bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Iron Acquisition System in Bacteroidetes
Authors: Manfredi Pablo , Lauber Frédéric , Renzi Francesco , Hack Katrin , Hess Estelle , Cornelis Guy R.
Published: November 2014

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a dog mouth commensal and a member of theBacteroidetesphylum, causes rare but often fatal septicemia in humans that have been in contact with a dog. Here, we show thatC. canimorsusstrains isolated from human infections grow readily in heat-inactivated human serum and that this property depends on a typical polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL), namely,PUL3in strain Cc5. PUL are a hallmark ofBacteroidetes, and they encode various products, including surface protein complexes that capture and process polysaccharides or glycoproteins. The archetype system is theBacteroides thetaiotaomicronSus system, devoted to starch utilization. Unexpectedly,PUL3conferred the capacity to acquire iron from serotransferrin (STF), and this capacity required each of the seven encoded proteins, indicating that a whole Sus-like machinery is acting as an iron capture system (ICS), a new and unexpected function for Sus-like machinery. No siderophore could be detected in the culture supernatant ofC. canimorsus, suggesting that the Sus-like machinery captures iron directly from transferrin, but this could not be formally demonstrated. The seven genes of the ICS were found in the genomes of several opportunistic pathogens from theCapnocytophagaandPrevotellagenera, in different isolates of the severe poultry pathogenRiemerellaanatipestifer, and in strains ofBacteroides fragilisandOdoribacter splanchnicusisolated from human infections. Thus, this study describes a new type of ICS that evolved inBacteroidetesfrom a polysaccharide utilization system and most likely represents an important virulence factor in this group.
Control of Acid Resistance Pathways of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Strain EDL933 by PsrB, a Prophage-Encoded AraC-Like Regulator
Authors: Yang Ji , Russell Thomas W. , Hocking Dianna M. , Bender Jennifer K. , Srikhanta Yogitha N. , Tauschek Marija , Robins-Browne Roy M.
Published: November 2014

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) O157:H7 causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and is the most prevalent
E. coli
serotype associated with food-borne illness worldwide. This pathogen is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and has a low infectious dose that has been estimated to be between 10 and 100 cells. We and others have previously identified three prophage-encoded AraC-like transcriptional regulators, PatE, PsrA, and PsrB in the EHEC O157:H7 EDL933 strain. Our analysis showed that PatE plays an important role in facilitating survival of EHEC under a number of acidic conditions, but the contribution of PsrA and PsrB to acid resistance (AR) was unknown. Here, we investigated the involvement of PsrA and PsrB in the survival of
E. coli
O157:H7 in acid. Our results showed that PsrB, but not PsrA, enhanced the survival of strain EDL933 under various acidic conditions. Transcriptional analysis using promoter-
lacZ
reporters and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that PsrB activates transcription of the
hdeA
operon, which encodes a major acid stress chaperone, by interacting with its promoter region. Furthermore, using a mouse model, we showed that expression of PsrB significantly enhanced the ability of strain EDL933 to overcome the acidic barrier of the mouse stomach. Taken together, our results indicate that EDL933 acquired enhanced acid tolerance via horizontally acquired regulatory genes encoding transcriptional regulators that activate its AR machinery.
In Salmonella enterica, the Gcn5-Related Acetyltransferase MddA (Formerly YncA) Acetylates Methionine Sulfoximine and Methionine Sulfone, Blocking Their Toxic Effects
Authors: Hentchel Kristy L. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: November 2014

Protein and small-molecule acylation reactions are widespread in nature. Many of the enzymes catalyzing acylation reactions belong to theGcn5-relatedN-acetyltransferase (GNAT; PF00583) family, named after the yeast Gcn5 protein. The genome ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium LT2 encodes 26 GNATs, 11 of which have no known physiological role. Here, we providein vivoandin vitroevidence for the role of the MddA (methioninederivativedetoxifier; formerly YncA) GNAT in the detoxification of oxidized forms of methionine, including methionine sulfoximine (MSX) and methionine sulfone (MSO). MSX and MSO inhibited the growth of anS. entericaΔmddAstrain unless glutamine or methionine was present in the medium. We used anin vitrospectrophotometric assay and mass spectrometry to show that MddA acetylated MSX and MSO. AnmddA+strain displayed biphasic growth kinetics in the presence of MSX and glutamine. Deletion of two amino acid transporters (GlnHPQ and MetNIQ) in a ΔmddAstrain restored growth in the presence of MSX. Notably, MSO was transported by GlnHPQ but not by MetNIQ. In summary, MddA is the mechanism used byS. entericato respond to oxidized forms of methionine, which MddA detoxifies by acetyl coenzyme A-dependent acetylation.
Influence of childcare practices on nutritional status of Ghanaian children: a regression analysis of the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A , Mittelmark Maurice B , Lartey Anna , Matanda Dennis J , Urke Helga B
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Guided by the UNICEF framework for childcare, this study examined the association of childcare practices (CCP) with infant and young children's growth (height-for-age Z-scores, HAZ), and investigated whether care practices are more important to growth in some sociodemographic subgroups of children.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Urban and rural Ghana.

