bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarcocystis masoni, n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), and redescription ofSarcocystis aucheniaefrom llama (Lama glama), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: MORÉ GASTÓN , REGENSBURGER CRISTIAN , GOS M. LAURA , PARDINI LAIS , VERMA SHIV K. , CTIBOR JULIANA , SERRANO-MARTÍNEZ MARCOS ENRIQUE , DUBEY JITENDER P. , VENTURINI M. CECILIA 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYThere is considerable confusion concerning the species ofSarcocystisin South American camelids (SAC). Several species names have been used; however, proper descriptions are lacking. In the present paper, we redescribe the macroscopic sarcocyst formingSarcocystis aucheniaeand describe and propose a new name,Sarcocystis masonifor the microscopic sarcocyst forming species. Muscles samples were obtained from llamas (Lama glama) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe) from Argentina and from alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas from Peru. Individual sarcocysts were processed by optical and electron microscopy, and molecular studies. Microscopic sarcocysts ofS. masoniwere up to 800µm long and 35–95µm wide, the sarcocyst wall was 2·5–3·5µm thick, and had conical to cylindrical villar protrusions (vp) with several microtubules. Each vp had 11 or more rows of knob-like projections. Seven 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained from sarcocysts revealed 95–96% identity with otherSarcocystisspp. sequences reported in the GenBank. Sarcocysts ofS. aucheniaewere macroscopic, up to 1·2 cm long and surrounded by a dense and laminar 50µm thick secondary cyst wall. The sarcocyst wall was up to 10µm thick, and had branched vp, appearing like cauliflower. Comparison of the 11 sequences obtained from individual macroscopic cysts evidenced a 98–99% of sequence homology with otherS. aucheniaesequences. In conclusion, 2 morphologically and molecularly differentSarcocystisspecies,S. masoni(microscopic cysts) andS. aucheniae(macroscopic cysts), were identified affecting different SAC from Argentina and Peru.
Density-dependent regulation of fecundity inSyngamus tracheainfrapopulations in semi-naturally occurring ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and wild Carrion Crows (Corvus corone)
Authors: GETHINGS O. J. , SAGE R. B. , LEATHER S. R. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYPrevious work has highlighted increased opportunities for the transmission ofSyngamus tracheawithin pheasant release pens, due in part to high levels of environmental contamination around communal areas. Despite this, the distribution of adult worms within their definitive hosts is not significantly different from predicted distributions under Taylor's power law. Therefore, density-dependent processes are probably acting to regulateS. tracheapopulation dynamics. Patterns of nematode fecundity were investigated in a semi-naturally occurring population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and a wild population of carrion crows (Corvus carone). Worm length was a reliable indicator of nematode fecundity, and a negative association between mean worm length and mean worm burden was identified within both the species. The stunting of worms at greater parasite densities was present in both immunologically naïve and previously exposed pheasants, so is unlikely to be a function of age-dependent acquired immunity. Interestingly, the effect of parasite crowding in the crow population explained more of the variation in mean worm length, apparently driven by a greater mean worm burden when compared with pheasants. The findings of the present study suggest that fecundity is a function of parasite density, i.e. parasite-mediated competition and not host-mediated heterogeneities in immunocompetence.
Lost Along the Way: A CenturionDomo Britanniain Bostra
Authors: Tacoma Laurens E. , Ivleva Tatiana , Breeze David J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article discusses a not well-known funerary monument commemorating a centurion of British descent. IGLS 13.1.9188 records the centurion, T. Quintius Petrullus, ‘from Britain’, of the Third Cyrenaican Legion, who died aged 30 at Bostra in Arabia. This was a young age for a centurion and the article suggests that he had entered the army by a direct commission rather than risen through the ranks. Accordingly, he is likely to have belonged to a high-status family. The Bostra appointment was probably his first. The appointment is put into context alongside other similar equestrian career paths and the Jewish War during the reign of Hadrian is proposed as a possible occasion for the posting. In addition, the article examines this Briton alongside other Britons abroad.
