bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor versus rich children with epilepsy have the same clinical course and remission rates but a less favorable social outcome: A population‐based study with 25 years of follow‐up
Authors: Camfield Carol , Camfield Peter , Smith Bruce
Published: November 2016

Objective

To explore the influence of several estimates of family socioeconomic status on the long‐term clinical course and social outcomes of children with epilepsy.

Methods

The Nova Scotia childhood epilepsy cohort is population based and includes all children in this Canadian province who developed epilepsy between 1977 and 1985. Eligible patients had ≥10 years of follow‐up. Children with childhood absence epilepsy were excluded. Total family income at seizure onset was assessed at seizure onset and classified as “poor” (first quintile), “adequate” (second to third quintiles), and “well‐off” (fourth to fifth quintiles). We also assessed parental education and home ownership. Social outcome was assessed in those with normal intelligence who were ≥18 years of age at the end of follow‐up using a semistructured interview that explored eight adverse effects.

Results

Of 584 patients, 421 (72%) were included. Average follow‐up was 26 ± 5.6 years. Overall 137 families (33%) had “poor” income, 159 (38%) had “adequate income,” and 125 (30%) were “well‐off.” Terminal remission of epilepsy occurred in 65% of the poor, 61% of the adequate, and 61% of the well‐off (p = ns). Intractable epilepsy, status epilepticus, number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used, and the number of generalized tonic–clonic or focal with secondary generalization seizures through the clinical course was the same in all groups. Home ownership did not predict remission. Neither paternal nor maternal education was associated with remission. Poor children had significantly more adverse social outcomes including failure to graduate from high school, unemployment, personal poverty, inadvertent pregnancy, and psychiatric diagnoses.

Significance

In Nova Scotia with universal health care, coming from a poor or more affluent family does not seem to affect the clinical course or long‐term seizure outcome of childhood epilepsy. Unfortunately children from poor families are less likely to have a good social outcome.
Why Explicit Knowledge Cannot Become Implicit Knowledge
Authors: VanPatten Bill
Published: November 2016

In this essay, I review one of the conclusions in Lindseth (2016) published in Foreign Language Annals. That conclusion suggests that explicit learning and practice (what she called form‐focused instruction) somehow help the development of implicit knowledge (or might even become implicit knowledge). I argue for a different interpretation of the results based on the nature of language as mental representation and the nature of acquisition. I argue that explicit knowledge cannot become implicit knowledge or help its development as characterized by Lindseth. Instead, the results can be interpreted as learners simply getting faster with explicit knowledge.
New economic geographies of manufacturing in China
Authors: Zhu Shengjun , Lan Tu
Published: November 2016

Since the early 2000s, the “race to the bottom” that typified the “China price” and the model of export‐oriented industrialization has been challenged by various factors, triggering another round of industrial restructuring and producing new economic geographies of production and employment in China. This paper provides a review of existing research on the new economic geographies of China's manufacturing industries. In doing so, we seek to show how critical engagements with China may help us “theorize back” at the dominant discourses and theories in economic geography (e.g., global value chain, global production network, new regionalism, spatial fix, and labor agency theories). Specifically, this paper focuses on two strands of literature that have engaged critically with China and sought to remake the economic geography through new insights from China—one on China's new geographical and industrial dynamics and the other on the issue of labor agency and labor regime in China. We argue that the sheer pace and rapidity of regional dynamics in China provide a fertile ground for new conceptual development, methodological innovation, and empirical insights.
Impact of a sodium carbonate spray combined with professional oral hygiene procedures in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: an explorative study
Authors: Gambino Alessio , Broccoletti Roberto , Cafaro Adriana , Cabras Marco , Carcieri Paola , Arduino Paolo G.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to make an initial estimation on the effects of a sodium bicarbonate and xylitol spray (Cariex®), associated with non‐surgical periodontal therapy, in participants with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Background

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that predominantly involves salivary and lachrymal glands, with the clinical effect of dry eyes and mouth.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort of 22 women and two men has been evaluated. They were randomized into three groups (eight patients each): Group A) those treated once with non‐surgical periodontal therapy, education and motivation to oral hygiene, associated with the use of Cariex®; Group B) treated only with Cariex®; Group C) treated only with non‐surgical periodontal therapy, education and motivation to oral hygiene. Clinical variables described after treatment were unstimulated whole salivary flow, stimulated whole salivary flow, salivary pH, reported pain (using Visual Analogue Scale) and the Periodontal Screening and Recording index.

Results

Salivary flow rate improved in all groups, but the difference was statistically significant only in those treated with Cariex®, alone or in combination with periodontal therapy. Gingival status improved in participants who underwent periodontal non‐surgical therapy while remained unchanged in those only treated with Cariex®. Reported pain decreased in all groups, showing the best result in participants treated with periodontal therapy together with Cariex®.

