bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information transfer in auditoria and room-acoustical quality
Authors: Summers Jason E.
Published: March 2013

It is hypothesized that room-acoustical quality correlates with the information-transfer rate. Auditoria are considered as multiple-input multiple-output communication channels and a theory of information-transfer is outlined that accounts for time-variant multipath, spatial hearing, and distributed directional sources. Source diversity and spatial hearing are shown to be the mechanisms through which multipath increases the information-transfer rate by overcoming finite spatial resolution. In addition to predictions that are confirmed by recent and historical findings, the theory provides explanations for the influence of factors such as musical repertoire and ensemble size on subjective preference and the influence of multisource, multichannel auralization on perceived realism.
Pharmacodynamics of Ceftaroline against Staphylococcus aureus Studied in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic Model of Infection
Authors: MacGowan Alasdair P. , Noel Alan R. , Tomaselli Sharon , Bowker Karen E.
Published: March 2013

An
in vitro
single-compartment dilutional pharmacokinetic model was used to study the pharmacodynamics of ceftaroline against
Staphylococcus aureus
(both methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
[MSSA] and methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
[MRSA]). Mean serum free concentrations of ceftaroline (the active metabolite of the prodrug ceftaroline fosamil) dosed in humans at 600 mg every 12 h (q12h) were simulated, and activities against 12
S. aureus
strains (3 MSSA strains and 9 MRSA strains, 3 of which had a vancomycin-intermediate phenotype) were determined. Ceftaroline produced 2.5- to 4.0-log
10
-unit reductions in viable counts by 24 h with all strains and a 0.5- to 4.0-log-unit drop in counts at 96 h. The antibacterial effect could not be related to the strain MIC across the ceftaroline MIC range from 0.12 to 2.0 μg/ml. In dose-ranging studies, the cumulative percentage of a 24-h period that the free drug concentration exceeded the MIC under steady-state pharmacokinetic conditions (
fT
MIC
) of 24.5% ± 8.9% was associated with a 24-h bacteriostatic effect, one of 27.8% ± 9.5% was associated with a −1-log-unit drop, and one of 32.1% ± 8.1% was associated with a −2-log-unit drop. The MSSA and MRSA strains had similar
fT
MIC
values.
fT
MIC
values increased with increasing duration of exposure up to 96 h. Changes in ceftaroline population analysis profiles were related to
fT
MIC
.
fT
MIC
s of <50% were associated with growth on 4× MIC recovery plates at 96 h of drug exposure. These data support the use of ceftaroline fosamil at doses of 600 mg q12h to treat
S. aureus
strains with MICs of ≤2 μg/ml. An
fT
MIC
of 25 to 30% would make a suitable pharmacodynamic index target, but
fT
MIC
values of ≥50% are needed to suppress the emergence of resistance and require clinical evaluation.
Coproduction of 16S rRNA Methyltransferase RmtD or RmtG with KPC-2 and CTX-M Group Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Bueno Maria Fernanda C. , Francisco Gabriela R. , O'Hara Jessica A. , de Oliveira Garcia Doroti , Doi Yohei
Published: March 2013

Eight
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical strains with high-level aminoglycoside resistance were collected from eight hospitals in São Paulo State, Brazil, in 2010 and 2011. Three of them produced an RmtD group 16S rRNA methyltransferase, RmtD1 or RmtD2. Five strains were found to produce a novel 16S rRNA methyltransferase, designated RmtG, which shared 57 to 58% amino acid identity with RmtD1 and RmtD2. Seven strains coproduced KPC-2 with or without various CTX-M group extended-spectrum β-lactamases, while the remaining strain coproduced CTX-M-2.
Cytosporone B, an Inhibitor of the Type III Secretion System of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Li Jianfang , Lv Chao , Sun Weiyang , Li Zhenyu , Han Xiaowei , Li Yaoyao , Shen Yuemao
Published: March 2013

Bacterial virulence factors have been increasingly regarded as attractive targets for development of novel antibacterial agents. Virulence inhibitors are less likely to generate bacterial resistance, which makes them superior to traditional antibiotics that target bacterial viability.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, an important food-borne human pathogen, has type III secretion system (T3SS) as its major virulence factor. T3SS secretes effector proteins to facilitate invasion into host cells. In this study, we identified several analogs of cytosporone B (Csn-B) that strongly block the secretion of
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1)-associated effector proteins, without affecting the secretion of flagellar protein FliC
in vitro
. Csn-B and two other derivatives exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on SPI-1-mediated invasion to HeLa cells, while no significant toxicity to bacteria was observed. Nucleoid proteins Hha and H-NS bind to the promoters of SPI-1 regulator genes
hilD
,
hilC
, and
rtsA
to repress their expression and consequently regulate the expression of SPI-1 apparatus and effector genes. We found that Csn-B upregulated the transcription of
hha
and
hns
, implying that Csn-B probably affected the secretion of effectors through the Hha–H-NS regulatory pathway. In summary, this study presented an effective SPI-1 inhibitor, Csn-B, which may have potential in drug development against antibiotic-resistant
Salmonella
.
Ruminant Rhombencephalitis-Associated Listeria monocytogenes Strains Constitute a Genetically Homogeneous Group Related to Human Outbreak Strains
Authors: Rocha Paulo Ricardo Dell'Armelina , Lomonaco Sara , Bottero Maria Teresa , Dalmasso Alessandra , Dondo Alessandro , Grattarola Carla , Zuccon Fabio , Iulini Barbara , Knabel Stephen John , Capucchio Maria Teresa , Casalone Cristina
Published: March 2013