When is an /r/ not an /r/?
Authors: Davidson Keith 
Published: March 2016

These notes are largely based on Lodge (2009), and the IPA transcriptions on Wells (2000).Michael Bulley has singled out for discussion one variant in the articulation of the /r/ phoneme in British English which he characterises as ‘w-for-r’, ‘close to /w/, but distinct from it’ (Bulley, 2014: 46). The focus is on /r/ in syllable-initial position, including /r/ in initial consonant clusters. He describes this particular, not to say singular, variant as ‘/w/-like’, which begs a number of questions.
Extensive multiplex PCR diagnostics reveal new insights into the epidemiology of viral respiratory infections
Authors: NICKBAKHSH S. , THORBURN F. , VON WISSMANN B. , McMENAMIN J. , GUNSON R. N. , MURCIA P. R. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYViral respiratory infections continue to pose a major global healthcare burden. At the community level, the co-circulation of respiratory viruses is common and yet studies generally focus on single aetiologies. We conducted the first comprehensive epidemiological analysis to encompass all major respiratory viruses in a single population. Using extensive multiplex PCR diagnostic data generated by the largest NHS board in Scotland, we analysed 44230 patient episodes of respiratory illness that were simultaneously tested for 11 virus groups between 2005 and 2013, spanning the 2009 influenza A pandemic. We measured viral infection prevalence, described co-infections, and identified factors independently associated with viral infection using multivariable logistic regression. Our study provides baseline measures and reveals new insights that will direct future research into the epidemiological consequences of virus co-circulation. In particular, our study shows that (i) human coronavirus infections are more common during influenza seasons and in co-infections than previously recognized, (ii) factors associated with co-infection differ from those associated with viral infection overall, (iii) virus prevalence has increased over time especially in infants aged <1 year, and (iv) viral infection risk is greater in the post-2009 pandemic era, likely reflecting a widespread change in the viral population that warrants further investigation.
Microbiology and risk factors associated with war-related wound infections in the Middle East
Authors: SAHLI Z. T. , BIZRI A. R. , ABU-SITTAH G. S. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYThe Middle East region is plagued with repeated armed conflicts that affect both civilians and soldiers. Injuries sustained during war are common and frequently associated with multiple life-threatening complications. Wound infections are major consequences of these war injuries. The microbiology of war-related wound infections is variable with predominance of Gram-negative bacteria in later stages. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among isolates affecting war-related wound injuries is a serious problem with major regional and global implications. Factors responsible for the increase in multidrug-resistant pathogens include timing and type of surgical management, wide use of antimicrobial drugs, and the presence of metallic or organic fragments in the wound. Nosocomial transmission is the most important factor in the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Wound management of war-related injuries merits a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to describe the microbiology of war-related wound infections and factors affecting their incidence from conflict areas in Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Lebanon.
How to support patients who are crying in palliative home care: an interview study from the nurses’ perspective
Authors: Rydé Kerstin , Hjelm Katarina 
Published: March 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to explore how nurses can support patients who are crying in a palliative home care context.BackgroundIn palliative care the nurse has a central role in the team whose duty it is to create a sense of security and trust, as well as to give comfort and support the patients. The nurse’s responsibility is to identify different needs of the patients for support and develop a relationship with them. Patients may express their pain, anxiety, fear and suffering by crying. No studies have been found which focus on how nurses can support patients who are crying in different ways and crying for different reasons.MethodsA qualitative explorative study was performed. Semi-structured interviews were held with eight nurses aged 32–63 years (Median 40) working in Swedish palliative home care. The data were analysed using Qualitative Content analysis.FindingsIt was reported that the nurse should meet and confirm the patient during different types of crying episodes and should also be able to alternate between being close and physically touching the in such close contact with the patients, the nurse can provide emotional support by showing empathy, merely being present and letting the patients cry as much as they want. When the crying finally stops, the nurse can support the person by speaking with them, showing sensitivity, humility and respect for the patient’s wishes. A few examples of the patients’ need for information or practical support emerged. The nurse can emotionally support the person who is crying by just being present, confirming, showing empathy, offering a chance to talk and showing respect for their individual needs and the different ways they may cry.