Conclusions

We propose a practical approach for improving gingival conditions and alleviating oral symptoms in patients with SS. Future randomized and controlled trials are however required to confirm these results as well as larger population, and also assessing other parameters due to oral dryness, possible oral infections and more comprehensive periodontal indices.
Assumption, Union and Sanctification: Some Clarifying Distinctions
Authors: King Rolfe
Published: November 2016

In this article I engage with the notion that Christ ought to be understood to have a fallen human nature because Christ sanctifies human nature, and it is fallen humanity that needs sanctifying. In opposition to this line of thought, I argue that the Son of God assumed an unfallen nature, but with the powers of fallenness operative within it, and that this notion is consistent with a distinct account of sanctification. In support of these claims, I develop distinctions between a conjoining union and a transferring union, and between the Chalcedonian union at the incarnation and the extension of that union on the cross. At the assumption a conjoining union occurred, not a transferring union. Christ sanctified his own nature, prior to a transferring union.
Renal Protection Using Remote Ischemic Peri‐Conditioning During Inter‐Facility Helicopter Transport of Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Olafiranye Oladipupo , Ladejobi Adetola , Wayne Max , Martin‐Gill Christian , Althouse Andrew D. , Sharbaugh Michael S. , Guyette Francis X. , Reis Steven E. , Kellum John A. , Toma Catalin
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of remote ischemic peri‐conditioning (RIPC) during inter‐facility air medical transport of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Background

STEMI patients who receive pPCI have an increased risk of AKI for which there is no well‐defined prophylactic therapy in the setting of emergent pPCI.

Methods

Using the ACTION Registry‐GWTG, we evaluated the impact of RIPC applied during inter‐facility helicopter transport of STEMI patients from non‐PCI capable hospitals to 2 PCI‐hospitals in the United States between March, 2013 and September, 2015 on the incidence of AKI following pPCI. AKI was defined as ≥0.3 mg/dL increase in creatinine within 48–72 hours after pPCI.

Results

Patients who received RIPC (n = 127), compared to those who did not (n = 92), were less likely to have AKI (11 of 127 patients [8.7%] vs. 17 of 92 patients [18.5%]; adjusted odds ratio = 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.85, P = 0.023) and all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (2 of 127 patients [1.6%] vs. 7 of 92 patients [7.6%]; adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–0.86, P = 0.034) after adjusting for socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics. There was no difference in hospital length of stay (3 days [interquartile range, 2–4] vs. 3 days [interquartile range, 2–5], P = 0.357) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

RIPC applied during inter‐facility helicopter transport of STEMI patients for pPCI is associated with lower incidence of AKI and in‐hospital mortality. The use of RIPC for renal protection in STEMI patients warrants further in depth investigation.
On Hope and Hard Choices
Authors: Lebacqz Karen
Published: November 2016

In Handle with Care (2009), novelist Jodi Picoult presents a heartbreaking case involving the question of wrongful birth. This essay examines Ronald M. Green's writings in the field of bioethics to see what wisdom they might bring to this case. I argue that Green's contributions to bioethics exemplify some of the best of ethical argumentation: attention to facts, discernment of morally relevant differences, enunciation and justification of principles, originality, and compassion. I then draw from his work three foci that illuminate aspects of the dilemma presented by Picoult: the importance of parental love, the possibility that the dilemma might be reframed away from wrongful birth, and the need to shift our focus to questions of justice. While appreciating Green's contributions to bioethics, I also indicate several places of nuanced disagreement.
Successful Treatment of Vitiligo on the Scalp of a 9‐Year‐Old Girl Using Autologous Cultured Pure Melanocyte Transplantation
Authors: Wu Xin‐gang , Xu Ai‐e
Published: November 2016

Leukotrichia frequently accompanies vitiligo on hairy areas such as the scalp. Treatment with conventional medical therapy is usually unsuccessful because of deficiencies in the melanocyte reservoir. We describe transplantation of autologous cultured pure melanocytes for scalp vitiligo with leukotrichia in a 9‐year‐old girl, resulting in almost complete and stable repigmentation of skin and hair.
Academic Undermatch: How General and Specific Cultural Capital Structure Inequality
Authors: Deutschlander Denise
Published: November 2016

Recent literature has added another dimension to the well‐documented patterns of social class inequality in education: academic undermatch. Undermatch (which occurs when students attend institutions of lower selectivity than they are academically qualified to attend) is both widespread and unequal, with students from less advantaged families more likely to undermatch. Although proliferating, the research on undermatch has focused primarily on documenting the extent of, and less on exploring the mechanisms underlying, undermatch. Moreover, this literature has developed largely independent of the sociological research on cultural capital. Therefore, when scholars consider underlying mechanisms, they often focus narrowly on college‐specific information, without considering the broader cultural context in which students are embedded. Drawing on the literature on undermatch, as well as the sociological research on cultural capital, I differentiate between general and specific cultural capital. Moreover, instead of simply estimating whether students undermatch or not, I consider different types of undermatch. Results from the Educational Longitudinal Survey reveal that the effects of cultural capital are indeed heterogeneous, both with respect to its relationship to undermatch and its contribution to social class inequality. Findings have important implications for understanding undermatch and the role of cultural capital in reducing and reproducing social inequality.
The STN8 kinase‐PBCP phosphatase system is responsible for high‐light‐induced reversible phosphorylation of the PSII inner antenna subunit CP29 in rice
Authors: Betterle Nico , Poudyal Roshan Sharma , Rosa Anthony , Wu Guangxi , Bassi Roberto , Lee Choon‐Hwan
Published: November 2016

