bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feature-Based Adaptive Manufacturing Equipment Control for Cloud Environments
Authors: Adamson Göran , Wang Lihui , Holm Magnus , Moore Philip 
Published: September 2016

The ideas of on-demand, scalable and pay-for-usage resource-sharing in Cloud Manufacturing are steadily attracting more interest. For implementing the concept of Manufacturing-as-a-Service in a cloud environment, description models and implementation language for resources and their capabilities are required. A standardized approach for systemized virtualization, servisilisation, retrieval, selection and composition into higher levels of functionality is necessary. For the collaborative sharing and use of networked manufacturing resources there is also a need for a control approach for distributed manufacturing equipment.
In this paper, the technological perspective for an adaptive cloud service-based control approach is described, and a supporting information model for its implementation. The control is realized through the use of a network of intelligent and distributable Function Block decision modules, enabling run-time manufacturing activities to be performed according to actual manufacturing conditions. The control system’s integration to the cloud service management functionality is described, as well as a feature-level capability model and the use of ontologies and the Semantic Web.
The Effect of Heat-Treatment on Mechanical, Microstructural, and Corrosion Characteristics of a Magnesium Alloy With Potential Application in Resorbable Bone Fixation Hardware
Authors: Ibrahim Hamdy , Klarner Andrew D. , Poorganji Behrang , Dean David , Luo Alan A. , Elahinia Mohammad 
Published: September 2016

Mg alloys are promising materials for bone implant applications mainly due to their low specific density, desirable stiffness and bioresorbability in the human body. Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are among the most promising materials for resorbable orthopedic fixation devices due to their superior biocompatibility. However, the mechanical and corrosion properties of the as-cast Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are insufficient. Heat treatment is a practical approach for strengthening Mg alloys especially after the fabrication of porous structures and 3D-printed components.
We have investigated heat treatment of these devices and have studied the resulting microstructure of Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca (wt. %) alloys by hardness, compression, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical and immersion corrosion tests. Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca alloy was prepared with high purity Mg, Zn and Ca by casting. The cast ingots were solution-treated at 510 °C for 3 h then quenched in water. The quenched ingots were age hardened in an oil bath at 200 °C for 2 h. Pure Mg, as-cast and heat-treated Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca alloy ingots were cut into coupons to characterize their mechanical and corrosion properties. In vitro corrosion tests were conducted in modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) at pH 7.4 and 37 °C.
The hardness of the Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was significantly increased from 52.6 to be 66.8 HV after heat treatment. Also, the compression test results revealed that the heat-treated alloy has the highest compressive yield and ultimate strengths without significant change in stiffness and maximum strain. The mass loss of the Mg-Zn-Ca alloy by week 4 of the in vitro immersion test reduced from 174.6 mg/cm2 for the as-cast alloy to 101.7 mg/cm2 after the heat-treatment process. Heat-treatment was found to be a powerful post-shaping process not only to enhance the mechanical properties of the Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca (wt. %) alloy, but also to significantly improve its biocorrosion properties. Such heat-treated alloys can also be coated with biocompatible ceramics that provide additional protection from corrosion during the bone healing period (3–4 months).
Kluyvera ascorbata Strain from Hospital Sewage Carrying the
mcr-1
Colistin Resistance Gene
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Zong Zhiyong 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The newly identified plasmid-borne colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
was found in a
Kluyvera ascorbata
isolate from hospital sewage in China.
mcr-1
was carried by a 57-kb self-transmissible IncI2 plasmid. Unlike in a previous report,
mcr-1
was not associated with IS
Apl1
and was inserted into a gene encoding a putative membrane protein by an unknown mechanism. This study highlights that
mcr-1
has spread to multiple bacterial species.
