bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Mutational Analyses of Escherichia coli ZapD Reveal Charged Residues Involved in FtsZ Filament Bundling
Authors: Roach Elyse J. , Wroblewski Charles , Seidel Laura , Berezuk Alison M. , Brewer Dyanne , Kimber Matthew S. , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: March 2016

Bacterial cell division is an essential and highly coordinated process. It requires the polymerization of the tubulin homologue FtsZ to form a dynamic ring (Z-ring) at midcell. Z-ring formation relies on a group of Fts
Z
-
a
ssociated
p
roteins (Zap) for stability throughout the process of division. In
Escherichia coli
, there are currently five Zap proteins (ZapA through ZapE), of which four (ZapA, ZapB, ZapC, and ZapD) are small soluble proteins that act to bind and bundle FtsZ filaments. In particular, ZapD forms a functional dimer and interacts with the C-terminal tail of FtsZ, but little is known about its structure and mechanism of action. Here, we present the crystal structure of
Escherichia coli
ZapD and show it forms a symmetrical dimer with centrally located α-helices flanked by β-sheet domains. Based on the structure of ZapD and its chemical cross-linking to FtsZ, we targeted nine charged ZapD residues for modification by site-directed mutagenesis. Using
in vitro
FtsZ sedimentation assays, we show that residues R56, R221, and R225 are important for bundling FtsZ filaments, while transmission electron microscopy revealed that altering these residues results in different FtsZ bundle morphology compared to those of filaments bundled with wild-type ZapD. ZapD residue R116 also showed altered FtsZ bundle morphology but levels of FtsZ bundling similar to that of wild-type ZapD. Together, these results reveal that ZapD residues R116, R221, and R225 likely participate in forming a positively charged binding pocket that is critical for bundling FtsZ filaments.

IMPORTANCE
Z-ring assembly underpins the formation of the essential cell division complex known as the divisome and is required for recruitment of downstream cell division proteins. ZapD is one of several proteins in
E. coli
that associates with the Z-ring to promote FtsZ bundling and aids in the overall fitness of the division process. In the present study, we describe the dimeric structure of
E. coli
ZapD and identify residues that are critical for FtsZ bundling. Together, these results advance our understanding about the formation and dynamics of the Z-ring prior to bacterial cell division.
Response of laterally loaded rigid monopiles and poles in multi-layered elastic soil
Authors: Gupta Bipin K. , Basu Dipanjan
Published: March 2016

A new method of analysis of rigid monopiles and poles based on the principle of virtual work is developed. The analysis considers three-dimensional interaction between the rigid pile and surrounding soil, and quickly produces pile response while maintaining accuracy comparable with that obtained from equivalent finite element analysis. Using this method, a systematic parametric study is performed to investigate the response of rigid piles in soil profiles where properties change either continuously or discretely with depth. Equations are developed based on the parametric study, which can be used to calculate pile head displacement and rotation. Numerical examples are provided that illustrate the use of the method.
Species-specific combination and calibration between area-based and tree-based diameter distributions using airborne laser scanning
Authors: Hou Zhengyang , Xu Qing , Vauhkonen Jari , Maltamo Matti , Tokola Timo
Published: March 2016

The planning of wood procurement requires reliable information about the species-specific timber assortments on which the economic value of a production forest depends. The timber assortments refer to the stem volumes of the sawlog and pulpwood fractions, specified in terms of both timber quality and allowable log dimensions, e.g., the stem diameter at breast height (dbh). We propose here an airborne laser scanning based calibration framework for generating species-specific dbh distributions that combines the area-based approach (ABA) and individual-tree detection (ITD), two established and independent approaches for retrieving forest attributes from airborne laser scanning data. Both ABA- and ITD-derived dbh distributions were generated nonparametrically for pine, spruce, coniferous, deciduous, and all species and assessed with respect to the plot-level species-specific total stem volume (m3·ha–1) and approximations of volume of timber assortments. Although after calibration, the total volume of all species and the volume approximations of coniferous sawlog and spruce pulpwood decreased in accuracy by 4%–7%, the calibration improved the accuracy of the other 12 species-specific estimates by 2%–17%, testifying to the general effectiveness of the proposed calibration framework.
Kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution byAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Kocaman Ayse Tuba , Cemek Mustafa , Edwards Katrina Jane
Published: March 2016

The main objective of this study was to investigate the dissolution kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Crushed minerals were reacted with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (25 °C). The kinetics of dissolution was investigated by monitoring pH and Fe2+and Fe3+ion concentrations in the leaching solutions. Pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution by A. ferrooxidans was found to be a chemically controlled process. With bacteria, the dissolution rates of the minerals increased in the order of pyrrhotite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. The number of cells attached to mineral surfaces increased in the same order. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was found to enhance the dissolution rates of the minerals. The acid-insoluble trait of pyrite and acid-soluble trait of the other 2 minerals affected the pH changes in the leaching solutions.
Computer Simulation of Contact Forces Generated by Impact
Authors: Sun Jing , Lam Nelson , Zhang Lihai , Ruan Dong , Gad Emad
Published: March 2016