Participants

The study sample comprised 1187 dyads of mothers aged 15–49 years and their youngest child (aged 6–36 months).

Results

The results showed that CCP was a significant predictor of HAZ, after controlling for covariates/confounders at child, maternal and household levels. Children with higher CCP scores had higher HAZ. A 1-unit increase in the CCP score was associated with a 0.17-unit increase in HAZ. Child's and mother's age, number of children under 5 years, place of residence, maternal weight and wealth index were also significantly associated with HAZ. Statistical interaction analyses revealed no subgroup differences in the CCP/HAZ relationship.

Conclusions

This study found a significant, positive association between CCP and child growth, after accounting for other important determinants of child growth at maternal and household levels. This calls for research into the effects on growth of various CCP components, with longitudinal cohort study designs that can disentangle causal relationships.
Probable cluster decays from 270–318118 superheavy nuclei
Authors: Santhosh K. P. , Priyanka B.
Published: November 2014

The cluster decay process in 270–318118 superheavy nuclei has been studied extensively within the Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM), thereby investigating the probable cluster decays from the various isotopes of Z = 118. On comparing the predicted decay half-lives with the values evaluated using the Universal formula for cluster decay (UNIV) of Poenaru et al., the Universal Decay Law (UDL) of Qi et al., and the Scaling Law of Horoi et al., it was seen that, our values matches well with these theoretical values. A comparison of the predicted alpha decay half-life of the experimentally synthesized superheavy isotope 294118 with its corresponding experimental value shows that, our theoretical value is in good agreement with the experimental value. The plots for log 10(T1/2) against the neutron number of the daughter in the corresponding decay reveals the behavior of the cluster half-lives with the neutron number of the daughter nuclei and for most of the decays, the half-life was found to be the minimum for the decay leading to a daughter with N = 184. Most of the predicted half-lives are well within the present experimental upper limit (1030 s) and lower limit (10-6 s) for measurements and hence these predictions may be of great use for further experimental investigation on cluster decay in the superheavy region.
Isospin effects on pt-differential flow in heavy ion collisions at intermediate energies
Authors: Bansal Rubina , Jain Anupriya , Kumar Suneel
Published: November 2014

This paper aims to study the role of isospin degree of freedom in heavy-ion collisions through the transverse momentum (pt), neutron to proton ratio and system mass dependence of pt-differential transverse flow. Our study shows that (pt)-differential transverse flow dependence can act as sensitive probe to study symmetry energy and its density dependence compared to the energy of vanishing flow. Symmetry energy and its density dependence play a dominant role over the isospin-dependence of nucleon–nucleon cross-section at Fermi energy.
Time exponents of asymptotic entanglement of discrete quantum walk in one dimension
Authors: Eryiğit Recep , Gündüç Semra
Published: November 2014

We report a systematic study of asymptotic behavior of entanglement between the position and coin degrees of freedom for a one-dimensional discrete quantum walk. Effects of coin bias, initial coin asymmetry and phase difference and non-locality of initial position state on the fluctuations and asymptotic value of entanglement are investigated by using Fourier approach. Fluctuations in entropy are found to die out as power law in time as t-α with α = 1/2,3/2 and 5/2 depending on the initial state parameters of the system.
Seismic Behavior of Newly Constructed Three-Bay Steel X-Braced RC Space Frame
Authors: Tan Haozhi , Huang Liang , Yan Libo , Yi Hongwei , Tian Xin
Published: November 2014

Bracing is one of the most effective systems which is widely used to improve the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) plane frames. However, studies on the use of bracing in newly constructed RC space frame (RCSF) are rare. This paper presents the experimental results of two 1/4-scale, two-story, and three-bay RCSFs under cyclic loading. A RCSF without brace was designed and constructed as a control system, which was termed as "RCSF". Another one was constructed and strengthened with steel X-braces, which was termed as "SBRCSF". The seismic performance of RCSF was compared with those of SBRCSF. The test results show that compared with the RCSF, the seismic performance of the SBRCSF was improved significantly in terms of hysteresis loop, strength, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. In addition, unlike the inter-story failure mechanism of the RCSF, the SBRCSF specimen exhibited an overall failure mechanism, which is significant for the seismic design of RCSFs. Moreover, the tested SBRCSF could bear loads in a manner similar to that of untested RCSF after the failure of the steel braces, thereby revealing the redundancy of SBRCSF and showing the advantageous of the use of steel braces for space frame.
China's Science and Technology System: Governance, Funding and Performance
Authors: ZHAO Litao
Published: November 2014

As China progresses, its Science and Technology (S&T) system evolves as well, driven by new aspirations, changing needs and surging resources. With the rapid growth of research and development expenditure and a growing supply of talents, China has been reshaping the global research landscape. The quality of research however has been criticised as less impressive than the quantity. To become a global innovation powerhouse, China needs to reform its S&T governance, funding and evaluation.
Is a China-Russia Alliance on the Horizon?
Authors: GORE Lance L P
Published: November 2014

