bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF HEAT TRANSFER PROPERTIES OF DRY SAND AND MAGNESIUM OXIDE POWDER BY SINGLE-PROBE METHOD
Authors: Ndenah Linah Markus , C. Meludu Osita , Elisha Kundwal Moses 
Published: December 2015

The use of magnesium oxide (MgO) powder in electrical heating appliances is based on its thermal and electrical insulating properties. However, dry sand, which is readily available and free on the surface horizon than MgO powder also possesses good thermal and electrical insulating properties that could be utilized in the fabrication of electrical heating devices. In this study, we determined and compared heat transfer properties of dry fine-medium sand (0.125-0.50 mm) and dry coarse sand (0.50-1.00 mm) with those of MgO powder, using the single-probe method. Electrical heating equipment was designed and fabricated with a heating element that generated a heat flux of 18.05Wm-1. From the results obtained, the thermal conductivities of dry fine-medium sand, dry coarse sand and MgO powder were found to be 0.21 m-1K-1, 0.22 Wm-1K-1 and 0.36 Wm-1K-1 respectively. Temperature increase per second were also obtained and found to be 4.75 × 10-2 Ks-1 in dry fine-medium sand, 4.28 × 10-2 Ks-1 in dry coarse sand and 2.03 × 10-2 Ks-1 in MgO powder. Thus, while it took MgO powder 472 s to warm from 30 oC to 40 oC, it took dry coarse sand and dry fine-medium sand only 229 s and 205 s respectively to warm through the same temperature range.
Pore dilatation increases the bicarbonate permeability of CFTR, ANO1 and glycine receptor anion channels
Authors: Jun Ikhyun , Cheng Mary Hongying , Sim Eunji , Jung Jinsei , Suh Bong Lim , Kim Yonjung , Son Hankil , Park Kyungsoo , Kim Chul Hoon , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Whitcomb David C. , Bahar Ivet , Lee Min Goo 
Published: December 2015

Key points
Cellular stimuli can modulate the ion selectivity of some anion channels, such as CFTR, ANO1 and the glycine receptor (GlyR), by changing pore size.
Ion selectivity of CFTR, ANO1 and GlyR is critically affected by the electric permittivity and diameter of the channel pore.
Pore size change affects the energy barriers of ion dehydration as well as that of size‐exclusion of anion permeation.
Pore dilatation increases the bicarbonate permeability () of CFTR, ANO1 and GlyR.
Dynamic change in may mediate many physiological and pathological processes.
AbstractChloride (Cl−) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) are two major anions and their permeation through anion channels plays essential roles in our body. However, the mechanism of ion selection by the anion channels is largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that pore dilatation increases the bicarbonate permeability () of anion channels by reducing energy barriers of size‐exclusion and ion dehydration of HCO3− permeation. Molecular, physiological and computational analyses of major anion channels, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), anoctamin‐1(ANO1/TMEM16A) and the glycine receptor (GlyR), revealed that the ion selectivity of anion channels is basically determined by the electric permittivity and diameter of the pore. Importantly, cellular stimuli dynamically modulate the anion selectivity of CFTR and ANO1 by changing the pore size. In addition, pore dilatation by a mutation in the pore‐lining region alters the anion selectivity of GlyR. Changes in pore size affected not only the energy barriers of size exclusion but that of ion dehydration by altering the electric permittivity of water‐filled cavity in the pore. The dynamic increase in by pore dilatation may have many physiological and pathophysiological implications ranging from epithelial HCO3− secretion to neuronal excitation.
Nerve–muscle activation by rotating permanent magnet configurations
Authors: Watterson Peter A. , Nicholson Graham M. 
Published: December 2015

