bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible Light Degradation of Naproxen by Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of NiO and NiS, Scavenger Study and Focus on Catalyst Support and Magnetization
Authors: Torki Firoozeh , Faghihian Hossein
Published: February 2018

This research was aimed to prepare a magnetically photocatalyst enabling to degrade pharmaceutical wastewater and detoxification of pollutant such as naproxen, by visible light irradiation. The nano‐sized NiS and NiO photocatalysts exhibit higher reactivity than their microsized counterparts, but separation of the used photocatalyst from the degradation solution is hard and imperfect. To remove this difficulty, magnetic polypyrrole core‐shell (Fe3O4@PPY) was synthesized and employed as catalyst support. The magnetization property of the synthesized photocatalysts measured by VSM technique indicated that the photocatalysts were sufficiently magnetized to be readily separated from degradation solution by use of external magnetic field. The DRS study showed that the band gap of the photocatalysts shifted to lower energy after immobilization on the support materials leading to higher degradation efficiency. The optimal efficiency was obtained with the catalysts loaded with 50% of NiO and 50% of NiS. The augmenting effect of H2O2 and the inhibition influence of some organic and inorganic compounds on the degradation process were studied. Regeneration of the used photocatalyst was performed by heat treatment, and the catalyst treated at 400°C retained most of its initial capacity. The degradation capacity was kinetically fast, and the equilibrium was attained within 30 min.
Captive children: John Lyly, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and child impressment on the early modern stage
Authors: van Es Bart
Published: February 2018

The story of the stolen Indian Boy who is the subject of the dispute between Oberon and Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream has gained increasing critical scrutiny in recent years. In this article I examine this episode in the light of the practice of child impressment by all‐boy acting companies, which was common in the decade before the play was written. In particular, I explore a connection with John Lyly, whose play Galatea was an influence on A Midsummer Night's Dream. In Galatea Lyly makes a point of drawing attention to his boy actors, whose vulnerability and attractiveness are made conspicuous by means of plot lines about the capture of children. Shakespeare's story of the Indian Boy has much in common with those plot lines. Through it, I suggest, the playwright looks back at Lyly and his repertory and also at the history of child impressment, a practice that would revive before the decade was out. In the Indian Boy's narrative and in the linked episode of Titania's infatuation with Nick Bottom we see the perspective of an adult company shareholder who was threatened by but also implicated in dramatic entertainments in which children were compelled to act.
Study on the Cu–As–Sb–Ag–Bi–Pb–Te Sulfosalt Minerals from the Hydrothermal System of Southwestern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yuningsih Euis T. , Matsueda Hiroharu
Published: February 2018

Shin‐Otoyo, Suttsu, Teine, Date, Chitose, and Koryu are sites rich in precious and base metal Miocene–Pleistocene epithermal deposits, and located in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. The deposits are predominantly hosted by the Green Tuff Formation of Middle Miocene age. Ore petrographic study of these deposits shows the occurrence of variable quantities of Cu–As–Sb–Ag–Bi–Pb–Te sulfosalt minerals. Determination of mineralogical and chemical compositions of the sulfosalt minerals was undertaken to elucidate the time and spatial changes of the sulfide‐sulfosalt minerals. Various types of sulfosalt minerals identified from gold–silver and base metal quartz–sulfide veins represented some sulfosalt mineralization phases, such as the Cu–Fe–Sn–S phase of mawsonite and stannite; Cu–(As,Sb)–S phase of tetrahedrite–tennantite and luzonite–famatinite series minerals; (Cu,Ag)–Bi–Pb–S phase of emplectite, pavonite, friedrichite, aikinite, and lillianite–gustavite series minerals; (Ag,Cu)–(As,Sb)–S phase of proustite–pyrargyrite and pearceite–polybasite series minerals; and Bi–Te–S phase of tetradymite and kawazulite minerals. There are some trends in the paragenetic sequence of sulfosalt mineralization in southwestern Hokkaido (in complete or partial) as follows: sulfide → Cu–Fe–Sn–S → (Cu,Ag)–Bi–Pb–S → (Bi–Te–S) → Cu–(As,Sb)–S → ([Ag,Cu]–[As,Sb]–S). The formation of sulfosalt minerals is characterized by the introduction of some elements such as Sn, Bi, and Te at an earlier stage and an increase or decrease of some elements such as As and Sb, followed by the introduction of Ag at the later stage of ore mineral paragenesis sequence. Mineral composition of the Chitose and Koryu deposits are slightly different from those of Shin‐Otoyo, Suttsu, Teine, and Date due to their lack of Sn (tin) and Bi (bismuth) mineralization. The variable concentrations and relationships are not simply with redistributed trace elements from the original sulfide minerals of chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. Some heavier elements were also introduced during the replacement reaction, which is consistent with the occurrence of their associated minerals.
Can a Gender Equity and Family Planning Intervention for Men Change Their Gender Ideology? Results from the CHARM Intervention in Rural India
Authors: Fleming Paul J. , Silverman Jay , Ghule Mohan , Ritter Julie , Battala Madhusudana , Velhal Gajanan , Nair Saritha , Dasgupta Anindita , Donta Balaiah , Saggurti Niranjan , Raj Anita
Published: February 2018

