bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Loop Formed by Residues 340 to 343 of Reovirus μ1 Controls Entry-Related Conformational Changes
Authors: Snyder Anthony J. , Danthi Pranav
Published: August 2017

Reovirus particles are covered with 200 μ1/σ3 heterohexamers. Following attachment to cell surface receptors, reovirus is internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Within the endosome, particles undergo a series of stepwise disassembly events. First, the σ3 protector protein is degraded by cellular proteases to generate infectious subviral particles (ISVPs). Second, the μ1 protein rearranges into a protease-sensitive conformation to generate ISVP*s and releases two virus-encoded peptides, μ1N and Φ. The released peptides promote delivery of the genome-containing core by perforating the endosomal membrane. Thus, to establish a productive infection, virions must be stable in the environment but flexible to disassemble in response to the appropriate cellular cue. The reovirus outer capsid is stabilized by μ1 intratrimer, intertrimer, and trimer-core interactions. As a consequence of ISVP-to-ISVP* conversion, neighboring μ1 trimers unwind and separate. Located within the μ1 jelly roll β barrel domain, which is a known regulator of ISVP* formation, residues 340 to 343 form a loop and have been proposed to facilitate viral entry. To test this idea, we generated recombinant reoviruses that encoded deletions within this loop (Δ341 and Δ342). Both deletions destabilized the outer capsid. Notably, Δ342 impaired the viral life cycle; however, replicative fitness was restored by an additional change (V403A) within the μ1 jelly roll β barrel domain. In the Δ341 and Δ342 backgrounds, V403A also rescued defects in ISVP-to-ISVP* conversion. Together, these findings reveal a new region that regulates reovirus disassembly and how perturbing a metastable capsid can compromise replicative fitness.

IMPORTANCE
Capsids of nonenveloped viruses are composed of protein complexes that encapsulate, or form a shell around, nucleic acid. The protein-protein interactions that form this shell must be stable to protect the viral genome but also sufficiently flexible to disassemble during cell entry. Thus, capsids adopt conformations that undergo rapid disassembly in response to a specific cellular cue. In this work, we identify a new region within the mammalian orthoreovirus outer capsid that regulates particle stability. Amino acid deletions that destabilize this region impair the viral replication cycle. Nonetheless, replicative fitness is restored by a compensatory mutation that restores particle stability. Together, this work demonstrates the critical balance between assembling virions that are stable and maintaining conformational flexibility. Any factor that perturbs this balance has the potential to block a productive infection.
Retrovirus-Based Virus-Like Particle Immunogenicity and Its Modulation by Toll-Like Receptor Activation
Authors: Pitoiset Fabien , Vazquez Thomas , Levacher Beatrice , Nehar-Belaid Djamel , Dérian Nicolas , Vigneron James , Klatzmann David , Bellier Bertrand
Published: August 2017

Retrovirus-derived virus-like particles (VLPs) are particularly interesting vaccine platforms, as they trigger efficient humoral and cellular immune responses and can be used to display heterologous antigens. In this study, we characterized the intrinsic immunogenicity of VLPs and investigated their possible adjuvantization by incorporation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. We designed a noncoding single-stranded RNA (ncRNA) that could be encapsidated by VLPs and induce TLR7/8 signaling. We found that VLPs efficiently induce
in vitro
dendritic cell activation, which can be improved by ncRNA encapsidation (
ncRNA
VLPs). Transcriptome studies of dendritic cells harvested from the spleens of immunized mice identified antigen presentation and immune activation as the main gene expression signatures induced by VLPs, while TLR signaling and Th1 signatures characterize
ncRNA
VLPs.
In vivo
and compared with standard VLPs,
ncRNA
VLPs promoted Th1 responses and improved CD8
+
T cell proliferation in a MyD88-dependent manner. In an HIV vaccine mouse model, HIV-pseudotyped
ncRNA
VLPs elicited stronger antigen-specific cellular and humoral responses than VLPs. Altogether, our findings provide molecular evidence for a strong vaccine potential of retrovirus-derived VLPs that can be further improved by harnessing TLR-mediated immune activation.

IMPORTANCE
We previously reported that DNA vaccines encoding antigens displayed in/on retroviral VLPs are more efficient than standard DNA vaccines at inducing cellular and humoral immune responses. We aimed to decipher the mechanisms and investigated the VLPs' immunogenicity independently of DNA vaccination. We show that VLPs have the ability to activate antigen-presenting cells directly, thus confirming their intrinsic immunostimulatory properties and their potential to be used as an antigenic platform. Notably, this immunogenicity can be further improved and/or oriented by the incorporation into VLPs of ncRNA, which provides further TLR-mediated activation and Th1-type CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell response orientation. Our results highlight the versatility of retrovirus-derived VLP design and the value of using ncRNA as an intrinsic vaccine adjuvant.
Persistent Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Infection Enhances Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 Adhesion by Promoting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Xia Lu , Dai Lei , Yu Qinghua , Yang Qian
Published: August 2017

