bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When is facial diplegia regarded as a variant of Guillain‐Barré syndrome?
Authors: Kim J. K. , Oh S. Y. , Sohn E. H. , Hong Y. H. , Jun S. M. , Bae J. S.
Published: May 2015

A variant of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) with predominant manifestation of facial diplegia (FD) has been described recently. This study aimed to characterize and determine the incidence of this FD‐predominant GBS variant. The clinical and serological information of 900 consecutive patients were reviewed. In total, eight patients were identified between January 2007 and December 2010 as having FD accompanied by some features of GBS. These features were subjective sensory symptoms such as distal paresthesia (7/8, 88%), albumin‐cytological (A/C) dissociation (7/8, 88%), antecedent infection (6/8, 75%), and minor nerve conduction study (NCS) abnormalities (5/7, 71%). One patient presented with the typical NCS feature of demyelinating neuropathy. Only two patients exhibited areflexia (2/8, 25%). None of the patients possessed any anti‐ganglioside antibodies; however, the serum of two patients was positive for anti‐mycoplasma antibody (2/6, 33%). FD variant of GBS occurred in less than 1% of our dataset. FD can be a regional variant of GBS when it is accompanied by supporting features, such as subjective tingling, A/C dissociation, and minor NCS abnormalities.
Diagnosis and laparoscopic management of a rare endometriosis‐related peritoneal mass with rapid growth in early pregnancy
Authors: Di Donato Nadine , Facchini Chiara , Leggieri Concetta , Caprara Giacomo , Seracchioli Renato
Published: May 2015

Herein is described the diagnosis, clinical management and laparoscopic removal of a rapid growing retro‐uterine mass in a pregnant woman. After laparoscopic removal of the pelvic mass, diagnosis of peritoneal endometriotic cyst was made on histology. The patient was asymptomatic and no history of endometriosis was reported. The laparoscopic management of the peritoneal mass was safe and effective and to our knowledge this is the first case report describing a decidualized endometriotic lesion in the absence of a pre‐pregnancy endometriosis diagnosis.
Subcutaneous injection of thymopentin in the area of the supramammary lymph node to reduce milk somatic cell count in subclinically mastitic cows
Authors: Guan R. , Xu W. , Pan T. , Su X. , Hu S.
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of thymopentin (TP‐5) injections on subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) in lactating cows. In Experiment I, 40 cows were randomly divided into four groups. The cows in groups 1, 2, and 3 received subcutaneous injections of TP‐5 in the region of the supramammary lymph node at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg, respectively, for 3 days. In Experiment II, 20 cows were randomly divided into two groups. The cows in group 1 were treated with injections of TP‐5 (4 mg) for 3 days in the same area as in Experiment I. Group 4 in Experiment I and group 2 in Experiment II were not treated and served as control groups. Milk samples were collected before and after treatment for bacteriological examination and analysis of the somatic cell count and level of N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAGase). The results showed that treatment with TP‐5 significantly reduced the somatic cell count (SCC) and NAGase activity of the milk and numerically reduced IMI. A dose of 4 mg was found to be optimal for the reduction of SCC and NAGase in milk. Therefore, further study of the use of TP‐5 in the treatment of bovine mastitis is warranted.
Ordinary chondritic micrometeorites from the Indian Ocean
Authors: Prasad M. Shyam , Rudraswami N. G. , De Araujo Agnelo , Babu E. V. S. S. K. , Vijaya Kumar T.
Published: May 2015

Extraterrestrial particulate materials on the Earth can originate in the form of collisional debris from the asteroid belt, cometary material, or as meteoroid ablation spherules. Signatures that link them to their parent bodies become obliterated if the frictional heating is severe during atmospheric entry. We investigated 481 micrometeorites isolated from ~300 kg of deep sea sediment, out of which 15 spherules appear to have retained signatures of their provenance, based on their textures, bulk chemical compositions, and relict grain compositions. Seven of these 15 spherules contain chromite grains whose compositions help in distinguishing subgroups within the ordinary chondrite sources. There are seven other spherules which comprise either entirely of dusty olivines or contain dusty olivines as relict grains. Two of these spherules appear to be chondrules from an unequilibrated ordinary chondrite. In addition, a porphyritic olivine pyroxene (POP) chondrule‐like spherule is also recovered. The bulk chemical composition of all the spherules, in combination with trace elements, the chromite composition, and presence of dusty olivines suggest an ordinary chondritic source. These micrometeorites have undergone minimal frictional heating during their passage through the atmosphere and have retained these features. These micrometeorites therefore also imply there is a significant contribution from ordinary chondritic sources to the micrometeorite flux on the Earth.
Devolatilization or melting of carbonates at Meteor Crater, AZ?
Authors: Hörz F. , Archer P. D. , Niles P. B. , Zolensky M. E. , Evans M.
Published: May 2015

