bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watershed Land Cover/Land Use Mapping Using Remote Sensing and Data Mining in Gorganrood, Iran
Authors: Minaei Masoud , Kainz Wolfgang
Published: April 2016

The Gorganrood watershed (GW) is experiencing considerable environmental change in the form of natural hazards and erosion, as well as deforestation, cultivation and development activities. As a result of this, different types of Land Cover/Land Use (LCLU) change are taking place on an intensive level in the area. This research study investigates the LCLU conditions upstream of this watershed for the years 1972, 1986, 2000 and 2014, using Landsat MSS, TM, ETM+ and OLI/TIRS images. LCLU maps for 1972, 1986, and 2000 were produced using pixel-based classification methods. For the 2014 LCLU map, Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) in combination with the data-mining capabilities of Gini and J48 machine-learning algorithms were used. The accuracy of the maps was assessed using overall accuracy, quantity disagreement and allocation disagreement indexes. The overall accuracy ranged from 89% to 95%, quantity disagreement from 2.1% to 6.6%, and allocation disagreement from 2.1% for 2014 to 2.7% for 2000. The results of this study indicate that a significant amount of change has occurred in the region, and that this has as a consequence affected ecosystem services and human activity. This knowledge of the LCLU status in the area will help managers and decision makers to develop plans and programs aimed at effectively managing the watershed into the future.
Production of Bioactive Recombinant Bovine Chymosin in Tobacco Plants
Authors: Wei Zheng-Yi , Zhang Yu-Ying , Wang Yun-Peng , Fan Ming-Xia , Zhong Xiao-Fang , Xu Nuo , Lin Feng , Xing Shao-Chen
Published: April 2016

Chymosin (also known as rennin) plays an essential role in the coagulation of milk in the cheese industry. Chymosin is traditionally extracted from the rumen of calves and is of high cost. Here, we present an alternative method to producing bovine chymosin from transgenic tobacco plants. The CYM gene, which encodes a preprochymosin from bovine, was introduced into the tobacco nuclear genome under control of the viral 35S cauliflower mosaic promoter. The integration and transcription of the foreign gene were confirmed with Southern blotting and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analyses, respectively. Immunoblotting analyses were performed to demonstrate expression of chymosin, and the expression level was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated recombinant bovine chymosin was successfully expressed at an average level of 83.5 ng/g fresh weight, which is 0.52% of the total soluble protein. The tobacco-derived chymosin exhibited similar native milk coagulation bioactivity as the commercial product extracted from bovine rumen.
The Dark Side of Cell Fusion
Authors: Bastida-Ruiz Daniel , Van Hoesen Kylie , Cohen Marie
Published: April 2016

Cell fusion is a physiological cellular process essential for fertilization, viral entry, muscle differentiation and placental development, among others. In this review, we will highlight the different cancer cell-cell fusions and the advantages obtained by these fusions. We will specially focus on the acquisition of metastatic features by cancer cells after fusion with bone marrow-derived cells. The mechanism by which cancer cells fuse with other cells has been poorly studied thus far, but the presence in several cancer cells of syncytin, a trophoblastic fusogen, leads us to a cancer cell fusion mechanism similar to the one used by the trophoblasts. The mechanism by which cancer cells perform the cell fusion could be an interesting target for cancer therapy.
Residues in the Distal Heme Pocket of Arabidopsis Non-Symbiotic Hemoglobins: Implication for Nitrite Reductase Activity
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Astegno Alessandra , Chen Jian , Giorgetti Alejandro , Dominici Paola
Published: April 2016

