bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granzyme B–Mediated Activation-Induced Death of CD4+ T Cells Inhibits Murine Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Du Wei , Leigh Nicholas D. , Bian Guanglin , O'Neill Rachel E. , Mei Lin , Qiu Jingxin , Chen George L. , Hahn Theresa , Liu Hong , McCarthy Philip L. , Cao Xuefang
Published: September 2015

Granzyme B (GzmB) has previously been shown to be critical for CD8+ T cell–mediated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) but dispensable for GVHD mediated by CD4+ T cells. However, previous studies used high doses of CD4+ T cells in MHC-mismatched models that caused rapid and lethal GVHD. Because of the hyperacute lethality, it is possible that the role of GzmB was concealed by the system. Therefore, in this study, we have titrated down the T cell dose to precisely determine the contribution of GzmB in GVHD mediated by CD4+CD25– T cells. Surprisingly, we have found that GzmB−/−CD4+CD25– T cells cause more severe GVHD compared with wild-type CD4+CD25– T cells in both MHC-matched and mismatched models. Mechanistic analyses reveal that although GzmB does not affect donor T cell engraftment, proliferation or tissue-specific migration, GzmB−/− CD4+CD25– T cells exhibit significantly enhanced expansion because of GzmB-mediated activation-induced cell death of wild-type CD4+CD25– T cells. As a result of enhanced expansion, GzmB−/− T cells produced higher amounts of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IFN-γ) that may contribute to the exacerbated GVHD. These results reveal that GzmB diminishes the ability of CD4+ T cells to cause acute GVHD, which contradicts its established role in CD8+ T cells. The differential roles suggest that targeting GzmB in selected T cell subsets may provide a strategy to control GVHD.
TRIM38 Negatively Regulates TLR3/4-Mediated Innate Immune and Inflammatory Responses by Two Sequential and Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Hu Ming-Ming , Xie Xue-Qin , Yang Qing , Liao Chen-Yang , Ye Wen , Lin Heng , Shu Hong-Bing
Published: September 2015

Tripartite motif (TRIM)38 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that was reported to regulate signaling in innate immune and inflammatory responses in certain cell lines. In this study, we show that Trim38 deficiency markedly increased TLR3- and TLR4-mediated induction of type I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in immune cells and in vivo. Trim38 deficiency also caused the mice to be more susceptible to death triggered by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, LPS, and Salmonella typhimurium. Mechanistically, TRIM38 catalyzed K48-linked polyubiquitination of the TLR3/4 adapter protein TIR domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β at K228 and promoted its proteasomal degradation in immune cells. Moreover, Trim38 was highly induced by type I IFNs, which then negatively regulated TNF-α/IL-1β signaling in IFN-β–primed immune cells, but not unprimed immune cells, by mediating degradation of Tab2 in a lysosomal-dependent process. These results suggest that Trim38 negatively regulates TLR3/4-mediated innate immune and inflammatory responses by two sequential and distinct mechanisms. This study increases our understanding of how the innate immune response is initiated during the early phase of infection to defend against microbial invasion and is efficiently terminated during the late phase to prevent excessive and harmful inflammatory responses.
Validation of decisional balance inventory test in Italian: assessment of motivation in weight loss
Authors: Falchi Anna Giulia , Muggia Chiara , Grecchi Ilaria , Michelini Ilaria , De Silvestri Annalisa , Tinelli Carmine
Published: September 2015

The decisional balance inventory (DBI) test is a valuable tool to assess motivation to change; we consider its application in enhancing motivation of losing weight. Our aim is the translation, cultural adaption and validation in Italian of this test originally designed and drafted in English. The questionnaire has been translated according to an English → Italian → Italian → English algorithm with reconciliation of the differences. Pilot study and retests were performed on 47 cases [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] and 15 controls (BMI value between 18.5 and 25 kg/m2). The internal consistency of the Italian version of DBI test, was satisfied (Cronbach α 0.87 on patients); test-retest shows a good concordance in pilot [Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.90] and in patient sample (Lin’s CCC 0.83; 95% CI: 0.67 0.99).Our study demonstrated the trans-cultural adaptation and validation of DBI test in Italian.
Iatrogenic hypomagnesemia: an underestimated clinical problem
Authors: Villa Antonio , Zanada Paolo , Pellegrino Adriana , Nucera Gabriella , Martinoli Elena , Boschiero Annamaria , Campanini Francesca
Published: September 2015

Hypomagnesemia is defined by having a serum magnesium level of less than 1.7 mg/dL. The magnesium balance is tightly regulated by the concerted actions of the intestine, bone and kidneys. This balance can be disturbed by a wide variety of drugs. Recently, we observed a case of severe hypomagnesemia caused by proton pump inhibitor therapy. We conducted a retrospective study of an intrahospital population to evaluate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and the relationship with associated drugs. Among 181 patients with hypomagnesemia only 29 were found to have hypomagnesemia with specific causes, such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and so on. In the remaining patients, 120 have taken proton pump inhibitors and/or diuretics and/or metformin. Clinicians should consider proton pump inhibitors as a possible causative agent when investigating hypomagnesemia and they should be especially attentive with patients who take proton pump inhibitors, especially in cases of long-term therapy (≥1 year) and/or concomitant administration of other agents that may lower magnesium levels (e.g., diuretics or metformin).
Previously undiagnosed hemophilia patient with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Atalay Eray , Özdemir Mehmet Tamer , Bıçakçı Zafer , Korlaelçi Fırat , Bilgehan Gökhan , Omurca Ferhat , Tur Bilge Kağan , Kıvılcım Çiçek Çisem , Keskin Özcan
Published: September 2015