The present ‘honeymoon’ between China and Russia is a temporary alignment of interests between them as a result of the Ukraine crisis to the west and America's ‘Asian pivot’ to the east of the Eurasian Continent. Such alignment does not erase their fundamental differences, but there is a danger that the West may push the two into more permanent alliance. For now, however, both are playing strategically to maximise their options and opportunities.
Steel Fibre Reinforcing Characteristics on the Size Reduction of Fly Ash Based Concrete
Authors: Vallarasu Manoharan Sounthararajan , Anandan Sivakumar
Published: November 2014

The behavior of glued steel fibres in high strength concrete with size reduction properties of concrete has been attempted. Glued steel fibres with both ends hooked having length to diameter ratio of 70 was added at a dosage level of 0.5% to 1.5% by volume fraction. The study was carried out to analyze the effects of fibre addition on the thickness reduction of concrete element. A high strength concrete mixture was designed and various thicknesses of concrete prisms were casted for different volume fraction of steel fibres. The hardened concrete properties were determined based on the mix constituents such as water to binder ratio 0.3 (w/b), superplasticizer dosage, fine to coarse aggregate ratio 0.6 (F/c), and fly ash replacement level at 25% and 50% by weight of binder content. The experimental test results showed that the flexural strength varies with respect to the depth of concrete specimen. It can be observed that the reduction in size up to 10% size containing 25% fly ash with 1.5% steel fibres showed better strength enhancement of 4.70 MPa and 6.69 MPa for 7 days and 28 days, respectively. Also, the addition of steel fibres at higher percentage of fly ash containing 50% showed better improvement in the flexural strength for the size reduction at 5%, when compared to plain concrete beam which exhibited higher stress carrying capacity of 6.08 MPa at 28 days and showed an increase of 7.99%.
Development of a Collaborative Scheduling System of Offshore Platform Project Based on Multiagent Technology
Authors: Li Jinghua , Li Lingyao , Yang Boxin , Zhou Qinghua
Published: November 2014

Aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency for offshore platform project scheduling, a multiagent collaborative scheduling model based on the analysis of distributed offshore platform project scheduling was proposed. The functional definitions and internal structure of agents in the proposed system were analyzed. Moreover, in order to explore the cooperative way of agents, communication mechanism was presented and a negotiation model was elaborated. Then, system architecture and hardware architecture were constructed to lay a foundation to develop the collaborative scheduling system. Finally, an intelligent algorithm based on Bayesian method was designed to verify the negotiation model and a prototype system was developed to test the feasibility and rationality.
A Study of Clinical, Microbiological, and Echocardiographic Profile of Patients of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ghosh Soumik , Sahoo Ratnakar , Nath Ranjit Kumar , Duggal Nandini , Gadpayle Adesh Kumar
Published: November 2014

Infective endocarditis, a great masquerader, is a clinical entity which may present with a myriad of manifestations. Its changing epidemiological profile has been studied in the previous decades in both the developed and the developing nations. In this study, we strived to uphold the evolving clinical profile and its outcome from a government tertiary care hospital in Northern India. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study conducted over two years’ period involving 44 patients diagnosed with definite infective endocarditis, according to modified Dukes’ criteria. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic data were analysed. Mean age of patients was 31 years. Rheumatic heart disease with regurgitant lesions was the commonest risk factor. Dyspnea and fever were the predominant symptom, and pallor and heart failure the commonest sign. Cultures were positive in 52% with Staphylococcus, the major isolate. Transesophageal echocardiography fared better than transthoracic one to define the vegetations. Mortality is reported in 4.5%. Prolonged duration of fever, pallor, hematuria, proteinuria, rheumatoid factor positivity, and large vegetations proved to be poor prognostic variables. Culture positive endocarditis, with persistent bacteremia, had higher incidence of acute renal failure. Right sided endocarditis was frequent in congenital lesions or IV drug user, whereas left sided endocarditis mostly presented with atrial fibrillation.
Age-Dependent Constraints of Sex Allocation in a Parasitoid Wasp
Authors: Ueno Takatoshi
Published: November 2014

The offspring sex ratios of parasitoid wasps often depend on the age of ovipositing females. Physiological constraints such as sperm depletion and senescence are a likely cause. Also, maternal control in response to female age may be an alternative explanation. Here valvifer or abdominal tip movements were used to assess whether age-dependent sex ratio was due to physiological constraints or maternal control with an ichneumonid wasp,Pimpla nipponica; the offspring sex ratio at the time of wasp emergence was compared with the sex ratio predicted from abdominal tip movements. When the female was relatively young, there was little difference between the sex ratios examined. However, as the age of the females increased, the realized offspring sex ratio at wasp emergence was more male-biased than the sex ratio predicted at the time of oviposition. Thus, there was an inconsistency between the sex ratios. Curiously, the predictions of continuous movements for male egg deposition were always perfect, regardless of maternal age; fertilization control failure was detected when the females had decided to lay female eggs. Thus, physiological constraints are a likely explanation for the inconsistency in relation to female age forP. nipponica.
QT Interval Prolongation Associated with Intramuscular Ziprasidone in Chinese Patients: A Case Report and a Comprehensive Literature Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xian-Bin , Tang Yi-Lang , Zheng Wei , Wang Chuan-Yue , de Leon Jose
Published: November 2014