We assess the effect of CHARM, a gender equity and family planning counseling intervention for husbands in rural India, on men's gender ideology. We used a two‐armed cluster randomized control trial design and collected survey data from husbands (n=1081) at baseline, 9 months, and 18 months. We used a continuous measure of support for gender equity and a dichotomous measure of equitable attitudes toward women's role in household decision‐making. To assess differences on these outcomes, we used generalized linear mixed models. After controlling for socio‐demographic factors, men who received the CHARM intervention were significantly more likely than men in the control group to have equitable attitudes toward household decision‐making at 9‐months follow‐up; there was a non‐significant difference between the groups for the measure of support for gender equity. For household decision‐making, differences were not sustained at 18‐months follow‐up. Given the role of husbands’ gender ideology in women's contraceptive use, the CHARM intervention represents a promising approach for challenging root causes of women's unmet need for contraception.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*33 allele, HLA‐A*33:138
Authors: Huo M.‐R. , Yu Y. , Xi B. , Li D.
Published: February 2018

HLA‐A*33:138 differs from A*33:03:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 523 of exon 3.
Preparing your blood centre for accreditation
Authors: Wong A. , Yuen Y. K. , Lee C. K.
Published: February 2018

Despite advance in medical treatment, blood supply is still an essential element in modern healthcare system with blood transfusion used in almost every clinical specialty. Adequacy, quality and safety are always the key focuses of concerns in most countries that measures have been taken to secure them. As in many other healthcare facilities, many countries have on its legislation to license the operation of blood centres (whether they are national, Red Cross or hospitals based) to provide the blood supply for clinical transfusion. The licensing requirement is based on their national health policy and law. Besides, like hospitals and clinical laboratories, many blood centres may also seek to achieve accreditation to demonstrate to their stakeholders of their commitment to ensure quality and safety. Such accreditation may vary from technical requirements related to medical laboratory testing as ISO15189, professional related such as AABB to good manufacturing practice. Irrespective to the type and sources of accreditation, a superior quality management system is often necessary to provide the foundation to meet the accreditation's requirement with ongoing improvement. The study aimed to describe on the preparation of a blood centre towards accreditation. Few key elements will be outlined which include the top management commitment, selection of the right accreditation standard, training of the key personnel and organizational staff, gap analysis, documentation and change in practice if needed, internal and external audits. Tips and advice will also be included to ease the fear of accreditation processes.
Influencing Pathways to Quality of Life and HbA1c in Patients With Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study That Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Chun , Lee Yau‐Jiunn , Wang Ruey‐Hsia
Published: February 2018

Background

Determining possible associated factors and the influencing pathways to hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and quality of life (QoL) will facilitate the development of effective interventions to improve the physical and psychosocial health of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objectives

To test a hypothesized model that addressed the pathways among personal characteristics, social support, diabetes distress, and self‐care behaviors to HbA1C and QoL.

Methods

A total of 382 adults with T2DM were recruited. Self‐reported questionnaires and medical records were used to collect data regarding personal characteristics, diabetes distress, and social support at baseline. The self‐care behaviors characters were collected 6 months later, as well as QoL and HbA1C levels 1 year later.

Results

The 12‐month QoL directly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels. The 6‐month self‐care behaviors directly affected 12‐month QoL, and indirectly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels through 12‐month QoL. Baseline diabetes distress directly affected 12‐month QoL. Moreover, baseline diabetes distress indirectly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels through 12‐month QoL. Baseline social support directly affected baseline diabetes distress and 6‐month self‐care behaviors. In addition, baseline social support indirectly affected 12‐month QoL through baseline diabetes distress. Baseline social support also indirectly affected 12‐month QoL through 6‐month self‐care behaviors.

Linking Evidence to Action

Enhancing QoL is important to improve HbA1C levels. Enhancing self‐care behaviors is essential to improve subsequent HbA1C control and QoL. Reducing diabetes distress is crucial to improve subsequent QoL. Improving social support is suggested a favorable strategy to reduce diabetes distress and enhance subsequent self‐care behaviors in patients with T2DM.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition by 1400W limits pain hypersensitivity in a neuropathic pain rat model
Authors: Staunton C. A. , Barrett‐Jolley R. , Djouhri L. , Thippeswamy T.
Published: February 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can modulation of inducible NO synthase reduce pain behaviour and pro‐inflammatory cytokine signalling in a rat model of neuropathic pain?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Nitric oxide synthase‐based therapies could be effective for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.

Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), resulting from injury to or dysfunction of a peripheral nerve, is a major health problem that affects 7–8% of the population. It is inadequately controlled by current drugs and is characterized by pain hypersensitivity, which is believed to be attributable to sensitization of peripheral and CNS neurons by various inflammatory mediators. Here we examined, in a rat model of PNP: (i) whether reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO) with 1400W, a highly selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), would prevent or attenuate pain hypersensitivity; and (ii) the effects of 1400W on plasma concentrations of several cytokines that are secreted after iNOS upregulation during chronic pain states. The L5 spinal nerve axotomy (SNA) model of PNP was used, and 1400W (20 mg kg−1) was administered i.p. at 8 h intervals for 3 days starting at 18 h post‐SNA. Changes in plasma concentrations of 12 cytokines in SNA rats treated with 1400W were examined using multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The SNA rats developed behavioural signs of mechanical and heat hypersensitivity. Compared with the vehicle/control, 1400W significantly: (i) limited development of mechanical hypersensitivity at 66 h post‐SNA and of heat hypersensitivity at 42 h and at several time points tested thereafter; and (ii) increased the plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 in the SNA rats. The findings suggest that 1400W might exert its analgesic effects by reducing iNOS and altering the balance between the pro‐inflammatory (IL‐1β and IL‐1α) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10) cytokines and that therapies targeting NO or its enzymes might be effective for the treatment of PNP.
The role of STIM proteins in neutrophil functions
Authors: Demaurex Nicolas , Saul Stephanie
Published: February 2018

Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins regulate store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in innate and adaptive immune cells and participate in the Ca2+ signals that control the functions of neutrophils, the first line of host defence against bacterial and fungal infections. Loss‐of‐function experiments in animal and cellular models indicate that both STIM1 and STIM2 regulate neutrophil functions, but the complexity of the SOCE machinery and the versatility of neutrophils complicate the evaluation of the results. This review aims to summarize the latest progress in the field, with special attention to the details of the experimental designs. Future study design should aim to improve the standardization of experimental procedures and to provide a more holistic understanding of the role of STIM proteins in neutrophils function.

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De una Iglesia occidental a una Iglesia mundial. Una interpretación de la reforma eclesial
Authors: Schickendantz Carlos
Published: February 2018

Según la tesis de Karl Rahner, de que el Vaticano II marcó el inicio de una Iglesia mundial, se habría concretado germinalmente un salto cualitativo que deja atrás el tiempo en el cual la Iglesia exportó su modelo cultural europeo de cristianismo. Dicha tesis puede aportar una clave para interpretar los procesos de reforma eclesial en desarrollo con el “caso Francisco”. El artículo analiza tres asuntos conciliares claves que revelarían la transición de una Iglesia occidental a una Iglesia mundial: se ha frenado la “reforma de la reforma” litúrgica; en el caso de la eclesiología, ha “retornado” la categoría de pueblo de Dios; y ha llegado al obispado de Roma la recepción de Gaudium et spes más coherente con la voluntad de los padres conciliares.
Religión y sociedad moderna: la Modernidad no realizada y la inmanencia de la gnosis
Authors: Sena da Silveira Emerson José
Published: February 2018

El artículo pretende desarrollar dos nociones poco conocidas en las ciencias de la religión y la teología: “Modernidad no realizada” e “inmanencia de la gnosis”, de Bruno Latour y Eric Voegelin. ¿Qué contribuciones teóricas brindan esas dos ideas a la comprensión del fenómeno religioso en la sociedad moderno-contemporánea? Como hipótesis general, aquí se defiende que esas dos nociones son instrumentos conceptuales útiles para comprender el estatuto de lo religioso en la sociedad moderno-compleja. Para lograr el objetivo propuesto, el artículo se ha basado en la metodología de revisión bibliográfica parcial.
Application of Landweber Method for Three-Dimensional Temperature Field Reconstruction Based on the Light-Field Imaging Technique
Authors: Huang Xing , Qi Hong , Zhang Xiao-Luo , Ren Ya-Tao , Ruan Li-Ming , Tan He-Ping
Published: February 2018

Combined with the light-field imaging technique, the Landweber method is applied to the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) temperature distribution in absorbing media theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical research, simulated exit radiation intensities on the boundary of absorbing media according to the computing model of light field are employed as inputs for inverse analysis. Compared with the commonly used iterative methods, i.e., the least-square QR decomposition method and algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), the Landweber method can produce reconstruction results with better quality and less computational time. Based on the numerical study, an experimental investigation is conducted to validate the suitability of the proposed method. The temperature distribution of the ethylene diffusion flame is reconstructed by using the Landweber method from the flame image captured by a light-field camera. Good agreement was found between the reconstructed temperature distribution and the measured temperature data obtained by a thermocouple. All the experimental results demonstrate that the temperature distribution of ethylene flame can be reconstructed reasonably by using the Landweber method combined with the light-field imaging technique, which is proven to have potential for the use in noncontract measurement of temperature distribution in practical engineering applications.
Heavy-Tailed Response of Structural Systems Subjected to Stochastic Excitation Containing Extreme Forcing Events
Authors: Kyul Joo Han , Mohamad Mustafa A. , Sapsis Themistoklis P.
Published: February 2018

