bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain and Physical Functioning in Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties of Various Outcome Measures
Authors: Mehta Poonam , Claydon Leica S. , Hendrick Paul , Cook Chad , Baxter David G.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

A range of outcome measures across various domains are used to evaluate change following an intervention in clinical trials on chronic neuropathic pain (NeP). However, to capture a real change in the variable of interest, the psychometric properties of a particular measure should demonstrate appropriate methodological quality. Various outcome measures in the domains of pain and physical functioning have been used in the literature for NeP, for which individual properties (eg, reliability/validity) have been reported. To date, there is no definitive synthesis of evidence on the psychometric properties of those outcome measures; thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the methodological quality [COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines] of studies that evaluated psychometric properties of pain and physical functioning outcome measures used for NeP.

Methods

Specific MeSH/keywords related to 3 areas (pain and/or physical functioning, psychometric properties, and NeP) were used to retrieve relevant studies (English language) in key electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, AMED, and Web of Science) from database inception—July 2012. Articles retrieval/screening and quality analysis (COSMIN) were carried out by 2 independent reviewers.

Results

Twenty‐four pain and thirty‐seven physical functioning outcome measures were identified, varying in methodological quality from poor–excellent.

Conclusion

Although a variety of pain and physical functioning outcome measures have been reported in the literature, few have demonstrate methodologically strong psychometric properties. Thus, future research is required to further investigate the psychometric properties of existing pain and physical functioning outcome measures used for clinical and research purposes.
The Visual Field in Russell and Wittgenstein
Authors: O'Sullivan Michael
Published: April 2015

Bertrand Russell developed a conception of the nature of the visual field, and of other sensory fields, as part of his project of explaining the construction of the external world. Wittgenstein's remarks on the visual field in the Tractatus are in part a response to Russell. Wittgenstein, against Russell, analyses the visual field in terms of facts rather than objects. Further, his conception of the field is, in a distinctive sense, depsychologised.
Snow cover has variable effects on persistence of fungicides and their suppression of microdochium patch on amenity turfgrass
Authors: Koch P. L. , Stier J. C. , Kerns J. P.
Published: April 2015

Fungicides applied to turfgrass in temperate climates prior to snowfall are expected to suppress fungal diseases such as microdochium patch (Microdochium nivale) until infection conditions become unfavourable the following spring. However, mild winters with inconsistent snow cover may alter fungicide persistence and render the turf more susceptible to fungal infection. This study was conducted to determine the effect of snow cover on the persistence of the fungicides chlorothalonil and iprodione applied to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), maintained as a golf course fairway. The fungicides were applied 1 day prior to the first accumulating snowfall in Madison, Wisconsin, for four consecutive winters, beginning in 2009/10. Fungicide treatments were kept under continuous snow cover or maintained free of snow cover the entire winter to determine the effect of snow cover on fungicide persistence (2010/11 to 2012/13) and microdochium patch development in a controlled environment chamber (2009/10 to 2012/13). Iprodione concentration was not impacted by snow cover in 2010/11 but was reduced under snow cover relative to bare turf in 2011/12 and 2012/13. Chlorothalonil concentration was not impacted by snow cover in 2011/12 but was greater under snow cover in 2012/13. Microdochium patch severity in the controlled environment chamber was not impacted by snow cover with either fungicide in 2009/10 or 2011/12 but was slightly reduced under snow cover with both fungicides during 2010/11 and 2012/13. The majority of fungicide depletion occurred shortly after rainfall or snowmelt events, except in 2010/11 when both fungicides rapidly depleted during a warming trend without rainfall.
Isolation, production and in vitro effects of the major secondary metabolite produced by Trichoderma species used for the control of grapevine trunk diseases
Authors: Mutawila C. , Vinale F. , Halleen F. , Lorito M. , Mostert L.
Published: April 2015

Antibiosis has been shown to be an important mode of action by Trichoderma species used in the protection of grapevine pruning wounds from infection by trunk pathogens. The major active compound from Trichoderma isolates known to protect grapevine pruning wounds from trunk pathogen infection was isolated and identified. The compound, a 6‐pentyl‐α‐pyrone (6PP), was found to be the major secondary metabolite, by quantity, which accumulated in the culture filtrate of T. harzianum isolate T77 and the two T. atroviride isolates UST1 and UST2. Benzimidazole resistant mutants generated from these isolates also produced 6PP as their main secondary metabolite, except for a mutant of T77 that had lost its ability to produce 6PP. The isolates UST1 and UST2 were co‐cultured with the grapevine trunk pathogens Eutypa lata and Neofusicoccum parvum in a minimal defined medium and a grapevine cane‐based medium (GCBM). Co‐culturing UST1 with N. parvum induced 6PP production in the minimal defined medium and the GCBM. The production of 6PP by UST2 was induced in the GCBM, while co‐culturing with the two trunk pathogens either reduced or had no effect on 6PP production. Mycelial growth and ascospore/conidia germination of E. lata, N. australe, N. parvum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora were inhibited by 6PP in a concentration‐dependent manner. The results show that the presence of N. parvum and grapevine wood elicits the production of 6PP, suggesting that this metabolite is involved in Trichoderma–pathogen interactions on grapevine pruning wounds.
Genetic Polymorphisms in the Toll‐like Receptor 10, Interleukin (IL)17A and IL17F Genes Differently Affect the Risk for Tuberculosis in Croatian Population
Authors: Bulat‐Kardum L. J. , Etokebe G. E. , Lederer P. , Balen S. , Dembic Z.
Published: April 2015

