bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Contact Experimental Assessment of Spinal Facet Joint Cartilage Dehydration
Authors: Kim Loren , Simon Peter , Andersson Gunnar , An Howard S. , Inoue Nozomu , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A.
Published: July 2013

Dehydration may cause undesirable morphological changes in small hydrated tissue with high surface-to-volume ratio during in vitro experimentation that can result in erroneous data. The lumbar facet joint cartilage, an example of such tissue, is highly susceptible to dehydration due its high content of water (60% to 80% by volume) when exposed to ambient air [1]. Recent studies involving thickness measurement of articular human and bovine cartilage from the tibial plateau reported distinct decreases in thickness due to dehydration and the importance of maintaining its hydration during biomechanical experimental studies [1–3]. Knee joint and facet joint cartilage are characterized as hyaline cartilage surrounded by synovial fluid and encased in a joint capsule. The fact that both are synovial joints suggests that facet joint cartilage may show similar dehydration rates; however, due to its smaller size and different surface-to-volume, the dehydration rate is expected to be higher for facet joint cartilage. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the rate of facet joint cartilage dehydration has not been quantified before. It is hypothesized that the facet joint cartilage thickness will decrease in an inverse exponential trend and significant changes will be seen as dehydration time intervals time increases. The objectives of this study were: 1) quantify the dimensional stability of the cartilage samples under a sequential dehydration protocol, and 2) to evaluate the cartilage shrinkage rate.
A Novel Compression Tester for Detecting Anisotropy in Very Soft Biological Tissues
Authors: Wang Roy , Gleason Rudolph L.
Published: July 2013

Quantifying the mechanical behavior of very soft tissues (VST) is important when studying responses to injury or designing therapeutic devices; fat, brain, or liver being examples of such tissues. VST can have poor suture retention or clamp holding strength, making tensile tests difficult. As a result, uniaxial compression tests are typically the preferred choice to quantify the mechanical behavior. In these tests, isotropy is generally assumed and measuring the deformation in only one direction is needed if the material is considered incompressible [13]. In this study we present a novel testing apparatus for use on VST under uniaxial compression that can detect anisotropic behavior of the tissue if present. We validate the tester using cardiac adipose tissue and isotropic rubber as the control. Understanding the directional behavior of the tissue is important since anisotropy would require testing in multiple directions to fully characterize the material properties.
Portable Braille Reader
Authors: Jain Pranay , Singhal Anshul , Rao P. V. M.
Published: July 2013

Partial or complete visual impairment, congenital or adventitious, hampers an individual’s visual stimuli perception ability. For reading, the visually impaired primarily rely on Braille, a script read through touch. Its 6-dot and 8-dot configurations have been adapted for use with different languages, making it popular around the globe. However, regular paper, embossed with Braille using manual Braille slates or electronic Braille embossers, loses readability due to damage with each tactile reading. Braille books and other printed materials, usually bulky and expensive, hence go waste after three to five readings. This degrades the state of education and employment and the quality of life in general because reading, a primary necessity, turns expensive, and in some cases, unaffordable.
Geometric morphometrics in herpetology: modern tools for enhancing the study of morphological variation in amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni
Published: July 2013

The use of geometric morphometrics for studying phenotypic variation in amphibians and reptiles has visibly increased in the last decade. These modern tools provide a robust statistical framework to study organismal shape while preserving the geometric properties of the studied structures and thus improve our capacity for investigating patterns of morphological variation, and understanding their ecological and historical causes. Their application in herpetology has shed new light to the remarkable diversity observed among extant and extinct amphibians and reptiles. Here I first briefly consider the historical emergence of geometric morphometric methods, trying to provide a practical guide for herpetologists interested in implementing these tools to their investigation. I then review the wide array of published studies using geometric morphometrics to investigate morphological patterns in amphibians and reptiles. Across different investigation fields, an emergent pattern is the existence of general similarities, but also profound differences, among members of higher taxonomic groups. Size-shape allometry is a common pattern in many groups, but remarkable variation of allometric trajectories exists among closely related taxa. Sexual dimorphism has been extensively studied in reptiles, but less so in amphibians, while the contrary is true for phenotypic plasticity. The use of geometric morphometrics has allowed the detection of potentially adaptive shape patterns and the investigation of their causes. Finally, these methods have been invaluable in the study of fossils and have provided a better understanding of the paleobiology of extinct taxa.
Can free-response questions be approximated by multiple-choice equivalents?
Authors: Lin Shih-Yin , Singh Chandralekha
Published: July 2013

We discuss a study to evaluate the extent to which free-response questions can be approximated by multiple-choice equivalents. Two carefully designed research-based multiple-choice questions were transformed into a free-response format and administered on the final exam in a calculus-based introductory physics course. The original multiple-choice questions were administered in another, similar introductory physics course on the final exam. Our findings suggest that carefully designed multiple-choice questions can reflect the relative performance on the free-response questions while maintaining the benefits of ease of grading and quantitative analysis, especially if the different choices in the multiple-choice questions are weighted to reflect the different levels of understanding that students display.
Does transmission of a weak optical pulse in a dense absorption medium require quantization of the optical field?
Authors: Reintjes J. , Bashkansky Mark
Published: July 2013