Listeriosis is a disease that causes significant economic losses at the farm level because of high morbidity and mortality in ruminants. This study was performed to investigate the role of ruminants in the epidemiology of listeriosis in northern Italy and the possible association of animal-adapted strains ofListeria monocytogeneswith strains associated with human disease. Twenty ruminant rhombencephalitis isolates previously confirmed asL. monocytogenesby bacteriology and PCR were characterized by serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (MVLST), and multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism (mSNP) typing for the detection of epidemic clones. Subtyping results were subsequently compared with those obtained from human, food, and environmental isolates ofL. monocytogenes, including 311 isolates from the University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy, and 165 isolates representing major human listeriosis outbreaks worldwide, in addition to other unrelated isolates. Both mSNP typing and MVLST showed that 60% of the isolates analyzed belonged to epidemic clone I (ECI), which has been epidemiologically linked to several human outbreaks of listeriosis. In particular, the 1981 Canada outbreak was linked to the use of sheep manure and the 1985 California outbreak was linked to the use of raw cow's milk. In our study, ECI isolates were collected from different ruminant species on geographically and temporally distinct occasions for the last 13 years. Our results support the hypothesis that ruminants represent possible natural reservoirs ofL. monocytogenesstrains capable of causing epidemics of listeriosis in humans.
Prediction of Antimicrobial Activity of Synthetic Peptides by a Decision Tree Model
Authors: Lira Felipe , Perez Pedro S. , Baranauskas José A. , Nozawa Sérgio R.
Published: March 2013

Antimicrobial resistance is a persistent problem in the public health sphere. However, recent attempts to find effective substitutes to combat infections have been directed at identifying natural antimicrobial peptides in order to circumvent resistance to commercial antibiotics. This study describes the development of synthetic peptides with antimicrobial activity, created
in silico
by site-directed mutation modeling using wild-type peptides as scaffolds for these mutations. Fragments of antimicrobial peptides were used for modeling with molecular modeling computational tools. To analyze these peptides, a decision tree model, which indicated the action range of peptides on the types of microorganisms on which they can exercise biological activity, was created. The decision tree model was processed using physicochemistry properties from known antimicrobial peptides available at the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD). The two most promising peptides were synthesized, and antimicrobial assays showed inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Colossomin C and colossomin D were the most inhibitory peptides at 5 μg/ml against
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Escherichia coli
. The methods described in this work and the results obtained are useful for the identification and development of new compounds with antimicrobial activity through the use of computational tools.
The Carboxyl Terminus of Rtt109 Functions in Chaperone Control of Histone Acetylation
Authors: Radovani Ernest , Cadorin Matthew , Shams Tahireh , El-Rass Suzan , Karsou Abdel R. , Kim Hyun-Soo , Kurat Christoph F. , Keogh Michael-Christopher , Greenblatt Jack F. , Fillingham Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2013

Rtt109 is a fungal histone acetyltransferase (HAT) that catalyzes histone H3 acetylation functionally associated with chromatin assembly. Rtt109-mediated H3 acetylation involves two histone chaperones, Asf1 and Vps75.
In vivo
, Rtt109 requires both chaperones for histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) but only Asf1 for full H3K56ac.
In vitro
, Rtt109-Vps75 catalyzes both H3K9ac and H3K56ac, whereas Rtt109-Asf1 catalyzes only H3K56ac. In this study, we extend the
in vitro
chaperone-associated substrate specificity of Rtt109 by showing that it acetylates vertebrate linker histone in the presence of Vps75 but not Asf1. In addition, we demonstrate that in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
a short basic sequence at the carboxyl terminus of Rtt109 (Rtt109C) is required for H3K9ac
in vivo
. Furthermore, through
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies, we demonstrate that Rtt109C is required for optimal H3K56ac by the HAT in the presence of full-length Asf1. When Rtt109C is absent, Vps75 becomes important for H3K56ac by Rtt109
in vivo
. In addition, we show that lysine 290 (K290) in Rtt109 is required
in vivo
for Vps75 to enhance the activity of the HAT. This is the first
in vivo
evidence for a role for Vps75 in H3K56ac. Taken together, our results contribute to a better understanding of chaperone control of Rtt109-mediated H3 acetylation.
FtsZ Ring Stability: of Bundles, Tubules, Crosslinks, and Curves
Authors: Huang Kuo-Hsiang , Durand-Heredia Jorge , Janakiraman Anuradha
Published: March 2013