Spring-connected lumped mass models are well-known tools for simulating the impact actions including forces generated at the point of contact which are responsible for localized damage to the target. However, the stiffness properties of the impactor would need to be known in order that such contact forces can be simulated with good accuracies. For most projectile materials, such information required for modeling is not available. A computational algorithm which forms part of a new modeling technique for simulating the contact forces is introduced in this paper. Cricket ball was used as the example impactor to illustrate the procedure.
A LOW TEMPERATURE INCREASE TRANSCUTANEOUS BATTERY CHARGER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
Authors: LEE KUAN-TING , CHUANG CHIUNG-CHENG , WANG YING-HSIANG , YE JING-JHAO
Published: March 2016

Many medical groups have used wireless battery charging technology for rechargeable batteries used in implantable devices. During charging, battery heat is lost from the battery and other heat sources within an implantable device, which may be harmful to patients’ tissues. Therefore, charging batteries with minimum discomfort to patients while replenishing battery capacity as much as possible is a challenge. In this paper, a constant voltage with a different limiting current strategy for a lithium-ion polymer battery is proposed, thereby modulating the limiting current rate that reduces battery temperature increase. Experiments show that better safety charging performance for 260, 600, and 1000[Formula: see text]mAh lithium-ion polymer batteries can be obtained by the proposed current-limiting method. Compared with conventional constant-current–constant-voltage charging strategies, the maximum battery temperature increase is improved.
ASSESMENT OF KEY PARAMETERS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DELTOID MUSCLE IN REVERSE SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY — A MODELING AND SIMULATION-BASED STUDY
Authors: ASLANI NAVID , NOROOZI SIAMAK , HARTLEY RICHARD , DUPAC MIHAI , SEWELL PHILIP
Published: March 2016

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), in which anatomic concavities of glenohumeral (GH) joint are inverted, is a popular treatment of arthritic shoulders with deficient rotator cuff. The correct positioning of the glenohumeral center of rotation and initial setting of the deltoid length (Deltoid Tension) plays an important role in the outcome of the RSA. A study of the key literature has shown that despite common use of RSA, its biomechanical characteristics during motion are not fully understood. This study investigates the influence of some of the key parameters on the intensity of the moment in a shoulder after RSA during abduction in scapular plane. The kinematics after RSA are then compared with the anatomic shoulder kinematics and differences are discussed. Mathematical models of both the anatomical and reverse shoulder (RS) were developed in MATLAB and in MSC ADAMS. The anatomical and RSA geometries were defined using measurements obtained from X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the shoulder girdle. The results show that in RSA, the intensity of the moment generated in the GH joint improves. However, this improvement does not show a constant trend and its intensity can dramatically decrease in higher GH joint abduction.
THE EFFECT OF COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY ON CARTILAGE CONTACT IN KNEE JOINTS MODELED WITH SIX DEGREES OF FREEDOM
Authors: ÖZADA NERIMAN
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to create a kinematic model of the knee joint with six degrees of freedom (DOF) and evaluate the effect of medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) rupture on cartilage contact point distribution on the tibia during flexion. We hypothesized that collateral ligament contributions vary over six DOF of knee joint articulation and affect the cartilage contact point distribution during joint articulation. The ligament contributions and distribution of joint cartilage contact points cannot be fully assessed with simplified joint models or invasive experiments. Therefore, we developed a new model in which the tibia and femur centers of mass were determined from their surface geometry, and the displacement of the moving tibia was determined from the displacements of the attached ligaments. Compared to the intact knee, the tibia with the LCL removed had higher medial translation and lower valgus rotation. The tibia with the MCL removed had higher lateral translation and higher valgus rotation than the intact knee. At 0[Formula: see text], 30[Formula: see text], and 60[Formula: see text], the tibia with the LCL removed had more internal rotation than the intact knee. Understanding six DOF knee joint kinematics with integration of ligament contributions and cartilage contact positions is useful for the diagnosis of ligament injuries and the design of articulating surfaces for total arthroplasty.
Preconditioning Methods for the Penalty Function FEM Discretizations of 3D Nearly Incompressible Elasticity Problems
Authors: Xiao Yingxiong , Li Zhenyou , Zhou Lei
Published: March 2016

Penalty function finite element method (FEM) is an efficient method for the solution of the nearly incompressible elasticity problems in three dimensions. In order to improve the overall efficiency, some faster solvers for the corresponding FEM system of equations must be presented. Since the resulting system of equations is symmetric positive definite and highly ill-conditioned, the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method is one of the most efficient methods for solving such FEM equations. In this paper, we have first presented some types of efficient PCG methods including [Formula: see text]-PCG and [Formula: see text]-PCG with two different block diagonal inverses as a preconditioner, respectively, and including the RS-GAMG-PCG based on the global matrix for the penalty function FEM equations of three-dimensional (3D) nearly incompressible elasticity problems with mixed boundary conditions. Furthermore, we apply these methods to the solution of the penalty function quadratic discretizations for the cantilever and the Cook’s membrane problems. The numerical results have shown that much more efficient PCG methods for 3D nearly incompressible problems can be obtained by using the known information that is easily available in most FEM applications, for instance, the type of the partial differential equations (PDEs) considered and the number of physical unknowns residing in each grid, and by combining the coarsening techniques used in the classic algebraic multigrid (AMG) method. This will greatly improve the overall efficiency of the penalty function FEM analysis.
Evaluating Different IT Innovation Investment Strategies from an Ex Ante and Ex Post Evaluation Perspective
Authors: Häckel Björn , Lindermeir Andreas , Moser Florian , Pfosser Stefan
Published: March 2016

