bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory and excitatory neuromodulation by hydrogen peroxide: translating energetics to information
Authors: Lee Christian R. , Patel Jyoti C. , O'Neill Brian , Rice Margaret E.
Published: January 2015

Historically, brain neurochemicals have been broadly classified as energetic or informational. However, increasing evidence implicates metabolic substrates and byproducts as signalling agents, which blurs the boundary between energy and information, and suggests the introduction of a new category for ‘translational’ substances that convey changes in energy state to information. One intriguing example is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a small, readily diffusible molecule. Produced during mitochondrial respiration, this reactive oxygen species, can mediate dynamic regulation of neuronal activity and transmitter release by activating inhibitory ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, as well as a class of excitatory non‐selective cation channels, TRPM2. Studies using ex vivo guinea pig brain slices have revealed that activity‐generated H2O2 can act via KATP channels to inhibit dopamine release in dorsal striatum and dopamine neuron activity in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In sharp contrast, endogenously generated H2O2 enhances the excitability of GABAergic projection neurons in the dorsal striatum and substantia nigra pars reticulata by activating TRPM2 channels. These studies suggest that the balance of excitation vs. inhibition produced in a given cell by metabolically generated H2O2 will be dictated by the relative abundance of H2O2‐sensitive ion channel targets that receive this translational signal.
Dynamic cortical lateralization during olfactory discrimination learning
Authors: Cohen Yaniv , Putrino David , Wilson Donald A.
Published: January 2015

Key points

Odour discrimination and memory involve changes in the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex.

The results obtained in the present study suggest that there is an asymmetry in piriform cortical change, with learning‐related changes in cortical oscillations emerging with different time courses over the course of multiday training in the left and right piriform cortices in rats.

There is an initial decrease in coherence between the left and right piriform cortices during the early stages of the odour discrimination task, which recovers as the animals approach criterion performance. This decreased coherence is expressed when the animals are performing the task relative to when they are in their home cage.

The results suggest a transient cortical asymmetry during learning and raise new questions about the functions and mechanisms of cerebral lateralization.

Bilateral cortical circuits are not necessarily symmetrical. Asymmetry, or cerebral lateralization, allows functional specialization of bilateral brain regions and has been described in humans for such diverse functions as perception, memory and emotion. There is also evidence for asymmetry in the human olfactory system, although evidence in non‐human animal models is lacking. In the present study, we took advantage of the known changes in olfactory cortical local field potentials that occur over the course of odour discrimination training to test for functional asymmetry in piriform cortical activity during learning. Both right and left piriform cortex local field potential activities were recorded. The results obtained demonstrate a robust interhemispheric asymmetry in anterior piriform cortex activity that emerges during specific stages of odour discrimination learning, with a transient bias toward the left hemisphere. This asymmetry is not apparent during error trials. Furthermore, functional connectivity (coherence) between the bilateral anterior piriform cortices is learning‐ and context‐dependent. Steady‐state interhemispheric anterior piriform cortex coherence is reduced during the initial stages of learning and then recovers as animals acquire competent performance. The decrease in coherence is seen relative to bilateral coherence expressed in the home cage, which remains stable across conditioning days. Similarly, transient, trial‐related interhemispheric coherence increases with task competence. Taken together, the results demonstrate transient asymmetry in piriform cortical function during odour discrimination learning until mastery, suggesting that each piriform cortex may contribute something unique to odour memory.
About the Negative Direct Static Stiffness of Highly Eccentric Straight Annular Seals
Authors: Arghir Mihai , Mariot Antoine
Published: January 2015

Experimental results indicating negative direct static stiffness of highly eccentric straight gas annular seals were very recently presented by Childs and Arthur (2013, “Static Destabilizing Behavior for Gas Annular Seals at High Eccentricity Ratios,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-94201). This instability occurred at zero rotation speed and at high eccentricities. Up to then only gas annular seals with zero rotation speed, operating in centered position and with choked exit section were known as being susceptible of developing negative direct static stiffness. The seals and the working conditions presented by Childs and Arthur (2013, “Static Destabilizing Behavior for Gas Annular Seals at High Eccentricity Ratios,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-94201) had clearly no choked exit section. The present work advances a theoretical explanation of results reported by Childs and Arthur (2013, “Static Destabilizing Behavior for Gas Annular Seals at High Eccentricity Ratios,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-94201). The analysis is based on the numerical solution of the bulk flow equations of the flow in the annular seal. Theoretical results show a negative static stiffness at high eccentricities and zero rotation speeds. Other seal geometries and working conditions were tested and showed that the decrease of the direct static stiffness at high eccentricities and zero rotation speeds is a characteristic of all straight annular seals whether the fluid is compressible or not. Nevertheless with increasing rotation speed, the static stiffness becomes again positive and may increase with increasing eccentricity. The negative static stiffness is then limited to very specific working conditions: high eccentricities and zero rotation speed.
Alternative Fuels Based on Biomass: An Experimental and Modeling Study of Ethanol Cofiring to Natural Gas
Authors: Braun-Unkhoff Marina , Dembowski Jens , Herzler Jürgen , Karle Jürgen , Naumann Clemens , Riedel Uwe
Published: January 2015