The first step in bacterial cytokinesis is the assembly of a stable but dynamic cytokinetic ring made up of the essential tubulin homolog FtsZ at the future site of division. Although FtsZ and its role in cytokinesis have been studied extensively, the precise architecture of thein vivomedial FtsZ ring (Z ring) is not well understood. Recent advances in superresolution imaging suggest that the Z ring comprises short, discontinuous, and loosely bundled FtsZ polymers, some of which are tethered to the membrane. A diverse array of regulatory proteins modulate the assembly, stability, and disassembly of the Z ring via direct interactions with FtsZ. Negative regulators of FtsZ play a critical role in ensuring the accurate positioning of FtsZ at the future site of division and in maintaining Z ring dynamics by controlling FtsZ polymer assembly/disassembly processes. Positive regulators of FtsZ are essential for tethering FtsZ polymers to the membrane and promoting the formation of stabilizing lateral interactions, permitting assembly of a mature Z ring. The past decade has seen the identification of several factors that promote FtsZ assembly, presumably through a variety of distinct molecular mechanisms. While a few of these proteins are broadly conserved, many positive regulators of FtsZ assembly are limited to small groups of closely related organisms, suggesting that FtsZ assembly is differentially modulated across bacterial species. In this review, we focus on the roles of positive regulators in Z ring assembly and in maintaining the integrity of the cytokinetic ring during the early stages of division.
Tuberculous myopericarditis: a rare presentation in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Desai Nayan , Desai Shivang , Chaddha Udit , Gable Brian
Published: March 2013

Tuberculosis is a common cause of pericardial disease in India. Myocardial involvement, although well described in the literature, is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. We report a patient with disseminated tuberculosis and myopericarditis manifesting as cardiogenic shock. The patient gradually improved on antituberculosis drug therapy, steroids and an evidence-based guideline driven therapy for heart failure. Follow-up imaging showed calcification of the pericardium and improvement of his left ventricular systolic function.
Synchronous sclerosing haemangiomas of the lung: an unusual presentation of a rare tumour
Authors: Chu Michael , Kumari Hemlata , Salmah Nor , Sachithanandan Anand
Published: March 2013

Pulmonary sclerosing haemangioma  is a rare lung tumour with a preponderance for Asian oriental women. Typically a well-circumscribed, solitary lesion with benign characteristics, there are concerns of malignant potential including regional lymph node metastases. Four histological subtypes exist. Diagnosis can be challenging as patients are usually asymptomatic and radiological findings are non-specific. Surgical resection alone is diagnostic and therapeutic. We present a case of this rare tumour with an uncommon presentation as two synchronous tumours initially misdiagnosed as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Does childhood adversity account for poorer mental and physical health in second-generation Irish people living in Britain? Birth cohort study from Britain (NCDS)
Authors: Das-Munshi Jayati , Clark Charlotte , Dewey Michael E , Leavey Gerard , Stansfeld Stephen A , Prince Martin J
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Worldwide, the Irish diaspora experience elevated mortality and morbidity across generations, not accounted for through socioeconomic position. The main objective of the present study was to assess if childhood disadvantage accounts for poorer mental and physical health in adulthood, in second-generation Irish people.

Design

Analysis of prospectively collected birth cohort data, with participants followed to midlife.

Setting

England, Scotland and Wales.

Participants

Approximately 17 000 babies born in a single week in 1958. Six per cent of the cohort were of second-generation Irish descent.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes were common mental disorders assessed at age 44/45 and self-rated health at age 42. Secondary outcomes were those assessed at ages 23 and 33.

Results

Relative to the rest of the cohort, second-generation Irish children grew up in marked material and social disadvantage, which tracked into early adulthood. By midlife, parity was reached between second-generation Irish cohort members and the rest of the sample on most disadvantage indicators. At age 23, Irish cohort members were more likely to screen positive for common mental disorders (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.94). This had reduced slightly by midlife (OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.69). Although at age 23 second-generation cohort members were just as likely to report poorer self-rated health (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.43), by midlife this difference had increased (OR 1.25; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.60). Adjustment for childhood and early adulthood adversity fully attenuated differences in adult health disadvantages.

Conclusions

Social and material disadvantage experienced in childhood continues to have long-range adverse effects on physical and mental health at midlife, in second-generation Irish cohort members. This suggests important mechanisms over the life-course, which may have important policy implications in the settlement of migrant families.
Initiation rites at menarche and self-reported dysmenorrhoea among indigenous women of the Colombian Amazon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zuluaga Germán , Andersson Neil
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association between self-reported dysmenorrhoea and patterns of female initiation rites at menarche among Amazonian indigenous peoples of Vaupés in Colombia.

Design

A cross-sectional study of all women in seven indigenous communities. Questionnaire administered in local language documented female initiation rites and experience of dysmenorrhoea. Analysis examined 10 initiation components separately, then together, comparing women who underwent all rites, some rites and no rites.

Settings

Seven indigenous communities belonging to the Tukano language group in the Great Eastern Reservation of Vaupés (Colombia) in 2008.

Participants

All women over the age of 13 years living in the seven communities in Vaupés, who had experienced at least two menstruations (n=185), aged 13–88 years (mean 32.5; SD 15.6).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The analysis rested on pelvic pain to define dysmenorrhoea as the main outcome. Women were also asked about other disorders present during menstruation or the precedent days, and about the interval between two menstruations and duration of each one.

