bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of the Transient Behavior of a Hot Gas Duct under Rapid Depressurization
Authors: Liu JingBao , Jiang ShengYao , Ma Tao , Duan RiQiang
Published: March 2016

A hot gas duct is an indispensable component for the nuclear-process heat applications of the Very-High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR), which has to fulfill three requirements: to withstand high temperature, high pressure, and large pressure transient. In this paper, numerical investigation of pressure transient is performed for a hot gas duct under rapid depressurization. System depressurization imposes an imploding pressure differential on the internal structural elements of a hot gas duct, the structural integrity of which is susceptible to being damaged. Pressure differential and its imposed duration, which are two key factors to evaluate the damage severity of a hot gas duct under depressurization, are examined in regard to depressurization rate and insulation packing tightness. It is revealed that depressurization rate is a decisive parameter for controlling the pressure differential and its duration, whereas insulating-packing tightness has little effect on them.
Staphylococcus lugdunensisEndocarditis in a 35-Year-Old Woman in Her 24th Week of Pregnancy
Authors: Khafaga Mounir , Kresoja Karl-Patrik , Urlesberger Berndt , Knez Igor , Klaritsch Philipp , Lumenta David Benjamin , Krause Robert , von Lewinski Dirk
Published: March 2016

Background. Infective endocarditis is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Guidelines addressing prophylaxis and management of infective endocarditis do not extensively deal with concomitant pregnancy, and case reports on infective endocarditis are scarce. This is the first published report of infective endocarditis byStaphylococcus lugdunensisin a pregnant woman.Case Presentation. We report a single case of a 35-year-old woman in her 24th week of pregnancy who was admitted to our intensive care unit with fever and suspected infectious endocarditis. Blood culture detectedStaphylococcus lugdunensis. A vegetation and severe mitral regurgitation due to complete destruction of the valve confirmed the diagnosis. An interdisciplinary panel of cardiologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, cardiac and plastic surgeons, infectiologists, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists was formed to determine the best therapeutic strategy.Conclusions. Timing and indications for surgical intervention to prevent embolic complications in infective endocarditis remain controversial. This original case report illustrates how managing infective endocarditis byStaphylococcus lugdunensisparticularly in the 24th week of pregnancy can represent a therapeutic challenge to a broad section of specialties across medicine. Critical cases like this require a thorough weighing of risks and benefits followed by swift action to protect the mother and her unborn child.
A DIC Based Technique to Measure the Contraction of a Skeletal Muscle Engineered Tissue
Authors: Rizzuto Emanuele , Carosio Silvia , Faraldi Martina , Pisu Simona , Musarò Antonio , Del Prete Zaccaria
Published: March 2016

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary science based on the application of engineering approaches to biologic tissue formation. Engineered tissue internal organization represents a key aspect to increase biofunctionality before transplant and, as regarding skeletal muscles, the potential of generating contractile forces is dependent on the internal fiber organization and is reflected by some macroscopic parameters, such as the spontaneous contraction. Here we propose the application of digital image correlation (DIC) as an independent tool for an accurate and noninvasive measurement of engineered muscle tissue spontaneous contraction. To validate the proposed technique we referred to the X-MET, a promising 3-dimensional model of skeletal muscle. The images acquired through a high speed camera were correlated with a custom-made algorithm and the longitudinal strain predictions were employed for measuring the spontaneous contraction. The spontaneous contraction reference values were obtained by studying the force response. The relative error between the spontaneous contraction frequencies computed in both ways was always lower than 0.15%. In conclusion, the use of a DIC based system allows for an accurate and noninvasive measurement of biological tissues’ spontaneous contraction, in addition to the measurement of tissue strain field on any desired region of interest during electrical stimulation.
Design and Analysis of Thinned Array Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna to Enlarge the Scanning Range
Authors: Wang Zhangjing , Fan Xing , Cui Haijuan , Xiao Shaoqiu
Published: March 2016

A novel thinned array with symmetric distribution along the array center is proposed in this paper. The proposed symmetric thinned array is based on the theory of unequally spaced array and the amplitude of each element in the array can be changed by introducing the weighted function. The pattern of the proposed array can be properly adjusted by changing the weighted function and the amplitude of the weighted factor, which obviously releases new degrees of freedom in array design. It has advantages such as low side lobe level (SLL) in the visible region, no grating lobes, and low nearby side lobe level (NSL), which has good potential for wide-angle scanning. Both simulation and experiment have been done; the experiment results show that, by applying this novel symmetric thinned array with pattern reconfigurable quasi-Yagi antenna, the scanning range of the array is −70°~70° inH-plane with SLL almost −10 dB below the maximum of the main beam. The 3 dB beam-width coverage is −86°~86°, which means that the proposed array can realize the entire upper-space beam coverage and restrain the SLL at the same time.
Contrast-Based 3D/2D Registration of the Left Atrium: Fast versus Consistent
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias , Kowalewski Christopher , Maier Andreas , Kurzidim Klaus , Strobel Norbert , Hornegger Joachim
Published: March 2016

