bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of the Highly Virulent Aeromonas schubertii Strain WL1483, Isolated from Diseased Snakehead Fish (
Channa argus
) in China
Authors: Liu Lihui , Li Ningqiu , Zhang Defeng , Fu Xiaozhe , Shi Cunbin , Lin Qiang , Hao Guijie
Published: January 2016

We sequenced the complete genome of the highly virulent
Aeromonas schubertii
strain WL1483, which was isolated from diseased snakehead fish (
Channa argus
) in China. The full genome sequence of
A. schubertii
WL1483 is 4,400,034 bp, which encodes 4,376 proteins and contains 195 predicted RNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a 94-Year-Old Listeria monocytogenes Isolate, SLCC208
Authors: Hyden Patrick , Pietzka Ariane , Allerberger Franz , Springer Burkhard , Sensen Christoph , Ruppitsch Werner
Published: January 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Listeria monocytogenes
strain SLCC208 from Seeliger's historical Special
Listeria
Culture Collection, initially cultured from a human case in France in 1921. This is, to our knowledge, the oldest
L. monocytogenes
isolate available and may be useful for comparative genomic studies of
L. monocytogenes
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Halomonas
sp. HG01, a Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Accumulating Strain Isolated from Peru
Authors: Cardinali-Rezende Juliana , Nahat Rafael Augusto Teodoro Pereira de Souza , Guzmán Moreno César Wilber , Carreño Farfán Carmen Rosa , Silva Luiziana Ferreira , Taciro Marilda Keico , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera
Published: January 2016

Halomonas
sp. strain HG01, isolated from a salt mine in Peru, is a halophilic aerobic heterotrophic bacterium accumulating poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-
co
-3-hydroxyvalerate) from different carbon sources. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this isolate, which was found to be 3,665,487 bp long, with a G+C content of 68%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis KT-0192, Isolated in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Han Seung Jung , Kwon Taesoo , Yoo Won Gi , Yun Mi-ran , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Dae-Won
Published: January 2016

We report the draft genome sequence of totally drug-resistant (XDR)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
KT-0192. This sequence will provide new insights into the main cause and evolution of drug resistance in
M. tuberculosis
KT-0192.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Francisella noatunensis subsp.
orientalis
Strain FNO01 Isolated from Diseased Nile Tilapia in Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo H. C. P. , Leal C. A. G. , Pereira F. L. , Soares S. C. , Gonçalves L. A. , Dorella F. A. , Carvalho A. F. , Azevedo V. A. C.
Published: January 2016

This paper describes the complete genome sequence of
Francisella noatunensis
subsp.
orientalis
strain FNO01, which was isolated during the first outbreak of francisellosis in cultured Nile tilapia in Brazil. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome with 1,859,830 bp and a G+C content of ~32%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Erythromycin- and Oxytetracycline-Sensitive Nocardia seriolae Strain U-1 (NBRC 110359)
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Sukeda Masaki , Shimizu Masato , Yamane Jin , Ohnishi Kouhei , Oshima Syun-ichirou
Published: January 2016

In Japan, the emergence of macrolide- and oxytetracycline-resistant strains of
Nocardia seriolae
has previously been reported. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of
N. seriolae
strain U-1, isolated in 2011 from a diseased yellowtail in Kagoshima Prefecture. The draft genome does not have any genes responsible for macrolide and tetracycline resistance.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Marinobacter
sp. Strain P4B1, an Electrogenic Perchlorate-Reducing Strain Isolated from a Long-Term Mixed Enrichment Culture of Marine Bacteria
Authors: Stepanov Victor G. , Xiao Yeyuan , Lopez April J. , Roberts Deborah J. , Fox George E.
Published: January 2016

The perchlorate-reducing strain
Marinobacter
sp. strain P4B1 was isolated from a long-term perchlorate-degrading enrichment culture seeded with marine sediment. The draft genome of
Marinobacter
sp. P4B1 is comprised of the bacterial chromosome (3.60 Mbp, G+C 58.51%, 3,269 predicted genes) and its associated plasmid pMARS01 (0.14 Mbp, G+C 52.95%, 165 predicted genes).
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Ouakam Isolated from Ground Turkey
Authors: Marasini Daya , Abo-Shama Usama H. , Fakhr Mohamed K.
Published: January 2016

In this report, we announce the first whole-genome sequencing of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Ouakam strain GNT-01, isolated from ground turkey retail meat. The strain has a chromosome of 5,088,451 bp long, with a G+C content of 52.3%, and a plasmid of 109,715 bp.
Genome Sequences of Two Pseudorabies Virus Strains Isolated in Greece
Authors: Papageorgiou Konstantinos V. , Suárez Nicolás M. , Wilkie Gavin S. , Filioussis George , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Nauwynck Hans J. , Davison Andrew J. , Kritas Spyridon K.
Published: January 2016