A Bioluminescent Francisella tularensis SCHU S4 Strain Enables Noninvasive Tracking of Bacterial Dissemination and the Evaluation of Antibiotics in an Inhalational Mouse Model of Tularemia
Authors: Hall Charlotte A. , Flick-Smith Helen C. , Harding Sarah V. , Atkins Helen S. , Titball Richard W. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) enables real-time, noninvasive tracking of infection
in vivo
and longitudinal infection studies. In this study, a bioluminescent
Francisella tularensis
strain, SCHU S4-
lux
, was used to develop an inhalational infection model in BALB/c mice. Mice were infected intranasally, and the progression of infection was monitored in real time using BLI. A bioluminescent signal was detectable from 3 days postinfection (3 dpi), initially in the spleen and then in the liver and lymph nodes, before finally becoming systemic. The level of bioluminescent signal correlated with bacterial numbers
in vivo
, enabling noninvasive quantification of bacterial burdens in tissues. Treatment with levofloxacin (commencing at 4 dpi) significantly reduced the BLI signal. Furthermore, BLI was able to distinguish noninvasively between different levofloxacin treatment regimens and to identify sites of relapse following treatment cessation. These data demonstrate that BLI and SCHU S4-
lux
are suitable for the study of
F. tularensis
pathogenesis and the evaluation of therapeutics for tularemia.
Presence of the
optrA
Gene in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus sciuri of Porcine Origin
Authors: Fan Run , Li Dexi , Wang Yang , He Tao , Feßler Andrea T. , Schwarz Stefan , Wu Congming 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

A total of 57 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates and 475 methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) collected from pigs in the Guangdong province of China in 2014 were investigated for the presence of the novel oxazolidinone-phenicol resistance gene
optrA
. The
optrA
gene was detected in 6.9% (
n
= 33) of the MRCoNS, all of which were
Staphylococcus sciuri
isolates, but in none of the MRSA isolates. Five
optrA
-carrying methicillin-resistant (MR)
S. sciuri
isolates also harbored the multiresistance gene
cfr
. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and
dru
typing of the 33
optrA
-carrying MR
S. sciuri
isolates revealed 25 patterns and 5 sequence types, respectively. S1 nuclease PFGE and Southern blotting confirmed that
optrA
was located in the chromosomal DNAs of 29 isolates, including 1
cfr
-positive isolate. The remaining four isolates harbored a ∼35-kb pWo28-3-like plasmid on which
optrA
and
cfr
were located together with other resistance genes, as confirmed by sequence analysis. Six different types of genetic environments (types I to VI) of the chromosome-borne
optrA
genes were identified; these types had the
optrA
gene and its transcriptional regulator
araC
in common. Tn
558
was found to be associated with
araC-optrA
in types II to VI. The
optrA
gene in types II and III was found in close proximity to the
ccr
gene complex of the respective staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
). Since oxazolidinones are last-resort antimicrobial agents for the control of serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci in humans, the location of the
optrA
gene close to the
ccr
complex is an alarming observation.
rRNA Operon Copy Number Can Explain the Distinct Epidemiology of Hospital-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fluit A. C. , Jansen M. D. , Bosch T. , Jansen W. T. M. , Schouls L. , Jonker M. J. , Boel C. H. E. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The distinct epidemiology of original hospital-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(HA-MRSA) and early community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is largely unexplained.
S. aureus
carries either five or six rRNA operon copies. Evidence is provided for a scenario in which MRSA has adapted to the hospital environment by rRNA operon loss (six to five copies) due to antibiotic pressure. Early CA-MRSA, in contrast, results from wild-type methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) that acquired
mecA
without loss of an rRNA operon. Of the HA-MRSA isolates (
n
= 77), 67.5% had five rRNA operon copies, compared to 23.2% of the CA-MRSA isolates (
n
= 69) and 7.7% of MSSA isolates (
n
= 195) (
P
< 0.001). In addition, 105 MSSA isolates from cystic fibrosis patients were tested, because these patients are repeatedly treated with antibiotics; 32.4% of these isolates had five rRNA operon copies. For all subsets, a correlation between resistance profile and rRNA copy number was found. Furthermore, we showed that
in vitro
antibiotic pressure may result in rRNA operon copy loss. We also showed that without antibiotic pressure,
S. aureus
isolates containing six rRNA copies are more fit than isolates with five copies. We conclude that HA-MRSA and cystic fibrosis isolates most likely have adapted to an environment with high antibiotic pressure by the loss of an rRNA operon copy. This loss has facilitated resistance development, which promoted survival in these niches. However, strain fitness decreased, which explains their lack of success in the community. In contrast, CA-MRSA isolates retained six rRNA operon copies, rendering them fitter and thereby able to survive and spread in the community.
