bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of explant type, medium and soil mixture content on Dianthus deltoides L. rooting and acclimatization
Authors: Markovic Marija , Popovic Marija
Published: June 2012

The possibility of developing roots and shoots on Dianthus deltoides nodal
and apical cuttings on rooting media was investigated in vitro conditions.
The explants developed roots and shoots successfully, and the best results
were achieved on MS medium without plant hormones. Number of roots per shoot,
length of roots and ramification of roots were not significantly dependent on
the medium (NAA-naphthaleneacetic acid concentration), or on the type of
explant used (nodal or apical cuttings). The acclimatization rate of
microplants was influenced by root numbers and ramification. The transfer to
soil was successful, maximum survival rates (96%) were achieved on peat -
sand (4:1) mixture.
Host plant effect on the number of moultings and head capsule width of the gypsy moth caterpillars
Authors: Milanovic Slobodan , Milanovic Sladjan
Published: June 2012

The effect of four oak species: Turkey oak, Hungarian oak, sessile oak and
English oak on the number of moultings and head capsule width of the gypsy
moth caterpillars was researched. Host plants have a statistically
significant effect on the number of both male and female larval instars. The
highest number of larval instars was recorded for caterpillars fed on sessile
oak leaves, and the lowest number was recorded for those fed on Turkey oak
leaves. Females reared on Hungarian oak and English oak leaves had a normal
number of larval instars. Except for 1st instar caterpillars, all other
larval instars showed a statistically significant host plant effect on the
head capsule width. The widest head capsules were found on caterpillars fed
on Turkey oak leaves, and those fed on sessile oak leaves had the narrowest
head capsules. The study data on head capsule widths can be practically
applied in the determination of the optimal ratio of larval instars in the
gypsy moth population, i.e. in the determination of terms for aerial spraying
actions.
Student youth in Slovenia: In search of a future
Authors: Ule Mirjana , Zivoder Andreja
Published: June 2012

In the article, we are presenting the research results about social position
of the student youth, which were obtained in 2008 on the sample of 3008
students, and we are comparing them with selected data from a similar
research, carried out in 1995 on a sample of 1829 students in Slovenia. We
are analyzing results in light of contemporary conditions of uncertainty and
risks, which are being significantly deepened and intensified by the current
economic recession. We are reflecting on the increasing competitiveness and
marketization of tertiary education, which is in contradiction not only with
the enlightenment concept of knowledge production and dissemination, but also
with the demands and absorptive capacity of the labour market. Therefore, we
are asking ourselves whether students today are still an avant-garde of
social progress and if so, whether new students? movements, similarly to
those from 60s and 70s of the preceding century, are announcing a social
change based on a new emerging ethics of duties towards oneself.
Synchronous totally asymmetric exclusion process with a dual-input-single-output junction
Authors: Xiao Song , Wu Shuying , Zheng Dongsheng
Published: June 2012

Synchronous totally asymmetric exclusion process with a dual-input-single-output junction

In this paper, the dynamics of the synchronous totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP) with a two-input-single-output (TISO) junction was investigated, which consists of two subchains for the input and one main chain for the output. A TISO junction is a type of complex geometry that is relevant to vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow. A mean-field approach is developed to deal with the junction that connects the subchains and the main chain. Theoretical results for stationary particle currents, density profiles, and a phase diagram have been obtained. It was found that the region of the HD/HD phase increases in the phase diagram with an increase of the hopping rates of subchains. The density profiles obtained from computer simulations show very good agreement with our theoretical analysis.
Decomposition of Solutions of the Cauchy Problem of a Quasi-Homogeneous Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Ichinobe Kunio , Miyake Masatake
Published: June 2012

We give a decomposition formula for the formal solution of the Cauchy problem for a quasi-homogeneous partial differential equation with constant coefficients in the two-dimensional complex plane. The decomposition formula, Theorem 1.1, is given in a form associated with the factorization of the relevant operator which is similar to the decomposition of the solution of an ordinary differential equation with constant coefficients.
On Polish Groups of Finite Type
Authors: Ando Hiroshi , Matsuzawa Yasumichi
Published: June 2012

Sorin Popa initiated the study of Polish groups which are embeddable into the unitary group of a separable finite von Neumann algebra. Such groups are called of finite type or said to belong to the class

\mathscr{U}_{\text{fin}}

. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for Polish groups to be of finite type, and construct examples of such groups from I