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a coronavirus characterized by diarrhea and high morbidity rates, and the mortality rate is 100% in piglets less than 2 weeks old. Pigs infected with TGEV often suffer secondary infection by other pathogens, which aggravates the severity of diarrhea, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that persistent TGEV infection stimulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and thus enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) can more easily adhere to generating cells. Intestinal epithelial cells are the primary targets of TGEV and ETEC infections. We found that TGEV can persistently infect porcine intestinal columnar epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) and cause EMT, consistent with multiple changes in key cell characteristics. Infected cells display fibroblast-like shapes; exhibit increases in levels of mesenchymal markers with a corresponding loss of epithelial markers; have enhanced expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNAs; and demonstrate increases in migratory and invasive behaviors. Additional experiments showed that the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways via TGF-β is critical for the TGEV-mediated EMT process. Cellular uptake is also modified in cells that have undergone EMT. TGEV-infected cells have higher levels of integrin α5 and fibronectin and exhibit enhanced ETEC K88 adhesion. Reversal of EMT reduces ETEC K88 adhesion and inhibits the expression of integrin α5 and fibronectin. Overall, these results suggest that TGEV infection induces EMT in IPEC-J2 cells, increasing the adhesion of ETEC K88 in the intestine and facilitating dual infection.

IMPORTANCE
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) causes pig diarrhea and is often followed by secondary infection by other pathogens. In this study, we showed that persistent TGEV infection induces an EMT in porcine intestinal columnar epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) and enhances the adhesion of the secondary pathogen ETEC K88. Additional experiments suggest that integrin α5 and fibronectin play an important role in TGEV-enhanced ETEC K88 adhesion. Reversal of EMT reduces the expression of integrin α5 and fibronectin and also reduces ETEC K88 adhesion. We conclude that TGEV infection triggers EMT and facilitates dual infection. Our results provide new insights into secondary infection and suggest that targeted anti-EMT therapy may have implications for the prevention and treatment of secondary infection.
Presence and pattern of scarring in children born very preterm
Authors: Tottman Anna C , Alsweiler Jane M , Bloomfield Frank H , Harding Jane E
Published: August 2017

The long-term scarring burden of preterm infants undergoing modern neonatal intensive care is not known. This observational cohort study aimed to document the presence and pattern of scarring in children born <30 weeks’ gestation or <1500 g birth weight and cared for at the National Women’s Health neonatal intensive care unit, Auckland, New Zealand. Children were examined at 7 years’ corrected age and the presence, size, number and distribution of scars documented. Scarring was seen in 90% of 129 children assessed, with 81% having multiple scars, 60% having large scars (85% of whom had no history of major neonatal surgery) and 75% having more than one body area scarred. Scarring was more common in boys and in children of non-European ethnicity. Despite modern neonatal intensive care practices, children born very preterm are frequently and extensively scarred at school age.
Tetraparesia: an unusual presentation of disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Quaresma Filipa , Bentes Jesus Margarida
Published: August 2017

A 48-year-old man with a 4 months history of asthenia, anorexia, 10 kg weight loss and 1 month of hematuria and dysuria was admitted to another hospital for sudden muscular weakness. He was found to have areflexic tetraparesis and was referred to our hospital.

On admission, he was bradycardic, tachypneic, with flaccid tetraplegia. Laboratory results showed metabolic acidemia, severe hyperkalemia and hyponatremia, acute renal dysfunction and sterile pyuria. After hyperkalemia correction, the neurological symptoms resolved.

On the second day, he became febrile and chest radiograph and CT images showed a pulmonary bilateral reticulomicronodular pattern, left hydronephrosis and diffuse bladder wall thickening. Disseminated tuberculosis was considered as diagnosis by the coexistence of this imagiologic alterations and sterile pyuria. Acid-fast test forMycobacteriumtuberculosiswas negative, but the urine culture became positive after 2 weeks.

Antituberculosis treatment was started. One year later, he was asymptomatic and the structural urinary lesions had disappeared.
Assessment of health-related quality of life and psychological well-being of children and adolescents with obesity enrolled in a New Zealand community-based intervention programme: an observational study
Authors: Anderson Yvonne C , Wynter Lisa E , Treves Katharine F , Grant Cameron C , Stewart Joanna M , Cave Tami L , Wouldes Trecia A , Derraik José G B , Cutfield Wayne S , Hofman Paul L
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological well-being of children and adolescents at enrolment in a multidisciplinary community-based obesity programme and to determine association with ethnicity. This programme targeted indigenous people and those from most deprived households. Further, this cohort was compared with other populations/normative data.

Methods

This study examines baseline demographic data of an unblinded randomised controlled clinical trial. Participants (recruited from January 2012-August 2014) resided in Taranaki, New Zealand, and for this study we only included those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥98th percentile (obese). HRQOL and psychological well-being were assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL V.4.0TM) (parent and child reports), and Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)/Youth Self Report (YSR).