For augmented fluoroscopy during cardiac ablation, a preoperatively acquired 3D model of a patient’s left atrium (LA) can be registered to X-ray images recorded during a contrast agent (CA) injection. An automatic registration method that works also for small amounts of CA is desired. We propose two similarity measures: The first focuses on edges of the patient anatomy. The second computes a contrast agent distribution estimate (CADE) inside the 3D model and rates its consistency with the CA as seen in biplane fluoroscopic images. Moreover, temporal filtering on the obtained registration results of a sequence is applied using a Markov chain framework. Evaluation was performed on 11 well-contrasted clinical angiographic sequences and 10 additional sequences with less CA. For well-contrasted sequences, the error for all 73 frames was 7.9±6.3 mm and it dropped to 4.6±4.0 mm when registering to an automatically selected, well enhanced frame in each sequence. Temporal filtering reduced the error for all frames from 7.9±6.3 mm to 5.7±4.6 mm. The error was typically higher if less CA was used. A combination of both similarity measures outperforms a previously proposed similarity measure. The mean accuracy for well contrasted sequences is in the range of other proposed manual registration methods.
Optimization of the Distribution and Localization of Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Differential Evolution Approach
Authors: Céspedes-Mota Armando , Castañón Gerardo , Martínez-Herrera Alberto F. , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: March 2016

Location information for wireless sensor nodes is needed in most of the routing protocols for distributed sensor networks to determine the distance between two particular nodes in order to estimate the energy consumption. Differential evolution obtains a suboptimal solution based on three features included in the objective function: area, energy, and redundancy. The use of obstacles is considered to check how these barriers affect the behavior of the whole solution. The obstacles are considered like new restrictions aside of the typical restrictions of area boundaries and the overlap minimization. At each generation, the best element is tested to check whether the node distribution is able to create a minimum spanning tree and then to arrange the nodes using the smallest distance from the initial position to the suboptimal end position based on the Hungarian algorithm. This work presents results for different scenarios delimited by walls and testing whether it is possible to obtain a suboptimal solution with inner obstacles. Also, a case with an area delimited by a star shape is presented showing that the algorithm is able to fill the whole area, even if such area is delimited for the peaks of the star.
Anti‐HMG‐CoA Reductase, Antioxidant, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Amaranthus viridis Leaf Extract as a Potential Treatment for Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Salvamani Shamala , Gunasekaran Baskaran , Shukor Mohd Yunus , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Sabullah Mohd Khalizan , Ahmad Siti Aqlima
Published: March 2016

Inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to contribute to the pathology of several chronic diseases including hypercholesterolemia (elevated levels of cholesterol in blood) and atherosclerosis. HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors of plant origin are needed as synthetic drugs, such as statins, which are known to cause adverse effects on the liver and muscles. Amaranthus viridis (A. viridis) has been used from ancient times for its supposedly medically beneficial properties. In the current study, different parts of A. viridis (leaf, stem, and seed) were evaluated for potential anti‐HMG‐CoA reductase, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. The putative HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitory activity of A. viridis extracts at different concentrations was determined spectrophotometrically by NADPH oxidation, using HMG‐CoA as substrate. A. viridis leaf extract revealed the highest HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitory effect at about 71%, with noncompetitive inhibition in Lineweaver‐Burk plot analysis. The leaf extract showed good inhibition of hydroperoxides, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and ferric ion radicals in various concentrations. A. viridis leaf extract was proven to be an effective inhibitor of hyaluronidase, lipoxygenase, and xanthine oxidase enzymes. The experimental data suggest that A. viridis leaf extract is a source of potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent and may modulate cholesterol metabolism by inhibition of HMG‐CoA reductase.
Bacteria in Cancer Therapy: Renaissance of an Old Concept
Authors: Felgner Sebastian , Kocijancic Dino , Frahm Michael , Weiss Siegfried
Published: March 2016

The rising incidence of cancer cases worldwide generates an urgent need of novel treatment options. Applying bacteria may represent a valuable therapeutic variant that is intensively investigated nowadays. Interestingly, the idea to apply bacteria wittingly or unwittingly dates back to ancient times and was revived in the 19th century mainly by the pioneer William Coley. This review summarizes and compares the results of the past 150 years in bacteria mediated tumor therapy from preclinical to clinical studies. Lessons we have learned from the past provide a solid foundation on which to base future efforts. In this regard, several perspectives are discussed by which bacteria in addition to their intrinsic antitumor effect can be used as vector systems that shuttle therapeutic compounds into the tumor. Strategic solutions like these provide a sound and more apt exploitation of bacteria that may overcome limitations of conventional therapies.
Pilot-Scale Investigation of Forward/Reverse Osmosis Hybrid System for Seawater Desalination Using Impaired Water from Steel Industry
Authors: Ali Hanaa M. , Gadallah Hanaa , Ali Sahar S. , Sabry Rania , Gadallah A. G.
Published: March 2016