Proinflammatory conditions leading to activation of macrophages via interferon‐γ bear an important role in host defence against intracellular bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt). Interleukin‐17 plays a similar role, as it appears to be also an activator of macrophages. Recently, the TLR‐10 was identified as an anti‐inflammatory factor that exerts its action via association with the TLR‐2 chain at the cell surface of macrophages, the latter being an Mt‐binding protein. We have previously found that gene polymorphisms that either inactivate the TLR2 gene product or have a dominant‐negative role are associated with tuberculosis (TB) in Croatian population. We have now extended our survey and found that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TLR10 (rs11096957) is associated with risk for TB. Homozygotes carrying the A allele are associated with predisposition to disease as analysed by the dominant model of inheritance. In contrast, SNPs in the proinflammatory IL17A and IL17F genes (rs2275913 and rs763780, respectively), found previously to correlate with the disease occurrence in Chinese population, were not significantly associated with tuberculosis in the Croatian population.
Epitope‐based peptide vaccine design and target site depiction against Ebola viruses: an immunoinformatics study
Authors: Khan M. A. , Hossain M. U. , Rakib‐Uz‐Zaman S. M. , Morshed M. N.
Published: April 2015

Ebola viruses (EBOVs) have been identified as an emerging threat in recent year as it causes severe haemorrhagic fever in human. Epitope‐based vaccine design for EBOVs remains a top priority because a mere progress has been made in this regard. Another reason is the lack of antiviral drug and licensed vaccine although there is a severe outbreak in Central Africa. In this study, we aimed to design an epitope‐based vaccine that can trigger a significant immune response as well as to prognosticate inhibitor that can bind with potential drug target sites using various immunoinformatics and docking simulation tools. The capacity to induce both humoral and cell‐mediated immunity by T cell and B cell was checked for the selected protein. The peptide region spanning 9 amino acids from 42 to 50 and the sequence TLASIGTAF were found as the most potential B and T cell epitopes, respectively. This peptide could interact with 12 HLAs and showed high population coverage up to 80.99%. Using molecular docking, the epitope was further appraised for binding against HLA molecules to verify the binding cleft interaction. In addition with this, the allergenicity of the epitopes was also evaluated. In the post‐therapeutic strategy, docking study of predicted 3D structure identified suitable therapeutic inhibitor against targeted protein. However, this computational epitope‐based peptide vaccine designing and target site prediction against EBOVs open up a new horizon which may be the prospective way in Ebola viruses research; the results require validation by in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Diversification of the celiac disease α‐gliadin complex in wheat: a 33‐mer peptide with six overlapping epitopes, evolved following polyploidization
Authors: Ozuna Carmen V. , Iehisa Julio C. M. , Giménez María J. , Alvarez Juan B. , Sousa Carolina , Barro Francisco
Published: April 2015

The gluten proteins from wheat, barley and rye are responsible both for celiac disease (CD) and for non‐celiac gluten sensitivity, two pathologies affecting up to 6–8% of the human population worldwide. The wheat α‐gliadin proteins contain three major CD immunogenic peptides: p31–43, which induces the innate immune response; the 33‐mer, formed by six overlapping copies of three highly stimulatory epitopes; and an additional DQ2.5‐glia‐α3 epitope which partially overlaps with the 33‐mer. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing of α‐gliadin genes from diploid and polyploid wheat provided six types of α‐gliadins (named 1–6) with strong differences in their frequencies in diploid and polyploid wheat, and in the presence and abundance of these CD immunogenic peptides. Immunogenic variants of the p31–43 peptide were found in most of the α‐gliadins. Variants of the DQ2.5‐glia‐α3 epitope were associated with specific types of α‐gliadins. Remarkably, only type 1 α‐gliadins contained 33‐mer epitopes. Moreover, the full immunodominant 33‐mer fragment was only present in hexaploid wheat at low abundance, probably as the result of allohexaploidization events from subtype 1.2 α‐gliadins found only in Aegilops tauschii, the D‐genome donor of hexaploid wheat. Type 3 α‐gliadins seem to be the ancestral type as they are found in most of the α‐gliadin‐expressing Triticeae species. These findings are important for reducing the incidence of CD by the breeding/selection of wheat varieties with low stimulatory capacity of T cells. Moreover, advanced genome‐editing techniques (TALENs, CRISPR) will be easier to implement on the small group of α‐gliadins containing only immunogenic peptides.
Adaptation of Cryo‐Sectioning for IEM Labeling of Asymmetric Samples: A Study Using Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nicolle Ophélie , Burel Agnès , Griffiths Gareth , Michaux Grégoire , Kolotuev Irina
Published: April 2015