We present an analysis of the transmission of a weak optical pulse, with energy 1ℏω0, through a dense absorbing medium with absorption frequency ω0. We analyze the system by treating the optical pulse classically and the absorbing medium quantum mechanically. We find that the probabilistic back reaction of the quantum absorber on the classical pulse impresses statistical behavior on the pulse that does not arise from quantization of the optical field. All properties of the optical transmission and atomic absorption are self-consistent without contradiction. Issues relating to conservation of energy are resolved by considering the impact of superposition states on conservation laws in individual interactions. As a result, we conclude that transmission of a weak optical pulse with energy 1ℏω0 through a dense atomic absorber does not require quantization of the field.
Work and energy in rotating systems
Authors: Manjarres Diego A. , Herrera William J. , Diaz Rodolfo A.
Published: July 2013

The way in which forces transform from an inertial reference frame to a non-inertial rotating frame is well studied in the literature. However, the treatment of the work-energy theorem in rotating systems is not considered in textbooks. In this paper, we show that the work-energy theorem can still be applied to a closed system of particles in a rotating reference frame, as long as the work of fictitious forces is properly included in the formalism. The Coriolis force does not contribute to the work coming from fictitious forces. It is remarkable that real forces that do no work in an inertial reference frame can do work in the rotating reference frame and vice versa.
Using three-dimensional spacetime diagrams in special relativity
Authors: Dray Tevian
Published: July 2013

We provide three examples of the use of geometric reasoning with three-dimensional spacetime diagrams, rather than algebraic manipulations using three-dimensional Lorentz transformations, to analyze problems in special relativity. The examples are the “rising manhole” paradox, the “moving spotlight” problem, and Einstein's light-clock derivation of time dilation.
Exceptional Convergence on the Macroevolutionary Landscape in Island Lizard Radiations
Authors: Mahler D. Luke , Ingram Travis , Revell Liam J. , Losos Jonathan B.
Published: July 2013

Playing the Tape of Life

Should the tape of life be replayed, would it produce the same music? Many influential evolutionary biologists, notably Stephen J. Gould, have argued that the answer is “no.” However, patterns of convergence among different species filling similar niches all over the world have argued that the answer is neither so simple nor perhaps so negative. Classic cases of convergence, such as marsupials on the Australian continent or cichlids across the African rift lakes, have demonstrated that similar ecological pressures can result in species with similar ecological traits. Such classic examples, however, do not allow for the influence of niche filling based purely on chance.

Mahler
et al.

(p.
292
) take advantage of the well-studied species clades of Caribbean anoles to examine patterns of adaptation and niche filling across species and islands. Across-islands convergence on a few distinct adaptive peaks (or niches) has driven diversification of species. Anomalies from these ecotypes are only found on the largest, most diverse islands. Thus, ecological niches powerfully shape species and convergence on particular forms is an inherent component of adaptation. Thus, it seems that the tape of life might play the same music, despite being produced by different instruments.
Predicting and Manipulating Cardiac Drug Inactivation by the Human Gut Bacterium
Eggerthella lenta
Authors: Haiser Henry J. , Gootenberg David B. , Chatman Kelly , Sirasani Gopal , Balskus Emily P. , Turnbaugh Peter J.
Published: July 2013

Digoxin Dangers

A proportion of patients treated with digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart function abnormalities, generate the inactive metabolite, dihydrodigoxin, resulting in poor efficacy.

Haiser
et al.

(p.
295
) examined a potential culprit responsible for this transformation—the actinobacterium,
Eggerthella lenta
—to probe the microbiota-digoxin interaction. Microbe growth was promoted by arginine, and differential expression analysis revealed a two-gene cardiac glycoside reductase (
cgr
) operon that was induced by digoxin in low arginine conditions. Not all strains of
E. lenta
could reduce digoxin and, when fecal samples from healthy people were tested, a spectrum of digoxin inactivation was detected. When the digoxin-reducing strain of
E. lenta
was given to germ-free mice that were fed a high-protein (that is, high-arginine) diet, digoxin levels stayed high in serum, and drug inactivation was suppressed.
Response to Comments on “Can We Name Earth’s Species Before They Go Extinct?”
Authors: Costello Mark J. , May Robert M. , Stork Nigel E.
Published: July 2013

Mora
et al
. disputed that most species will be discovered before they go extinct, but not our main recommendations to accelerate species’ discoveries. We show that our conclusions would be unaltered by discoveries of more microscopic species and reinforce our estimates of species description and extinction rates, that taxonomic effort has never been greater, and that there are 2 to 8 million species on Earth.
Pluripotent Stem Cells Induced from Mouse Somatic Cells by Small-Molecule Compounds
Authors: Hou Pingping , Li Yanqin , Zhang Xu , Liu Chun , Guan Jingyang , Li Honggang , Zhao Ting , Ye Junqing , Yang Weifeng , Liu Kang , Ge Jian , Xu Jun , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Yang , Deng Hongkui
Published: July 2013

Promoting Pluripotency

A specialized mammalian cell can be set back to the pluripotent state either by transfer of the somatic cell nucleus into an oocyte or by delivery of exogenous pluripotency-associated transcription factors.