In Vitro
Activities of Omadacycline (PTK 0796) and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas
Authors: Waites Ken B. , Crabb Donna M. , Liu Yang , Duffy Lynn B. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

In vitro
activities of omadacycline, a new aminomethylcycline, were determined for
Mycoplasma
and
Ureaplasma
spp. and compared with those of azithromycin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline, and doxycycline. All omadacycline MICs were <2 μg/ml. MIC
90
s were 0.063 μg/ml for
Mycoplasma hominis
, 0.25 μg/ml for
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, and 2 μg/ml for
Ureaplasma
spp. Omadacycline had the lowest MIC
90
among all drugs tested against
M. hominis
. Omadacycline activity was not affected by macrolide, tetracycline, or fluoroquinolone resistance.
The Self-Identity Protein IdsD Is Communicated between Cells in Swarming Proteus mirabilis Colonies
Authors: Saak Christina C. , Gibbs Karine A. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Proteus mirabilis
is a social bacterium that is capable of self (kin) versus nonself recognition. Swarming colonies of this bacterium expand outward on surfaces to centimeter-scale distances due to the collective motility of individual cells. Colonies of genetically distinct populations remain separate, while those of identical populations merge. Ids proteins are essential for this recognition behavior. Two of these proteins, IdsD and IdsE, encode identity information for each strain. These two proteins bind
in vitro
in an allele-restrictive manner. IdsD-IdsE binding is correlated with the merging of populations, whereas a lack of binding is correlated with the separation of populations. Key questions remained about the
in vivo
interactions of IdsD and IdsE, specifically, whether IdsD and IdsE bind within single cells or whether IdsD-IdsE interactions occur across neighboring cells and, if so, which of the two proteins is exchanged. Here we demonstrate that IdsD must originate from another cell to communicate identity and that this nonresident IdsD interacts with IdsE resident in the recipient cell. Furthermore, we show that unbound IdsD in recipient cells does not cause cell death and instead appears to contribute to a restriction in the expansion radius of the swarming colony. We conclude that
P. mirabilis
communicates IdsD between neighboring cells for nonlethal kin recognition, which suggests that the Ids proteins constitute a type of cell-cell communication.

IMPORTANCE
We demonstrate that self (kin) versus nonself recognition in
P. mirabilis
entails the cell-cell communication of an identity-encoding protein that is exported from one cell and received by another. We further show that this intercellular exchange affects swarm colony expansion in a nonlethal manner, which adds social communication to the list of potential swarm-related regulatory factors.
Structural Determinants for Antitoxin Identity and Insulation of Cross Talk between Homologous Toxin-Antitoxin Systems
Authors: Walling Lauren R. , Butler J. Scott 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous in bacteria and archaea, where they play a pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of dormancy. Under normal growth conditions, the antitoxin neutralizes the toxin. However, under conditions of stress, such as nutrient starvation or antibiotic treatment, cellular proteases degrade the antitoxin, and the toxin functions to arrest bacterial growth. We characterized the specificity determinants of the interactions between VapB antitoxins and VapC toxins from nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) in an effort to gain a better understanding of how antitoxins control toxin activity and bacterial persistence. We studied truncated and full-length antitoxins with single amino acid mutations in the toxin-binding domain. Coexpressing the toxin and antitoxin in
Escherichia coli
and measuring bacterial growth by dilution plating assayed the ability of the mutant antitoxins to neutralize the toxin. Our results identified two single amino acid residues (W48 and F52) in the C-terminal region of the VapB2 antitoxin necessary for its ability to neutralize its cognate VapC2 toxin. Additionally, we attempted to alter the specificity of VapB1 by making a mutation that would allow it to neutralize its noncognate toxin. A mutation in VapB1 to contain the tryptophan residue identified herein as important in the VapB2-VapC2 interaction resulted in a VapB1 mutant (the T47W mutant) that binds to and neutralizes both its cognate VapC1 and noncognate VapC2 toxins. This represents the first example of a single mutation causing relaxed specificity in a type II antitoxin.