Intramuscular (IM) ziprasidone has been associated with QTc interval prolongations in patients with preexisting risk factors. A 23-year-old male Chinese schizophrenia patient experienced an increase of QTc interval of 83 milliseconds (ms) after receiving 20 mg IM ziprasidone (baseline and increased QT/QTc were, respectively, 384/418 and 450/501). This was rated as a probable adverse drug reaction (ADR) by the Liverpool ADR causality assessment tool. A systematic review including all types of trials reporting the effect of IM ziprasidone on the QTc interval prolongation identified 19 trials with a total of 1428 patients. Mean QTc change from baseline to end of each study was −3.7 to 12.8 ms after IM ziprasidone. Four randomized trials (3 of 4 published in Chinese) were used to calculate a meta-analysis of QTc interval prolongation which showed no significant differences between IM ziprasidone and IM haloperidol groups (risk ratio 0.49 to 4.31, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 19.68,P= 0.06 to 0.41). However, our review included two cases of patients who experienced symptoms probably related to QTc prolongation after IM ziprasidone. Thus, careful screening and close monitoring, including baseline ECG, should be considered in patients receiving IM ziprasidone for the first time.
Detection of Free-Living Amoebae Using Amoebal Enrichment in a Wastewater Treatment Plant of Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Muchesa P. , Mwamba O. , Barnard T. G. , Bartie C.
Published: November 2014

Free-living amoebae pose a potential health risk in water systems as they may be pathogenic and harbor potential pathogenic bacteria known as amoebae resistant bacteria. Free-living amoebae were observed in 150 (87.2%) of the environmental water samples. In particular,Acanthamoebasp. was identified in 22 (12.8%) using amoebal enrichment and confirmed by molecular analysis. FLA were isolated in all 8 stages of the wastewater treatment plant using the amoebal enrichment technique. A total of 16 (9.3%) samples were positive for FLA from influent, 20 (11.6%) from bioreactor feed, 16 (9.3%) from anaerobic zone, 16 (9.3%) from anoxic zone, 32 (18.6%) from aerators, 16 (9.3%) from bioreactor effluent, 11 (6.4%) from bioreactor final effluent, and 45 (26.2%) from maturation pond. This study provides baseline information on the occurrence of amoebae in wastewater treatment plant. This has health implications on receiving water bodies as some FLA are pathogenic and are also involved in the transmission and dissemination of pathogenic bacteria.
Elevated Cardiac Troponin in Acute Stroke without Acute Coronary Syndrome Predicts Long-Term Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Raza Farhan , Alkhouli Mohamad , Sandhu Paul , Bhatt Reema , Bove Alfred A.
Published: November 2014

Background. Elevated cardiac troponin in acute stroke in absence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has unclear long-term outcomes.Methods. Retrospective analysis of 566 patients admitted to Temple University Hospital from 2008 to 2010 for acute stroke was performed. Patients were included if cardiac troponin I was measured and had no evidence of ACS and an echocardiogram was performed. Of 200 patients who met the criteria, baseline characteristics, electrocardiograms, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were reviewed. Patients were characterized into two groups with normal and elevated troponins. Primary end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction during follow-up period after discharge. The secondary end points were MACE and death from any cause.Results. For 200 patients, 17 patients had positive troponins. Baseline characteristics were as follows: age63.1±13.8, 64% African Americans, 78% with hypertension, and 22% with previous CVA. During mean follow-up of 20.1 months, 7 patients (41.2%) in elevated troponin and 6 (3.3%) patients in normal troponin group had nonfatal myocardial infarction (P=0.0001). MACE (41.2% versus 14.2%,P=0.01) and death from any cause (41.2% versus 14.5%,P=0.017) were significant in the positive troponin group.Conclusions. Elevated cardiac troponin in patients with acute stroke and no evidence of ACS is strong predictor of long-term cardiac outcomes.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Malay Version Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire Tested among Mothers of Primary School Children in Malaysia
Authors: Shohaimi Shamarina , Yoke Wei Wong , Mohd Shariff Zalilah
Published: November 2014

Comprehensive feeding practices questionnaire (CFPQ) is an instrument specifically developed to evaluate parental feeding practices. It has been confirmed among children in America and applied to populations in France, Norway, and New Zealand. In order to extend the application of CFPQ, we conducted a factor structure validation of the translated version of CFPQ (CFPQ-M) using confirmatory factor analysis among mothers of primary school children (N= 397) in Malaysia. Several items were modified for cultural adaptation. Of 49 items, 39 items with loading factors>0.40 were retained in the final model. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the final model (twelve-factor model with 39 items and 2 error covariances) displayed the best fit for our sample (Chi-square = 1147;df= 634;P<0.05; CFI = 0.900; RMSEA = 0.045; SRMR = 0.0058). The instrument with some modifications was confirmed among mothers of school children in Malaysia. The present study extends the usability of the CFPQ and enables researchers and parents to better understand the relationships between parental feeding practices and related problems such as childhood obesity.
A Series Solution for Heat Conduction Problem with Phase Change in a Finite Slab
Authors: Chiba Ryoichi
Published: November 2014