Cryo‐sectioning procedures, initially developed by Tokuyasu, have been successfully improved for tissues and cultured cells, enabling efficient protein localization on the ultrastructural level. Without a standard procedure applicable to any sample, currently existing protocols must be individually modified for each model organism or asymmetric sample. Here, we describe our method that enables reproducible cryo‐sectioning of Caenorhabditis elegans larvae/adults and embryos. We have established a chemical‐fixation procedure in which flat embedding considerably simplifies manipulation and lateral orientation of larvae or adults. To bypass the limitations of chemical fixation, we have improved the hybrid cryo‐immobilization–rehydration technique and reduced the overall time required to complete this procedure. Using our procedures, precise cryo‐sectioning orientation can be combined with good ultrastructural preservation and efficient immuno‐electron microscopy protein localization. Also, GFP fluorescence can be efficiently preserved, permitting a direct correlation of the fluorescent signal and its subcellular localization. Although developed for C. elegans samples, our method addresses the challenge of working with small asymmetric samples in general, and thus could be used to improve the efficiency of immuno‐electron localization in other model organisms.
Assessment of cell viability, early apoptosis, and hematopoietic potential in umbilical cord blood units after storage
Authors: Kim Kyeong Mi , Huh Ji Young , Hong Sang Sook , Kang Myung Seo
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using stored umbilical cord blood (CB) largely depends on cell dose and quality of CB units. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of early apoptosis, in addition to cell viability and hematopoietic potential, in umbilical CB units after storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty CB units that had been cryopreserved for up to 8 years in a single public CB bank were investigated. After the CB units were thawed, cell viability and early apoptosis of total nucleated cells (TNCs), mononuclear cells (MNCs), and CD34+ cells were determined using flow cytometric method based on 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD) and annexin V staining. Next, clonogenic assays to predict graft potency were performed.

RESULTS

Postthawing cell viability values determined by 7‐AAD were as follows: TNCs, 78.8% ± 5.8%; MNCs, 88.4% ± 5.8%; and CD34+ cells, 94.1% ± 3.2%. Cell viability values using 7‐AAD and annexin V dual staining were as follows: TNCs, 71.2% ± 11.3%; MNCs, 83.1% ± 7.0%; and CD34+ cells, 88.8% ± 6.0%. Early apoptotic cells (7‐AAD‐negative and annexin V‐positive cells) in TNCs, MNCs, and CD34+ cells were 6.4% ± 3.5%, 5.4% ± 3.1%, and 5.3% ± 4.1%, respectively. The corrected colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage content per 100 CD34+ cells was 67.5 ± 48.7.

CONCLUSIONS

Postthawing cell viability determined by flow cytometric methods was in the following order: TNCs < MNCs < CD34+ cells. CD34+ cell viability was nearly identical to that of fresh CB 48 hours after collection. Necrosis or apoptosis in cryopreserved CB units did not accelerate during storage.
Evaluation of the risks of chemotherapy in dogs with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Finlay J. , Wyatt K. , Black M.
Published: April 2015

Thrombocytopenia is commonly encountered in veterinary oncology. Currently, there are no standard guidelines regarding the administration of chemotherapy to the patients with thrombocytopenia. This observational epidemiological cohort study aimed to determine whether thrombocytopenic dogs were at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects (vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence) or haemorrhage following administration of standard doses of chemotherapy. The adverse effects following 77 prospectively identified episodes of thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <200 000 µL−1) were compared with the adverse effects experienced in a retrospective cohort (platelet count >200 000 µL−1), and evaluated by statistical analysis. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects or haemorrhage between thrombocytopenic and control dogs. The control group of dogs with lymphoma were statistically more likely to experience vomiting as an adverse effect of chemotherapy (P = 0.028). The results presented here showed no evidence for an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects or haemorrhage in thrombocytopenic dogs after receiving standard doses of chemotherapy.
A novel DO null allele with a c.268C>T (p.Gln90Stop) mutation in Japanese
Authors: Onodera T. , Tsuneyama H. , Ogasawara K. , Isa K. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K. , Uchikawa M.
Published: April 2015

The Dombrock blood group system consists of two antithetical antigens, Doa (DO1) and Dob (DO2), and seven high‐prevalence antigens, Gya (DO3), Hy (DO4), Joa (DO5), DOYA (DO6), DOMR (DO7), DOLG (DO8) and DOLC (DO9). Doa/Dob polymorphism is associated with c.793A>G (p.Asn265Asp) in exon 2 of the DO (ART4) gene, and the corresponding alleles are named DO*01 and DO*02. The rare Donull or Gy(a−) phenotype lacks all Dombrock antigens, and the DO null alleles vary with both DO*01 and DO*02 backgrounds. We report a novel DO null allele, which has a c.268C>T (p.Gln90Stop) nonsense mutation with a DO*02 background identified from four unrelated Gy(a−) Japanese individuals.
Exercise modality effect on oxygen uptake off‐transient kinetics at maximal oxygen uptake intensity
Authors: Sousa Ana , Rodríguez Ferran A. , Machado Leandro , Vilas‐Boas J. Paulo , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: April 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do the mechanical differences between swimming, rowing, running and cycling have a potential effect on the oxygen uptake () off‐kinetics after an exercise sustained until exhaustion at 100% of maximal oxygen uptake () intensity?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The mechanical differences between exercise modes had a potential effect and contributed to distinct amplitude of the fast component (higher in running compared with cycling) and time constant (higher in swimming compared with rowing and cycling) in the off‐kinetic patterns at 100% of intensity. This suggests that swimmers, unlike rowers and cyclists, would benefit more from a longer duration of training intervals after each set of exercise performed at intensity.

