bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary secretory IgA concentration and dental caries in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Hashizume Lina N. , Schwertner Carolina , Moreira Maurício José Santos , Coitinho Adriana Simon , Faccini Lavinia Schuler
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration and dental caries in children with Down syndrome (DS) and compare it with findings in non‐DS children.

Methods

The sample comprised 61 DS children and 52 non‐DS children, aged 6 to 14 years. Caries experience, plaque index (PI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded. Saliva samples were collected from all children. Total salivary sIgA concentrations were determined using an enzymatic assay method.

Results

Caries experience in primary and permanent dentitions were similar in DS and non‐DS children. However, PI and GBI values were significantly lower in DS compared to non‐DS children. DS children had higher salivary sIgA concentrations compared to non‐DS children. No difference in sIgA concentration was observed between children with and without caries experience in either group.

Conclusions

DS children have higher salivary sIgA concentrations than non‐DS children. However, this finding did not correlate with caries experience in the study population.
Dialysis‐related Amyloidosis: Is It Gone or Should It Be?
Authors: Labriola Laura , Jadoul Michel
Published: March 2017

The prevalence and severity of dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) appear to have decreased significantly over the last two decades, although recent, large‐scale epidemiological studies show that DRA continues to occur. Recent experimental findings have documented a direct cellular toxicity of β2microglobulin (β2m) fibrils but the mechanisms of β2m fibrillogenesis remain incompletely understood. Although a high plasma concentration of β2m is still considered as a prerequisite for developing DRA, other factors have been clearly incriminated such as older age at dialysis onset and longer dialysis vintage, or suspected effects such as proinflammatory effects of bioincompatible dialysis techniques. Improved dialysis technology has definitely played a role in delaying the onset of the disease, although the respective contributions of high‐flux biocompatible membranes, use of convective mode, and ultrapure dialysate remain imperfectly defined. Importantly, DRA still does exist and no current dialytic modality seems able to fully prevent it. Awaiting further progress in the understanding of DRA pathogenesis, the use of biocompatible high‐flux membranes and ultrapure dialysate is strongly recommended in order to minimize or delay its onset. Convective regimens may provide an additional benefit.
Suicidal Ideation, Posttraumatic Stress, and Substance Abuse Based on Forcible and Drug‐ or Alcohol‐Facilitated/Incapacitated Rape Histories in a National Sample of Women
Authors: Gilmore Amanda K. , Walsh Kate , Badour Christal L. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Resnick Heidi S.
Published: March 2017

Mental health symptoms differ among women with forcible rape (FR) compared to drug‐ or alcohol‐facilitated/incapacitated rape (DAFR/IR) histories, but differences in suicidal ideation are unknown. The differences in suicidal ideation based on FR and DAFR/IR history were examined in national samples of college (n = 2,000) and household‐residing (n = 3,001) women. For both college women and household‐residing women, FR and DAFR/IR were associated with recent suicidal ideation. Differences emerged when examined indirectly through recent posttraumatic stress disorder, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Therefore, it is important to examine both FR and DAFR/IR when assessing suicidal ideation.
Conditioning hops increase triceps surae muscle force and Achilles tendon strain energy in the stretch‐shortening cycle
Authors: Kümmel J. , Cronin N. J. , Kramer A. , Avela J. , Gruber M.
Published: March 2017

Postactivation potentiation can improve athletic performance, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of conditioning hops on triceps surae muscle force and tendon strain and its contribution to potentiated stretch‐shortening cycle (SSC) performance. Thirty‐two subjects participated in two experiments. In both experiments, subjects performed three drop jumps (DJs) after prior conditioning with 10 maximal hops, three unconditioned DJs served as control. Ground reaction forces, kinematics, and triceps surae electromyographic activity were recorded. Ultrasound imaging was used to determine fascicle lengths (FASC) of the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus muscles (experiment 1) and the length of the Achilles tendon (experiment 2) during the DJs. DJ height after the conditioning hops was significantly higher compared to control DJs (experiment 1: +12% and experiment 2: +19%). A significantly shorter GM FASC during the DJs performed after the conditioning hops coincided with an increased force acting on the triceps surae muscle. Moreover, the triceps surae muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) showed increased energy absorption during the eccentric phase of the DJs and increased energy release during the concentric phase. The second experiment revealed a higher Achilles tendon strain in DJs performed after the conditioning hops compared to control DJs. No significant differences in muscle activities were observed. The shorter FASC in GM and the larger Achilles tendon strain facilitated MTU energy transfer from the eccentric to the concentric phase during the DJ. Thereby, conditioning hops improved SSC efficacy and DJ performance.
Bartonella henselae in canine cavitary effusions: prevalence, identification, and clinical associations
Authors: Weeden Amy L. , Cherry Natalie A. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Cheves Avery G. , Wamsley Heather L.
Published: March 2017

Background

Previous reports suggest an association between Bartonella infection and effusions in dogs and human beings.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Bartonella infection in canine effusions and to investigate historic and clinical parameters predictive of Bartonella in dogs with effusions.

