bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte-Specific Antibody Profiling Reveals Boosting through Natural Infection and Identifies Potential Markers of Gametocyte Exposure
Authors: Skinner Jeff , Huang Chiung-Yu , Waisberg Michael , Felgner Philip L. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Ongoiba Aissata , Kayentao Kassoum , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D. , Williamson Kim C.
Published: August 2015

Malaria elimination efforts would benefit from vaccines that block transmission ofPlasmodium falciparumgametocytes from humans to mosquitoes. A clear understanding of gametocyte-specific antibody responses in exposed populations could help determine whether transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) would be boosted by natural gametocyte exposure, and also inform the development of serologic tools to monitor gametocyte exposure in populations targeted for malaria elimination. To this end, plasma was collected from Malian children and adults before and after the 6-month malaria season and probed against a microarray containing 1,204P. falciparumproteins. Using publicly available proteomic data, we classified 91 proteins as gametocyte specific and 69 as proteins not expressed by gametocytes. The overall breadth and magnitude of gametocyte-specific IgG responses increased during the malaria season, although they were consistently lower than IgG responses to nongametocyte antigens. Notably, IgG specific for the TBV candidates Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 increased during the malaria season. In addition, IgGs specific for the gametocyte proteins Pfmdv1, Pfs16, PF3D7_1346400, and PF3D7_1024800 were detected in nearly all subjects, suggesting that seroconversion to these proteins may be a sensitive indicator of gametocyte exposure, although further studies are needed to determine the specificity and kinetics of these potential serologic markers. These findings suggest that TBV-induced immunity would be boosted through natural gametocyte exposure, and that antibody responses to particular antigens may reliably indicate gametocyte exposure.
Surface Glycopolymers Are Crucial for
In Vitro
Anti-Wall Teichoic Acid IgG-Mediated Complement Activation and Opsonophagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Jong-Ho , Kim Na-Hyang , Winstel Volker , Kurokawa Kenji , Larsen Jesper , An Jang-Hyun , Khan Adnan , Seong Min-Young , Lee Min Ja , Andersen Paal Skytt , Peschel Andreas , Lee Bok Luel
Published: August 2015

The cell envelopes of many Gram-positive bacteria contain wall teichoic acids (WTAs).
Staphylococcus aureus
WTAs are composed of ribitol phosphate (RboP) or glycerol phosphate (GroP) backbones substituted with
d
-alanine and
N
-acetyl-
d
-glucosamine (GlcNAc) or
N
-acetyl-
d
-galactosamine (GalNAc). Two WTA glycosyltransferases, TarM and TarS, are responsible for modifying the RboP WTA with α-GlcNAc and β-GlcNAc, respectively. We recently reported that purified human serum anti-WTA IgG specifically recognizes β-GlcNAc of the staphylococcal RboP WTA and then facilitates complement C3 deposition and opsonophagocytosis of
S. aureus
laboratory strains. This prompted us to examine whether anti-WTA IgG can induce C3 deposition on a diverse set of clinical
S. aureus
isolates. To this end, we compared anti-WTA IgG-mediated C3 deposition and opsonophagocytosis abilities using 13 different staphylococcal strains. Of note, the majority of
S. aureus
strains tested was recognized by anti-WTA IgG, resulting in C3 deposition and opsonophagocytosis. A minority of strains was not recognized by anti-WTA IgG, which correlated with either extensive capsule production or an alteration in the WTA glycosylation pattern. Our results demonstrate that the presence of WTAs with TarS-mediated glycosylation with β-GlcNAc in clinically isolated
S. aureus
strains is an important factor for induction of anti-WTA IgG-mediated C3 deposition and opsonophagocytosis.
Regulation of Nitrite Stress Response in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, a Model Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium
Authors: Rajeev Lara , Chen Amy , Kazakov Alexey E. , Luning Eric G. , Zane Grant M. , Novichkov Pavel S. , Wall Judy D. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila
Published: August 2015

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are sensitive to low concentrations of nitrite, and nitrite has been used to control SRB-related biofouling in oil fields.
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough, a model SRB, carries a cytochrome
c
-type nitrite reductase (
nrfHA
) that confers resistance to low concentrations of nitrite. The regulation of this nitrite reductase has not been directly examined to date. In this study, we show that DVU0621 (NrfR), a sigma54-dependent two-component system response regulator, is the positive regulator for this operon. NrfR activates the expression of the
nrfHA
operon in response to nitrite stress. We also show that
nrfR
is needed for fitness at low cell densities in the presence of nitrite because inactivation of
nrfR
affects the rate of nitrite reduction. We also predict and validate the binding sites for NrfR upstream of the
nrfHA
operon using purified NrfR in gel shift assays. We discuss possible roles for NrfR in regulating nitrate reductase genes in nitrate-utilizing
Desulfovibrio
spp.