Intracranial bleeding in hemophilia patients is a rare but a mortal complication. Diagnosis of hemophilia in adulthood is an uncommon occurrence. In this case report an adult patient with intracranial hemorrhage is presented.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Small Colony Variants and Their Role in Chronic Infection
Authors: Johns Benjamin E. , Purdy Kevin J. , Tucker Nicholas P. , Maddocks Sarah E.
Published: September 2015

Small colony variant (SCV) bacteria arise spontaneously within apparently homogeneous microbial populations, largely in response to environmental stresses, such as antimicrobial treatment. They display unique phenotypic characteristics conferred in part by heritable genetic changes. Characteristically slow growing, SCVs comprise a minor proportion of the population from which they arise but persist by virtue of their inherent resilience and host adaptability. Consequently, SCVs are problematic in chronic infection, where antimicrobial treatment is administered during the acute phase of infection but fails to eradicate SCVs, which remain within the host causing recurrent or chronic infection. This review discusses some of the phenotypic and genotypic changes that enable SCVs to successfully proliferate within the host environment as potential pathogens and strategies that could ameliorate the resolution of infection where SCVs are present.
The Effect of Mass Azithromycin Distribution on Childhood Mortality: Beliefs and Estimates of Efficacy
Authors: See Craig W. , O'Brien Kieran S. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Stoller Nicole E. , Gaynor Bruce D. , Porco Travis C. , Lietman Thomas M.
Published: September 2015

A cluster-randomized trial demonstrated that mass oral azithromycin distribution reduced childhood mortality 49.6% (Trachoma Amelioration in Northern Amhara [TANA]). The relative risk of childhood mortality was then estimated using two approaches: an expert survey and a Bayesian analysis. The survey asked public health experts to estimate the true effect of mass azithromycin distribution on childhood mortality. The Bayesian estimation used the TANA study's results and prior estimates of the efficacy of other effective population-level interventions. The experts believed mass azithromycin reduces childhood mortality (relative risk = 0.83, 95% credible intervals [CrI] = 0.70–1.00). The Bayesian analysis estimated a relative risk of 0.71 (95% CrI = 0.39–0.93). Both estimates suggest that azithromycin may have a true mortality benefit, though of a smaller magnitude than found in the single available trial. Prior information about nonantibiotic, population-level interventions may have informed the expert's opinions. Additional trials are needed to confirm a mortality benefit from mass azithromycin.
Is Assessment of Hyposalivation Important in Routine Dental Practice?
Authors: Kumar YS Prasanna , Sharma Vasudha , Somasundara Shweta Y , Bhat Padma K
Published: September 2015

Saliva is a key element in oral homeostasis, oral function and maintenance of oral health. Dry mouth has multiple oral health consequences and affects quality of life. The incidence of dry mouth and its public health impact are increasing due to the aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, and medical care and commonly prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. Chronic xerostomia can contribute to oral mucosal changes, increased coronal and root caries susceptibility, candidiasis, periodontal disease, partial loss of taste acuity, and difficulty in swallowing and functional prosthetic problems. Although, oral healthcare providers routinely obtain and document a patient's medical history, evaluating salivary gland function is not a common practice unless the patient is symptomatic. This review of literature highlights the importance of saliva, and the need to measure and document hyposalivation in routine dental practice.

How to cite this article

Sharma V, Somasundara SY, Kumar YSP, Bhat PK. Is Assessment of Hyposalivation Important in Routine Dental Practice? J Health Sci Res 2014;5(2):10-14.
Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Katyayini R , Chikkananjaiah R
Published: September 2015

Hypothyroidism is a common disease with multisystem involvement. It may present clinically in various forms.Pericardial effusion (PE) is one of the cardiovascular manifestation.

Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. The occurrence of pericardial effusion in hypothyroidism appears to be frequent manifestation of severe myxedema, than in mild hypothyroidism. The incidence of pericardial effusion in hypothyroidism is 3 to 6%. However, the incidence of cardiac tamponade in patients with hypothyroidism is rare event. The slow accumulation of liquid in the pericardial space leads to the rarity of hemodynamic premonitory signs, even in presence of large effusions.

In this article, we report an elderly female presented with features of hypothyroidism and pericardial effusion which rapidly developed into cardiac tamponade. She did not have premonitory hemodynamic signs.