Contrary to mature IT innovations, fashionable IT innovations are hyped but lack institutionalization. Since an appropriate evaluation of these innovations is rather complex, companies often choose fixed investment strategies that neglect effects of organizational learning through continuous innovating. Hence, we develop a dynamic optimization model that determines the optimal budget allocation to mature and fashionable IT innovations by considering organizational learning. Furthermore, we evaluate various investment strategies both from an ex ante and an ex post perspective. Thereby, we focus on a company’s innovativeness and draw conclusions about the superiority of different investment strategies regarding expected NPV and its volatility.
INTER-FIRM COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE FOR NEW-TO-MARKET PRODUCTS — THE MODERATING ROLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND SKILLS-RELATED KNOWLEDGE ASSETS
Authors: TORUGSA NUTTANEEYA ANN , ARUNDEL ANTHONY , O’DONOHUE WAYNE
Published: March 2016

This study examines the impact that the two types of knowledge assets — technological knowledge and skills-related knowledge — have on the link between inter-firm collaboration (IFC) and product innovation performance, measured by the sales share of new-to-market products. Drawing on transaction cost economics (TCE), we propose that the relation specificity of these knowledge assets that a firm shares with its partners (reflecting its level of research and development (R&D) and training investments, respectively) is a key determinant of the benefits and transaction costs associated with IFC. Using a two-wave panel of 480 innovating firms in the Australian state of Tasmania, we find that the observed positive association between IFC and the sales share of new-to-market products declines at high levels of R&D and training intensities. Our findings help strengthen an understanding of the role of transaction costs for relation-specific knowledge assets and the factors that could influence the value of IFC as a pathway to enhanced innovation performance for new-to-market products.
Effect of light polariztion on pattern illumination super-resolution imaging
Authors: Qiu Caimin , Chen Jianling , Hou Zexian , Xu Chaoxian , Xie Shusen , Yang Hongqin
Published: March 2016

Far-field fluorescence microscopy has made great progress in the spatial resolution, limited by light diffraction, since the super-resolution imaging technology appeared. And stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) can be grouped into one class of the super-resolution imaging technology, which use pattern illumination strategy to circumvent the diffraction limit. We simulated the images of the beads of SIM imaging, the intensity distribution of STED excitation light and depletion light in order to observe effects of the polarized light on imaging quality. Compared to fixed linear polarization, circularly polarized light is more suitable for SIM on reconstructed image. And right-handed circular polarization (CP) light is more appropriate for both the excitation and depletion light in STED system. Therefore the right-handed CP light would be the best candidate when the SIM and STED are combined into one microscope. Good understanding of the polarization will provide a reference for the patterned illumination experiment to achieve better resolution and better image quality.
Transcription as a Threat to Genome Integrity
Authors: Gaillard Hélène , Aguilera Andrés
Published: March 2016

Genomes undergo different types of sporadic alterations, including DNA damage, point mutations, and genome rearrangements, that constitute the basis for evolution. However, these changes may occur at high levels as a result of cell pathology and trigger genome instability, a hallmark of cancer and a number of genetic diseases. In the last two decades, evidence has accumulated that transcription constitutes an important natural source of DNA metabolic errors that can compromise the integrity of the genome. Transcription can create the conditions for high levels of mutations and recombination by its ability to open the DNA structure and remodel chromatin, making it more accessible to DNA insulting agents, and by its ability to become a barrier to DNA replication. Here we review the molecular basis of such events from a mechanistic perspective with particular emphasis on the role of transcription as a genome instability determinant.
Thiol–Disulfide Exchange Reactions in the Mammalian Extracellular Environment
Authors: Yi Michael C. , Khosla Chaitan
Published: March 2016

Disulfide bonds represent versatile posttranslational modifications whose roles encompass the structure, catalysis, and regulation of protein function. Due to the oxidizing nature of the extracellular environment, disulfide bonds found in secreted proteins were once believed to be inert. This notion has been challenged by the discovery of redox-sensitive disulfides that, once cleaved, can lead to changes in protein activity. These functional disulfides are twisted into unique configurations, leading to high strain and potential energy. In some cases, cleavage of these disulfides can lead to a gain of function in protein activity. Thus, these motifs can be referred to as switches. We describe the couples that control redox in the extracellular environment, examine several examples of proteins with switchable disulfides, and discuss the potential applications of disulfides in molecular biology.
Shape-Controlled Metal Nanocrystals for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Ruditskiy Aleksey , Peng Hsin-Chieh , Xia Younan
Published: March 2016