In response to the limited resources of fossil fuels as well as to their combustion contributing to global warming through CO2 emissions, it is currently discussed to which extent future energy demands can be satisfied by using biomass and biogenic by-products, e.g., by cofiring. However, new concepts and new unconventional fuels for electric power generation require a re-investigation of at least the gas turbine burner if not the gas turbine itself to ensure a safe operation and a maximum range in tolerating fuel variations and combustion conditions. Within this context, alcohols, in particular, ethanol, are of high interest as alternative fuel. Presently, the use of ethanol for power generation—in decentralized (microgas turbines) or centralized gas turbine units, neat, or cofired with gaseous fuels like natural gas (NG) and biogas—is discussed. Chemical kinetic modeling has become an important tool for interpreting and understanding the combustion phenomena observed, for example, focusing on heat release (burning velocities) and reactivity (ignition delay times). Furthermore, a chemical kinetic reaction model validated by relevant experiments performed within a large parameter range allows a more sophisticated computer assisted design of burners as well as of combustion chambers, when used within computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. Therefore, a detailed experimental and modeling study of ethanol cofiring to NG will be presented focusing on two major combustion properties within a relevant parameter range: (i) ignition delay times measured in a shock tube device, at ambient (p = 1 bar) and elevated (p = 4 bar) pressures, for lean (φ = 0.5) and stoichiometric fuel–air mixtures, and (ii) laminar flame speed data at several preheat temperatures, also for ambient and elevated pressure, gathered from literature. Chemical kinetic modeling will be used for an in-depth characterization of ignition delays and flame speeds at technical relevant conditions. An extensive database will be presented identifying the characteristic differences of the combustion properties of NG, ethanol, and ethanol cofired to NG.
Low damage etching method of low-k material with a neutral beam for interlayer dielectric of semiconductor device
Authors: Kang Seung Hyun , Kim Jong Kyu , Lee Sung Ho , Kim Jin Woo , Yeom Geun Young
Published: January 2015

To reduce the cross-talk between nanoscale devices, low-k materials such as methyl silsesquioxane (MSQ), which is damaged easily during plasma etching, are introduced as an intermetallic dielectric material in addition to the use of copper as the conducting material for the reduction of parasitic resistance and capacitance. In this study, beam techniques such as neutral/ion beams were used in the etching of MSQ and the effect of these beam techniques on the reduction of the degradation of the MSQ were investigated. When MSQ was etched using the same CF4 etch gas at the similar etch rate as that used for conventional MSQ etching using inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs), the neutral/ion beam etching showed lower F contents and lower penetration depth of F, indicating decreased degradation by fluorination of MSQ during etching using the beam techniques. Especially, the neutral beam etching technique showed the lowest F contamination and the lower penetration depth of F among the etch methods. When the dielectric constant was measured after the etching of the same depth, the MSQ etched with the neutral beam showed the lowest change of the dielectric constant, while that etched using the ICP showed the highest change of dielectric constant. The lower degradation, that is, the lower chemical modification of MSQ material with the beam technique is believed to be related to the decreased concentration of radical species in the processing chamber reacting with the MSQ surface, while the lowest degradation using the neutral beam is believed to be due to the lower reaction rate of the reactive neutral compared to reactive ions.
Faraday's first dynamo: An alternate analysis
Authors: Redinz José Arnaldo
Published: January 2015

The steady-state charge densities, electric potential, and current densities are determined analytically in the case of the first dynamo created by Michael Faraday, which consists of a conducting disk rotating between the poles of an off-axis permanent magnet. The results obtained are compared with another work that considered the same problem using a different approach. We also obtain analytical expressions for the total current on the disk and for the dynamo's electromotive force.
The Effectiveness of Whole-Body-Vibration Training in Improving Hamstring Flexibility in Physically Active Adults
Authors: Houston Megan N. , Hodson Victoria E. , Adams Kelda K.E. , Hoch Johanna M.
Published: January 2015

Clinical Scenario:

Hamstring tightness is common among physically active individuals. In addition to limiting range of motion and increasing the risk of muscle strain, hamstring tightness contributes to a variety of orthopedic conditions. Therefore, clinicians continue to identify effective methods to increase flexibility. Although hamstring tightness is typically treated with common stretching techniques such as static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, it has been suggested that whole-body-vibration (WBV) training may improve hamstring flexibility.

Clinical Question:

Can WBV training, used in isolation or in combination with common stretching protocols or exercise, improve hamstring flexibility in physically active young adults?

Summary of Key Findings:

Of the included studies, 4 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring flexibility in the intervention group, and 1 study found minor improvements over time in the intervention group after treatment.

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is moderate evidence to support the use of WBV training to improve hamstring flexibility in physically active young adults.