Reversible phosphorylation of thylakoid light‐harvesting proteins is a mechanism to compensate for unbalanced excitation of photosystem I (PSI) versus photosystem II (PSII) under limiting light. In monocots, an additional phosphorylation event on the PSII antenna CP29 occurs upon exposure to excess light, enhancing resistance to light stress. Different from the case of the major LHCII antenna complex, the STN7 kinase and its related PPH1 phosphatase were proven not to be involved in CP29 phosphorylation, indicating that a different set of enzymes act in the high‐light (HL) response. Here, we analyze a rice stn8 mutant in which both PSII core proteins and CP29 phosphorylation are suppressed in HL, implying that STN8 is the kinase catalyzing this reaction. In order to identify the phosphatase involved, we produced a recombinant enzyme encoded by the rice ortholog of AtPBCP, antagonist of AtSTN8, which catalyzes the dephosphorylation of PSII core proteins. The recombinant protein was active in dephosphorylating P‐CP29. Based on these data, we propose that the activities of the OsSTN8 kinase and the antagonistic OsPBCP phosphatase, in addition to being involved in the repair of photo‐damaged PSII, are also responsible for the HL‐dependent reversible phosphorylation of the inner antenna CP29.
Comparison of hematology, plasma biochemistry, and blood gas variables between 2 venipuncture sites in Southern Stingrays (Dasyatis americana)
Authors: Phillips Brianne E. , Christiansen Emily F. , Stoskopf Michael K. , Broadhurst Heather , George Robert , Harms Craig A.
Published: November 2016

Background

The Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana) is a batoid elasmobranch frequently exhibited in zoological institutions. Blood is commonly collected from the caudal hemal arch at the tail base in stingrays for the purpose of health assessment and clinical pathology tests. An alternative site that allows a dorsal or ventral approach without necessitating puncture of a cartilaginous structure has been identified between the cartilaginous pectoral fin rays (ceratotrichia).

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to compareCBC, plasma biochemistry analytes, and blood gas variables between blood samples collected from the caudal and pectoral fin vasculature sites of the Southern Stingray.

Methods

Fifteen captive Southern Stingrays (10 females, 5 males) from 4 zoo and aquarium facilities were sampled. Lithium heparinized blood samples were collected from the caudal and pectoral venipuncture sites of each animal. Values from estimated total and differential leukocyte counts, plasma biochemistry analytes, and blood gas variables were compared.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between venipuncture sites for the measured analytes except forCKactivity, which was statistically significantly higher in the pectoral site samples. Levels of agreement between sites were good or moderate for 22 analytes and poor forALT,AST,CK,pO2, lactate, monocytes, and eosinophils.

Conclusions

The good agreement between sampling sites for the majority of the measured analytes and the lack of differences that would alter clinical interpretation support the use of the pectoral site as an alternative to the traditional caudal fin venipuncture site in Southern Stingrays.
Closed-Form Steady-State Response Solution of the Twin Rotor Damper and Experimental Validation
Authors: Bäumer Richard , Starossek Uwe
Published: November 2016

In previous research, the twin rotor damper (TRD), an active mass damper, was presented including control algorithms for monofrequent vibrations. In a preferred mode of operation, the continuous rotation mode, two eccentric masses rotate in opposite directions about two parallel axes with a mostly constant angular velocity. The resulting control force is harmonic. Within this paper, the steady-state response of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) oscillator subjected to a harmonic excitation force with and without the TRD is studied. A closed-form solution is presented and validated experimentally. It is shown that the TRD provides damping to the SDOF oscillator until a certain frequency ratio is reached. The provided damping is not only dependent on the design parameters of the TRD but also depends on the steady-state vibration amplitude. The solution serves as a powerful design tool for dimensioning the TRD. The analytical closed-form solution is applicable for other active mass dampers.
Vibrations of Flexible Multistage Rotor Systems Supported by Water-Lubricated Rubber Bearings
Authors: Liu Shibing , Yang Bingen
Published: November 2016

Flexible multistage rotor systems that are supported by water-lubricated rubber bearings (WLRBs) are seen in various engineering applications. Vibration analysis is important to design and performance of such dynamic systems. In the past, due to the lack of reliable models of WLRBs, vibration analysis of this type of rotor systems has not been well addressed. In this paper, a method for modeling and analysis of WLRB-supported multistage rotor systems is proposed. In the development, a new model of WLRBs is integrated with a distributed transfer function formulation, which eventually yields accurate results on the eigensolutions, critical speeds, and steady-state responses of WLRB-supported rotor systems. The proposed method is illustrated in a numerical study on a three-stage rotor system. It is shown that the proposed method provides a useful tool for optimal design of flexible multistage rotor systems with WLRBs.
Aerodynamic Performance Prediction of a Profile in Ground Effect With and Without a Gurney Flap
Authors: Cravero Carlo
Published: November 2016