The ability to control the shape of metal nanocrystals allows us to not only maneuver their physicochemical properties but also optimize their activity in a variety of applications. Heterogeneous catalysis, in particular, would benefit tremendously from the availability of metal nanocrystals with controlled shapes and well-defined facets or surface structures. The immediate benefits may include significant enhancements in catalytic activity and/or selectivity along with reductions in the materials cost. We provide a brief account of recent progress in the development of metal nanocrystals with controlled shapes and thereby enhanced catalytic performance for several reactions, including formic acid oxidation, oxygen reduction, and hydrogenation. In addition to monometallic nanocrystals, we also cover a bimetallic system, in which the two metals are formulated as alloyed, core-shell, or core-frame structures. We hope this article will provide further impetus for the development of next-generation heterogeneous catalysts essential to a broad range of applications.
Status of Solid State Lighting Product Development and Future Trends for General Illumination
Authors: Katona Thomas M. , Pattison P. Morgan , Paolini Steve
Published: March 2016

After decades of research and development on fabrication of efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) throughout the visible spectrum, LED-based lighting has reached unparalleled performance with respect to energy efficiency and has become the light source for virtually all new lighting products being designed today. The development of the core light sources and their subsequent integration into lighting systems continue to present unique challenges and opportunities for product designers. We review these systems and the current development status, as well as provide context for the trends in solid state lighting that are leading to the development of value-added lighting solutions that extend the domain of lighting beyond light generation, into fields as diverse as communications, healthcare, and agricultural production.
The Roles of MDM2 and MDMX in Cancer
Authors: Karni-Schmidt Orit , Lokshin Maria , Prives Carol
Published: March 2016

For more than 25 years, MDM2 and its homolog MDMX (also known as MDM4) have been shown to exert oncogenic activity. These two proteins are best understood as negative regulators of the p53 tumor suppressor, although they may have additional p53-independent roles. Understanding the dysregulation of MDM2 and MDMX in human cancers and how they function either together or separately in tumorigenesis may improve methods of diagnosis and for assessing prognosis. Targeting the proteins themselves, or their regulators, may be a promising therapeutic approach to treating some forms of cancer.
The Independence of the Junior Scientist's Mind: At What Price?
Authors: Scoles Giacinto
Published: March 2016

When I was facing the daunting task of recounting my approximately 70 years of scientific career and some aspects of my personal life, I decided to write this autobiographical piece in a “different” way. After a section on the almost bare facts of my life (Section 1), I include several other parts, loosely connected in time, in each of which I make an almost self-contained point, decreasing in this way the need for consistency and coherence in the whole article. I discuss, for example, the importance of original ideas, the independence of junior colleagues, and my work with molecular beams and in nanomedicine. I end by acknowledging those I was lucky enough to learn from in my intellectual development as a research scientist and with a couple of recommendations that may be useful to my junior and not-so-junior colleagues.
Valence Electronic Structure of Aqueous Solutions: Insights from Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Seidel Robert , Winter Bernd , Bradforth Stephen E.
Published: March 2016

The valence orbital electron binding energies of water and of embedded solutes are crucial quantities for understanding chemical reactions taking place in aqueous solution, including oxidation/reduction, transition-metal coordination, and radiation chemistry. Their experimental determination based on liquid-photoelectron spectroscopy using soft X-rays is described, and we provide an overview of valence photoelectron spectroscopy studies reported to date. We discuss principal experimental aspects and several theoretical approaches to compute the measured binding energies of the least tightly bound molecular orbitals. Solutes studied are presented chronologically, from simple electrolytes, via transition-metal ion solutions and several organic and inorganic molecules, to biologically relevant molecules, including aqueous nucleotides and their components. In addition to the lowest vertical ionization energies, the measured valence photoelectron spectra also provide information on adiabatic ionization energies and reorganization energies for the oxidation (ionization) half-reaction. For solutes with low solubility, resonantly enhanced ionization provides a promising alternative pathway.
Effect of a long-term high-protein diet on survival, obesity development, and gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Kiilerich Pia , Myrmel Lene Secher , Fjære Even , Hao Qin , Hugenholtz Floor , Sonne Si Brask , Derrien Muriel , Pedersen Lone Møller , Petersen Rasmus Koefoed , Mortensen Alicja , Licht Tine Rask , Rømer Maria Unni , Vogel Ulla Birgitte , Waagbø Linn Jeanette , Giallourou Natasa , Feng Qiang , Xiao Liang , Liu Chuan , Liaset Bjørn , Kleerebezem Michiel , Wang Jun , Madsen Lise , Kristiansen Karsten
Published: March 2016

Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a regular low-fat diet or high-fat diets combined with either high or low protein-to-sucrose ratios during their entire lifespan to examine the long-term effects on obesity development, gut microbiota, and survival. Intake of a high-fat diet with a low protein/sucrose ratio precipitated obesity and reduced survival relative to mice fed a low-fat diet. By contrast, intake of a high-fat diet with a high protein/sucrose ratio attenuated lifelong weight gain and adipose tissue expansion, and survival was not significantly altered relative to low-fat-fed mice. Our findings support the notion that reduced survival in response to high-fat/high-sucrose feeding is linked to obesity development. Digital gene expression analyses, further validated by qPCR, demonstrated that the protein/sucrose ratio modulated global gene expression over time in liver and adipose tissue, affecting pathways related to metabolism and inflammation. Analysis of fecal bacterial DNA using the Mouse Intestinal Tract Chip revealed significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in relation to host age and dietary fat content, but not the protein/sucrose ratio. Accordingly, dietary fat rather than the protein/sucrose ratio or adiposity is a major driver shaping the gut microbiota, whereas the effect of a high-fat diet on survival is dependent on the protein/sucrose ratio.
Peripheral, but not central, GLP-1 receptor signaling is required for improvement in glucose tolerance after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in mice
Authors: Carmody Jill S. , Muñoz Rodrigo , Yin Huali , Kaplan Lee M.
Published: March 2016

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) causes profound weight loss and remission of diabetes by influencing metabolic physiology, yet the mechanisms behind these clinical improvements remain undefined. After RYGB, levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that enhances insulin secretion and promotes satiation, are substantially elevated. Because GLP-1 signals in both the periphery and the brain to influence energy balance and glucose regulation, we aimed to determine the relative requirements of these systems to weight loss and improved glucose tolerance following RYGB surgery in mice. By pharmacologically blocking peripheral or central GLP-1R signaling, we examined whether GLP-1 action is necessary for the metabolic improvements observed after RYGB. Diet-induced obese mice underwent RYGB or sham operation and were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering the GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9–39) (2 pmol·kg−1·min−1 peripherally; 0.5 pmol·kg−1·min−1 centrally) for up to 10 wk. Blockade of peripheral GLP-1R signaling partially reversed the improvement in glucose tolerance after RYGB. In contrast, fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, as well as body weight, were unaffected by GLP-1R antagonism. Central GLP-1R signaling did not appear to be required for any of the metabolic improvements seen after this operation. Collectively, these results suggest a detectable but only modest role for GLP-1 in mediating the effects of RYGB and that this role is limited to its well-described action on glucose regulation.
Healthcare Use for Pain in Women Waiting for Gynaecological Surgery
Authors: Walker Sarah , Hopman Wilma M. , Carley Meg E. , Mann Elizabeth G. , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth G.
Published: March 2016

Background.Pain while waiting for surgery may increase healthcare utilization (HCU) preoperatively.Objective.Examine the association between preoperative pain and HCU in the year prior to gynecological surgery.Methods.590 women waiting for surgery in a Canadian tertiary care centre were asked to report on HCU in the year before surgery. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory.Results.33% reported moderate to severe pain intensity and interference in the week before surgery. Sixty-one percent (n=360) reported a total of 2026 healthcare visits, with 21% (n=126) reporting six or more visits in the year before surgery. After controlling for covariates, women with moderate to severe (>3/10) pain intensity/interference reported higher odds of overall HCU (≥3 pain-related visits to family doctor or specialist in the past year or ≥1 to emergency/walk-in clinic) compared to women with no or mild pain. Lower body mass index (BMI < 30 versus ≥30) and anxiety and/or depression were associated with emergency department or walk-in visits but not visits to family doctors or specialists.Conclusions.There is a high burden of pain in women awaiting gynecological surgery. Decisions about resource allocation should consider the impact of pain on individuals and the healthcare system.
Growth Response of TwoPhaseolus mungoL. Cultivars Induced by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi andTrichoderma viride
Authors: Sharma Navnita , Yadav Kuldeep , Aggarwal Ashok
Published: March 2016

The present investigation aimed to quantify the difference in response of twoPhaseolus mungoL. cultivars (i.e., UH-1 and IPU-94-1) toGlomus mosseae(G), that is,Funneliformis mosseae,Acaulospora laevis(A), andTrichoderma viride(T), in different combinations or alone. All the treatments were inoculated withBradyrhizobium japonicumto ensure nodulation as soil used in the experiment was sterilized. After 120 days of inoculation, plants were analyzed for chlorophyll content, nodulation, mycorrhization, leaf area, and protein content. Results indicate variation in growth response of two cultivars with different treatments. Triple inoculation of plants with G + A + T proved to be the best treatment for growth followed by G + T in both cultivars. Our work allowed the selection ofP. mungoL. cultivar UH-1 as highly mycorrhizal responsive as compared to IPU-94-1 andG. mosseaeto be an efficient bioinoculant as compared toA. laevisfor growth enhancement ofP. mungo. Further characterization ofP. mungogenotypes will enhance our knowledge of physiological and genetic mechanism behind increase in plant growth and yield due to AM symbiosis.
Colonic Stents for Colorectal Cancer Are Seldom Used and Mainly for Palliation of Obstruction: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Borowiec Anna M. , Wang Charlie S. K. , Yong Elaine , Law Calvin , Coburn Natalie , Sutradhar Rinku , Baxter Nancy , Paszat Lawrence , Tinmouth Jill
Published: March 2016