Pseudorabies virus (species
Suid herpesvirus 1
) belongs to the genus
Varicellovirus
, subfamily
Alphaherpesvirinae
, family
Herpesviridae
, and is the causative agent of an acute and frequently fatal disease that affects mainly pigs. Here, we report the genome sequences of two strains of this virus isolated in Greece in 2010.
Two Populations of Viral Minichromosomes Are Present in a Geminivirus-Infected Plant Showing Symptom Remission (Recovery)
Authors: Ceniceros-Ojeda Esther Adriana , Rodríguez-Negrete Edgar Antonio , Rivera-Bustamante Rafael Francisco
Published: January 2016

Geminiviruses are important plant pathogens characterized by circular, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes. However, in the nuclei of infected cells, viral double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) associates with host histones to form a minichromosome. In phloem-limited geminiviruses, the characterization of viral minichromosomes is hindered by the low concentration of recovered complexes due to the small number of infected cells. Nevertheless, geminiviruses are both inducers and targets of the host posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) machinery. We have previously characterized a “recovery” phenomenon observed in pepper plants infected with pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV) that is associated with a reduction of viral DNA and RNA levels, the presence of virus-related siRNAs, and an increase in the levels of viral DNA methylation. Initial micrococcal nuclease-based assays pinpointed the presence of different viral chromatin complexes in symptomatic and recovered tissues. Using the pepper-PepGMV system, we developed a methodology to obtain a viral minichromosome-enriched fraction that does not disturb the basic chromatin structural integrity, as evaluated by the detection of core histones. Using this procedure, we have further characterized two populations of viral minichromosomes in PepGMV-infected plants. After further purification using sucrose gradient sedimentation, we also observed that minichromosomes isolated from symptomatic tissue showed a relaxed conformation (based on their sedimentation rate), are associated with a chromatin activation marker (H3K4me3), and present a low level of DNA methylation. The minichromosome population obtained from recovered tissue, on the other hand, sedimented as a compact structure, is associated with a chromatin-repressive marker (H3K9me2), and presents a high level of DNA methylation.

IMPORTANCE
Viral minichromosomes have been reported in several animal and plant models. However, in the case of geminiviruses, there has been some recent discussion about the importance of this structure and the significance of the epigenetic modifications that it can undergo during the infective cycle. Major problems in this type of studies are the low concentration of these complexes in an infected plant and the asynchronicity of infected cells along the process; therefore, the complexes isolated in a given moment usually represent a mixture of cells at different infection stages. The recovery process observed in PepGMV-infected plants and the isolation procedure described here provide two distinct populations of minichromosomes that will allow a more precise characterization of the modifications of viral DNA and its host proteins associated along the infective cycle. This structure could be also an interesting model to study several processes involving plant chromatin.
Role of Mitochondrial Membrane Spherules in Flock House Virus Replication
Authors: Short James R. , Speir Jeffrey A. , Gopal Radhika , Pankratz Logan M. , Lanman Jason , Schneemann Anette
Published: January 2016

Viruses that generate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) during replication must overcome host defense systems designed to detect this infection intermediate. All positive-sense RNA viruses studied to date modify host membranes to help facilitate the sequestration of dsRNA from host defenses and concentrate replication factors to enhance RNA production. Flock House virus (FHV) is an attractive model for the study of these processes since it is well characterized and infects
Drosophila
cells, which are known to have a highly effective RNA silencing system. During infection, FHV modifies the outer membrane of host mitochondria to form numerous membrane invaginations, called spherules, that are ∼50 nm in diameter and known to be the site of viral RNA replication. While previous studies have outlined basic structural features of these invaginations, very little is known about the mechanism underlying their formation. Here we describe the optimization of an experimental system for the analysis of FHV host membrane modifications using crude mitochondrial preparations from infected
Drosophila
cells. These preparations can be programmed to synthesize both single- and double-stranded FHV RNA. The system was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is protected from nuclease digestion by virus-induced membrane invaginations and that spherules play an important role in stimulating RNA replication. Finally, we show that spherules generated during FHV infection appear to be dynamic as evidenced by their ability to form or disperse based on the presence or absence of RNA synthesis.

IMPORTANCE
It is well established that positive-sense RNA viruses induce significant membrane rearrangements in infected cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these rearrangements, particularly membrane invagination and spherule formation, remain essentially unknown. How the formation of spherules enhances viral RNA synthesis is also not understood, although it is assumed to be partly a result of evading host defense pathways. To help interrogate some of these issues, we optimized a cell-free replication system consisting of mitochondria isolated from Flock House virus-infected
Drosophila
cells for use in biochemical and structural studies. Our data suggest that spherules generated during Flock House virus replication are dynamic, protect double-stranded RNA, and enhance RNA replication in general. Cryo-electron microscopy suggests that the samples are amenable to detailed structural analyses of spherules engaged in RNA synthesis. This system thus provides a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying spherule formation, maintenance, and function during positive-sense viral RNA replication.
Codon Deletions in the Influenza A Virus PA Gene Generate Temperature-Sensitive Viruses
Authors: Meyer Léa , Sausset Alix , Sedano Laura , Da Costa Bruno , Le Goffic Ronan , Delmas Bernard
Published: January 2016

The influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is composed of three subunits, PB1, PB2, and PA, catalyzes genome replication and transcription within the cell nucleus. The PA linker (residues 197 to 256) can be altered by nucleotide substitutions to engineer temperature-sensitive (
ts
), attenuated mutants that display a defect in the transport of the PA–PB1 complex to the nucleus at a restrictive temperature. In this study, we investigated the ability of the PA linker to tolerate deletion mutations for further
in vitro
and
in vivo
characterization. Four viable mutants with single-codon deletions were generated; all of them exhibited a
ts
phenotype that was associated with the reduced efficiency of replication/transcription of a pseudoviral reporter RNA in a minireplicon assay. Using fluorescently tagged PB1, we observed that the deletion mutants did not efficiently recruit PB1 to reach the nucleus at a restrictive temperature (39.5°C). Mouse infections showed that the four mutants were attenuated and induced antibodies that were able to protect mice from challenge with a lethal homologous wild-type virus. Serial
in vitro
passages of two deletion mutants at 39.5°C and 37°C did not allow the restoration of a wild-type phenotype among virus progeny. Thus, our results identify codons that can be deleted in the PA gene to engineer genetically stable
ts
mutants that could be used to design novel attenuated vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
In order to generate genetically stable live influenza A virus vaccines, we constructed viruses with single-codon deletions in a discrete domain of the RNA polymerase PA gene. The four rescued viruses exhibited a temperature-sensitive phenotype that we found was associated with a defect in the transport of the PA–PB1 dimer to the nucleus, where viral replication occurs. These
ts
deletion mutants were shown to be attenuated and to be able to produce antibodies in mice and to protect them from a lethal challenge. Assays to select revertants that were able to grow efficiently at a restrictive temperature failed, showing that these deletion mutants are genetically more stable than conventional substitution mutants. These results are of interest for the design of genetically stable live influenza virus vaccines.
ReducedCD300LGmRNA tissue expression, increased intramyocellular lipid content and impaired glucose metabolism in healthy male carriers of Arg82Cys inCD300LG: a novel genometabolic cross-link betweenCD300LGand common metabolic phenotypes
Authors: Støy Julie , Kampmann Ulla , Mengel Annette , Magnusson Nils E , Jessen Niels , Grarup Niels , Rungby Jørgen , Stødkilde-Jørgensen Hans , Brandslund Ivan , Christensen Cramer , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Møller Niels
Published: January 2016

Background

CD300LGrs72836561 (c.313C>T, p.Arg82Cys) has in genetic-epidemiological studies been associated with the lipoprotein abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome.CD300LGbelongs to the CD300-family of membrane-bound molecules which have the ability to recognize and interact with extracellular lipids. We tested whether this specific polymorphism results in abnormal lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver and other indices of metabolic dysfunction.

Methods

40 healthy men with a mean age of 55 years were characterized metabolically including assessment of insulin sensitivity by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, intrahepatic lipid content (IHLC) and intramyocellular lipid content (IMCL) by MR spectroscopy, and β-cell function by an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Changes in insulin signaling andCD300LGmRNA expression were determined by western blotting and quantitative PCR in muscle and adipose tissue.

Results

Compared with the 20 controls (CC carriers), the 20 CT carriers (polymorphism carriers) had higher IMCL (p=0.045), a reduced fasting forearm glucose uptake (p=0.011), a trend toward lower M-values during the clamp; 6.0 mg/kg/min vs 7.1 (p=0.10), and higher IHLC (p=0.10). CT carriers had lowerCD300LGmRNA expression andCD300LGexpression in muscle correlated with IMCL (β=−0.35, p=0.046), forearm glucose uptake (β=0.37, p=0.03), and tended to correlate with the M-value (β=0.33, p=0.06), independently ofCD300LGgenotype. β-cell function was unaffected.

Conclusions

TheCD300LGpolymorphism was associated with decreasedCD300LGmRNA expression in muscle and adipose tissue, increased IMCL, and abnormalities of glucose metabolism.CD300LGmRNA levels correlated with IMCL and forearm glucose uptake. These findings link a specificCD300LGpolymorphism with features of the metabolic syndrome suggesting a role forCD300LGin the regulation of common metabolic traits.

Trial registration number

NCT01571609.
Lower urinary pH is useful for predicting renovascular disorder onset in patients with diabetes
Authors: Ogawa Susumu , Nako Kazuhiro , Okamura Masashi , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: January 2016

Background and objectives

A lower urinary pH (UpH) is closely linked to diabetes. However, its relation to diabetic renovascular damage is unclear. This study aimed to identify the relationship between UpH and the exacerbation of diabetic renovascular disorders.

Methods

This is a 10-year observational study targeting 400 outpatients with diabetes who registered in 2003. We investigated the relationship between UpH in 2003 and renovascular damage from 2003 to 2013.