Strength of Recommendation:

There is grade B evidence that WBV training improves hamstring flexibility in physically active adults. The Centre of Evidence Based Medicine recommends a grade of B for level 2 evidence with consistent findings.
Endometriosis: Bright future for a cloudy past?
Authors: Nothnick Warren B.
Published: January 2015

New estrogen receptor ligands arrest endometriotic implant survival but spare reproductive cycles in a mouse model of endometriosis, thus forging a path to new treatment options.
Micro(exon)-management
Authors: Schaefer Anne
Published: January 2015

Alternative splicing of small DNA fragments contributes to neuronal development and may be linked to certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
Control under pressure
Authors: Spiller Kara L.
Published: January 2015

A new transdermal drug-delivery system treats and prevents diabetic pressure ulcers.
Stem cell transplants may HALT multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tesar Paul J.
Published: January 2015

High-dose immunosuppressive therapy combined with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation results in 3-year sustained remission in multiple sclerosis patients.
Dissemination of High-Risk Clones of Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Colombia
Authors: Correa Adriana , del Campo Rosa , Perenguez Marcela , Blanco Victor M. , Rodríguez-Baños Mercedes , Perez Federico , Maya Juan J. , Rojas Laura , Cantón Rafael , Arias Cesar A. , Villegas Maria V.
Published: January 2015

The ability of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to develop resistance to most antimicrobials represents an important clinical threat worldwide. We report the dissemination in several Colombian hospitals of two predominant lineages of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) carbapenemase-producing
P. aeruginosa
strains. These lineages belong to the high-risk clones sequence type 111 (ST111) and ST235 and harbor
bla
VIM-2
on a class 1 integron and
bla
KPC-2
on a Tn
4401
transposon, respectively. Additionally,
P. aeruginosa
ST1492, a novel single-locus variant of ST111, was identified. Clonal dissemination and the presence of mobile genetic elements likely explain the successful spread of XDR
P. aeruginosa
strains in Colombia.
Antimicrobial Activity against Intraosteoblastic Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Valour Florent , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Riffard Natacha , Tasse Jason , Flammier Sacha , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Chidiac Christian , Vandenesch François , Ferry Tristan , Laurent Frédéric
Published: January 2015

Although
Staphylococcus aureus
persistence in osteoblasts, partly as small-colony variants (SCVs), can contribute to bone and joint infection (BJI) relapses, the intracellular activity of antimicrobials is not currently considered in the choice of treatment strategies for BJI. Here, antistaphylococcal antimicrobials were evaluated for their intraosteoblastic activity and their impact on the intracellular emergence of SCVs in an
ex vivo
osteoblast infection model. Osteoblastic MG63 cells were infected for 2 h with HG001
S. aureus
. After killing the remaining extracellular bacteria with lysostaphin, infected cells were incubated for 24 h with antimicrobials at the intraosseous concentrations reached with standard therapeutic doses. Intracellular bacteria and SCVs were then quantified by plating cell lysates. A bactericidal effect was observed with fosfomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, oxacillin, rifampin, ofloxacin, and clindamycin, with reductions in the intracellular inocula of −2.5, −3.1, −3.9, −4.2, −4.9, −4.9, and −5.2 log
10
CFU/100,000 cells, respectively (
P
< 10
−4
). Conversely, a bacteriostatic effect was observed with ceftaroline and teicoplanin, whereas vancomycin and daptomycin had no significant impact on intracellular bacterial growth. Ofloxacin, daptomycin, and vancomycin significantly limited intracellular SCV emergence. Overall, ofloxacin was the only molecule to combine an excellent intracellular activity while limiting the emergence of SCVs. These data provide a basis for refining the choice of antibiotics to prioritise in the management of BJI, justifying the combination of a fluoroquinolone for its intracellular activity with an anti-biofilm molecule, such as rifampin.
Antimicrobial Activity of Solithromycin against Serotyped Macrolide-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates Collected from U.S. Medical Centers in 2012
Authors: Farrell D. J. , Mendes R. E. , Jones R. N.
Published: January 2015

Solithromycin, a next-generation macrolide and novel fluoroketolide, was tested against a 2012 collection of serotyped U.S. macrolide-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates associated with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Against all 272 isolates, solithromycin demonstrated high potency (MIC
50/90
, 0.06/0.25 μg/ml), and it inhibited all strains at MICs of ≤0.5 μg/ml, including the two most prevalent macrolide-resistant serotypes (19A and 35B). These data support the continued clinical development of solithromycin for the treatment of multidrug-resistant CABP.
In Vivo
Effect of Flucloxacillin in Experimental Endocarditis Caused by
mecC
-positive Staphylococcus aureus Showing Temperature-Dependent Susceptibility
In Vitro
Authors: Mancini Stefano , Laurent Frédéric , Veloso Tiago R. , Giddey Marlyse , Vouillamoz Jacques , Vandenesch François , Moreillon Philippe , Entenza José M.
Published: January 2015

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) carrying the
mecC
gene (
mecC
-MRSA) exhibited at 37°C MICs of oxacillin close to those of methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA). We investigated whether at this temperature,
mecC
-MRSA strains respond to flucloxacillin treatment like MSSA strains, using a rat model of endocarditis. Flucloxacillin (human-like kinetics of 2 g intravenously every 6 h) cured 80 to 100% of aortic vegetations infected with five different
mecC
-MRSA strains. These results suggest that
mecC
-MRSA infections may successfully respond to treatment with β-lactams.
Bis-Benzimidazole Hits against Naegleria fowleri Discovered with New High-Throughput Screens
Authors: Rice Christopher A. , Colon Beatrice L. , Alp Mehmet , Göker Hakan , Boykin David W. , Kyle Dennis E.
Published: January 2015