IMPORTANCE
The NrfA nitrite reductase is prevalent across several bacterial phyla and required for dissimilatory nitrite reduction. However, regulation of the
nrfA
gene has been studied in only a few nitrate-utilizing bacteria. Here, we show that in
D. vulgaris
, a bacterium that does not respire nitrate, the expression of
nrfHA
is induced by NrfR upon nitrite stress. This is the first report of regulation of
nrfA
by a sigma54-dependent two-component system. Our study increases our knowledge of nitrite stress responses and possibly of the regulation of nitrate reduction in SRB.
A Cardiolipin-Deficient Mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Has an Altered Cell Shape and Is Impaired in Biofilm Formation
Authors: Lin Ti-Yu , Santos Thiago M. A. , Kontur Wayne S. , Donohue Timothy J. , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: August 2015

Cell shape has been suggested to play an important role in the regulation of bacterial attachment to surfaces and the formation of communities associated with surfaces. We found that a cardiolipin synthase (Δ
cls
) mutant of the rod-shaped bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
—in which synthesis of the anionic, highly curved phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) is reduced by 90%—produces ellipsoid-shaped cells that are impaired in biofilm formation. Reducing the concentration of CL did not cause significant defects in
R. sphaeroides
cell growth, swimming motility, lipopolysaccharide and exopolysaccharide production, surface adhesion protein expression, and membrane permeability. Complementation of the CL-deficient mutant by ectopically expressing CL synthase restored cells to their rod shape and increased biofilm formation. Treating
R. sphaeroides
cells with a low concentration (10 μg/ml) of the small-molecule MreB inhibitor
S
-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)isothiourea produced ellipsoid-shaped cells that had no obvious growth defect yet reduced
R. sphaeroides
biofilm formation. This study demonstrates that CL plays a role in
R. sphaeroides
cell shape determination, biofilm formation, and the ability of the bacterium to adapt to its environment.

IMPORTANCE
Membrane composition plays a fundamental role in the adaptation of many bacteria to environmental stress. In this study, we build a new connection between the anionic phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) and cellular adaptation in
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. We demonstrate that CL plays a role in the regulation of
R. sphaeroides
morphology and is important for the ability of this bacterium to form biofilms. This study correlates CL concentration, cell shape, and biofilm formation and provides the first example of how membrane composition in bacteria alters cell morphology and influences adaptation. This study also provides insight into the potential of phospholipid biosynthesis as a target for new chemical strategies designed to alter or prevent biofilm formation.
Whole-Genome Comparison Uncovers Genomic Mutations between Group B Streptococci Sampled from Infected Newborns and Their Mothers
Authors: Almeida Alexandre , Villain Adrien , Joubrel Caroline , Touak Gérald , Sauvage Elisabeth , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Poyart Claire , Glaser Philippe
Published: August 2015

Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B
Streptococcus
or GBS), a commensal of the human gut and genitourinary tract, is a leading cause of neonatal infections, in which vertical transmission from mother to child remains the most frequent route of contamination. Here, we investigated whether the progression of GBS from carriage to disease is associated with genomic adaptation. Whole-genome comparison of 47 GBS samples from 19 mother-child pairs uncovered 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and seven insertions/deletions. Of the SNPs detected, 16 appear to have been fixed in the population sampled whereas five mutations were found to be polymorphic. In the infant strains, 14 mutations were detected, including two independently fixed variants affecting the
covRS
locus, which is known to encode a major regulatory system of virulence. A one-nucleotide insertion was also identified in the promoter region of the highly immunogenic surface protein Rib gene. Gene expression analysis after incubation in human blood showed that these mutations influenced the expression of virulence-associated genes. Additional identification of three mutated strains in the mothers' milk raised the possibility of the newborns also being a source of contamination for their mothers. Overall, our work showed that GBS strains in carriage and disease scenarios might undergo adaptive changes following colonization. The types and locations of the mutations found, together with the experimental results showing their phenotypic impact, suggest that those in a context of infection were positively selected during the transition of GBS from commensal to pathogen, contributing to an increased capacity to cause disease.

IMPORTANCE
Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is a major pathogen responsible for neonatal infections. Considering that its colonization of healthy adults is mostly asymptomatic, the mechanisms behind its switch from a commensal to an invasive state are largely unknown. In this work, we compared the genomic profile of GBS samples causing infections in newborns with that of the GBS colonizing their mothers. Multiple mutations were detected, namely, within key virulence factors, including the response regulator CovR and surface protein Rib, potentially affecting the pathogenesis of GBS. Their overall impact was supported by differences in the expression of virulence-associated genes in human blood. Our results suggest that during GBS's progression to disease, particular variants are positively selected, contributing to the ability of this bacterium to infect its host.
From Homodimer to Heterodimer and Back: Elucidating the TonB Energy Transduction Cycle
Authors: Gresock Michael G. , Kastead Kyle A. , Postle Kathleen
Published: August 2015