This paper was focused on the investigation of a forward osmosis- (FO-) reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process to cotreat seawater and impaired water from steel industry. By using this hybrid process, seawater can be diluted before desalination, hence reducing the energy cost of desalination, and simultaneously contaminants present in the impaired water are prevented from migrating into the product water through the FO and RO membranes. The main objective of this work was to investigate on pilot-scale system the performance of the combined FO pretreatment and RO desalination hybrid system and specifically its effects on membrane fouling and overall solute rejection. Firstly, optimization of the pilot-scale FO process to obtain the most suitable and stable operating conditions for practical application was investigated. Secondly, pilot-scale RO process performance as a posttreatment to FO process was evaluated in terms of water flux and rejection. The results indicated that the salinity of seawater reduced from 35000 to 13000 mg/L after 3 hrs using FO system, while after 6 hrs it approached 10000 mg/L. Finally, FO/RO system was tested on continuous operation for 15 hrs and it was demonstrated that no pollutant was detected neither in draw solution nor in RO permeate after the end of operating time.
BK Virus Load Associated with Serum Levels of sCD30 in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Shamran Haidar A. , Malik Salma N. , Al-Saffer Jinan M. , Jawad Rana S.
Published: March 2016

Background. Rejection is the main drawback facing the renal transplant operations. Complicated and overlapping factors, mainly related to the immune system, are responsible for this rejection. Elevated serum levels of sCD30 were frequently recorded as an indicator for renal allograft rejection, while BV virus is considered as one of the most serious consequences for immunosuppressive treatment of renal transplant recipients (RTRs).Aims. This study aimed to determine the association of BK virus load with serum levels of sCD30 in RTRs suffering from nephropathy.Patients and Methods. A total of 50 RTRs with nephropathy and 30 age-matched apparently healthy individuals were recruited for this study. Serum samples were obtained from each participant. Real-time PCR was used to quantify BK virus load in RTRs serum, while ELISA technique was employed to estimate serum levels of sCD30.Results. Twenty-two percent of RTRs had detectable BKV with mean viral load of 1.094E+ 06 ± 2.291E+ 06. RTRs showed higher mean serum level of sCD30 (20.669±18.713 U/mL) than that of controls (5.517±5.304 U/mL) with significant difference. BK virus load had significant positive correlation with the serum levels of sCD30 in RTRs group.Conclusion. These results suggest that serum levels of sCD30 could be used as an indicator of BK viremia, and accordingly the immunosuppressive regime should be adjusted.
Targeting Suppressive Myeloid Cells Potentiates Checkpoint Inhibitors to Control Spontaneous Neuroblastoma
Authors: Mao Yumeng , Eissler Nina , Blanc Katarina Le , Johnsen John Inge , Kogner Per , Kiessling Rolf
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid cancer type in childhood, and high-risk patients have poor prognosis despite aggressive multimodal treatment. Neuroblastoma-driven inflammation contributes to the induction of suppressive myeloid cells that hamper efficient antitumor immune responses. Therefore, we sought to enhance antitumor immunity by removing immunosuppression mediated by myeloid cells.

Experimental Design: The prognostic values of myeloid cells are demonstrated by analyzing genomic datasets of neuroblastoma patients. The impact of tumor-derived factors on myelopoiesis and local induction of suppressive myeloid cells is dissected by in vitro culture models using freshly isolated human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, primary human monocytes, and murine bone marrow cells. To test the therapeutic efficacy of BLZ945 as a monotherapy or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, we used a transgenic murine model (TH-MYCN) that develops aggressive spontaneous neuroblastoma.

Results: We report that infiltrating CSF-1R+ myeloid cells predict poor clinical outcome in patients with neuroblastoma. In vitro, neuroblastoma-derived factors interfere with early development of myeloid cells and enable suppressive functions on human monocytes through M-CSF/CSF-1R interaction. In a transgenic mouse model (TH-MYCN) resembling high-risk human neuroblastoma, antagonizing CSF-1R with a selective inhibitor (BLZ945) modulates the induction of human and murine suppressive myeloid cells and efficiently limit tumor progression. While checkpoint inhibitors are insufficient in controlling tumor growth, combining BLZ945 with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies results in superior tumor control.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the essential role of CSF-1R signaling during the induction of suppressive myeloid cells and emphasize its clinical potential as an immunotherapy for human cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3849–59. ©2016 AACR.
Tumor Evolution Inferred by Patterns of microRNA Expression through the Course of Disease, Therapy, and Recurrence in Breast Cancer
Authors: Dadiani Maya , Bossel Ben-Moshe Noa , Paluch-Shimon Shani , Perry Gili , Balint Nora , Marin Irina , Pavlovski Anya , Morzaev Dana , Kahana-Edwin Smadar , Yosepovich Ady , Gal-Yam Einav Nili , Berger Raanan , Barshack Iris , Domany Eytan , Kaufman Bella
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Molecular evolution of tumors during progression, therapy, and metastasis is a major clinical challenge and the main reason for resistance to therapy. We hypothesized that microRNAs (miRNAs) that exhibit similar variation of expression through the course of disease in several patients have a significant function in the tumorigenic process.

Experimental design: Exploration of evolving disease by profiling 800 miRNA expression from serial samples of individual breast cancer patients at several time points: pretreatment, posttreatment, lymph nodes, and recurrence sites when available (58 unique samples from 19 patients). Using a dynamic approach for analysis, we identified expression modulation patterns and classified varying miRNAs into one of the eight possible temporal expression patterns.