Naegleria fowleri
is a pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) that causes an acute fatal disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The major problem for infections with any pathogenic FLA is a lack of effective therapeutics, since PAM has a case mortality rate approaching 99%. Clearly, new drugs that are potent and have rapid onset of action are needed to enhance the treatment regimens for PAM. Diamidines have demonstrated potency against multiple pathogens, including FLA, and are known to cross the blood-brain barrier to cure other protozoan diseases of the central nervous system. Therefore, amidino derivatives serve as an important chemotype for discovery of new drugs. In this study, we validated two new
in vitro
assays suitable for medium- or high-throughput drug discovery and used these for
N. fowleri
. We next screened over 150 amidino derivatives of multiple structural classes and identified two hit series with nM potency that are suitable for further lead optimization as new drugs for this neglected disease. These include both mono- and diamidino derivatives, with the most potent compound (DB173) having a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 177 nM. Similarly, we identified 10 additional analogues with IC
50
s of <1 μM, with many of these having reasonable selectivity indices. The most potent hits were >500 times more potent than pentamidine. In summary, the mono- and diamidino derivatives offer potential for lead optimization to develop new drugs to treat central nervous system infections with
N. fowleri
.
Ribonucleotide Reductase NrdR as a Novel Regulator for Motility and Chemotaxis during Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Infection
Authors: Dreux Nicolas , Cendra Maria del Mar , Massier Sébastien , Darfeuille-Michaud Arlette , Barnich Nicolas , Torrents Eduard
Published: January 2015

A critical step in the life cycle of all organisms is the duplication of the genetic material during cell division. Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are essential enzymes for this step because they control the
de novo
production of the deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA synthesis and repair.
Enterobacteriaceae
have three functional classes of RNRs (Ia, Ib, and III), which are transcribed from separate operons and encoded by the genes
nrdAB
,
nrdHIEF
, and
nrdDG
, respectively. Here, we investigated the role of RNRs in the virulence of adherent-invasive
Escherichia coli
(AIEC) isolated from Crohn's disease (CD) patients. Interestingly, the LF82 strain of AIEC harbors four different RNRs (two class Ia, one class Ib, and one class III). Although the
E. coli
RNR enzymes have been extensively characterized both biochemically and enzymatically, little is known about their roles during bacterial infection. We found that RNR expression was modified in AIEC LF82 bacteria during cell infection, suggesting that RNRs play an important role in AIEC virulence. Knockout of the
nrdR
and
nrdD
genes, which encode a transcriptional regulator of RNRs and class III anaerobic RNR, respectively, decreased AIEC LF82's ability to colonize the gut mucosa of transgenic mice that express human CEACAM6 (
c
arcino
e
mbryonic
a
ntigen-related
c
ell
a
dhesion
m
olecule 6). Microarray experiments demonstrated that NrdR plays an indirect role in AIEC virulence by interfering with bacterial motility and chemotaxis. Thus, the development of drugs targeting RNR classes, in particular NrdR and NrdD, could be a promising new strategy to control gut colonization by AIEC bacteria in CD patients.
Neither Primary nor Memory Immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Is Compromised in Mice with Chronic Enteric Helminth Infection
Authors: Rafi Wasiulla , Bhatt Kamlesh , Gause William C. , Salgame Padmini
Published: January 2015

Previously we had reported thatNippostrongylus brasiliensis, a helminth with a lung migratory phase, affected host resistance againstMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection through the induction of alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. Several helminth species do not have an obligatory lung migratory phase but establish chronic infections in the host that include potent immune downregulatory effects, in part mediated through induction of a FoxP3+T regulatory cell (Treg) response. Treg cells exhibit duality in their functions in host defense againstM. tuberculosisinfection since their depletion leads to enhanced priming of T cells in the lymph nodes and attendant improved control ofM. tuberculosisinfection, while their presence in the lung granuloma protects against excessive inflammation.Heligmosomoides polygyrusis a strictly murine enteric nematode that induces a strong FoxP3 Treg response in the host. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether host immunity toM. tuberculosisinfection would be modulated in mice with chronicH. polygyrusinfection. We report that neither primary nor memory immunity conferred byMycobacterium bovisBCG vaccination was affected in mice with chronic enteric helminth infection, despite a systemic increase in FoxP3+T regulatory cells. The findings indicate that anti-M. tuberculosisimmunity is not similarly affected by all helminth species and highlight the need to consider this inequality in human coinfection studies.
Biosynthesis and Transport of the Lantibiotic Mutacin 1140 Produced by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Escano Jerome , Stauffer Byron , Brennan Jacob , Bullock Monica , Smith Leif
Published: January 2015

Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized peptide antibiotics composed of an N-terminal leader peptide that is cleaved to yield the active antibacterial peptide. Significant advancements in molecular tools that promote the study of lantibiotic biosynthesis can be used inStreptococcus mutans. Herein, we further our understanding of leader peptide sequence and core peptide structural requirements for the biosynthesis and transport of the lantibiotic mutacin 1140. Our study on mutacin 1140 biosynthesis shows a dedicated secondary cleavage site within the leader peptide and the dependency of transport on core peptide posttranslational modifications (PTMs). The secondary cleavage site on the leader peptide is found at the −9 position, and secondary cleavage occurs before the core peptide is transported out of the cell. The coordinated cleavage at the −9 position was absent in alanTdeletion strain, suggesting that the core peptide interaction with the LanT transporter enables uniform cleavage at the −9 position. Following transport, the LanP protease was found to be tolerant to a wide variety of amino acid substitutions at the primary leader peptide cleavage site, with the exception of arginine at the −1 position. Several leader and core peptide mutations produced core peptide variants that had intermediate stages of PTM enzyme modifications, supporting the concept that PTM enzyme modifications, secondary cleavage, and transport are occurring in a highly coordinated fashion.

IMPORTANCEMutacin 1140 belongs to the class I lantibiotic family of ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs). The biosynthesis of mutacin 1140 is a highly efficient process which does not lead to a discernible level of production of partially modified core peptide variants. The products isolated from an extensive mutagenesis study on the leader and core peptides of mutacin 1140 show that the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on the core peptide occur under a highly coordinated dynamic process. PTMs are dictated by the distance of the core peptide modifiable residues from PTM enzyme active sites. The formation of lanthionine rings aids in the formation of successive PTMs, as was observed in a peptide variant lacking a C-terminal decarboxylation.
A fungating spica
Authors: Chan Yuen , Selvaratnam Veenesh , Garg Neeraj
Published: January 2015

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common paediatric orthopaedic problem. There are various options for treatment dependent on the age and presentation. In closed and open reduction of DDH, we use a hip spica cast for immobilisation after the procedure. We present an unusual case of fungal growth on a hip spica. A 7-month-old girl presented to our institution with clusters of yellowish-white outgrowths resembling mushrooms from her spica. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of fungal growth on a hip spica following DDH treatment. It is of utmost importance to be aware of any growth on a hip spica, as this requires a prompt change of spica to avoid further complications. We recommend that the integrity of the spica and the skin be checked at regular intervals in patients with a hip spica.
Burnout in emergency department healthcare professionals is associated with coping style: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Howlett M , Doody K , Murray J , LeBlanc-Duchin D , Fraser J , Atkinson PR
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Ineffective coping may lead to impaired job performance and burnout, with adverse consequences to staff well-being and patient outcomes. We examined the relationship between coping styles and burnout in emergency physicians, nurses and support staff at seven small, medium and large emergency departments (ED) in a Canadian health region (population 500 000).

Methods

Linear regression with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate the effect of coping style on levels of burnout in a cross-sectional survey of 616 ED staff members. CISS measures coping style in three categories: task-oriented, emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping; MBI, in use for 30 years, assesses the level of burnout in healthcare workers.

Results

Task-oriented coping was associated with decreased risk of burnout, while emotion-oriented coping was associated with increased risk of burnout.

Discussion

Specific coping styles are associated with varied risk of burnout in ED staff across several different types of hospitals in a regional network. Coping style intervention may reduce burnout, while leading to improvement in staff well-being and patient outcomes. Further studies should focus on building and sustaining task-oriented coping, along with alternatives to emotion-oriented coping.
Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157, O26 and O111 in cattle faeces and hides in Italy
Authors: Bonardi S. , Alpigiani I. , Tozzoli R. , Vismarra A. , Zecca V. , Greppi C. , Bacci C. , Bruini I. , Brindani F.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Ruminants are regarded as the natural reservoir for Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC), especially of serogroup O157.

Materials and methods

During 2011 and 2012, 320 samples (160 faecal samples from the rectum and 160 hide samples from the brisket area) were collected from 160 cattle at slaughter in Northern Italy during warm months (May to October). Cattle were reared in different farms and their age at slaughter ranged between nine months and 15 years, most of them being culled cattle (median age: six years; average age: 4.6 years). Samples were tested by immunomagnetic‐separation technique for E coli O157 and O26 and by a screening PCR for stx genes followed by cultural detection of STEC. The virulence genes stx1, stx2, eae, and e‐hlyA were detected and among stx2‐positive isolates the presence of the stx2a and stx2c variants was investigated.

Results

Twenty‐one of 160 cattle (13.1 per cent; 95 per cent CI 8.3 to 19.4 per cent) were found to be faecal carriers of STEC. STEC O157 was found in 10 (6.3 per cent) samples, STEC O26 in six (3.8 per cent) and STEC O111 in one (0.6 per cent). Four isolates (2.5 per cent) were O not determined (OND). Six out of 160 (3.8 per cent; 95 per cent CI 1.4 to 8.0 per cent) hide samples were positive for STEC; four hides (2.5 per cent) were contaminated by STEC O157 and two (1.3 per cent) by STEC O26. In three cattle (1.9 per cent) STEC from both faeces and hides were detected. Among STEC O157, 87.5 per cent of them carried the stx2c gene and 12.5 per cent carried both stx1 and stx2c genes. No O157 isolate harboured stx2a variant. STEC O26 and O111 carried the stx1 gene only. One OND strain carried both the stx2a and stx2c genes.