We characterize the complex, heavy-tailed probability density functions (pdfs) describing the response and its local extrema for structural systems subject to random forcing that includes extreme events. Our approach is based on recent probabilistic decomposition-synthesis (PDS) technique (Mohamad, M. A., Cousins, W., and Sapsis, T. P., 2016, “A Probabilistic Decomposition-Synthesis Method for the Quantification of Rare Events Due to Internal Instabilities,” J. Comput. Phys., 322, pp. 288–308), where we decouple rare event regimes from background fluctuations. The result of the analysis has the form of a semi-analytical approximation formula for the pdf of the response (displacement, velocity, and acceleration) and the pdf of the local extrema. For special limiting cases (lightly damped or heavily damped systems), our analysis provides fully analytical approximations. We also demonstrate how the method can be applied to high dimensional structural systems through a two-degrees-of-freedom (TDOF) example system undergoing extreme events due to intermittent forcing. The derived formulas can be evaluated with very small computational cost and are shown to accurately capture the complicated heavy-tailed and asymmetrical features in the probability distribution many standard deviations away from the mean, through comparisons with expensive Monte Carlo simulations.
Multiscale Topology Optimization for Additively Manufactured Objects
Authors: Steuben John C. , Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Michopoulos John G.
Published: February 2018

The precise control of mass and energy deposition associated with additive manufacturing (AM) processes enables the topological specification and realization of how space can be filled by material in multiple scales. Consequently, AM can be pursued in a manner that is optimized such that fabricated objects can best realize performance specifications. In the present work, we propose a computational multiscale method that utilizes the unique meso-scale structuring capabilities of implicit slicers for AM, in conjunction with existing topology optimization (TO) tools for the macro-scale, in order to generate structurally optimized components. The use of this method is demonstrated on two example objects including a load bearing bracket and a hand tool. This paper also includes discussion concerning the applications of this methodology, its current limitations, a recasting of the AM digital thread, and the future work required to enable its widespread use.
Developing Metamodels for Fast and Accurate Prediction of the Draping of Physical Surfaces
Authors: Christensen Esben Toke , Forrester Alexander I. J. , Lund Erik , Lindgaard Esben
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the use of methods from the meta- or surrogate modeling literature, for building models predicting the draping of physical surfaces, is examined. An example application concerning modeling of the behavior of a variable shape mold is treated. Four different methods are considered for this problem. The proposed methods are difference methods assembled from the methods kriging and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) together with a spline-based underlying model (UM) and a novel patchwise modeling scheme. The four models, namely kriging and POD with kriging of the coefficients in global and local variants, are compared in terms of accuracy and numerical efficiency on data sets of different sizes for the treated application. It is shown that the POD-based methods are vastly superior to models based on kriging alone, and that the use of a difference model structure is advantageous. It is demonstrated that patchwise modeling schemes, where the complete surface behavior is modeled by a collection of locally defined smaller models, can provide a good compromise between achieving good model accuracy and scalability of the models to large systems.
Active Learning Kriging Model Combining With Kernel-Density-Estimation-Based Importance Sampling Method for the Estimation of Low Failure Probability
Authors: Yang Xufeng , Liu Yongshou , Mi Caiying , Wang Xiangjin
Published: February 2018

Strategies combining active learning Kriging (ALK) model and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method can accurately estimate the failure probability of a performance function with a minimal number of training points. That is because training points are close to the limit state surface and the size of approximation region can be minimized. However, the estimation of a rare event with very low failure probability remains an issue, because purely building the ALK model is time-demanding. This paper is intended to address this issue by researching the fusion of ALK model with kernel-density-estimation (KDE)-based importance sampling (IS) method. Two stages are involved in the proposed strategy. First, ALK model built in an approximation region as small as possible is utilized to recognize the most probable failure region(s) (MPFRs) of the performance function. Consequentially, the priori information for IS are obtained with as few training points as possible. In the second stage, the KDE method is utilized to build an instrumental density function for IS and the ALK model is continually updated by treating the important samples as candidate samples. The proposed method is termed as ALK-KDE-IS. The efficiency and accuracy of ALK-KDE-IS are compared with relevant methods by four complicated numerical examples.
Type Synthesis of the Deployable Mechanisms for the Truss Antenna Using the Method of Adding Constraint Chains
Authors: Xu Yundou , Chen Liangliang , Liu Wenlan , Yao Jiantao , Zhu Jialong , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: February 2018

In the deployable mechanism for a conventional truss antenna, the nodes cannot be adjusted to be uniform in attitude. To solve this problem, a method of adding constraint chains is proposed based on the reciprocal screw theory. By performing type synthesis of the deployable mechanisms for the truss antenna, a novel deployable mechanism is developed that not only enables complete folding and unfolding but also allows the attitude of the nodes to be made uniform. First, according to the unit division of the antenna reflection surface and the characteristic motions of the nodes, constraint chains that can be added between two adjacent nodes are synthesized based on the reciprocal screw theory. Second, to improve the overall rigidity of the mechanism, a series of basic developable unit mechanisms is obtained by adding virtual constraint chains, again based on the reciprocal screw theory. Next, a method of dividing the minimum combination unit of the curved-surface antenna mechanism is proposed. The design of the minimum combination unit mechanism is optimized, such that the attitude of all nodes in the final folded state can be made consistent. Finally, the feasibility of the optimized minimum combination unit mechanism is verified by simulation analysis. The proposed method for type synthesis provides a new approach to the design of deployable mechanisms for truss antennas, and novel deployable mechanisms for the curved-surface truss antenna with better performance are obtained.
Two new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from Ajabshir, Iran
Authors: Tajaddod Sadegh , Lotfollahi Parisa , De Lillo Enrico
Published: February 2018