The kinetics of oxygen uptake () during recovery (off‐transient kinetics) for different exercise modes is largely unexplored, hampering the prescription of training and recovery to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the off‐transient kinetics response between swimmers, rowers, runners and cyclists during their specific mode of exercise at 100% of maximal oxygen uptake () intensity and to examine the on–off symmetry. Groups of swimmers, rowers, runners and cyclists (n = 8 per group) performed (i) an incremental exercise protocol to assess the velocity or power associated with ( or , respectively) and (ii) a square‐wave exercise transition from rest to until volitional exhaustion. Pulmonary exchange parameters were measured using a telemetric portable gas analyser (K4b2; Cosmed, Rome, Italy), and the on‐ and off‐transient kinetics were analysed through a double‐exponential approach. For all exercise modes, both transient periods were symmetrical in shape once they had both been adequately fitted by a double‐exponential model. However, differences were found in the off‐kinetic parameters between exercise modes; the amplitude of the fast component of the off‐response was higher in running compared with cycling (48 ± 5 and 36 ± 7 ml kg−1 min−1, respectively; P < 0.001), and the time constant of the same phase was higher in swimming compared with rowing and cycling (63 ± 5, 56 ± 5 and 55 ± 3 s, respectively; P < 0.001). Although both phases were well described by a double‐exponential model, the differences between exercise modes had a potential effect and contributed to distinct off‐transient kinetic patterns at 100% of intensity.
Sympathetic neural activation does not mediate heart rate variability during repeated brief umbilical cord occlusions in near‐term fetal sheep
Authors: Lear Christopher A. , Galinsky Robert , Wassink Guido , Mitchell Clinton J. , Davidson Joanne O. , Westgate Jennifer A. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: April 2015

Key points

Fetal heart rate variability and changes in the ST segment of the electrocardiogram are used clinically during labour to identify fetuses at risk of severe metabolic acidosis or death.

Sympathetic nervous system activity contributes to heart rate variability in healthy normoxic fetuses, and is critical for the rapid haemodynamic adaptations to repeated episodes of asphyxia induced by brief complete umbilical cord occlusions at rates consistent with active labour.

We now show that chemical sympathectomy did not alter fetal heart rate variability between episodes of brief repeated asphyxia or elevation of the ST segment during asphyxia.

The lack of influence of the sympathetic system on fetal heart rate variability between episodes of brief asphyxia suggests that measures of fetal heart rate variability are unlikely to help monitor changes in sympathetic nervous system activity during active labour.

Changes in fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) and ST segment elevation (measured as the T/QRS ratio) are used to evaluate fetal adaptation to labour. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is an important contributor to FHRV under healthy normoxic conditions, and is critical for rapid support of blood pressure during brief labour‐like asphyxia. However, although it has been assumed that SNS activity contributes to FHRV during labour; this has never been tested, and it is unclear whether the SNS contributes to the rapid increase in T/QRS ratio during brief asphyxia. Thirteen chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation received either chemical sympathectomy with 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA; n = 6) or sham treatment (control; n = 7), followed 4–5 days later by 2 min episodes of complete umbilical cord occlusion repeated every 5 min for up to 4 h, or until mean arterial blood pressure fell to <20 mmHg for two successive occlusions. FHRV was decreased before occlusions in the 6‐OHDA group (P < 0.05) and 2–4.5 h during recovery after occlusions (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. During each occlusion there was a rapid increase in T/QRS ratio. Between successive occlusions the T/QRS ratio rapidly returned to baseline, and FHRV increased above baseline in both groups (P < 0.05), with no significant effect of sympathectomy on FHRV or T/QRS ratio. In conclusion, these data show that SNS activity does not mediate the increase in FHRV between repeated episodes of brief umbilical cord occlusion or the transient increase in T/QRS ratio during occlusions.
Astrocyte VAMP3 vesicles undergo Ca2+‐independent cycling and modulate glutamate transporter trafficking
Authors: Li Dongdong , Hérault Karine , Zylbersztejn Kathleen , Lauterbach Marcel A. , Guillon Marc , Oheim Martin , Ropert Nicole
Published: April 2015

Key points

Mouse cortical astrocytes express VAMP3 but not VAMP2.

VAMP3 vesicles undergo Ca2+‐independent exo‐ and endocytotic cycling at the plasma membrane.

VAMP3 vesicle traffic regulates the recycling of plasma membrane glutamate transporters.

cAMP modulates VAMP3 vesicle cycling and glutamate uptake.