Results

Assessments were undertaken for 233 participants (45% Māori, 45% New Zealand European, 10% other ethnicities, 52% female, 30% from the most deprived household quintile), mean age 10.6 years. The mean BMI SD score (SDS) was 3.12 (range 2.01–5.34). Total PedsQL generic scaled score (parent) was lower (mean=63.4, SD 14.0) than an age-matched group of Australian children without obesity from the Health of Young Victorians study (mean=83.1, SD 12.5). In multivariable models, child and parental generic scaled scores decreased in older children (β=−0.70 and p=0.031, β=−0.64 and p=0.047, respectively). Behavioural difficulties (CBCL/YSR total score) were reported in 43.5% of participants, with the rate of emotional/behavioural difficulties six times higher than reported norms (p<0.001).

Conclusions

In this cohort, children and adolescents with obesity had a low HRQOL, and a concerning level of psychological difficulties, irrespective of ethnicity. Obesity itself rather than ethnicity or deprivation appeared to contribute to lower HRQOL scores. This study highlights the importance of psychologist involvement in obesity intervention programmes.

Trial registration number

Australian NZ Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR 12611000862943; Pre-results.
Improving waiting times in the orthopaedic outpatient clinic
Authors: Street Julia , Khan Wajeeha , Tong Aureola , Shanbhag Vasudev
Published: August 2017

BackgroundReducing waiting times for patients is a worthy goal for all healthcare professionals. The means and ability to carry out nerve conduction studies in the hand outpatient clinic has the potential to reduce waiting times between appointments for patients with upper limb neural compression.

MethodsWe assessed the pathway of patients presenting with upper limb neural compression in the Aneurin Bevan Trust. Overall, 115 patients were included, being assessed in four different patient pathway groups.

ResultsWe found that by implementing a nerve conduction clinic, and then that of a one stop clinic, we were able to reduce the median waiting times from referral to surgical intervention, to 133 days.

ConclusionThe introduction of nerve conduction clinics allowed the one stop clinic to be established, achieving the goal of reducing patient waiting times.
Implementing the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: lessons learnt on a quality improvement initiative to improve mother and newborn care at Gobabis District Hospital, Namibia
Authors: Kabongo Leonard , Gass Jonathon , Kivondo Beatrice , Kara Nabihah , Semrau Katherine , Hirschhorn Lisa R
Published: August 2017

BackgroundAlthough there are many evidence-based practices that reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality around the time of birth, there remains a gap between what is known and the care received. This know-do gap is a source of preventable maternal and perinatal deaths and is the focus of improvement efforts in many countries. Following an increase in perinatal and maternal deaths, Gobabis District Hospital initiated a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase adherence to these WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC)-targeted essential birth practices (EBPs).

MethodsWe implemented the SCC with support from leadership, coaching and organisational redesign. Implementation was led by a facility champion supported by a QI team and adapted through a series of three 8-week Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles.

ResultsDuring the 6-month period, we observed an improvement of average EBPs delivered from 68% to 95%. We also found reductions in perinatal mortality rates from 22 deaths/1000 deliveries to 13.8/1000 deliveries largely due to a drop in fresh stillbirths.

ConclusionWe conclude that replicating the programme is feasible, acceptable and effective in areas where gaps exist, but it requires local leadership, ongoing coaching and adaptation through PDSA cycles.
Unexplained abnormal liver function in patients with primary antibody deficiency: could it be chronic hepatitis E infection?
Authors: Mohamed Omar E , Jones Julie , Osman Husam , Huissoon Aarnoud P
Published: August 2017

Data from recent studies suggest rising incidence rate of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in the UK. HEV infection may take a severe and persistent course in immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients on immunosuppressives, patients with HIV, haematological malignancies and in idiopathic CD4+T lymphocytopenia. The prevalence of HEV in primary antibody deficiency (PAD) disorders is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate HEV infection in 27 patients with PAD with unexplained, persistently elevated liver enzymes. Although all the 27 patients tested negative for HEV-RNA, we would still strongly recommend that HEV should be considered in any immunodeficient patient with impaired liver function.
Promoting the freedom of thought of mental health service users: Nussbaum’s capabilities approach meets values-based practice
Authors: Stenlund Mari
Published: August 2017

This article clarifies how the freedom of thought as a human right can be understood and promoted as a right of mental health service users, especially people with psychotic disorder, by using Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach and Fulford’s and Fulfordet al’s values-based practice. According to Nussbaum, freedom of thought seems to primarily protect the capability to think, believe and feel. This capability can be promoted in the context of mental health services by values-based practice. The article points out that both Nussbaum’s approach and values-based practice recognise that people’s values differ. The idea of involving different actors and service users in mental healthcare is also common in both Nussbaum’s approach and values-based practice. However, there are also differences in that values-based practice relies on a ‘good process’ in decision-making, whereas the capabilities approach is oriented towards a ‘right outcome’. However, since process and outcome are linked with each other, these two approaches do not necessarily conflict despite this difference. The article suggests that absolute rights are possible within the two approaches. It also recognises that the capabilities approach, values-based practice and human rights approach lean on liberal values and thus can be combined at least in liberal societies.
The importance of early life family factors in the association between cardiovascular risk factors and early cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte K R , Ariansen Inger , Mortensen Laust H , Næss Øyvind
Published: August 2017

Objective

To explore the importance of early life factors shared by siblings, such as parental socioeconomic position, parental practices, housing and neighbourhood, for the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and mortality from CVD, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease.