The TonB system actively transports large, scarce, and important nutrients through outer membrane (OM) transporters of Gram-negative bacteria using the proton gradient of the cytoplasmic membrane (CM). In
Escherichia coli
, the CM proteins ExbB and ExbD harness and transfer proton motive force energy to the CM protein TonB, which spans the periplasmic space and cyclically binds OM transporters. TonB has two activity domains: the amino-terminal transmembrane domain with residue H20 and the periplasmic carboxy terminus, through which it binds to OM transporters. TonB is inactivated by all substitutions at residue H20 except H20N. Here, we show that while TonB trapped as a homodimer through its amino-terminal domain retained full activity, trapping TonB through its carboxy terminus inactivated it by preventing conformational changes needed for interaction with OM transporters. Surprisingly, inactive TonB H20A had little effect on homodimerization through the amino terminus and instead decreased TonB carboxy-terminal homodimer formation prior to reinitiation of an energy transduction cycle. That result suggested that the TonB carboxy terminus ultimately interacts with OM transporters as a monomer. Our findings also suggested the existence of a separate equimolar pool of ExbD homodimers that are not in contact with TonB. A model is proposed where interaction of TonB homodimers with ExbD homodimers initiates the energy transduction cycle, and, ultimately, the ExbD carboxy terminus modulates interactions of a monomeric TonB carboxy terminus with OM transporters. After TonB exchanges its interaction with ExbD for interaction with a transporter, ExbD homodimers undergo a separate cycle needed to re-energize them.

IMPORTANCE
Canonical mechanisms of active transport across cytoplasmic membranes employ ion gradients or hydrolysis of ATP for energy. Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes lack these resources. The TonB system embodies a novel means of active transport across the outer membrane for nutrients that are too large, too scarce, or too important for diffusion-limited transport. A proton gradient across the cytoplasmic membrane is converted by a multiprotein complex into mechanical energy that drives high-affinity active transport across the outer membrane. This system is also of interest since one of its uses in pathogenic bacteria is for competition with the host for the essential element iron. Understanding the mechanism of the TonB system will allow design of antibiotics targeting iron acquisition.
Mechanistic Insight into Trimethylamine
N
-Oxide Recognition by the Marine Bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3
Authors: Li Chun-Yang , Chen Xiu-Lan , Shao Xuan , Wei Tian-Di , Wang Peng , Xie Bin-Bin , Qin Qi-Long , Zhang Xi-Ying , Su Hai-Nan , Song Xiao-Yan , Shi Mei , Zhou Bai-Cheng , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: August 2015

Trimethylamine
N
-oxide (TMAO) is an important nitrogen source for marine bacteria. TMAO can also be metabolized by marine bacteria into volatile methylated amines, the precursors of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. However, it was not known how TMAO is recognized and imported by bacteria.
Ruegeria pomeroyi
DSS-3, a marine
Roseobacter
, has an ATP-binding cassette transporter, TmoXWV, specific for TMAO. TmoX is the substrate-binding protein of the TmoXWV transporter. In this study, the substrate specificity of TmoX of
R. pomeroyi
DSS-3 was characterized. We further determined the structure of the TmoX/TMAO complex and studied the TMAO-binding mechanism of TmoX by biochemical, structural, and mutational analyses. A Ca
2+
ion chelated by an extended loop in TmoX was shown to be important for maintaining the stability of TmoX. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that TmoX can alternate between “open” and “closed” states for binding TMAO. In the substrate-binding pocket, four tryptophan residues interact with the quaternary amine of TMAO by cation-π interactions, and Glu131 forms a hydrogen bond with the polar oxygen atom of TMAO. The π-π stacking interactions between the side chains of Phe and Trp are also essential for TMAO binding. Sequence analysis suggests that the TMAO-binding mechanism of TmoX may have universal significance in marine bacteria, especially in the marine
Roseobacter
clade. This study sheds light on how marine microorganisms utilize TMAO.

IMPORTANCE
Trimethylamine
N
-oxide (TMAO) is an important nitrogen source for marine bacteria. The products of TMAO metabolized by bacteria are part of the precursors of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. It is unclear how TMAO is recognized and imported by bacteria. TmoX is the substrate-binding protein of a TMAO-specific transporter. Here, the substrate specificity of TmoX of
Ruegeria pomeroyi
DSS-3 was characterized. The TMAO-binding mechanism of TmoX was studied by biochemical, structural, and mutational analyses. Moreover, our results suggest that the TMAO-binding mechanism may have universal significance in marine bacteria. This study sheds light on how marine microorganisms utilize TMAO and should lead to a better understanding of marine nitrogen cycling.
A masquerader?Paecilomycesmust be distinguished fromPenicilliumin fungal keratitis: a report of two contrasting cases
Authors: Sheybani Arsham , Nguyen Alexander T , Harocopos George , Lubniewski Anthony J , Huang Andrew J W
Published: August 2015