A very detailed experimental case of a reversed profile in ground effect has been selected in the open literature where available experimental data have been used as reference data for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The CFD approach has been used to predict aerodynamic performance of the profile at different distances with respect to the ground: in the freestream case, there is no ground effect whereas in the low height the profile operation is limited by the stall on the suction surface. Moreover, the effect of a Gurney flap addition on flow distribution and performance has been numerically investigated. The experimental data have been used to setup and test the capabilities of the computational approach. With the addition of a Gurney flap, a significant flow unsteadiness is introduced that needs to be considered in the numerical approach. In this case, the configurations investigated are used to highlight the capabilities of CFD using Reynolds-averaged Naiver–Stokes (RANS) approach for its effective application as a tool for the detailed design of aerodynamic components to generate downforce for race cars.
Influence of Heat Transfer and Material Temperature on Combustion Instabilities in a Swirl Burner
Authors: Kraus Christian , Selle Laurent , Poinsot Thierry , Arndt Christoph M. , Bockhorn Henning
Published: November 2016

The current work focuses on the large eddy simulation (LES) of combustion instability in a laboratory-scale swirl burner. Air and fuel are injected at ambient conditions. Heat conduction from the combustion chamber to the plenums results in a preheating of the air and fuel flows above ambient conditions. The paper compares two computations: In the first computation, the temperature of the injected reactants is 300 K (equivalent to the experiment) and the combustor walls are treated as adiabatic. The frequency of the unstable mode (≈ 635 Hz) deviates significantly from the measured frequency (≈ 750 Hz). In the second computation, the preheating effect observed in the experiment and the heat losses at the combustion chamber walls are taken into account. The frequency (≈ 725 Hz) of the unstable mode agrees well with the experiment. These results illustrate the importance of accounting for heat transfer/losses when applying LES for the prediction of combustion instabilities. Uncertainties caused by unsuitable modeling strategies when using computational fluid dynamics for the prediction of combustion instabilities can lead to an improper design of passive control methods (such as Helmholtz resonators) as these are often only effective in a limited frequency range.
The Effects of Inlet Turbulence Intensity and Computational Domain on a Nonpremixed Bluff-Body Flame
Authors: Chen Lu , Battaglia Francine
Published: November 2016

A bluff body burner was investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess the effects of inlet turbulence intensity and compare the combustion characteristics with and without the bluff-body modeled in the computational domain. The effects of the CFD modeling techniques were assessed for inlet turbulence intensity, using a two-dimensional (2D) versus three-dimensional (3D) computational domain, and whether to include the bluff body in the domain. The simulations were compared with experimental data from the Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames workshop. The results showed that the turbulence intensity specified as a boundary condition at the fuel-jet inlet had a substantial impact on the axial decay of mixture fraction and temperature, which was overlooked by previous researchers when the bluff body was not modeled. The numerical results of the 2D axisymmetric and 3D domains without the bluff body showed that the 3D domain provided the best predictions when the turbulence intensity was defined using a published correlation versus experimental estimates since the k–ε turbulence model underestimated dissipation. It was shown that a 2D axisymmetric domain can be used to obtain predictions with acceptable numerical errors without the inclusion of the bluff body, and that a uniform inlet velocity can be specified, provided that the inlet turbulence intensity is defined using the correlation by Durst et al. (“Methods to Set Up and Investigate Low Reynolds Number, Fully Developed Turbulent Plane Channel Flows,” ASME J. Fluids Eng., 120(3), pp. 496–503.). Finally, further analysis of flow and flame characteristics demonstrated that when the bluff-body was included for the 2D axisymmetric domain, predictions improved and the flow was insensitive to inlet turbulence intensities because the bluff-body provided an entrance region for the flow to develop before mixing, thus reducing inlet effects. Thus, if experimental inlet data are not available, the addition of the bluff-body in the computational domain provides a more accurate jet velocity profile entering the reacting domain and eliminates errors caused by the inlet boundary condition.
Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Analysis of Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Al LM13/AlN Metal Matrix Composite Based on Taguchi's Technique
Authors: Radhika N. , Raghu R.
Published: November 2016

LM13/AlN (10 wt. %) metal matrix composites (MMC) and unreinforced aluminum alloy were produced under stir casting route. Microstructural characteristics were examined on the developed composite using optical microscope. The hardness and tensile test were carried out on both unreinforced aluminum alloy and composite using Vickers hardness tester and universal testing machine (UTM), respectively. Dry sliding wear behavior of the composite and unreinforced aluminum alloy was evaluated using pin-on-disk tribometer based on the design of experiments approach. Experimental parameters such as applied load (10, 20, and 30 N), velocity (1, 2, and 3 m/s), and sliding distance (500, 1000, and 1500 m) were varied for three levels. Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were also performed. The characterization results showed that reinforcement particles were uniformly distributed in the composite. The hardness and tensile test revealed greater improvement of property in composite compared to that of unreinforced alloy. Wear plot showed that wear was increased with increase in load and decreased with increase in velocity and sliding distance. S/N ratio analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that load has greater significance over the wear rate followed by velocity and sliding distance. Regression analysis revealed greater adequacy with the constructed model in predicting the wear behavior of composite and unreinforced aluminum alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis is evident that the transition of wear from mild to severe occurred on increase of the load in the composite.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Axial Gap Variation in High-Pressure Steam Turbine Stages
Authors: Bellucci Juri , Rubechini Filippo , Arnone Andrea , Arcangeli Lorenzo , Maceli Nicola , Paradiso Berardo , Gatti Giacomo
Published: November 2016