Two new Aceria species were found in a survey of the eriophyoid mites in the Ajabshir region of the East Azerbaijan province (Iran). Aceria halocnemi Lotfollahi & Tajaddod sp. nov. was collected on Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb. (Amaranthaceae) and A. loborectiangulae Lotfollahi & Tajaddod sp. nov. was collected on Atraphaxis aucheri Jaub. & Spach (Polygonaceae). Both species are herein described and illustrated also by means of scanning electron microscopy. They are the first eriophyoid species recorded on plant species of the genera Halocnemum and Atraphaxis.
Stressed out? Making new, but different, neurons
Authors: Andreae Laura C.
Published: February 2018

Neurons born when coping with stress respond differently to subsequent stress.
Complete Genome Sequencing of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain K50 Discloses the Large Conjugative Plasmid pK50a Encoding Carbapenemase OXA-23 and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase GES-11
Authors: Wibberg Daniel , Salto Ileana P. , Eikmeyer Felix G. , Maus Irena , Winkler Anika , Nordmann Patrice , Pühler Alfred , Poirel Laurent , Schlüter Andreas
Published: February 2018

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains appeared as serious emerging nosocomial pathogens in clinical environments and especially in intensive care units (ICUs).
A. baumannii
strain K50, recovered from a hospitalized patient in Kuwait, exhibited resistance to carbapenems and additionally to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, amikacin, and gentamicin. Genome sequencing revealed that the strain possesses two plasmids, pK50a (79.6 kb) and pK50b (9.5 kb), and a 3.75-Mb chromosome.
A. baumannii
K50 exhibits an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 99.98% to the previously reported Iraqi clinical isolate AA-014, even though the latter strain lacked plasmid pK50a. Strain K50 belongs to sequence type 158 (ST158) (Pasteur scheme) and ST499 (Oxford scheme). Plasmid pK50a is a member of the Aci6 (replication group 6 [RG6]) group of
Acinetobacter
plasmids and carries a conjugative transfer module and two antibiotic resistance gene regions. The transposon Tn
2008
carries the carbapenemase gene
bla
OXA-23
, whereas a class 1 integron harbors the resistance genes
bla
GES-11
,
aacA4
,
dfrA7
,
qacE
Δ
1
, and
sul1
, conferring resistance to all β-lactams and reduced susceptibility to carbapenems and resistance to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, quaternary ammonium compounds, and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The class 1 integron is flanked by MITEs (miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements) delimiting the element at its insertion site.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Methanobrevibacter smithii
Strain KB11, Isolated from a Korean Fecal Sample
Authors: Kim Byoung-Chan , Jeong Haeyoung
Published: February 2018

The archaeon
Methanobrevibacter smithii
is a major colonizer of the human gut.
Methanobrevibacter smithii
strain KB11 was newly isolated from a Korean fecal sample. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of strain KB11 and a brief comparison with that of
M. smithii
type strain ATCC 35061
T
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
NRRL B-442, a Potential Probiotic Strain
Authors: Muyyarikkandy Muhammed Shafeekh , Alqahtani Fahad H. , Mandoiu Ion , Amalaradjou Mary Anne
Published: February 2018

Lactic acid bacteria are known to exhibit probiotic properties through various mechanisms, including competitive exclusion, pathogen inhibition, production of antimicrobial substances, and maintenance of eubiosis. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a novel probiotic strain,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
strain NRRL B-442, which exhibits potent antivirulence activity against
Salmonella enterica
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076, Which Exhibits Potent Antipathogenic Effects against
Salmonella enterica
Serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg
Authors: Muyyarikkandy Muhammed Shafeekh , Alqahtani Fahad H. , Mandoiu Ion , Amalaradjou Mary Anne
Published: February 2018

Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076 demonstrates antagonistic effects against the foodborne pathogens
Salmonella enterica
serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg in coculture and
in vitro
experiments. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076, which has a circular chromosome of 3,048,314 bp and a G+C content of 46.3%.
Draft Genome Assemblies of Xylose-Utilizing
Candida tropicalis
and
Candida boidinii
with Potential Application in Biochemical and Biofuel Production
Authors: Somani Abhishek , Smith Daniel , Hegarty Matthew , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Ravella Sreenivas R. , Gallagher Joe A. , Bryant David N.
Published: February 2018

Non-
albicans Candida
species are growing in prominence in industrial biotechnology due to their ability to utilize hemicellulose. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of an inhibitor-tolerant
Candida tropicalis
strain (Y6604) and
Candida boidinii
NCAIM Y01308
T
.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium
sp. Strain 4858
Authors: Bouam Amar , Levasseur Anthony , Bonnet Maryline , Borand Laurence , Van Goethem Charles , Drancourt Michel , Godreuil Sylvain
Published: February 2018