_{\infty}

and II

_{\infty}

von Neumann algebras. We also discuss permanence properties of finite type groups under various algebraic operations. Finally we close the paper with some questions concerning Polish groups of finite type.
$q$-Convexity Properties of the Coverings of a Link Singularity
Authors: Colţoiu Mihnea , Joiţa Cezar , Tibăr Mihai
Published: June 2012

We prove that for a germ of normal isolated singularity

(Y,y_0)

obtained by contracting a curve if the fundamental group of the link singularity is infinite then the universal covering of

Y\setminus\{y_0\}

can be written as the union of

(n-1)

Stein open subsets.
Generalized Jacquet Modules of Parabolically Induced Representations
Authors: Abe Noriyuki
Published: June 2012

In this paper we study a generalization of the Jacquet module of a parabolically induced representation and construct a filtration on it. The successive quotients of the filtration are written by using the twisting functor.
Effects of Nonlinear Chirp on the Self-Phase Modulation of Ultrashort Optical Pulses
Authors: Suda Akira , Takeda Takanori
Published: June 2012

In this article, we analytically investigate the spectral broadening by self-phase modulation of strongly chirped optical pulses. The dispersion due to the nonlinear optical process is expressed as functions of a linear and a nonlinear initial chirp. As a result, it is found that the third-order dispersion strongly depends on the initial linear chirp and the nonlinearity for self-phase modulation.
Special Feature Organo-Fluorine Chemical Science
Authors: Hügel Helmut Martin , Jackson Neale
Published: June 2012

Fluorine is the 13th most abundant element and, with other fluorine containing functional groups, is a most effective element in biological substances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, liquid crystals, dyes, polymers and a wide range of consumer products. This reflects its resistance to metabolic change due to the strength of the C-F bond providing biological stability and the application of its nonstick-interfacial physical characteristics. Its introduction often remains a synthetic challenge. The widespread use of organofluorines has increased the demand for the development of practical and simple reagents and experimental strategies for the incorporation of fluorine into all types of molecular structures and this was the reasoning behind this special feature on Organo-Fluorine Chemical Science.The contributed articles belong to two broad groups: (i) preparation of fluorine materials, polymers; (ii) the synthesis/applications of organo-fluorine molecules. [...]
Effects of 3β-Acethyl Tormentic Acid (3ATA) on ABCC Proteins Activity
Authors: Da Graça Rocha Gleice , Simões Marisol , Oliveira Rodrigo Rodrigues , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora Coelho , Gattass Cerli Rocha
Published: June 2012

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is considered the main cause of cancer chemotherapy failure and patient relapse. The active drug efflux mediated by transporter proteins of the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) family is the most investigated mechanism leading to MDR. With the aim of inhibiting this transport and circumventing MDR, a great amount of work has been dedicated to identifying pharmacological inhibitors of specific ABC transporters. We recently showed that 3β-acetyl tormentic acid (3ATA) had no effect on P-gp/ABCB1 activity. Herein, we show that 3ATA strongly inhibited the activity of MRP1/ABCC1. In the B16/F10 and Ma104 cell lines, this effect was either 20X higher or similar to that observed with MK571, respectively. Nevertheless, the low inhibitory effect of 3ATA on A549, a cell line that expresses MRP1-5, suggests that it may not inhibit other MRPs. The use of cells transfected with ABCC2, ABCC3 or ABCC4 showed that 3ATA was also able to modulate these transporters, though with an inhibition ratio lower than that observed for MRP1/ABCC1. These data point to 3ATA as a new ABCC inhibitor and call attention to its potential use as a tool to investigate the function of MRP/ABCC proteins or as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of MDR tumors.
Generation of a Highly Reactive Chicken-Derived Single-Chain Variable Fragment against Fusarium verticillioides by Phage Display
Authors: Hu Zu-Quan , Liu Jin-Long , Li He-Ping , Xing Shu , Xue Sheng , Zhang Jing-Bo , Wang Jian-Hua , Nölke Greta , Liao Yu-Cai
Published: June 2012