This work aims at investigating the impact of axial gap variation on aerodynamic performance of a high-pressure steam turbine stage. Numerical and experimental campaigns were conducted on a 1.5-stage of a reaction steam turbine. This low speed test rig was designed and operated in different operating conditions. Two different configurations were studied in which blades axial gap was varied in a range from 40% to 95% of the blade axial chord. Numerical analyses were carried out by means of three-dimensional, viscous, unsteady simulations, adopting measured inlet/outlet boundary conditions. Two sets of measurements were performed: steady measurements, from one hand, for global performance estimation of the whole turbine, such as efficiency, mass flow, and stage work; steady and unsteady measurements, on the other hand, were performed downstream of rotor row, in order to characterize the flow structures in this region. The fidelity of computational setup was proven by comparing numerical results to measurements. Main performance curves and spanwise distributions have shown a good agreement in terms of both shape of curves/distributions and absolute values. Moreover, the comparison of two-dimensional maps downstream of rotor row has shown similar structures of the flow field. Finally, a comprehensive study of the axial gap effect on stage aerodynamic performance was carried out for four blade spacings (10%, 25%, 40%, and 95% of S1 axial chord) and five aspect ratios (1.0, 1.6, 3, 4, and 5). The results pointed out how unsteady interaction between blade rows affects stage operation, in terms of pressure and flow angle distributions, as well as of secondary flows development. The combined effect of these aspects in determining the stage efficiency is investigated and discussed in detail.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Clinical Strains of Brucella melitensis Isolated from Patients Residing in Kuwait
Authors: Khan Mohd Wasif , Habibi Nazima , Shaheed Faraz , Mustafa Abu Salim
Published: November 2016

Human brucellosis is a neglected and underrecognized infection of widespread geographic distribution. Brucellosis is present on all inhabited continents and endemic in many areas of the world, including Kuwait and the Middle East. Here, we present draft genome assemblies of five
Brucella melitensis
strains isolated from brucellosis patients in Kuwait.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain LRB
Authors: Biswas Saswati , Biswas Indranil
Published: November 2016

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
is a Gram-positive facultative heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium. It is often isolated from the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, vagina, and fermented dairy products. We have isolated the
L. rhamnosus
strain LRB from a healthy baby tooth that had naturally fallen out. Here, we report the annotated whole-genome sequence of LRB.
Draft Genome Sequence of Halomonas elongata Strain K4, an Endophytic Growth-Promoting Bacterium Enhancing Salinity Tolerance
In Planta
Authors: Lafi Feras F. , Ramirez-Prado Juan S. , Alam Intikhab , Bajic Vladimir B. , Hirt Heribert , Saad Maged M.
Published: November 2016

Halomonas elongata
strain K4 is an endophytic bacterial strain that was isolated from roots of
Cyperus conglomeratus
collected at the Red Sea coast in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of this strain, highlighting a number of pathways involved in plant growth promotion under salt stress.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella oxytoca Strain JKo3
Authors: Iwase Tadayuki , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu
Published: November 2016

Klebsiella oxytoca
can be either pathogenic or beneficial, depending on conditions. These opposing characteristics have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report the complete sequence of the
K. oxytoca
JKo3 genome, consisting of a single circular chromosome of 5,943,791 bp and four plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus C25 Isolated from Chicken Cecum
Authors: Rezvani Morvarid , Mendoza Mary , Koci Matthew D. , Daron Caitlyn , Levy Josh , Hassan Hosni M.
Published: November 2016

Lactic acid bacteria are important members of the gut microbiota of humans and animals. Here, we present the genome sequence of
Lactobacillus crispatus
strain C25, originally isolated from the cecum of 4-week-old chicken fed a standard diet. This isolate represents a potential probiotic strain for poultry.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequencing of the First Observation of Neisseria meningitidis Sequence Type 6928 in India
Authors: Veeraraghavan Balaji , Neeravi Ayyan Raj , Devanga Ragupathi Naveen Kumar , Inbanathan Francis Yesurajan , Pragasam Agila Kumari , Verghese Valsan Philip
Published: November 2016

Neisseria meningitidis
is one of the leading global causes of bacterial meningitis. Here, we discuss the draft genome sequences of two
N. meningitidis
strains, isolated from bloodstream infections in two pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital in South India. The sequence data indicate that strains VB13856 and VB15548 encode genomes of ~2.09 Mb in size with no plasmids.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas stutzeri Strain CO183 Isolated from a Coalbed Methane Well
Authors: Ross Daniel E. , Gulliver Djuna
Published: November 2016