IMPORTANCE
Toxin-antitoxin systems are of particular concern in pathogenic organisms, such as nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
, as they can elicit dormancy and persistence, leading to chronic infections and failure of antibiotic treatment. Despite the importance of the TA interaction, the specificity determinants for VapB-VapC complex formation remain uncharacterized. Thus, our understanding of how antitoxins control toxin-induced dormancy and bacterial persistence requires thorough investigation of antitoxin specificity for its cognate toxin. This study characterizes the crucial residues of the VapB2 antitoxin from NTHi necessary for its interaction with VapC2 and provides the first example of a single amino acid change altering the toxin specificity of an antitoxin.
Paleopathology and Paleomicrobiology of Malaria
Authors: Nerlich Andreas 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus
Plasmodium
, transmitted through the bites of female anopheles flies.
Plasmodium falciparum
causes severe malaria with undulating high fever (malaria tropica). Literary evidence of malarial infection dates back to the early Greek period, when Hippocrates described the typical undulating fever highly suggestive of plasmodial infection. Recent immunological and molecular analyses describe the unambiguous identification of malarial infections in several ancient Egyptian mummies and a few isolated cases in Roman and Renaissance Europe. Although the numbers of cases are low, there is evidence that the overall infection rates may have been relatively high and that this infectious disease may have had a significant impact on historical populations.
Effect of salt reduction on iodine status assessed by 24 hour urinary iodine excretion in children and their families in northern China: a substudy of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: He Feng J , Ma Yuan , Feng Xiangxian , Zhang Wanqi , Lin Laixiang , Guo Xiaohui , Zhang Jing , Niu Wenyi , Wu Yangfeng , MacGregor Graham A 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo study the effect of salt reduction on iodine status and to determine whether iodine consumption was still adequate after salt reduction in a population where universal salt iodisation is mandatory.DesignA substudy of a cluster randomised controlled trial, with schools randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group.Setting28 primary schools in Changzhi, northern China.Participants279 children in grade 5 of primary school (mean age: 10.1); 553 adults (age: 43.8).InterventionChildren were educated about the harmful effects of salt and how to reduce salt intake using the schools' usual health education lessons. Children then delivered the message to their families. The duration was 1 school term (≈3.5 months).Main outcome measureDifference between the intervention and control groups in the change of iodine intake as measured by repeat 24 hour urinary iodine from baseline to the end of the trial.ResultsAt baseline, the mean salt intake was 7.0±2.5 g/day in children and 11.7±4.4 g/day in adults and the median iodine intake was 165.1 μg/day (IQR: 122.6–216.7) and 280.7 μg/day (IQR: 205.1–380.9) in children and adults, respectively. At the end of the study, salt and iodine decreased in the intervention compared with control group. The mean effect on salt for intervention versus control was −1.9 g/day (95% CI −2.6 to −1.3) in children and −2.9 g/day (95% CI −3.7 to −2.2) in adults. The mean effect on iodine was −19.3% (95% CI −29.4% to −7.7%) in children and −11.4% (95% CI −20.3% to −1.5%) in adults.ConclusionsWith ≈25% reduction in salt intake, there was a significant reduction in iodine consumption in northern China where salt is iodised. Despite this, iodine intake was still adequate, and well above the estimated average requirement. Our findings indicate that reducing salt to the WHO's target—30% reduction by 2025—will not compromise iodine status.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.govNCT01821144.