Methods

Norwegian health surveys (1974–2003) were linked with data from the Norwegian Family Based Life Course Study and the Cause of Death Registry. Participants with at least one full sibling among survey participants (n=2 71 643) were included. Data on CVD risk factors, body mass index (BMI), height, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and total cholesterol (TC) were stratified into ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ risk, and smoking to ‘daily smoking’ and ‘not daily smoking’.

Results

Mean age of participants was 41 years, mean follow-up time was 19 years and during follow-up 2512 died from CVD. For each category of increased risk factor level, the per step HR of CVD mortality was increased by 1.91 (95% CI 1.78 to 2.05) for SBP, 1.67 (1.58 to 1.76) for TC, 1.44 (1.36 to 1.53) for BMI, 1.26 (1.18 to 1.35) for height and 2.89 (2.66 to 3.14) for smoking. In analyses where each sibship (groups of full siblings) had a group-specific baseline hazard, these associations were attenuated to 1.74, 1.51, 1.29, 1.18 and 2.63, respectively. The associations between risk factors and IHD mortality followed the same pattern.

Conclusion

Early life family factors explained a small part of the association between risk factors and mortality from CVD and IHD in a relatively young sample.
High-pitch versus conventional cardiovascular CT in patients being assessed for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a real-world appraisal
Authors: Ismail Tevfik F , Cheasty Emma , King Laurence , Naaseri Sahar , Lazoura Olga , Gartland Natalie , Padley Simon , Rubens Michael B , Castellano Isabel , Nicol Edward D
Published: August 2017

Objective

High-pitch protocols are increasingly used in cardiovascular CT assessment for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but the impact on diagnostic image quality is not known.

Methods

We reviewed 95 consecutive TAVI studies: 44 (46%) high-pitch and 51 (54%) standard-pitch. Single high-pitch scans were performed regardless of heart rate. For standard-pitch acquisitions, a separate CT-aortogram and CT-coronary angiogram were performed with prospective gating, unless heart rate was ≥70 beats/min, when retrospective gating was used. The aortic root and coronary arteries were assessed for artefact (significant artefact=1; artefact not limiting diagnosis=2; no artefact=3). Aortic scans were considered diagnostic if the score was >1; the coronaries, if all three epicardial arteries scored >1.

Results

There was no significant difference in diagnostic image quality for either the aorta (artefact-free high-pitch: 31 (73%) scans vs standard-pitch: 40 (79%), p=0.340) or the coronary tree as a whole (10 (23%) vs 15 (29%), p=0.493). However, proximal coronary arteries were less well visualised using high-pitch acquisitions (16 (36%) vs 30 (59%), p=0.04). The median (IQR) radiation dose was significantly lower in the high-pitch cohort (dose-length product: 347 (318–476) vs 1227 (1150–1474) mGy cm, respectively, p<0.001), and the protocol required almost half the amount of contrast.

Conclusions

The high-pitch protocol significantly reduces radiation and contrast doses and is non-inferior to standard-pitch acquisitions for aortic assessment. For aortic root assessment, the high-pitch protocol is recommended. However, if coronary assessment is critical, this should be followed by a conventional standard-pitch, low-dose, prospectively gated CT-coronary angiogram if the high-pitch scan is non-diagnostic.
Persistent bacteriuria in a dog caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Indiana
Authors: Meidinger Katharina , Schellenberg Stefan , Gobeli Brawand Stefanie
Published: August 2017

An 11‐year‐old male intact Kromfohrländer dog was presented with vomiting, inappetence and progressive lethargy. Polypoid cystitis and acute prostatitis were suspected. Bacterial culture of the urine revealed a bacteriuria with Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Indiana (referred to as S Indiana). Although the general condition improved with antibiotic treatment (enrofloxacin; 10 mg/kg/day orally and osaterone acetate; 3.75 mg/kg/day orally), S Indiana was still present in the dog's urine four weeks later. Repeated treatment with antibiotics (amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, 18 mg/kg orally) resulted in full recovery of the dog but S Indiana was still present in the urine. Clinical improvement under antibiotic treatment indicates that S Indiana was probably the causative agent of the diagnosed cystitis and prostatitis, but long‐known chronic diseases may have favoured the colonisation with this pathogen and its persistence. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of bacteriuria associated with S Indiana in a dog.
MeCP2 and CTCF: enhancing the cross-talk of silencers
Authors: Ausió Juan , Georgel Philippe T.
Published: August 2017