Results

A total of 350 participants were eligible for the analysis. During their 10-year outpatient treatment, a decrease was seen in glycated hemoglobin levels, blood pressure, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs), and an increase was seen in their urinary albumin–creatinine ratios (ACRs), uric acid (UA) levels, and intima-media thickness (IMT). UpH negatively correlated with urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), body mass index, UA, and ACR, and positively correlated with eGFR. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for UpH were 8-OHdG, UA, eGFR, and ACR. UpH also negatively correlated with the percent change in IMT (%IMT), the percent change in pulse wave velocity (%PWV), and the change in log ACR (Δlog ACR), and positively correlated with the percent change in eGFR. A multiple regression analysis revealed that UpH was an independent risk factor for the %IMT, %PWV and Δlog ACR. Obese patients with low UpH values frequently suffered from sleep apnea syndrome.

Conclusions

These results suggest that UpH is a useful marker for predicting the onset of renovascular disorder in patients with diabetes.
Association between self-stigma and self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kato Asuka , Fujimaki Yuko , Fujimori Shin , Isogawa Akihiro , Onishi Yukiko , Suzuki Ryo , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Ueki Kohjiro , Kadowaki Takashi , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: January 2016

Objective

Growing qualitative evidence reveals that many patients with chronic illnesses struggle to rebuild a positive self-image after diagnosis while attempting to find a balance between their current physical status and their ongoing social duties. One factor destabilizing patients’ identities is self-stigma, which seems to affect their behavioral goals through decreased self-efficacy. We hypothesized that self-stigma would be an independent factor, distinct from self-efficacy, for developing self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used a consecutive sample of 209 outpatients with type 2 diabetes treated by endocrinologists at two university hospitals, one general hospital and one clinic. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to test the relationship between the patients’ activation levels for self-care behaviors (dependent variable) and self-stigma, self-efficacy, and depression symptoms (independent variables), adjusting for covariates involving sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

In a multiple linear regression model adjusted for prior covariates, there was significant association between self-stigma and activation levels for self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes (adjusted R2=0.26, F (12,196)=7.20, p<0.001). The standardized partial regression coefficient of self-stigma was −0.23 (p=0.001), whereas that of self-efficacy was 0.19 (p=0.007).

Conclusions

Self-stigma is a negative independent factor, separate from self-efficacy, affecting the self-care behaviors of patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-stigma also has, at least, a similar impact on self-care behaviors to that of self-efficacy. To optimize treatment outcomes, patients’ self-stigma should be minimized, whereas their self-efficacy should be enhanced.
Lowering levels of bed occupancy is associated with decreased inhospital mortality and improved performance on the 4-hour target in a UK District General Hospital
Authors: Boden D G , Agarwal A , Hussain T , Martin S J , Radford N , Riyat M S , So K , Su Y , Turvey A , Whale C I
Published: January 2016

Objective

To evaluate whether there is an association between an intervention to reduce medical bed occupancy and performance on the 4-hour target and hospital mortality.

Methods

This before-and-after study was undertaken in a large UK District General Hospital over a 32 month period. A range of interventions were undertaken to reduce medical bed occupancy within the Trust. Performance on the 4-hour target and hospital mortality (hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR), summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) and crude mortality) were compared before, and after, intervention. Daily data on medical bed occupancy and percentage of patients meeting the 4-hour target was collected from hospital records. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time-series method was used to estimate the changes in levels and trends in average medical bed occupancy, monthly performance on the target and monthly mortality measures (HSMR, SHMI and crude mortality) that followed the intervention.

Results

Mean medical bed occupancy decreased significantly from 93.7% to 90.2% (p=0.02). The trend change in target performance, when comparing preintervention and postintervention, revealed a significant improvement (p=0.019). The intervention was associated with a mean reduction in all markers of mortality (range 4.5–4.8%). SHMI (p=0.02) and crude mortality (p=0.018) showed significant trend changes after intervention.

Conclusions

Lowering medical bed occupancy is associated with reduced patient mortality and improved ability of the acute Trust to achieve the 95% 4-hour target. Whole system transformation is required to create lower average medical bed occupancy.
BET 1: Targeted blood pressure management in the hyperacute and acute stages following spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Rajwani Kapil Mohan , Nor Azlisham Mohd
Published: January 2016

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether targeted blood pressure management in the hyperacute and acute stages following spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. 275 papers were found of which 6 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is the current evidence suggests in patients with hypertension following spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage, intensive lowering of SBP to a target of less than 140mmHg in the hyperacute and acute stages is safe and may improve functional recovery.
Perceptions of racism in healthcare among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vina Ernest R , Hausmann Leslie R M , Utset Tammy O , Masi Christopher M , Liang Kimberly P , Kwoh C Kent
Published: January 2016

Background

Racial disparities in the clinical outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exist. Perceived racial discrimination may contribute to disparities in health.

Objectives

To determine if perceived racism in healthcare differs by race among patients with SLE and to evaluate its contribution to racial disparities in SLE-related outcomes.