Results

Only 17.3% (32/185) completed all initiation rites and 52.4% (97/185) reported dysmenorrhoea. Women not completing the rites were more likely to report dysmenorrhoea than those who did so (p=0.01 Fisher exact), taking into account age, education, community, parity and use of family planning. Women who completed less than the full complement of rites had higher risk than those who completed all rites. Those who did not complete all rites reported increased severity of dysmenorrhoea (p=0.00014).

Conclusions

Our results are compatible with an association between traditional practices and women's health. We could exclude indirect associations with age, education, parity and use of family planning as explanations for the association. The study indicates feasibility, possible utility and limits of intercultural epidemiology in small groups.
Current treatments in diabetic macular oedema: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ford John Alexander , Lois Noemi , Royle Pamela , Clar Christine , Shyangdan Deepson , Waugh Norman
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review is to appraise the evidence for the use of anti-VEGF drugs and steroids in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) as assessed by change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness and adverse events

Data source

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science with Conference Proceedings and the Cochrane Library (inception to July 2012). Certain conference abstracts and drug regulatory web sites were also searched.

Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions

Randomised controlled trials were used to assess clinical effectiveness and observational trials were used for safety. Trials which assessed triamcinolone, dexamethasone, fluocinolone, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib or aflibercept in patients with DMO were included.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Study results are narratively described and, where appropriate, data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis.

Results

Anti-VEGF drugs are effective compared to both laser and placebo and seem to be more effective than steroids in improving BCVA. They have been shown to be safe in the short term but require frequent injections. Studies assessing steroids (triamcinolone, dexamethasone and fluocinolone) have reported mixed results when compared with laser or placebo. Steroids have been associated with increased incidence of cataracts and intraocular pressure rise but require fewer injections, especially when steroid implants are used.

Limitations

The quality of included studies varied considerably. Five of 14 meta-analyses had moderate or high statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

The anti-VEGFs ranibizumab and bevacizumab have consistently shown good clinical effectiveness without major unwanted side effects. Steroid results have been mixed and are usually associated with cataract formation and  intraocular pressure increase. Despite the current wider spectrum of treatments for DMO, only a small proportion of patients recover good vision (≥20/40), and thus the search for new therapies needs to continue.
Predictors of non-response in a UK-wide cohort study of children's accelerometer-determined physical activity using postal methods
Authors: Rich Carly , Cortina-Borja Mario , Dezateux Carol , Geraci Marco , Sera Francesco , Calderwood Lisa , Joshi Heather , Griffiths Lucy J
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the biological, social, behavioural and environmental factors associated with non-consent, and non-return of reliable accelerometer data (≥2 days lasting ≥10 h/day), in a UK-wide postal study of children's activity.

Design

Nationally representative prospective cohort study.

Setting

Children born across the UK, between 2000 and 2002.

Participants

13 681 7 to 8-year-old singleton children who were invited to wear an accelerometer on their right hip for 7 consecutive days. Consenting families were posted an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer and asked to return it by post.

Primary outcome measures

Study consent and reliable accelerometer data acquisition.

Results

Consent was obtained for 12 872 (94.5%) interviewed singletons, of whom 6497 (50.5%) returned reliable accelerometer data. Consent was less likely for children with a limiting illness or disability, children who did not have people smoking near them, children who had access to a garden, and those who lived in Northern Ireland. From those who consented, reliable accelerometer data were less likely to be acquired from children who: were boys; overweight/obese; of white, mixed or ‘other’ ethnicity; had an illness or disability limiting daily activity; whose mothers did not have a degree; who lived in rented accommodation; who exercised once a week or less; who had been breastfed; were from disadvantaged wards; had younger mothers or lone mothers; or were from households with just one, or more than three children.

Conclusions

Studies need to encourage consent and reliable data return in the wide range of groups we have identified to improve response and reduce non-response bias. Additional efforts targeted at such children should increase study consent and data acquisition while also reducing non-response bias. Adjustment must be made for missing data that account for missing data as a non-random event.
On higher ground: ethical reasoning and its relationship with error disclosure
Authors: Cole Alexander Putnam , Block Lauren , Wu Albert W
Published: March 2013

Background

There is broad consensus that disclosure of harmful medical errors is vital to improve safety and is ethically required. Although most physicians-in-training are taught ethics, there have been no empirical studies on whether ethical reasoning is related to disclosure. We examined whether scores on a test of ethical reasoning were associated with greater willingness to disclose errors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of house officers in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Ethical reasoning was assessed using the Defining Issues Test, V.2 (DIT-2). Higher DIT-2 scores are associated with more sophisticated ethical reasoning, and scores tend to improve after formal ethical training. Respondents were then given a medical error scenario with multiple scripted disclosure options. Ethical reasoning scores were compared for different levels of disclosure.