This paper provides a brief introductory review of the most recent advances in our knowledge about the structural and functional aspects of two transcriptional regulators: MeCP2, a protein whose mutated forms are involved in Rett syndrome; and CTCF, a constitutive transcriptional insulator. This is followed by a description of the PTMs affecting these two proteins and an analysis of their known interacting partners. A special emphasis is placed on the recent studies connecting these two proteins, focusing on the still poorly understood potential structural and functional interactions between the two of them on the chromatin substrate. An overview is provided for some of the currently known genes that are dually regulated by these two proteins. Finally, a model is put forward to account for their possible involvement in their regulation of gene expression.
Analysis of the charging process of the lacustrine tight oil reservoir in the Triassic Chang 6 Member in the southwest Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Xu Zhengjian , Liu Luofu , Wang Tieguan , Wu Kangjun , Dou Wenchao , Song Xingpei
Published: August 2017

With the success of Bakken tight oil (tight sandstone oil and shale oil) and Eagle Ford tight oil in North America, tight oil has become a research focus in petroleum geology. In China, tight oil reservoirs are predominantly distributed in lacustrine basins. The Triassic Chang 6 Member is the main production layer of tight oil in the Ordos Basin, in which the episodes, timing, and drive of tight oil charging have been analyzed through the petrography, fluorescence microspectrometry, microthermometry, and trapping pressure simulations of fluid inclusions in the reservoir beds. Several conclusions have been reached in this paper. First, aqueous inclusions with five peaks of homogenization temperatures and oil inclusions with three peaks of homogenization temperatures occurred in the Chang 6 reservoir beds. The oil inclusions are mostly distributed in fractures that cut across and occur within the quartz grains, in the quartz overgrowth and calcite cements, and the fractures that occur within the feldspar grains, with blue–green, green, and yellow–green fluorescence colours. Second, the peak wavelength, Q650/500, and QF535 of the fluorescence microspectrometry indicate three charging episodes of tight oil with different oil maturities. The charging timings (141–136, 126–118, and 112–103 Ma) have been ascertained by projecting the homogenization temperatures of aqueous inclusions onto the geological time axis. Third, excess-pressure differences up to 10 MPa between the Chang 7 source rocks and the Chang 6 reservoir beds were the main driving mechanism supporting the process of nonbuoyancy migration.
Diphoton resonances at the LHC
Authors: Molinaro Emiliano , Vignaroli Natascia
Published: August 2017

We review the current status of searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model in the diphoton channel at the LHC and estimate the reach with future collected data. We perform a model independent analysis based on an effective field theory approach and different production mechanisms. As an illustrative example, we apply our results to a scenario of minimal composite dynamics.
Some novel features in 2D non-Abelian theory: BRST approach
Authors: Srinivas N. , Kumar S. , Kureel B. K. , Malik R. P.
Published: August 2017

Within the framework of Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism, we discuss some novel features of a two (1[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional (2D) non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory (without any interaction with matter fields). Besides the usual off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommutating (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations, we discuss the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommutating (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations. Particularly, we lay emphasis on the existence of the coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangian densities of the 2D non-Abelian theory in view of the presence of (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations where we pin-point some novel features associated with the Curci–Ferrari (CF-)type restrictions. We demonstrate that these CF-type restrictions can be incorporated into the (anti-)co-BRST invariant Lagrangian densities through the fermionic Lagrange multipliers which carry specific ghost numbers. The modified versions of the Lagrangian densities (where we get rid of the new CF-type restrictions) respect some precise symmetries as well as a couple of symmetries with CF-type constraints. These observations are completely novel as far as the BRST formalism, with proper (anti-)co-BRST symmetries, is concerned.
Towards a physical lattice model for the atom and implications for high-Tc superconductivity
Authors: Geneste Jean-Francois , Vinko Jenny Darja
Published: August 2017

Starting from Cook’s model [D. N. Cook, Models of the Atomic Nucleus (Springer, Berlin, 2006)], we proposed a non-Archimedean approach to show that we can transform his purely mathematical model into a physical one. In the first stage, we kept the f.c.c. lattice model surrounded by a vapor phase from which we can only extract “symmetric” entities (quantons?) which are the electrons. This in our opinion gives a much better global view of what the atom could be. When assembling the nuclei into a lattice, there is reciprocal influence between the vapor phase and the lattice. Consequently, superconductivity occurs when temperature decrease brings to freezing the vapor phase and when the “crystallization” of the vapor phase gives some symmetric tiling of the volume around the lattice, thanks to Curie’s theorem. Looking for high temperature superconductivity therefore is equivalent to finding symmetric crystallization of the vapor phase. In that sense this pleads for the use of heterogeneous materials in the “crystal grid” and the case being play with impurities. We do not see any limit, thanks to our model, for high and even very high temperatures for superconductivity.
Molecular dynamics studies on the grain growth of nanocrystalline Ni and Ni3Al
Authors: Zhang Zi-Yue
Published: August 2017