Methods

163 African–American (AA) and 180 white (WH) patients with SLE were enrolled. Structured interviews and chart reviews were done to determine perceptions of racism, SLE-related outcomes (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Damage Index, SLE Disease Activity, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D)), and other variables that may affect perceptions of racism. Serial hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models were conducted. Race-stratified analyses were also performed.

Results

56.0% of AA patients compared with 32.8% of WH patients had high perceptions of discrimination in healthcare (p<0.001). This difference remained (OR 4.75 (95% CI 2.41 to 8.68)) after adjustment for background, identity and healthcare experiences. Female gender (p=0.012) and lower trust in physicians (p<0.001) were also associated with high perceived racism. The odds of having greater disease damage (SLICC damage index ≥2) were higher in AA patients than in WH patients (crude OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.38)). The odds of having moderate to severe depression (CES-D ≥17) were also higher in AA patients than in WH patients (crude OR 1.94 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.98)). When adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, racial disparities in disease damage and depression were no longer significant. Among AA patients, higher perceived racism was associated with having moderate to severe depression (adjusted OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.43)) even after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Conclusions

Perceptions of racism in healthcare were more common in AA patients than in WH patients with SLE and were associated with depression. Interventions aimed at modifiable factors (eg, trust in providers) may reduce higher perceptions of race-based discrimination in SLE.
Predicting emergency coronary artery bypass graft following PCI: application of a computational model to refer patients to hospitals with and without onsite surgical backup
Authors: Syed Zeeshan , Moscucci Mauro , Share David , Gurm Hitinder S
Published: January 2016

Background

Clinical tools to stratify patients for emergency coronary artery bypass graft (ECABG) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) create the opportunity to selectively assign patients undergoing procedures to hospitals with and without onsite surgical facilities for dealing with potential complications while balancing load across providers. The goal of our study was to investigate the feasibility of a computational model directly optimised for cohort-level performance to predict ECABG in PCI patients for this application.

Methods

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium registry data with 69 pre-procedural and angiographic risk variables from 68 022 PCI procedures in 2004–2007 were used to develop a support vector machine (SVM) model for ECABG. The SVM model was optimised for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) at the level of the training cohort and validated on 42 310 PCI procedures performed in 2008–2009.

Results

There were 87 cases of ECABG (0.21%) in the validation cohort. The SVM model achieved an AUROC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.86). Patients in the predicted top decile were at a significantly increased risk relative to the remaining patients (OR 9.74, 95% CI 6.39 to 14.85, p<0.001) for ECABG. The SVM model optimised for the AUROC on the training cohort significantly improved discrimination, net reclassification and calibration over logistic regression and traditional SVM classification optimised for univariate performance.

Conclusions

Computational risk stratification directly optimising cohort-level performance holds the potential of high levels of discrimination for ECABG following PCI. This approach has value in selectively referring PCI patients to hospitals with and without onsite surgery.
Assessment of known impacts of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on marine mammals: data gaps and recommendations for researchers in the United States
Authors: Smith Courtney E. , Sykora-Bodie Seth T. , Bloodworth Brian , Pack Shalynn M. , Spradlin Trevor R. , LeBoeuf Nicole R.
Published: January 2016

The development of advanced technologies to enhance conservation science often outpaces the abilities of wildlife managers to assess and ensure such new tools are safely used in proximity to wild animals. Recently, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become more accessible to civilian operators and are quickly being integrated into existing research paradigms to replace manned aircraft. Several federal statutes require scientists to obtain research permits to closely approach protected species of wildlife, such as marine mammals, but the lack of available information on the effects of UAS operations on these species has made it difficult to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts. Here, we present a synthesis of the current state of scientific understanding of the impacts of UAS usage near marine mammals. We also identify key data gaps that are currently limiting the ability of marine resource managers to develop appropriate guidelines, policies, or regulations for safe and responsible operation of UAS near marine mammals. We recommend researchers prioritize collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on marine mammal responses to UAS when using the devices to better inform the scientific community, regulators, and hobbyists about potential effects and assist with the development of appropriate mitigation measures.
The atmosphere of a black hole
Authors: Arik Metin , Senikoglu Yorgo
Published: January 2016

We present a static, isotropic fluid solution around a black hole and its effects on the field equations and the horizon. We offer the solutions, their descriptions and we comment on their shortcomings. We derive from the proposed metric the density, the pressure, the equation of state, the temperature near and far of the black hole and the equation of state parameter. We show that for a special case, when [Formula: see text] the solution behaves as [Formula: see text], the equation of state for radiation and for [Formula: see text] we observe that [Formula: see text], the equation of state for dust.
Long-lasting luminescence in ZnGa2O4: Cr3+ through persistent energy transfer
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Yinhai , Huang Haiju , Li Hong , Zhao Hui
Published: January 2016