A near-complete
Pseudomonas stutzeri
draft genome was extracted from a coalbed metagenome. The draft genome described herein provides insight into the functional pathways encoded by this bacterium and its potential role in coalbed methane environments.
Gene-product relationships of fhlA and fdv genes of Escherichia coli
Authors: Sankar P , Lee J H , Shanmugam K T
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of formate dehydrogenase coupled to formate hydrogenlyase activity in Escherichia coli was found to require the product of the fhlA gene. Transcription of fdhF, the gene coding for the 80-kilodalton (kDa) selenopeptide of formate dehydrogenase, was not detected in an fhlA genetic background. Mutations in the fhlA gene also abolished production of the hydrogenase activity associated with formate hydrogenlyase activity. The fhlA gene resides next to the hydB gene at 59 min in the E. coli chromosome, and the two genes are transcribed in opposite directions. The fhlA gene codes for a 78-kDa protein. A neighboring gene, fdv, codes for an 82-kDa protein, and the physiological role of this gene product is unknown, although a role in H2 metabolism can be detected.
Proteolysis of bacteriophage phi X174 prohead protein gpB by a protease located in the Escherichia coli outer membrane
Authors: Richardson D L , Aoyama A , Hayashi M
Published: November 2016

The gene B protein (gpB) of bacteriophage phi X174 is required for prohead assembly and is removed from prohead during phage maturation. Protease activity was observed in isolated prohead which specifically cleaved gpB. Cleavage of gpB produced two fragments that had apparent molecular weights of 12,300 and 3,700 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amino-terminal sequencing of the fragments confirmed that they resulted from the cleavage of gpB and identified the cleavage site as an Arg-Arg at amino acids 76 to 77 of the 120-amino-acid protein. gpB-specific protease activity was observed in both phi X174-infected and uninfected Escherichia coli extracts. This protease activity was localized to the outer-membrane fraction of uninfected cells. Protease activities present in the outer membrane and in isolated prohead produced identical fragments and had the same protease inhibition profile. The gpB-specific activity in uninfected cells was induced by growth at 42 degrees C and was inhibited by the protease inhibitors, 1,10-phenanthroline, EDTA, and N-ethylmaleimide.
Glycine betaine allows enhanced induction of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens vir genes by acetosyringone at low pH
Authors: Vernade D , Herrera-Estrella A , Wang K , Van Montagu M
Published: November 2016

We established growth conditions for efficient induction of the vir genes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens by acetosyringone. Optimal induction was attained at a pH below 5.2 in an AB minimal medium-derived high-osmotic-strength medium containing glycine betaine. This natural osmoprotectant accelerated the adaptation of the bacteria to these conditions. We established the kinetics of induction for virB, virD, virE, and virG by using lacZ fusions, and we found that the virB mutant strain could not adapt to this low-pH medium unless 1 mM CaCl2 was added. This pH control of vir gene expression was shown to act at the level of expression of virG, which was the limiting factor. This improved vir induction at a low pH correlated with an increase in a set of proteins which was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The fact that high inducibility corresponded to a reduced growth rate and the demonstration that a set of proteins was associated with the inducible state suggest that vir gene induction is linked to the adaptation of the cells to an unfavorable environment. Hence, vir gene expression in A. tumefaciens is probably dependent upon a machinery which is specific to an adaptive response; the implications for plant transformation are discussed.
Identity of the 17-kilodalton protein, a DNA-binding protein from Escherichia coli, and the firA gene product
Authors: Aasland R , Coleman J , Holck A L , Smith C L , Raetz C R , Kleppe K
Published: November 2016

The 17-kilodalton protein, a DNA-binding protein encoded by the skp gene of Escherichia coli, was found to be identical to histonelike protein I, the product of the firA gene. This conclusion was reached after chromosomal localization, using the recently constructed high- and low-resolution E. coli restriction maps, and by direct comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of histonelike protein I and the 17-kilodalton protein.
DNA methylation and polyamines in regulation of development of the fungus Mucor rouxii
Authors: Cano C , Herrera-Estrella L , Ruiz-Herrera J
Published: November 2016

DNA from intact or spherically growing spores of Mucor rouxii is highly methylated, whereas DNA from germlings has low levels of methylation. DNA from spores incubated with hydroxyurea or 1,4-diaminobutanone is also highly methylated. The reversal of the effect of 1,4-diaminobutanone by azacytidine correlated with DNA hypomethylation. These data suggest that the change in growth pattern from spherical to polarized correlates with the degree of DNA methylation and that this, in turn, may be controlled by polyamine levels.
Isolation of additional monoclonal antibodies directed against cell surface antigens of Myxococcus xanthus cells undergoing submerged development
Authors: Gill J S , Dworkin M
Published: November 2016

Thirteen additional monoclonal antibodies directed against cell surface antigens of Myxococcus xanthus cells undergoing submerged development were isolated and partially characterized. As measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 10 of these antibodies recognized antigens common to both vegetatively growing cells and cells undergoing submerged development; 3 antibodies recognized antigens specific to developing cells. Five antigens were revealed as single bands on Western blots (immunoblots), and one produced multiple, diffuse bands characteristic of lipopolysaccharide.
Uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor of bacteriophage PBS2: cloning and effects of expression of the inhibitor gene in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Z , Mosbaugh D W
Published: November 2016

The uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor gene of bacteriophage PBS2 was cloned, and the effects of this inhibitor on Escherichia coli cells that contain uracil-DNA glycosylase activity were determined. A PBS2 genomic library was constructed by inserting EcoRI restriction fragments of PBS2 DNA into a plasmid pUC19 vector. The library was used to transform wild-type (ung+) E. coli, and the presence of the functional inhibitor gene was determined by screening for colonies that supported growth of M13mp19 phage containing uracil-DNA. A clone was identified that carried a 4.1-kilobase EcoRI DNA insert in the vector plasmid. Extracts of cells transformed with this recombinant plasmid lacked detectable uracil-DNA glycosylase activity and contained a protein that inhibited the activity of purified E. coli uracil-DNA glycosylase in vitro. The uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor expressed in these E. coli was partially purified and characterized as a heat-stable protein with a native molecular weight of about 18,000. Hence, we conclude that the PBS2 uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor gene was cloned and that the gene product has properties similar to those from PBS2-infected Bacillus subtilis cells. Inhibitor gene expression in E. coli resulted in (i) a weak mutator phenotype, (ii) a growth rate similar to that of E. coli containing pUC19 alone, (iii) a sensitivity to the antifolate drug aminopterin similar to that of cells lacking the inhibitor gene, and (iv) an increased resistance to the lethal effects of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine. These physiological properties are consistent with the phenotypes of other ung mutants.
Cloning and sequencing of the genes for Shiga toxin from Shigella dysenteriae type 1
Authors: Strockbine N A , Jackson M P , Sung L M , Holmes R K , O'Brien A D
Published: November 2016

The structural genes for Shiga toxin, designated stx A and stx B, were cloned from Shigella dysenteriae type 1 3818T, and a nucleotide sequence analysis was performed. Both stx A and stx B were present on a single transcriptional unit, with stx A preceding stx B. The molecular weight calculated for the processed A subunit was 32,225, while the molecular weight of the processed B subunit was 7,691. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences for Shiga toxin and Shiga-like toxin I (SLT-I) from Escherichia coli revealed that the genes for Shiga toxin and SLT-I were greater than 99% homologous; three nucleotide changes were detected in three separate codons of the A subunits. Only one of these codon differences resulted in a change in the amino acid sequence: a threonine in Shiga toxin at position 45 of the A subunit compared with a serine in the corresponding position in SLT-I. Furthermore, Shiga toxin and SLT-I had identical signal peptides for the A and B subunits, as well as identical ribosome-binding sites, a putative promoter, and iron-regulated operator sequences. These findings indicate that Shiga and SLT-I are essentially the same toxin. Southern hybridization studies with total cellular DNA from several Shigella strains and internal toxin probes for SLT-I and its antigenic variant SLT-II showed that a single fragment in S. dysenteriae type 1 hybridized strongly with the internal SLT-I probe. Fragments with weaker homology to the SLT-I probe were detected in S. flexneri type 2a but no other shigellae. No homology between the Shiga-like toxin II (SLT-II) probe and any of the Shigella DNAs was detected. Whereas SLT-I and SLT-II are phage encoded, no phage could be induced from S. dysenteriae type 1 or other Shigella spp. tested. These results suggest that the Shiga (SLT-I) toxin genes responsible for high toxin production are present in a single copy in S. dysenteriae type 1 but not in other shigellae. The findings further suggest that SLT-II genes are absent in shigellae, as are toxin-converting phages.
Effect of growth stage on mycolic acid structure in cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2
Authors: Beaman B L , Moring S E , Ioneda T
Published: November 2016

Mycolic acids were extracted from the cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 during different phases of growth at 37 degrees C. These were subjected to structural analysis by combining thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography with UV and infrared spectrophotometry and mass spectroscopy of both methyl esters and trimethyl silyl derivatives. By analyzing the fragmentation patterns of these derivatives by three different methods of mass spectroscopy combined with gas-liquid chromatographic separation, the different structural subclasses of mycolic acids were quantitated. Significant qualitative and quantitative modifications of specific mycolic acid subclasses occurred in the cell walls of N. asteroides GUH-2 that were growth stage dependent. The mycolic acids that were predominant in the log phase were polyunsaturated (greater than 2 double bonds per molecule), with long chain lengths and even carbon atom numbers (i.e., C54, C56). In contrast, those that were prominent in the stationary phase were more saturated (few or no double bonds) and of shorter overall carbon chain length (less than or equal to C52). Furthermore, stationary-phase cells had significantly increased amounts of mycolic acids with odd-numbered carbon chain lengths (i.e., C49, C51, C53).
A clinical isolate of transposon Tn5 expressing streptomycin resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Genilloud O , Blázquez J , Mazodier P , Moreno F
Published: November 2016

The central region of transposon Tn5 carries three antibiotic resistance markers: neo, ble, and str. The str gene codes for a phosphotransferase that inactivates streptomycin. This activity is phenotypically expressed in several gram-negative bacteria but not in Escherichia coli. We identified a Tn5 variant in E. coli clinical isolates that express streptomycin resistance. This transposon carries a 6-base-pair deletion within the str gene, near the 3' end. The same kind of mutation had been previously obtained experimentally from Tn5.
Genetics of actinomycin C production in Streptomyces chrysomallus
Authors: Haese A , Keller U
Published: November 2016