Self-expandable stents for obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) offer an alternative to operative management. The objective of the study was to determine stent utilization for CRC obstruction in the province of Ontario between April 1, 2000, and March 30, 2009. Colonic stent utilization characteristics, poststent insertion health outcomes, and health care encounters were recorded. 225 patients were identified over the study period. Median age was 69 years, 2/3 were male, and 2/3 had metastatic disease. Stent use for CRC increased over the study period and gastroenterologists inserted most stents. The median survival after stent insertion was 199 (IQR, 69–834) days. 37% of patients required an additional procedure. Patients with metastatic disease were less likely to go on to surgery (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06–0.32,p<0.0001). There were 2.4/person-year emergency department visits (95% CI 2.2–2.7) and 2.3 hospital admissions/person-year (95% CI 2.1–2.5) following stent insertion. Most admissions were cancer or procedure related or for palliation. Factors associated with hospital admissions were presence of metastatic disease, lack of chemotherapy treatment, and stoma surgery. Overall the use of stents for CRC obstruction remains low. Stents are predominantly used for palliation with low rates of postinsertion health care encounters.
Environmental Factors and Soil CO2Emissions in an Alpine Swamp Meadow Ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau in Response to Experimental Warming
Authors: Wang Bin , Niu Ben , Yang Xiaojie , Gu Song
Published: March 2016

We examined the response of soil CO2emissions to warming and environmental control mechanisms in an alpine swamp meadow ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau. Experimental warming treatments were performed in an alpine swamp meadow ecosystem using two open-top chambers (OTCs) 40 cm (OA) and 80 cm (OB) tall. The results indicate that temperatures were increased by 2.79°C in OA and 4.96°C in OB, that ecosystem CO2efflux showed remarkable seasonal variations in the control (CK) and the two warming treatments, and that all three systems yielded peak values in August of 123.6, 142.3, and 166.2 g C m−2 month−1. Annual CO2efflux also showed a gradual upward trend with increased warming: OB (684.1 g C m−2 year−1) > OA (580.7 g C m−2 year−1) > CK (473.3 g C m−2 year−1). Path analysis revealed that the 5 cm depth soil temperature was the most important environmental factor affecting soil CO2emissions in the three systems.
Iterative MIMO Detection and Channel Estimation Using Joint Superimposed and Pilot-Aided Training
Authors: Longoria-Gandara Omar , Parra-Michel Ramon , Carrasco-Alvarez Roberto , Romero-Aguirre Eduardo
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a novel iterative detection and channel estimation scheme that combines the effort of superimposed training (ST) and pilot-aided training (PAT) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) flat fading channels. The proposed method, hereafter known as joint mean removal ST and PAT (MRST-PAT), implements an iterative detection and channel estimation that achieves the performance of data-dependent ST (DDST) algorithm, with the difference that the data arithmetic cyclic mean is estimated and removed from data at the receiver’s end. It is demonstrated that this iterative and cooperative detection and channel estimator algorithm surpasses the effects of data detection identifiability condition that DDST has shown when higher orders of modulation are used. Theoretical performance of the MRST-PAT scheme is provided and corroborated by numerical simulations. In addition, the performance comparison between the proposed method and different MIMO channel estimation techniques is analyzed. The joint effort between ST and PAT shows that MRST-PAT is a solid candidate in communications systems for multiamplitude constellations in Rayleigh fading channels, while achieving high-throughput data rates with manageable complexity and bit-error rate (BER) as a figure of merit.
Unexpected Findings in Magnetic Resonance Enterography and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Ravindran Srivathsan , Hancox Sarah Helen , Barlow Neil , Dunk Arthur , Howlett David
Published: March 2016

Aims. To identify the prevalence of colonic and extraenteric incidental findings in magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and their clinical significance.Methods. We retrospectively analysed 470 MRE studies carried out between March 2012 and 2014. Incidental findings were defined as those not expected from or made apparent on the referral. MRE reports were reviewed for colonic and extraenteric findings, subcategorised into “clinically significant” and “insignificant.” Follow-up was identified from the electronic patient record.Results. The majority of MRE requests were made for inflammatory bowel disease (97%). In total, 114 incidental findings were noted in 94 (20%) scans performed. There were 29 “colonic” findings (25%) with 55% having a diagnosis of colitis. Out of 85 extraenteric findings, ovarian cysts (25%), renal cysts (10%), and abdominal lymphadenopathy (9%) were the commonest. Cumulatively, 59 cases were clinically significant (52%); of these, 30 findings were not previously diagnosed, amounting to 26% of all incidental findings. This led to intervention in seven patients.Conclusions. Incidental findings are common in MRE and there is a substantial proportion that is clinically significant and requires further investigation. There need to be stratification of risk and employment of local guidelines in order to achieve this.
The Combination of α‐Tocopheryl Succinate and Sodium Selenite on Breast Cancer: A Merit or a Demerit?
Authors: Badr Doaa M. , Hafez Hafez F. , Agha Azza M. , Shouman Samia A.
Published: March 2016