We have investigated the carbonates in the impact melts and in a monolithic clast of highly shocked Coconino sandstone of Meteor Crater, AZ to evaluate whether melting or devolatilization is the dominant response of carbonates during high‐speed meteorite impact. Both melt‐ and clast‐carbonates are calcites that have identical crystal habits and that contain anomalously high SiO2 and Al2O3. Also, both calcite occurrences lack any meteoritic contamination, such as Fe or Ni, which is otherwise abundantly observed in all other impact melts and their crystallization products at Meteor Crater. The carbon and oxygen isotope systematics for both calcite deposits suggest a low temperature environment (<100 °C) for their precipitation from an aqueous solution, consistent with caliche. We furthermore subjected bulk melt beads to thermogravimetric analysis and monitored the evolving volatiles with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. CO2 yields were <5 wt%, with typical values in the 2 wt% range; also total CO2 loss is positively correlated with H2O loss, an indication that most of these volatiles derive from the secondary calcite. Also, transparent glasses, considered the most pristine impact melts, yield 100 wt% element totals by EMPA, suggesting complete loss of CO2. The target dolomite decomposed into MgO, CaO, and CO2; the CO2 escaped and the CaO and MgO combined with SiO2 from coexisting quartz and FeO from the impactor to produce the dominant impact melt at Meteor Crater. Although confined to Meteor Crater, these findings are in stark contrast to Osinski et al. (2008) who proposed that melting of carbonates, rather than devolatilization, is the dominant process during hypervelocity impact into carbonate‐bearing targets, including Meteor Crater.
Repair of transposable phage Mu DNA insertions begins only when the E. coli replisome collides with the transpososome
Authors: Jang Sooin , Harshey Rasika M.
Published: May 2015

We report a new cellular interaction between the infecting transposable phage Mu and the host Escherichia coli replication machinery during repair of Mu insertions, which involves filling‐in of short target gaps on either side of the insertion, concomitant with degradation of extraneous long flanking DNA (FD) linked to Mu. Using the FD as a marker to follow repair, we find that after transposition into the chromosome, the unrepaired Mu is indefinitely stable until the replication fork arrives at the insertion site, whereupon the FD is rapidly degraded. When the fork runs into a Mu target gap, a double strand end (DSE) will result; we demonstrate fork‐dependent DSEs proximal to Mu. These findings suggest that Pol III stalled at the transpososome is exploited for co‐ordinated repair of both target gaps flanking Mu without replicating the intervening 37 kb of Mu, disassembling the stable transpososome in the process. This work is relevant to all transposable elements, including retroviral elements like HIV‐1, which share with Mu the common problem of repair of their flanking target gaps.
New insights into heterogeneity of peritoneal B‐1a cells
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Lin Jian‐xin , Li Peng , Skinner Jeff , Leonard Warren J. , Morse Herbert C.
Published: May 2015

Peritoneal B‐1a cells are characterized by their expression of CD5 and enrichment for germline‐encoded IgM B cell receptors. Early studies showing expression of a diverse array of VDJ sequences among purified B‐1a cells provided a molecular basis for understanding the heterogeneity of the B‐1a cell repertoire. Antigen‐driven positive selection and the identification of B‐1a specific progenitors suggest multiple origins of B‐1a cells. The introduction of new markers such as PD‐L2, CD25, CD73, and PC1 (plasma cell alloantigen 1, also known as ectonucleotide phosphodiesterase/pyrophosphatase 1) further helped to identify phenotypically and functionally distinct B‐1a subsets. Among many B‐1a subsets defined by these new markers, PC1 is unique in that it subdivides B‐1a cells into PC1hi and PC1lo subpopulations with distinct functions, such as production of natural IgM and gut IgA, response to the pneumococcal antigen PPS‐3, secretion of interleukin‐10, and support for T helper 1 (TH1) cell differentiation. RNA sequencing of these subsets revealed differential expression of genes involved in cellular movement and immune cell trafficking. We will discuss these new insights underlying the heterogeneous nature of the B‐1a cell repertoire.
Availability of apicoectomy information online
Authors: Ritchie M. , Awal D. , Eyeson J.D.
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of this study is to ascertain the quality of information available to the public on the Internet regarding the apicoectomy procedure utilising common internet search terms.

Materials and methods

The five most widely used UK Internet search engines were utilised, searching for the term ‘apicoectomy OR root end surgery’. The first 10 website links brought up on each search engine were then investigated for their contents. The indication for the procedure, details regarding the procedure technique, potential complications and treatment prognosis were all assessed. The topics were evaluated with a scoring system of 0–2 regarding the quality of information contained as compared with the apicoectomy information published on the British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) website. A Flesch Reading Ease Score was also used to assess readability.

Results

All 50 websites were easily accessible (100%). Two per cent had any form of accreditation by a healthcare website accreditation organisation. Eighty‐two per cent were targeted at the general public rather than healthcare professionals. Seventy‐two per cent had an unspecified author with no obvious affiliation. Eight per cent contained any form of reference. Generally, the complications and prognosis of the apicoectomy procedure were poorly covered, with the indications and technique scoring higher.