Results: The various patterns were found to be associated with different tumorigenic pathways. The dominant pattern identified an miRNA set that significantly differentiated between disease stages, and its pattern in each patient was also associated with response to therapy. These miRNAs were related to tumor proliferation and to the cell-cycle pathway, and their mRNA targets showed anticorrelated expression. Interestingly, the level of these miRNAs was lowest in matched recurrent samples from distant metastasis, indicating a gradual increase in proliferative potential through the course of disease. Finally, the average expression level of these miRNAs in the pretreatment biopsy was significantly different comparing patients experiencing recurrence to recurrence-free patients.

Conclusions: Serial tumor sampling combined with analysis of temporal expression patterns enabled to pinpoint significant signatures characterizing breast cancer progression, associated with response to therapy and with risk of recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3651–62. ©2016 AACR.
Cytotoxic Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions during Anti-PD-1 Therapy
Authors: Goldinger Simone M. , Stieger Pascale , Meier Barbara , Micaletto Sara , Contassot Emmanuel , French Lars E. , Dummer Reinhard
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Immunotherapy has experienced impressive progress in cancer treatment. Antibodies against PD-1 improved survival in different types of cancer including melanoma. They are generally well tolerated. However, skin toxicities including pruritus, rashes, and vitiligo are reported. Although frequent, they have not been characterized further yet. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically assess and characterize the adverse cutaneous reactions observed in patients with melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies.

Experimental Design: Patients with melanoma were treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies within clinical trials and an early-access program. Adverse cutaneous eruptions that emerged in our melanoma patient cohort were systematically investigated and classified using histology and gene expression profiling in comparison with maculopapular drug rash, cutaneous GVHD, and the severe drug eruption toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Results: Between February 2013 and September 2015, 68 patients with stage IV melanoma were treated at the University Hospital Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland); 15 patients (22%) developed cutaneous reactions and 10 (15%) vitiligo. The cutaneous reactions ranged from small erythematous papules with mild pruritus to disseminated erythematous maculopapular rashes (MPR) without signs of epidermal involvement to severe MPRs, including epidermal detachment and mucosal involvement. Although skin involvement varied from mild rash to bullous drug eruptions, gene expression profiling pathogenically classified all investigated cases as TEN-like reactions.

Conclusions: As predicted by the PD-1 knockout mouse, anti-PD-1 antibodies frequently cause adverse cutaneous reactions. Gene expression profiling reminds in all cases of a TEN-like pattern, suggesting that PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is required to preserve epidermal integrity during inflammatory skin reactions. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 4023–9. ©2016 AACR.
Stable Isotope Probing Approaches to Study Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Degradation and Degraders
Authors: Vogt Carsten , Lueders Tillmann , Richnow Hans H. , Krüger Martin , von Bergen Martin , Seifert Jana
Published: March 2016

Stable isotope probing (SIP) techniques have become state-of-the-art in microbial ecology over the last 10 years, allowing for the targeted detection and identification of organisms, metabolic pathways and elemental fluxes active in specific processes within complex microbial communities. For studying anaerobic hydrocarbon-degrading microbial communities, four stable isotope techniques have been used so far: DNA/RNA-SIP, PLFA (phospholipid-derived fatty acids)-SIP, protein-SIP, and single-cell-SIP by nanoSIMS (nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry) or confocal Raman microscopy. DNA/RNA-SIP techniques are most frequently applied due to their most meaningful phylogenetic resolution. Especially using 13C-labeled benzene and toluene as model substrates, many new hydrocarbon degraders have been identified by SIP under various electron acceptor conditions. This has extended the current perspective of the true diversity of anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders relevant in the environment. Syntrophic hydrocarbon degradation was found to be a common mechanism for various electron acceptors. Fundamental concepts and recent advances in SIP are reflected here. A discussion is presented concerning how these techniques generate direct insights into intrinsic hydrocarbon degrader populations in environmental systems and how useful they are for more integrated approaches in the monitoring of contaminated sites and for bioremediation.
Fermentative Cyclohexane Carboxylate Formation in Syntrophus aciditrophicus
Authors: Boll Matthias , Kung Johannes W. , Ermler Ulrich , Martins Berta M. , Buckel Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Short-chain fatty acids such as acetic, propionic, butyric or lactic acids are typical primary fermentation products in the anaerobic feeding chain. Fifteen years ago, a novel fermentation type was discovered in the obligately anaerobic Deltaproteobacterium Syntrophus aciditrophicus. During fermentative growth with crotonate and/or benzoate, acetate is formed in the oxidative branch and cyclohexane carboxylate in the reductive branch. In both cases cyclohexa-1,5-diene-1-carboxyl-CoA (Ch1,5CoA) is a central intermediate that is either formed by a class II benzoyl-CoA reductase (fermentation of benzoate) or by reverse reactions of the benzoyl-CoA degradation pathway (fermentation of crotonate). Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the enzymology involved in fermentations yielding cyclohexane carboxylate as an excreted product. The characteristic enzymes involved are two acyl-CoA dehydrogenases specifically acting on Ch1,5CoA and cyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA. Both enzymes are also employed during the syntrophic growth of S. aciditrophicus with cyclohexane carboxylate as the carbon source in coculture with a methanogen. An investigation of anabolic pathways in S. aciditrophicus revealed a rather unusual pathway for glutamate synthesis involving a Re-citrate synthase. Future work has to address the unresolved question concerning which components are involved in reoxidation of the NADH formed in the oxidative branch of the unique cyclohexane carboxylate fermentation pathway in S. aciditrophicus.
Structure and Function of 4-Hydroxyphenylacetate Decarboxylase and Its Cognate Activating Enzyme
Authors: Selvaraj Brinda , Buckel Wolfgang , Golding Bernard T. , Ullmann G. Matthias , Martins Berta M.
Published: March 2016