α‐Tocopheryl succinate (α‐TOS), a mitochondria‐targeting agent, induces apoptosis in malignant cells in vitro and in vivo. Selenite is a nutritional supplement that has been shown to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells. This study was designed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of combined treatment of α‐TOS and sodium selenite (SSe) in vitro and in vivo and to explore their effect on apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer. The type of interaction between α‐TOS and SSe was evaluated and levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic and autophagic markers were determined. SSe alone showed varying degrees of cytotoxicity on all the tested cell lines. Its combination with α‐TOS was antagonistic in vitro in MCF7 and in vivo in mice bearing Ehrlich tumor compared to α‐TOS‐treated one. Combination of TOS with 2 μM of SSe increased the level of glutathione without changes in antiapoptotic markers Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1 at 16 and 48 hrs. SSe decreased caspase 3 activity and protein level of caspases 7 and 9, while it increased autophagic markers beclin‐1 and LC3B protein levels of MCF7 cells treated with α‐TOS. In conclusion, SSe antagonizes α‐TOS‐induced apoptosis via inhibition of oxidative stress and promoting prosurvival machinery of autophagy.
Pituitary Morphology and Function in 43 Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Liu Wendong , Wang Limin , Liu Minghua , Li Guimei
Published: March 2016

Objective. In pediatric central diabetes insipidus (CDI), etiology diagnosis and pituitary function monitoring are usually delayed. This study aimed to illustrate the importance of regular follow-up and pituitary function monitoring in pediatric CDI.Methods. The clinical, hormonal, and neuroradiological characteristics of children with CDI at diagnosis and during 1.5–2-year follow-up were collected and analyzed.Results. The study included 43 CDI patients. The mean interval between initial manifestation and diagnosis was 22.29 ± 3.67 months (range: 2–108 months). The most common complaint was polyuria/polydipsia. Causes included Langerhans cell histiocytosis, germinoma, and craniopharyngioma in 2, 5, and 4 patients; the remaining were idiopathic. No significant changes were found during the 1.5–2 years after CDI diagnosis. Twenty-three of the 43 cases (53.5%) had ≥1 anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Isolated growth hormone deficiency was the most frequent abnormality (37.5%) and was not associated with pituitary stalk diameter. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies were found in 8 cases with pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm.Conclusion. Diagnosis of CDI is usually delayed. CDI with a pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm carries a higher risk of multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Long-term MRI and pituitary function follow-ups are necessary for children with idiopathic CDI.
Do the Hydatid Cysts Have Unusual Localization and Dissemination Ways in the Chest Cavity?
Authors: Akkas Yucel , Kaplan Tevfik , Peri Neslihan Gulay , Kocer Bulent
Published: March 2016

We wanted to report our two cases of intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cyst in pleural cavity due to its rarity. Our first case is a 24-year-old male patient who was admitted with a cystic mass lesion consistent with hydatid cyst which was incidentally detected in inferior lobe of the right lung neighboring to thoracic wall and diaphragm. Our second case is a 32-year-old male patient who was admitted with chest pain and a cystic lesion in apex of the right hemithorax and intercostal field in basal after he had been medically treated due to hydatid cyst of the dome of the liver for two years. The cysts were removed with thoracotomy. Extrapulmonary intrathoracic hydatid cysts were evaluated with regard to invasion ways and treatment indications and methods.
Higher Blood Lead Levels among Childbearing Women in Nearby Addis Ababa-Adama Highway, Ethiopia
Authors: Chercos Daniel Haile , Moges Haimanot Gebrehiwot
Published: March 2016

Objective. The aim of this research was to compare blood lead level of childbearing women near Addis Ababa-Adama highway with those who live far from it. Study Design. A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare blood lead levels of 40 childbearing women (study group) who lived relatively near Addis Ababa-Adama highway and other 36 childbearing women (comparative group) who lived relatively far (10 km) from the highway. Methods. In the study, women having a fertile age within 15–49 years were considered as “childbearing women.” Blood samples were collected from each group and analyzed for blood lead level comparison. Result. The study indicated significant blood lead level difference (p<0.001) between the groups. The study group had higher blood lead level (34.32 ± 6.39 μg/dL) than the comparative group (8.47 ± 3.01 μg/dL). The mean blood lead level of both groups was higher than the advised blood lead concentration for a woman to avoid occupational or vocational lead exposure. Conclusion. This study concluded that blood lead level of women who lived relatively near Addis Ababa-Adama highway was significantly higher than those who lived relatively far from the road.
MEG Analysis of Neural Interactions in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Khadmaoui Amine , Gómez Carlos , Poza Jesús , Bachiller Alejandro , Fernández Alberto , Quintero Javier , Hornero Roberto
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present study was to explore the interchannel relationships of resting-state brain activity in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) signals were recorded using a 148-channel whole-head magnetometer in 13 patients with ADHD (range: 8–12 years) and 14 control subjects (range: 8–13 years). Three complementary measures (coherence, phase-locking value, and Euclidean distance) were calculated in the conventional MEG frequency bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. Our results showed that the interactions among MEG channels are higher for ADHD patients than for control subjects in all frequency bands. Statistically significant differences were observed for short-distance values within right-anterior and central regions, especially at delta, beta, and gamma-frequency bands (p<0.05; Mann-WhitneyUtest with false discovery rate correction). These frequency bands also showed statistically significant differences in long-distance interactions, mainly among anterior and central regions, as well as among anterior, central, and other areas. These differences might reflect alterations during brain development in children with ADHD. Our results support the role of frontal abnormalities in ADHD pathophysiology, which may reflect a delay in cortical maturation in the frontal cortex.
Evidence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Cancer and Noncancer Stem Cells Associated with Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Minuk Gerald Y. , Bautista Wendy , Klein Julianne
Published: March 2016