Methods

Canine cavitary effusions submitted for analysis and, if available, paired EDTA blood, were screened for Bartonella infection using the Bartonella α‐proteobacteria growth medium enrichment culture/PCR diagnostic platform (Bartonella enrichment PCR or ePCR) at Galaxy Diagnostics, Inc.

Results

Bartonella henselaeDNA was PCR‐amplified and sequenced from 15% (12/80) of sampled dogs. Enrichment culture prior to PCR testing was required for Bartonella detection in 92% (11/12) of cases. Twenty percent (4/20), 13% (8/60), and 0% (0/4) of dogs with pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial effusions, respectively, tested positive. Bartonella henselae was detected most frequently in the fall, and young and middle‐aged dogs appeared to be overrepresented. Golden Retrievers and Yorkshire/Silky Terriers each comprised 25% of infected dogs (odds ratio 3.4 for Golden Retrievers). There was a weak association with hemorrhagic effusions. Fifty percent of Bartonella‐positive dogs had hemorrhage as a component of their effusion compared to 37% of PCR‐negative dogs (odds ratio 1.7).

Conclusions

Viable B henselae organisms occur in pleural and peritoneal effusions of dogs; the clinical relevance of which remains unclear and may represent opportunistic infection. Associations found in this study included seasonal variation, age, breed, and site of effusion.
The effect of a herbal paste and oil extract on the lipid content of canine hair fibres
Authors: Momota Yutaka , Shimada Kenichiro , Kadoya Chihiro , Gin Azusa , Kobayashi Jun , Nakamura Yuka , Matsubara Takako , Sako Toshinori
Published: March 2017

Background

Application of herbal paste and oil to a dog's coat and body before rinsing (often combining with shampooing) is a cosmetic therapy available in Japan. It is highly appreciated by users, who claim that the treatment makes the coat shinier, improves volume and eliminates tangles. However, there has been no scientific evaluation of such treatments.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Improvement of hair condition is derived from oils such as sebum and conditioning oils because chemicals are not used. Therefore, we examined nonpolar lipids (the primary lipids in dog hair) and the botanical oils used in this therapy.

Animals

Hair samples were obtained from six beagle dogs.

Methods

Groups were based on different combinations of the following processes: rinsing, shampooing, herbal therapy and herbal therapy with oil extract. Analysis of lipids was performed by high performance thin layer chromatography.

Results

The processes of shampooing and herbal therapy were associated with an equivalent reduction in cholesterol ester and triglyceride (TG). However, hair treated by herbal therapy combined with oil extract had an almost three‐fold higher TG content, even after shampooing.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study demonstrated that the herbal therapy was able to coat hair samples with TG that was not removed with rinsing. Further investigation is required to evaluate the possible benefits of the application of botanical products containing lipids, such as TG, on hair coat quality in dogs.
Baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in early heart failure assessed by the sequence method
Authors: Lataro Renata Maria , Silva Luiz Eduardo Virgilio , Silva Carlos Alberto Aguiar , Salgado Helio Cesar , Fazan Rubens
Published: March 2017

Key points

The integrity of the baroreflex control of sympathetic activity in heart failure (HF) remains under debate.

We proposed the use of the sequence method to assess the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA).

The sequence method assesses the spontaneous arterial pressure (AP) fluctuations and their related changes in heart rate (or other efferent responses), providing the sensitivity and the effectiveness of the baroreflex. Effectiveness refers to the fraction of spontaneous AP changes that elicits baroreflex‐mediated variations in the efferent response.

Using three different approaches, we showed that the baroreflex sensitivity between AP and RSNA is not altered in early HF rats. However, the sequence method provided evidence that the effectiveness of baroreflex in changing RSNA in response to AP changes is markedly decreased in HF.

The results help us better understand the baroreflex control of the sympathetic nerve activity.

In heart failure (HF), the reflex control of the heart rate is known to be markedly impaired; however, the baroreceptor control of the sympathetic drive remains under debate. Applying the sequence method to a series of arterial pressure (AP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), we demonstrated a clear dysfunction in the baroreflex control of sympathetic activity in rats with early HF. We analysed the baroreflex control of the sympathetic drive using three different approaches: AP vs. RSNA curve, cross‐spectral analysis and sequence method between AP and RSNA. The sequence method also provides the baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI), which represents the percentage of AP ramps that actually produce a reflex response. The methods were applied to control rats and rats with HF induced by myocardial infarction. None of the methods employed to assess the sympathetic baroreflex gain were able to detect any differences between the control and the HF group. However, rats with HF exhibited a lower BEI compared to the controls. Moreover, an optimum delay of 1 beat was observed, i.e. 1 beat is required for the RSNA to respond after AP changing, which corroborates with the findings related to the timing between these two variables. For delay 1, the BEI of the controls was 0.45 ± 0.03, whereas the BEI of rats with HF was 0.29 ± 0.09 (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that while the gain of the baroreflex is not affected in early HF, its effectiveness is markedly decreased. The analysis of the spontaneous changes in AP and RSNA using the sequence method provides novel insights into arterial baroreceptor reflex function.
Los hornos de colmena de Vijes (Valle del Cauca), un patrimonio material e inmaterial que es preciso recuperar y preservar
Authors: Hincapié Aristizabal Ricardo , Delvasto Arjona Silvio , Contreras Rengifo Rafael
Published: March 2017