It is well-established that plant hemoglobins (Hbs) are involved in nitric oxide (NO) metabolism via NO dioxygenase and/or nitrite reductase activity. The ferrous-deoxy Arabidopsis Hb1 and Hb2 (AHb1 and AHb2) have been shown to reduce nitrite to NO under hypoxia. Here, to test the hypothesis that a six- to five-coordinate heme iron transition might mediate the control of the nitrite reduction rate, we examined distal pocket mutants of AHb1 and AHb2 for nitrite reductase activity, NO production and spectroscopic features. Absorption spectra of AHbs distal histidine mutants showed that AHb1 mutant (H69L) is a stable pentacoordinate high-spin species in both ferrous and ferric states, whereas heme iron in AHb2 mutant (H66L) is hexacoordinated low-spin with Lys69 as the sixth ligand. The bimolecular rate constants for nitrite reduction to NO were 13.3 ± 0.40, 7.3 ± 0.5, 10.6 ± 0.8 and 171.90 ± 9.00 M−1·s−1 for AHb1, AHb2, AHb1 H69L and AHb2 H66L, respectively, at pH 7.4 and 25 °C. Consistent with the reductase activity, the amount of NO detected by chemiluminescence was significantly higher in the AHb2 H66L mutant. Our data indicate that nitrite reductase activity is determined not only by heme coordination, but also by a unique distal heme pocket in each AHb.
Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Cynara cardunculus L. Water Infusions: Comparison of Anti-Diabetic Activities
Authors: Kuczmannová Anika , Balažová Andrea , Račanská Eva , Kameníková Miroslava , Fialová Silvia , Majerník Jaroslav , Nagy Milan , Gál Peter , Mučaji Pavel
Published: April 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently diagnosed at a time when patients already suffer from several cardiovascular complications. Our previously published data (Molecules 201520 (11): 20538-50) on the anti-oxidative properties of Agrimonia eupatoria L. (AE) and Cynara cardunculus L. (CC) prompted us to extend the available evidence on their possible protective activities on selected DM-related parameters in a streptozotocin-induced DM rat model and in a series of in vitro experiments. Male rats were divided into four groups: control group, untreated diabetic group, AE and CC treated diabetic groups. During a five-week period, changes in blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Then, rats were sacrificed and subjected to the assessment of changes in the reactivity of aortas and measurement of butyrylcholinesterase activity. To complete the panel of experiments, α-glucosidase activity was assessed in vitro. Our results demonstrate that both tested extracts exert similar anti-diabetic activities. However, better anti-oxidant activity of the A. eupatoria extract indicates its higher clinical potential in the prevention and/or adjuvant therapy of developing cardiovascular complications related to DM and diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chromatographic Analysis of Extracts from Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. Tubers
Authors: Da Cruz Ritiel , Denardi Laura , Mossmann Natalia , Piana Mariana , Alves Sydney , De Campos Marli
Published: April 2016

Background: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. tubers (Tropaeolaceae) are known and used as a condiment and for the treatment of skin infections in Southern Brazil. However, its activity and composition has not yet been investigated. Thus, different extracts and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against a range of microorganisms. The most active extracts were submitted to chromatographic analysis. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract (70%), fractions of it, and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against several bacteria, yeasts and molds, furnishing the corresponding inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal minimal concentration values. The most active extracts were submitted to GC-MS investigation. Results: The strongest effects against different strains of microorganisms, such as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, Candida spp. and dermatophytes were observed for the essential oil and the chloroform fraction, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) well below 200 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major essential oil constituent is benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), while the chloroform fraction is constituted of BITC, amides, sulfur, fatty acids and its esters, all compounds that may be related to the demonstrated activity. Conclusions: Overall, the results support the popular use of the plant for the treatment of skin infections, and revealed the main active compounds.
Post-Stroke Depression Modulation and in Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Gallic Acid and Its Synthetic Derivatives in a Murine Model System
Authors: Nabavi Seyed , Habtemariam Solomon , Di Lorenzo Arianna , Sureda Antoni , Khanjani Sedigheh , Nabavi Seyed , Daglia Maria
Published: April 2016

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is a plant secondary metabolite, which shows antioxidant activity and is commonly found in many plant-based foods and beverages. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the development of many human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer. GA and its derivative, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), possess physiological and pharmacological activities closely related to their antioxidant properties. This paper describes the antidepressive-like effects of intraperitoneal administration of GA and two synthetic analogues, M3OMG and P3OMG (propyl-3-O-methylgallate), in balb/c mice with post-stroke depression, a secondary form of depression that could be due to oxidative stress occurring during cerebral ischemia and the following reperfusion. Moreover, this study determined the in vivo antioxidant activity of these compounds through the evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in mouse brain. GA and its synthetic analogues were found to be active (at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg) in the modulation of depressive symptoms and the reduction of oxidative stress, restoring normal behavior and, at least in part, antioxidant endogenous defenses, with M3OMG being the most active of these compounds. SOD, TBARS, and GSH all showed strong correlation with behavioral parameters, suggesting that oxidative stress is tightly linked to the pathological processes involved in stroke and PSD. As a whole, the obtained results show that the administration of GA, M3OMG and P3OMG induce a reduction in depressive symptoms and oxidative stress.
Assistant Personal Robot (APR): Conception and Application of a Tele-Operated Assisted Living Robot
Authors: Clotet Eduard , Martínez Dani , Moreno Javier , Tresanchez Marcel , Palacín Jordi
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the technical description, mechanical design, electronic components, software implementation and possible applications of a tele-operated mobile robot designed as an assisted living tool. This robotic concept has been named Assistant Personal Robot (or APR for short) and has been designed as a remotely telecontrolled robotic platform built to provide social and assistive services to elderly people and those with impaired mobility. The APR features a fast high-mobility motion system adapted for tele-operation in plain indoor areas, which incorporates a high-priority collision avoidance procedure. This paper presents the mechanical architecture, electrical fundaments and software implementation required in order to develop the main functionalities of an assistive robot. The APR uses a tablet in order to implement the basic peer-to-peer videoconference and tele-operation control combined with a tactile graphic user interface. The paper also presents the development of some applications proposed in the framework of an assisted living robot.
Guidelines for Designing Surface Ion Traps Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Hong Seokjun , Lee Minjae , Cheon Hongjin , Kim Taehyun , Cho Dong-il
Published: April 2016