A two-dimensional differential transform method is applied to solve one-dimensional phase change problems in a slab of finite thickness, which is subjected to convective thermal loading at one surface and a constant prescribed temperature at the other. In the problems, the initial temperature of the slab does not necessarily have to be the same as the fusion temperature. A series solution is derived for the temperature profile in the melting or solidifying slab with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity. The latent heat effect of the phase change is incorporated into the temperature-dependent heat capacity. Numerical results demonstrate the effects of the temperature-dependent parameters on the transient temperature profile of the slab.
Optimized “In Vitro” Culture Conditions for Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Casnici Claudia , Lattuada Donatella , Tonna Noemi , Crotta Katia , Storini Claudio , Bianco Fabio , Truzzi Marcello Claudio , Corradini Costantino , Marelli Ornella
Published: November 2014

The composition of synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complex and strongly influences the microenvironment of joints and it is an inseparable element of the disease. Currently, “in vitro” studies are performed on RA cells cultured in the presence of either recombinant proinflammatory cytokines-conditioned medium or medium alone. In this study, we evaluated the use of synovial fluid, derived from RA patients, as optimal culture condition to perform “in vitro” studies on RA synovial fibroblasts. We observed that synovial fluid is more effective in inducing cell proliferation with respect to TNF-alpha or culture medium alone. Spontaneous apoptosis in fibroblasts was also decreased in response to synovial fluid. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the presence of synovial fluid was significantly elevated with respect to cells cultured with TNF-alpha or medium, and the overall morphology of cells was also modified. In addition, modulation of intracellular calcium dynamics elicited in response to synovial fluid or TNF-alpha exposure is different and suggests a role for the purinergic signalling in the modulation of the effects. These results emphasize the importance of using RA synovial fluid in “in vitro” studies involving RA cells, in order to reproduce faithfully the physiopathological environmental characteristic of RA joints.
Comparative MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Cynomolgus Monkeys, Rat, and Human Reveal that miR-182 Is Involved in T2D Pathogenic Processes
Authors: Zhou Jinghui , Meng Yuhuan , Tian Shuai , Chen Junhui , Liu Mingyu , Zhuo Min , Zhang Yu , Du Hongli , Wang Xiaoning
Published: November 2014

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent disease that happens around the world and usually happens with insulin resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represented important roles in the suppression of gene expression and were proven to be related to human diseases. In this study, we used cynomolgus monkey fed with normal and high fatty diet (HFD), respectively, to analyze the miRNA expression profile in whole blood by deep sequencing. Finally in total 24 miRNAs with differential expression were filtered. Among them, miR-182 related to the insulin resistance by modulatingFOXO1and PI3K/AKT cascade and had the greatest copy number in the whole blood. Decrease of miR-182 in T2D cynomolgus individuals is completely consistent with the previous studies in human and rat. Integrating miR-182 tissue expression profile, target genes, and copy number in blood reveals that miR-182 plays a key role in crucial genes modulation, such asFOXO1andBHLHE22, which leads to potential hyperglycemia and modulates the insulin secretion. In addition, miR-182 might regulate the processes of both cell proliferation and apoptosis that play crucial role in determining the cells’ fate. Therefore, miR-182 can be a biomarker in diagnosis of the potential T2D that has benefits for medical purpose.
3D Facial Similarity Measure Based on Geodesic Network and Curvatures
Authors: Zhao Junli , Liu Cuiting , Wu Zhongke , Duan Fuqing , Zhang Minqi , Wang Kang , Jia Taorui
Published: November 2014

Automated 3D facial similarity measure is a challenging and valuable research topic in anthropology and computer graphics. It is widely used in various fields, such as criminal investigation, kinship confirmation, and face recognition. This paper proposes a 3D facial similarity measure method based on a combination of geodesic and curvature features. Firstly, a geodesic network is generated for each face with geodesics and iso‐geodesics determined and these network points are adopted as the correspondence across face models. Then, four metrics associated with curvatures, that is, the mean curvature, Gaussian curvature, shape index, and curvedness, are computed for each network point by using a weighted average of its neighborhood points. Finally, correlation coefficients according to these metrics are computed, respectively, as the similarity measures between two 3D face models. Experiments of different persons’ 3D facial models and different 3D facial models of the same person are implemented and compared with a subjective face similarity study. The results show that the geodesic network plays an important role in 3D facial similarity measure. The similarity measure defined by shape index is consistent with human’s subjective evaluation basically, and it can measure the 3D face similarity more objectively than the other indices.
A Clinically Oriented Introduction and Review on Finite Element Models of the Human Cochlea
Authors: Kikidis Dimitrios , Bibas Athanasios
Published: November 2014