Conclusions

The information currently available to patients on the apicoectomy procedure is generally of substandard quality, lacking in terms of content and accreditation. Important facts which are central to the decision‐making process for patients concerning potential complications and long‐term outcomes are particularly poorly covered.
A Job Demands–Resources Approach to Public Service Motivation
Authors: Bakker Arnold B.
Published: May 2015

This article uses job demands–resources theory to build a model of public service motivation (PSM). Public service motivation determines how employees in the public sector deal with their daily job demands and resources. Highly motivated public servants are able to deal with their job demands and prevent exhaustion. Additionally, because of their sense of calling, they are motivated to mobilize their job resources to stay engaged and perform well. However, if job demands are consistently high and job resources are consistently low, highly motivated public servants will lose their psychological resources, resulting in lowerPSM. ReducedPSM, as a consequence, may strengthen the loss cycle of job demands and exhaustion and weaken the gain cycle of job resources and engagement. Public service managers and employees may use this model to optimize their work environment on a day‐to‐day basis.
Immunolocalization of Aquaporins 1 and 9 in the Ram Efferent Ducts and Epididymis
Authors: Schimming BC , Pinheiro PFF , de Matteis R , Machado CM , Domeniconi RF
Published: May 2015

Contents

Aquaporins (AQPs) are essential membrane protein channels for the transport of water across membranes. Fluid movement in the epididymis is important for modulation of the luminal environment, in which sperm mature and reside. This study was designed to understand the morphology and localization of AQPs in ram efferent ducts (ED) and epididymis. For this purpose, the epididymis of seven animals were removed for histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. AQP1 immunoreactivity was observed in the apex of the ED, and AQP9 was found adjacent to the nuclei of the epithelial cells of the ED. The epithelial lining of ram epididymis is pseudostratified columnar and presents principal, basal, apical and narrow cells. In the initial segment (IS), a moderate reaction for AQP1 was observed in the apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells. An intense reactivity for AQP1 was noted over the microvilli of principal cells and in spermatozoa in the caput. In the corpus and cauda, AQP1 was noted only over the endothelial cells of vascular channels located in intertubular spaces. A weak‐to‐moderate reaction for AQP9 was observed in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the IS, caput and corpus of the epididymis. In the cauda, an intense reaction to AQP9 was observed in the epithelial border. In the IS, caput and corpus, the reactivity for AQP9 differed from those observed in domestic animals. The cauda showed a pattern similar to that previously described. These results indicate that AQPs 1 and 9 have reversed locations and roles in rams, suggesting activity variations related with fluid and solute absorption throughout the epididymis.
A Simple Variance Estimator of Change for Rotating Repeated Surveys: an Application to The European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions Household Surveys
Authors: Berger Y. G. , Priam R.
Published: May 2015

A common problem is to compare two cross-sectional estimates for the same study variable taken on two different waves or occasions, and to judge whether the change observed is statistically significant. This involves the estimation of the sampling variance of the estimator of change. The estimation of this variance would be relatively straightforward if cross-sectional estimates were based on the same sample. Unfortunately, samples are not completely overlapping, because of rotations used in repeated surveys. We propose a simple approach based on a multivariate (general) linear regression model. The variance estimator proposed is not a model-based estimator. We show that the estimator proposed is design consistent when the sampling fractions are negligible. It can accommodate stratified and two-stage sampling designs. The main advantage of the approach proposed is its simplicity and flexibility. It can be applied to a wide class of sampling designs and can be implemented with standard statistical regression techniques. Because of its flexibility, the approach proposed is well suited for the estimation of variance for the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions surveys. It allows us to use a common approach for variance estimation for the different types of design. The approach proposed is a useful tool, because it involves only modelling skills and requires limited knowledge of survey sampling theory.
Subjective Wellbeing: Why Weather Matters
Authors: Feddersen John , Metcalfe Robert , Wooden Mark
Published: May 2015

The paper reports results from the first ever study of the effect of short-term weather and long-term climate on self-reported life satisfaction that uses longitudinal data. We find robust evidence that day-to-day weather variation impacts self-reported life satisfaction. Utilizing two sources of variation in the cognitive complexity of satisfaction questions, we present evidence that weather effects arise because of the cognitive challenge of reporting life satisfaction. We do not detect a relationship between long-term climate and self-reported life satisfaction by using an individual fixed effects specification, which identifies climate impacts through individuals moving location.
Spatially Modelling the Association Between Access to Recreational Facilities and Exercise: the‘Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis’
Authors: Berchuck Samuel I. , Warren Joshua L. , Herring Amy H. , Evenson Kelly R. , Moore Kari A. B. , Ranchod Yamini K. , Diez-Roux Ana V.
Published: May 2015

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the built environment and physical activity. However, these studies assume that these relationships are invariant over space. In this study, we introduce a novel method to analyse the association between access to recreational facilities and exercise allowing for spatial heterogeneity. In addition, this association is studied before and after controlling for crime, which is a variable that could explain spatial heterogeneity of associations. We use data from the Chicago site of the ‘Multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis’ of 781 adults aged 46 years and over. A spatially varying coefficient tobit regression model is implemented in the Bayesian setting to allow for the association of interest to vary over space. The relationship is shown to vary over Chicago, being positive in the south but negative or null in the north. Controlling for crime weakens the association in the south with little change observed in northern Chicago. The results of this study indicate that spatial heterogeneity in associations of environmental factors with health may vary over space and deserve further exploration.
Does Wal‐Mart Cause an Increase in Anti‐Poverty Expenditures?*
Authors: Hicks Michael
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This article addresses the role of Wal‐Mart Store entrance in changing expenditures on federal and state anti‐poverty transfers in the United States.