Ion traps can provide both physical implementation of quantum information processing and direct observation of quantum systems. Recently, surface ion traps have been developed using microfabrication technologies and are considered to be a promising platform for scalable quantum devices. This paper presents detailed guidelines for designing the electrodes of surface ion traps. First, we define and explain the key specifications including trap depth, q-parameter, secular frequency, and ion height. Then, we present a numerical-simulation-based design procedure, which involves determining the basic assumptions, determining the shape and size of the chip, designing the dimensions of the radio frequency (RF) electrode, and analyzing the direct current (DC) control voltages. As an example of this design procedure, we present a case study with tutorial-like explanations. The proposed design procedure can provide a practical guideline for designing the electrodes of surface ion traps.
Employment, Disabled People and Robots: What Is the Narrative in the Academic Literature and Canadian Newspapers?
Authors: Wolbring Gregor
Published: April 2016

The impact of robots on employment is discussed extensively, for example, within the academic literature and the public domain. Disabled people are known to have problems obtaining employment. The purpose of this study was to analyze how robots were engaged with in relation to the employment situation of disabled people within the academic literature present in the academic databases EBSCO All—an umbrella database that consists of over 70 other databases, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science and within n = 300 Canadian newspapers present in the Canadian Newsstand Complete ProQuest database. The study focuses in particular on whether the literature covered engaged with the themes of robots impacting (a) disabled people obtaining employment; (b) disabled people losing employment; (c) robots helping so called abled bodied people in their job to help disabled people; or (d) robots as coworkers of disabled people. The study found that robots were rarely mentioned in relation to the employment situation of disabled people. If they were mentioned the focus was on robots enhancing the employability of disabled people or helping so called abled-bodied people working with disabled clients. Not one article could be found that thematized the potential negative impact of robots on the employability situation of disabled people or the relationship of disabled people and robots as co-workers. The finding of the study is problematic given the already negative employability situation disabled people face.
Dynamic EROI Assessment of the IPCC 21st Century Electricity Production Scenario
Authors: Neumeyer Charles , Goldston Robert
Published: April 2016

The Energy Return on Investment (EROI) is an important measure of the energy gain of an electrical power generating facility that is typically evaluated based on the life cycle energy balance of a single facility. The EROI concept can be extended to cover a collection of facilities that comprise a complete power system and used to assess the expansion and evolution of a power system as it transitions from one portfolio mix of technologies to another over time. In this study we develop a dynamic EROI model that simulates the evolution of a power system and we perform an EROI simulation of one of the electricity production scenarios developed under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) covering the global supply of electricity in the 21st century. Our analytic tool provides the means for evaluation of dynamic EROI based on arbitrary time-dependent demand scenarios by modeling the required expansion of power generation, including the plowback needed for new construction and to replace facilities as they are retired. The results provide insight into the level of installed and delivered power, above and beyond basic consumer demand, that is required to support construction during expansion, as well as the supplementary power that may be required if plowback constraints are imposed. In addition, sensitivity to EROI parameters, and the impact of energy storage efficiency are addressed.
The Reality of Casimir Friction
Authors: Milton Kimball , Høye Johan , Brevik Iver
Published: April 2016

For more than 35 years theorists have studied quantum or Casimir friction, which occurs when two smooth bodies move transversely to each other, experiencing a frictional dissipative force due to quantum electromagnetic fluctuations, which break time-reversal symmetry. These forces are typically very small, unless the bodies are nearly touching, and consequently such effects have never been observed, although lateral Casimir forces have been seen for corrugated surfaces. Partly because of the lack of contact with observations, theoretical predictions for the frictional force between parallel plates, or between a polarizable atom and a metallic plate, have varied widely. Here, we review the history of these calculations, show that theoretical consensus is emerging, and offer some hope that it might be possible to experimentally confirm this phenomenon of dissipative quantum electrodynamics.
Integrating Limiting-Factors Analysis with Process-Based Restoration to Improve Recovery of Endangered Salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Booth Derek , Scholz Jenna , Beechie Timothy , Ralph Stephen
Published: April 2016