Results

A total of 29 out of 127 medicine residents completed the survey (response rate=22.8%). The 41% of residents who would explicitly tell a patient that, ‘an error happened’ had significantly higher DIT-2 scores than those who would not (51.1 vs 31.6, p<0.01).Higher DIT-2 scores were found in the 62% of residents who would give the most detail about the error (44.8 vs 31.2, p=0.04) and in the 71% of residents who would take personal responsibility (43.5 vs 27.9, p=0.03).

Conclusions

Ethical reasoning scores were associated with acknowledging an error, providing more detailed explanations and taking personal responsibility. The low response rate may limit generalisability. Nevertheless, taken together with prior studies showing that ethical reasoning can be taught and measured, our findings suggest that ethical training may help to improve disclosure of medical errors.
Predictive factors for longer length of stay in an emergency department: a prospective multicentre study evaluating the impact of age, patient's clinical acuity and complexity, and care pathways
Authors: Casalino Enrique , Wargon Mathias , Peroziello Anne , Choquet Christophe , Leroy Christophe , Beaune Sebastien , Pereira Laurent , Bernard Julien , Buzzi Jean-Claude
Published: March 2013

Background

It has been reported that emergency department length of stay (ED-LOS) for older patients is longer than average. Our objective was to determine the effect of age, patient's clinical acuity and complexity, and care pathways on ED-LOS and ED plus observation unit (EDOU) LOS (EDOU-LOS).

Methods

This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study including all patients attending in 2011. Age groups were: I, <50; II, ≥50–64; III, ≥65–74; IV, ≥75–84; V, ≥85 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Of 125 478 attendances, 20 845(16.6%) were of patients aged ≥65 years. Multivariate analysis found significant predictors for ED-LOS (C-statistics 0.79, p<0.0000001) to be: arrival mode (ambulance, OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.18)); acuity level (level 4, OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.28); level 1–3, OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.5 to 1.59)); haematological examinations (OR 3.34 (95% CI 3.15 to 3.56)); intravenous treatment (OR 1.58 (95% CI 1.47 to 1.69)); monitoring of vital signs (OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.69 to 2.10)); x-ray examinations (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.61)); CT/MRI/ultrasound (OR 2.60 (95% CI 2.39 to 2.82)); and specialist advice (OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.48)). For EDOU-LOS (C-statistics 0.81, p<0.0000001) we found: age group (II, OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.22); III, OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.46); IV, OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.65 to 1.74); V, 2.01 (95% CI 1.96 to 2.07)); acuity level (level 4, OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.35); level 1–3, OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.66 to 1.77)); haematological examinations (OR 7.81 (95% CI 7.23 to 8.43)); intravenous treatment (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.12)); x-ray examinations (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.85 to 2.06)); CT/MRI/ultrasound (OR 6.74 (95% CI 5.98 to 7.6)); specialist advice (OR 2.24 (95% CI 2.07 to 2.42)); admission to a medical or surgical ward (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.68)); and transfer (OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.07)).

Conclusions

Whereas ED-LOS and EDOU-LOS seem to be directly related to patients’ acuity and complexity, notably the need for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, only EDOU-LOS was significantly associated with age and proposed care pathways. We propose that EDOU-LOS measurement should be made in EDs with an OU.
Donkey hoof disorders and their treatment
Authors: Thiemann Alex , Rickards Karen
Published: March 2013

Disorders of the hoof have important health and welfare implications in donkeys. Clinical conditions that affect the donkey hoof include laminitis, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in donkeys in the UK, as well as white line disease/abscess, and chronic conditions such as overlong hooves. This article reviews the normal anatomy and function of the donkey's foot, before discussing in more detail the diseases that can arise and their treatment.
Frequent expression of follicular dendritic cell markers in Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Kim Soo Hee , Choe Ji-young , Jeon Yoonkyong , Huh Jooryung , Jung Hye Ra , Choi Yoo-Duk , Kim Hyun-Jung , Cha Hee Jeong , Park Weon Seo , Kim Ji Eun
Published: March 2013

Aims

Although the tumour cells of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are derived from mature B-cells, the lineage infidelity of Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg cells (HRSs) often causes diagnostic problems. Recently introduced HRS markers are also positive for follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). We investigated the expression of several FDC markers in HL and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and evaluated their diagnostic efficacy.

Methods

Eighty-five cases of HL and 52 cases of ALCL were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry was performed for glioma-associated homologue (GLI) 3, class III β-tubulin (TUBB3), fascin, clusterin, γ-synuclein, podoplanin, syntenin, CD21, CD35 and EGFR.

Results

HRSs were diffusely positive for GLI3, fascin and TUBB3; the mean positivity rates per case were 94% for GLI3, 82% for fascin, 69% for TUBB3, 17% for clusterin, 17% for γ-synuclein and 14% for syntenin. Podoplanin, CD21, CD35 and EGFR were almost negative. However, the frequency of marker expression was not associated with the histologic subtype or the presence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). ALCL showed a similar pattern to HL, but the overall frequency of positivity was lower than that observed in HL. The mean positivity rates were 56% for GLI3, 62% for fascin, 58% for TUBB3 and 21% for clusterin. The other markers were nearly negative. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase positivity did not affect the expression rates.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the frequent expression of FDC markers in HL and ALCL. Especially, GLI3, fascin and TUBB3 are the most sensitive markers. Further studies are required to evaluate the association between FDCs, HRSs and ALCL cells.
Trichomonas vaginalisinfection among women receiving gynaecological care at an Alabama HIV Clinic
Authors: Muzny Christina A , Rivers Charles A , Austin Erika L , Schwebke Jane R
Published: March 2013

Objective

Trichomoniasis vaginalisis a risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of HIV. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence ofT vaginalis(using culture) among HIV-infected women receiving gynaecological care at an university HIV clinic in Alabama in addition to predictors of infection.