Abordaremos en este artículo, en forma muy condensada, los hornos de colmena de Vijes (Valle del Cauca): inicialmente nos referiremos a su procedencia, a cómo fueron construidos, cómo evolucionaron en el tiempo, al paisaje de la industria artesanal de la cal a que dieron lugar y a los oficios artesanales asociados a estas estructuras; posteriormente estudiaremos, igualmente de manera breve, las culturas del trabajo y las prácticas sociales que se dieron alrededor de estos hornos, cómo esas culturas y esas prácticas se vinieron a menos con la crisis económica, social y ambiental por la que pasa hoy Vijes y su industria artesanal de la cal, que involucra todos los estratos sociales y sectores de la población, la cual, como crisis ética, implica a la clase política que controla el poder en el municipio; finalmente, propondremos una posible alternativa a esta profunda crisis, que pensamos puede ser enfrentada a través de un proyecto de recuperación integral (económico, social, ambiental, cultural) cuyos protagonistas y beneficiarios directos deben ser la propia población del municipio y sus organizaciones sociales.
Numerical Investigation of an Elastomer-Piezo-Adaptive Blade for Active Flow Control of a Nonsteady Flow Field Using Fluid–Structure Interaction Simulations
Authors: Phan Tien Dat , Springer Patrick , Liebich Robert
Published: March 2017

In order to prevent critical effects due to pulsed detonation propulsion, e.g., incidence fluctuations, an elastomer-piezo-adaptive stator blade with a deformable front part is developed. Numerical investigations with respect to the interaction of fluid and structure including the piezoelectric properties and the hyperelastic material behavior of an elastomer membrane are conducted in order to investigate the concept of the elastomer-piezo-adaptive blade for developing the best suitable concept for subsequent experiments with a stator cascade in a wind tunnel. Results of numerical investigations of the structure-dynamic and fluid mechanical behavior of the elastomer-piezo-adaptive blade by using a novel fluid–structure-piezoelectric-elastomer-interaction simulation (FSPEI simulation) show that the latent danger of a laminar flow separation at the leading edge at incidence fluctuations can be prevented by using an adaptive blade. Therefore, the potential of the concept of the elastomer-piezo-adaptive blade for active flow control is verified. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the interactions between fluid and structure of the transient FSPEI simulations, since not only the deformation of the adaptive blade affects the flow around the blade, the flow has a significant effect on the dynamic behavior of the adaptive blade, as well.
An Investigation of Coolant Within Serpentine Passages of a High-Pressure Axial Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Nickol Jeremy , Mathison Randall , Dunn Michael , Liu Jong , Malak Malak
Published: March 2017

Cooling flow behavior is investigated within the multiple serpentine passages with turbulators on the leading and trailing walls of an axial gas turbine blade operating at design-corrected conditions with accurate external flow conditions. Pressure and temperature measurements at midspan within the passages are obtained using miniature butt-welded thermocouples and miniature Kulite pressure transducers. These measurements, as well as airfoil surface pressure field data from a full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, are used as boundary conditions for a model that provides quantitative values of film-cooling blowing ratio for each film-cooling hole on the blade. The model accounts for the continuously changing cross-sectional area and shape of the channels, frictional pressure loss, convective heat transfer from the solid portion of the blade, massflow reduction as coolant bleeds out through film-cooling or impingement holes, compressibility effects, and the effects of blade rotation. The results of the model provide detailed coolant ejection information for a film-cooled rotating turbine airfoil operating at design-corrected conditions and also account for the highly variable freestream conditions on the airfoil. While these values are commonly known for simpler experimental geometries, they have previously either been unknown or estimated crudely for full-stage experiments of this nature. The better-quantified cooling parameters provide a bridge for better comparison with the wealth of film-cooling work already reported for simplified geometries. The calculation also shows the significant range in blowing ratio that can arise even among a single row of cooling holes associated with one of the turbulated passages, due to significant changes in both coolant and local freestream massfluxes.
An Improved Method for Estimating the Dose to the Lens of the Eye Using Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) Measurements
Authors: Eyal Peri , Adi Abraham , Tuvia Kravchik , Marcelo Weinstein , Daniel Sattinger , Omer Pelled
Published: March 2017