Fusarium verticillioides is the primary causal agent of Fusarium ear and kernel rot in maize, producing fumonisin mycotoxins that are toxic to humans and domestic animals. Rapid detection and monitoring of fumonisin-producing fungi are pivotally important for the prevention of mycotoxins from entering into food/feed products. Chicken-derived single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against cell wall-bound proteins from F. verticillioides were isolated from an immunocompetent phage display library. Comparative phage enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) and sequencing analyses identified four different scFv antibodies with high sensitivity. Soluble antibody ELISAs identified two highly sensitive scFv antibodies, FvCA3 and FvCA4, with the latter being slightly more sensitive. Three-dimensional modeling revealed that the FvCA4 may hold a better overall structure with CDRH3, CDRL1 and CDRL3 centered in the core region of antibody surface compared with that of other scFvs. Immunofluorescence labeling revealed that the binding of FvCA4 antibody was localized to the cell walls of conidiospores and hyphae of F. verticillioides, confirming the specificity of this antibody for a surface target. This scFv antibody was able to detect the fungal mycelium as low as 10−2 μg/mL and contaminating mycelium at a quantity of 10−2 mg/g maize. This is the first report that scFv antibodies derived from phage display have a wide application for rapid and accurate detection and monitoring of fumonisin-producing pathogens in agricultural samples.
Purpurogemutantin and Purpurogemutantidin, New Drimenyl Cyclohexenone Derivatives Produced by a Mutant Obtained by Diethyl Sulfate Mutagenesis of a Marine-Derived Penicillium purpurogenum G59
Authors: Fang Shi-Ming , Cui Cheng-Bin , Li Chang-Wei , Wu Chang-Jing , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Li Li , Huang Xiao-Jun , Ye Wen-Cai
Published: June 2012

Two new drimenyl cyclohexenone derivatives, named purpurogemutantin (1) and purpurogemutantidin (2), and the known macrophorin A (3) were isolated from a bioactive mutant BD-1-6 obtained by random diethyl sulfate (DES) mutagenesis of a marine-derived Penicillium purpurogenum G59. Structures and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. Possible biosynthetic pathways for 1–3 were also proposed and discussed. Compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited human cancer K562, HL-60, HeLa, BGC-823 and MCF-7 cells, and compound 3 also inhibited the K562 and HL-60 cells. Both bioassay and chemical analysis (HPLC, LC-ESIMS) demonstrated that the parent strain G59 did not produce 1–3, and that DES-induced mutation(s) in the mutant BD-1-6 activated some silent biosynthetic pathways in the parent strain G59, including one set for 1–3 production.
1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of the Triacylglyceride Composition of Cold-Pressed Oil from Camellia japonica
Authors: Salinero Carmen , Feás Xesús , Mansilla J. Pedro , Seijas Julio A. , Vázquez-Tato M. Pilar , Vela Pilar , Sainz María J.
Published: June 2012

Camellia japonica (CJ) has oil-rich seeds, but the study of these oils has received little attention and has mainly focused only on their health properties. In the present work the relative composition of the fatty acid (FA) components of the triglycerides in cold-pressed oil from CJ is studied by 1H-NMR. The results obtained were: 75.75%, 6.0%, 0.17% and 18.67%, for oleic, linoleic, linolenic and saturated FA respectively. Levels of C18 unsaturated FA found in CJ oil were similar to those reported for olive oils. We also checked the possibility of using 13C-NMR spectroscopy; however, the results confirmed the drawback of 13C over 1H-NMR for the study of FA components of CJ triglycerides due to its low gyromagnetic ratio and its very low natural abundance.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Baccharis articulata on Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Kappel Virginia D. , Pereira Danielle F. , Cazarolli Luisa H. , Guesser Samantha M. , Da Silva Carlos H. Blum , Schenkel Eloir P. , Reginatto Flávio H. , Silva Fátima R. M. B.
Published: June 2012

In this study, the in vivo effect of the crude extract and n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers. on serum glucose levels, insulin secretion and liver and muscle glycogen content, as well as in vitro action on serum intestinal disaccharidase activity and albumin glycation were investigated. Oral administration of the extract and fractions reduced glycemia in hyperglycemic rats. Additionally, the n-butanol fraction, which has high flavonoids content, stimulated insulin secretion, exhibiting an insulinogenic index similar to that of glipizide. Also, the n-butanol fraction treatment significantly increased glycogen content in both liver and muscle tissue. In vitro incubation with the crude extract and n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions inhibited maltase activity and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Thus, the results demonstrated that B. articulata exhibits a significant antihyperglycemic and insulin-secretagogue role. These effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis observed for B. articulata indicate potential anti-diabetic properties.
Synthesis, Radiolabeling and Biological Evaluation of Propylene Amine Oxime Complexes Containing Nitrotriazoles as Hypoxia Markers
Authors: Huang Huafan , Mei Lei , Chu Taiwei
Published: June 2012