We describe the clinical outcomes of two contrasting cases of fungal keratitis due toPaecilomycesspp. The first case involving a 58-year-old woman was complicated by an initial laboratory misidentification asPenicilliumand consequently a delay in treatment with an optimised antifungal regimen. The patient had a protracted clinical course that required a total of four penetrating keratoplasties. However, an accurate diagnosis was promptly made in the second case, a 46-year-old woman, which resulted in a satisfactory outcome after penetrating keratoplasty. Our principal aim was to highlight a diagnostic challenge relating to the accurate microbial identification ofPaecilomycesspp. This can be difficult given its morphological similarity toPencillium, and confusion over the two genera has resulted in misdiagnoses reported previously. Our report aims to raise awareness of this potential laboratory misidentification, which can affect clinical decision-making in guiding antimicrobial therapy.
Cardiac devices with class 1C antiarrhythmics: a potentially toxic combination
Authors: Apps Andrew , Miller Charles Philip , Fellows Sarah , Jones Michael
Published: August 2015

A patient taking regular flecainide for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with broad complex tachycardia and circulatory compromise. With no history of pacemaker insertion and no pacing spikes visible on the ECG, this was presumed to be ventricular tachycardia and treated with electrical cardioversion, leading to p-wave asystole. An indwelling pacemaker was now recognised and ventricular capture was eventually attained by significantly increasing ventricular lead output. Invasive haemodynamic support was required due to new ventricular systolic dysfunction. Pacing thresholds and ventricular function normalised within 72 h consistent with flecainide toxicity; levels were shown to be toxic. Pacemaker interrogation revealed evidence of an undiagnosed atrial flutter, at presentation this was likely slowed by flecainide toxicity to a rate below the pacemaker mode switch, such that it was tracked in the ventricle at the upper tracking rate (120 bpm). Cardioversion terminated the arrhythmia but raised the capture threshold of the ventricle above the maximum lead output.
Posterior circulation CT angiography collaterals predict outcome of endovascular acute ischemic stroke therapy for basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Nickele Chris , Doss Vinodh T , Hoit Dan , Alexandrov Andrei V , Arthur Adam , Elijovich Lucas
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The natural history of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is poor. Endovascular reperfusion therapy (EVT) improves recanalization rates in patients with emergent large vessel intracranial occlusion.

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that good collateral patterns identified by pretreatment CT angiography (CTA) might be associated with favorable outcomes after EVT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with AIS due to BAO in a tertiary care stroke center during a 4-year period. BAO was diagnosed by CTA in all cases. Admission stroke severity was documented using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Pretreatment collateral score for posterior circulation was defined as follows: 0, no posterior communicating artery (PCOM); 1, unilateral PCOM; 2, bilateral PCOM. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 3 months.

Results

A total of 21 patients with AIS due to BAO (age range 31–84 years, median admission NIHSS score: 18 points, range 2–38) underwent EVT. Eleven of 21 patients (52.4%) had bilateral PCOMs, while unilateral PCOM was seen in 3 patients (14.3%). Patients with bilateral PCOMs tended (p=0.261) to have less severe stroke at admission than those with absent/unilateral PCOM (median NIHSS score 18 vs 27 points). Neurological improvement during hospitalization (quantified by the median decrease in NIHSS score) and the rate of 3-month functional independence were greater in patients with good collaterals (16 vs 0 points (p=0.016) and 72.7% vs 0% (p=0.001)).

Conclusions

The presence of bilateral PCOMs on pretreatment CTA appears to be associated with more favorable outcomes in BAO treated with EVT.
Response of conifer species from three latitudinal populations to light spectra generated by light-emitting diodes and high-pressure sodium lamps
Authors: Apostol Kent G. , Dumroese R. Kasten , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Davis Anthony S.
Published: August 2015

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology shows promise for supplementing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in forest nurseries because of the potential reduction in energy consumption and an ability to supply discrete wavelengths to optimize seedling growth. Our objective was to examine the effects of light spectra supplied by LED and traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps on growth and physiology of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) seedlings. We used three latitudinal sources for each species: British Columbia (BC), Idaho (ID), and New Mexico (NM). Container seedlings were grown for 17 weeks in the greenhouse under an 18 h photoperiod of ambient solar light supplemented with light delivered from HPS or LED. In general, seedlings grown under LED had significantly greater growth, gas exchange rates, and chlorophyll contents than those seedlings grown under HPS. The growth and physiological responses to supplemental lighting varied greatly among species and seed sources. Generally, LED-grown seedlings from BC had the greatest growth and tissue dry mass followed by ID and NM populations. Compared with HPS, the significant increase in seedling growth and concomitant energy savings with LED (29% energy consumption relative to HPS) demonstrates the promise of using LED as PAR supplemental lighting for container seedling production.
Factors influencing spatial distribution and growth of juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
Authors: Barth Cameron C. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: August 2015