How to cite this article

Katyayini R, Rekha NH, Chikkananjaiah R. Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Primary Hypothyroidism. J Med Sci 2015;1(1):7-9.
Stroke in a Young Adult Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency induced Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Yashaswini LS , Patil Mamatha B
Published: September 2015

Stroke in young adults is less frequent than in older population but has major impact on individual and society. Stroke in young justifies an extensive etiologic work up—both common and uncommon. Pernicious anemia is characterized by lack of intrinsic factor in gastric mucosa which is essential for absorption of vitamin B12. Deficiency of vitamin B12 contributes to hyperhomocysteinemia which promotes both arterial and venous thrombosis. We present a rare case of stroke in young adult caused by hyperhomocysteinemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency.

How to cite this article

Yashaswini LS, Patil MB. Stroke in a Young Adult Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency induced Hyperhomocysteinemia. J Med Sci 2015;1(1):10-13.
Management of Breast Hypertrophy: our experience
Authors: Dhanraj Prema , Mahesh MS , Naveen N , Babu K Ramesh , Jade Rajashekar
Published: September 2015

Breast hypertrophy and sagging of the breast are two different benign disorders of breast that can occur during various stages of women's life from adolescence to menopause. A woman can seek a plastic surgeon for breast reduction for reasons both physical and psychological. Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure by which the sizes of large breasts are reduced. During this procedure, excess skin, fat and breast tissue are removed. The procedure recreates a breast with the desired appearance, contour and volume. Breast lift operation/mastopexy is a procedure where only skin is removed with repositioning of the nipple higher on the chest wall and is the procedure of choice in small but sagging breast.

We present a series of five cases, two presenting with virginal hypertrophy, one with gestational hypertrophy and other two with postmenopausal sagging and hypertrophy. Four patients underwent reduction mammoplasty and one patient underwent mastopexy. None of our patients complained of any problems and were satisfied with the results.