Recent recommendation, by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), to reduce the dose limit to the lens of the eye by almost an order of magnitude, has increased substantially the need to monitor this dose, i.e., Hp(3), with an accurate dosimeter. Since such dosimeter has not yet been validated and fully implemented, present monitoring of the dose to the lens of the eye is based on the measurement of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) values and using conservative assumptions, which lead to an overestimate of the required dose. A new method to estimate Hp(3) using measured values of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) has been suggested, which is more accurate and less conservative. This method could be used for routine monitoring and also in cases where there is a need to reconstruct historical doses to the lens of the eye, such as in law court claims of workers that were diagnosed with cataract.
Flaw Tolerance Assessment for Low-Cycle Fatigue of Stainless Steel
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki
Published: March 2017

According to Appendix L of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, flaw tolerance assessment is performed using the stress intensity factor (SIF) even for low-cycle fatigue. On the other hand, in Section III, the fatigue damage is assessed using the design fatigue curve (DFC), which has been determined from strain-based fatigue tests. Namely, the stress is used for the flaw tolerance assessment. In order to resolve this inconsistency, in the present study, the strain intensity factor was used for crack growth prediction. First, it was shown that the strain range was the key parameter for predicting the fatigue life and crack growth. The crack growth rates correlated well with the strain intensity factor even for the low-cycle fatigue. Then, the strain intensity factor was applied to predict the crack growth under uniform and thermal cyclic loading conditions. The estimated fatigue life for the uniform cyclic loading condition agreed well with that obtained by the low-cycle fatigue tests, while the fatigue life estimated for the cyclic thermal loading condition was longer. It was shown that the inspection result of “no crack” can be reflected to determining the future inspection time by applying the flaw tolerance analysis. It was concluded that the flaw tolerance concept is applicable not only to the plant maintenance but also to plant design. The fatigue damage assessment using the design fatigue curve can be replaced with the crack growth prediction.
The Stress-Sensitivity, Mesh-Dependence, and Convergence of Continuum Damage Mechanics Models for Creep
Authors: Haque Mohammad Shafinul , Stewart Calvin Maurice
Published: March 2017

The classic Kachanov–Rabotnov (KR) creep damage model is a popular model for the design against failure due to creep deformation. However, the KR model is a local approach that can exhibit numerically unstable damage with mesh refinement. These problems have led to modified critical damage parameters and alternative constitutive models. In this study, an alternative sine hyperbolic (Sinh) creep damage model is shown to (i) predict unity damage irrespective of stress and temperature conditions such that life prediction and creep cracking are easy to perform; (ii) develop a continuous and well-distributed damage field in the presence of stress concentrations; and (iii) is less stress-sensitive, is less mesh-dependent, and exhibits better convergence than the KR model. The limitations of the KR model are discussed in detail. The KR and Sinh models are calibrated to three isotherms of 304 stainless steel creep test data. Mathematical exercises, smooth specimen simulations, and crack growth simulations are performed to produce a quantitative comparison of the numerical performance of the models.
Controlling color emission of InGaN/AlGaN nanowire light-emitting diodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Philip Moab R. , Choudhary Dipayan D. , Djavid Mehrdad , Bhuyian Md Nasiruddin , Piao James , Pham Thi T. , Misra Durgamadhab , Nguyen Hieu P. T.
Published: March 2017

The authors report on the achievement of full-color nanowire light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with the incorporation of InGaN/AlGaN nanowire heterostructures grown directly on the Si (111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Multiple color emission across nearly the entire visible wavelength range can be realized by varying the In composition in the InGaN quantum dot active region. Moreover, multiple AlGaN shell layers are spontaneously formed during the growth of InGaN/AlGaN quantum dots, leading to the drastically reduced nonradiative surface recombination, and enhanced carrier injection efficiency. Such core–shell nanowire structures exhibit significantly increased carrier lifetime and massively enhanced photoluminescence intensity compared to conventional InGaN/GaN nanowire LEDs. A high color rendering index of ∼98 was recorded for white-light emitted from such phosphor-free core–shell nanowire LEDs.
Achievements and problems in the first commissioning of superKEKB vacuum system
Authors: Suetsugu Yusuke , Shibata Kyo , Ishibashi Takuya , Fukuma Hitoshi , Tobiyama Makoto , Flanagan John , Mulyani Emy , Shirai Mitsuru , Terui Shinji , Kanazawa Ken-ichi , Hisamatsu Hiromi
Published: March 2017

The first (phase-1) commissioning of SuperKEKB, an asymmetric-energy electron–positron collider at High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, known as KEK, Japan, began in February 2016 and successfully ended in June 2016. Three major tasks of the phase-1 commissioning were as follows: (1) vacuum scrubbing of the new beam pipes in anticipation of a sufficiently long beam lifetime in the next commissioning, (2) checking the stabilities of various new vacuum components at high beam currents of approximately 1 A, and (3) beam tuning to study stability and achieve low emittance. The coefficient of photon stimulated desorption rate, η (molecules photon−1), decreased steadily with increasing photon dose, as expected. The temperature increases of the bellows chambers, connection flanges, etc., were less than 5 °C at 1 A. The effectiveness of an antechamber, a TiN coating, and a clearing electrode to suppress the electron cloud effect (ECE) was confirmed. However, the ECE in the Al-alloy bellows chambers without TiN coating was observed. The use of permanent magnets to create an axial magnetic field successfully suppressed this effect. However, the ECE was still exhibited at higher linear current densities (=bunch current/bunch spacing). Furthermore, the attachment of permanent magnets or solenoids even to the beam pipes with antechambers and TiN coating at drift spaces is under consideration before the next (phase-2) commissioning.
Fingerprint imaging of dry finger using photoacoustics
Authors: Choi Won Young , Park Kwan Kyu
Published: March 2017