Understanding biotic and abiotic factors that influence spatial distribution patterns, condition factor, and growth of lotic fish species within river impoundments is essential for the development of effective management and conservation strategies. This study aimed to compare relative abundance, condition factor, and growth rate of juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque, 1817) among eight sections of a 41 km long impoundment of the Winnipeg River, Manitoba, Canada. Relative abundance of juvenile lake sturgeon, as measured by catch per unit effort (CPUE), was 3–6 times greater in the two farthest upstream sections when compared with the five farthest downstream sections. Growth in length was slowest for individuals captured in the two farthest upstream sections, moderate in the third section, and highest in the fourth section, with individuals from the fourth section attaining lengths approximately double those from the two farthest upstream sections by age 6. Condition factor varied among sections of the impoundment in a pattern similar to that observed for growth. Given similarities in many environmental factors such as water temperature and water chemistry among sections of this study area, our results provide important insight into how abiotic and biotic factors, combined with behavioural characteristics of this species, may influence distribution patterns and growth of juvenile lake sturgeon within river impoundments.
A flamelet model for supersonic non-premixed combustion with pressure variation
Authors: Zhao Guo-Yan , Sun Ming-Bo , Wu Jin-Shui , Wang Hong-Bo
Published: August 2015

A modified flamelet model is proposed for studying supersonic combustion with pressure variation considering that pressure is far from homogenous in a supersonic combustor. In this model, the flamelet database are tabulated at a reference pressure, while quantities at other pressure are obtained using a sixth-order polynomial in pressure. Attributed to merit of the modified model which compute coefficients for the expansion only. And they brought less requirements for memory and table lookup time, expensive cost is avoided. The performance of modified model is much better than the approach of using a flamelet model-based method with tabulation at different pressure values. Two types of hydrogen fueled scramjet combustors were introduced to validate the modified flamelet model. It was observed that the temperature is sensitive to the choice of model in combustion area, which in return will significantly affect the pressure. It was found that the results of modified model were in good agreement with the experimental data compared with the isobaric flamelet model, especially for temperature, whose value is more accurately predicted. It is concluded that the modified flamelet model was more effective for cases with a wide range of pressure variation.
Post-Earnings Announcement Drift in Greece
Authors: Forbes William , Giannopoulos George
Published: August 2015

This paper presents evidence regarding the post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) anomaly for the Greek market in the years 2000–2006 (covering earnings announcements in the years 2001–2007). The impact of the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards on the size and prevalence of the PEAD anomaly is examined. Unlike recent evidence for the US market we find PEAD to be alive and well, and of growing importance in our Greek sample. It may be the adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) has served to reduce earnings predictability in Greece and thus enhance PEAD in the Athens stock exchange (ASE) market. This contrasts strongly with US evidence that the post-earnings-announcement drift anomaly is now waning as more efficient markets and smarter, fundamentals-based, traders arbitrage its impact on stock prices.
THE EFFECTS OF ENDOSCOPE AND HEAT TRANSFER ON THE PERISTALTIC FLOW OF A SECOND GRADE FLUID IN AN INCLINED TUBE
Authors: RAMESH K. , DEVAKAR M.
Published: August 2015

In the present paper, we have studied the effects of endoscope and heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of second grade fluid through an inclined tube. The endoscope is a solid circular cylinder which is inserted in a peristaltic tube, and the flow takes place through the gap between endoscope and the peristaltic tube. The endoscope is maintained at a temperature [Formula: see text], while the outer tube has a sinusoidal wave traveling down its wall and is exposed to temperature [Formula: see text]. The flow is investigated in a wave frame of reference moving with the velocity of the wave. The equations governing the flow of second grade fluid are modeled in cylindrical coordinates. Using perturbation method, the solutions are obtained for the stream function, pressure gradient and temperature fields. The pressure difference and frictional force at both the walls are calculated using numerical integration. The graphical results are presented to interpret the effect of various physical parameters of interest. It is found that, velocity increases with an increase in inclination angle and the best pumping rate appear in the vertical tube as compared to the horizontal tube. It is also found that, the heat generation parameter has an increasing effect on the velocity of the fluid.
China's Fugitive Officials and Vanishing Fortune
Authors: GORE Lance L P
Published: August 2015

Thousands of corrupt officials have fled the country to safe havens in countries, taking with them billions. The government-pioneered “persuasion” method accounted for 40% of the corrupt officials repatriated in 2014. Considerable challenges remain in political reforms; excessive concentration of power and the pervasive guanxi networks effectively neutralise rules, laws and institutional safeguards, allowing crooks to amass a fortune and to escape the country.
China's Civil-Military Strategies for South China Sea Dispute Control
Authors: YOU Ji
Published: August 2015

China has become more assertive on its sovereignty claims. Such a change has long been campaigned by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), illustrating PLA's role in South China Sea (SCS) affairs. Beijing tries to strike a subtle balance between confrontation-aversion and being firm on China's core national interests embodied in its sovereignty claims. Under this civil-military convergence in Beijing's SCS policy, the PLA is supportive of pre-emptive measures within well pre-designed “red lines”.
US-China Relations in Asia-Pacific Economic Integration
Authors: CHIANG Min-Hua
Published: August 2015

The United States' involvement in the market-driven regional economic integration began with the promotion of trade interdependence between East Asian economies after World War II as a way to counterbalance Communist expansion. Its incorporation of China into the regional economy since the end of the 1970s has indirectly created a potential competitor for itself. The United States' active promotion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement shows America's anxiety about its declining influence in the region.
Selecting an Efficient Adaptation Level to Uncertain Water Scarcity by Coupling Hydrological Modeling and Economic Valuation
Authors: Guiu Roger , Pouget Laurent , Termes Montserrat
Published: August 2015