Two approaches to ecological restoration planning, limiting-factors analysis and process-based restoration, are employed in efforts to recover endangered salmonid species throughout the Pacific Northwest of North America. Limiting-factors analysis seeks to identify physical limitations to fish production that may be addressed by habitat restoration; it is known as the “Field of Dreams” hypothesis (i.e., if you build it, they will come). Process-based restoration, in contrast, assumes that protection and/or restoration of watershed-scale processes will best achieve self-sustaining habitat features that support salmon populations. Two case studies from the Columbia River basin (northwestern USA) display current efforts to integrate these two restoration approaches to improve salmonid populations. Although these examples both identify site-specific habitat features to construct, they also recognize the importance of supporting key watershed processes to achieve restoration goals. The challenge in advancing the practice of restoration planning is not in simply acknowledging the conceptual benefits of process-based restoration while maintaining a traditional focus on enumerating site-specific conditions and identifying habitat-construction projects, but rather in following process-based guidance during recovery planning and, ultimately, through implementation of on-the-ground actions. We encourage a realignment of the restoration community to truly embrace a process-based, multi-scalar view of the riverine landscape.
Validity and repeatability of goniometry in normal horses
Authors: Adair Henry , Levine David , Marcellin-Little Denis
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To assess validity and inter- and intra-tester reliability of equine goniometry and to establish values for carpal, meta -carpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal flexion and extension in horses.

Subjects: Seventeen healthy equine subjects of varied breeds were used.

Methods: Three investigators blindly and independently measured in triplicate the extension and flexion of carpal, metacarpo -phalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints of 17 horses after sedation. Radiographs of these joints in flexion and extension were acquired while under sedation. Goniometric and radiographic measurements were compared statistically and were correlated. A Bland-Altman plot was constructed. Inter- and intra-tester repeatability of goniometry were evaluated by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Mean flexion and extension of carpal, metacarpo -phalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints were calculated.

Results: Goniometric and radiographic measurements did not differ statistically and were significantly correlated (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.59 - 0.89). The mean difference between goniometric and radiographic measurements was 0.4°. Triplicate measurements collected by the three raters did not differ significantly within raters (ICC ranging from 0.950 - 0.995) and between raters (ICC ranging from 0.942 - 0.989).

Conclusion: Goniometry is a valid and repeatable tool for evaluation of the range of motion of carpal, metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints in standing, sedated healthy horses.
Plasticity to salinity and transgenerational effects in the nonnative shrub Baccharis halimifolia: Insights into an estuarine invasion
Authors: Caño Lidia , Fuertes‐Mendizabal Teresa , García‐Baquero Gonzalo , Herrera Mercedes , González‐Moro M. Begoña
Published: April 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Abiotic constraints act as selection filters for plant invasion in stressful habitats. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity and transgenerational effects play a major role in colonization of heterogeneous habitats when the scale of environmental variation is smaller than that of gene flow. We investigated how plasticity and parental salinity conditions influence the performance of the invasive dioecious shrub Baccharis halimifolia, which replaces heterogeneous estuarine communities in Europe with monospecific and continuous stands.

METHODS:

In two greenhouse experiments, we grew plants derived from seeds and cuttings collected through interspersed patches differing in edaphic salinity from an invasive population. We estimated parental environmental salinity from leaf Na+ content in parental plants, and we measured fitness and ion homeostasis of the offspring grown in contrasting salinity conditions.

KEY RESULTS:

Baccharis halimifolia tolerates high salinity but experiences drastic biomass reduction at moderate salinity. At moderate salinity, responses to salinity are affected by the parental salinity: flowering initiation in seedlings and male cuttings is positively correlated with parental leaf Na+ content, and biomass is positively correlated with maternal leaf Na+ in female cuttings and seedlings. Plant height, leaf production, specific leaf area, and ionic homeostasis at the low part of the gradient are also affected by parental salinity, suggesting enhanced shoot growth as parental salinity increases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results support plasticity to salinity and transgenerational effects as factors with great potential to contribute to the invasive ability of B. halimifolia through estuarine communities of high conservation value.
Hiding in plain sight: Koshicola spirodelophila gen. et sp. nov. (Chaetopeltidales, Chlorophyceae), a novel green alga associated with the aquatic angiosperm Spirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Fučíková Karolina , Lewis Louise A. , Lewis Paul O.
Published: April 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Discovery and morphological characterization of a novel epiphytic aquatic green alga increases our understanding of Chaetopeltidales, a poorly known order in Chlorophyceae. Chloroplast genomic data from this taxon reveals an unusual architecture previously unknown in green algae.

METHODS:

Using light and electron microscopy, we characterized the morphology and ultrastructure of a novel taxon of green algae. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and plastid genes were used to test the hypothesized membership of this taxon in order Chaetopeltidales. With next‐generation sequence data, we assembled the plastid genome of this novel taxon and compared its gene content and architecture to that of related species to further investigate plastid genome traits.