Fingerprint imaging has been widely used in biometric identification systems. This work presents a photoacoustic (PA) fingerprint imaging system that provides acoustic resolution using a pulsed laser and focused ultrasound transducer operating as a receiver. This PA system can measure dry fingers with a wide-range laser field based on the differences in the ultrasound coupling between the fingertip areas contacting and not contacting a solid plate. To demonstrate and validate the image accuracy of the PA system, PA fingerprint images were compared to images captured using a pulse-echo ultrasound system and an ink-pressed fingerprint scan.
Vibration damping using a spiral acoustic black hole
Authors: Lee Jae Yeon , Jeon Wonju
Published: March 2017

This study starts with a simple question: can the vibration of plates or beams be efficiently reduced using a lightweight structure that occupies a small space? As an efficient technique to damp vibration, the concept of an acoustic black hole (ABH) is adopted with a simple modification of the geometry. The original shape of an ABH is a straight wedge-type profile with power-law thickness, with the reduction of vibration in beams or plates increasing as the length of the ABH increases. However, in real-world applications, there exists an upper bound of the length of an ABH due to space limitations. Therefore, in this study, the authors propose a curvilinear shaped ABH using the simple mathematical geometry of an Archimedean spiral, which allows a uniform gap distance between adjacent baselines of the spiral. In numerical simulations, the damping performance increases as the arc length of the Archimedean spiral increases, regardless of the curvature of the spiral in the mid- and high-frequency ranges. Adding damping material to an ABH can also strongly enhance the damping performance while not significantly increasing the weight. In addition, the radiated sound power of a spiral ABH is similar to that of a standard ABH.
Microstructure based estimation of the dynamic drag impedance of lightweight fibrous materials
Authors: Semeniuk B. P. , Göransson P.
Published: March 2017

This paper focusses on the prediction of one of the main mechanisms of acoustic attenuation, the dynamic drag impedance, of a bundle of fibres typical of lightweight fibrous porous materials. The methodology uses geometrical properties derived from microscopy, and is based on the assumption that the interaction between the shear stress fields of neighbouring fibres may be neglected in the predicted drag force of an individual fibre. An analytical procedure is discussed which provides an estimate of the drag forces acting on infinite longitudinal and transversely orientated cylinders oscillating sinusoidally in a viscous incompressible fluid of infinite extent, at rest. The frequency-dependent viscous drag forces are estimated from the shear stresses on the surface of the cylinders, and may be scaled in terms of fibre diameter distributions and orientation angles in order to predict the dynamic drag impedance of a real material. The range of validity for this modelling approach is assessed through finite element solutions of three different fibre arrangements.
Promotion and Rescue of Intracellular Brucella neotomae Replication during Coinfection with Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Kang Yoon-Suk , Kirby James E.
Published: March 2017

We established a new
Brucella neotomae
in vitro
model system for study of type IV secretion system-dependent (T4SS) pathogenesis in the
Brucella
genus. Importantly,
B. neotomae
is a rodent pathogen, and unlike
B. abortus
,
B. melitensis
, and
B. suis
,
B. neotomae
has not been observed to infect humans. It therefore can be handled more facilely using biosafety level 2 practices. More particularly, using a series of novel fluorescent protein and
lux
operon reporter systems to differentially label pathogens and track intracellular replication, we confirmed T4SS-dependent intracellular growth of
B. neotomae
in macrophage cell lines. Furthermore,
B. neotomae
exhibited early endosomal (LAMP-1) and late endoplasmic reticulum (calreticulin)-associated phagosome maturation. These findings recapitulate prior observations for human-pathogenic
Brucella
spp. In addition, during coinfection experiments with
Legionella pneumophila
, we found that defective intracellular replication of a
B. neotomae
T4SS
virB4
mutant was rescued and baseline levels of intracellular replication of wild-type
B. neotomae
were significantly stimulated by coinfection with wild-type but not T4SS mutant
L. pneumophila
. Using confocal microscopy, it was determined that intracellular colocalization of
B. neotomae
and
L. pneumophila
was required for rescue and that colocalization came at a cost to
L. pneumophila
fitness. These findings were not completely expected based on known temporal and qualitative differences in the intracellular life cycles of these two pathogens. Taken together, we have developed a new system for studying
in vitro
Brucella
pathogenesis and found a remarkable T4SS-dependent interplay between
Brucella
and
Legionella
during macrophage coinfection.
Multidisciplinary approach to the management of a case of classical respiratory diphtheria requiring percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding
Authors: Haywood Matthew James , Vijendren Ananth , Acharya Vikas , Mulla Rohinton , Panesar Miss Jaan
Published: March 2017