Due to the inaccessibility of the inner ear, direct in vivo information on cochlear mechanics is difficult to obtain. Mathematical modelling is a promising way to provide insight into the physiology and pathology of the cochlea. Finite element method (FEM) is one of the most popular discrete mathematical modelling techniques, mainly used in engineering that has been increasingly used to model the cochlea and its elements. The aim of this overview is to provide a brief introduction to the use of FEM in modelling and predicting the behavior of the cochlea in normal and pathological conditions. It will focus on methodological issues, modelling assumptions, simulation of clinical scenarios, and pathologies.
MUC1-C Induces the LIN28B→LET-7→HMGA2 Axis to Regulate Self-Renewal in NSCLC
Authors: Alam Maroof , Ahmad Rehan , Rajabi Hasan , Kufe Donald
Published: November 2014

The LIN28B→let-7 pathway contributes to regulation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell self-renewal. The oncogenic MUC1-C transmembrane protein is aberrantly overexpressed in lung and other carcinomas; however, there is no known association between MUC1-C and the LIN28B→let-7 pathway. Here in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), silencing MUC1-C downregulates the RNA-binding protein LIN28B and coordinately increases the miRNA let-7. Targeting MUC1-C function with a dominant-negative mutant or a peptide inhibitor provided confirming evidence that MUC1-C induces LIN28B→let-7 signaling. Mechanistically, MUC1-C promotes NF-κB p65 chromatin occupancy of the LIN28B first intron and activates LIN28B transcription, which is associated with suppression of let-7. Consistent with let-7–mediated inhibition of HMGA2 transcripts, targeting of MUC1-C also decreases HMGA2 expression. HMGA2 has been linked to stemness, and functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of let-7–mediated regulation of the TGFβ coreceptor TGFBR3. Accordingly, targeting MUC1-C suppresses HMGA2 mRNA and protein, which is associated with decreases in TGFBR3, reversal of the EMT phenotype, and inhibition of self-renewal capacity. These findings support a model in which MUC1-C activates the ⇑LIN28B→⇓let-7→⇑HMGA2 axis in NSCLC and thereby promotes EMT traits and stemness.

Implications: A novel pathway is defined in which MUC1-C drives LIN28B→let-7→HMGA2 signaling, EMT, and self-renewal in NSCLC. Mol Cancer Res; 13(3); 449–60. ©2014 AACR.
Apparent Mortality as a Result of an Elevated Parasite Infection in Presbytis rubicunda
Authors: Hilser Harry , Ehlers Smith Yvette C. , Ehlers Smith David A.
Published: November 2014

We provide the first parasite assessment of wild red langurs (Presbytis rubicunda). Seven helminth taxa and 4 protozoa were recovered from faecal samples. We report the details of the death of an adult female red langur with potential association of an elevated parasite infection. There is a paucity of published literature on red langurs and nothing is known of the factors affecting interspecific parasite transmission and disease spread between other primate species. Parasites may be substantial determinants of host health and may present a significant influence on the survival and reproduction of individuals and the subsequent fecundity of populations. Further research into the connection of parasite burden with individual deaths and potential population declines is recommended for monitoring population health. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Temperature-Sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Corneal Tissue Layers and Cells
Authors: Mergler Stefan , Valtink Monika , Takayoshi Sumioka , Okada Yuka , Miyajima Masayasu , Saika Shizuya , Reinach Peter S.
Published: November 2014

We here provide a brief summary of the characteristics of transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) identified in corneal tissue layers and cells. In general, TRPs are nonselective cation channels which are Ca2+ permeable. Most TRPs serve as thermosensitive molecular sensors (thermo-TRPs). Based on their functional importance, the possibilities are described for drug-targeting TRP activity in a clinical setting. TRPs are expressed in various tissues of the eye including both human corneal epithelial and endothelial layers as well as stromal fibroblasts and stromal nerve fibers. TRP vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) heat receptor, also known as capsaicin receptor, along with TRP melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) cold receptor, which is also known as menthol receptor, are prototypes of the thermo-TRP family. The TRPV1 functional channel is the most investigated TRP channel in these tissues, owing to its contribution to maintaining tissue homeostasis as well as eliciting wound healing responses to injury. Other thermo-TRP family members identified in these tissues are TRPV2, 3 and 4. Finally, there is the TRP ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) cold receptor. All of these thermo-TRPs can be activated within specific temperature ranges and transduce such inputs into chemical and electrical signals. Although several recent studies have begun to unravel complex roles for thermo-TRPs such as TRPV1 in corneal layers and resident cells, additional studies are needed to further elucidate their roles in health and disease.
B Cell Lymphoma with Lung Involvement: What Is It about?
Authors: Mian Michael , Wasle Ines , Gritsch Stefan , Willenbacher Wolfgang , Fiegl Michael
Published: November 2014