KEY RESULTS:

The morphology and ultrastructure of this alga are consistent with placement in Chaetopeltidales (Chlorophyceae), but a distinct trait combination supports recognition of this alga as a new genus and species—Koshicola spirodelophila gen. et sp. nov. Its placement in the phylogeny as a descendant of a deep division in the Chaetopeltidales is supported by analysis of molecular data sets. The chloroplast genome is among the largest reported in green algae and the genes are distributed on three large (rather than a single) chromosome, in contrast to other studied green algae.

CONCLUSIONS:

The discovery of Koshicola spirodelophila gen. et sp. nov. highlights the importance of investigating even commonplace habitats to explore new microalgal diversity. This work expands our understanding of the morphological and chloroplast genomic features of green algae, and in particular those of the poorly studied Chaetopeltidales.
AN INTEGRATED FUZZY ANP–QFD APPROACH FOR GREEN BUILDING ASSESSMENT
Authors: IGNATIUS Joshua , RAHMAN Amirah , YAZDANI Morteza , ŠAPARAUSKAS Jonas , HARON Syarmila Hany
Published: April 2016

One of the major concerns in the construction industry is the sustainability of building projects. There are various trade-offs between functionality and design, which often lead to an issue of whether sustainably designed build­ings would meet stakeholder requirements. This paper provides a novel integrated structure for assessing green buildings realistically based on stakeholders’ fuzzy preferences. In particular, the paper uses the analytic network approach (ANP) to evaluate the correlation matrices in a quality function deployment (QFD) framework. A case study on green building index assessment in Malaysia illustrates the proposed integrated method. Sensitivity analysis validated the customer-stakeholder agreement towards the design of the green building. Cluster analysis was also used to group design specifi­cations prior to the analysis.
POST-MAXIMUM NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRA OF SN 2014J: A SEARCH FOR INTERACTION SIGNATURES*
Authors: Sand D. J. , Hsiao E. Y. , Banerjee D. P. K. , Marion G. H. , Diamond T. R. , Joshi V. , Parrent J. T. , Phillips M. M. , Stritzinger M. D. , Venkataraman V.
Published: April 2016

We present near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nearby Type Ia SN 2014J. The 17 NIR spectra span epochs from +15.3 to +92.5 days after B-band maximum light, while the

JHK

s

photometry include epochs from −10 to +71 days. These data are used to constrain the progenitor system of SN 2014J utilizing the Paβ line, following recent suggestions that this phase period and the NIR in particular are excellent for constraining the amount of swept-up hydrogen-rich material associated with a non-degenerate companion star. We find no evidence for Paβ emission lines in our post-maximum spectra, with a rough hydrogen mass limit of

≲
0.1

M
⊙, which is consistent with previous limits in SN 2014J from late-time optical spectra of the Hα line. Nonetheless, the growing data set of high-quality NIR spectra holds the promise of very useful hydrogen constraints.
ENTROPY IN ADIABATIC REGIONS OF CONVECTION SIMULATIONS
Authors: Tanner Joel D. , Basu Sarbani , Demarque Pierre
Published: April 2016

One of the largest sources of uncertainty in stellar models is caused by the treatment of convection in stellar envelopes. One-dimensional stellar models often make use of the mixing length or equivalent approximations to describe convection, all of which depend on various free parameters. There have been attempts to rectify this by using 3D radiative-hydrodynamic simulations of stellar convection, and in trying to extract an equivalent mixing length from the simulations. In this Letter, we show that the entropy of the deeper, adiabatic layers in these simulations can be expressed as a simple function of

log
g

and

log

T

eff

, which holds potential for calibrating stellar models in a simple and more general manner.
AN ULTRA-FAST X-RAY DISK WIND IN THE NEUTRON STAR BINARY GX 340+0
Authors: Miller J. M. , Raymond J. , Cackett E. , Grinberg V. , Nowak M.
Published: April 2016