Previous studies suggest that small synaptic‐like vesicles in astrocytes carry vesicle‐associated vSNARE proteins, VAMP3 (cellubrevin) and VAMP2 (synaptobrevin 2), both contributing to the Ca2+‐regulated exocytosis of gliotransmitters, thereby modulating brain information processing. Here, using cortical astrocytes taken from VAMP2 and VAMP3 knock‐out mice, we find that astrocytes express only VAMP3. The morphology and function of VAMP3 vesicles were studied in cultured astrocytes at single vesicle level with stimulated emission depletion (STED) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopies. We show that VAMP3 antibodies label small diameter (∼80 nm) vesicles and that VAMP3 vesicles undergo Ca2+‐independent exo‐endocytosis. We also show that this pathway modulates the surface expression of plasma membrane glutamate transporters and the glutamate uptake by astrocytes. Finally, using pharmacological and optogenetic tools, we provide evidence suggesting that the cytosolic cAMP level influences astrocytic VAMP3 vesicle trafficking and glutamate transport. Our results suggest a new role for VAMP3 vesicles in astrocytes.
Spatially resolved, highly multiplexed RNA profiling in single cells
Authors: Chen Kok Hao , Boettiger Alistair N. , Moffitt Jeffrey R. , Wang Siyuan , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: April 2015

Multiplexed RNA imaging in single cells

The basis of cellular function is where and when proteins are expressed and in what quantities. Single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) experiments quantify the copy number and location of mRNA molecules; however, the numbers of RNA species that can be simultaneously measured by smFISH has been limited. Using combinatorial labeling with error-robust encoding schemes, Chen
et al.
simultaneously imaged 100 to 1000 RNA species in a single cell. Such large-scale detection allows regulatory interactions to be analyzed at the transcriptome scale.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aaa6090
Mutations in a translation initiation factor identify the target of a memory-enhancing compound
Authors: Sekine Yusuke , Zyryanova Alisa , Crespillo-Casado Ana , Fischer Peter M. , Harding Heather P. , Ron David
Published: April 2015

Identification of a memory drug target

ISRIB is a potent inhibitor of the integrated stress response (ISR), which involves the activation of eIF2α-specific kinases, phosphorylation of eIF2α, and consequent down-regulation of global translation levels. ISRIB is also a candidate drug for treating certain memory disorders. ISRIB does not prevent eIF2α phosphorylation and must therefore act downstream of this step. Sekine
et al.
now report that ISRIB reverses the inhibitory effect of eIF2α phosphorylation on the activity of eIF2B, a dedicated guanine nucleotide exchange factor, enhancing its activity independently of phosphorylation (see the Perspective by Hinnebusch). The authors isolated ISRIB-resistant cells and identified a genetic lesion in a short N-terminal region of eIF2Bδ that appears to be responsible for the observed phenotype.

Science
, this issue p.
1027
; see also p.
967
Identification of molybdenum oxide nanostructures on zeolites for natural gas conversion
Authors: Gao Jie , Zheng Yiteng , Jehng Jih-Mirn , Tang Yadan , Wachs Israel E. , Podkolzin Simon G.
Published: April 2015

Waste not, want not

Natural gas often escapes or is deliberately burned at remote exploration sites because there is no economical way to transport it to markets. One route proposed for converting its main component, methane, into a more readily transported liquid is conversion to benzene over zeolites containing molybdenum (Mo). However, this method suffers from low conversion efficiency. Gao
et al.
identified the active Mo nanostructures as well as deactivated carbide species that form during this reaction. They were also able to recover and even enhance the zeolite catalytic activity after oxygen treatments.

Science
, this issue p.
686
Complete Genome Sequence of Mannheimia haemolytica Strain Mh10517, Isolated from Sheep in South Africa
Authors: Kidanemariam Gelaw Awoke , Bihon Wubetu , Faranani Ramagoma , Mafofo Joseph , Rees Jasper , Madoroba Evelyn
Published: April 2015

Respiratory disease caused by
Mannheimia haemolytica
is a major concern in the cattle and small stock industry worldwide. This problem arises due to the interaction of numerous contributing factors, including physical stresses associated with weaning, shipment, inclement weather, and overcrowding coupled with viral and bacterial infections. The whole genome of
M. haemolytica
strain Mh10517 was analyzed using an Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform. The genome size is 2.67 Mb with 2,879 predicted gene sequences. The availability of this genome sequence will advance studies on various aspects of the biology of
M. haemolytica
in Africa and the world at large.
Draft Genome Sequences of Supercritical CO
2
-Tolerant Bacteria Bacillus subterraneus MITOT1 and Bacillus cereus MIT0214
Authors: Peet Kyle C. , Thompson Janelle R.
Published: April 2015

We report draft genome sequences of
Bacillus subterraneus
MITOT1 and
Bacillus cereus
MIT0214 isolated through enrichment of samples from geologic sequestration sites in pressurized bioreactors containing a supercritical (sc) CO
2
headspace. Their genome sequences expand the phylogenetic range of sequenced bacilli and allow characterization of molecular mechanisms of scCO
2
tolerance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus acidophilus FSI4, Isolated from Yogurt
Authors: Iartchouk Oleg , Kozyavkin Sergei , Karamychev Valeri , Slesarev Alexei
Published: April 2015

A new
Lactobacillus acidophilus
strain, FSI4, isolated from yogurt, was isolated and sequenced in our laboratory. Our data, although supportive of previous conclusions regarding the remarkable stability of
L. acidophilus
species, indicate accumulating mutations in commercial
L. acidophilus
strains that warrant further study of the effect of damaged genes on the competitiveness of these bacteria in gut microbiota.
Draft Genome Sequences of 26
Porphyromonas
Strains Isolated from the Canine Oral Microbiome
Authors: Coil David A. , Alexiev Alexandra , Wallis Corrin , O’Flynn Ciaran , Deusch Oliver , Davis Ian , Horsfall Alexander , Kirkwood Nicola , Jospin Guillaume , Eisen Jonathan A. , Harris Stephen , Darling Aaron E.
Published: April 2015