Both the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, there have been no reports describing HBV infection within CSCs. In this report we describe HBV core (HBcAg) and HBx protein expression within CSCs associated with human HCC. HBV markers were also identified in nonmalignant stem cells present in adjacent nontumor tissue. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HBV-induced HCC and are potentially relevant to the treatment of both HCC and chronic HBV.
Delusional Infestation
Authors: Laupland Kevin B. , Valiquette Louis
Published: March 2016

Although the practice of infectious diseases involves a broad range of surgical and medical disciplines, interactions with psychiatry are infrequent. Delusional infestation is a condition where an individual has a firmly fixed false belief that they have an infection. Delusional infestation challenges the infectious diseases specialist who must diligently rule out the presence of a true infection. However, perhaps, more importantly, we may need to initiate therapy with neuroleptic medications for which we may have little specific knowledge and experience. In this note we review the diagnosis and management of patients with delusional infestation.
PTP1B Deficiency Enables the Ability of a High-Fat Diet to Drive the Invasive Character of PTEN-Deficient Prostate Cancers
Authors: Labbé David P. , Uetani Noriko , Vinette Valérie , Lessard Laurent , Aubry Isabelle , Migon Eva , Sirois Jacinthe , Haigh Jody J. , Bégin Louis R. , Trotman Lloyd C. , Paquet Marilène , Tremblay Michel L.
Published: March 2016

Diet affects the risk and progression of prostate cancer, but the interplay between diet and genetic alterations in this disease is not understood. Here we present genetic evidence in the mouse showing that prostate cancer progression driven by loss of the tumor suppressor Pten is mainly unresponsive to a high-fat diet (HFD), but that coordinate loss of the protein tyrosine phosphatase Ptpn1 (encoding PTP1B) enables a highly invasive disease. Prostate cancer in Pten−/−Ptpn1−/− mice was characterized by increased cell proliferation and Akt activation, interpreted to reflect a heightened sensitivity to IGF-1 stimulation upon HFD feeding. Prostate-specific overexpression of PTP1B was not sufficient to initiate prostate cancer, arguing that it acted as a diet-dependent modifier of prostate cancer development in Pten−/− mice. Our findings offer a preclinical rationale to investigate the anticancer effects of PTP1B inhibitors currently being studied clinically for diabetes treatment as a new modality for management of prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3130–5. ©2016 AACR.
AZD9496: An Oral Estrogen Receptor Inhibitor That Blocks the Growth of ER-Positive andESR1-Mutant Breast Tumors in Preclinical Models
Authors: Weir Hazel M. , Bradbury Robert H. , Lawson Mandy , Rabow Alfred A. , Buttar David , Callis Rowena J. , Curwen Jon O. , de Almeida Camila , Ballard Peter , Hulse Michael , Donald Craig S. , Feron Lyman J.L. , Karoutchi Galith , MacFaul Philip , Moss Thomas , Norman Richard A. , Pearson Stuart E. , Tonge Michael , Davies Gareth , Walker Graeme E. , Wilson Zena , Rowlinson Rachel , Powell Steve , Sadler Claire , Richmond Graham , Ladd Brendon , Pazolli Ermira , Mazzola Anne Marie , D'Cruz Celina , De Savi Chris
Published: March 2016

Fulvestrant is an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist administered to breast cancer patients by monthly intramuscular injection. Given its present limitations of dosing and route of administration, a more flexible orally available compound has been sought to pursue the potential benefits of this drug in patients with advanced metastatic disease. Here we report the identification and characterization of AZD9496, a nonsteroidal small-molecule inhibitor of ERα, which is a potent and selective antagonist and downregulator of ERα in vitro and in vivo in ER-positive models of breast cancer. Significant tumor growth inhibition was observed as low as 0.5 mg/kg dose in the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 xenograft model, where this effect was accompanied by a dose-dependent decrease in PR protein levels, demonstrating potent antagonist activity. Combining AZD9496 with PI3K pathway and CDK4/6 inhibitors led to further growth-inhibitory effects compared with monotherapy alone. Tumor regressions were also seen in a long-term estrogen-deprived breast model, where significant downregulation of ERα protein was observed. AZD9496 bound and downregulated clinically relevant ESR1 mutants in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in an ESR1-mutant patient-derived xenograft model that included a D538G mutation. Collectively, the pharmacologic evidence showed that AZD9496 is an oral, nonsteroidal, selective estrogen receptor antagonist and downregulator in ER+ breast cells that could provide meaningful benefit to ER+ breast cancer patients. AZD9496 is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3307–18. ©2016 AACR.