Cr[Formula: see text]-doped zinc gallate (ZnGa2O4) near-infrared (NIR) phosphors were synthesized via a high temperature solid state method. The luminescence properties of the phosphors were studied systematically. A significant spectra overlap between the emission of ZnGa2O4and the absorption of Cr[Formula: see text] was observed and 300 nm excitation exhibited the most excellent long-lasting luminescence properties among the three main excitation bands. Luminescence intensity was changed with the ratio of Ga[Formula: see text]/Cr[Formula: see text] and the blue host emission of ZnGa2O4was suppressed when doping Cr[Formula: see text] into ZnGa2O4. The fluorescence decay curves of blue emission of ZnGa2O4with different Cr[Formula: see text] doping concentrations indicated that the lifetime of ZnGa2O4at 505 nm become shorter with the increase of the Cr[Formula: see text] concentration. Herein, a possible mechanism of long-lasting luminescence in ZnGa2O4: Cr[Formula: see text] was proposed that the NIR long-lasting luminescence in ZnGa2O4: Cr[Formula: see text] comes from the persistent energy transfer from ZnGa2O4to Cr[Formula: see text].
Effects of Mn doping on electrical properties of ZnO thin films
Authors: Motevalizadeh Leili , Shohany Boshra Ghanbari , Abrishami Majid Ebrahimizadeh
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we have investigated the effect of Mn doping on the electrical properties of ZnO thin films. ZnO thin films with different amounts of Mn concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 mol.%) were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique. The crystal structure was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. XRD patterns showed that all the samples were crystallized in wurtzite structure while a decrease in crystallinity and switch in preferential orientations were observed in Mn-doped thin films comparing to undoped ZnO. The element composition of all thin films was detected by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The surface morphology of the films was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and optical properties were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy. UV-vis study revealed that the band gap blueshifts with the increase in Mn content and [Formula: see text] increases with the increase in Mn concentration. The resistivity and activation energy were measured at room temperature and ranging from 373 K to 573 K. Comparing to undoped ZnO thin film, the resistivity of Mn-doped ZnO films increased because of different parameters such as increasing barrier height energy and reducing the oxygen deficiency.
A Dual Band RF Energy Harvester with Hybrid Threshold Voltage Self-Compensation
Authors: Liu Lianxi , Yuan Wenzhi , Mu Junchao , Zhu Zhangming , Yang Yintang
Published: January 2016

Threshold voltage self-compensation technology (TVSC) has been widely used in RF energy harvester. In this paper, the influence of the size of rectifying transistors, the stages and compensation orders of the rectifier, and the impedance matching network on the performance of RF energy harvester has been studied. A dual band RF energy harvester with hybrid threshold voltage self-compensation (HTVSC) is proposed in this paper in 65-nm CMOS process according to the distribution characteristic of the ambient RF energy. By combining TVSC and the technology of weak forward bias between the source and body of the rectifying transistor, the threshold voltage of MOSFET can be dramatically decreased. The performance of the RF energy harvester has been improved using this new technology. The simulation results show that the proposed dual band RF energy harvester can acquire energy at the band of 900[Formula: see text]MHz and 2.4[Formula: see text]GHz. At 900[Formula: see text]MHz-band (825–960[Formula: see text]MHz), with 1[Formula: see text]M[Formula: see text] load resistor, the output voltage of the energy harvester can be over 1.0[Formula: see text]V with a minimum [Formula: see text]18[Formula: see text]dBm RF input power and a maximum 13.8% power conversion efficiency (PCE). At 2.4[Formula: see text]GHz-band (2.4–2.485[Formula: see text]GHz), the minimum input power can be as low as [Formula: see text]19[Formula: see text]dBm with a maximum efficiency of 16.8%.
Enhanced Field Emission from UV-Illuminated CuO Nanowires Fabricated by Thermal Oxidation of Cu Film
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Wang Debo , Chen Yue , Jin Qiu , Wang Guoqing
Published: January 2016

Cupric Oxide (CuO) nanowires have been successfully synthesized by direct thermal oxidation of Cu film in air. The morphologies and structures of the synthesized materials are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results imply that CuO nanowires with well vertical arrays present very narrow sharp peaks, indicating the nanowires are highly crystalline. The effect of ultraviolet (UV) illumination on the field emission characteristics of the CuO nanowires is investigated. The turn-on electric field of UV-illuminated CuO nanowires decreases and the field enhancement factor enhances.
Global Economic Governance Reenergized?
Authors: Ye Yu
Published: January 2016

As China makes preparations to host the Group of Twenty (G20) summit in 2016, the international community is wondering whether the world’s second largest economy can reenergize the G20, a key mechanism for global economic governance. With increasing stake in global economic well-being, China has developed a strong sense of commitment to the G20, and thus will put great efforts into making the mechanism more effective. However, both the Chinese and world economies are facing dual bottlenecks of efficiency and equality. How to tap new sources of growth, manage the fragmented regionalization, and create momentum for globalization will be the main challenges for the G20 next year and thereafter. What China should do is foster its leadership by better aligning its own reform and development strategy with the G20’s global agenda for a clearer vision of the global economic system. Priorities could include carrying out comprehensive structural reform, implementing infrastructure investment initiatives, upgrading global trade institutions, and drawing a road map for the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda. To manage short-term market volatility in major economies, the adjustment of their monetary policies should also be given timely and sufficient attention.
Myocyte repolarization modulates myocardial function in aging dogs
Authors: Sorrentino Andrea , Signore Sergio , Qanud Khaled , Borghetti Giulia , Meo Marianna , Cannata Antonio , Zhou Yu , Wybieralska Ewa , Luciani Marco , Kannappan Ramaswamy , Zhang Eric , Matsuda Alex , Webster Andrew , Cimini Maria , Kertowidjojo Elizabeth , D'Alessandro David A. , Wunimenghe Oriyanhan , Michler Robert E. , Royer Christopher , Goichberg Polina , Leri Annarosa , Barrett Edward G. , Anversa Piero , Hintze Thomas H. , Rota Marcello
Published: January 2016