Hou
et al.

(p.
651
, published online 18 July) developed an approach to induce pluripotency in somatic cells using a cocktail of small molecules. The ability to generate such chemically induced pluripotent stem cells may provide an alternate route for therapeutic cloning and for drug development in regenerative medicine.
Control of Metal Nanocrystal Size Reveals Metal-Support Interface Role for Ceria Catalysts
Authors: Cargnello Matteo , Doan-Nguyen Vicky V. T. , Gordon Thomas R. , Diaz Rosa E. , Stach Eric A. , Gorte Raymond J. , Fornasiero Paolo , Murray Christopher B.
Published: July 2013

A Measure of Metal-Oxide Interfaces

The rate of a catalytic reaction can sometimes be enhanced by using a different metal oxide as the support for adsorbed metal nanoparticles. Such enhancement is often attributed to more active sites at the metal-oxide interface, but it can be difficult to quantify this effect.

Cargnello
et al.

(p.
771
, published online 18 July) synthesized monodisperse nanoparticles of nickel, platinum, and palladium and dispersed them on high-surface-area ceria or alumina supports. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy enabled a detailed analysis of interfacial site structure, which showed that the rate of CO oxidation on ceria was indeed enhanced greatly at interface sites.
A Saga of Industrial Pollution
Toms River
A Story of Science and Salvation

by Dan Fagin

Bantam, New York, 2013. 559 pp. $28, C$34. ISBN 9780553806533.
Authors: Tuomisto Jouni
Published: July 2013

In this detailed and balanced account, Fagin explores the complexities of links between industrial pollution and childhood cancers at Toms River, New Jersey.
Ever-Bigger Viruses Shake Tree of Life
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

With genomes the size of a parasitic eukaryote, newly described viruses vie for a place on the tree of life.
Modulation of Chicken Intestinal Immune Gene Expression by Small Cationic Peptides as Feed Additives during the First Week Posthatch
Authors: Kogut Michael H. , Genovese Kenneth J. , He Haiqi , Swaggerty Christina L. , Jiang Yiwei
Published: July 2013

We have been investigating modulation strategies tailored around the selective stimulation of the host's immune system as an alternative to direct targeting of microbial pathogens by antibiotics. One such approach is the use of a group of small cationic peptides (BT) produced by a Gram-positive soil bacterium,
Brevibacillus texasporus
. These peptides have immune modulatory properties that enhance both leukocyte functional efficiency and leukocyte proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA transcription activities
in vitro
. In addition, when provided as a feed additive for just 4 days posthatch, BT peptides significantly induce a concentration-dependent protection against cecal and extraintestinal colonization by
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis. In the present studies, we assessed the effects of feeding BT peptides on transcriptional changes on proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory chemokines, and Toll-like receptors (TLR) in the ceca of broiler chickens with and without
S
. Enteritidis infection. After feeding a BT peptide-supplemented diet for the first 4 days posthatch, chickens were then challenged with
S
. Enteritidis, and intestinal gene expression was measured at 1 or 7 days postinfection (p.i.) (5 or 11 days of age). Intestinal expression of innate immune mRNA transcripts was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Analysis of relative mRNA expression showed that a BT peptide-supplemented diet did not directly induce the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine, inflammatory chemokine, type I/II interferon (IFN), or TLR mRNA in chicken cecum. However, feeding the BT peptide-supplemented diet primed cecal tissue for increased (
P
≤ 0.05) transcription of TLR4, TLR15, and TLR21 upon infection with
S
. Enteritidis on days 1 and 7 p.i. Likewise, feeding the BT peptides primed the cecal tissue for increased transcription of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-18, type I and II IFNs) and inflammatory chemokine (CxCLi2) in response to
S
. Enteritidis infection 1 and 7 days p.i. compared to the chickens fed the basal diet. These small cationic peptides may prove useful as alternatives to antibiotics as local immune modulators in neonatal poultry by providing prophylactic protection against
Salmonella
infections.
Draft Genome Sequence of Agarivorans albus Strain MKT 106
T
, an Agarolytic Marine Bacterium
Authors: Yasuike Motoshige , Nakamura Yoji , Kai Wataru , Fujiwara Atushi , Fukui Youhei , Satomi Masataka , Sano Motohiko
Published: July 2013

Agarivorans albus
is a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, and agar-hydrolyzing marine bacterium. We present the draft genome sequence of the
A. albus
strain MKT 106
T
, which is composed of 67 contigs (>500 bp) totaling 4,734,285 bp and containing 4,397 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), four rRNAs, and 64 tRNA sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Reassortant Avian Influenza H1N2 Virus Isolated from a Domestic Sparrow in 2012
Authors: Xie Zhixun , Guo Jie , Xie Liji , Liu Jiabo , Pang Yaoshan , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Fan Qing , Luo Sisi
Published: July 2013