Conclusions

This study shows that STEC O157 from cattle can harbour the stx2c variant, which is associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome in humans, and that cattle hides may be a source of human pathogenic STEC O157 and O26 in the slaughterhouse environment.
Identification of mycobacterial species by PCR restriction enzyme analysis of thehsp65gene — an Indian experience
Authors: Verma Ajoy Kumar , Kumar Gavish , Arora Jyoti , Singh Paras , Arora Vijay Kumar , Myneedu Vithal Prasad , Sarin Rohit
Published: January 2015

Nowadays, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) often cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease. Species identification of NTM determines the line of treatment and management of the disease. The routine diagnostic methods, i.e., smear microscopy and biochemical identification, of nontuberculous mycobacteria are tedious and time consuming and not all laboratories can perform these tests on a routine basis. A PCR targeting the hsp65 gene was implemented using standard strains and was applied to 109 clinical isolates. The PCR-amplified product was subjected to restriction enzyme analysis using BstEII and HaeIII. The results obtained were compared with that of biochemical tests. Of 109 NTM, 107 were identified to species level. PCR plus restriction enzyme analysis (PRA) identified 12 types of NTM. Common species identified were Mycobacterium chelonae (32), a rapid growing NTM, and Mycobacterium avium complex (21), among the slow growing NTM. PRA and biochemical identification showed 95.32% (102/107) concordant results. PRA is fast, cheap, and accurate for identification of potentially pathogenic NTM.
Quark–gluon soup — The perfectly liquid phase of QCD
Authors: Heinz Ulrich
Published: January 2015

At temperatures above about 150 MeV and energy densities exceeding 500 MeV/fm3, quarks and gluons exist in the form of a plasma of free color charges that is about 1000 times hotter and a billion times denser than any other plasma ever created in the laboratory. This quark–gluon plasma (QGP) turns out to be strongly coupled, flowing like a liquid. About 35 years ago, the nuclear physics community started a program of relativistic heavy-ion collisions with the goal of producing and studying QGP under controlled laboratory conditions. This article recounts the story of its successful creation in collider experiments at Brookhaven National Laboratory and CERN and the subsequent discovery of its almost perfectly liquid nature, and reports on the recent quantitatively precise determination of its thermodynamic and transport properties.
Deforming the theory λϕ4 along the parameters and fields gradient flows
Authors: Cartas-Fuentevilla R. , Olvera-Santamaria A.
Published: January 2015

Considering the action for the theory λϕ4 for a massive scalar bosonic field as an entropy functional on the space of coupling constants and on the space of fields, we determine the gradient flows for the scalar field, the mass and the self-interaction parameter. When the flow parameter is identified with the energy scale, we show that there exist phase transitions between unbroken exact symmetry scenarios and spontaneous symmetry breaking scenarios at increasingly high energies. Since a nonlinear heat equation drives the scalar field through a reaction-diffusion process, in general the flows are not reversible, mimicking the renormalization group flows of the c-theorem; the deformation of the field at increasingly high energies can be described as nonlinear traveling waves, or solitons associated to self-similar solutions.
ROLE OF INFORMATION IN PRICING DEFAULT-SENSITIVE CONTINGENT CLAIMS
Authors: JEANBLANC MONIQUE , LENIEC MARTA
Published: January 2015

We consider a financial market with a savings account and a stock S that follows a general diffusion. The default of the company, which issues the stock S, is modeled as a stopping time with respect to the filtration generated by the value of the firm that is not observable by regular investors. We assume that the stock price and the value of the firm are correlated. We study three investors with different information levels trading in the market who aim to price a general default-sensitive contingent claim. We use the density approach and Yor's method to solve the pricing problem. Specifically, we find the sets of equivalent martingale measures in three cases and, when needed, we choose one of them using f-divergence approach.
Effect of Aqueous Suspension of Graphene-Oxide Nanoparticles on Thermal Fluid Flow Transport in Circular Tube
Authors: Torii Shuichi , Yoshino Hajime
Published: January 2015

Experimental study is performed on the turbulent heat transfer behavior of aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles flowing through a horizontal circular pipe heated under constant heat flux condition. Consideration is given to the effects of nanoparticle concentration and Reynolds number on heat transfer enhancement. It is found that (i) heat transfer enhancement is caused by suspending nanoparticles, so that maximum value of the Nusselt number is over twice than that of the pure working fluid, (ii) graphene-oxide-nanofluid developed here is non-Newtonian fluid, and (iii) but the pressure drop for graphene-oxide-nanofluid is almost the same as that of the pure working fluid, because volume fraction of particles is less than 1.0%.
Understanding Climate Mitigation Responses in the United States and China from Strategic and Institutional Perspectives
Authors: ZHAO Xingshu
Published: January 2015