Methods

Electronic medical record review of women presenting to the clinic for gynaecological care during 2006–2012 was performed. Demographic and sexual history data was abstracted in addition to absolute CD4 cell count, HIV-1 viral load and sexually transmitted infection (STI) (includingT vaginalis) testing results. Analysis was conducted using Stata V.12.

Results

T vaginaliswas prevalent in 17.4% (83/478) of HIV-infected women; other STIs were less prevalent. Among these women, 384 presented for routine STI screening, of which 12% (46/384) wereT vaginalis-infected. Younger age, African-American race, lifetime history of tobacco and drug abuse, lack of HIV therapy, HIV-1 viral load >400 copies/ml, and report of seeking gynaecological care for reasons other than routine STI screening (ie, having symptoms) were significant predictors ofT vaginalisin univariate analysis. Age, African American race, and report of seeking gynaecological care for reasons other than routine STI screening remained associated withT vaginalisin multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

T vaginalisremains highly prevalent among HIV-infected women, a proportion of which may be asymptomatic. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these women may be more likely to transmit HIV. Increased emphasis on screening for high risk sexual behaviours, testing forT vaginalis, and risk reduction counselling is necessary for all HIV-infected women.
Volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils
Authors: Rojas Eduardo , Chávez Omar
Published: March 2013

An elastoplastic framework to account for the volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils is proposed herein. The proposed equation is based on the effective stress principle and results in a unifying framework for the volumetric behavior for both saturated and unsaturated soils. The results of the proposed equation are compared with experimental results published by different researchers. These comparisons show that the equation is adequate to account for wetting–drying and net stress loading–unloading paths. In addition, the collapse upon wetting phenomenon can be simulated and the critical state for unsaturated soils coincides with the proposed volumetric framework. This analysis confirms that the effective stress principle can be applied to the volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils.
ADAPTIVE FILTERING AND RANDOM VARIABLES COEFFICIENT FOR ANALYZING FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DATA
Authors: PIAGGI PAOLO , MENICUCCI DANILO , GENTILI CLAUDIO , HANDJARAS GIACOMO , GEMIGNANI ANGELO , LANDI ALBERTO
Published: March 2013

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to study brain functional connectivity (FC) after filtering the physiological noise (PN). Herein, we employ: adaptive filtering for removing nonstationary PN; random variables (RV) coefficient for FC analysis. Comparisons with standard techniques were performed by quantifying PN filtering and FC in neural vs. non-neural regions. As a result, adaptive filtering plus RV coefficient showed a greater suppression of PN and higher connectivity in neural regions, representing a novel effective approach to analyze fMRI data.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NOVEL CONTROL ARCHITECTURE BY COMBINING H∞ AND SLIDING MODE SCHEMES FOR A BOOST CONVERTER
Authors: RAVICHANDRAN SHAMA , NAGARAJ K. S. , PATNAIK S. K.
Published: March 2013

A two-loop control has been designed for a boost converter. An internal sliding-mode control loop forces the converter inductor current to track the reference established by H∞ control of the output voltage in an outer loop. The outer H∞ controller is designed through loop shaping concepts. A practical design approach that aims at systematizing the procedure for the selection of inner sliding mode control parameters is also presented. The closed loop characteristics of a typical low-power boost converter with the proposed dual loop controller implemented in the actual switched model is validated through computer simulation. The proposed controller is found to be superior due to its low distortion property, good regulating performance and insensitivity to load variations. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the control schemes are verified through hardware experiments.
COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR OF A COUPLED GYROSCOPE SYSTEM WITH COUPLING ALONG THE DRIVING- AND SENSING-MODES
Authors: DAVIES NATHAN , VU HUY , PALACIOS ANTONIO , IN VISARATH , LONGHINI PATRICK
Published: March 2013

A critical component of many Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) is the gyroscope — a device used for detecting rotation rates and orientation. Gyroscopes are subject to material imperfections and manufacturing defects, potentially reducing their ability to detect signals and to minimize phase drift. This manuscript explores the idea of performance enhancement by combining the input–output response of an ensemble of gyroscopes coupled bidirectionally, through the driving- and sensing-modes, in a ring fashion. Numerical simulations and bifurcation analysis via perturbation methods show the existence of a stable synchronization state in which all gyroscopes vibrate with the same phase and amplitude. In this state, the sum output of the sensing modes is significantly larger than any individual sensing mode, which leads to significant reductions in phase drift caused by material imperfections, fabrication variations, and system noise. Similarities and differences with respect to a system of gyroscopes coupled only along the driving-axis are discussed in great detail as well.
COMPARING AND IMPROVING THE SYNTHESIS OF STATE-BASED SPECIFICATIONS FROM SCENARIO-BASED SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: WANG ZHIJIAN , LI WENRUI , ZHANG PENGCHENG
Published: March 2013