Mycobacterium
sp. strain 4858 is a nontuberculous mycobacterium isolated from sputum in a Cambodian patient with a pulmonary infection. We report the first complete 5.6-Mbp-long genome sequence of
Mycobacterium
strain 4858, with 68.24% GC content, carrying 5,255 protein-coding genes, 47 tRNAs, and 3 rRNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Five Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Isolates Collected in Brazil
Authors: Di Paola Nicholas , Cunha Marielton dos Passos , Durigon Giuliana Stravinskas , Berezin Eitan Naaman , Durigon Edison , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal de , Zanotto Paolo Marinho de Andrade
Published: February 2018

Here, we present the complete genome sequences of five human respiratory syncytial virus isolates collected from hospitalized infants suffering from acute respiratory disease. These are the first five complete genome sequences of human respiratory syncytial virus to originate from Brazil.
Absence of Receptor Guanylyl Cyclase C Enhances Ileal Damage and Reduces Cytokine and Antimicrobial Peptide Production during Oral Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection
Authors: Majumdar Shamik , Mishra Vishwas , Nandi Somesh , Abdullah Mudabir , Barman Anaxee , Raghavan Abinaya , Nandi Dipankar , Visweswariah Sandhya S.
Published: February 2018

NontyphoidalSalmonelladisease contributes toward significant morbidity and mortality across the world. Host factors, including gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and gut microbiota, significantly influence the outcome ofSalmonellapathogenesis. However, the entire repertoire of host protective mechanisms contributing toSalmonellapathogenicity is not completely appreciated. Here, we investigated the roles of receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), which is predominantly expressed in the intestine and regulates intestinal cell proliferation and fluid-ion homeostasis. Mice deficient in GC-C (Gucy2c−/−) displayed accelerated mortality compared with that for wild-type mice following infection via the oral route, even though both groups possessed comparable systemicSalmonellainfection burdens. Survival following intraperitoneal infection remained similar in both groups, indicating that GC-C offered protection via a gut-mediated response. The serum cortisol level was higher inGucy2c−/−mice than wild-type (Gucy2c+/+) mice, and an increase in infection-induced thymic atrophy with a loss of immature CD4+CD8+double-positive thymocytes was observed. Accelerated and enhanced damage in the ileum, including submucosal edema, epithelial cell damage, focal tufting, and distortion of the villus architecture, was seen inGucy2c−/−mice concomitantly with a larger number of ileal tissue-associated bacteria. Transcription of key mediators ofSalmonella-induced inflammation (interleukin-22/Reg3β) was altered inGucy2c−/−mice in comparison to that inGucy2c+/+mice. A reduction in fecal lactobacilli, which are protective againstSalmonellainfection, was observed inGucy2c−/−mice.Gucy2c−/−mice cohoused with wild-type mice continued to show reduced amounts of lactobacilli and increased susceptibility to infection. Our study, therefore, suggests that the receptor GC-C confers a survival advantage during gut-mediatedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium pathogenesis, presumably by regulatingSalmonellaeffector mechanisms and maintaining a beneficial microbiome.
Differential Contributions of Specimen Types, Culturing, and 16S rRNA Sequencing in Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Larsen Lone Heimann , Khalid Vesal , Xu Yijuan , Thomsen Trine Rolighed , Schønheyder Henrik C. , Christensen Poul Hedevang , Jørgensen Mogens Brouw , Kappel Andreas , Laursen Mogens Berg , Nielsen Poul Torben , Pedersen Christian , Rasmussen Sten , Riis Jess Tvede , Simonsen Ole , Aleksyniene Ramune , Bertelsen Henrik , Fisker Rune , Frost Majbritt , Kubik Magdalene , Iyer Victor , Ørsted Iben , Jordal Peter Lüttge , Kyneb Majbritt Hauge , Lorenzen Jan , Nielsen Kaare Lehmann , Nilsen Jeppe Lund , Nielsen Per Halkjær , Pedersen Kristian Kjær , Nielsen Lars Arendt
Published: February 2018

Prosthetic joint failure is mainly caused by infection, aseptic failure (AF), and mechanical problems. Infection detection has been improved with modified culture methods and molecular diagnostics. However, comparisons between modified and conventional microbiology methods are difficult due to variations in specimen sampling. In this prospective, multidisciplinary study of hip or knee prosthetic failures, we assessed the contributions of different specimen types, extended culture incubations, and 16S rRNA sequencing for diagnosing prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Project specimens included joint fluid (JF), bone biopsy specimens (BB), soft-tissue biopsy specimens (STB), and swabs (SW) from the prosthesis, collected
in situ
, and sonication fluid collected from prosthetic components (PC). Specimens were cultured for 6 (conventional) or 14 days, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed at study completion. Of the 156 patients enrolled, 111 underwent 114 surgical revisions (cases) due to indications of either PJI (
n
= 43) or AF (
n
= 71). Conventional tissue biopsy cultures confirmed PJI in 28/43 (65%) cases and refuted AF in 3/71 (4%) cases; one case was not evaluable. Based on these results, minor diagnostic adjustments were made. Fourteen-day cultures of JF, STB, and PC specimens confirmed PJI in 39/42 (93%) cases, and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed PJI in 33/42 (83%) cases. One PJI case was confirmed with 16S rRNA sequencing alone and five with cultures of project specimens alone. These findings indicated that JF, STB, and PC specimen cultures qualified as an optimal diagnostic set. The contribution of sequencing to diagnosis of PJI may depend on patient selection; this hypothesis requires further investigation.
Retrospective Review of Treponema pallidum PCR and Serology Results: Are Both Tests Necessary?
Authors: Brischetto Anna , Gassiep Ian , Whiley David , Norton Robert
Published: February 2018