We report here the complete genome sequence of a novel H1N2 avian influenza virus strain, A/Sparrow /Guangxi/GXs-1/2012 (H1N2), isolated from a sparrow in the Guangxi Province of southern China in 2012. All of the 8 gene segments (hemagglutinin [HA], nucleoprotein [NP], matrix [M], polymerase basic 2 [PB2], neuraminidase [NA], polymerase acidic [PA], polymerase basic 1 [PB1], and nonstructural [NS] genes) of this natural recombinant virus are attributed to the Eurasian lineage, and phylogenetic analysis showed that those genes are derived from H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, H4N6, H6N2, H10N8, H5N1, and H4N6 avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The amino acid motif of the cleavage site of HA is PSIQSR↓GLF. The sequence analysis will help in understanding the molecular characteristics and epidemiology of the H1N2 influenza virus in sparrows.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Salinarchaeum
sp. Strain HArcht-Bsk1
T
, Isolated from Hypersaline Lake Baskunchak, Russia
Authors: Dominova I. N. , Sorokin D. Y. , Kublanov I. V. , Patrushev M. V. , Toshchakov S. V.
Published: July 2013

The complete genome sequence of a novel halophilic archaeon,
Salinarchaeum
sp. strain HArcht-Bsk1
T
, was determined using next-generation sequencing. The genome comprises a 3,255,260-bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 66.7%. Automatic annotation of the genome revealed a single rRNA operon, 45 tRNAs, and 3,013 protein-coding gene sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of Indibacter alkaliphilus Strain LW1
T
, Isolated from Lonar Lake, a Haloalkaline Lake in the Buldana District of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Singh Ajit , Kumar Jangir Pramod , Sharma Rakesh , Singh Aditya , Kumar Pinnaka Anil , Shivaji S.
Published: July 2013

We report the 5.0-Mb genome sequence of
Indibacter alkaliphilus
strain LW1
T
, isolated from a haloalkaline crater lake in the Buldana district, Maharashtra, India.
Infection with Hemotropic Mycoplasma Species in Patients with or without Extensive Arthropod or Animal Contact
Authors: Maggi Ricardo G. , Compton Sarah M. , Trull Chelsea L. , Mascarelli Patricia E. , Mozayeni B. Robert , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: July 2013

PCR amplification targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to test individuals with and without extensive arthropod and animal contact for the possibility of hemotropic mycoplasma infection. The prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma infection (4.7%) was significantly greater in previously reported cohorts of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, spouses of veterinary professionals, and others with extensive arthropod exposure and/or frequent animal contact than in a previously reported cohort of patients examined by a rheumatologist because of chronic joint pain or evidence of small-vessel disease (0.7%). Based upon DNA sequence analysis, aMycoplasma ovis-like species was the most prevalent organism detected; however, infection with “CandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum” and a potentially novel, but incompletely characterized, hemotropicMycoplasmaspecies was also documented. Historical exposure to animals and arthropod vectors that can harbor hemotropicMycoplasmaspp. should be considered during epidemiological investigations and in the evaluation of individual patients.
Isolation and Characterization of Small-Colony Variants of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale
Authors: Zahra Mohammad , Ferreri Miro , Alkasir Rashad , Yin Jinhua , Han Bo , Su Jingliang
Published: July 2013

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale
is a Gram-negative bacterium associated with respiratory diseases in many avian species, with worldwide distribution, and it causes significant economic loss to the poultry industry. In this study, the isolation and characterization of
O. rhinotracheale
small-colony variants (SCVs) are described for the first time.
O. rhinotracheale
isolates (
n
= 27) were recovered from tracheal samples (
n
= 321) collected from different avian species with clinical signs of respiratory disease. Of the 27
O. rhinotracheale
isolates, 21 (77.8%) showed SCVs in their primary cultures. Five
O. rhinotracheale
SCV isolates showed high levels of stability and were chosen for further characterization with their wild-type (WT) isolates. Stable
O. rhinotracheale
SCVs were oxidase negative, while their WT isolates were positive. Growth curves for stable
O. rhinotracheale
SCVs indicated lower growth rates and longer lag phases than for their WT isolates. Furthermore, it was possible to increase the efficacy of the broth medium in supporting the growth of
O. rhinotracheale
WT isolates by supplementing it with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 2% IsoVitaleX Enrichment. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that
O. rhinotracheale
SCVs had higher MIC values than their WT isolates. This study suggests that successful antibiotic treatment of respiratory diseases associated with
O. rhinotracheale
must take into consideration the resistance patterns of
O. rhinotracheale
SCVs. Intracellular persistence in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages revealed that
O. rhinotracheale
SCV28 had higher survival rates than its WT isolate. Finally, small-colony variants may be important contributors to the pathogenesis of
O. rhinotracheale
.
Dissection of the C-Terminal Region of E1A Redefines the Roles of CtBP and Other Cellular Targets in Oncogenic Transformation
Authors: Cohen M. J. , Yousef A. F. , Massimi P. , Fonseca G. J. , Todorovic B. , Pelka P. , Turnell A. S. , Banks L. , Mymryk J. S.
Published: July 2013