How to cite this article

Dhanraj P, Mahesh MS, Naveen N, Babu KR, Jade R. Management of Breast Hypertrophy: Our Experience. J Med Sci 2015;1(1):21-25.
Variability in Antarctic ozone loss in the last decade (2004–2013): high-resolution simulations compared to Aura MLS observations
Authors: Kuttippurath J. , Godin-Beekmann S. , Lefèvre F. , Santee M. L. , Froidevaux L. , Hauchecorne A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A detailed analysis of the polar ozone loss processes during 10 recent Antarctic winters is presented with high-resolution MIMOSA–CHIM (Modèle Isentrope du transport Méso-échelle de l'Ozone Stratosphérique par Advection avec CHIMie) model simulations and high-frequency polar vortex observations from the Aura microwave limb sounder (MLS) instrument. The high-frequency measurements and simulations help to characterize the winters and assist the interpretation of interannual variability better than either data or simulations alone. Our model results for the Antarctic winters of 2004–2013 show that chemical ozone loss starts in the edge region of the vortex at equivalent latitudes (EqLs) of 65–67° S in mid-June–July. The loss progresses with time at higher EqLs and intensifies during August–September over the range 400–600 K. The loss peaks in late September–early October, when all EqLs (65–83° S) show a similar loss and the maximum loss (> 2 ppmv – parts per million by volume) is found over a broad vertical range of 475–550 K. In the lower stratosphere, most winters show similar ozone loss and production rates. In general, at 500 K, the loss rates are about 2–3 ppbv sh−1 (parts per billion by volume per sunlit hour) in July and 4–5 ppbv sh−1 in August–mid-September, while they drop rapidly to 0 by mid-October. In the middle stratosphere, the loss rates are about 3–5 ppbv sh−1 in July–August and October at 675 K. On average, the MIMOSA–CHIM simulations show that the very cold winters of 2005 and 2006 exhibit a maximum loss of ~ 3.5 ppmv around 550 K or about 149–173 DU over 350–850 K, and the warmer winters of 2004, 2010, and 2012 show a loss of ~ 2.6 ppmv around 475–500 K or 131–154 DU over 350–850 K. The winters of 2007, 2008, and 2011 were moderately cold, and thus both ozone loss and peak loss altitudes are between these two ranges (3 ppmv around 500 K or 150 ± 10 DU). The modeled ozone loss values are in reasonably good agreement with those estimated from Aura MLS measurements, but the model underestimates the observed ClO, largely due to the slower vertical descent in the model during spring.
Sensitivity of nitrate aerosols to ammonia emissions and to nitrate chemistry: implications for present and future nitrate optical depth
Authors: Paulot F. , Ginoux P. , Cooke W. F. , Donner L. J. , Fan S. , Lin M. , Mao J. , Naik V. , Horowitz L. W.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We update and evaluate the treatment of nitrate aerosols in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) atmospheric model (AM3). Accounting for the radiative effects of nitrate aerosols generally improves the simulated aerosol optical depth, although nitrate concentrations at the surface are biased high. This bias can be reduced by increasing the deposition of nitrate to account for the near-surface volatilization of ammonium nitrate or by neglecting the heterogeneous production of nitric acid to account for the inhibition of N2O5 reactive uptake at high nitrate concentrations. Globally, uncertainties in these processes can impact the simulated nitrate optical depth by up to 25 %, much more than the impact of uncertainties in the seasonality of ammonia emissions (6 %) or in the uptake of nitric acid on dust (13 %). Our best estimate for present-day fine nitrate optical depth at 550 nm is 0.006 (0.005–0.008). We only find a modest increase of nitrate optical depth (< 30 %) in response to the projected changes in the emissions of SO2 (−40 %) and ammonia (+38 %) from 2010 to 2050. Nitrate burden is projected to increase in the tropics and in the free troposphere, but to decrease at the surface in the midlatitudes because of lower nitric acid concentrations. Our results suggest that better constraints on the heterogeneous chemistry of nitric acid on dust, on tropical ammonia emissions, and on the transport of ammonia to the free troposphere are needed to improve projections of aerosol optical depth.
Convective gravity wave propagation and breaking in the stratosphere: comparison between WRF model simulations and lidar data
Authors: Costantino L. , Heinrich P. , Mzé N. , Hauchecorne A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. In this work we perform numerical simulations of convective gravity waves (GWs), using the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model. We first run an idealized, simplified and highly resolved simulation with model top at 80 km. Below 60 km of altitude, a vertical grid spacing smaller than 1 km is supposed to reliably resolve the effects of GW breaking. An eastward linear wind shear interacts with the GW field generated by a single convective thunderstorm. After 70 min of integration time, averaging within a radius of 300 km from the storm centre, results show that wave breaking in the upper stratosphere is largely dominated by saturation effects, driving an average drag force up to −41 m s−1 day−1. In the lower stratosphere, mean wave drag is positive and equal to 4.4 m s−1 day−1. In a second step, realistic WRF simulations are compared with lidar measurements from the NDACC network (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Changes) of gravity wave potential energy (Ep) over OHP (Haute-Provence Observatory, southern France). Using a vertical grid spacing smaller than 1 km below 50 km of altitude, WRF seems to reliably reproduce the effect of GW dynamics and capture qualitative aspects of wave momentum and energy propagation and transfer to background mean flow. Averaging within a radius of 120 km from the storm centre, the resulting drag force for the study case (2 h storm) is negative in the higher (−1 m s−1 day−1) and positive in the lower stratosphere (0.23 m s−1 day−1). Vertical structures of simulated potential energy profiles are found to be in good agreement with those measured by lidar. Ep is mostly conserved with altitude in August while, in October, Ep decreases in the upper stratosphere to grow again in the lower mesosphere. On the other hand, the magnitude of simulated wave energy is clearly underestimated with respect to lidar data by about 3–4 times.
A new mechanistic framework to predict OCS fluxes from soils
Authors: Ogée J. , Sauze J. , Kesselmeier J. , Genty B. , Van Diest H. , Launois T. , Wingate L.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Estimates of photosynthetic and respiratory fluxes at large scales is needed to improve our predictions of the current and future global CO2 cycle. Carbonyl sulphide (OCS) is the most abundant sulphur gas in the atmosphere and has been proposed as a new tracer of photosynthesis (GPP), as the uptake of OCS from the atmosphere is dominated by the activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme abundant in leaves that also catalyses CO2 hydration during photosynthesis. But soils also exchange OCS with the atmosphere which complicates the retrieval of GPP from atmospheric budgets. Indeed soils can take up large amounts of OCS from the atmosphere as soil microorganisms also contain CA, and OCS emissions from soils have been reported in agricultural fields or anoxic soils. To date no mechanistic framework exists to describe this exchange of OCS between soils and the atmosphere but empirical results, once upscaled to the global scale, indicate that OCS consumption by soils dominates over production and its contribution to the atmospheric budget is large, at about one third of the OCS uptake by vegetation, with also a large uncertainty. Here, we propose a new mechanistic model of the exchange of OCS between