With molecular dynamics simulations, the growth of face-centered-cubic nanocrystalline materials Ni and Ni3Al has been studied. It is found that grain-rotation induced grain coalescence and curvature-driven grain-boundary migration are dominant mechanisms in the nanograin growth. A detailed comparison of the nanograin growth between the two systems is discussed in terms of grain rotation and grain sliding. We also study the temperature effect and the size effect in the nanograin growth. The tendency of twinning in the nanograin growth is discussed. It is found that in Ni3Al, it seems more possible for nanograins to grow into twin-like structures than single crystal unless at very high temperatures.
Hidden Attractors on One Path: Glukhovsky–Dolzhansky, Lorenz, and Rabinovich Systems
Authors: Chen G. , Kuznetsov N. V. , Leonov G. A. , Mokaev T. N.
Published: August 2017

In this report, by the numerical continuation method, we visualize and connect hidden chaotic sets in the Glukhovsky–Dolzhansky, Lorenz and Rabinovich systems using a certain path in the parameter space of a Lorenz-like system.
The Maximal Number of Limit Cycles in Perturbations of Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian Systems with Two Saddles
Authors: Xiong Yanqin , Han Maoan , Romanovski Valery G.
Published: August 2017

We study the maximal number of limit cycles of piecewise linear near-Hamiltonian systems, whose unperturbed system has two saddles. Using the method developed in [Xiong, 2015], we prove that two limit cycles can be bifurcated from the periodic orbits.
Controlling the Variability of Capacity Allocations Using Service Deferrals
Authors: Ferragut Andres , Paganini Fernando , Wierman Adam
Published: August 2017

Ensuring predictability is a crucial goal for service systems. Traditionally, research has focused on designing systems that ensure predictable performance for service requests. Motivated by applications in cloud computing and electricity markets, this article focuses on a different form of predictability: predictable allocations of service capacity. The focus of the article is a new model where service capacity can be scaled dynamically and service deferrals (subject to deadline constraints) can be used to control the variability of the active service capacity. Four natural policies for the joint problem of scheduling and managing the active service capacity are considered. For each, the variability of service capacity and the likelihood of deadline misses are derived. Further, the paper illustrates how pricing can be used to provide incentives for jobs to reveal deadlines and thus enable the possibility of service deferral in systems where the flexibility of jobs is not known to the system
a priori
.
Firing rate estimation using infinite mixture models and its application to neural decoding
Authors: Shibue Ryohei , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: August 2017

Neural decoding is a framework for reconstructing external stimuli from spike trains recorded by various neural recordings. Kloosterman et al. proposed a new decoding method using marked point processes (Kloosterman F, Layton SP, Chen Z, Wilson MA. J Neurophysiol 111: 217–227, 2014). This method does not require spike sorting and thereby improves decoding accuracy dramatically. In this method, they used kernel density estimation to estimate intensity functions of marked point processes. However, the use of kernel density estimation causes problems such as low decoding accuracy and high computational costs. To overcome these problems, we propose a new decoding method using infinite mixture models to estimate intensity. The proposed method improves decoding performance in terms of accuracy and computational speed. We apply the proposed method to simulation and experimental data to verify its performance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose a new neural decoding method using infinite mixture models and nonparametric Bayesian statistics. The proposed method improves decoding performance in terms of accuracy and computation speed. We have successfully applied the proposed method to position decoding from spike trains recorded in a rat hippocampus.
Long-Term Bond Strength of Two Benzalkonium Chloride-Modified Adhesive Systems to Eroded Dentin
Authors: Flury Simon , Lussi Adrian , Peutzfeldt Anne
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the effect of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) modification of two adhesive systems on long-term bond strength to normal and artificially eroded dentin. A total of 128 extracted human molars were sectioned and the buccal and oral surfaces of each molar were ground until the dentin. One half was left untreated (normal dentin) while the other half underwent artificial erosion. Resin composite was bonded to the buccal or oral surface following treatment with Adper Scotchbond 1XT or OptiBond FL without or with 1% BAC incorporation. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24 h (100% humidity, 37°C) or 1 year (tap water, 37°C). SBS results were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). SBS was significantly lower to artificially eroded dentin than to normal dentin (p<0.001). Storage for 1 year had no effect on SBS to normal dentin but led to a significant decrease in SBS to artificially eroded dentin (p<0.001). BAC incorporation decreased the 24 h SBS to normal dentin (p=0.018), increased the 24 h SBS to eroded dentin (p=0.001), and had no effect on the 1-year SBS for either substrate. Consequently, BAC incorporation did not improve bond durability.
Acute Traumatic Patellar Tendon Rupture at the Tibial Tuberosity Attachment without Avulsion Fracture
Authors: Miyamoto Shuichi , Otsuka Makoto , Hasue Fumio , Fujiyoshi Takayuki , Kamiya Koushirou , Kiuchi Hitoshi , Ohara Ken , Yunde Atsushi , Toki Yasunori , Tanaka Tadashi , Nakamura Junichi , Ohtori Seiji
Published: August 2017