Methods

Using a panel of the conterminous 48 states, correcting for time and spatial autocorrelation and local government mix and policy changes.

Results

I find that the number of Wal‐Marts and their employment share in the retail sector have no impact on food stamps or AFDC/TANF expenditures. In models that account for retail employment share a 1 percent increase in the Wal‐Mart's share reduced AFDC/TANF expenditures by 3.3 percent.

Conclusions

I find that Wal‐Mart does increase Medicaid expenditures by roughly $898 per worker, which is consistent with other studies of the Medicaid costs per low‐wage worker across the United States.
Life‐threatening delayed hyperhemolytic transfusion reaction in a patient with sickle cell disease: effective treatment with eculizumab followed by rituximab
Authors: Boonyasampant Mark , Weitz Ilene C. , Kay Brian , Boonchalermvichian Chaiyaporn , Liebman Howard A. , Shulman Ira A.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease is a rare and potentially life‐threatening complication of transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this article we report a case of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with resultant hyperhemolysis triggered by an anti‐IH autoantibody with alloantibody behavior.

RESULTS

The anti‐IH was reactive at room temperature as well as 37°C, but only weakly reactive with autologous red blood cells. Initial cold agglutinin titer was 512. The profound, life‐threatening, intravascular hemolysis was rapidly and dramatically reduced with the Complement 5 (C5) inhibitory antibody, eculizumab. The auto/allo cold agglutinin was subsequently suppressed with rituximab treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Eculizumab, a potent C5 inhibitory antibody, can be a rapid and effective therapy for hyperhemolytic transfusion reactions when given in a sufficient dose to fully block the activation of complement C5.
Sequencing of the ART4 gene in sub‐Saharan cohorts reveals ethnic differences and two new DO alleles: DO*B‐Ile5Thr and DO*B‐Trp266Arg
Authors: Durousseau de Coulgeans Cécile , Chiaroni Jacques , Bailly Pascal , Chapel‐Fernandes Sylvie
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Given the high heterogeneity of sub‐Saharan populations especially between nonpygmoids and pygmoids, differences are expected during investigation of the DO/ART4 gene.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using genomic DNA extracted from blood samples collected from 77 Tswa pygmoids and 39 Teke and seven San nonpygmoids, DO coding regions were amplified and sequenced. A tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction method was developed to specifically detect the DO*B‐SH‐Gln149Lys variant. Membrane expression of newly identified variant alleles in K562‐transduced cells was studied by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Extensive polymorphism was confirmed in Teke or San nonpygmoids and Tswa pygmoids with, respectively, 12, zero, and 24 DO*A; 54, 10, and 115 DO*B or DO*B‐WL; five, zero, and 14 DO*HY; and six DO*JO alleles in Teke only. The DO*B‐SH‐Gln149Lys variant was observed as the third most frequent after the DO*HY and DO*JO alleles. Two novel DO*B alleles were identified in the San samples, that is, DO*B‐Ile5Thr and DO*B‐Trp266Arg. Study of K562‐transduced cells showed that compared to the DO*B allele, DO*B‐Ile5Thr was expressed more strongly while DO*B‐Trp266Arg variant was expressed to a lesser extent and was not recognized by MIMA‐123 monoclonal antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Sequencing analysis showed more allelic combinations in nonpygmoids than in pygmoids with high frequencies of DO*HY, DO*JO, and DO*B‐SH‐Gln149Lys variant alleles. This finding underlines the importance of including DO*HY and DO*JO single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in genotyping tests to improve transfusion safety. Characterization of two novel DO*B alleles highlights the value of testing selected ethnic groups in understanding DO allele diversity.
Quality of red blood cells washed using a second wash sequence on an automated cell processor
Authors: Hansen Adele L. , Turner Tracey R. , Kurach Jayme D.R. , Acker Jason P.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Washed red blood cells (RBCs) are indicated for immunoglobulin (Ig)A‐deficient recipients when RBCs from IgA‐deficient donors are not available. Canadian Blood Services recently began using the automated ACP 215 cell processor (Haemonetics Corporation) for RBC washing, and its suitability to produce IgA‐deficient RBCs was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBCs produced from whole blood donations by the buffy coat (BC) and whole blood filtration (WBF) methods were washed using the ACP 215 or the COBE 2991 cell processors and IgA and total protein levels were assessed. A double‐wash procedure using the ACP 215 was developed, tested, and validated by assessing hemolysis, hematocrit, recovery, and other in vitro quality variables in RBCs stored after washing, with and without irradiation.