There has been a resurgence of syphilis diagnoses in Australia. We investigated whether our
Treponema pallidum
PCR test provides any additional diagnostic information over syphilis serology (chemiluminescence immunoassay [CMIA],
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination [TPPA] assay, and the rapid plasma reagin [RPR] flocculation test). A retrospective audit of all
T. pallidum
PCR requests that came through our laboratory from January 2010 to June 2017 was conducted; data collected included age, gender, site of swab, and results from
T. pallidum
PCR, syphilis serology, and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 PCRs. A total of 441
T. pallidum
PCR tests were performed; on average, 3
T. pallidum
PCRs per month were requested in 2011, and this rate increased to 17.2 requests per month in 2017. A total of 323 patients had both
T. pallidum
PCR and syphilis serology performed, with 67% of swabs taken from the genitals.
T. pallidum
PCR gave positive results for 61/323 (19%) patients; of these 61 patients, 59 (97%) also had positive syphilis serology results (
T. pallidum
PCR sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 99%; positive predictive value, 97%; negative predictive value, 89%). Syphilis serology was positive for 91/323 patients (28%); of these 91 patients, 61 (66%) were also
T. pallidum
PCR positive (syphilis serology sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 88%; positive predictive value, 60%; negative predictive value, 99%). The Cohen's kappa value was 0.74, indicating substantial agreement between the two tests. Our results show that most patients with positive
T. pallidum
PCR results also had positive syphilis serology. Therefore,
T. pallidum
PCR adds little clinical value over serology for the diagnosis of syphilis in certain clinical settings.
Assessment of the societal and individual preferences for fertility treatment in Australia: study protocol for stated preference discrete choice experiments
Authors: Botha Willings , Donnolley Natasha , Shanahan Marian , Chambers Georgina M
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In Australia, societal and individual preferences for funding fertility treatment remain largely unknown. This has resulted in a lack of evidence about willingness to pay (WTP) for fertility treatment by either the general population (the funders) or infertile individuals (who directly benefit). Using a stated preference discrete choice experiment (SPDCE) approach has been suggested as a more appropriate method to inform economic evaluations of fertility treatment. We outline the protocol for an ongoing study which aims to assess fertility treatment preferences of both the general population and infertile individuals, and indirectly estimate their WTP for fertility treatment.

Methods and analysis

Two separate but related SPDCEs will be conducted for two population samples—the general population and infertile individuals—to elicit preferences for fertility treatment to indirectly estimate WTP. We describe the qualitative work to be undertaken to design the SPDCEs. We will use D-efficient fractional experimental designs informed by prior coefficients from the pilot surveys. The mode of administration for the SPDCE is also discussed. The final results will be analysed using mixed logit or latent class model.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is being funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grant AP1104543 and has been approved by the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HEC 17255) and a fertility clinic’s ethics committee. Findings of the study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various conferences. A lay summary of the results will be made publicly available on the University of New South Wales National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit website. Our results will contribute to the development of an evidence-based policy framework for the provision of cost-effective and patient-centred fertility treatment in Australia.
Air-drop blood supply in the French Army
Authors: Javaudin Olivier , Baillon A , Varin N , Martinaud C , Pouget T , Civadier C , Clavier B , Sailliol A
Published: February 2018

Background

Haemorrhagic shock remains the leading cause of preventable death in overseas and austere settings. Transfusion of blood components is critical in the management of this kind of injury. For French naval and ground military units, this supply often takes too long considering the short shelf-life of red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) and the limited duration of transport in cooling containers (five to six days). Air-drop supply could be an alternative to overcome these difficulties on the condition that air-drop does not cause damage to blood units.

Methods

After a period of study and technical development of packaging, four air-drops at medium and high altitudes were performed with an aircraft of the French Air Force. After this, one air-drop was carried out at medium altitude with 10 RBCs and 10 French lyophilised plasma (FLYP). A second air-drop was performed with a soldier carrying one FLYP unit at 12 000 feet. For these air-drops real blood products were used, and quality control testing and temperature monitoring were performed.

Results

The temperatures inside the containers were within the normal ranges. Visual inspection indicated that transfusion packaging and dumped products did not undergo deterioration. The quality control data on RBCs and FLYP, including haemostasis, suggested no difference before and after air-drop.

Discussion

The operational implementation of the air-drop of blood products seems to be one of the solutions for the supply of blood products in military austere settings or far forward on battlefield, allowing safe and early transfusion.
Efficacy of multicomponent culturally tailored HIV/ STI prevention interventions targeting foreign female entertainment workers: a quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Lim Raymond B T , Cheung Olive N Y , Tai Bee Choo , Chen Mark I-C , Chan Roy K W , Wong Mee Lian
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We assessed the efficacy of a multicomponent culturally tailored HIV/STI prevention intervention programme on consistent condom use and STI incidence among foreign Thai and Vietnamese female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Singapore.