Studies of myocardial aging are complex and the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of ventricular performance and decreased functional reserve of the old heart remain to be properly defined. We have studied a colony of beagle dogs from 3 to 14 yr of age kept under a highly regulated environment to define the effects of aging on the myocardium. Ventricular, myocardial, and myocyte function, together with anatomical and structural properties of the organ and cardiomyocytes, were evaluated. Ventricular hypertrophy was not observed with aging and the structural composition of the myocardium was modestly affected. Alterations in the myocyte compartment were identified in aged dogs, and these factors negatively interfere with the contractile reserve typical of the young heart. The duration of the action potential is prolonged in old cardiomyocytes contributing to the slower electrical recovery of the myocardium. Also, the remodeled repolarization of cardiomyocytes with aging provides inotropic support to the senescent muscle but compromises its contractile reserve, rendering the old heart ineffective under conditions of high hemodynamic demand. The defects in the electrical and mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes with aging suggest that this cell population is an important determinant of the cardiac senescent phenotype. Collectively, the delayed electrical repolarization of aging cardiomyocytes may be viewed as a critical variable of the aging myopathy and its propensity to evolve into ventricular decompensation under stressful conditions.
Generation and functional characterization of epithelial cells with stable expression of SLC26A9 Cl− channels
Authors: Salomon Johanna J. , Spahn Stephan , Wang Xiaohui , Füllekrug Joachim , Bertrand Carol A. , Mall Marcus A.
Published: January 2016

Recent studies identified the SLC26A9 Cl− channel as a modifier and potential therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, understanding of the regulation of SLC26A9 in epithelia remains limited and cellular models with stable expression for biochemical and functional studies are missing. We, therefore, generated Fisher rat thyroid (FRT) epithelial cells with stable expression of HA-tagged SLC26A9 via retroviral transfection and characterized SLC26A9 expression and function using Western blotting, immunolocalization, whole cell patch-clamp, and transepithelial bioelectric studies in Ussing chambers. We demonstrate stable expression of SLC26A9 in transfected FRT (SLC26A9-FRT) cells on the mRNA and protein level. Immunolocalization and Western blotting detected SLC26A9 in different intracellular compartments and to a lesser extent at the cell surface. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated significantly increased constitutive Cl− currents in SLC26A9-FRT compared with control-transduced FRT (Control-FRT) cells ( P < 0.01). Similar, transepithelial measurements showed that the basal short circuit current was significantly increased in SLC26A9-FRT vs. Control-FRT cell monolayers ( P < 0.01). SLC26A9-mediated Cl− currents were increased by cAMP-dependent stimulation (IBMX and forskolin) and inhibited by GlyH-101, niflumic acid, DIDS, and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB), as well as RNAi knockdown of WNK1 implicated in epithelial osmoregulation. Our results support that these novel epithelial cells with stable expression of SLC26A9 will be a useful model for studies of pharmacological regulation including the identification of activators of SLC26A9 Cl− channels that may compensate deficient cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR)-mediated Cl− secretion and serve as an alternative therapeutic target in patients with CF and potentially other muco-obstructive lung diseases.
Chronic CNS oxytocin signaling preferentially induces fat loss in high-fat diet-fed rats by enhancing satiety responses and increasing lipid utilization
Authors: Blevins James E. , Thompson Benjamin W. , Anekonda Vishwanath T. , Ho Jacqueline M. , Graham James L. , Roberts Zachary S. , Hwang Bang H. , Ogimoto Kayoko , Wolden-Hanson Tami , Nelson Jarrell , Kaiyala Karl J. , Havel Peter J. , Bales Karen L. , Morton Gregory J. , Schwartz Michael W. , Baskin Denis G.
Published: January 2016