We present a case of a Caucasian woman aged 67 years referred with a 4-day history of sore throat, dysphagia, fever and nasal blockage. Examination revealed a swollen neck and pharyngeal pseudomembrane. A throat swab was positive on culture forCorynebacterium ulcerans, with toxin expression confirmed on PCR and Elek testing. A diagnosis of classical respiratory diphtheria was made, with subsequent confirmation of the patient's domesticated dog as the source of infection. The dog had recently been attacked by a wild badger and was being treated for an ear infection. The patient made a good recovery with intravenous antimicrobial and supportive therapy; however, she subsequently developed a diphtheritic polyneuropathy in the form of a severe bulbar palsy with frank aspiration necessitating percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. A mild sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy was also diagnosed. The patient eventually made an almost complete recovery.
Unusual presentation of a late-onset recurrence of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Wijnberge Marije , Daniels Lidewine , Cliteur Vincent , Winkelhagen Jasper
Published: March 2017

A man aged 79 years with a history of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presented 8 years after primary presentation with a suspected right-sided painful inguinal hernia and hydrocele, both present for 5 months. During surgery, however, the inguinal swelling appeared to be a tumour. Laboratory examination was non-alarming and ultrasonography not specific for mesothelioma. Pathological examination showed it to be a recurrence of the malignant mesothelioma, which was treated palliative with radiotherapy. This clinical picture is rare and a recurrence-free survival of 8 years is remarkable.
Role of the LuxR family transcriptional regulator Lpg2524 in the survival ofLegionella pneumophilain water
Authors: Li Laam , Faucher Sébastien P.
Published: March 2017

The water-borne Gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Lp is typically transmitted to humans from water systems, where it grows inside amoebae. Survival of Lp in water is central to its transmission to humans. A transcriptomic study previously identified many genes induced by Lp in water. One such gene, lpg2524, encodes a putative LuxR family transcriptional regulator. It was hypothesized that this gene could be involved in the survival of Lp in water. Deletion of lpg2524 does not affect the growth of Lp in rich medium, in the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, or in human macrophage-like THP-1 cells, showing that Lpg2524 is not required for growth in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, deletion of lpg2524 results in a faster colony-forming unit (CFU) reduction in an artificial freshwater medium, Fraquil, indicating that Lpg2524 is important for Lp to survive in water. Overexpression of Lpg2524 also results in a survival defect, suggesting that a precise level of this transcriptional regulator is essential for its function. However, our result shows that Lpg2524 is dispensable for survival in water when Lp is at a high cell density (109CFU/mL), suggesting that its regulon is regulated by another regulator activated at high cell density.
Morphological differentiation in northern pike (Esoxlucius): the influence of environmental conditions and sex on body shape
Authors: Senay C. , Harvey-Lavoie S. , Macnaughton C.J. , Bourque G. , Boisclair D.
Published: March 2017

Morphological differentiation may allow individuals to cope with prevailing environmental conditions. Morphological differentiation in fish characterized by sagittiform shape and ambush predator behaviour, such as northern pike (Esox lucius L., 1758), has rarely been addressed. Morphological differentiation was assessed in two rivers exhibiting contrasting flow regimes: a hydropeaking river characterized by large and frequent fluctuations in flow rates and an unregulated river. An increase in northern pike movement rate was observed in the hydropeaking river. Therefore, morphological features enhancing sustained and burst swimming, as well as manoeuvrability, were expected. Our objectives are to (i) compare morphology between the two rivers and (ii) assess morphological differentiation between sexes. Using geometric morphometrics, shape significantly diverged between rivers irrespective of sex and between sexes in the hydropeaking river. Individuals from the hydropeaking river had more elongated heads, deeper bodies and caudal peduncles, and longer dorsal fin insertions than individuals from the unregulated river. Caudal fin differences between rivers were not consistent between sexes. Morphological differentiation suggested a trade-off among adaptations for sustained and burst swimming, as well as manoeuvrability, to cope with variable flows in a hydropeaking river. Morphological differentiation may allow the exploitation of spatially and temporally variable environmental conditions, including those stemming from river flow regulation.
Multiple Roles for the MLL/COMPASS Family in the Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression and in Cancer
Authors: Meeks Joshua J. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: March 2017