The United States and China have common but differentiated climate mitigation responses. Most studies so far have sought to explain this divergence with a focus on energy resources, technology, economic, or social factors. These studies ignore the role of strategy and institutions, and thus appear incomplete. In this paper, the author investigates the climate mitigation responses of the United States and China from a strategic and institutional perspective, explores how their climate responses are shaped, and identifies possible weaknesses hidden in their climate approaches. The paper finds that the United States and China have distinct national climate positions due to their diverse strategies and institutions. However, they have chosen similar policy tools and have achieved fairly comparable emission reductions thus far. In the long run, the effectiveness and efficiency of the low-carbon transformation will possibly be hindered by weaker policy innovation capability at sub-national levels in China and the operationally volatile energy strategy in the United States.
The use of palaeomagnetism and rock magnetism to understand volcanic processes: introduction
Authors: Ort M. H. , Porreca M. , Geissman J. W.
Published: January 2015

This Special Publication provides a snapshot of our understanding of volcanic processes through the use of palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic techniques. Here, we provide a context for the book, placing individual chapters within the milieu of previous work, including some magnetic techniques that were not used in the particular studies described herein. Thermoremanent magnetization is a powerful tool to understand processes related to heating and cooling of rocks, including estimating the temperature of emplacement of pyroclastic deposits, which may allow us to better understand the rates of cooling during eruption and transport. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and anisotropy of remanence are used primarily to investigate rock fabrics, and allow the interpretation of flow dynamics in dykes, lava flows and pyroclastic deposits, as well as the location of the eruptive vents. Rock magnetic characteristics can help in the correlation of volcanic deposits but also provide means to date volcanic deposits and to better understand the processes of cooling of the deposits, as the magnetic minerals can change with temperature. In addition, volcanic rocks may be key recorders of past magnetic fields, allowing a better understanding of changes in field intensity and, perhaps, providing clues of how the magnetic field is formed.
Angiopoietin-1 enhances skeletal muscle regeneration in mice
Authors: Mofarrahi Mahroo , McClung Joseph M. , Kontos Christopher D. , Davis Elaine C. , Tappuni Bassman , Moroz Nicolay , Pickett Amy E. , Huck Laurent , Harel Sharon , Danialou Gawiyou , Hussain Sabah N. A.
Published: January 2015

Activation of muscle progenitor cell myogenesis and endothelial cell angiogenesis is critical for the recovery of skeletal muscle from injury. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), a ligand of Tie-2 receptors, enhances angiogenesis and skeletal muscle satellite cell survival; however, its role in skeletal muscle regeneration after injury is unknown. We assessed the effects of Ang-1 on fiber regeneration, myogenesis, and angiogenesis in injured skeletal muscle (tibialis anterior, TA) in mice. We also assessed endogenous Ang-1 levels and localization in intact and injured TA muscles. TA fiber injury was triggered by cardiotoxin injection. Endogenous Ang-1 mRNA levels immediately decreased in response to cardiotoxin then increased during the 2 wk. Ang-1 protein was expressed in satellite cells, both in noninjured and recovering TA muscles. Positive Ang-1 staining was present in blood vessels but not in nerve fibers. Four days after the initiation of injury, injection of adenoviral Ang-1 into injured muscles resulted in significant increases in in situ TA muscle contractility, muscle fiber regeneration, and capillary density. In cultured human skeletal myoblasts, recombinant Ang-1 protein increased survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myotubes. The latter effect was associated with significant upregulation of the expression of the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and Myogenin and certain genes involved in cell cycle regulation. We conclude that Ang-1 strongly enhances skeletal muscle regeneration in response to fiber injury and that this effect is mediated through induction of the myogenesis program in muscle progenitor cells and the angiogenesis program in endothelial cells.
Low-Complexity Robust Capon Beamforming Based on Reduced-Rank Technique
Authors: Xi Zaifang , Wu Xiao-feng , Wu Shuyue , Tang Zhijun , Hu Shigang
Published: January 2015

Existing robust Capon beamformers achieve robustness against steering vector errors at a high cost in terms of computational complexity. Computationally efficient robust Capon beamforming approach based on the reduced-rank technique is proposed in this paper. The proposed method projects the received data snapshots onto a lower dimensional subspace consisting of the matched filters of the multistage Wiener filter (MSWF). The subsequent adaptive beamforming will then be performed within this subspace. The combination of the benefit of the robust adaptive beamforming and the reduced-rank technique improves the performance on combating steering vector errors and lowering the computational complexity.
Simulation and Modeling of Flow in a Gas Compressor
Authors: Avramenko Anna , Frolov Alexey , Hämäläinen Jari
Published: January 2015

The presented research demonstrates the results of a series of numerical simulations of gas flow through a single-stage centrifugal compressor with a vaneless diffuser. Numerical results were validated with experiments consisting of eight regimes with different mass flow rates. The steady-state and unsteady simulations were done in ANSYS FLUENT 13.0 and NUMECA FINE/TURBO 8.9.1 for one-period geometry due to periodicity of the problem. First-order discretization is insufficient due to strong dissipation effects. Results obtained with second-order discretization agree with the experiments for the steady-state case in the region of high mass flow rates. In the area of low mass flow rates, nonstationary effects significantly influence the flow leading stationary model to poor prediction. Therefore, the unsteady simulations were performed in the region of low mass flow rates. Results of calculation were compared with experimental data. The numerical simulation method in this paper can be used to predict compressor performance.
Periodontal Disease and Late-Onset Aortic Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection
Authors: Thomas Stephanie , Ghosh Jonathan , Porter Johnathan , Cockcroft Adele , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina
Published: January 2015

Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a rare but significant complication of arterial reconstructive surgery. Although the relative risk is low, the clinical consequences can be catastrophic. Microbiological data on causative bacteria are limited. We present four cases of late-onset PVGI. Using a culture-independent nucleic acid amplification method for analysis of intraoperative samples, the presence of bacteria highly suggestive of an oral source was reported. Examination by an oral health specialist confirmed the presence of chronic periodontal disease. We hypothesize that chronic oral infection may be a previously unreported risk factor for the development of late-onset PVGI.
Photoinduced Electron Spin Resonance Phenomenon in α‐Cr2O3 Nanospheres
Authors: Khamlich S. , Srinivasu V. V. , Konkin A. , Cingo N. , Thema F. T. , Benyoussef A. , Maaza M.
Published: January 2015

The photoinduced phenomenon in α‐Cr2O3 nanoscaled spherical particles was investigated in the temperature range of 150 up to 315 K. An X‐band electron‐spin resonance spectrometry was employed to probe the magnetic behavior in α‐Cr2O3 under an IR illumination in the nanosecond regime. The photoinduced effect on both low and high field ESR signals appears above 280 K and is remarkably enhanced just below Néel temperature TN. Such a photoinduced ESR phenomenon disappears in a reproducible way in the paramagnetic insulating state which occurs above TN of crystalline α‐Cr2O3. In the antiferromagnetic phase, that is, below TN, the shift of the low field absorption could be attributed to the interaction of the light with specific Cr3+ ions located in strongly distorted sites correlated to strong ligand‐field effect.
Paleocurrents, Paleohydraulics, and Palaegeography of Miocene-Pliocene Siwalik Foreland Basin of India
Authors: Khan Zahid A. , Tewari Ram Chandra
Published: January 2015

Early Miocene-Pliocene Middle Siwalik Subgroup of Kuluchaur area, Uttarakhand, North India, comprises sheet-like, coarse to medium grained, cross bedded sandstone bodies and multistoreyed variegated mudstones. Paleocurrent study shows commonly unimodal and locally bimodal distribution and displays a high magnitude of resultant (R*=0.7337) oriented towards south-southwest (206°  ±  42.27°). Palaeochannel morphological attributes suggest that the depositing river system was about 230 m wide and 4.5 m deep. These broad, shallow, and low sinuous channels with extensive flood plain flowed on a steeper slope (0.00043 degrees) with flow velocity of 60–140 cm/sec. It is visualized that the immature Middle Siwalik rocks were deposited by southward flowing braided rivers transverse to the Himalayas, predominantly in the form of overlapping alluvial fans similar to those depositing sediments at present in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Fairly consistent fluvial palaeoslopes, together with enormous thickness of sediments, are evidences of rapid subsidence of the basin. We conclude that the paleogeography of Indian subcontinent established at the onset of Miocene-Pliocene Siwalik sedimentation is continuing till today.
The Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor, (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate, Has Anticancer Activity in a Novel Human Prostate Cancer Progression Model
Authors: Moses Michael A. , Henry Ellen C. , Ricke William A. , Gasiewicz Thomas A.
Published: January 2015

(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major tea polyphenol, elicits anticancer effects. However, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. Our laboratory previously showed that EGCG inhibits heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). We used nontumorigenic (NT), tumorigenic, and metastatic cancer cells from a novel human prostate cancer progression model to test the hypotheses that certain stages are more or less sensitive to EGCG and that sensitivity is related to HSP90 inhibition. Treatment of cells with EGCG, novobiocin, or 17-AAG resulted in more potent cytotoxic effects on tumorigenic and metastatic cells than NT cells. When tumorigenic or metastatic cells were grown in vivo, mice supplemented with 0.06% EGCG in drinking water developed significantly smaller tumors than untreated mice. Furthermore, EGCG prevented malignant transformation in vivo using the full prostate cancer model. To elucidate the mechanism of EGCG action, we performed binding assays with EGCG-Sepharose, a C-terminal HSP90 antibody, and HSP90 mutants. These experiments revealed that EGCG-Sepharose bound more HSP90 from metastatic cells compared with NT cells and binding occurred through the HSP90 C-terminus. In addition, EGCG bound HSP90 mutants that mimic both complexed and uncomplexed HSP90. Consistent with HSP90 inhibitory activity, EGCG, novobiocin, and 17-AAG induced changes in HSP90-client proteins in NT cells and larger differences in metastatic cells. These data suggest that EGCG may be efficacious for the treatment of prostate cancer because it preferentially targets cancer cells and inhibits a molecular chaperone supportive of the malignant phenotype. Cancer Prev Res; 8(3); 249–57. ©2015 AACR.