Based largely on a number of short-term administration studies, growing evidence suggests that central oxytocin is important in the regulation of energy balance. The goal of the current work is to determine whether long-term third ventricular (3V) infusion of oxytocin into the central nervous system (CNS) is effective for obesity prevention and/or treatment in rat models. We found that chronic 3V oxytocin infusion between 21 and 26 days by osmotic minipumps both reduced weight gain associated with the progression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and elicited a sustained reduction of fat mass with no decrease of lean mass in rats with established diet-induced obesity. We further demonstrated that these chronic oxytocin effects result from 1) maintenance of energy expenditure at preintervention levels despite ongoing weight loss, 2) a reduction in respiratory quotient, consistent with increased fat oxidation, and 3) an enhanced satiety response to cholecystokinin-8 and associated decrease of meal size. These weight-reducing effects persisted for approximately 10 days after termination of 3V oxytocin administration and occurred independently of whether sucrose was added to the HFD. We conclude that long-term 3V administration of oxytocin to rats can both prevent and treat diet-induced obesity.
Effect of head and jaw position on respiratory-related motion of the genioglossus
Authors: Cai Mingshu , Brown Elizabeth C. , Hatt Alice , Cheng Shaokoon , Bilston Lynne E.
Published: January 2016

Head and jaw position influence upper airway patency and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the main upper airway dilator muscle, the genioglossus. However, it is not known whether changes in genioglossus EMG activity translate into altered muscle movement during respiration. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of head and jaw position on dilatory motion of the genioglossus in healthy adult men during quiet breathing by measuring the displacement of the posterior tongue in six positions—neutral, head extension, head rotation, head flexion, mouth opening, and mandibular advancement. Respiratory-related motion of the genioglossus was imaged with spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) in 12 awake male participants. Tissue displacement was quantified with harmonic phase (HARP) analysis. The genioglossus moved anteriorly beginning immediately before or during inspiration, and there was greater movement in the oropharynx than in the velopharynx in all positions. Anterior displacements of the oropharyngeal tongue varied between neutral head position (0.81 ± 0.41 mm), head flexion (0.62 ± 0.45 mm), extension (0.39 ± 0.19 mm), axial rotation (0.39 ± 0.2 mm), mouth open (1.24 ± 0.72 mm), and mandibular advancement (1.08 ± 0.65 mm). Anteroposterior displacement increased in the mouth-open position and decreased in the rotated position relative to cross-sectional area (CSA) ( P = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively), but CSA did not independently predict anteroposterior movement overall ( P = 0.057). The findings of this study suggest that head position influences airway dilation during inspiration and may contribute to variation in airway patency in different head positions.
FemHab: The effects of bed rest and hypoxia on oxidative stress in healthy women
Authors: Debevec Tadej , Pialoux Vincent , Ehrström Sabine , Ribon Alexandra , Eiken Ola , Mekjavic Igor B. , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: January 2016

Independently, both inactivity and hypoxia augment oxidative stress. This study, part of the FemHab project, investigated the combined effects of bed rest-induced unloading and hypoxic exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Healthy, eumenorrheic women were randomly assigned to the following three 10-day experimental interventions: normoxic bed rest (NBR; n = 11; PiO2 = 133 mmHg), normobaric hypoxic bed rest (HBR; n = 12; PiO2 = 90 mmHg), and ambulatory hypoxic confinement (HAMB; n = 8: PiO2 = 90 mmHg). Plasma samples, obtained before (Pre), during (D2, D6), immediately after (Post) and 24 h after (Post+1) each intervention, were analyzed for oxidative stress markers [advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrotyrosine], antioxidant status [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and uric acid (UA)], NO metabolism end-products (NOx), and nitrites. Compared with baseline, AOPP increased in NBR and HBR on D2 (+14%; +12%; P < 0.05), D6 (+19%; +15%; P < 0.05), and Post (+22%; +21%; P < 0.05), respectively. MDA increased at Post+1 in NBR (+116%; P < 0.01) and D2 in HBR (+114%; P < 0.01) and HAMB (+95%; P < 0.05). Nitrotyrosine decreased (−45%; P < 0.05) and nitrites increased (+46%; P < 0.05) at Post+1 in HAMB only. Whereas SOD was higher at D6 (+82%) and Post+1 (+67%) in HAMB only, the catalase activity increased on D6 (128%) and Post (146%) in HBR and HAMB, respectively ( P < 0.05). GPX was only reduced on D6 (−20%; P < 0.01) and Post (−18%; P < 0.05) in HBR. No differences were observed in FRAP and NOx. UA was higher at Post in HBR compared with HAMB ( P < 0.05). These data indicate that exposure to combined inactivity and hypoxia impairs prooxidant/antioxidant balance in healthy women. Moreover, habitual activity levels, as opposed to inactivity, seem to blunt hypoxia-related oxidative stress via antioxidant system upregulation.
Parabolic flight as a spaceflight analog
Authors: Shelhamer Mark
Published: January 2016

Ground-based analog facilities have had wide use in mimicking some of the features of spaceflight in a more-controlled and less-expensive manner. One such analog is parabolic flight, in which an aircraft flies repeated parabolic trajectories that provide short-duration periods of free fall (0 g) alternating with high- g pullout or recovery phases. Parabolic flight is unique in being able to provide true 0 g in a ground-based facility. Accordingly, it lends itself well to the investigation of specific areas of human spaceflight that can benefit from this capability, which predominantly includes neurovestibular effects, but also others such as human factors, locomotion, and medical procedures. Applications to research in artificial gravity and to effects likely to occur in upcoming commercial suborbital flights are also possible.