US‒Carbon Steel (India):Multi-Product Firms and the Cumulation of Products
Authors: SPEAROT ALAN , AHN DUKGEUN 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOne of the key findings inUS-Carbon Steel (India)deals with the appropriate method to determine material injury when imported products are subject to simultaneous anti-dumping and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations. Along with addressing a number of legal issues concerning CVD investigations, the Appellate Body clarified restrictions on cross-cumulation of injury, essentially prohibiting the current US practice, and implicitly raising the burden of proof for parallel claims of dumping and subsidies. This decision is justified on economic grounds, where cumulation imposes a counterfactual scenario against which marginal damages of dumping and subsidies by each country cannot be properly evaluated. However, what the legal rulings by the Appellate Body did not recognize is the economic reality that many like products produced by the firms alleged to have received subsidies were selectively absent from the investigation, which more generally complicates the assessment of injury in dumping and subsidy cases.
Climate Change Reparations and the Law and Practice of State Responsibility
Authors: MAYER Benoit 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIt has been argued elsewhere that industrial states were legally responsible for interfering with the climate system by failing to prevent excessive greenhouse gas emissions. This paper determines the international legal principles relevant to the remedial obligations of industrial states. It assumes that climate change reparations should aim first at providing a signal for the cessation of the wrongful act (i.e. incentivizing climate change mitigation) rather than addressing the injury. A review of state practice in different fields suggests the existence of relevant exceptions to the principle of full reparation. These exceptions relate to the financial capacity of responsible states, the indirect nature of the injury, considerations of “culpability”, and the limitations of collective responsibility as “rough” justice. Accordingly, it is suggested that climate change reparations should be limited to partial compensation and symbolic measures of satisfaction prone to incentivize climate change mitigation.
Topological phase transitions and chiral inelastic transport induced by the squeezing of light
Authors: Peano Vittorio , Houde Martin , Brendel Christian , Marquardt Florian , Clerk Aashish A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThere is enormous interest in engineering topological photonic systems. Despite intense activity, most works on topological photonic states (and more generally bosonic states) amount in the end to replicating a well-known fermionic single-particle Hamiltonian. Here we show how the squeezing of light can lead to the formation of qualitatively new kinds of topological states. Such states are characterized by non-trivial Chern numbers, and exhibit protected edge modes, which give rise to chiral elastic and inelastic photon transport. These topological bosonic states are not equivalent to their fermionic (topological superconductor) counterparts and, in addition, cannot be mapped by a local transformation onto topological states found in particle-conserving models. They thus represent a new type of topological system. We study this physics in detail in the case of a kagome lattice model, and discuss possible realizations using nonlinear photonic crystals or superconducting circuits.
Functional assays provide a robust tool for the clinical annotation of genetic variants of uncertain significance
Authors: Woods Nicholas T , Baskin Rebekah , Golubeva Volha , Jhuraney Ankita , De-Gregoriis Giuliana , Vaclova Tereza , Goldgar David E , Couch Fergus J , Carvalho Marcelo Alex , Iversen Edwin S , Monteiro Alvaro NA 
Published: March 2016

AbstractVariants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) are genetic variants whose association with a disease phenotype has not been established. They are a common finding in sequencing-based genetic tests and pose a significant clinical challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the use of functional data to classify variants according to pathogenicity. We conduct functional analysis of a large set of BRCA1 VUS combining a validated functional assay with VarCall, a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the likelihood of pathogenicity given the functional data. The results from the functional assays were incorporated into a joint analysis of 214 BRCA1 VUS to predict their likelihood of pathogenicity (breast cancer). We show that applying the VarCall model (1.0 sensitivity; lower bound of 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.75 and 1.0 specificity; lower bound of 95% CI=0.83) to the current set of BRCA1 variants, use of the functional data would significantly reduce the number of VUS associated with the C-terminal region of the BRCA1 protein by ~87%. We extend this work developing yeast-based functional assays for two other genes coding for BRCT domain containing proteins, MCPH1 and MDC1. Analysis of missense variants in MCPH1 and MDC1 shows that structural inference based on the BRCA1 data set can aid in prioritising variants for further analysis. Taken together our results indicate that systematic functional assays can provide a robust tool to aid in clinical annotation of VUS. We propose that well-validated functional assays could be used for clinical annotation even in the absence of additional sources of evidence.