Two propylene amine oxime (PnAO) complexes, 1, containing a 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole and 2, containing two 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazoles, were synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc in high labeling yields. Cellular uptakes of 99mTc-1 and 99mTc-2 were tested using a S180 cells line. Under anoxic conditions, the cellular uptakes of 99mTc-1 and 99mTc-2 were 33.7 ± 0.2% and 35.0 ± 0.7% at 4 h, whereas the normoxic uptakes of the two complexes were 6.0 ± 1.6% and 4.6 ± 0.9%, respectively. Both 99mTc-1 and 99mTc-2 displayed significant anoxic/normoxic differentials. The cellular uptakes were highly dependent on oxygen and temperature. Biodistribution studies revealed that both 99mTc-1 and 99mTc-2 showed a selective localization in tumor and slow clearance from it. At 4 h, the tumor-to-muscle ratios (T/M) were 3.79 for 99mTc-1 and 4.58 for 99mTc-2. These results suggested that 99mTc-labeled PnAO complexes 99mTc-1 and 99mTc-2 might serve as novel hypoxia markers. By introducing a second nitrotriazole redox center, the hypoxic accumulation of the marker was slightly enhanced.
Neoadjuvant Erlotinib and Surgical Resection of a Stage IIIA Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the Lung with an L861Q Activating EGFR Mutation
Authors: Ong M. , Kwan K. , Kamel–Reid S. , Vincent M.
Published: June 2012

The use of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIS) is evolving, as is an understanding of predictive biomarkers for tumour response in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this report, we describe a case of rapidly progressing, borderline-resectable, clinical stage IIIA (micro) papillary adenocarcinoma in a 78-year-old woman who experienced a profound response to neoadjuvant erlotinib without short-term toxicity. On EGFR mutation testing, this patient had an uncommon activating point mutation at L861Q in exon 21. Her response permitted successful surgical resection with negative margins and avoidance of chemoradiation, which she was deemed too frail to tolerate. Our case addresses unique management issues such as preoperative testing for EGFR mutation, utility of histology in predicting EGFR mutations, and use of egfr-tkis pre- and postoperatively for potentially resectable NSCLC.
Should You Have a Speakers’ Table?
Authors: DeSilets Lynore D.
Published: June 2012

Should speakers have special, reserved seating at conferences? This column describes the pros and cons of having designated seating for presenters.
Keeping the Patient Focus: Using Tablet Technology to Enhance Education and Practice
Authors: King Carol Ann
Published: June 2012

Nurses are busy. Technology places a vast amount of information at their fingertips.
Dome-Shaped Macula: A Compensatory Mechanism in Myopic Anisometropia?
Authors: Keane Pearse A. , Mitra Arijit , Khan Imran J. , Quhill Fahd , Elsherbiny Samer M.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this article was to describe a patient with dome-shaped macula in the setting of mild myopic anisometropia and to speculate regarding the role of this feature as a compensatory mechanism in ocular development. The clinical records of a 49-year-old woman with this condition were reviewed. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images revealed evidence of a dome-shaped macula. B-scan ultrasonography measured axial lengths of 23.8 mm in the right eye and 22.8 mm in the left eye. Spherical equivalents were −1.375 and +0.375 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Examination of the left eye was unremarkable. Dome-shaped macula has previously only been described in patients with high myopia. These findings support the hypothesis that myopic anisometropia, rather than absolute refractive status, is central to the development of dome-shaped macula and that this feature represents a protective mechanism aimed at reducing the effects of anisometropia.
Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Serves as a Danger Signal by Augmenting Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Responses to DNA
Authors: Julian Mark W. , Shao Guohong , Bao Shengying , Knoell Daren L. , Papenfuss Tracey L. , VanGundy Zachary C. , Crouser Elliott D.
Published: June 2012

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are potent APCs known to regulate immune responses to self-Ags, particularly DNA. The mitochondrial fraction of necrotic cells was found to most potently promote human pDC activation, as reflected by type I IFN release, which was dependent upon the presence of mitochondrial DNA and involved TLR9 and receptors for advanced glycation end products. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a highly abundant mitochondrial protein that is functionally and structurally homologous to high mobility group box protein 1, was observed to synergize with CpG-containing oligonucleotide, type A, DNA to promote human pDC activation. pDC type I IFN responses to TFAM and CpG-containing oligonucleotide, type A, DNA indicated their engagement with receptors for advanced glycation end products and TLR9, respectively, and were dependent upon endosomal processing and PI3K, ERK, and NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results indicate that pDC contribute to sterile immune responses by recognizing the mitochondrial component of necrotic cells and further incriminate TFAM and mitochondrial DNA as likely mediators of pDC activation under these circumstances.
Polar Opposites: Erk Direction of CD4 T Cell Subsets
Authors: Chang Chiung-Fang , D’Souza Warren N. , Ch’en Irene L. , Pages Gilles , Pouyssegur Jacques , Hedrick Stephen M.
Published: June 2012