4-Hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase (4Hpad) is the prototype of a new class of Fe-S cluster-dependent glycyl radical enzymes (Fe-S GREs) acting on aromatic compounds. The two-enzyme component system comprises a decarboxylase responsible for substrate conversion and a dedicated activating enzyme (4Hpad-AE). The decarboxylase uses a glycyl/thiyl radical dyad to convert 4-hydroxyphenylacetate into p-cresol (4-methylphenol) by a biologically unprecedented Kolbe-type decarboxylation. In addition to the radical dyad prosthetic group, the decarboxylase unit contains two [4Fe-4S] clusters coordinated by an extra small subunit of unknown function. 4Hpad-AE reductively cleaves S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or AdoMet) at a site-differentiated [4Fe-4S]2+/+ cluster (RS cluster) generating a transient 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical that produces a stable glycyl radical in the decarboxylase by the abstraction of a hydrogen atom. 4Hpad-AE binds up to two auxiliary [4Fe-4S] clusters coordinated by a ferredoxin-like insert that is C-terminal to the RS cluster-binding motif. The ferredoxin-like domain with its two auxiliary clusters is not vital for SAM-dependent glycyl radical formation in the decarboxylase, but facilitates a longer lifetime for the radical. This review describes the 4Hpad and cognate AE families and focuses on the recent advances and open questions concerning the structure, function and mechanism of this novel Fe-S-dependent class of GREs.
Anaerobic Degradation of Benzene and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Meckenstock Rainer U. , Boll Matthias , Mouttaki Housna , Koelschbach Janina S. , Cunha Tarouco Paola , Weyrauch Philip , Dong Xiyang , Himmelberg Anne M.
Published: March 2016

Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very slowly degraded without molecular oxygen. Here, we review the recent advances in the elucidation of the first known degradation pathways of these environmental hazards. Anaerobic degradation of benzene and PAHs has been successfully documented in the environment by metabolite analysis, compound-specific isotope analysis and microcosm studies. Subsequently, also enrichments and pure cultures were obtained that anaerobically degrade benzene, naphthalene or methylnaphthalene, and even phenanthrene, the largest PAH currently known to be degradable under anoxic conditions. Although such cultures grow very slowly, with doubling times of around 2 weeks, and produce only very little biomass in batch cultures, successful proteogenomic, transcriptomic and biochemical studies revealed novel degradation pathways with exciting biochemical reactions such as for example the carboxylation of naphthalene or the ATP-independent reduction of naphthoyl-coenzyme A. The elucidation of the first anaerobic degradation pathways of naphthalene and methylnaphthalene at the genetic and biochemical level now opens the door to studying the anaerobic metabolism and ecology of anaerobic PAH degraders. This will contribute to assessing the fate of one of the most important contaminant classes in anoxic sediments and aquifers.
Structure and Function of Benzylsuccinate Synthase and Related Fumarate-Adding Glycyl Radical Enzymes
Authors: Heider Johann , Szaleniec Maciej , Martins Berta M. , Seyhan Deniz , Buckel Wolfgang , Golding Bernard T.
Published: March 2016

The pathway of anaerobic toluene degradation is initiated by a remarkable radical-type enantiospecific addition of the chemically inert methyl group to the double bond of a fumarate cosubstrate to yield (R)-benzylsuccinate as the first intermediate, as catalyzed by the glycyl radical enzyme benzylsuccinate synthase. In recent years, it has become clear that benzylsuccinate synthase is the prototype enzyme of a much larger family of fumarate-adding enzymes, which play important roles in the anaerobic metabolism of further aromatic and even aliphatic hydrocarbons. We present an overview on the biochemical properties of benzylsuccinate synthase, as well as its recently solved structure, and present the results of an initial structure-based modeling study on the reaction mechanism. Moreover, we compare the structure of benzylsuccinate synthase with those predicted for different clades of fumarate-adding enzymes, in particular the paralogous enzymes converting p-cresol, 2-methylnaphthalene or n-alkanes.
Carbon and Hydrogen Stable Isotope Fractionation Associated with the Aerobic and Anaerobic Degradation of Saturated and Alkylated Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Musat Florin , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H.
Published: March 2016

Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) and alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons are abundant environmental compounds. Hydrocarbons are primarily removed from the environment by biodegradation, a process usually associated with moderate carbon and significant hydrogen isotope fractionation allowing monitoring of biodegradation processes in the environment. Here, we review the carbon and hydrogen stable isotope fractionation associated with the cleavage of C-H bonds at alkyl chains of hydrocarbons. Propane, n-butane and ethylbenzene were used as model components for alkyl moieties of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons with emphasis on the cleavage of the C-H bond without the involvement of molecular oxygen. The carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors were further used to explore the diagnostic potential for characterizing the mode of bond cleavage under oxic and anoxic conditions. Λ factors, calculated to correlate carbon and hydrogen fractionation, allowed to distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation processes in the environment.
Screening in Primary Care for Diabetic Retinopathy, Maculopathy and Visual Loss in South Africa
Authors: Webb Elizabeth M. , Rheeder Paul , Roux Polla
Published: March 2016

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, maculopathy and visual loss in primary care patients and to identify associated risk factors. Research Design and Methods: We conducted a cluster randomised trial at primary care clinics in the Tshwane district in South Africa. Grades of retinopathy and maculopathy (with fundus camera) and visual acuity (Snellen chart) were assessed and, using mobile screening and teleophthalmology, clinical and biochemical testing was conducted to obtain information about glycaemic control and microvascular complications. Results: The prevalence rates for any retinopathy, preproliferative retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy were 24.9, 19.5 and 5.5%, respectively. The prevalence rates of diabetic maculopathy, observable maculopathy and referable maculopathy were 20.8, 11.8 and 9.0%, respectively. The presence of retinopathy was associated with high body mass index, systolic blood pressure, being on insulin treatment, high HbA1c and the presence of neuropathy. High systolic blood pressure, being on insulin treatment, high HbA1c level and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level as well as the presence of albuminuria were significant in predicting any diabetic maculopathy. Laser photocoagulation was given to 8.3% of patients from the mobile unit and 12% of patients were referred to the nearest hospital with an outpatient eye clinic for follow-up treatment of various other eye conditions. Using the WHO categories, the study found that 78.1% of diabetes patients had normal vision, 19.3% were visually impaired and 2.2% were severely impaired or blind. Conclusion: High prevalence rates for diabetic retinopathy, maculopathy and visual loss were found and associations were identified.
Early Surgical Intervention for a Large Newborn Cephalohematoma
Authors: Eseonu Chikezie I. , Sacino Amanda N. , Ahn Edward S.
Published: March 2016

Cephalohematomas in newborns are often managed nonsurgically and resolve within the first month of life. In cases of large hematomas (>7 cm) with delayed resorption and persistence over 4 weeks, these masses can often lead to complications of calcification, infection, or hyperbilirubinemia. We report a case of a 14-day-old child with a persistent, large, noncalcified cephalohematoma. After observation alone showed that the cephalohematoma increased in size, 100 ml of old blood was surgically evacuated on day 15 of life. The procedure required a small 1-cm incision and, unlike most large cephalohematomas evacuated after 1 month of observation, there were no signs of skull-deforming calcification observed. This case report presents the earliest evacuation of large noncalcified cephalohematomas in newborns ever reported in the literature, and suggests benefits of early surgical evacuation before 1 month of life.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Oral Qing-Dai in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Single-Center Open-Label Prospective Study
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Naganuma Makoto , Kiyohara Hiroki , Arai Mari , Ono Keiko , Mori Kiyoto , Saigusa Keiichiro , Nanki Kosaku , Takeshita Kozue , Takeshita Tatsuya , Mutaguchi Makoto , Mizuno Shinta , Bessho Rieko , Nakazato Yoshihiro , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Inoue Nagamu , Ogata Haruhiko , Iwao Yasushi , Kanai Takanori
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Chinese herbal medicine Qing-Dai (also known as indigo naturalis) has been used to treat various inflammatory conditions. However, not much has been studied about the use of oral Qing-Dai in the treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Studies exploring alternative treatments for UC are of considerable interest. In this study, we aimed at prospectively evaluating the safety and efficacy of Qing-Dai for UC patients. Methods: The open-label, prospective pilot study was conducted at Keio University Hospital. A total of 20 patients with moderate UC activity were enrolled. Oral Qing-Dai in capsule form was taken twice a day (daily dose, 2 g) for 8 weeks. Results: At week 8, the rates of clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing were 72, 33, and 61%, respectively. The clinical and endoscopic scores, CRP levels, and fecal occult blood results were also significantly improved. We observed 2 patients with mild liver dysfunction; 1 patient discontinued due to infectious colitis and 1 patient discontinued due to mild nausea. Conclusion: This is the first prospective study indicating that oral Qing-Dai is effective for inducing remission in patients with moderate UC activity and can be tolerated. Thus, Qing-Dai may be considered an alternative treatment for patients, although further investigation is warranted.
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients Experience Similar Symptoms of Disease Activity
Authors: Cedars Ari M. , Stefanescu Schmidt Ada , Broberg Craig , Zaidi Ali , Opotowsky Alexander , Grewal Jasmine , Kay Joseph , Bhatt Ami B. , Novak Eric , Spertus John
Published: March 2016

Background—

There is a lack of objective data on the symptoms characterizing disease activity among adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The purpose of this study was to elicit the most important symptoms from patients across the spectrum of ACHD and to examine whether reported symptoms were similar across the spectrum of ACHD as a foundation for creating a patient-reported outcome measure(s).