We present a spectral analysis of a brief Chandra/HETG observation of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary GX 340+0. The high-resolution spectrum reveals evidence of ionized absorption in the Fe K band. The strongest feature, an absorption line at approximately 6.9 keV, is required at the 5σ level of confidence via an F-test. Photoionization modeling with XSTAR grids suggests that the line is the most prominent part of a disk wind with an apparent outflow speed of v = 0.04c. This interpretation is preferred at the 4σ level over a scenario in which the line is H-like Fe xxvi at a modest redshift. The wind may achieve this speed owing to its relatively low ionization, enabling driving by radiation pressure on lines; in this sense, the wind in GX 340+0 may be the stellar-mass equivalent of the flows in broad absorption line quasars. If the gas has a unity volume filling factor, the mass ouflow rate in the wind is over 10−5
M
⊙ yr−1, and the kinetic power is nearly 1039 erg s−1 (or, 5–6 times the radiative Eddington limit for a neutron star). However, geometrical considerations—including a small volume filling factor and low covering factor—likely greatly reduce these values.
What clinical factors are associated with mortality in septicemic melioidosis? A report from an endemic area
Authors: Domthong Pornanan , Chaisuksant Seksan , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, has high mortality, particularly in its septicemic form. Data on the factors associated with mortality from melioidosis are still limited. Methodology: All patients (≥ 15 years of age) who were positive for melioidosis by blood culture in the year 2009 were enrolled. The study was conducted at Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand. Patients were divided into two groups: surviving and deceased. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with death by three models: clinical, laboratory, and combined. Results: There were 97 patients who had blood cultures positive for melioidosis. The mortality rate was 54.17% (52 patients). The clinical presentation model found one significant factor associated with mortality from septicemic melioidosis: pulmonary presentation. Two factors were statistically significant for death as determined by the laboratory model: white blood cell count (WBC) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) value. For the combined model, three significant factors were associated with death: pulmonary presentation, WBC, and BUN. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the three factors were 10.739 (3.300–34.953), 0.930 (0.877–0.985), and 1.057 (1.028–1.087), respectively. Conclusions: Three clinical factors associated with mortality in septicemic melioidosis were pulmonary presentation, white blood cell count, and blood urea nitrogen level. Physicians should be aware of high mortality if septicemic melioidosis patients have these clinical features. Aggressive treatment may be needed.
Peginterferon and Chinese herbs exert a combinatorial effect in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: An Yingfeng , Gao Shoucui , Cheng Daxin , Wang Xiaojing , Bai Liang , Liu Enqi , Chu Yonglie , Zhao Sihai
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Traditional Chinese herbs are widely used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing peginterferon therapies with peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients. Methodology: The main biomedical databases were searched to identify RCTs that compared the efficiency of peginterferon with peginterferon plus Chinese herbs in CHB patients. Results: The literature search yielded 616 studies, and 8 RCTs (624 patients) matched the selection criteria. Combined therapies of peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies were superior to peginterferon therapies alone in achieving the serum HBV DNA clearance rate (64.5% vs. 45.0%), serum HBeAg clearance rate (47.4% vs. 33.5%), and HBeAg seroconversion rates (39.2% vs. 23.1%) at the end of treatment. Combined therapies were more effective than peginterferon alone therapies in the improvement of liver fibrosis related biomarkers, including hyaluronic acid, procollagen type III, type IV collagen, and lamina. Combined therapies also resulted in fewer relapses, fewer adverse events, and more rapid alanine transaminase normalization. Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies were associated with higher virological response than peginterferon alone in HBeAg-positive CHB patients.
UPEC strain characterization isolated from Mexican patients with recurrent urinary infections
Authors: Morales-Espinosa Rosario , Hernandez-Castro Rigoberto , Delgado Gabriela , Mendez Jose Luis , Navarro Armando , Manjarrez Angel , Cravioto Alejandro
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Any microorganism is capable of causing urinary tract infections (UTI). However, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible for the majority of UTI. A variety of virulence genes have been identified in UPEC. Diverse epidemiological studies support that specific subsets of genes are characteristic of each E. coli uropathogenic subtype involved in the development of cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urosepsis. Methodology: Twenty-three E. coli strains isolated from women with cystitis, 25 from men with prostatitis were characterized according to serotype, virulence genes, PFGE profile and susceptibility antimicrobials. Results: E. coli O25:H4–ST131 was more frequently isolated from cystitis than prostatitis. The majority of cystitis strains presented almost all the virulence genes, contrary to 60% of prostatitis strains. The strains characterized by serology, PFGE and MLST and virulence profile showed that cystitis strains shared a lineage with their own genomic fingerprint, indicating that these strains derived from a common ancestor. The prostatitis strains showed serotypes diverse and much higher degree of genetic diversity, indicating that they are an unrelated group.  More than 50% of isolates were resistant to at least 7 of the antimicrobials tested. Antibiotic-tolerant cells were observed, presenting with more frequency in response chloramphenicol, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfometoxazole and dicloxicillin. Conclusions: Persister cells can be detected from the beginning of the infection. The importance of these persister cells that exhibit multidrug tolerance is that a single surviving bacterium can initiate again an infection making it clinical relevant in the chronic urinary tract infection.
Evaluation of patients diagnosed with fascioliasis: A six-year experience at a university hospital in Turkey
Authors: Boşnak Vuslat Keçik , Karaoğlan İlkay , Sahin Handan Haydaroğlu , Namiduru Mustafa , Pehlivan Mustafa , Okan Vahap , Mete Ayşe Özlem
Published: April 2016