Effective immune responses depend upon appropriate T cell differentiation in accord with the nature of an infectious agent, and the contingency of differentiation depends minimally on TCR, coreceptor, and cytokine signals. In this reverse genetic study, we show that the MAPK Erk2 is not essential for T cell proliferation in the presence of optimum costimulation. Instead, it has opposite effects on T-bet and Gata3 expression and, hence, on Th1 and Th2 differentiation. Alternatively, in the presence of TGF-β, the Erk pathway suppresses a large program of gene expression, effectively limiting the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. In the latter case, the mechanisms involved include suppression of Gata3 and Foxp3, induction of Tbx21, phosphorylation of Smad2,3, and possibly suppression of Socs2, a positive inducer of Stat5 signaling. Consequently, loss of Erk2 severely impeded Th1 differentiation while enhancing the development of Foxp3+-induced T regulatory cells. Selected profiles of gene expression under multiple conditions of T cell activation illustrate the opposing consequences of Erk pathway signaling.
Pleuropulmonary blastoma in a 3-year-old male child with recurrence in less than two months time
Authors: Lone Reyaz Ahmad , Wani Mohd Lateef , Wani Shadab Nabi , Ahangar Abdul Gani , Nizami Furqan , Hussain Zahur , Bhat Mubasher Ahmad , Ganie Farooq Ahmad , Wani Nasir-ud-din
Published: June 2012

Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare childhood neoplasm accounting for less than one percent of all primary malignant lung tumours of children less than six years of age. Meta - stasis to central nervous system, orbit and iris, bone, contralateral lung and rarely adrenalglands, liver, kidney and pancreas has been described. We present a case of pleuropulmonary blastoma in a 3-year-old child who had a recurrence in less than three months, after surgical resection.
Evaluating the mindfulness-based coping program: an effectiveness study using a mixed model approach
Authors: Tharaldsen Kjersti B. , Bru Edvin
Published: June 2012

Since more than 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental disorders, interventions that promote mental health have been called for. Mindfulness-based coping (MBC) is an intervention based on coping skills from cognitive behavioral therapy integrating mindfulness practices. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the MBC program for psychiatric outpatients. The study employed a mixed research method with a qualitative approach using semi-structured patient interviews and clinical assessments from patients' therapists and a quantitative approach using instruments measuring mindful coping, mental ill health, and life satisfaction. The study sample included 38 psychiatric outpatients from a district psychiatric outpatient service in Norway. Results suggested that although use of the different skills varied, participants had a positive experience with the program and positive changes in psychological functioning were observed. Findings provide knowledge regarding the design of interventions integrating mindfulness to promote more adequate psychological coping.
Daily life for chronically ill oldest old persons
Authors: Moe Aud , Enmarker Ingela , Hellzén Ove
Published: June 2012

In the past, the study of old age often focused on the losses and problems associated with ageing. In recent times, the focus has been on the positive aspects, such as quality of life, inner strength, and enjoying life. The aims of this study were to highlight the ways in which chronically ill older persons experience the meaning of daily life and to understand what it means to live at home with chronic disease. In-depth interviews were used to illustrate individual experiences. The sample consisted of 13 chronically ill persons, aged 80 to 94 years, living at home and receiving assistance in the form of home nursing care. Data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutical method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified three themes: being insufficient, becoming dependent, and enjoying life. The comprehensive understanding suggested that daily life involved bad days, described as illness with dysfunctions, limited energy, and dependency on others. Daily life also had its positive aspects, described as enjoying life. Dignity was threatened by feelings of being a burden to others and was affirmed by experiencing a will to live. It was concluded that bad days with experiences of suffering and good days that provided the older with experiences of enjoying life could help them meet adversity through qualities of resilience that gave meaning to daily life and helped them to think positively in times of greater difficulty.
The Prune Belly Syndrome: Urological Aspects and Long-Term Outcomes of a Rare Disease
Authors: Zugor Vahudin , Schott Günter E. , Labanaris Apostolos P.
Published: June 2012