soils and the atmosphere that builds on our knowledge of soil CA activity from CO2 oxygen isotopes. In this model the OCS soil budget is described by a first-order reaction-diffusion-production equation, assuming that the hydrolysis of OCS by CA is total and irreversible. Using this model we are able to explain the observed presence of an optimum temperature for soil OCS uptake and show how this optimum can shift to cooler temperatures in the presence of soil OCS emissions. Our model can also explain the observed optimum with soil moisture content previously described in the literature as a result of diffusional constraints on OCS hydrolysis. These diffusional constraints are also responsible for the response of OCS uptake to soil weight and depth observed previously. In order to simulate the exact OCS uptake rates and patterns observed on several soils collected from a range of biomes, different CA activities had to be evoked in each soil type, coherent with expected physiological levels of CA in soil microbes and with CA activities derived from CO2 isotope exchange measurements, given the differences in affinity of CA for both trace gases. Our model can also be used to help upscale laboratory measurements to the plot or the region. Several suggestions are given for future experiments in order to test the model further and allow a better constraint on the large-scale OCS fluxes from both oxic and anoxic soils.
Vegetation structure and fire weather influence variation in burn severity and fuel consumption during peatland wildfires
Authors: Davies G. M. , Domènech R. , Gray A. , Johnson P. C. D.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Temperate peatland wildfires are of significant environmental concern but information on their environmental effects is lacking. We assessed variation in burn severity and fuel consumption within and between wildfires that burnt British moorlands in 2011 and 2012. We adapted the Composite Burn Index (pCBI) to provide semi-quantitative estimates of burn severity. Pre- and post-fire surface (shrubs and graminoids) and ground (litter, moss, duff) fuel loads associated with large wildfires were assessed using destructive sampling and analysed using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Consumption during wildfires was compared with published estimates of consumption during prescribed burns. Burn severity and fuel consumption were related to fire weather, assessed using the Canadian Fire Weather Index System (FWI System), and pre-fire fuel structure. pCBI varied 1.6 fold between, and up to 1.7 fold within, wildfires. pCBI was higher where moisture codes of the FWI System indicated drier fuels. Spatial variation in pre- and post-fire fuel load accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in fuel loads. Average surface fuel consumption was a linear function of pre-fire fuel load. Average ground fuel combustion completeness could be predicted by the Buildup Index. Carbon release ranged between 0.36 and 1.00 kg C m−2. The flammability of ground fuel layers may explain the higher C release-rates seen for wildfires in comparison to prescribed burns. Drier moorland community types appear to be at greater risk of severe burns than blanket-bog communities.
Improved simulation of precipitation in the tropics using a modified BMJ scheme in the WRF model
Authors: Fonseca R. M. , Zhang T. , Yong K.-T.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The successful modelling of the observed precipitation, a very important variable for a wide range of climate applications, continues to be one of the major challenges that climate scientists face today. When the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to dynamically downscale the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) over the Indo-Pacific region, with analysis (grid-point) nudging, it is found that the cumulus scheme used, Betts–Miller–Janjić (BMJ), produces excessive rainfall suggesting that it has to be modified for this region. Experimentation has shown that the cumulus precipitation is not very sensitive to changes in the cloud efficiency but varies greatly in response to modifications of the temperature and humidity reference profiles. A new version of the scheme, denoted "modified BMJ" scheme, where the humidity reference profile is more moist, was developed. In tropical belt simulations it was found to give a better estimate of the observed precipitation as given by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 data set than the default BMJ scheme for the whole tropics and both monsoon seasons. In fact, in some regions the model even outperforms CFSR. The advantage of modifying the BMJ scheme to produce better rainfall estimates lies in the final dynamical consistency of the rainfall with other dynamical and thermodynamical variables of the atmosphere.
Spatial evolution of Zagros collision zone in Kurdistan – NW Iran, constraints for Arabia–Eurasia oblique convergence
Authors: Sadeghi S. , Yassaghi A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Stratigraphy, detailed structural mapping and crustal scale cross section of the NW Zagros collision zone evolved during convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian plates were conducted to constrain the spatial evolution of the belt oblique convergence since Late Cretaceous. Zagros orogeny in NW Iran consists of the Sanandaj–Sirjan, Gaveh Rud and ophiolite zones as internal, and Bisotoun, Radiolarite and High Zagros zones as external parts. The Main Zagros Thrust is known as major structures of the Zagros suture zone. Two stages of deformation are recognized in the external parts of Zagros. In the early stage, presence of dextrally deformed domains beside the reversely deformed domains in the Radiolarite zone as well as dextral-reverse faults in both Bisotoun and Radiolarite zones demonstrates partitioning of the dextral transpression. In the late stage, southeastward propagation of the Zagros orogeny towards its foreland resulted in synchronous development of orogen-parallel strike-slip and pure thrust faults. It is proposed that the first stage related to the late Cretaceous oblique obduction, and the second stage is resulted from Cenozoic collision. Cenozoic orogen-parallel strike-slip component of Zagros oblique faulting is not confined to the Zagros suture zone (Main Recent) but also occurred in the more external part (Marekhil–Ravansar fault system). Thus, it is proposed that oblique convergence of Arabia–Eurasia plates occurred in Zagros collision zone since the Late Cretaceous.
Ice sheet mass loss caused by dust and black carbon accumulation
Authors: Goelles T. , Bøggild C. E. , Greve R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Albedo is the dominant factor governing surface melt variability in the ablation area of ice sheets and glaciers. Aerosols such as mineral dust and black carbon (soot) accumulate on the ice surface and cause a darker surface and therefore a lower albedo. The darkening effect on the ice surface is currently not included in sea level projections, and the effect is unknown. We present a model framework which includes ice dynamics, aerosol transport, aerosol accumulation and the darkening effect on ice albedo and its consequences for surface melt. The model is applied to a simplified geometry resembling the conditions of the Greenland ice sheet, and it is forced by several temperature scenarios to quantify the darkening effect of aerosols on future mass loss. The effect of aerosols depends non-linearly on the temperature rise due to the feedback between aerosol accumulation and surface melt. According to our conceptual model, accounting for black carbon and dust in future projections of ice sheet changes until the year 3000 could induce an additional volume loss of 7 %. Since we have ignored some feedback processes, the impact might be even larger.
“Another kind of clay”
Authors: Greve Julius
Published: September 2015