RESULTS

A single wash using the ACP 215 did not meet Canadian Standards Association recommendations for washing with more than 2 L of solution and could not consistently reduce IgA to levels suitable for IgA‐deficient recipients (24/26 BC RBCs and 0/9 WBF RBCs had IgA levels < 0.05 mg/dL). Using a second wash sequence, all BC and WBF units were washed with more than 2 L and had levels of IgA of less than 0.05 mg/dL. During 7 days' postwash storage, with and without irradiation, double‐washed RBCs met quality control criteria, except for the failure of one RBC unit for inadequate (69%) postwash recovery.

CONCLUSION

Using the ACP 215, a double‐wash procedure for the production of components for IgA‐deficient recipients from either BC or WBF RBCs was developed and validated.
Different dynamin blockers interfere with distinct phases of synaptic endocytosis during stimulation in motoneurones
Authors: Linares‐Clemente Pedro , Rozas José L. , Mircheski Josif , García‐Junco‐Clemente Pablo , Martínez‐López José A. , Nieto‐González José L. , Vázquez M. Eugenio , Pintado C. Oscar , Fernández‐Chacón Rafael
Published: May 2015

Key points

Neurotransmitter release requires a tight coupling between synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis with dynamin being a key protein in that process.

We used imaging techniques to examine the time course of endocytosis at mouse motor nerve terminals expressing synaptopHluorin, a genetically encoded reporter of the synaptic vesicle cycle.

We separated two sequential phases of endocytosis taking place during the stimulation train: early and late endocytosis.

Freshly released synaptic vesicle proteins are preferentially retrieved during the early phase, which is very sensitive to dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin GTPase activity.

Synaptic vesicle proteins pre‐existing at the plasma membrane before the stimulation are preferentially retrieved during the late phase, which is very sensitive to myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (MitMAB), an inhibitor of the dynamin–phospholipid interaction.

Synaptic endocytosis is essential at nerve terminals to maintain neurotransmitter release by exocytosis. Here, at the neuromuscular junction of synaptopHluorin (spH) transgenic mice, we have used imaging to study exo‐ and endocytosis occurring simultaneously during nerve stimulation. We observed two endocytosis components, which occur sequentially during stimulation. The early component of endocytosis apparently internalizes spH molecules freshly exocytosed. This component was sensitive to dynasore, a blocker of dynamin 1 GTPase activity. In contrast, this early component was resistant to myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (MiTMAB), a competitive agent that blocks dynamin binding to phospholipid membranes. The late component of endocytosis is likely to internalize spH molecules that pre‐exist at the plasma membrane before stimulation starts. This component was blocked by MiTMAB, perhaps by impairing the binding of dynamin or other key endocytic proteins to phospholipid membranes. Our study suggests the co‐existence of two sequential synaptic endocytosis steps taking place during stimulation that are susceptible to pharmacological dissection: an initial step, preferentially sensitive to dynasore, that internalizes vesicular components immediately after they are released, and a MiTMAB‐sensitive step that internalizes vesicular components pre‐existing at the plasma membrane surface. In addition, we report that post‐stimulus endocytosis also has several components with different sensitivities to dynasore and MiTMAB.
Domain fracture and recovery process of metal phthalocyanine monolayers via NO2 and H2O
Authors: Park Jun Hong , Lee Sangyeob , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: May 2015

CuPc ultrathin films (5 monolayers) are employed to detect NO2 in chemFETs [organic thin film transistors (OTFTs)]; while the NO2 causes OTFT degradation, H2O restores OTFT performance. To develop an atomic understanding of this H2O induced performance recovery, NO2/CuPc/Au(111) was exposed to H2O, then observed using ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy. After dosing NO2 (10 ppm for 5 min) onto CuPc monolayers under ambient conditions, domain fracture is induced in CuPc monolayers, and CuPc aggregates are formed near new grain boundaries, consistent with dissociative O adsorption between CuPc molecules and Au(111). Conversely, after exposing H2O onto a fractured CuPc monolayer for 30 min, fractured domains merge, then large area domains are generated. As the duration of H2O exposure increases to 4 h, second layer growth of CuPc molecules is observed on the CuPc monolayers consistent with H2O breakdown of CuPc aggregates which have formed at the domain boundaries. The results are consistent with H2O driving the removal of atomic O between CuPc molecules and Au(111) consistent with previous sensing results.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
Carnation Mottle Virus
Infecting Hop Plants
Authors: Jo Yeonhwa , Choi Hoseong , Cho Won Kyong
Published: May 2015

The
Carnation mottle virus
(CarMV) is a single positive-strand RNA virus belonging to the genus
Carmovirus
. The major natural host for CarMV is the carnation. In this study, using transcriptome data, we provide for the first time a nearly complete genome sequence of CarMV infecting hop plants.
Complete Genome Sequences of
Caldicellulosiruptor
sp. Strain Rt8.B8,
Caldicellulosiruptor
sp. Strain Wai35.B1, and “
Thermoanaerobacter cellulolyticus
”
Authors: Lee Laura L. , Izquierdo Javier A. , Blumer-Schuette Sara E. , Zurawski Jeffrey V. , Conway Jonathan M. , Cottingham Robert W. , Huntemann Marcel , Copeland Alex , Chen I-Min A. , Kyrpides Nikos , Markowitz Victor , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Ivanova Natalia , Mikhailova Natalia , Ovchinnikova Galina , Andersen Evan , Pati Amrita , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T.B.K. , Shapiro Nicole , Nordberg Henrik P. , Cantor Michael N. , Hua Susan X. , Woyke Tanja , Kelly Robert M.
Published: May 2015