Human adenovirus E1A makes extensive connections with the cellular protein interaction network. By doing so, E1A can manipulate many cellular programs, including cell cycle progression. Through these reprogramming events, E1A functions as a growth-promoting oncogene and has been used extensively to investigate mechanisms contributing to oncogenesis. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the C-terminal region of E1A contributes to oncogenic transformation. Although this region is required for transformation in cooperation with E1B, it paradoxically suppresses transformation in cooperation with activated Ras. Previous analysis has suggested that the interaction of E1A with CtBP plays a pivotal role in both activities. However, some C-terminal mutants of E1A retain CtBP binding and yet exhibit defects in transformation, suggesting that other targets of this region are also necessary. To explore the roles of these additional factors, we performed an extensive mutational analysis of the C terminus of E1A. We identified key residues that are specifically required for binding all known targets of the C terminus of E1A. We further tested each mutant for the ability to both localize to the nucleus and transform primary rat cells in cooperation with E1B-55K or Ras. Interaction of E1A with importin α3/Qip1, dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), HAN11, and CtBP influenced transformation with E1B-55K. Interestingly, the interaction of E1A with DYRK1A and HAN11 appeared to play a role in suppression of transformation by activated Ras whereas interaction with CtBP was not necessary. This unexpected result suggests a need for revision of current models and provides new insight into transformation by the C terminus of E1A.
A Novel Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody Platform To Dissect the Diverse Repertoire of Antibody Epitopes for HIV-1 Env Immunogen Design
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Vaine Michael , Wallace Aaron , Han Dong , Wan Shengqin , Seaman Michael S. , Montefiori David , Wang Shixia , Lu Shan
Published: July 2013

The majority of available monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in the current HIV vaccine field are generated from HIV-1-infected people. In contrast, preclinical immunogenicity studies have mainly focused on polyclonal antibody responses in experimental animals. Although rabbits have been widely used for antibody studies, there has been no report of using rabbit MAbs to dissect the specificity of antibody responses for AIDS vaccine development. Here we report on the production of a panel of 12 MAbs from a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit that was immunized with an HIV-1 JR-FL gp120 DNA prime and protein boost vaccination regimen. These rabbit MAbs recognized a diverse repertoire of envelope (Env) epitopes ranging from the highly immunogenic V3 region to several previously underappreciated epitopes in the C1, C4, and C5 regions. Nine MAbs showed cross-reactivity to gp120s of clades other than clade B. Increased somatic mutation and extended CDR3 were observed with Ig genes of several molecularly cloned rabbit MAbs. Phylogenic tree analysis showed that the heavy chains of MAbs recognizing the same region on gp120 tend to segregate into an independent subtree. At least three rabbit MAbs showed neutralizing activities with various degrees of breadth and potency. The establishment of this rabbit MAb platform will significantly enhance our ability to test optimal designs of Env immunogens to gain a better understanding of the structural specificity and evolution process of Env-specific antibody responses elicited by candidate AIDS vaccines.
Rabbit Anti-HIV-1 Monoclonal Antibodies Raised by Immunization Can Mimic the Antigen-Binding Modes of Antibodies Derived from HIV-1-Infected Humans
Authors: Pan Ruimin , Sampson Jared M. , Chen Yuxin , Vaine Michael , Wang Shixia , Lu Shan , Kong Xiang-Peng
Published: July 2013

The rabbit is a commonly used animal model in studying antibody responses in HIV/AIDS vaccine development. However, no rabbit monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been developed previously to study the epitope-specific antibody responses against HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoproteins, and little is known about how the rabbit immune system can mimic the human immune system in eliciting such antibodies. Here we present structural analyses of two rabbit MAbs, R56 and R20, against the third variable region (V3) of HIV-1 gp120. R56 recognizes the well-studied immunogenic region in the V3 crown, while R20 targets a less-studied region at the C terminus of V3. By comparison of the Fab/epitope complex structures of these two antibodies raised by immunization with that of the corresponding human antibodies derived from patients chronically infected with HIV-1, we found that rabbit antibodies can recognize immunogenic regions of gp120 and mimic the binding modes of human antibodies. This result can provide new insight into the use of the rabbit as an animal model in AIDS vaccine development.
Human Cytomegalovirus Interleukin-10 Polarizes Monocytes toward a Deactivated M2c Phenotype To Repress Host Immune Responses
Authors: Avdic Selmir , Cao John Z. , McSharry Brian P. , Clancy Leighton E. , Brown Rebecca , Steain Megan , Gottlieb David J. , Abendroth Allison , Slobedman Barry
Published: July 2013