The scenario-based specifications are popularly used to capture user requirements. The state-based specifications are very appropriate to capture system design. Recently, there has been increased research interest in connecting these two kinds of specifications, called synthesis. Synthesis is a way to automatically construct the state-based specifications from the scenario-based specifications. There are two kinds of synthesis methods: global synthesis and local synthesis. Global synthesis means constructing a state-based specification for the whole system from the scenario-based specifications, while local synthesis means constructing a state-based specification for each object in the system. The two different synthesis methods have different uses and need to be systematically compared. The contributions of this paper are twofold. Firstly, we propose an improved method supporting the global and the local synthesis of state machines (a kind of state-based specifications) by using a novel algorithm for state machine execution and an algorithm similar to operator priority analysis method, which can fully automate the process of synthesis. Our synthesis method also satisfies two important properties: completeness and soundness. Secondly, to the best of our knowledge, our work does the first attempt to systematically compare global synthesis with local synthesis, and shows some insightful results of the experimental comparison between the two kinds of synthesis methods, which are valuable for the practitioners to choose an appropriate synthesis method for the analysis and verification of the system.
THE GRAVITY DUALS OF SO/USp SUPERCONFORMAL QUIVERS
Authors: NISHINAKA TAKAHIRO
Published: March 2013

We discuss the gravity duals of SO/USp superconformal quiver gauge theories on M5-branes which are localized on top of ℝ5/ℤ2 and wrapping on a Riemann surface of genus g. We concentrate on Riemann surfaces with no punctures and show that the gravity solutions are classified by the genus g of the Riemann surface and the torsion part of the four-form flux.
ALL GENUS PARTITION FUNCTION OF THE ABJM MATRIX MODEL
Authors: MORIYAMA SANEFUMI
Published: March 2013

We find that, apart from the instanton contributions, the all genus partition function of the ABJM matrix model sums up to the Airy function. We present the result, discuss its implication and also summarize some further progress.
CHIRAL CONDENSATE IN DENSE BARYONS
Authors: SEKI SHIGENORI
Published: March 2013

We study the chiral condensate in dense baryonic medium by the use of the generalized Sakai-Sugimoto model of holographic QCD. The chiral condensate is identified with the vacuum expectation value of the open Wilson line operator. We evaluate it by the minimal area of open string world-sheet whose boundary is the V-shape flavor D8-branes. As a result, we find that the chiral condensate decreases in low baryon density and increases in high density. This decreasing behavior is in agreement with the expectation from QCD.
KILLING–YANO SYMMETRY IN SUPERGRAVITY THEORIES
Authors: HOURI TSUYOSHI
Published: March 2013

Killing–Yano symmetry has played an important role in the study of black hole physics. In supergravity theories, Killing–Yano symmetry is deformed by the presence of the fluxes which can be identified with skew-symmetric torsion. Therefore, we attempt to classify spacetimes admitting Killing-Yano symmetry with torsion. In particular, the classification problem of metrics admitting a principal Killing–Yano tensor with torsion is discussed.
PROBING HIGH ENERGY PROPERTY OF STRING SCATTERING BY EFFECTIVE FIELD THEORY
Authors: CHAN CHUAN-TSUNG , KAWAMOTO SHOICH , TOMINO DAN
Published: March 2013

It is known that infinitely many linear relations among string scattering amplitudes appear in high energy limit. These linear relations would imply a symmetry structure that is not manifest before taking the high energy limit. Motivated by this observation, we study an effective field theory of massive spin-2 and spin-1 particles, and try to understand what kind of structure reproduces the linear relations among the amplitudes of bosonic open string.
DUALITY DOMAIN WALL INDEX ON S1 × S3
Authors: KOH EUNKYUNG
Published: March 2013

We calculate a superconformal index of the half-BPS duality domain wall inserted at the great S2 of S3 in [Formula: see text]SU(2) super Yang-Mills theory on S1 × S3.
CHIRAL ZEROMODES ON VORTEX-TYPE INTERSECTING FIVE-BRANE IN HETEROTIC STRING
Authors: YATA MASAYA
Published: March 2013

We solve the gaugino Dirac equation on a smeared intersecting five-brane solution in E8 × E8 heterotic string theory to search for localized chiral zeromodes on the intersection. The background is chosen to depend on the full two-dimensional overall transverse coordinates to the branes. Under some appropriate boundary conditions, we compute the complete spectrum of zeromodes to find that, among infinite towers of Fourier modes, there exist only three localized normalizable zeromodes, one of which has opposite chirality to the other two.
CLASSICAL SOLUTIONS IN THE LORENTZIAN MATRIX MODEL FOR SUPERSTRING THEORY
Authors: KIM SANG-WOO , NISHIMURA JUN , TSUCHIYA ASATO
Published: March 2013