Introduction: In this study, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and serological examinations of fascioliasis patients were analyzed, and data with a significant impact on differential diagnosis were evaluated. Methodology: Clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings and treatment responses of a total of 22 fascioliasis patients, treated between October 2009 and September 2014, were evaluated. Nineteen patients were diagnosed with fascioliasis at the invasive phase and three patients at the chronic phase. Patients were followed up for clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings for a period of three months to one year after treatment. Results: The most frequent complaints in both groups were abdominal pain, and the most common physical examination finding was epigastric tenderness. In the performed examination, an eosinophil elevation in whole blood count was detected in 19 patients (100%) in the hepatic phase, and in 2 patients (66.6%) in the biliary phase. The results of the Fasciola hepatica indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test ordered in the diagnosis were positive in all patients. Treatment with 10 mg/kg/day triclabendazole for two consecutive days was effective. Live parasites were extracted from patients in the biliary phase with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In the follow-ups, remission in IHA titer and clinical and radiological improvement was achieved in all patients. Conclusions: If hypereosinophilia is detected by peripheral smear in patients who are admitted with complaints such as abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, myalgia, and weight loss, radiological evaluation and serological tests should be performed and fascioliasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Carriage prevalence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi in gallbladders of adult autopsy cases from Mozambique
Authors: Lovane Lucilia , Martinez Miguel J , Massora Sergio , Mandomando Inacio , Ussene Esperança , Jordao Dercio , Castillo Paola , Ismail Mamudo R , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Carrilho Carla , Bassat Quique , Menendez Clara , Ordi Jaume , Vila Jordi , Soto Sara Maria
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Typhoid fever is an important public health problem in many low-income countries where asymptomatic carriers play an important role in its dissemination. The bacterium causing typhoid fever can live in the gallstones of asymptomatic persons after the infection. These carriers are reservoirs of S. Typhi, are highly contagious, and spread the disease through the secretion of bacteria in feces and urine. The aim of this study was to determine the carrier rate in an area of Mozambique. Methodology: The presence of S. Typhi was analyzed in gallbladder samples obtained from 99 adult corpses (in-hospital deaths) from Mozambique by gold-standard culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Only one sample was positive with the culture. However, nine additional samples were positive by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Thus, the prevalence of S. Typhi was 10.1% (10/99). Conclusions: We report a high prevalence of S. Typhi in gallbladders among adult autopsy cases from Mozambique.
Serologic and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus infection in vaccinated schizophrenia patients in China
Authors: Wang Yiying , Yu Lugang , Zhou Hui , Zhou Zhiwei , Zhu Huijuan , Li Yinghui , Zheng Zhi , Li Xinxin , Dong Chen
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that the patients with psychiatric illness were at higher risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in schizophrenia patients remains unclear. Methodology: Between June 2014 and January 2015, 415 schizophrenia patients and 3,038 controls who had been routinely immunized as infants were recruited in the present study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBsAb, and HBV DNA were detected with commercial methods according to the manufacturer’s protocol. A 600-bp region of the S gene (region nt236–nt835) was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genotypes of isolated HBV were identified using phylogenetic analysis by the neighbor-joining algorithm in the software MEGA version 4.1. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg in schizophrenia patients was 6.75%, which was significantly higher than 3.32% measured in controls. HBsAg prevalence was 7.94% in male schizophrenia patients and 5.47% in female schizophrenia patients, while it was only 4.04% in males and 2.08% in females in the control group. The HBsAb seroprevalence rate was 58.31% in schizophrenia patients and 59.94% in non-schizophrenia controls. Moreover, one HBV strain in the schizophrenia group presented I126S vaccine escape mutation (5.88%), while three HBV isolates showed Q129H, M133L, and G145R vaccine escape mutations in the control group (6.81%). Conclusions: Schizophrenia patients are at higher risk for HBV infection, even those who had received routine immunization. Therefore, a booster HB vaccination targeted at schizophrenia patients should be considered in the future.
High hepatitis B seroprevalence and risk factors for infection in pregnant women on the Thailand-Myanmar Border
Authors: Banks Tristan , Kang Joy , Watts Isabella , Tyrosvoutis Mary Ellen G , Min Aung Myat , Tun Nay Win , Keereecharoen Lily , Simmawong Wiriya , Wanyatip Sunaree , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Nosten François , McGready Rose