Influence of plasma-activated compounds on melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity
Authors: Ali Anser , Ashraf Zaman , Kumar Naresh , Rafiq Muhammad , Jabeen Farukh , Park Ji Hoon , Choi Ki Hong , Lee SeungHyun , Seo Sung-Yum , Choi Eun Ha , Attri Pankaj 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany organic chemists around the world synthesize medicinal compounds or extract multiple compounds from plants in order to increase the activity and quality of medicines. In this work, we synthesized new eugenol derivatives (ED) and then treated them with an N2 feeding gas atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) to increase their utility. We studied the tyrosinase-inhibition activity (activity test) and structural changes (circular dichroism) of tyrosinase with ED and plasma activated eugenol derivatives (PAED) in a cell-free environment. Later, we used docking studies to determine the possible interaction sites of ED and PAED compounds with tyrosinase enzyme. Moreover, we studied the possible effect of ED and PAED on melanin synthesis and its mechanism in melanoma (B16F10) cells. Additionally, we investigated the structural changes that occurred in activated ED after plasma treatment using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Hence, this study provides a new perspective on PAED for the field of plasma medicine.
Severe bone marrow edema on sacroiliac joint MRI increases the risk of low BMD in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Kim Ha Neul , Jung Joon-Yong , Hong Yeon Sik , Park Sung-Hwan , Kang Kwi Young 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo determine the association between inflammatory and structural lesions on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI and BMD and to identify risk factors for low BMD in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Seventy-six patients who fulfilled the ASAS axSpA criteria were enrolled. All underwent SIJ MRI and BMD measurement at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. Inflammatory and structural lesions on SIJ MRI were scored. Laboratory tests and assessment of radiographic and disease activity were performed at the time of MRI. The association between SIJ MRI findings and BMD was evaluated. Among the 76 patients, 14 (18%) had low BMD. Patients with low BMD showed significantly higher bone marrow edema (BME) and deep BME scores on MRI than those with normal BMD (p < 0.047 and 0.007, respectively). Inflammatory lesions on SIJ MRI correlated with BMD at the femoral neck and total hip. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of deep BME on SIJ MRI, increased CRP, and sacroiliitis on X-ray as risk factors for low BMD (OR = 5.6, 14.6, and 2.5, respectively). The presence of deep BME on SIJ MRI, increased CRP levels, and severity of sacroiliitis on X-ray were independent risk factors for low BMD.
