 10.9%, respectively; the maximum deviation of quality was 0.08, 0.10 and 0.05, respectively. In addition, the standard deviation of mass flow rate and quality over four paths were selected to evaluate the performance of different type distributors. The results show that the performance of jet and reservoir are better than cyclone. The flow behavior of two-phase refrigerant such as phase distribution and separation phenomena was studied by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The flow pattern of inlet for R410A was investigated and used in the present model. The results in the present model show good and reasonable approximation with experimental data which validate the CFD simulation. CFD simulation analysis elucidates the mechanics which shows how the configuration and operation conditions affect the refrigerant distribution.
Carbon Cycling and Storage in Mangrove Forests
Authors: Alongi Daniel M.
Published: January 2014

Mangroves are ecologically and economically important forests of the tropics. They are highly productive ecosystems with rates of primary production equal to those of tropical humid evergreen forests and coral reefs. Although mangroves occupy only 0.5% of the global coastal area, they contribute 10–15% (24 Tg C y−1) to coastal sediment carbon storage and export 10–11% of the particulate terrestrial carbon to the ocean. Their disproportionate contribution to carbon sequestration is now perceived as a means for conservation and restoration and a way to help ameliorate greenhouse gas emissions. Of immediate concern are potential carbon losses to deforestation (90–970 Tg C y−1) that are greater than these ecosystems' rates of carbon storage. Large reservoirs of dissolved inorganic carbon in deep soils, pumped via subsurface pathways to adjacent waterways, are a large loss of carbon, at a potential rate up to 40% of annual primary production. Patterns of carbon allocation and rates of carbon flux in mangrove forests are nearly identical to those of other tropical forests.
El Niño Physics and El Niño Predictability
Authors: Clarke Allan J.
Published: January 2014

Much of the year-to-year climate variability on the Earth is associated with El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This variability is generated primarily by a coupled ocean-atmosphere instability near the eastern edge of the western equatorial Pacific warm pool. Here, I discuss the physics of this variability, including its phase locking to the seasonal cycle. ENSO growth typically occurs from April/May to November, and by July the perturbation is usually strong enough that it persists to the beginning of the following year, when ENSO events usually end. Consequently, predicting ENSO is easy from July to February but is more challenging across the April/May transition to the next event. I discuss precursors of this transition and recent results from dynamical and statistical models used for ENSO forecasting.
The Sociocultural Appraisals, Values, and Emotions (SAVE) Framework of Prosociality: Core Processes from Gene to Meme
Authors: Keltner Dacher , Kogan Aleksandr , Piff Paul K. , Saturn Sarina R.
Published: January 2014

The study of prosocial behavior—altruism, cooperation, trust, and the related moral emotions—has matured enough to produce general scholarly consensus that prosociality is widespread, intuitive, and rooted deeply within our biological makeup. Several evolutionary frameworks model the conditions under which prosocial behavior is evolutionarily viable, yet no unifying treatment exists of the psychological decision-making processes that result in prosociality. Here, we provide such a perspective in the form of the sociocultural appraisals, values, and emotions (SAVE) framework of prosociality. We review evidence for the components of our framework at four levels of analysis: intrapsychic, dyadic, group, and cultural. Within these levels, we consider how phenomena such as altruistic punishment, prosocial contagion, self–other similarity, and numerous others give rise to prosocial behavior. We then extend our reasoning to chart the biological underpinnings of prosociality and apply our framework to understand the role of social class in prosociality.
Personality, Well-Being, and Health
Authors: Friedman Howard S. , Kern Margaret L.
Published: January 2014

A lifespan perspective on personality and health uncovers new causal pathways and provides a deeper, more nuanced approach to interventions. It is unproven that happiness is a direct cause of good health or that negative emotion, worry, and depression are significant direct causes of disease. Instead, depression-related characteristics are likely often reflective of an already-deteriorating trajectory. It is also unproven that challenging work in a demanding environment usually brings long-term health risks; on the contrary, individual strivings for accomplishment and persistent dedication to one's career or community often are associated with sizeable health benefits. Overall, a substantial body of recent research reveals that conscientiousness plays a very significant role in health, with implications across the lifespan. Much more caution is warranted before policy makers offer narrow health recommendations based on short-term or correlational findings. Attention should be shifted to individual trajectories and pathways to health and well-being.