According to Jay Ellis (2006), the discrepancy between human intention and nature's indifference is the “central problem” of Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, Or the Evening Redness in the West (1985). It is formulated in an early passage on the novel's setting, the American Southwest: “[N]ot again in all the world's turning will there be terrains so wild and barbarous to try whether the stuff of creation may be shaped to man's will or whether his own heart is not another kind of clay” (McCarthy 4–5). While affirming Ellis's claim, this article reconsiders the ways in which the novel “answers” the question of ontological priority between man and nature, that is, product and productivity. The article's claim is that the philosophy of nature underlying the eminently metaphysical monologues of Judge Holden as well as the narrator's renderings of the barren landscape that John Joel Glanton's warring gang of scalp hunters traverses is that of the German nineteenth-century naturalist Lorenz Oken. Drawing on recent work put forward by the speculative realist philosopher Iain Hamilton Grant (2008), the article further argues that Oken's Elements of Physiophilosophy (1809–11) provides a fitting synthesis for Blood Meridian's “central problem.”
Evaluation of Low Phosphorus Tolerance of Rice Varieties in Northern Ghana
Authors: Atakora Williams Kwame , Fosu Mathias , Abebrese S. O. , Asante Michael , Wissuwa Matthias
Published: September 2015

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to upland rice production on highly weathered, low activity clay soils in the humid zones of West Africa. There is a paucity of information on the short-term fertilizer P effects on rice on these soils. A field experiment was conducted in 2011 to determine the response of twenty-four (24) upland rice cultivars to fertilizer Phosphorus (P) applied at 0 and 60 kg P ha−1. An uncultivated field at SARI research area with available P (Bray 1) P content of 3.0 mg/kg was used for the experiment.

The ploughed area was divided into two plots with one plot for +P and the other for -P treatment. Each of the 24 varieties was allocated three rows and spaced at 20 x 10 cm in four replications. The varieties were randomized for each replicate and planted on 2nd July 2011 at one seed per hill. Pre-emergence herbicide Pendimethaline 400 g/l (Alligator) was applied at 3.2 L/ha two days after planting followed by one hand weeding. For the (-) P plot, the entire field received N at 60 kg/ha as Sulphate of ammonia and K2O at 60 kg/ha as Muriate of Potash. For the (+) P plot, fertilizer was applied at NPK 60-60-60 kg/ha from Sulphate of ammonia, Triple superphosphate and Muriate of potash, respectively. For each plot, the N was split applied.
 Results showed that the plants that received P were more vigorous and healthier. There was significant variety effect on number of tillers per plant (NOTPP), days to 50% flowering (DFF), days to maturity (DTM), dry weight of biomass (DWOB), number of panicles per plant (NOPPP), and grain yield per plant. Similarly, there was significant phosphorus effect on number of tillers per plant (NOTPP), days to 50% flowering (DFF), days to maturity (DTM), dry weight of biomass (DWOB), number of panicles per plant (NOPPP), and grain yield per plant. There was generally no interactive effect of variety by fertilizer except for DFF and DTM. The number of tillers per plant ranges from 3 – 16 with the overall mean without P application being 4 while overall mean with P application was 9. When P was applied, the number of days to 50 % flowering reduced from 86 days to 79 days. Days to maturity (DTM) was also reduced from 118 to 111 on average by P application. The varieties that were most tolerant to low P were ITA 257, Nerica 3 and TOX 1011-4-A2. The grain yield of ITA 257 remained the same whether P was applied or not. This is the variety that is best adapted to low P. We concluded that rice growth and yield components were affected by Phosphorus application. Plants that received phosphorus flowered and matured earlier. They also accumulated higher biomass and grain yield. ITA 257, Nerica 3 and TOX 1011-4-A2 were most tolerant to P deficiency.
Germination and Inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris Spores Induced by Moderate Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Sokołowska Barbara , Skąpska Sylwia , Fonberg-Broczek Monika , Niezgoda Jolanta , Porębska Izabela , Dekowska Agnieszka , Rzoska Sylwester
Published: September 2015

Neisseria meningitidis is a commensal of human nasopharynx and humans are the only known reservoir and host of this bacterium. It is also known as a dangerous and devastating pathogen, and infection with N. meningitidis may lead to rapidly progressing septicemia or meningitis. These severe infections, called invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), are one of the major public health threats worldwide. IMD may occur sporadically, but also in outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Most of the IMD cases in the world are caused by isolates of genetically related groups, clonal complexes (CC), including those with special epidemiological significance called hyperinvasive clonal complexes. It is still unknown why some of them may persist for decades, whereas other are quickly replaced and disappear. As a consequence, the epidemiological situation of IMD is variable worldwide and greatly depends on the emergence and widespread of clones belonging to hyperinvasive clonal complexes. Their occurrence has serious implications for health policy, requiring often mass immunization campaigns. Paradoxically, alarming situations caused by hyperinvasive CCs stimulated the development and introduction of new vaccines against meningococci. Despite the unquestionable success of these vaccines, isolates of hyperinvasive clones constitute a permanent public health threat, because they are constantly circulating and able to modify their antigenic profiles to escape the host immune response. Therefore, continuous monitoring of meningococcal isolates including thorough molecular typing is indispensable and fundamental for taking appropriate preventive measures.
Post-Normal Techno-Anthropology
Authors: Børsen Tom ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2015