We present the draft genome sequences for 26 strains of
Porphyromonas
(
P. canoris
,
P. gulae
,
P. cangingavalis
,
P. macacae
, and 7 unidentified) and an unidentified member of the
Porphyromonadaceae
family. All of these strains were isolated from the canine oral cavity, from dogs with and without early periodontal disease.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Helicobacter pylori Strain Isolated from a Patient with Diffuse Gastritis from a Region of High Cancer Risk in Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez-Escobar Andrés J. , Bayona Rojas Martin , Barragán Vidal Carlos , Trujillo Clara Esperanza , Bravo María Mercedes
Published: April 2015

The draft genome sequence of one Colombian
Helicobacter pylori
strain is presented. This strain was isolated from a patient with diffuse gastritis from Tibaná, Boyacá, a region with high gastric cancer risk.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium dentium Strain JCM 1195
T
, Isolated from Human Dental Caries
Authors: Toh Hidehiro , Hayashi Jun-ichiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Nakano Akiko , Takayama Yukiko , Takanashi Kageyasu , Morita Hidetoshi , Hattori Masahira
Published: April 2015

Bifidobacterium dentium
strain JCM 1195
T
was isolated from human dental caries. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this organism.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium scardovii Strain JCM 12489
T
, Isolated from Human Blood
Authors: Toh Hidehiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Nakano Akiyo , Yamashita Naoko , Iioka Erica , Kurokawa Rina , Morita Hidetoshi , Hattori Masahira
Published: April 2015

Bifidobacterium scardovii
strain JCM 12489
T
was isolated from human blood and has the largest bifidobacterial genome reported to date. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this organism. This paper is the first report demonstrating the fully sequenced and completely annotated genome of a B. scardovii strain.
Inaccessible back: frustration and misery of lonely patients
Authors: Zaman Mousumi Dasgupta
Published: April 2015

This article introduces an idea of a new medical device to apply topical treatments in relatively inaccessible places of body, for example, the back. Currently patients with different inflammatory (eg, Eczema, Psoriasis) or dysplastic (eg, Actinic Keratosis, Bowen's disease, Superficial Basal Cell carcinoma) dermatological conditions usually rely on relatives/carers or use mass produced back applicators and compliance varies depending on availability of carer, ranges of joint movements and so on. This new device, which follows the similar technology of inhaler/flex-pen (a hollow tube containing active ingredients with applicator button at proximal end and releasing pore/pores at distal end), will enable patients to become more independent leading to better compliance. Moreover, in some cases of dysplastic lesions, like Superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas, this will reduce the number of unnecessary surgical procedures.
First detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 2 in cattle in Spain
Authors: Aduriz Gorka , Atxaerandio Raquel , Cortabarria Nekane
Published: April 2015

Background

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a member of the genus Pestivirus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae. BVDV is found worldwide in cattle population and causes significant economic losses to the dairy and beef industries. Two distinct genotypes of BVDV exist: BVDV type 1 (BVDV‐1) and BVDV type 2 (BVDV‐2).

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate retrospectively the presence of BVDV‐2 in Spain.

Results

With this objective, 47 blood samples that had tested positive in an ELISA for BVDV antigen were selected. Samples had been submitted by practitioners to the Diagnostic Service of NEIKER. The 18 herds of origin were all located in the northern half of Spain. BVDV positive samples were genotyped by reverse transcription‐PCR. BVDV‐1 was detected with the highest frequency (46/47), in contrast to BVDV‐2 (2/47). In one blood sample, both pestivirus genotypes, BVDV‐1 and BVDV‐2, were detected. Sequencing of a viral genomic region, 5′ untranslated region, confirmed the identity of the BVDV‐2 isolate.

Conclusions

So far as the authors know, this is the first reported presence of BVDV‐2 in cattle herds in Spain. This finding may have important implications for the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of BVDV infection in the country.
Characterization of the ionic clathrate hydrate of tetra-n-butylammonium acrylate
Authors: Muromachi Sanehiro , Kida Masato , Takeya Satoshi , Yamamoto Yoshitaka , Ohmura Ryo
Published: April 2015

The ionic clathrate hydrate of tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) acrylate was characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The crystal structure of TBA acrylate was Jeffrey’s type III and tetragonal P42/n, with a 33.076(7) × 33.076(7) × 12.170(2) Å3 unit cell. The volume of the unit cell was 13315(5) Å3, which is almost twice that of the ideal structure. The TBA cation was disordered and located in two types of fused cages. Although the acrylate anion was located in a pentagonal dodecahedral cage neighboring the TBA cation, there is a residual acrylate anion that could be around the other TBA cation in the unit cell. Solid-state 13C NMR spectra showed that the TBA cation was clearly disordered at 173 K, but not at 239 K. NMR peaks from the acrylate anion were not observed at either temperature. This is probably because of the strong restriction on the acrylate anion by hydrogen bonding with the lattice water. Some of the characteristics of the anion and cation of the ionic guest incorporated in the hydrate structure have yet to be defined. Further research is needed to clarify complexation of the ionic clathrate hydrate and the ionic guest, and the resulting structure.
Automata with Counters that Recognize Word Problems of Free Products
Authors: Corson Jon M. , Ross Lance L.
Published: April 2015