Several human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genes encode products that modulate cellular functions in a manner likely to enhance viral pathogenesis. This includesUL111A, which encodes homologs of human interleukin-10 (hIL-10). Depending upon signals received, monocytes and macrophages become polarized to either classically activated (M1 proinflammatory) or alternatively activated (M2 anti-inflammatory) subsets. Skewing of polarization toward an M2 subset may benefit the virus by limiting the proinflammatory responses to infection, and so we determined whether HCMV-encoded viral IL-10 influenced monocyte polarization. Recombinant viral IL-10 protein polarized CD14+monocytes toward an anti-inflammatory M2 subset with an M2c phenotype, as demonstrated by high expression of CD163 and CD14 and suppression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Significantly, in the context of productive HCMV infection, viral IL-10 produced by infected cells polarized uninfected monocytes toward an M2c phenotype. We also assessed the impact of viral IL-10 on heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), which is an enzyme linked with suppression of inflammatory responses. Polarization of monocytes by viral IL-10 resulted in upregulation of HO-1, and inhibition of HO-1 function resulted in a loss of capacity of viral IL-10 to suppress tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β, implicating HO-1 in viral IL-10-induced suppression of proinflammatory cytokines by M2c monocytes. In addition, a functional consequence of monocytes polarized with viral IL-10 was a decreased capacity to activate CD4+T cells. This study identifies a novel role for viral IL-10 in driving M2c polarization, which may limit virus clearance by restricting proinflammatory and CD4+T cell responses at sites of infection.
Mammalian Adaptation in the PB2 Gene of Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus
Authors: Min Ji-Young , Santos Celia , Fitch Adam , Twaddle Alan , Toyoda Yoshiko , DePasse Jay V. , Ghedin Elodie , Subbarao Kanta
Published: July 2013

The substitution of glutamic acid (E) for lysine (K) at position 627 of the PB2 protein of avian H5N1 viruses has been identified as a virulence and host range determinant for infection of mammals. Here, we report that the E-to-K host-adaptive mutation in the PB2 gene appeared from day 4 and 5 along the respiratory tracts of mice and was complete by day 6 postinoculation. This mutation correlated with efficient replication of the virus in mice.
Fematrin-1 Is Involved in Fetomaternal Cell-to-Cell Fusion in Bovinae Placenta and Has Contributed to Diversity of Ruminant Placentation
Authors: Nakaya Yuki , Koshi Katsuo , Nakagawa So , Hashizume Kazuyoshi , Miyazawa Takayuki
Published: July 2013

During placentation, mammals employ different strategies for nourishing and supporting fetuses. Members of the Bovidae family, consisting of cloven-hoofed ruminants, utilize multiple maternal attachment points on the placenta, known as cotyledons, and hybrid cells, named trinucleate cells or syncytial plaques, made up of a fusion of fetal trophoblasts and maternal endometrial cells to provide essential hormones and maintain long gestation periods. These hybrid cells are unique to the Bovidae, as fetomaternal borders are clearly separated by syncytiotrophoblasts or epithelial cells in the placenta of other mammals. Recently, it was reported that Syncytin-Rum1 was inserted into ruminant genomes, including cattle and sheep, and was possibly involved in fetomaternal cell-to-cell fusion in both species. However, Syncytin-Rum1 alone is insufficient to explain the morphological diversity of the fetomaternal hybrids between Bovinae and Caprinae (i.e., trinucleate cells in Bovinae and syncytial plaques in Caprinae). Here we report that the bovine endogenous retrovirus K1 (BERV-K1) envelope, which we term Fematrin-1, was specifically expressed in binucleated trophoblasts throughout gestation in cattle and induced fusion with bovine endometrial cells
in vitro
at a significantly higher level than Syncytin-Rum1 under physiological conditions.
Fematrin-1
was found to be integrated into intron 18 of FAT tumor suppressor homolog 2 (
FAT2
) about 18.3 to 25.4 million years ago and has been subject to purifying selection through the evolution of Bovinae. Phylogenetically,
Fematrin-1
is distinct from
Syncytin
genes found in other mammalian species that form syncytiotrophoblasts. Our results suggest that the newly acquired endogenous retroelement has contributed to generating placentation diversity through ruminant evolution.
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Circulating Polyomavirus BK VP1-Specific CD8
+
T Cells in Healthy Adults
Authors: van Aalderen Michiel C. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , Heutinck Kirstin M. , ten Brinke Anja , Pircher Hanspeter , van Lier René A. W. , ten Berge Ineke J. M.
Published: July 2013