Water planners are increasingly in need of raising more complete information on the hydrological and economic consequences of water management in order to take adequate decisions to secure water supply in the future. This paper combines a scenario-based modeling of future impacts on water availability at basin level with economic valuation to answer the following questions: Which is the most cost-effective adaptation strategy? Is adaptation bringing net benefits to society as opposed to no adaptation? How to select an efficient adaptation level, if any, when facing uncertainty on which future scenario will apply? The model integrates cost-effectiveness analysis of adaptation measures, monetary valuation of avoided scarcity impacts and hydrologic modeling. By testing a set of cost-effective strategies at basin level in several potential short-term drought scenarios, we identify the most efficient strategy that should be implemented by water planners. The model is applied to the Llobregat river, in north-east Spain.
Molecular Clouds in the Milky Way
Authors: Heyer Mark , Dame T.M.
Published: August 2015

In the past twenty years, the reconnaissance of 12CO and 13CO emission in the Milky Way by single-dish millimeter-wave telescopes has expanded our view and understanding of interstellar molecular gas. We enumerate the major surveys of CO emission along the Galactic plane and summarize the various approaches that leverage these data to determine the large-scale distribution of molecular gas: its radial and vertical distributions, its concentration into clouds, and its relationship to spiral structure. The integrated properties of molecular clouds are compiled from catalogs derived from the CO surveys using uniform assumptions regarding the Galactic rotation curve, solar radius, and the CO-to-H2 conversion factor. We discuss the radial variations of cloud surface brightness, the distributions of cloud mass and size, and scaling relations between velocity dispersion, cloud size, and surface density that affirm that the larger clouds are gravitationally bound. Measures of density structure and gas kinematics within nearby, well-resolved clouds are examined and attributed to the effects of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. We review the arguments for short, intermediate, and long molecular lifetimes based on the observational record. The review concludes with questions that shall require further observational attention.
MPPT of Magnus Wind System with DC Servo Drive for the Cylinders and Boost Converter
Authors: Jinbo Maro , Farret Felix Alberto , Cardoso Junior Ghendy , Senter Daniel , Franklin Lorensetti Marcelo
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an algorithm MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) for a Magnus wind system with a DC servo drive system (DC drive and BLDC motor) to rotate the turbine cylinders. The optimal cylinders rotation is the one to deliver the maximum power extracted from the wind tracked by fixed and adaptive step HCC (Hill Climbing Control) acting on the servo drive. The proposed wind system consists of a PMSG (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator), a three-phase diode rectifier, a DC/DC (boost) converter, and a resistive load. Furthermore, the boost converter acts with the fixed step HCC algorithm to track the maximum power operating point. Therefore, the MPPT for a Magnus wind system requires both tracking for the optimal cylinder speed and the optimal generator speed.
Coinfection by Hepatitis C Is Strongly Associated with Abnormal CD4/CD8 Ratio in HIV Patients under Stable ART in Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Brites-Alves Clara , Netto Eduardo Martins , Brites Carlos
Published: August 2015

Proper immune restoration (CD4 count >500 and normal CD4/8 ratio) is reached only by a fraction of HIV patients, despite stable viral suppression.Methods.We present a case-control study to compare HIV patients with viral suppression >1 year, according to immune restoration pattern: adequate response (AR) defined by CD4 > 500 cells/mm3and CD4/8 ratio >1; partial response (PR = patients with CD4 > 500, but CD4/8 ratio <1); inadequate response (IR = CD4 < 500 cells).Results.We evaluated 293 consecutive patients (89 AR, 112 PR, and 92 IR), 70% males. Male gender (p<0.01), lower mean CD4 nadir (p<0.001), higher baseline VL (p=0.01), previous diagnosis of Tb (p=0.03), or HCV (p<0.01) was associated with IR. Likelihood of AR/PR was similar regardless of gender, after adjusting for nadir CD4+ cells count. Longer time under suppressive ART was also associated with a greater chance of AR, but logistic regression identified coinfection by HCV as the main factor associated with abnormal CD4/CD8 ratio.Conclusion.Early initiation of ART and longer time since first undetectable PVL were predictors of AR. Previous HCV diagnosis significantly increases the risk of abnormal CD4/CD8 ratio.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Patients Who Previously Underwent Open Renal Stone Surgery
Authors: Alkan Erdal , Saribacak Ali , Ozkanli Ahmet Oguz , Başar Mehmet Murad , Acar Oguz , Balbay Mevlana Derya
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To ascertain whether retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is as effective in patients treated previously with open renal stone surgery (ORSS) on the same kidney as in patients with no previous ORSS.Methods. There were 32 patients with renal stones who had previous ORSS and were treated with RIRS in the study group (Group 1). A total of 38 patients with renal stones who had no previous ORSS and were treated with RIRS were selected as the control group (Group 2). Recorded data regarding preoperative characteristics of the patients, stone properties, surgical parameters, outcomes, SFRs (no fragments or small fragments <4 mm), and complications between groups were compared.Results. Mean age, mean BMI, mean hospital stay, and mean operative time were not statistically different between groups. Mean stone size (10.1 ± 5.6 versus 10.3 ± 4.2;p=0.551) and mean stone burden (25.4 ± 14.7 versus 23.5 ± 9.9;p=0.504) were also similar between groups. After the second procedures, SFRs were 100% and 95% in groups 1 and 2, respectivelyp=0.496. No major perioperative complications were seen.Conclusion. RIRS can be safely and effectively performed with acceptable complication rates in patients treated previously with ORSS as in patients with no previous ORSS.
Changes to Intermediary Metabolites in Sporadic andLRRK2Parkinson’s Disease Demonstrated by Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Aasly Jan O. , Sæther Oddbjørn , Johansen Krisztina K. , Bathen Tone F. , Giskeødegård Guro F. , White Linda R.
Published: August 2015