Key points
The standard method of magnetic nerve activation using pulses of high current in coils has drawbacks of high cost, high electrical power (of order 1 kW), and limited repetition rate without liquid cooling.
Here we report a new technique for nerve activation using high speed rotation of permanent magnet configurations, generating a sustained sinusoidal electric field using very low power (of order 10 W).
A high ratio of the electric field gradient divided by frequency is shown to be the key indicator for nerve activation at high frequencies.
Activation of the cane toad sciatic nerve and attached gastrocnemius muscle was observed at frequencies as low as 180 Hz for activation of the muscle directly and 230 Hz for curved nerves, but probably not in straight sections of nerve.
These results, employing the first prototype device, suggest the opportunity for a new class of small low‐cost magnetic nerve and/or muscle stimulators.
AbstractConventional pulsed current systems for magnetic neurostimulation are large and expensive and have limited repetition rate because of overheating. Here we report a new technique for nerve activation, namely high‐speed rotation of a configuration of permanent magnets. Analytical solutions of the cable equation are derived for the oscillating electric field generated, which has amplitude proportional to the rotation speed. The prototype device built comprised a configuration of two cylindrical magnets with antiparallel magnetisations, made to rotate by interaction between the magnets’ own magnetic field and three‐phase currents in coils mounted on one side of the device. The electric field in a rectangular bath placed on top of the device was both numerically evaluated and measured. The ratio of the electric field gradient on frequency was approximately 1 V m−2 Hz−1 near the device. An exploratory series of physiological tests was conducted on the sciatic nerve and attached gastrocnemius muscle of the cane toad (Bufo marinus). Activation was readily observed of the muscle directly, at frequencies as low as 180 Hz, and of nerves bent around insulators, at frequencies as low as 230 Hz. Nerve–muscles, with the muscle elevated to avoid its direct activation, were occasionally activated, possibly in the straight section of the nerve, but more likely in the nerve where it curved up to the muscle, at radius of curvature 10 mm or more, or at the nerve end. These positive first results suggest the opportunity for a new class of small, low‐cost devices for magnetic stimulation of nerves and/or muscles.
Gabriel García Márquez y la ética en Cien años de soledad – II
Authors: Molina Herrera, S.J. Luis Carlos 
Published: December 2015

<p class="p1">La esta segunda y última parte de esta colaboración, expone y justifica que <em>Cien años de soledad </em>condensa un planteamiento ético –de acento veterotestamentario: pecado/castigo–, acerca de las costumbres, hábitos, creencias y valoraciones propias del obrar humano en la historia de Macondo. Esta novela es un símbolo de la moral viviente no solo en la región sino en el mundo entero. Un matriarcado ético corre –en soledad desgraciada–, como un magma de miedos y premoniciones, conciencia moral rigorista y relajamiento escandaloso; homicidios, incestos y lujuria; explotación laboral, injusticia, dependencia y despilfarro, la irreversible pendiente de no poder contar ya con una segunda oportunidad sobre la tierra. </p>
Ultrasensitive Detection and Quantification of Toxins for Optimized Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Pollock Nira R. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

Recently developed ultrasensitive and quantitative methods for detection of
Clostridium difficile
toxins provide new tools for diagnosis and, potentially, for management of
C. difficile
infection (CDI). Compared to methods that detect toxigenic organism, ultrasensitive toxin detection may allow diagnosis of CDI with increased clinical specificity, without sacrificing clinical sensitivity; measurement of toxin levels may also provide information relevant to disease prognosis. This minireview provides an overview of these new toxin detection technologies and considers what these new tools might add to the field.
Development and Validation of a PCR Assay To Detect the Prairie Epidemic Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Workentine M. , Poonja A. , Waddell B. , Duong J. , Storey D. G. , Gregson D. , Somayaji R. , Rabin H. R. , Surette M. G. , Parkins M. D. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

The monitoring of epidemic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is important for cystic fibrosis (CF) infection control. The prairie epidemic strain (PES) is common in western Canadian CF clinics. Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a novel genomic island and developed a PCR assay for PES. Against a collection of 186
P. aeruginosa
isolates, the assay had 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Does the Capsule Interfere with Performance of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii?
Authors: Thomaz Danilo Y. , Grenfell Rafaella C. , Vidal Monica S. M. , Giudice Mauro C. , Del Negro Gilda M. B. , Juliano Luiz , Benard Gil , de Almeida Júnior João N. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