The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene is involved in numerous chromosomal translocations that result in acute myeloid and acute lymphoid leukemias. The MLL protein belongs to a family of six methyltransferases in mammals that can methylate histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4). The methyltransferase activities of MLL and the other family members, SETD1A, SETD1B, MLL2, MLL3 and MLL4, depend on their participation within macromolecular complexes called COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1). Functional diversity within the COMPASS family includes the propensity to mono-, di-, or trimethylate H3K4 and to regulate promoters or enhancers. Recent cancer genome sequencing and animal studies have identified MLL3 and MLL4 as cancer drivers in a wide variety of hematologic and solid tumors. MLL3 and MLL4 implement monomethylation of H3K4 at enhancer regions, whereas another enzyme in MLL3 and MLL4 COMPASS, UTX, which is also frequently mutated in multiple types of cancer, demethylates H3K27me3, a modification associated with transcription repression by the Polycomb group of proteins. Here, we review the different roles for the COMPASS family in cancer and suggest directions for future research toward elucidating the cellular pathways disregulated due to altered COMPASS functions.
Chimeric Antigen Receptors: A Paradigm Shift in Immunotherapy
Authors: Sadelain Michel
Published: March 2017

Cancer immunotherapy is emerging as an effective and dependable approach to induce durable responses and survival benefit in several cancers. Two approaches, one based on antibody therapy to block immune inhibitory checkpoints and the other on the genetic engineering of T lymphocytes, have yielded dramatic clinical results in recent years, earning cancer immunotherapy the title “breakthrough of the year” by the journal Science in 2013. Based on the success of targeting CD19 in B cell malignancies, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have established themselves as a powerful means to redirect and enhance the natural properties of both CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets. Dual-signaling CARs not only redirect and activate T cells but also reprogram their effector, metabolic, and survival functions, enabling the rapid manufacture of tumor-specific agents for any given cancer patient. This approach marks a major shift in cell-based therapy, which previously depended on the identification and expansion of rare naturally occurring T cells with therapeutic potential, but now relies on the genetic engineering and manufacturing of optimized T cell products. Several challenges remain to tailor this approach to tackle cell tumors, which will require identifying suitable CAR targets and overcoming multiple obstacles in a complex tumor microenvironment.
GC Method Validation for the Analysis of Menthol in Suppository Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Abualhasan Murad N. , Zaid Abdel Naser , Jaradat Nidal , Mousa Ayman
Published: March 2017

Menthol is widely used as a fragrance and flavor in the food and cosmetic industries. It is also used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields for its various biological effects. Gas chromatography (GC) is considered to be a sensitive method for the analysis of menthol. GC chromatographic separation was developed using capillary column (VF-624) and a flame ionization detector (FID). The method was validated as per ICH guidelines for various parameters such as precision, linearity, accuracy, solution stability, robustness, limit of detection, and quantification. The tested validation parameters were found to be within acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of menthol in suppositories formulations. Quality control departments and official pharmacopeias can use our developed method in the analysis of menthol in pharmaceutical dosage formulation and raw material.
Self-Reported Ability to Walk, Run, and Lift Objects among Older Canadians
Authors: Kopec Jacek A. , Russell Lara , Sayre Eric C. , Rahman M. Mushfiqur
Published: March 2017

Aims.The purpose of the study was to develop new self-report instruments to measure the ability to walk, run, and lift objects and describe the distribution of these abilities among older Canadians.Methods.Questions were developed following a focus group. We carried out an online survey among members of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. The distribution of each ability was described and presented graphically according to age, sex, and number of health conditions. We calculated summary scores for each ability and assessed their reliability and relationships with health status and use of health services.Results.22% of the subjects reported difficulty walking 100 m, 15% were unable to run 10 m, and 50% had difficulty lifting 10 kg. Men reported higher abilities than women but differences according to age were small. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.89 for walking to 0.88 for running and 0.81 for lifting. Scores for the three measures correlated with other measures of health status as expected.Conclusions. The study provided new data on self-reported walking, running, and lifting abilities among older Canadians. The new measures are valid, reliable, and easy to interpret. We expect these measures to be useful in clinical and research settings.
An Exact Solution of MHD Boundary Layer Flow of Dusty Fluid over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Jalil Mudassar , Asghar Saleem , Yasmeen Shagufta
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with the boundary layer flow of electrically conducting dusty fluid over a stretching surface in the presence of applied magnetic field. The governing partial differential equations of the problem are transformed to nonlinear nondimensional coupled ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. The problem is now fully specified in terms of characterizing parameters known as fluid particle interaction parameter, magnetic field parameter, and mass concentration of dust particles. An exact analytical solution of the resulting boundary value problem is presented that works for all values of the characterizing parameters. The effects of these parameters on the velocity field and the skin friction coefficient are presented graphically and in the tabular form, respectively. We emphasize that an approximate numerical solution of this problem was available in the literature but no analytical solution was presented before this study.
Obesity Downregulates MicroRNA‐126 Inducing Capillary Rarefaction in Skeletal Muscle: Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training
Authors: Gomes João Lucas Penteado , Fernandes Tiago , Soci Ursula Paula Reno , Silveira André Casanova , Barretti Diego Lopes Mendes , Negrão Carlos Eduardo , Oliveira Edilamar Menezes
Published: March 2017