The genus
Caldicellulosiruptor
contains extremely thermophilic, cellulolytic bacteria capable of lignocellulose deconstruction. Currently, complete genome sequences for eleven
Caldicellulosiruptor
species are available. Here, we report genome sequences for three additional
Caldicellulosiruptor
species: Rt8.B8 DSM 8990 (New Zealand), Wai35.B1 DSM 8977 (New Zealand), and “
Thermoanaerobacter cellulolyticus
” strain NA10 DSM 8991 (Japan).
Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Strain Btm27, an Egyptian Isolate Highly Toxic to Cotton Leafworm
Authors: Rusconi Brigida , Chen Yue , Koenig Sara S. K. , El-Helow Ehab R. , Eppinger Mark
Published: May 2015

Bacillus thuringiensis
is a potent microbial control agent against insect pests. Here, we present the draft genome of the Egyptian strain Btm27 that shows high toxicity toward the cotton leafworm. The genome contains three insecticidal genes
cry1Ac9
,
cry2Ab1
, and
vip3V
that have been implicated in conferring toxicity toward lepidoptera.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus carnosus subsp.
utilis
LTH 7013, Isolated from South Tyrolean Ham
Authors: Müller Anne , Huptas Christopher , Wenning Mareike , Schmidt Herbert , Weiss Agnes
Published: May 2015

Staphylococcus carnosus
is used as a starter culture in meat fermentation, where it contributes to color formation and produces aromatic compounds. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of an
S. carnosus
subsp.
utilis
strain, LTH 7013, isolated from South Tyrolean ham, with potential application as a starter culture.
Reversible transverse sinus collapse in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Onder Halil , Gocmen Rahsan , Gursoy-Ozdemir Yasemin
Published: May 2015

The association of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with stenosis or narrowing of the transverse sinuses (TSs) is well known. However, there is debate as to whether the stenosis is a cause or consequence. Here we describe a case of IIH and narrowing of the TSs, with four relapses and recoveries after repeated CSF diversions with lumbar puncture (LP) over 2 months. Subsequently, implantation of a lumboperitoneal shunt (LPrS) ensured recovery. MR venography 20 months after LPrS showed normally calibrated TSs. We show repeated MR venography findings before and after the LPs, and discuss the pathogenesis of IIH in terms of the cause and effect relationship between IIH and sinus collapse.
Successful use of Rituximab in a patient with recalcitrant multisystemic eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Najem Catherine E , Yadav Rajwardhan , Carlson Elise
Published: May 2015

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare eosinophil-rich disorder characterised by necrotising granulomatous inflammation affecting small to medium sized vessels. Extrapulmonary manifestations can be life-threatening when heart, central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal tract or kidneys are affected. We describe a case of a 56-year-old woman with a long-standing history of asthma, who presented with an acute sudden painless loss of vision after she had been recently diagnosed with EGPA and induced with pulse steroids and cyclophosphamide. The patient had a complicated hospital course with multisystemic involvement of active vasculitis, involving heart, kidneys, muscles, eyes and CNS. The patient’s devastating condition responded remarkably to Rituximab. The role of Rituximab in EGPA is not yet proven. Few cases are reported in the literature about the role of Rituximab in EGPA, of which only one described retinal artery occlusion as a presentation of a recently treated patient with EGPA.
Left-sided transmesocolic herniation of small bowel in an otherwise unaffected abdomen
Authors: Agarwal Akshay Anand , Sonkar Abhinav Arun , Singh Kul Ranjan , Rai Anurag
Published: May 2015

Transmesocolic hernia is an uncommon type of internal hernia with incidence ranging from approximately 5–10%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a transmesocolic hernia through a gap within the descending mesocolon presenting clinically as an intestinal obstruction. A 75-year-old man was admitted with clinical features of intestinal obstruction. An abdominal X-ray showed multiple small bowel loops with air fluid levels. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed small bowel obstruction not only on the right, but also on the left side of the collapsed descending colon. Emergency surgery was performed. Strangulated bowel loops with gangrenous changes were resected and double-barrel ileostomy was carried out. The postoperative period was uneventful. Restoration of bowel was performed after 6 weeks. Preoperative diagnosis of bowel obstruction caused by a transmesocolic hernia remains difficult despite the currently available imaging techniques. Prompt surgery can prevent serious complications such as peritonitis and sepsis.
Importance of repeat angiography in the diagnosis of iatrogenic anterior cerebral artery territory pseudoaneurysm following endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Munich Stephan A , Cress Marshall C , Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Krishna Chandan , Siddiqui Adnan H , Snyder Kenneth V
Published: May 2015