An M-automaton is a finite automaton with a blind counter that mimics a monoid M. The finitely generated groups whose word problems (when viewed as formal languages) are accepted by M-automata play a central role in understanding the family 𝔏(M) of all languages accepted by M-automata. If G1 and G2 are finitely generated groups whose word problems are languages in 𝔏(M), in general, the word problem of the free product G1 * G2 is not necessarily in 𝔏(M). However, we show that if M is enlarged to the free product M*P2, where P2 is the polycyclic monoid of rank two, then this closure property holds. In fact, we show more generally that the special word problem of M1 * M2 lies in 𝔏(M * P2) whenever M1 and M2 are finitely generated monoids with special word problems in 𝔏(M * P2). We also observe that there is a monoid without zero, denoted by CF2, that can be used in place of P2 for this purpose. The monoid CF2 is the rank two case of what we call a monoid with right invertible basis and its Rees quotient by its maximal ideal is P2. The fundamental theory of monoids with right invertible bases is completely analogous to that of free groups, and thus they are very convenient to use. We also investigate the questions of whether there is a group that can be used instead of the monoid P2 in the above result and under what circumstances P1 (or the bicyclic monoid) is enough to do the job of P2.
Conditional Fault Tolerance of Hypermesh Optical Interconnection Networks
Authors: Li Xianyong , Yang Xiaofan , He Li , Yu Cui , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2015

Fault tolerance is especially important for interconnection networks, vastly influencing the performance of the parallel processing systems underlying the corresponding networks. This paper studies the fault tolerance of radix-k n-dimensional hypermesh optical interconnection networks, determines the connectivity of partial hypermesh, and derives the conditional connectivity of hypermesh provided that each adjacent set cannot be faulty simultaneously. Under this condition, the hypermesh networks can tolerate up to 2n(k-1)-k-1 fault processors without being disrupted, implying that when the number of dimension n (respectively, radix-k) is a fixed value in the hypermesh network, the larger the value of radix-k (respectively, dimension n) is, the higher the reliability and availability of the network becomes.
On the role of rotation in the outflows of the Crab pulsar
Authors: Irakli Gudavadze , Zaza Osmanov , Andria Rogava
Published: April 2015

In order to study constraints imposed on kinematics of the Crab pulsar's jet, we consider motion of particles along co-rotating field lines in the magnetosphere of the Crab pulsar. It is shown that particles following the co-rotating magnetic field lines may attain velocities close to observable values. In particular, we demonstrate that if the magnetic field lines are within the light cylinder (LC), the maximum value of the velocity component parallel to the rotation axis is limited by 0.5c. This result in the context of the X-ray observations performed by Chandra X-ray Observatory seems to be quite indicative and useful to estimate the density of field lines inside the jet. Considering the three-dimensional (3D) field lines crossing the LC, we found that for explaining the force-free regime of outflows the magnetic field lines must asymptotically tend to the Archimedes spiral configuration. It is also shown that the 3D case may explain the observed jet velocity for appropriately chosen parameters of magnetic field lines.
Entropy-corrected new agegraphic dark energy model in the context of Chern–Simons modified gravity
Authors: Aly Ayman A. , Fekry M. , Mansour H.
Published: April 2015

Within the framework of Chern–Simons (CS) modified gravity, we studied dark energy models. The new agegraphic dark energy (NADE) model, entropy-corrected new agegraphic dark energy (ECNADE) model and NADE model with generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) are investigated. For these models, we studied the evolution of scale factor a, Hubble parameter H and deceleration parameter q. On meantime, we studied the state finder parameters s and r. These models show some similar behavior with modified Chaplygin gas model in some regions, while in other regions some similarity with phantom and quintessence dark energy is noticed.
Extended RMRC and its Application to the Motion of a Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Ko Nak Yong
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes a method calculating joint velocities of a robot which moves the end effector at desired velocity where some of the joint motions are constrained. It is an extension of the Resolved Motion Rate Control (RMRC) method which has been used in cases where there is no constraint on the motion of the joints. The proposed method is called the extended RMRC (E-RMRC). Though the E-RMRC is expressed in a simple form, application of the E-RMRC to a specific robot system is not straightforward and sometimes calls for elaboration. So, the paper describes the application of the E-RMRC to the motion of a mobile manipulator. The example explains how the proposed method is applied to find the joint rate to move the end effector of the mobile manipulator through a desired trajectory while the trajectory of the mobile base is constrained. The application is tested and verified through simulation and experiments.
Porphyrin-based photosensitizers and the corresponding multifunctional nanoplatforms for cancer-imaging and phototherapy
Authors: Srivatsan Avinash , Missert Joseph R. , Upadhyay Santosh K. , Pandey Ravindra K.
Published: April 2015