Methods and Results—

We constructed a 39-item survey using input from physicians specializing in ACHD to assess the symptoms patients associate with disease activity. Patients (n=124) prospectively completed this survey, and the results were analyzed based on underlying anatomy and disease complexity. A confirmatory cohort of patients (n=40) was then recruited prospectively to confirm the validity of the initial data. When grouped based on underlying anatomy, significant differences in disease-related symptom rankings were found for only 6 of 39 symptoms. Six symptoms were identified which were of particular significance to patients, regardless of underlying anatomy. Patients with anatomy of great complexity experienced greater overall symptom severity than those with anatomy of low or moderate complexity, attributable exclusively to higher ranking of 5 symptoms. The second patient cohort had symptom experiences similar to those of the initial cohort, differing in only 5 of 39 symptoms.

Conclusions—

This study identified 6 symptoms relevant to patients across the spectrum of ACHD and remarkable homogeneity of patient experience, suggesting that a single disease-specific patient-reported outcome can be created for quality and outcome assessments.
Angiographic and Intracoronary Manifestations of Coronary Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Saw Jacqueline , Bezerra Hiram , Gornik Heather L. , Machan Lindsay , Mancini G.B. John
Published: March 2016

Background—

We previously described a strong association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Angiographic manifestations of coronary FMD aside from dissection were considered rare. However, we observed several coronary FMD angiographic abnormalities with corresponding optical coherence tomography abnormalities.

Methods and Results—

Baseline demographics and imaging of patients with suspected coronary FMD at Vancouver General Hospital were reviewed. Presence of multifocal (string-of-beads) extracoronary FMD was confirmed by 2 specialists. In these patients, coronary angiographic findings (excluding dissected segments) were reviewed and classified by 2 experienced angiographers for irregular stenosis, that is, stenosis with irregular borders in a focal or diffuse pattern with/without systolic accentuation; smooth stenosis, diffuse or focal; segmental dilatation/ectasia; and tortuosity. Optical coherence tomography was performed in a subset of patients. Of 32 patients with extracoronary FMD and suspected coronary involvement, 28 were women (88%), and their mean age was 59.4±9.9 years. Nineteen presented with myocardial infarction (13 caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection), and 13 had stable symptoms. The observed coronary angiographic abnormalities included tortuosity in all cases (91% were moderate to severe), irregular stenosis in 59%, smooth stenosis in 19%, and segmental dilatation/ectasia in 56%. Fifteen patients had optical coherence tomography of the abnormal segments showing abnormalities, including multiple areas of patchy or diffuse intimal, medial or adventitial abnormalities with thickening/accumulation of varied reflectivities, macrophage infiltration, loss/duplication of elastic membranes, and cavitation.

Conclusions—

This is the first case series describing findings suggestive of angiographic and intracoronary manifestations of coronary FMD. Future studies should prospectively review these features in patients with extracoronary FMD.
Affiliation, dominance and friendship among companion dogs
Authors: Trisko Rebecca K. , Sandel Aaron A. , Smuts Barbara
Published: March 2016

Dog social behaviour has been well studied, but little is known about affiliative relationships between dogs. We report a yearlong study of dominance and affiliation in 24 dogs at a dog daycare facility and provide additional details on dog relationships through long-term observations of pairs of dogs who lived together in the same household or met frequently for years. Companion dogs formed highly differentiated relationships with one another. At daycare, some dyads affiliated and displayed one-way submission (formal dominance), others affiliated without a dominance relationship (egalitarian), and the majority of dyads did not affiliate at all (agonistic or non-interactive). The dogs in household environments showed formal and egalitarian relationships, and two dyads exchanged two-way agonism without submission (unresolved). Sex influenced the types of relationships dogs formed, with mixed sex dyads more likely to affiliate and less likely to exhibit dominance than same-sex pairs. Dominance influenced the nature of affiliation in relationships; egalitarian dyads were more likely to play and showed more equitable gentle affiliation. Gentle affiliation was reciprocal in the group as a whole, but it was highly skewed in many dyads, especially those with dominance relationships. Gentle affiliation was usually, but not always, directed up the hierarchy. Certain dyads affiliated at much higher rates than others, indicating that the dogs formed friendships. Most friends were mixed sex and/or egalitarian pairs, but friendships occurred in all of the sex class/dominance combinations. Long-term observations demonstrated how dyadic relationships can change over time. Such highly differentiated relationships suggest significant social complexity in dogs.
The Politics of Fear: How Russia’s Rulers Counter their Rivals
Authors: Gel’man Vladimir
Published: March 2016

This article attempts to analyze the mechanisms of political control used by the Kremlin vis-à-vis its rivals. Russian authorities had opted the politics of fear, which include overt intimidation and public discrediting of the regime’s critics, and selective persecution and open harassment of opposition activists and/or supporters. This approach to political control to some degree reproduced similar mechanisms that had enabled regime survival in the late Soviet period, and fit general trends of repressive policies in a number of contemporary authoritarian regimes. The article discusses causes and mechanisms of the politics of fear in contemporary Russia, its roots in comparative and historical contexts, and strengths and weaknesses of repressive policy in Russia from the viewpoints of the regime, the opposition, and Russian society.
The Reintroduction of Early Voting in Russian Elections: A Tool for Electoral Manipulation?
Authors: Bader Max
Published: March 2016