Iatrogenic intracranial pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture are rare complications following endoscopic sinus surgery. Given the propensity for devastating neurologic injury after a relatively routine procedure, swift diagnosis and treatment is essential. The authors present a patient who experienced bifrontal intracranial hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured iatrogenic frontopolar artery pseudoaneurysm caused during routine endoscopic sinus surgery. The pseudoaneurysm was not present on initial angiograms but became apparent radiographically 19 days after the endoscopic procedure. Endovascular treatment consisted of coil and Onyx embolization for sacrifice of the parent vessel proximal to the lesion. Early recognition of iatrogenic intracranial vascular injury is important to allow for rapid treatment. Initial radiographic studies may be unreliable in excluding the presence of a pseudoaneurysm so delayed repeat angiographic assessment is necessary, particularly in the presence of a high index of clinical suspicion. Endovascular techniques may provide an effective and safe option for the treatment of iatrogenic anterior cerebral artery distribution pseudoaneurysms.
Metachronous multicentric giant cell tumour in a young woman
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Agarwal Amit Kumar , Vijay Vipul , Vaish Abhishek
Published: May 2015

Multicentric giant cell tumours (GCTs) are very rare and account for less than 1% of all GCTs of bone. We report a case of a young woman with metachronous multicentric GCTs with 5 documented lesions in the same lower limb. The initial lesion started during the first trimester of pregnancy around her right pelvis, which rapidly progressed as a painful swelling with gradually restricted mobility of her right hip joint. The radiological appearance of this tumour was that of a GCT and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The role of positron emission tomography (PET) has been highlighted to detect occult lesions. A possible hormonal correlation for these tumours has been discussed. The patient was managed successfully by an aggressive surgical approach for knee and talar lesions, whereas repeated embolisation and denosumab injections were given to treat her pelvic lesion.
A preterm neonate with seizures unresponsive to conventional treatment
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Mills Philippa , Clayton Peter T , Del Giudice Ennio
Published: May 2015

The case of a patient who presented with neonatal seizures unresponsive to conventional antiepileptic drugs and pyridoxine is reported. The baby girl was subsequently treated with pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) on day 20 of life, and showed rapid seizure control and normal development, with only mildly abnormal liver function tests at the current age of 6 years. Sequencing of the pyridox(am)ine 5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) gene revealed a heterozygous insertion of a single base in exon 7. The second allele was found to be normal although the patient may carry a mutation in another gene of the vitamin B6pathway. Follow-up at 6 years of age showed a seizure-free young girl (on 42 mg/kg/day PLP) with normal development but mild elevation of liver function tests. A high index of suspicion for metabolic disease must be kept in mind with neonatal seizures unresponsive to conventional treatment.
Non-elevation of TSH after total thyroidectomy: a surgical surprise
Authors: Sadacharan Dhalapathy , Mahadevan Shriraam , Muthukumar Sankaran , Dinesh Shanmugasundaram
Published: May 2015

A 31-year-old woman with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with right cervical lymph nodal metastasis underwent total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection. At follow-up 6 weeks after surgery, she had not developed clinical features of hypothyroidism and her thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was within normal limits. Further evaluation including technetium scintigraphy of the thyroid and MRI of the chest confirmed thyroid tissue, thyrothymic thyroid rest (TTR), in the superior mediastinum. The patient's TSH elevated well after reoperation of TTR. She underwent radioiodine ablative therapy and suppressive thyroxine therapy as per the protocol for well-differentiated thyroid cancer follow-up. The clinical importance of these embryological rests of thyroid tissue, especially in the management of thyroid malignancies, is discussed in this report.
Awareness of cervical cancer prevention among mothers of adolescent daughters in Korea: qualitative research
Authors: Kim Hae Won , Kim Duck Hee
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Korean adolescent girls are unprepared for cervical cancer prevention due to the lack of a mandatory policy regarding human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and school health education regarding cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine how aware mothers are about cervical cancer prevention in their adolescent daughters, with a view to developing strategies for expanding primary cervical cancer prevention for adolescent girls through the mothers’ involvement.

Design

A qualitative design was employed. Nine mothers with adolescent daughters participated in this study and were interviewed using open-ended questions. The themes were extracted by content analysis.

Setting

A general living area in Seoul, South Korea.

Participants

The snowball method was used to select mothers.

Results

Five themes emerged. In general, the mothers’ awareness of cervical cancer was not clear, and they exhibited a lack of awareness of the importance of having a regular Papanicolaou screening test. The mothers recognised that they were role models for their daughters, and realised and accepted the necessity of educating their daughters regarding cervical cancer; however, they perceived barriers related to the prevention of cervical cancer in their daughters. The mothers recommended enforcing sex education in schools and the provision of financial support for HPV vaccination.