This review article briefly describes: (a) the advantages in developing multifunctional nanoparticles for cancer-imaging and therapy, (b) the advantages and limitations of most of the porphyrin-based compounds in fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT), (c) problems associated with current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved photosensitizers, (d) challenges in developing in vivo target-specific PDT agents, (e) development of porphyrin-based nuclear-imaging agents (PET, SPECT) with an option of PDT, (f) the importance of light dosimetry in PDT, (g) the role of whole body or local hyperthermia in enhancing tumor-uptake, tumor-imaging and phototherapy and finally, (h) the advantages of photosensitizer-gold nanocages (Ps- Au NC) in photoacoustic and PDT.
COSTS OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ABATEMENT UNDER THE CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM
Authors: RAHMAN SHAIKH M. , LARSON DONALD F. , DINAR ARIEL
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the costs of emissions abatement through various types of projects financed under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. Using project data, cost functions are estimated applying alternative functional forms. Results show that the average cost of abatement decreases with the volume of abatement, showing economies of scale and suggesting that reducing emissions through small projects is relatively expensive. Results also show significant variation in the costs of abatement by project type and location. Nevertheless, the observed distribution of project investments does not closely match the relative cost structure, either by location or project type. Renewable energy projects accounted for 62% of the projects even though they had the second highest cost. Most of the CDM projects are located in emerging economies, principally China, India, and Brazil, even though the fixed costs of establishing CDM projects in these countries are higher than in many other developing countries. Significantly, while much of the conceptual and applied numerical literature concerning greenhouse gas abatement policies relies on presumptions about the structure of abatement cost curves, these findings suggest that comparative advantage is only one of several factors driving CDM investments and that investors hold additional preferences about project location and project type. Finally, results indicate a general, though noncontinuous, downward trend in the costs of abatement for new CDM projects.
Long-chain acylcarnitines activate cell stress and myokine release in C2C12myotubes: calcium-dependent and -independent effects
Authors: McCoin Colin S. , Knotts Trina A. , Ono-Moore Kikumi D. , Oort Pieter J. , Adams Sean H.
Published: April 2015

Acylcarnitines, important lipid biomarkers reflective of acyl-CoA status, are metabolites that possess bioactive and inflammatory properties. This study examined the potential for long-chain acylcarnitines to activate cellular inflammatory, stress, and death pathways in a skeletal muscle model. Differentiated C2C12myotubes treated with l-C14, C16, C18, and C18:1 carnitine displayed dose-dependent increases in IL-6 production with a concomitant rise in markers of cell permeability and death, which was not observed for shorter chain lengths. l-C16 carnitine, used as a representative long-chain acylcarnitine at initial extracellular concentrations ≥25 μM, increased IL-6 production 4.1-, 14.9-, and 31.4-fold over vehicle at 25, 50, and 100 μM. Additionally, l-C16 carnitine activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase between 2.5- and 11-fold and induced cell injury and death within 6 h with modest activation of the apoptotic caspase-3 protein. l-C16 carnitine rapidly increased intracellular calcium, most clearly by 10 μM, implicating calcium as a potential mechanism for some activities of long-chain acylcarnitines. The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM blunted l-C16 carnitine-mediated IL-6 production by >65%. However, BAPTA-AM did not attenuate cell permeability and death responses, indicating that these outcomes are calcium independent. The 16-carbon zwitterionic compound amidosulfobetaine-16 qualitatively mimicked the l-C16 carnitine-associated cell stress outcomes, suggesting that the effects of high experimental concentrations of long-chain acylcarnitines are through membrane disruption. Herein, a model is proposed in which acylcarnitine cell membrane interactions take place along a spectrum of cellular concentrations encountered in physiological-to-pathophysiological conditions, thus regulating function of membrane-based systems and impacting cell biology.
Modulation of muscle metaboreceptor activation upon sweating and cutaneous vascular responses to rising core temperature in humans
Authors: Amano Tatsuro , Ichinose Masashi , Inoue Yoshimitsu , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Koga Shunsaku , Kondo Narihiko
Published: April 2015

The present study investigated the role of muscle metaboreceptor activation on human thermoregulation by measuring core temperature thresholds and slopes for sweating and cutaneous vascular responses during passive heating associated with central and peripheral mechanisms. Six male and eight female subjects inserted their lower legs into hot water (43°C) while wearing a water perfusion suit on the upper body (34°C). One minute after immersion, an isometric handgrip exercise—40% of maximum voluntary contraction—was conducted for 1.5 min in both control and experimental conditions, while postexercise occlusion was performed in the experimental condition only for 9 min. The postexercise forearm occlusion during passive heating consistently stimulated muscle metaboreceptors, as implicated by significantly elevated mean arterial blood pressure throughout the experimental period ( P <0.05). Stimulation of the forearm muscle metaboreceptors increased sweating and cutaneous vascular responses during passive heating, and was associated with significant reductions in esophageal temperature threshold of sweating and cutaneous vasodilation (Δ threshold, sweating: 0.33 ± 0.05 and 0.16 ± 0.04°C, cutaneous vascular conductance: 0.38 ± 0.08 and 0.16 ± 0.05°C for control and experimental groups, respectively, P < 0.05). The slopes of these responses were not different between the conditions. These results suggest that muscle metaboreceptor activation in the forearm accelerates sweating and cutaneous vasodilation during passive heating associated with a reduction in core temperature thresholds and may be related to central mechanisms controlling heat loss responses.