Three distinct classes of mutations affecting the biosynthesis of actinomycin have been established in Streptomyces chyrsomallus by crossing various actinomycin-nonproducing mutants with each other by protoplast fusion. In crosses between members of different classes of mutations, actinomycin-producing recombinant progeny arose, whereas in crosses between members of the same class, no actinomycin-producing recombinants were seen. Biochemical examination of a number of mutants revealed that the expression of all actinomycin synthetases was reduced by about 1 order of magnitude in mutants belonging to class II. In mutants of class I, the specific activities of the actinomycin synthetases were comparable with those measured in their actinomycin-producing parents. Feeding experiments with 4-methyl-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (4-MHA), the biosynthetic precursor of the chromophore moiety of actinomycin, with representative mutants of the three genetic classes revealed formation of actinomycin in minute amounts by mutants of class I. It is suggested that mutants belonging to class I are mutated at a genetic locus involved in the biosynthesis of 4-MHA. Mutants belonging to class II appear to carry mutations at a locus involved in the regulation of the expression of the actinomycin synthetases. The role of the locus in class III mutations could not be assigned. Mapping studies in S. chrysomallus based on conjugal matings revealed the chromosomal linkage of all three loci. Mutations belonging to classes I and III were closely linked. Their genetic loci could be localized in a map interval of the chromosomal linkage group which is significantly distant from the gene locus represented by mutations belonging to class II.
Methanol production by Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Weisman L S , Ballou C E
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium smegmatis cells produce [3H]methanol when incubated with [methyl-3H]methionine. The methanol is derived from S-adenosylmethionine rather than methyltetrahydrofolate. M. smegmatis cells carboxymethylate several proteins, and some of the methanol probably results from their demethylation, but most of the methanol may come from an unidentified component with a high gel mobility. Although methanol in the medium reached 19 microM, it was not incorporated into the methylated mannose polysaccharide, a lipid carrier in this organism.
Cloning of the recB, recC, and recD genes from Proteus mirabilis in Escherichia coli: in vivo formation of active hybrid enzymes
Authors: Weichenhan D , Wackernagel W
Published: November 2016

We cloned chromosomal DNA fragments from Proteus mirabilis which complement recBCD deletion mutants of Escherichia coli by restoring (i) recombination proficiency in conjugation, (ii) normal resistance to UV irradiation, and (iii) ATP-dependent exonuclease activity for duplex DNA. The data indicate that the order of the genes thyA, recC, recB, recD, and argA is similar in both P. mirabilis and E. coli. Hybrid enzymes formed in vivo were active in repair and recombination.
SOS-like induction in Bacillus subtilis: induction of the RecA protein analog and a damage-inducible operon by DNA damage in Rec+ and DNA repair-deficient strains
Authors: Lovett C M , Love P E , Yasbin R E , Roberts J W
Published: November 2016

We quantitated the induction of the Bacillus subtilis Rec protein (the analog of Escherichia coli RecA protein) and the B. subtilis din-22 operon (representative of a set of DNA damage-inducible operons in B. subtilis) following DNA damage in Rec+ and DNA repair-deficient strains. After exposure to mitomycin C or UV irradiation, each of four distinct rec (recA1, recB2, recE4, and recM13) mutations reduced to the same extent the rates of both Rec protein induction (determined by densitometric scanning of immunoblot transfers) and din-22 operon induction (determined by assaying beta-galactosidase activity in din-22::Tn917-lacZ fusion strains). The induction deficiencies in recA1 and recE4 strains were partially complemented by the E. coli RecA protein, which was expressed on a plasmid in B. subtilis; the E. coli RecA protein had no effect on either induction event in Rec+, recB2, or recM13 strains. These results suggest that (i) the expression of both the B. subtilis Rec protein and the din-22 operon share a common regulatory component, (ii) the recA1 and recE4 mutations affect the regulation and/or activity of the B. subtilis Rec protein, and (iii) an SOS regulatory system like the E. coli system is highly conserved in B. subtilis. We also showed that the basal level of B. subtilis Rec protein is about 4,500 molecules per cell and that maximum induction by DNA damage causes an approximately fivefold increase in the rate of Rec protein accumulation.
Demonstration of lipopolysaccharide on sheathed flagella of Vibrio cholerae O:1 by protein A-gold immunoelectron microscopy
Authors: Fuerst J A , Perry J W
Published: November 2016

Monoclonal antibodies with group and type specificity for lipopolysaccharide antigens were used in combination with protein A-colloidal gold labeling and transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate the presence of lipopolysaccharide antigens on both the sheathed flagellum and the cell surface of Inaba and Ogawa strains of Vibrio cholerae O:1. Labeling was associated with the sheath of the flagellum rather than the core, and flagellar cores were not labeled. Flagellum and cell shared a common set of lipopolysaccharide antigens characteristic of the strain serotype.