An important change of electoral rules in Russia in recent years has been the reintroduction of early voting in elections at all levels. Because early voting had a reputation of being prone to abuse until it was banned in 2010, its reintroduction in 2014 was met with skepticism. This study examines whether early voting has been (again) used to manipulate electoral outcomes. It draws on a dataset, compiled by the author, of all 4,467 electoral races between the federal level and the lowest level of self-government held in the first year after the reintroduction of early voting. The study finds several indications for the manipulation of elections through early voting, including a significant association between early voting and reduced electoral competition.
New orchid species of Stigmatodactylus (Orchidoideae; Diurideae) and a new record of Cryptostylis carinata from central Palawan, Philippines
Authors: ROBINSON ALASTAIR S. , GIRONELLA ELIZABETH P. , CERVANCIA JEHSON M.
Published: March 2016

Two new species of Stigmatodactylus from Palawan Island in the Philippines are described and illustrated. The taxa, which represent the first records for the genus Stigmatodactylus in the Philippines, are restricted to the ultramafic peaks of central Palawan. Cryptostylis carinata, originally described from New Guinea, is also documented, representing a first record for this species in Palawan.
Rumen ciliates in Brazilian sheep (Ovis aries), with new records and redescription of Entodinium contractum (Entodiniomorphida: Ophryoscolecidae)
Authors: CEDROLA FRANCIANE , MARTINELE ISABEL , DIAS ROBERTO JÚNIO PEDROSO , FREGULIA PRISCILA , D’AGOSTO MARTA
Published: March 2016

The species composition, prevalence, and average relative abundance of rumen ciliates were analyzed in 16 Brazilian sheep. 28 species of ciliates were identified belonging to 3 families: Isotrichidae, Ophryoscolecidae, and Parentodiniidae. Among these ciliates, Entodinium alces, Metadinium esalqum, and M. rotundatum were found for the first time in sheep, and other 12 species for the first time in Brazilian sheep. Different morphotypes of parentodiniid ciliates were identified in 7 of the 16 sheep analyzed and this is the second report of this family in ruminants. The species Entodinium contractum was redescribed based on the new data on the general morphological features; for the first time, we described the oral infraciliature, which in this species is of the Entodinium-type. In this species, it is noteworthy that the prominent vestibular polybrachykinety can be used as an important identifying characteristic.
Four new species of Psechrus from Yunnan Province, China (Araneae, Psechridae)
Authors: FENG PING , ZHAO YU , WU XIU-MEI , MA YAN-YAN , YANG TING-BANG , LI CHENG-GONG , YANG ZI-ZHONG
Published: March 2016

Four new species of Psechrus are described from Yunnan Province: P. changminae sp. nov., P. conicus sp. nov., P. discoideus sp. nov. and P. spatulatus sp. nov. Herewith the number of species belonging to Psechrus in Yunnan Province extended from five to nine. Illustrations and colour photos are provided, with comparison of intraspecific variation of copulatory organs.
Stratospheric Gravity Wave Fluxes and Scales during DEEPWAVE
Authors: Smith Ronald B. , Nugent Alison D. , Kruse Christopher G. , Fritts David C. , Doyle James D. , Eckermann Steven D. , Taylor Michael J. , Dörnbrack Andreas , Uddstrom M. , Cooper William , Romashkin Pavel , Jensen Jorgen , Beaton Stuart
Published: March 2016

During the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE) project in June and July 2014, the Gulfstream V research aircraft flew 97 legs over the Southern Alps of New Zealand and 150 legs over the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean, mostly in the low stratosphere at 12.1-km altitude. Improved instrument calibration, redundant sensors, longer flight legs, energy flux estimation, and scale analysis revealed several new gravity wave properties. Over the sea, flight-level wave fluxes mostly fell below the detection threshold. Over terrain, disturbances had characteristic mountain wave attributes of positive vertical energy flux (EFz), negative zonal momentum flux, and upwind horizontal energy flux. In some cases, the fluxes changed rapidly within an 8-h flight, even though environmental conditions were nearly unchanged. The largest observed zonal momentum and vertical energy fluxes were MFx = −550 mPa and EFz = 22 W m−2, respectively.

A wide variety of disturbance scales were found at flight level over New Zealand. The vertical wind variance at flight level was dominated by short “fluxless” waves with wavelengths in the 6–15-km range. Even shorter scales, down to 500 m, were found in wave breaking regions. The wavelength of the flux-carrying mountain waves was much longer—mostly between 60 and 150 km. In the strong cases, however, with EFz > 4 W m−2, the dominant flux wavelength decreased (i.e., “downshifted”) to an intermediate wavelength between 20 and 60 km. A potential explanation for the rapid flux changes and the scale “downshifting” is that low-level flow can shift between “terrain following” and “envelope following” associated with trapped air in steep New Zealand valleys.