This paper identifies, explains, and illustrates the meaning of Post-Normal Techno-Anthropology as a two-step methodological strategy for analyzing policy-relevant scientific dissent in different segments of science, techno-science, and technological innovation. The first step focuses on epistemological and ethical analyses of the dissenting parties’ positions, and identifies conflicting arguments and assumptions on different levels. The second step involves scholarly discussions on how the analyses of policy-relevant scientific dissent can inform decision-makers and science advisors’ phronetic judgments. Dissenting views on climate change of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change is used as an illustrative example.
Demographics and density estimates of two three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) populations within forest and restored prairie sites in central Missouri
Authors: O’Connor Kelly M. , Rittenhouse Chadwick D. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Rittenhouse Tracy A.G.
Published: September 2015

Box turtles (Terrapene carolina) are widely distributed but vulnerable to population decline across their range. Using distance sampling, morphometric data, and an index of carapace damage, we surveyed three-toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis) at 2 sites in central Missouri, and compared differences in detection probabilities when transects were walked by one or two observers. Our estimated turtle densities within forested cover was less at the Thomas S. Baskett Wildlife Research and Education Center, a site dominated by eastern hardwood forest (d= 1.85 turtles/ha, 95% CI [1.13, 3.03]) than at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area, a site containing a mix of open field and hardwood forest (d= 4.14 turtles/ha, 95% CI [1.99, 8.62]). Turtles at Baskett were significantly older and larger than turtles at Prairie Fork. Damage to the carapace did not differ significantly between the 2 populations despite the more prevalent habitat management including mowing and prescribed fire at Prairie Fork. We achieved improved estimates of density using two rather than one observer at Prairie Fork, but negligible differences in density estimates between the two methods at Baskett. Error associated with probability of detection decreased at both sites with the addition of a second observer. We provide demographic data on three-toed box turtles that suggest the use of a range of habitat conditions by three-toed box turtles. This case study suggests that habitat management practices and their impacts on habitat composition may be a cause of the differences observed in our focal populations of turtles.
Metatranscriptomic analysis of a high-sulfide aquatic spring reveals insights into sulfur cycling and unexpected aerobic metabolism
Authors: Spain Anne M. , Elshahed Mostafa S. , Najar Fares Z. , Krumholz Lee R.
Published: September 2015

Zodletone spring is a sulfide-rich spring in southwestern Oklahoma characterized by shallow, microoxic, light-exposed spring water overlaying anoxic sediments. Previously, culture-independent 16S rRNA gene based diversity surveys have revealed that Zodletone spring source sediments harbor a highly diverse microbial community, with multiple lineages putatively involved in various sulfur-cycling processes. Here, we conducted a metatranscriptomic survey of microbial populations in Zodletone spring source sediments to characterize the relative prevalence and importance of putative phototrophic, chemolithotrophic, and heterotrophic microorganisms in the sulfur cycle, the identity of lineages actively involved in various sulfur cycling processes, and the interaction between sulfur cycling and other geochemical processes at the spring source. Sediment samples at the spring’s source were taken at three different times within a 24-h period for geochemical analyses and RNA sequencing. In depth mining of datasets for sulfur cycling transcripts revealed major sulfur cycling pathways and taxa involved, including an unexpected potential role of Actinobacteria in sulfide oxidation and thiosulfate transformation. Surprisingly, transcripts coding for the cyanobacterial Photosystem II D1 protein, methane monooxygenase, and terminal cytochrome oxidases were encountered, indicating that genes for oxygen production and aerobic modes of metabolism are actively being transcribed, despite below-detectable levels (<1 µM) of oxygen in source sediment. Results highlight transcripts involved in sulfur, methane, and oxygen cycles, propose that oxygenic photosynthesis could support aerobic methane and sulfide oxidation in anoxic sediments exposed to sunlight, and provide a viewpoint of microbial metabolic lifestyles under conditions similar to those seen during late Archaean and Proterozoic eons.
A comparison of two gluteus maximus EMG maximum voluntary isometric contraction positions
Authors: Contreras Bret , Vigotsky Andrew D. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Beardsley Chris , Cronin John
Published: September 2015

Background.The purpose of this study was to compare the peak electromyography (EMG) of the most commonly-used position in the literature, the prone bent-leg (90°) hip extension against manual resistance applied to the distal thigh (PRONE), to a novel position, the standing glute squeeze (SQUEEZE).

Methods.Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the upper and lower gluteus maximus of thirteen recreationally active females (age = 28.9 years; height = 164 cm; body mass = 58.2 kg), before three maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials for each position were obtained in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion.

Results.No statistically significant (p< 0.05) differences were observed between PRONE (upper: 91.94%; lower: 94.52%) and SQUEEZE (upper: 92.04%; lower: 85.12%) for both the upper and lower gluteus maximus. Neither the PRONE nor SQUEEZE was more effective between all subjects.