Primary lymphoma of the lung or pleural is a very rare condition. Due to the outdated literature data, the approximate occurrence of primary and secondary lung and/or pleural involvement according to the most common B cell lymphoma entities is unknown. To answer this open question in Austria, we screened the Tyrolean registry for B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas regarding primary and secondary lung involvement. Of 854 patients affected by B cell lymphoma, 7.5% had lung/pleural disease. This organ was the primary site in only 0.7%, while a secondary involvement was registered in 6.8%. Most of them were affected by diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL; 29/368, 8%) followed by follicular lymphoma (7/188, 4%), mantle cell lymphoma (7/57, 12%), mucosa-associated tissue lymphoma (10/37, 27%), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (6/24, 25%), Burkitt lymphoma (3/19, 16%), other lymphomas (1/32, 3%) and Richter transformation (1/11, 9%). Moreover, primary lung/pleural lymphoma is one of the rarest neoplasias affecting the lung, accounting for only 0.4% of cases. Lung/pleural involvement is a very rare condition among B cell lymphomas since it mainly occurs in the setting of a generalized disease. A large majority of patients with secondary organ involvement are affected by DLBCL and have similar clinical features at diagnosis to others with advanced-stage disease. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Recurrent Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Authors: Decaestecker Karel , Oosterlinck Willem
Published: November 2014

Objective: To explore the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the treatment of refractory recurrent acute bacterial prostatitis. Patients and Methods: From 2004 to 2013, 23 TURP for this indication were performed in 21 patients; two patients underwent it twice. The files of these patients were retrospectively analysed for outcome and side effects. TURP intended to remove as much infected tissue as possible under appropriate antibiotherapy. Results: Twelve patients became free of symptoms during a follow-up of 3-108 months (median 44), two others became disease-free after one and two postoperative attacks, respectively; eight were not cured and had rapid recurrences; three patients had follow-up of a few weeks only. Two failures developed orchiepididymitis shortly after the procedure and one a year later. No incontinence or bladder neck contracture was noted. Conclusion: TURP is an acceptable procedure in the treatment of refractory recurrent bacterial prostatitis. It could cure about two thirds of patients.
Hydrogen Inhalation During Normoxic Resuscitation Improves Neurological Outcome in a Rat Model of Cardiac Arrest Independently of Targeted Temperature Management
Authors: Hayashida Kei , Sano Motoaki , Kamimura Naomi , Yokota Takashi , Suzuki Masaru , Ohta Shigeo , Fukuda Keiichi , Hori Shingo
Published: November 2014

Background—

We have previously shown that hydrogen (H
2
) inhalation, begun at the start of hyperoxic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, significantly improves brain and cardiac function in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Here, we examine the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach when H
2
inhalation is begun on the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) under normoxic conditions, either alone or in combination with targeted temperature management (TTM).

Methods and Results—

Rats were subjected to 6 minutes of ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Five minutes after achieving ROSC, post–cardiac arrest rats were randomized into 4 groups: mechanically ventilated with 26% O
2
and normothermia (control); mechanically ventilated with 26% O
2
, 1.3% H
2
, and normothermia (H
2
); mechanically ventilated with 26% O
2
and TTM (TTM); and mechanically ventilated with 26% O
2
, 1.3% H
2
, and TTM (TTM+H
2
). Animal survival rate at 7 days after ROSC was 38.4% in the control group, 71.4% in the H
2
and TTM groups, and 85.7% in the TTM+H
2
group. Combined therapy of TTM and H
2
inhalation was superior to TTM alone in terms of neurological deficit scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours after ROSC, and motor activity at 7 days after ROSC. Neuronal degeneration and microglial activation in a vulnerable brain region was suppressed by both TTM alone and H
2
inhalation alone, with the combined therapy of TTM and H
2
inhalation being most effective.

Conclusions—

H
2
inhalation was beneficial when begun after ROSC, even when delivered in the absence of hyperoxia. Combined TTM and H
2
inhalation was more effective than TTM alone.
Circulating Aldosterone and Natriuretic Peptides in the General Community
Authors: Buglioni Alessia , Cannone Valentina , Cataliotti Alessandro , Sangaralingham S. Jeson , Heublein Denise M. , Scott Christopher G. , Bailey Kent R. , Rodeheffer Richard J. , Dessì-Fulgheri Paolo , Sarzani Riccardo , Burnett John C.
Published: November 2014

We sought to investigate the role of aldosterone as a mediator of disease and its relationship with the counter-regulatory natriuretic peptide (NP) system. We measured plasma aldosterone (n=1674; aged≥45 years old) in a random sample of the general population from Olmsted County, MN. In a multivariate logistic regression model, aldosterone analyzed as a continuous variable was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR]=1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.57–1.96;
P
<0.0001), obesity (OR=1.34; 95% CI=1.21–1.48;
P
<0.0001), chronic kidney disease (OR=1.39; 95% CI=1.22–1.60;
P
<0.0001), central obesity (OR=1.47; 95% CI=1.32–1.63;
P
<0.0001), metabolic syndrome (OR=1.41; 95% CI=1.26–1.58;
P
<0.0001), high triglycerides (OR=1.23; 95% CI=1.11–1.36;
P
<0.0001), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (OR=1.22; 95% CI=1.09–1.38;
P
=0.0007), and atrial fibrillation (OR=1.24; 95% CI=1.01–1.53;
P
=0.04), after adjusting for age and sex. The associations with hypertension, central obesity, metabolic syndrome, triglycerides, and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy remained significant after further adjustment for body mass index, NPs, and renal function. Furthermore, aldosterone in the highest tertile correlated with lower NP levels and increased mortality. Importantly, most of these associations remained significant even after excluding subjects with aldosterone levels above the normal range. In conclusion, we report that aldosterone is associated with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, and lower NPs in the general community. Our data suggest that aldosterone, even within the normal range, may be a biomarker of cardiorenal and metabolic disease. Further studies are warranted to evaluate a therapeutic and preventive strategy to delay the onset and progression of disease, using mineralocorticoid antagonists or chronic NP administration in high-risk subjects identified by plasma aldosterone.
Energy Sovereignty in Marine Spaces
Authors: Barnes Richard
Published: November 2014