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Infection from Hepatitis B primarily results from peri-partum vertical transmission and the risk increases in the presence of hepatitis B e antigen. We aimed to evaluate a new screening program for hepatitis B in pregnant women as a component of antenatal services in a marginalized population. Methodology: Counseling and screening for hepatitis B screening was offered to all women at the first visit, at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) antenatal clinics on the Thai-Myanmar border.  Point-of-care rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were used throughout the period of evaluation. A certified Thai Public Health laboratory at Mae Sot Hospital verified RDT positive cases using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HBsAb and HBeAg. Risk factors for hepatitis B were identified by data linkage to antenatal care records. Results: There were 523 (8.5%) RDT positive for HBsAg among 6158 women tested (Aug-2012 to April-2014). Of these 373 (96.9%) of 385 sent for confirmation were positive by ELISA i.e. RDT false positive rate of 3.1% (95% CI 1.7- 5.4). The overall confirmed HbsAg prevalence was 8.3% (511/6158) (95%CI 7.6-9.0). HBeAg prevalence was 32.7% (114/350) (95%CI 27.9-37.7) of cases tested. Risk factors for HBsAg positivity included age >25 years (OR 1.24, CI 1.03-1.49, p 0.021) and Karen heritage (OR 1.73, CI 1.39-2.15, p < 0.01). Conclusions: High hepatitis B seroprevalence amongst migrants and refugees accessing SMRU antenatal services likely reflects that of Kayin State, Myanmar, and perinatal prevention programs are required. False positive cases with HBsAg RDT complicate what is theoretically a straightforward screening.
Virulence genotypes of clinical SalmonellaSerovars from broilers in Egypt
Authors: Ammar Ahmed Mohamed , Mohamed Adel Attia , Abd El-Hamid Marwa Ibrahim , El-Azzouny Mona Mohamed
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Salmonella serovars are one of the primary foodborne pathogens. Poultry consumption is responsible for the majority of disease cases worldwide. The prevalence of virulence determinants among Salmonella serovars appears to be lacking in Egypt. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and virulence gene profiling of Salmonella serovars in broilers. Methodology: Three hundred samples from broiler chickens were examined for the presence of Salmonella by standard microbiological techniques. All Salmonella isolates were tested for their sensitivity against ten antibiotics and subjected to virulence genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The overall isolation percentage of Salmonella was 17%. Seven different serovars were found, with the main one being Salmonella Typhimurium (52.94%). Salmonella isolates were sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics, but they exhibited absolute resistance against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Nine Salmonella strains (52.94%) were resistant to at least three antibiotics. Further PCR investigations into 17 Salmonella strains revealed different distribution patterns of eight virulence determinants among the isolates. The invA gene was the most prevalent one (100%), followed by hilA (88.24%), stn (58.82%), and fliC genes (52.94%), while each of sopB and pefA genes had a similar prevalence (41.18%), and sefC and spvC genes had the lowest prevalence (11.76 and 5.88%, respectively). PCR genotyping allowed grouping of Salmonella strains into ten genetic profiles. Conclusions: These results will help in understanding the spread of virulence genotypes and antibiotic resistance among Salmonella serovars in broilers.
Barriers to access to hepatitis C treatment
Authors: Yilmaz Hava , Yilmaz Esmeray Mutlu , Leblebicioglu Hakan
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Only 1%–30% of patients in need of treatment may get it. In recent years, the availability of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has been an important advancement in treating HCV infection. However, due to cost, it is not possible to receive these drugs in many countries where infection is endemic. In these low- and middle-income countries, the main barriers to controlling HCV infection are lack of knowledge about the infection, constraints on diagnostic testing and treatment, and lack of experts. Both national and international support are essential to overcoming these barriers. In low- and middle-income countries, interferon and ribavirin-based therapies still are the first choices due to their availability and to government payment support. In addition, in developed countries, efforts to provide lower-cost DAA drugs continue. Pharmaceutical companies continue to research manufacture of bio-equivalent drugs to reduce treatment costs. Considering the fake drug market, all developments need to be monitored closely by the institutions involved. This review focuses on barriers to hepatitis C treatment and ways to overcome those barriers.
The rise of the patent department : an example of the institutionalization of knowledge workers in the United States
Authors: Nishimura Shigehiro
Published: April 2016

À la fin du XIX e siècle, sous la pression de l’accroissement considérable du nombre d’ingénieurs et d’inventions, la gestion des brevets, jusque-là très individualisée, devient progressivement une fonction de l’entreprise, assurée par les départements des brevets alors naissants. Cet article décrit, à travers l’exemple de la Westinghouse Electric Company, ce processus d’internalisation, d’institutionnalisation et d’organisation d’une pratique alors émergente mais aujourd’hui banale : la propriété intellectuelle d’entreprise.
History of patenting and IP management : the case of Japan
Authors: Granstrand Ove
Published: April 2016

Cet article étudie ce qu’il est possible d’appeler une « culture du brevet » dans les grandes compagnies japonaises. Si ces entreprises ont longtemps développé des capacités de gestion des brevets sous l’impulsion américaine et dans une perspective de rattrapage de l’Occident, elles ont peu à peu cultivé leurs spécificités en matière de management de la propriété intellectuelle, au point que les firmes occidentales ont aujourd’hui, affirme l’auteur, beaucoup à apprendre d’elles. L’article se propose d’étudier les conditions historiques de l’émergence de cette culture du brevet, mais aussi d’en mettre en évidence les principales caractéristiques, en particulier en termes d’organisation et de ressources.