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains a clinical diagnosis and biomarkers are needed to detect the disease as early as possible. Genetically determined PD provides an opportunity for studying metabolic differences in connection with disease development.Objectives. To study the levels of intermediary metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with PD, either of sporadic type or in carriers of theLRRK2p.G2019S mutation.Methods. Results from patients with sporadic PD orLRRK2-PD were compared with asymptomaticLRRK2mutation carriers and healthy control individuals. CSF was analysed by proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) giving reliable results for 16 intermediary metabolites. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to study group differences.Results. PLS-DA distinguished PD patients from healthy individuals based on the metabolites identified in CSF, with 2-hydroxybutyrate, glutamine, and dimethyl sulphone largely contributing to the separations.Conclusion. Speculatively, all three metabolites could alter concentration in response to metabolic changes connected with neurodegeneration; glutamine as a means of removing excess nitrogen from brain, dimethyl sulphone as an anti-inflammatory agent, and 2-hydroxybutyrate in connection with altered glutathione metabolism. Potentially,1H-MRS is a promising tool for identifying novel biomarkers for PD.
Common Iliac Artery Thrombosis following Pelvic Surgery Resulting in Kidney Allograft Failure Successfully Treated by Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty with Balloon-Expandable Covered Stent
Authors: Golla Maheswara S. , Acharjee Subasit , Jaber Bertrand L. , Garcia Lawrence A.
Published: August 2015

We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who developed acute kidney allograft failure due to thrombotic occlusion of the common iliac artery after hysterectomy requiring emergent allograft rescue. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with endovascular balloon expandable covered stent graft placement in the right common iliac artery. Although there are a handful of case reports of acute limb ischemia secondary to acute common iliac artery thrombosis, this is the first case reported in the literature resulting in successful kidney allograft rescue following pelvic surgery.
An Intelligent Monitoring System for the Safety of Building Structure under the W2T Framework
Authors: Wang Haiyuan , Huang Zhisheng , Zhong Ning , Huang Jiajin , Han Yuzhong , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2015

Monitoring systems for the safety of building structure (SBS) can provide people with important data related to main supporting points in a building and then help people to make a reasonable maintenance schedule. However, more and more data bring a challenge for data management and data mining. In order to meet this challenge, under the framework of Wisdom Web of Things (W2T), we design a monitoring system for the SBS by using the semantic and the multisource data fusion technologies. This system establishes a dynamical data cycle among the physical world (buildings), the social world (humans), and the cyber world (computers) and provides various services in the monitoring process to alleviate engineers’ workload. Furthermore, all data in the cyber world are organized as the raw data, the semantic information, and the multisource knowledge. Based on this organization, we can concentrate on the data fusion from the viewpoints of time, space, and multisensor. At last, a prototype system powered by the semantic platform LarKC is tested from the aspects of sample performance and time consumption. In particular, noisy data (i.e., inconsistent, abnormal, or error data) are detected through the fusion of multisource knowledge, and some rule-based reasoning is conducted to provide personalized service.
Detailed Morphological Changes of Foveoschisis in Patient with X-Linked Retinoschisis Detected by SD-OCT and Adaptive Optics Fundus Camera
Authors: Akeo Keiichiro , Kameya Shuhei , Gocho Kiyoko , Kubota Daiki , Yamaki Kunihiko , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To report the morphological and functional changes associated with a regression of foveoschisis in a patient with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS).Methods. A 42-year-old man with XLRS underwent genetic analysis and detailed ophthalmic examinations. Functional assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), full-field electroretinograms (ERGs), and multifocal ERGs (mfERGs). Morphological assessments included fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and adaptive optics (AO) fundus imaging. After the baseline clinical data were obtained, topical dorzolamide was applied to the patient. The patient was followed for 24 months.Results. A reportedRS1gene mutation was found (P203L) in the patient. At the baseline, his decimal BCVA was 0.15 in the right and 0.3 in the left eye. Fundus photographs showed bilateral spoke wheel-appearing maculopathy. SD-OCT confirmed the foveoschisis in the left eye. The AO images of the left eye showed spoke wheel retinal folds, and the folds were thinner than those in fundus photographs. During the follow-up period, the foveal thickness in the SD-OCT images and the number of retinal folds in the AO images were reduced.Conclusions. We have presented the detailed morphological changes of foveoschisis in a patient with XLRS detected by SD-OCT and AO fundus camera. However, the findings do not indicate whether the changes were influenced by topical dorzolamide or the natural history.
A Random Compressive Sensing Method for Airborne Clustering WSNs
Authors: Zhou Wei , Jing Bo , Huang Yifeng
Published: August 2015