Conclusions

The mothers’ awareness and preparedness with respect to the prevention of cervical cancer in their adolescent daughters were low and inadequate. Mothers should be informed and motivated to play a role in the education of their daughters regarding cervical cancer prevention. Strategies for disseminating information regarding early cervical cancer prevention for adolescent girls are recommended by communicating with both the girls and their mothers and providing them with education regarding cervical cancer prevention.
Influence of gravel density in the behaviour of soft soils improved with stone columns
Authors: Miranda Marina , Da Costa Almudena , Castro Jorge , Sagaseta César
Published: May 2015

Stone columns are frequently employed to improve the bearing capacity of soft soils, to reduce settlements, and to increase the speed of consolidation. Their behaviour depends on several factors, such as the density of the aggregate that forms the column and the area replacement ratio. This paper presents a study of the influence of the density of the gravel forming the columns on the deformation and stresses around end-bearing stone columns installed in soft soils. For this purpose, the behaviour of a horizontal slice of a unit cell has been analyzed by small-scale laboratory tests performed in a Rowe–Barden cell. Tests have been performed with a gravel relative density of Dr= 30% and with two area replacement ratios. Their results have been analyzed along with those from similar tests performed with a gravel density of Dr= 100%. The study is focused on the soil–column stress concentration ratio and the reduction of settlements. Finally, the experimental results are compared with numerical simulations. The results show that a reduction of settlements around 10% occurs when the relative density of the gravel increases from Dr= 30% to 100%. Numerical analyses reproduce well the behaviour of stone columns and are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Single and combined effects of temperature and red:far-red light ratio on evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Authors: Qaderi Mirwais M. , Godin Victoria J. , Reid David M.
Published: May 2015

Few studies have considered the interactive effects of temperature and red:far-red light ratio (R:FR) on plants. We studied the effects of these two factors on evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.). Plants were grown under two temperature regimes (22 °C day – 18 °C night and 28 °C day – 24 °C night) and two R:FR light ratios (low, simulated shade FR enrichment and normal, simulated natural sunlight) in controlled-environment chambers and their growth and physiological characteristics were measured. Among the 23 parameters, 20 were affected by temperature, 21 were affected by light quality, and 16 were affected by their interactions. Higher temperatures increased stem height, photosynthetic pigments, and ethylene, but decreased gas exchange and, in turn, plant biomass. Low R:FR increased stem height, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and ethylene, but decreased photosynthetic pigments, water-use efficiency, and photosynthesis and, in turn, plant biomass. Distinct parallel patterns were found for the combined effects of temperature and light quality. Plants had 2.3 times lower total biomass under lower temperatures at low R:FR than under the same temperatures at normal R:FR. However, plants had 2.8 times lower total biomass under higher temperatures at low R:FR than under the same temperatures at normal R:FR. We conclude that the interactive effects of temperature and R:FR are different than that of the single factors on the natural populations of O. biennis.
Design of plasmonic backcontact nanogratings for broadband and polarization-insensitive absorption enhancement in thin-film solar cell
Authors: Firoozi Arezoo , Mohammadi Ahmad
Published: May 2015

We discuss the rules for designing nanostructured plasmonic backcontact of thin-film crystalline silicon solar cells using two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (2D-FDTD) method. A novel efficient quasi-periodic plasmonic nanograting is designed. Numerical calculations demonstrate that broadband and polarization-insensitive absorption enhancement is achieved by the proposed structure which is based on a supercell geometry containing N subcells in each of which there is one Ag nanowire deposited on the backcontact of the solar cell. The proposed structure offers the possibility of controlling the number and location of photonic and plasmonic modes and outperforms the periodic plasmonic nanogratings which only utilize plasmonic resonances. We start by tuning the plasmonic mode of one subcell and then construct the supercell based on the final design of the subcell. Our findings show that with a proper choice of key parameters of the nanograting, several photonic and plasmonic modes can be excited across the entire spectral region where crystalline silicon (c-Si) is absorbing. The absorption enhancement is significant, particularly in the long wavelength region where c-Si is weakly absorbing.
Nonequilibrium cross-plane energy transport in aluminum–silicon–aluminum wafer
Authors: Bin Mansoor Saad , Yilbas Bekir Sami
Published: May 2015

Transient phonon transport across cross-planes of aluminum–silicon–aluminum combined films is investigated and the Boltzmann transport equation is incorporated to formulate the energy transport in the combined films. Since electrons and phonons thermally separate in the thin aluminum film during heating, the Boltzmann equation is used separately in the electron and lattice subsystems to account for the energy transport in the aluminum film. Electron–phonon coupling is incorporated for the energy exchange between electron and lattice subsystems in the film. Thermal boundary resistance (TBR) is introduced at the interfaces of the silicon–aluminum films. In order to examine the ballistic contribution of phonons on the phonon intensity distribution in the silicon film, frequency-dependent solution of the Boltzmann equation is used in the silicon film and the film thickness is varied to investigate the size effect on the thermal conductivity in the film. It is found that equivalent equilibrium temperature of phonons remains high at silicon–aluminum interface because of the ballistic contribution of the phonons. Equivalent equilibrium temperature for the electron subsystem becomes higher than that corresponding to phonon temperature at the aluminum–silicon interface.
Knots that admit infinitely many closed essential surfaces
Authors: Lopez-Garcia Erik
Published: May 2015

Let K be a knot in S3 that admits two disjoint, separating, essential surfaces with boundary, where one of them has an accidental annulus. Then, K admits infinitely many closed essential surfaces unless the annulus is "centered". This implies for example that any non-satellite knot that admits a 4-puntured essential sphere and any alternating knot that admits a closed essential surface of genus 2 admit infinitely many closed essential surfaces.