Background. We investigated the effects of exercise training (ET) on miR‐126 levels and skeletal muscle angiogenesis in obese Zucker rats. Results. Zucker rats were randomly assigned to sedentary and swimming‐trained groups: lean sedentary (LS) and trained (LTR); obese sedentary (OB) and trained (OBTR). The OB group displayed capillary rarefaction compared with the LS group. In contrast, ET increased the capillary/fiber ratio by 38% in the LTR group and normalized capillary rarefaction in the OBTR group. VEGF, PI3K, and eNOS levels were reduced in the skeletal muscle of the OB group. ET normalized VEGF, PI3K, and eNOS levels in OBTR, contributing to vascular network homeostasis. PI3KR2 inhibits PI3K, a key mediator of the VEGF signaling pathway. Obesity decreased miR‐126 and increased PI3KR2 levels compared with the LS group. However, ET normalized miR‐126 levels in the OBTR group versus the LS group and decreased expression of PI3KR2. Conclusion. Our findings show that obesity leads to skeletal muscle capillary rarefaction, which is regulated by decreased miR‐126 levels and increased PI3KR2. Inversely, ET normalizes miR‐126 levels and VEGF signaling and should be considered an important therapeutic strategy for vascular disorders.
Study of the Radical Chain Mechanism of Hydrocarbon Oxidation for In Situ Combustion Process
Authors: Ushakova Alexandra , Zatsepin Vladislav , Varfolomeev Mikhail , Emelyanov Dmitry
Published: March 2017

Despite the abundance of in situ combustion models of oil oxidation, many of the effects are still beyond consideration. For example, until now, initial stages of oxidation were not considered from a position of radical chain process. This is a serious difficulty for the simulation of oil recovery process that involves air injection. To investigate the initial stages of oxidation, the paper considers the sequence of chemical reactions, including intermediate short-living compounds and radicals. We have attempted to correlate the main stages of the reaction with areas of heat release observed in the experiments. The system of differential equations based on the equations of oxidation reactions was solved. Time dependence of peroxides formation and start of heat release is analytically derived for the initial stages. We have considered the inhibition of initial oxidation stages by aromatic oil compounds and have studied the induction time in dependence on temperature. Chain ignition criteria for paraffins and crude oil in presence of core samples were obtained. The calculation results are compared with the stages of oxidation that arise by high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry. According to experimental observations we have determined which reactions are important for the process and which can be omitted or combined into one as insignificant.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Passive Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger under Tube outside Boiling Condition
Authors: Liu Yanbin , Wang Xuesheng , Men Qiming , Meng Xiangyu , Zhang Qing
Published: March 2017

The Passive Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger (PRHR HX) is an important part of the Passive Residual Heat Removal System (PRHRS). The C-shaped bundle is being used in the PRHR HX. A test facility of C-shaped tube immerged in a water tank was built to research the heat transfer of the PRHR HX. Through the experiments, three regions were found within a particular period of time during the heating process in the tank: natural convection region, transition region, and saturation boiling region. For the tube outside saturation boiling, comparisons of three different correlations in literatures with the experimental data were carried out. Results show that the Rohsenow correlation provides a best-estimate fit with the experimental results. For the tube outside transition region, a formulation is put forward to reduce error based on the Rohsenow subcooled boiling correlation.
Atmospheric Lidar Data Storage Model Based on Ontology
Authors: Chen Hao , Hua Dengxin , Zhang Yikun , Yan Qing
Published: March 2017

Ontology is an effective method to solve the problem of heterogeneous data in lidar measurements. Due to complexity and diversity of data structure, traditional method of ontology storage cannot be directly applied to lidar data. In this work, we proposed a novel ontology storage model based on the object-oriented data model, in which the mapping mechanism was established from ontology of lidar data to the object-oriented data model. A new storage model of lidar data is then obtained by a combination of the characteristics of lidar data and the syntax of OWL DL. Compared to the traditional method of ontology storage, we believe that the new storage model can better serve the sharing of lidar data.
Ethnoreligious Urban Violence and Residential Mobility in Nigerian Cities: The Kaduna Experience
Authors: Wapwera Samuel Danjuma , Gajere Jiriko Kefas
Published: March 2017

This paper seeks to examine the ethnoreligious urban violence and residential mobility in the city of Kaduna with a view to make recommendations towards ameliorating its effects by evaluating the causal factors fueling the crisis and examining the pattern and direction of the residential mobility in the city. The sources of data were both primary and secondary. The sampling technique used was purposive and random sampling from two residential districts from both the northern and southern parts of the city. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were administered within the study areas and 900 questionnaires were collected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with major stakeholders from the two parts. The data obtained were analysed using thematic and content analysis for the qualitative data whilst the quantitative data were analysed using simple percentages. The results revealed that the factors causing the ethnoreligious urban violence and residential mobility are unemployment, social institutional breakdown, politics, and colonial impact and the pattern/direction of the residential mobility in the city of Kaduna show a clear polarization along religious lines based reactive residential mobility between the two parts of the city. Based on these results recommendations were made to assist the academia, practitioners, and policy makers.