The term “energy sovereignty” is used with differing emphases to describe a State’s rights or assertions over energy resources and supplies. Given the importance of offshore energy developments, particularly in the field of renewables, this article explores the meaning of energy sovereignty, arguing that more complex, cooperative approaches towards sovereignty are required in order to adapt to the nature of energy and energy demands. This approach is particularly important in the context of marine resources, where there is shown to be a carefully crafted balancing of interests between coastal States, third States and community interests. The article further suggests that in order to help explain energy sovereignty against this complex background, recourse may be had to theories of justification of ownership of resources. The example of natural rights-based approaches is used to show how this can inform the direction that legal regimes might take.
Multiscale Hydrologic Applications of the Latest Satellite Precipitation Products in the Yangtze River Basin using a Distributed Hydrologic Model
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Dawen , Gao Bing , Jiao Yang , Hong Yang , Xu Tao
Published: November 2014

The present study aims to evaluate three global satellite precipitation products [TMPA 3B42, version 7 (3B42 V7); TMPA 3B42 real time (3B42 RT); and Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH)] during 2003–12 for multiscale hydrologic applications—including annual water budgeting, monthly and daily streamflow simulation, and extreme flood modeling—via a distributed hydrological model in the Yangtze River basin. The comparison shows that the 3B42 V7 data generally have a better performance in annual water budgeting and monthly streamflow simulation, but this superiority is not guaranteed for daily simulation, especially for flood monitoring. It is also found that, for annual water budgeting, the positive (negative) bias of the 3B42 RT (CMORPH) estimate is mainly propagated into the simulated runoff, and simulated evapotranspiration tends to be more sensitive to negative bias. Regarding streamflow simulation, both near-real-time products show a region-dependent bias: 3B42 RT tends to overestimate streamflow in the upper Yangtze River, and, in contrast, CMORPH shows serious underestimation in those downstream subbasins while it is able to effectively monitor streamflow into the Three Gorges Reservoir. Using 394 selected flood events, the results indicate that 3B42 RT and CMORPH have competitive performances for near-real-time flood monitoring in the upper Yangtze, but for those downstream subbasins, 3B42 RT seems to perform better than CMORPH. Furthermore, the inability of all satellite products to capture some key features of the July 2012 extreme floods reveals the deficiencies associated with them, which will limit their hydrologic utility in local flood monitoring.
The Early Phase of /ɹ/ Production Development in Adult Japanese Learners of English
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Munro Murray J.
Published: November 2014

Although previous research indicates that Japanese speakers’ second language (L2) perception and production of English /ɹ/ may improve with increased L2 experience, relatively little is known about the fine phonetic details of their /ɹ/ productions, especially during the early phase of L2 speech learning. This cross-sectional study examined acoustic properties of word-initial /ɹ/ from 60 Japanese learners with a length of residence of between one month and one year in Canada. Their performance was compared to that of 15 native speakers of English and 15 low-proficiency Japanese learners of English. Formant frequencies (F2 and F3) and F1 transition durations were evaluated under three task conditions—word reading, sentence reading, and timed picture description. Learners with as little as two to three months of residence demonstrated target-like F2 frequencies. In addition, increased LOR was predictive of more target-like transition durations. Although the learners showed some improvement in F3 as a function of LOR, they did so mainly at a controlled level of speech production. The findings suggest that during the early phase of L2 segmental development, production accuracy is task-dependent and is influenced by the availability of L1 phonetic cues for redeployment in L2.
Propensity Score–based Methods Versus MTE-based Methods in Causal Inference
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Xie Yu
Published: November 2014

Since the seminal introduction of the propensity score (PS) by Rosenbaum and Rubin, PS-based methods have been widely used for drawing causal inferences in the behavioral and social sciences. However, the PS approach depends on the ignorability assumption: there are no unobserved confounders once observed covariates are taken into account. For situations where this assumption may be violated, Heckman and his associates have recently developed a novel approach based on marginal treatment effects (MTEs). In this article, we (1) explicate the consequences for PS-based methods when aspects of the ignorability assumption are violated, (2) compare PS-based methods and MTE-based methods by making a close examination of their identification assumptions and estimation performances, (3) apply these two approaches in estimating the economic return to college using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) of 1979 and discuss their discrepancies in results. When there is a sorting gain but no systematic baseline difference between treated and untreated units given observed covariates, PS-based methods can identify the treatment effect of the treated (TT). The MTE approach performs best when there is a valid and strong instrumental variable (IV). In addition, this article introduces the “smoothing-difference PS-based method,” which enables us to uncover heterogeneity across people of different PSs in both counterfactual outcomes and treatment effects.