Methods

We conducted a quasi-experimental pretest and post-test intervention trial with a comparison group. We recruited 220 participants (115 Vietnamese and 105 Thai) for the comparison group, followed by the intervention group (same number) from the same sites which were purposively selected after a 3-month interval period. Both groups completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire and STI testing for cervical gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, as well as pharyngeal gonorrhoea at baseline and 6-week follow-up. The peer-led intervention consisted of behavioural (HIV/STI education and condom negotiation skills), biomedical (STI screening and treatment services) and structural components (access to free condoms). We used the mixed effects Poisson regression model accounting for clustering by establishment venue to compute the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of the outcomes at follow-up.

Results

At follow-up, the intervention group was more likely than the comparison group to report consistent condom use for vaginal sex with paid (aRR 1.77; 95% CI 1.71 to 1.83) and casual (aRR 1.81; 95% CI 1.71 to 1.91) partners. For consistent condom use for oral sex, this was aRR 1.50; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.82 with paid and aRR 1.54; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.95 with casual partners. STI incidence at follow-up was significantly lower in the intervention (6.8 per 100 FEWs) than the comparison (14.8 per 100 FEWs) group (aRR 0.42; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.55).

Conclusions

This trial was effective in promoting consistent condom use for vaginal and oral sex as well as reducing STI incidence among the foreign Thai and Vietnamese FEWs in Singapore. The feasibility of scaling up the interventions to all entertainment establishments in Singapore should be assessed.
Subway user behaviour when affected by incidents in Toronto (SUBWAIT) survey — A joint revealed preference and stated preference survey with a trip planner tool
Authors: Lin Teddy , Srikukenthiran Siva , Miller Eric , Shalaby Amer
Published: February 2018

Transit user behavioural response under disrupted service conditions, specifically how transit riders choose among available mode options to complete their trips, is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate transit user mode choice in response to rapid transit service disruption in the City of Toronto, incorporating such factors as the type of disruption, stage of the passenger’s trip (pre-trip or en-route), weather conditions, and uncertainty of delay duration. A joint revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) survey was designed where the RP part gathered information on the respondent’s actual response to the most recent service disruption while the SP part solicited the respondent’s travel choices under a set of hypothetical service disruption scenarios. A transit trip planner tool was developed to generate alternative transit mode and path options to avoid the disrupted segment. An empirical model using RP data is presented to verify the survey design technique.
Design and Implementation of a Reconfigurable Cryptographic Coprocessor with Multiple Side-Channel Attacks Countermeasures
Authors: Shang Xinchao , Shan Weiwei , Liu Xinning
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, countermeasures against side-channel attack (SCA) have become necessary in hardware security. And the need for supporting multiple crypto algorithms on a chip is increasing. We propose a reconfigurable crypto coprocessor, which not only supports multiple crypto algorithms, but also provides multiple effective SCA countermeasures of SPA, DPA and EMA, by making use of its own reconfigurable features other than using extra resources. The countermeasure methods include several global and encryption flow related countermeasures, which can also be reconfigured along with the circuit function. This coprocessor is a coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture composed of several reconfigurable modules, such as logic arithmetic, shift, modular ADD/Substrate, permutation, S-box and modular multiplication units, all of which are reconfigurable. This reconfigurable cryptographic coprocessor is integrated into a system-on chip with a 32-bit CPU and fabricated in 0.18 m CMOS process with 1.8[Formula: see text]V supply and 100 MHz maximum frequency. Experimental results show that it can successfully resist SPA and DPA with one million power traces. As for EMA, if we use full countermeasures, it can resist EMA with up to 1.2 million electromagnetic traces without revealing the right subkey. Thus, this reconfigurable coprocessor can provide a good solution for both supporting multiple algorithms and providing SCA resistance, with no frequency influence, neglectable area overhead and small power overhead.
The disk complex and 2-bridge knots
Authors: Cho Sangbum , Koda Yuya
Published: February 2018

We give a purely combinatorial proof of a result of Kobayashi and Saeki that every genus one 1-bridge position of a nontrivial 2-bridge knot is a stabilization.
Pressure Increase after Stent Intervention Treatment for an Aneurysm Accompanied by a Stenosis
Authors: Fu Wenyu , Qiao Aike
Published: February 2018

Computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed on three models which have a giant aneurysm with or without a stenosis. The first is a model with an aneurysm (no stenosis and no stent), the second is a model with a preaneurysm stenosis, and the third is a model with an aneurysm implanted with a stent. The increase in pressure in aneurismal sac caused by a 50% stenosis is about 10.3[Formula: see text]mmHg at peak systole (comparison between the second model and the first model). It must pay attention to the increase of the pressure for the patient which has an aneurysm accompanied by a stenosis when making the treatment plan. Otherwise, it may cause the aneurysm rupture.