Tracking the migration of the Indian continent using the carbonate clumped isotope technique on Phanerozoic soil carbonates
Authors: Ghosh Prosenjit , Vasiliev Mikhail V. , Ghosh Parthasarathi , Sarkar Soumen , Ghosh Sampa , Yamada Keita , Ueno Yuichiro , Yoshida Naohiro , Poulsen Christopher J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractApproximately 140 million years ago, the Indian plate separated from Gondwana and migrated by almost 90° latitude to its current location, forming the Himalayan-Tibetan system. Large discrepancies exist in the rate of migration of Indian plate during Phanerozoic. Here we describe a new approach to paleo-latitudinal reconstruction based on simultaneous determination of carbonate formation temperature and δ18O of soil carbonates, constrained by the abundances of 13C-18O bonds in palaeosol carbonates. Assuming that the palaeosol carbonates have a strong relationship with the composition of the meteoric water, δ18O carbonate of palaeosol can constrain paleo-latitudinal position. Weighted mean annual rainfall δ18O water values measured at several stations across the southern latitudes are used to derive a polynomial equation: δ18Ow = −0.006 × (LAT)2 − 0.294 × (LAT) − 5.29 which is used for latitudinal reconstruction. We use this approach to show the northward migration of the Indian plate from 46.8 ± 5.8°S during the Permian (269 M.y.) to 30 ± 11°S during the Triassic (248 M.y.), 14.7 ± 8.7°S during the early Cretaceous (135 M.y.) and 28 ± 8.8°S during the late Cretaceous (68 M.y.). Soil carbonate δ18O provides an alternative method for tracing the latitudinal position of Indian plate in the past and the estimates are consistent with the paleo-magnetic records which document the position of Indian plate prior to 135 ± 3 M.y.
Fast generation of three-atom singlet state by transitionless quantum driving
Authors: Chen Zhen , Chen Ye-Hong , Xia Yan , Song Jie , Huang Bi-Hua 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMotivated by “transitionless quantum driving”, we construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage in a three-atom system to create a singlet state with the help of quantum zeno dynamics and non-resonant lasers. The influence of various decoherence processes is discussed by numerical simulation and the results reveal that the scheme is fast and robust against decoherence and operational imperfection. We also investigate how to select the experimental parameters to control the cavity dissipation and atomic spontaneous emission which will have an application value in experiment.
Structure-based Inhibitor Design for the Intrinsically Disordered Protein c-Myc
Authors: Yu Chen , Niu Xiaogang , Jin Fan , Liu Zhirong , Jin Changwen , Lai Luhua 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are associated with various diseases and have been proposed as promising drug targets. However, conventional structure-based approaches cannot be applied directly to IDPs, due to their lack of ordered structures. Here, we describe a novel computational approach to virtually screen for compounds that can simultaneously bind to different IDP conformations. The test system used c-Myc, an oncoprotein containing a disordered basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) domain that adopts a helical conformation upon binding to Myc-associated factor X (Max). For the virtual screen, we used three binding pockets in representative conformations of c-Myc370–409, which is part of the disordered bHLH-LZ domain. Seven compounds were found to directly bind c-Myc370–409in vitro, and four inhibited the growth of the c-Myc-overexpressing cells by affecting cell cycle progression. Our approach of IDP conformation sampling, binding site identification, and virtual screening for compounds that can bind to multiple conformations provides a useful strategy for structure-based drug discovery targeting IDPs.
Cyclophilin A (CypA) Plays Dual Roles in Regulation of Bone Anabolism and Resorption
Authors: Guo Mian , James Aaron W. , Kwak Jin Hee , Shen Jia , Yokoyama Kazunari K. , Ting Kang , Soo Chia B. , Chiu Robert H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCypA (Cyclophilin A) is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase previously shown to be required for chondrogenic differentiation and endochondral ossification. However, the effects of CypA on osteoclast activity and bone maintenance are entirely unknown. Here, we show that Ppia−/− mice demonstrate low bone mineral density, reduced osteoblast numbers and increased osteoclast numbers. When isolated from the calvaria, Ppia−/− osteoblasts demonstrate decreased osteogenic differentiation, whereas Ppia−/− osteoclasts derived from the long bones showed increased osteoclastic activity. Overexpression and gene silencing of CypA verified osteogenic and anti-osteoclastic effects. In osteoblasts, CypA is necessary for BMP-2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2)-induced Smad phosphorylation. In osteoclasts, loss of CypA activates BtK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase) and subsequently integrates with TRAF6 (TNF receptor-associated factor 6) and/or c-fos signaling to induce NFATc1 (nuclear factors of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1). Collectively, CypA dually exerts pro-osteogenic and anti-osteoclastic effects. Thus, modulation of CypA may be useful in future efforts targeting osteoporosis.