Patellar tendon rupture in children is especially rare. The fact that the area of traumatic rupture has wide variations makes surgical treatment difficult. We present an 11-year-old boy with acute traumatic patellar tendon rupture at the tibial tuberosity attachment without avulsion fracture. Primary end-to-end repair and reinforcement using 1.5 mm stainless steel wires as a surgical strategy were undertaken. Early range of motion began with a functional knee brace and the reinforced stainless wire was removed 3 months after surgery. Knee function at the final follow-up was satisfactory. We suggest that this strategy may provide a useful option for surgical treatment.
Molecular Characterization, Structural Modeling, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Basrai Thaumatin-Like Protein against Fungal Infection
Authors: Yasmin Nusrat , Saleem Mahjabeen , Naz Mamoona , Gul Roquyya , Rehman Hafiz Muzzammel
Published: August 2017

A thaumatin-like protein gene from Basrai banana was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Amplified gene product was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector and subcloned into expression vector pET22b(+) and resulting pET22b-basrai TLP construct was introduced into E. coli BL21. Maximum protein expression was obtained at 0.7 mM IPTG concentration after 6 hours at 37°C. Western blot analysis showed the presence of approximately 20 kDa protein in induced cells. Basrai antifungal TLP was tried as pharmacological agent against fungal disease. Independently Basrai antifungal protein and amphotericin B exhibited their antifungal activity against A. fumigatus; however combined effect of both agents maximized activity against the pathogen. Docking studies were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of TLP against A. fumigatus by probing binding pattern of antifungal protein with plasma membrane ergosterol of targeted fungal strain. Ice crystallization primarily damages frozen food items; however addition of antifreeze proteins limits the growth of ice crystal in frozen foods. The potential of Basrai TLP protein, as an antifreezing agent, in controlling the ice crystal formation in frozen yogurt was also studied. The scope of this study ranges from cost effective production of pharmaceutics to antifreezing and food preserving agent as well as other real life applications.
Cutaneous Erythema at Scar Site of Modified Radical Mastectomy: An Unexpected Manifestation of Recurrent Carcinoma
Authors: Nasralla Awrad Mohammed-Reda , Al-Duhileb Mohammed Abdulirazzaq , Arini Ali Jamal-Aldein , Amr Samir Sami
Published: August 2017

A 44-year-old woman presented with marked erythema over right mastectomy scar, while on Herceptin therapy. She had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, modified radical mastectomy, and radiotherapy less than one year earlier for the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma. On physical examination, no palpable masses were detected in the erythematous skin. A biopsy revealed permeation of the skin lymphatics by emboli of metastatic ductal carcinoma, similar to what is seen in inflammatory carcinoma. The involved skin was excised, followed by immediate reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap. On follow-up, the wound was healing well, with no signs of inflammation.
Nature-Related Experience during Childhood in Urban and Rural Areas: The Case of Peninsular Malaysians
Authors: Mohamad Muslim Huda Farhana , Hosaka Tetsuro , Numata Shinya , Yahya Noor Azlin
Published: August 2017

Direct experiences with nature in childhood are essential for enhancing psychological and physical development in children. However, researches on childhood nature-related experiences and their effects are largely biased toward more developed Western countries. In this study, we created a questionnaire on childhood experiences with nature and surveyed 357 adults (>20 years old) around Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, to determine whether younger generations had fewer nature-based experiences than older generations and whether people who grew up in urban areas had fewer experiences than those who grew up in rural areas. We found that playing in rivers or waterfalls and collecting and eating tropical fruits were the most common nature-related activities experienced in childhood. There was a minimal decline in nature-related experiences among generations. However, people who grew up in rural areas had more nature-related experiences than those who grew up in urban areas. The loss of nature areas and increase in population density may accelerate the decline in nature-related experiences in urban areas. Therefore, efforts to create urban parks and other public spaces for reconnecting urban children to nature will become increasingly important for urban planning and environmental education in tropical developing countries such as Malaysia.
Astragalus Granule Prevents Ca2+ Current Remodeling in Heart Failure by the Downregulation of CaMKII
Authors: Li Sinai , Nong Yibing , Gao Qun , Liu Jing , Li Yan , Cui Xiaoyun , Wan Jie , Lu Jinjin , Sun Mingjie , Wu Qian , Shi Xiaolu , Cui Haifeng , Liu Weihong , Zhou Mingxue , Li Lina , Lin Qian
Published: August 2017