We described the impact of the capsule size for
Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
identification at the species level by Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). After experimental capsule size modulation, we observed that reducing the capsule size resulted in improved identification by Bruker MALDI-TOF MS across all of the reference strains analyzed.
Diagnostic Performance of Galactomannan Antigen Testing in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Chong G. M. , Maertens J. A. , Lagrou K. , Driessen G. J. , Cornelissen J. J. , Rijnders B. J. A. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT
Testing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the presence of galactomannan (GM) antigen may help in diagnosing cerebral aspergillosis (CA). However, the use of the CSF GM test as a diagnostic test has been little studied. We evaluated its diagnostic performance by comparing the CSF GM optical density indexes (ODI) at different cutoffs in patients with probable and proven CA to those in patients without CA. Patients from 2 tertiary referral hospitals with suspected CA between 2004 and 2014 and in whom CSF GM ODI had been determined were selected. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Infectious Diseases Study Mycoses Group (EORTC/MSG) definitions of invasive aspergillosis and CA were used, but with the exclusion of the test to be validated (i.e., the CSF GM test) as a microbiological EORTC/MSG criterion. The study population consisted of 44 patients (4 with proven CA, 13 with probable CA, and 27 with no CA). Of the 17 patients with CA, 15 had a CSF GM ODI of ≥2.0. Of 27 patients without CA, 26 had a CSF GM ODI of <0.5 and 1 had a CSF GM ODI of 8.2. When a GM CSF ODI cutoff of 1.0 was used, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 88.2%, 96.3%, 93.8%, and 92.9%, respectively. The same results were found when a CSF GM ODI cutoff of 0.5 or 2.0 was used. Testing GM in CSF has a high diagnostic performance for diagnosing CA and may be useful to diagnose or virtually rule out the infection without the need for a cerebral biopsy.
A Single Amino Acid Substitution in the M Protein Attenuates Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Mammalian Hosts
Authors: de Wispelaere Mélissanne , Khou Cécile , Frenkiel Marie-Pascale , Desprès Philippe , Pardigon Nathalie 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) membrane (M) protein plays important structural roles in the processes of fusion and maturation of progeny virus during cellular infection. The M protein is anchored in the viral membrane, and its ectodomain is composed of a flexible N-terminal loop and a perimembrane helix. In this study, we performed site-directed mutagenesis on residue 36 of JEV M protein and showed that the resulting mutation had little or no effect on the entry process but greatly affected virus assembly in mammalian cells. Interestingly, this mutant virus had a host-dependent phenotype and could develop a wild-type infection in insect cells. Experiments performed on infectious virus as well as in a virus-like particle (VLP) system indicate that the JEV mutant expresses structural proteins but fails to form infectious particles in mammalian cells. Using a mouse model for JEV pathogenesis, we showed that the mutation conferred complete attenuation
in vivo
. The production of JEV neutralizing antibodies in challenged mice was indicative of the immunogenicity of the mutant virus
in vivo
. Together, our results indicate that the introduction of a single mutation in the M protein, while being tolerated in insect cells, strongly impacts JEV infection in mammalian hosts.

IMPORTANCE
JEV is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus and is a medically important pathogen in Asia. The M protein is thought to be important for accommodating the structural rearrangements undergone by the virion during viral assembly and may play additional roles in the JEV infectious cycle. In the present study, we show that a sole mutation in the M protein impairs the JEV infection cycle in mammalian hosts but not in mosquito cells. This finding highlights differences in flavivirus assembly pathways among hosts. Moreover, infection of mice indicated that the mutant was completely attenuated and triggered a strong immune response to JEV, thus providing new insights for further development of JEV vaccines.
Predicting Disease Severity and Viral Spread of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Ferrets in the Context of Natural Exposure Routes
Authors: Edenborough Kathryn M. , Lowther Suzanne , Laurie Karen , Yamada Manabu , Long Fenella , Bingham John , Payne Jean , Harper Jennifer , Haining Jessica , Arkinstall Rachel , Gilbertson Brad , Middleton Deborah , Brown Lorena E. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT
Although avian H5N1 influenza virus has yet to develop the capacity for human-to-human spread, the severity of the rare cases of human infection has warranted intensive follow-up of potentially exposed individuals that may require antiviral prophylaxis. For countries where antiviral drugs are limited, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a risk categorization for different levels of exposure to environmental, poultry, or human sources of infection. While these take into account the infection source, they do not account for the likely mode of virus entry that the individual may have experienced from that source and how this could affect the disease outcome. Knowledge of the kinetics and spread of virus after natural routes of exposure may further inform the risk of infection, as well as the likely disease severity. Using the ferret model of H5N1 infection, we compared the commonly used but artificial inoculation method that saturates the total respiratory tract (TRT) with virus to upper respiratory tract (URT) and oral routes of delivery, those likely to be encountered by humans in nature. We show that there was no statistically significant difference in survival rate with the different routes of infection, but the disease characteristics were somewhat different. Following URT infection, viral spread to systemic organs was comparatively delayed and more focal than after TRT infection. By both routes, severe disease was associated with early viremia and central nervous system infection. After oral exposure to the virus, mild infections were common suggesting consumption of virus-contaminated liquids may be associated with seroconversion in the absence of severe disease.