The human polyomavirus BK virus (BKV) establishes a latent and asymptomatic infection in the majority of the population. In immunocompromised individuals, the virus frequently (re)activates and may cause severe disease such as interstitial nephritis and hemorrhagic cystitis. Currently, the therapeutic options are limited to reconstitution of the antiviral immune response. T cells are particularly important for controlling this virus, and T cell therapies may provide a highly specific and effective mode of treatment. However, little is known about the phenotype and function of BKV-specific T cells in healthy individuals. Using tetrameric BKV peptide-HLA-A02 complexes, we determined the presence, phenotype, and functional characteristics of circulating BKV VP1-specific CD8
+
T cells in 5 healthy individuals. We show that these cells are present in low frequencies in the circulation and that they have a resting CD45RA
−
CD27
+
memory and predominantly CCR7
−
CD127
+
KLRG1
+
CD49d
hi
CXCR3
hi
T-bet
int
Eomesodermin
lo
phenotype. Furthermore, their direct cytotoxic capacity seems to be limited, since they do not readily express granzyme B and express only little granzyme K. We compared these cells to circulating CD8
+
T cells specific for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and influenza virus (Flu) in the same donors and show that BKV-specific T cells have a phenotype that is distinct from that of CMV- and EBV-specific T cells. Lastly, we show that BKV-specific T cells are polyfunctional since they are able to rapidly express interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α, and also, to a much lower extent, MIP-1β and CD107a.
Determinants of workplace injury among Thai Cohort Study participants
Authors: Berecki-Gisolf Janneke , Tawatsupa Benjawan , McClure Roderick , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To explore individual determinants of workplace injury among Thai workers.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of a large national cohort.

Setting

Thailand.

Participants

Thai Cohort Study participants who responded to the 2009 follow-up survey were included if they reported doing paid work or being self-employed (n=51 751).

Outcome measures

Self-reported injury incidence over the past 12 months was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test associations between individual determinants and self-reported workplace injury.

Results

Workplace injuries were reported by 1317 study participants (2.5%); the incidence was 34 (95% CI 32 to 36)/1000 worker-years for men, and 18 (17–20) for women. Among men working ≥41 h and earning <10 000 Baht, the injury rate was four times higher compared with men working <11 h and earning ≥20 001 Baht; differences in injury rates were less pronounced in women. Multivariate modelling showed that working ≥49 h/week (23%) and working for ≤10 000 Bath/month (37%) were associated with workplace injury. The increase in injury risk with increased working hours did not exceed the risk expected from increased exposure.

Conclusions

Reductions in occupational injury rates could be achieved by limiting working hours to 48/week. Particularly for Thai low wage earners and those with longer workdays, there is a need for effective injury preventive programmes.
A structured judgement method to enhance mortality case note review: development and evaluation
Authors: Hutchinson Allen , Coster Joanne E , Cooper Katy L , Pearson Michael , McIntosh Aileen , Bath Peter A
Published: July 2013

Background

Case note review remains a prime means of retrospectively assessing quality of care. This study examines a new implicit judgement method, combining structured reviewer comments with quality of care scores, to assess care of people who die in hospital.

Methods

Using 1566 case notes from 20 English hospitals, 40 physicians each reviewed 30–40 case notes, writing structured judgement-based comments on care provided within three phases of care, and on care overall, and scoring quality of care from 1 (unsatisfactory) to 6 (very best care). Quality of care comments on 119 people who died (7.6% of the cohort) were analysed independently by two researchers to investigate how well reviewers provided structured short judgement notes on quality of care, together with appropriate care scores. Consistency between explanatory textual data and related scores was explored, using overall care score to group cases.

Results

Physician reviewers made informative, clinical judgement-based comments across all phases of care and usually provided a coherent quality of care score relating to each phase. The majority of comments (83%) were explicit judgements. About a fifth of patients were considered to have received less than satisfactory care, often experiencing a series of adverse events.

Conclusions

A combination of implicit judgement, explicit explanatory comment and related quality of care scores can be used effectively to review the spectrum of care provided for people who die in hospital. The method can be used to quickly evaluate deaths so that lessons can be learned about both poor and high quality care.
Home and work neighbourhood environments in relation to body mass index: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Moore Kari , Diez Roux Ana V , Auchincloss Amy , Evenson Kelly R , Kaufman Joel , Mujahid Mahasin , Williams Kayleen
Published: July 2013

Background

Little is known about the neighbourhood characteristics of workplaces, the extent to which they are independently and synergistically correlated with residential environments, and their impact on health.

Methods

This study investigated cross-sectional relationships between home and workplace neighbourhood environments with body mass index (BMI) in 1503 working participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis with mean age 59.6 (SD=7.4). Neighbourhood features were socioeconomic status (SES), social environment (aesthetic quality, safety and social cohesion) and physical environment (walking environment, recreational facilities and food stores) derived from census data, locational data on businesses and survey data. Paired t tests and correlations compared environments overall and by distance between locations. Cross-classified multilevel models estimated associations with BMI.

Results

Home neighbourhoods had more favourable social environments while workplaces had more favourable SES and physical environments. Workplace and home measures were correlated (0.39–0.70), and differences between home and workplaces were larger as distance increased. Associations between BMI and neighbourhood SES and recreational facilities were stronger for home environment (p≤0.05) but did not significantly differ for healthy food, safety or social cohesion. Healthy food availability at home and work appeared to act synergistically (interaction p=0.01).