Background. Astragalus was broadly used for treating heart failure (HF) and arrhythmias in East Asia for thousands of years. Astragalus granule (AG), extracted from Astragalus, shows beneficial effect on the treatment of HF in clinical research. We hypothesized that administration of AG prevents the remodeling of L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa-L) in HF mice by the downregulation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Methods. HF mice were induced by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). After 4 weeks of AG treatment, cardiac function and QT interval were evaluated. Single cardiac ventricular myocyte was then isolated and whole‐cell patch clamp was used to record action potential (AP) and ICa-L. The expressions of L‐type calcium channel alpha 1C subunit (Cav1.2), CaMKII, and phosphorylated protein kinase A (p‐PKA) were examined by western blot. Results. The failing heart manifested distinct electrical remodeling including prolonged repolarization time and altered ICa-L kinetics. AG treatment attenuated this electrical remodeling, supported by AG‐related shortened repolarization time, decreased peak ICa-L, accelerated ICa-L inactivation, and positive frequency‐dependent ICa-L facilitation. In addition, AG treatment suppressed the overexpression of CaMKII, but not p‐PKA, in the failing heart. Conclusion. AG treatment protected the failing heart against electrical remodeling and ICa-L remodeling by downregulating CaMKII.
Overweight and Body Image Perception in Adolescents with Triage of Eating Disorders
Authors: Cecon Roberta Stofeles , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Priore Silvia Eloiza
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To verify the influence of overweight and alteration in the perception of the corporal image during the triage of eating disorders. Method. A food disorder triage was performed in adolescents with 10 to 19 years of age using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Children’s Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT), and Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), as well as a nutritional status evaluation. The perception of body image was evaluated in a subsample of adolescents with 10 to 14 years of age, using the Brazilian Silhouette Scale. The project was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results. The prevalence of eating disorder triage was 11.4% (n=242) for the 2,123 adolescents evaluated. Overweight was present in 21.1% (n=447) of the students, being more prevalent in the early adolescence phase, which presented levels of distortion of 56.9% (n=740) and dissatisfaction of 79.3% (n=1031). Body dissatisfaction was considered as a risk factor, increasing by more than 13 times the chance of TA screening. Conclusion. Overweight was correlated with the ED triage and body dissatisfaction was considered as a risk factor, increasing the chances of these disorders by more than 13 times.
Efficacy of Prompt Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in the Treatment of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Triggered by Uncontrolled Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Fitzgerald Bryan P. , Wojciechowski Amy L. , Bajwa Rajinder P. S.
Published: August 2017

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening, rapidly progressive hematologic disorder involving uncontrolled immune system activation. HLH has been associated with viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. We report a case of a critically ill 30-year-old female who was hospitalized with HIV-associated HLH, with a CD4 count of 4 cells/mL and HIV viral load of 1,842,730 copies/mL. After ruling out other potential infectious causes of HLH, antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated with darunavir, ritonavir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine. Within one week of initiation of ART, the patient began to improve clinically and hematologically and was stable enough for discharge from the hospital three weeks after starting therapy. This case suggests that treatment with ART in patients with HIV-associated HLH should be considered even in critically ill patients with low CD4 counts.
Influence of a New “Call-Out Algorithm” for Management of Postoperative Pain and Its Side Effects on Length of Stay in Hospital: A Two-Centre Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Dybvik Lisa , Skraastad Erlend , Yeltayeva Aigerim , Konkayev Aidos , Musaeva Tatiana , Zabolotskikh Igor , Bjertnaes Lars , Dahl Vegard , Raeder Johan , Kuklin Vladimir
Published: August 2017

Background. We recently introduced the efficacy safety score (ESS) as a new “call-out algorithm” for management of postoperative pain and side effects. In this study, we report the influence of ESS recorded hourly during the first 8 hours after surgery on the mobility degree, postoperative nonsurgical complications, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods. We randomized 1152 surgical patients into three groups for postoperative observation: (1) ESS group (n=409), (2) Verbal Numeric Rate Scale (VNRS) for pain group (n=417), and (3) an ordinary qualitative observation (Control) group (n=326). An ESS > 10 or VNRS > 4 at rest or a nurse’s observation of pain or adverse reaction to analgesic treatment in the Control group served as a “call-out alarm” for an anaesthesiologist. Results. We found no significant differences in the mobility degree and number of postoperative nonsurgical complications between the groups. LOS was significantly shorter with 12.7±6.3 days (mean ± SD) in the ESS group versus 14.2±6.2 days in the Control group (P<0.001). Conclusion. Postoperative ESS recording in combination with the possibility to call upon an anaesthesiologist when exceeding the threshold score might have contributed to the reductions of LOS in this two-centre study. This trial is registered with NCT02143128.
F-DDIA: A Framework for Detecting Data Injection Attacks in Nonlinear Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Wang Jingxuan , Hui Lucas C. K. , Yiu S. M. , Zhou Gang , Zhang Ruoqing
Published: August 2017

Data injection attacks in a cyber-physical system aim at manipulating a number of measurements to alter the estimated real-time system states. Many researchers recently focus on how to detect such attacks. However, most of the detection methods do not work well for the nonlinear systems. In this paper, we present a compressive sampling methodology to identify the attack, which allows determining how many and which measurement signals are launched. The sparsity feature is used. Generally, our methodology can be applied to both linear and nonlinear systems. The experimental testing, which includes realistic load patterns from NYISO with various attack scenarios in the IEEE 14-bus system, confirms that our detector performs remarkably well.