IMPORTANCE
Risks for human H5N1 infection include direct contact with infected birds and frequenting contaminated environments. We used H5N1 ferret infection models to show that breathing in the virus was more likely to produce clinical infection than swallowing contaminated liquid. We also showed that virus could spread from the respiratory tract to the brain, which was associated with end-stage disease, and very early viremia provided a marker for this. With upper respiratory tract exposure, infection of the brain was common but hard to detect, suggesting that human neurological infections might be typically undetected at autopsy. However, viral spread to systemic sites was slower after exposure to virus by this route than when virus was additionally delivered to the lungs, providing a better therapeutic window. In addition to exposure history, early parameters of infection, such as viremia, could help prioritize antiviral treatments for patients most at risk of succumbing to infection.
High Degree of HIV-1 Group M (HIV-1M) Genetic Diversity within Circulating Recombinant Forms: Insight into the Early Events of HIV-1M Evolution
Authors: Tongo Marcel , Dorfman Jeffrey R. , Martin Darren P. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT
The existence of various highly divergent HIV-1 lineages and of recombination-derived sequence tracts of indeterminate origin within established circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) strongly suggests that HIV-1 group M (HIV-1M) diversity is not fully represented under the current classification system. Here we used a fully exploratory screen for recombination on a set of 480 near-full-length genomes representing the full known diversity of HIV-1M. We decomposed recombinant sequences into their constituent parts and then used maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses of this mostly recombination-free data set to identify rare divergent sequence lineages that fall outside the major named HIV-1M taxonomic groupings. We found that many of the sequence fragments occurring within CRFs (including CRF04_cpx, CRF06_cpx, CRF11_cpx, CRF18_cpx, CRF25_cpx, CRF27_cpx, and CRF49_cpx) are in fact likely derived from divergent unclassified parental lineages that may predate the current subtypes, even though they are presently identified as derived from currently defined HIV-1M subtypes. Our evidence suggests that some of these CRFs are descended predominantly from what were or are major previously unidentified HIV-1M lineages that were likely epidemiologically relevant during the early stages of the HIV-1M epidemic. The restriction of these divergent lineages to the Congo basin suggests that they were less infectious and/or simply not present at the time and place of the initial migratory wave that triggered the global epidemic.

IMPORTANCE
HIV-1 group M (HIV-1M) likely spread to the rest of the world from the Congo basin in the mid-1900s (N. R. Faria et al., Science
346:
56–61, 2014,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1256739
) and is today the principal cause of the AIDS pandemic. Here, we show that large sequence fragments from several HIV-1M circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are derived from divergent parental lineages that cannot reasonably be classified within the nine established HIV-1M subtypes. These lineages are likely to have been epidemiologically relevant in the Congo basin at the onset of the epidemic. Nonetheless, they appear not to have undergone the same explosive global spread as other HIV-1M subtypes, perhaps because they were less transmissible. Concerted efforts to characterize more of these divergent lineages could allow the accurate inference and chemical synthesis of epidemiologically key ancestral HIV-1M variants so as to directly test competing hypotheses relating to the viral genetic factors that enabled the present pandemic.
In Vitro
Reactivation of Replication-Competent and Infectious HIV-1 by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Banga Riddhima , Procopio Francesco Andrea , Cavassini Matthias , Perreau Matthieu 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

The existence of long-lived HIV-1-infected resting memory CD4 T cells is thought to be the primary obstacle to HIV-1 eradication. In the search for novel therapeutic approaches that may reverse HIV-1 latency, inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACis) have been tested to reactivate HIV-1 replication with the objective of rendering HIV-1-infected cells susceptible to elimination either by HIV-specific CD8 T cells or through virus-mediated cytopathicity. In the present study, we evaluated the efficiency of HDACis to reactivate HIV-1 replication from resting memory CD4 T cells isolated from aviremic long-term-treated HIV-1-infected subjects. We demonstrate that following prolonged/repeated treatment of resting memory CD4 T cells with HDACis, HIV-1 replication may be induced from primary resting memory CD4 T cells isolated from aviremic long-term-treated HIV-1-infected subjects. More importantly, we demonstrate that HIV-1 reactivated in the cell cultures was not only replication competent but also infectious. Interestingly, givinostat, an HDACi that has not been investigated in clinical trials, was more efficient than vorinostat, panobinostat, and romidepsin in reversing HIV-1 latency
in vitro
. Taken together, these results support further evaluation of givinostat as a latency-reversing agent (LRA) in aviremic long-term-treated HIV-1-infected subjects.

IMPORTANCE
The major barrier to HIV cure is the existence of long-lived latently HIV-1-infected resting memory CD4 T cells. Latently HIV-1-infected CD4 T cells are transcriptionally silent and are therefore not targeted by conventional antiretroviral therapy (ART) or the immune system. In this context, one strategy to target latently infected cells is based on pharmacological molecules that may force the virus to replicate and would therefore render HIV-1-infected cells susceptible to elimination either by HIV-specific CD8 T cells or through virus-mediated cytopathicity. In this context, we developed an experimental strategy that would allow the evaluation of latency-reversing agent (LRA) efficiency
in vitro
using primary CD4 T cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that HDACis are potent inducers of replication-competent and infectious HIV-1 in resting memory CD4 T cells of long-term ART-treated patients and identify givinostat as the most efficient LRA tested.