Conclusions

Consideration of workplace environment may enhance our understanding of how place affects BMI.
Assessment of current design procedures for conical tanks under seismic loading
Authors: Jolie M. , Hassan M.M. , El Damatty A.A.
Published: July 2013

This study is motivated by the fact that no design provisions currently exist specifically for conical tanks under seismic excitations. The design of liquid storage structures is governed by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Petroleum Institute (API), or Eurocode 8. An approximate method based on replacing the conical tank with an equivalent cylinder is given in these design codes. The state of stresses in conical tanks is different than that of cylindrical tanks. A previously established equivalent mechanical model is used to determine the response of a number of conical tanks under horizontal excitations. The models incorporate the different components of the hydrodynamic pressure and account for flexibility of the tank walls. Using an assortment of seismic hazard areas, the maximum base shear force and overturning moment are evaluated for a number of conical tanks. Those are compared to the corresponding values predicted by the design codes using the equivalent cylinder approach. The results reveal that this approximate approach is not adequate for designing conical tanks to resist seismic excitations.
Stock–recruitment relations controlled by feeding interactions alone
Authors: Rossberg Axel G. , Houle Jennifer E. , Hyder Kieran
Published: July 2013

Stock–recruitment (S–R) relationships are the centrepiece of fisheries management aimed at achieving maximum sustainable yield. Here we consider the possibility that the density dependence evident in S–R relations is controlled by feeding interactions alone. We simulate a food-web model with dynamic representations of intra- and inter-specific size structure and a linear relation between food intake and hatchling production of adults. Population sizes of individual stocks are modified by imposing additional mortality. The predominant functional forms and the steepness of resulting S–R relationships agree well with observations. We conclude that recruitment is plausibly regulated by feeding interactions alone.
Production of O(1D) following electron impact on CO2
Authors: Kedzierski W. , Hein J.D. , Tiessen C.J. , Lukic D. , Trocchi J.A. , Mlinaric T.Z. , McConkey J.W.
Published: July 2013

We have studied the excitation of metastable O(1D) following dissociative excitation of CO2 in the electron impact energy range from threshold to 400 eV. A solid Ne matrix at ∼20 K forms the heart of the detector. This is sensitive to the metastable species through the formation of excited excimers (NeO*), The resultant excimer radiation is readily detected, providing a means of measuring the production of the metastables. Using a pulsed electron beam and time-of-flight techniques, we have measured the O(1D) kinetic energy spectrum and its relative production cross sections as a function of electron impact energy. Threshold energy data are used to gain information about the excitation channels involved. In addition, an emission excitation function for the red photons, emitted in coincidence with the exciting electron pulse, has been measured in the 0–400 eV energy range.
Assessing the effects of fish density, habitat complexity, and current velocity on interference competition between bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in an artificial stream
Authors: Warnock Will G. , Rasmussen Joseph B.
Published: July 2013

In this experiment, competition was observed among native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus (Suckley, 1859)) and non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814)) in artificial streams. In intraspecific competitions, brook trout engaged in territorial interference foraging strategies, and their foraging success was correlated with occupancy of the lead position in the stream. No correlation was apparent for bull trout, most of which engaged in nonterritorial scramble foraging tactics. In interspecific competitions, four stream environments were constructed in which fish density, habitat complexity, and current velocity were altered. Bull trout outcompeted brook trout for food in simple pool habitat devoid of cover when competition was head-to-head (density = 3 fish·m−2) between the species. When competitor number was doubled in this habitat, the two became equal competitors. At this higher density, bull trout again outcompeted brook trout for food when the habitat was changed to a complex riffle with substrate cover. Brook trout were more aggressive towards bull trout than vice versa, and interspecific aggression was decreased by low density, cover, and high stream velocity. Territorial brook trout aggressively interfere with their competitor for access to resources, but the success and intensity of this tactic against bull trout may be mitigated by environmental factors.
VISION-BASED OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE NAVIGATION WITH AUTONOMOUS HUMANOID ROBOTS FOR STRUCTURED COMPETITION PROBLEMS
Authors: KUO CHUNG-HSIEN , CHOU HUNG-CHYUN , CHI SHOU-WEI , LIEN YU-DE
Published: July 2013

Biped humanoid robots have been developed to successfully perform human-like locomotion. Based on the use of well-developed locomotion control systems, humanoid robots are further expected to achieve high-level intelligence, such as vision-based obstacle avoidance navigation. To provide standard obstacle avoidance navigation problems for autonomous humanoid robot researches, the HuroCup League of Federation of International Robot-Soccer Association (FIRA) and the RoboCup Humanoid League defined the conditions and rules in competitions to evaluate the performance. In this paper, the vision-based obstacle avoidance navigation approaches for humanoid robots were proposed in terms of combining the techniques of visual localization, obstacle map construction and artificial potential field (APF)-based reactive navigations. Moreover, a small-size humanoid robot (HuroEvolutionJR) and an adult-size humanoid robot (HuroEvolutionAD) were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed obstacle avoidance navigation approach. The navigation performance was evaluated with the distance of ground truth trajectory collected from a motion capture system. Finally, the experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of using vision-based localization and obstacle map construction approaches. Moreover, the APF-based navigation approach was capable of achieving smaller trajectory distance when compared to conventional just-avoiding-nearest-obstacle-rule approach.