Recent Monte Carlo study on the Lorentzian matrix model for superstring theory revealed that an expanding (3 + 1)d universe appears dynamically from (9 + 1)d. The mechanism for the spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetry relies crucially on the noncommutative nature of the three expanding spaces. As a complementary approach to possible future beyond the numerical result, we discuss classical solutions for the Lorentzian matrix model and their properties.
Constraining the uncertainties of volcano thermal anomaly monitoring using a Kalman filter technique
Authors: Zakšek Klemen , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Hort Matthias
Published: March 2013

The activity status of a volcano can be evaluated from the remotely measured radiant power (
RP
). The measured
RP
contains noise due to reasons such as atmospheric effects and instrument characteristics. Here we first show how to estimate the uncertainty of each single
RP
measurement. To additionally reduce the temporal noise of the
RP
time series we apply a Kalman filter. The Kalman filter is able to recursively analyse an unevenly sampled time series. To validate our filtering scheme, we applied it to an eruption of Etna in 2002, as well as to the eruption of Nyamuragira in 2010. In the case of the Etna eruption, the denoised time series agrees well with
in situ
observations of a waxing and waning flow. For the case of Nyamuragira, the enhanced time series of
RP
shows more fluctuation probably due to cloud coverage. Thus, we propose a multiple instrument approach that increases the temporal resolution of the
RP
time series and reduces the associated noise.
Plant Genome Engineering with Sequence-Specific Nucleases
Authors: Voytas Daniel F.
Published: March 2013

Recent advances in genome engineering provide newfound control over a plant's genetic material. It is now possible for most bench scientists to alter DNA in living plant cells in a variety of ways, including introducing specific nucleotide substitutions in a gene that change a protein's amino acid sequence, deleting genes or chromosomal segments, and inserting foreign DNA at precise genomic locations. Such targeted DNA sequence modifications are enabled by sequence-specific nucleases that create double-strand breaks in the genomic loci to be altered. The repair of the breaks, through either homologous recombination or nonhomologous end joining, can be controlled to achieve the desired sequence modification. Genome engineering promises to advance basic plant research by linking DNA sequences to biological function. Further, genome engineering will enable plants' biosynthetic capacity to be harnessed to produce the many agricultural products required by an expanding world population.
Seed-Development Programs: A Systems Biology–Based Comparison Between Dicots and Monocots
Authors: Sreenivasulu Nese , Wobus Ulrich
Published: March 2013

Seeds develop differently in dicots and monocots, especially with respect to the major storage organs. High-resolution transcriptome data have provided the first insights into the molecular networks and pathway interactions that function during the development of individual seed compartments. Here, we review mainly recent data obtained by systems biology–based approaches, which have allowed researchers to construct and model complex metabolic networks and fluxes and identify key limiting steps in seed development. Comparative coexpression network analyses define evolutionarily conservative (FUS3/ABI3/LEC1) and divergent (LEC2) networks in dicots and monocots. Finally, we discuss the determination of seed size—an important yield-related characteristic—as mediated by a number of processes (maternal and epigenetic factors, fine-tuned regulation of cell death in distinct seed compartments, and endosperm growth) and underlying genes defined through mutant analyses. Altogether, systems approaches can make important contributions toward a more complete and holistic knowledge of seed biology and thus support strategies for knowledge-based molecular breeding.
Advances, Interactions, and Future Developments in the CNS, Phenix, and Rosetta Structural Biology Software Systems
Authors: Adams Paul D. , Baker David , Brunger Axel T. , Das Rhiju , DiMaio Frank , Read Randy J. , Richardson David C. , Richardson Jane S. , Terwilliger Thomas C.
Published: March 2013

Advances in our understanding of macromolecular structure come from experimental methods, such as X-ray crystallography, and also computational analysis of the growing number of atomic models obtained from such experiments. The later analyses have made it possible to develop powerful tools for structure prediction and optimization in the absence of experimental data. In recent years, a synergy between these computational methods for crystallographic structure determination and structure prediction and optimization has begun to be exploited. We review some of the advances in the algorithms used for crystallographic structure determination in the Phenix and Crystallography & NMR System software packages and describe how methods from ab initio structure prediction and refinement in Rosetta have been applied to challenging crystallographic problems. The prospects for future improvement of these methods are discussed.
Coarse-Graining Methods for Computational Biology
Authors: Saunders Marissa G. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: March 2013

Connecting the molecular world to biology requires understanding how molecular-scale dynamics propagate upward in scale to define the function of biological structures. To address this challenge, multiscale approaches, including coarse-graining methods, become necessary. We discuss here the theoretical underpinnings and history of coarse-graining and summarize the state of the field, organizing key methodologies based on an emerging paradigm for multiscale theory and modeling of biomolecular systems. This framework involves an integrated, iterative approach to couple information from different scales. The primary steps, which coincide with key areas of method development, include developing first-pass coarse-grained models guided by experimental results, performing numerous large-scale coarse-grained simulations, identifying important interactions that drive emergent behaviors, and finally reconnecting to the molecular scale by performing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations guided by the coarse-grained results. The coarse-grained modeling can then be extended and refined, with the entire loop repeated iteratively if necessary.