Conclusions.In agreement with other studies, no single testing position is ideal for every participant. Therefore, it is recommended that investigators employ multiple MVIC positions, when possible, to ensure accuracy. Future research should investigate a variety of gluteus maximus MVIC positions in heterogeneous samples.
Insight on the anatomy, systematic relationships, and age of the Early Cretaceous ankylopollexian dinosaurDakotadon lakotaensis
Authors: Boyd Clint A. , Pagnac Darrin C.
Published: September 2015

Knowledge regarding the early evolution within the dinosaurian clade Ankylopollexia drastically increased over the past two decades, in part because of an increase in described taxa from the Early Cretaceous of North America. These advances motivated the recent completion of extensive preparation and conservation work on the holotype and only known specimen ofDakotadon lakotaensis, a basal ankylopollexian from the Lakota Formation of South Dakota. That specimen (SDSM 8656) preserves a partial skull, lower jaws, a single dorsal vertebra, and two caudal vertebrae. That new preparation work exposed several bones not included in the original description and revealed that other bones were previously misidentified. The presence of extensive deformation in areas of the skull is also noted that influenced inaccuracies in prior descriptions and reconstructions of this taxon. In addition to providing an extensive re-description ofD. lakotaensis, this study reviews previously proposed diagnoses for this taxon, identifies two autapomorphies, and provides an extensive differential diagnosis.Dakotadon lakotaensisis distinct from the only other ankylopollexian taxon known from the Lakota Formation,Osmakasaurus depressus, in the presence of two prominent, anteroposteriorly oriented ridges on the ventral surfaces of the caudal vertebrae, the only overlapping material preserved between these taxa. The systematic relationships ofD. lakotaensisare evaluated using both the parsimony and posterior probability optimality criteria, with both sets of analyses recoveringD. lakotaensisas a non-hadrosauriform ankylopollexian that is more closely related to taxa from the Early Cretaceous (e.g.,Iguanacolossus,Hippodraco, andTheiophytalia) than to more basally situated taxa from the Jurassic (e.g.,Camptosaurus, Uteodon). This taxonomic work is supplemented by field work that relocated the type locality, confirming its provenance from unit L2 (lower Fuson Member equivalent) of the Lakota Formation. Those data, combined with recently revised ages for the members of the Lakota Formation based on charophyte and ostracod biostratigraphy, constrain the age of this taxon to the late Valanginian to early Barremian.
Intrinsically disordered caldesmon binds calmodulin via the “buttons on a string” mechanism
Authors: Permyakov Sergei E. , Permyakov Eugene A. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: September 2015

We show here that chicken gizzard caldesmon (CaD) and its C-terminal domain (residues 636–771, CaD136) are intrinsically disordered proteins. The computational and experimental analyses of the wild type CaD136and series of its single tryptophan mutants (W674A, W707A, and W737A) and a double tryptophan mutant (W674A/W707A) suggested that although the interaction of CaD136with calmodulin (CaM) can be driven by the non-specific electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged molecules, the specificity of CaD136-CaM binding is likely to be determined by the specific packing of important CaD136tryptophan residues at the CaD136-CaM interface. It is suggested that this interaction can be described as the “buttons on a charged string” model, where the electrostatic attraction between the intrinsically disordered CaD136and the CaM is solidified in a “snapping buttons” manner by specific packing of the CaD136“pliable buttons” (which are the short segments of fluctuating local structure condensed around the tryptophan residues) at the CaD136-CaM interface. Our data also show that all three “buttons” are important for binding, since mutation of any of the tryptophans affects CaD136-CaM binding and since CaD136remains CaM-buttoned even when two of the three tryptophans are mutated to alanines.
PopAlu: population-scale detection of Alu polymorphisms
Authors: Qian Yu , Kehr Birte , Halldórsson Bjarni V.
Published: September 2015

Alu elements are sequences of approximately 300 basepairs that together comprise more than 10% of the human genome. Due to their recent origin in primate evolution some Alu elements are polymorphic in humans, present in some individuals while absent in others. We present PopAlu, a tool to detect polymorphic Alu elements on a population scale from paired-end sequencing data. PopAlu uses read pair distance and orientation as well as split reads to identify the location and precise breakpoints of polymorphic Alus. Genotype calling enables us to differentiate between homozygous and heterozygous carriers, making the output of PopAlu suitable for use in downstream analyses such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We show on a simulated dataset that PopAlu calls Alu elements inserted and deleted with respect to a reference genome with high accuracy and high precision. Our analysis of real data of a human trio from the 1000 Genomes Project confirms that PopAlu is able to produce highly accurate genotype calls. To our knowledge, PopAlu is the first tool that identifies polymorphic Alu elements from multiple individuals simultaneously, pinpoints the precise breakpoints and calls genotypes with high accuracy.
Lepidagathis kameyamana, a new name for L. diffusa (Nees) Lindau (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Gnanasekaran Gunadayalan
Published: September 2015

Lepidagathis kameyamana is proposed here as a replacement name for L. diffusa (Nees) Lindau (= Teliostachya diffusa Nees) as it is a later homonym of L. diffusa C.B. Clarke.
APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Fritzen Maristela Pereira , Rausch Rita Buzzi , Cervi Gicele Maria
Published: September 2015

Apresentação do Número Temático