In order to reduce the energy consumption of the cluster members in WSNs, this paper proposes a random compressive sensing data acquisition scheme for airborne clustering WSNs. In this scheme, hardware resource limited cluster members sample the input signals with random sampling sequence and then transmit the sampling signals to the cluster head or Sink to reconstruct. Aimed at improving the reconstruction performance of this scheme, this paper puts forward a new MP reconstruction method based on composite chaotic-genetic algorithm, which combines the excellent local searching characteristics of chaos theory with the powerful global search ability of genetic algorithm. The experimental result shows that this scheme is very suitable for the hardware resource limited clustering WSNs. On the one hand, the reconstruction precision of the composite chaotic-genetic MP method can reach a magnitude of 10−15, and the average search speed is about 37 time that of the MP reconstruction method, which can effectively improve the reconstruction performance of the cluster head or Sink; on the other hand, by diminishing the sampling frequency to 1/8 of the original sampling frequency, the random compressive sensing technique can dramatically reduce the sampling quantity and the energy consumption of the cluster members, with the reconstruction precision reaching a magnitude of 10−7.
Reservoir Inflow Prediction under GCM Scenario Downscaled by Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machine Hybrid Models
Authors: Halik Gusfan , Anwar Nadjadji , Santosa Budi , Edijatno
Published: August 2015

Climate change has significant impacts on changing precipitation patterns causing the variation of the reservoir inflow. Nowadays, Indonesian hydrologist performs reservoir inflow prediction according to the technical guideline of Pd-T-25-2004-A. This technical guideline does not consider the climate variables directly, resulting in significant deviation to the observation results. This research intends to predict the reservoir inflow using the statistical downscaling (SD) of General Circulation Model (GCM) outputs. The GCM outputs are obtained from the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis (NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis). A new proposed hybrid SD model named Wavelet Support Vector Machine (WSVM) was utilized. It is a combination of the Multiscale Principal Components Analysis (MSPCA) and nonlinear Support Vector Machine regression. The model was validated at Sutami Reservoir, Indonesia. Training and testing were carried out using data of 1991–2008 and 2008–2012, respectively. The results showed that MSPCA produced better extracting data than PCA. The WSVM generated better reservoir inflow prediction than the one of technical guideline. Moreover, this research also applied WSVM for future reservoir inflow prediction based on GCM ECHAM5 and scenario SRES A1B.
Role of Health Literacy in Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Hill Catherine L. , Appleton Sarah L. , Black Julie , Hoon Elizabeth , Rudd Rima E. , Adams Robert J. , Gill Tiffany
Published: August 2015

Self-report of musculoskeletal conditions is often used to estimate population prevalence and to determine disease burden and influence policy. However, self-report of certain musculoskeletal conditions is frequently inaccurate, suggesting inadequate communication to the patient of their diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine the association between functional health literacy (FHL) and self-reported musculoskeletal conditions in a representative population survey. FHL was measured using Newest Vital Sign in 2824 randomly selected adults. Participants also self-reported medically diagnosed arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis. Multiple logistic regression was adjusted for age and sex. The prevalence of self-reported arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis was 25.2%, 4.9%, and 5.6%, respectively. The prevalence of those at risk for inadequate FHL was 24.0% and high likelihood of inadequate FHL was 21.0%. However, over 50% of respondents with arthritis or gout had at risk/inadequate FHL, increasing to 70% of those self-reporting osteoporosis. After adjustment for age and sex, respondents in the arthritis subgroup of “don’t know” and self-reported osteoporosis were significantly more likely to have inadequate FHL than the general population. This study indicates a substantial burden of low health literacy amongst people with musculoskeletal disease. This has implications for provider-patient communication, individual healthcare, population estimates of musculoskeletal disease, and impact of public health messages.
Sneezing during Micturition: A Possible Trigger of Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Authors: Aiken William Derval
Published: August 2015

A perfectly well 39-year-old man sneezed during micturition and developed classic features of acute bacterial prostatitis corroborated by laboratory evidence of prostatic inflammation/infection. The prostate-specific antigen level at presentation was 9.6 ng/mL and declined to 1.23 ng/mL one month later on levofloxacin. This is the first report in the medical literature of sneezing while voiding being a possible trigger of acute bacterial prostatitis. A biologically plausible mechanism is provided.