Prospective comorbidity-matched study of Parkinson's disease and risk of mortality among women
Authors: Winter Anke C , Rist Pamela M , Buring Julie E , Kurth Tobias 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundIndividuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) may have an increased risk of overall mortality compared to the general population. Women may have lower mortality rates from PD than men; however, studies among women on the effect of PD on mortality have been limited and may not have adequately controlled for confounding by comorbidities.MethodsWe conducted a matched cohort study among participants in the Women's Health Study. 396 incident PD cases were identified through self-report. Each PD case was matched by age to a comparator who was alive and had the same modified Charlson comorbidity score as the PD case. The PD cases and matched comparators were followed for all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age at the index date, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and body mass index were used to determine the association between PD and mortality.ResultsDuring a median of 6.2 years of follow-up, 72 women died (47 PD cases and 25 comparators). The multivariable-adjusted HR for mortality was 2.60 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.32).ConclusionsPD was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality among women. Results are similar to those observed among men.
Effects of added involvement from concerned significant others in internet-delivered CBT treatments for problem gambling: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nilsson Anders , Magnusson Kristoffer , Carlbring Per , Andersson Gerhard , Hellner Gumpert Clara 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionProblem gambling is a public health concern affecting ∼2.3% of the Swedish population. Problem gambling also severely affects concerned significant others (CSOs). Several studies have investigated the effect of individual treatments based on cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT), but less is known of the effect of involving CSOs in treatment. This study aims to compare an intervention based on behavioural couples therapy (BCT), involving a CSO, with an individual CBT treatment to determine their relative efficacy. BCT has shown promising results in working with substance abuse, but this is the first time it is used as an intervention for problem gambling. Both interventions will be internet-delivered, and participants will receive written support and telephone support.Methods and analysisA sample of 120 couples will be randomised to either the BCT condition, involving the gambler and the CSO, or the CBT condition, involving the gambler alone. Measures will be conducted weekly and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome measure is gambling behaviour, as measured by Timeline Followback for Gambling. This article describes the outline of the research methods, interventions and outcome measures used to evaluate gambling behaviour, mechanisms of change and relationship satisfaction. This study will be the first study on BCT for problem gambling.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been given ethical approval from the regional ethics board of Stockholm, Sweden. It will add to the body of knowledge as to how to treat problem gambling and how to involve CSOs in treatment. The findings of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and published at international and national conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02543372; Pre-results.
Cost-effectiveness modelling of telehealth for patients with raised cardiovascular disease risk: evidence from a cohort simulation conducted alongside the Healthlines randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dixon Padraig , Hollinghurst Sandra , Ara Roberta , Edwards Louisa , Foster Alexis , Salisbury Chris 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the long-term cost-effectiveness (measured as the ratio of incremental NHS cost to incremental quality-adjusted life years) of a telehealth intervention for patients with raised cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.DesignA cohort simulation model developed as part of the economic evaluation conducted alongside the Healthlines randomised controlled trial.SettingPatients recruited through primary care, and intervention delivered via telehealth service.ParticipantsParticipants with a 10-year CVD risk ≥20%, as measured by the QRISK2 algorithm, and with at least 1 modifiable risk factor, individually randomised from 42 general practices in England.InterventionA telehealth service delivered over a 12-month period. The intervention involved a series of responsive, theory-led encounters between patients and trained health information advisors who provided access to information resources and supported medication adherence and coordination of care.Primary and secondary outcome measuresCost-effectiveness measured by net monetary benefit over the simulated lifetime of trial participants from a UK National Health Service perspective.ResultsThe probability that the intervention was cost-effective depended on the duration of the effect of the intervention. The intervention was cost-effective with high probability if effects persisted over the lifetime of intervention recipients. The probability of cost-effectiveness was lower for shorter durations of effect.ConclusionsThe intervention was likely to be cost-effective under a lifetime perspective.Trial registration numberISRCTN27508731; Results.