Prune-Belly syndrome is a disorder characterized by the following triad of symptoms: deficiency of the abdominal muscles, malformations of the urinary tract and bilateral cryptorchidism. This study included a total of 16 patients. The findings included clinical characteristics, diagnostics, therapy and long-term clinical outcomes. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire and, in some cases, were given further examination. All patients were diagnosed with congenital aplasia of the abdominal wall and a variety of urogenital malformations. Cryptorchidism was present in 11 patients (68.8%), malformations of the prostate in 3 (18.8%), urethral malformations in 8 (50%) and mega-ureter in 14 patients (87.5%). A mega-bladder was observed in 13 patients (81.3%). Distinctive renal malformations, such as renal dysplasia, in 3 patients (18.8%) and hydronephrosis in 9 patients (56.3%), respectively. Abdominoplasty was performed on 4 patients (25%). Urethral surgery was performed in 10 patients (62.5%). Seven patients (43.8%) required ureter surgery, most of which involved re-implantation of the ureter and, in some cases, additional ureter modeling. Renal surgery was performed on 5 patients. Four patients with non-functioning kidneys with hydronephrosis underwent a nephrectomy and one patient pyeloplasty. We demonstrate that successful treatment is possible even in cases of serious and complex malformations, such as those of the Prune-Belly syndrome. Treatment must be tailored to the individual patient. The severity of the renal dysplasia is the main prognostic factor.
The role of the urogynecologist with sphincteroplasty: a multidisciplinary approach to a very common, yet devastating problem
Authors: Mahmood Ali , Gajula Prianka
Published: June 2012

Fecal incontinence is a disorder that affects many women, particularly those that have been multiparous. Aside from the physical disability, this disorder affects the psychosocial aspect along with issues of self-confidence and self esteem. Sphincteroplasty for fecal incontinence is an operation that has been well described to address this problem and offers great success. However, there are many patients that suffer from pelvic organ prolapse concurrently, along with fecal incontinence. The pelvic organ prolapse is often amenable to surgical correction; however, many gynecologists prefer to fix this in a setting with minimal fecal contamination, thus obviating a joint and multidisciplinary approach with colorectal surgery. We present a series of 17 consecutive cases where a sphincteroplasty was performed, with or without a concomitant gynecological procedure for solid organ prolapse.
Contributions of Polyclonal Malaria, Gametocytemia, and Pneumonia to Infant Severe Anemia Incidence in Malaria Hyperendemic Pemba, Tanzania
Authors: Jaenisch Thomas , Sazawal Sunil , Dutta Arup , Deb Saikat , Ramsan Mahdi , Sullivan David J.
Published: June 2012

The causative factors for severe anemia incidence in sub-Saharan Africa are multifactorial. In an observational, longitudinal study of two cohorts of about 300 infants followed-up for six months in a malaria hyperendemic area, the risk factors for severe anemia incidence were clinical malaria and pneumonia, which outweighed nutritional and sociodemographic factors. Severe anemia incidence was 1–2/year at age 2 months, peaked around 6–7/year at age 7–12 months, and decreased back to 1–2/year at age 16–22 months. The age-dependent increase of severe anemia incidence was shown to be parallel to the age-dependent increase of clinical malaria. Previous clinical malaria episodes increased the severe anemia risk by 80%, and gametocyte carriage and pneumonia at prior visit was associated with a six-fold increase and a > 10-fold increase, respectively. The role of pneumonia and malaria as risk factors, and areas for interventions for severe anemia, should not be underestimated.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Young Patients with Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis Mansoni without Overt Symptoms
Authors: Manzella Adonis , Borba-Filho Paulo , Brandt Carlos T. , Oliveira Keyla
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to describe the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in young patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni without overt neurologic manifestations. This study included 34 young persons (age range = 9–25 years) with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni who had been previously treated. Patients were scanned on a 1.5-T system that included multiplanar pre-contrast and post-contrast sequences, and reports were completed by two radiologists after a consensus review. Twenty (58.8%) patients had MRI signal changes that were believed to be related to schistosomiasis mansoni. Twelve of the 20 patients had small focal hyperintensities on T2WI in the cerebral white matter, and eight patients had symmetric hyperintense basal ganglia on T1WI. There was a high frequency of brain MRI signal abnormalities in this series. Although not specific, these findings may be related to schistosomiasis.
Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Analysis for Rapid Confirmation of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Septicemic Melioidosis
Authors: Inglis Timothy J. J. , Healy Paul E. , Fremlin Leith J. , Golledge Clayton L.
Published: June 2012

Burkholderia pseudomallei was quickly identified from blood cultures collected from septicemic patients by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis using an in-house reference library. This procedure reduced the time to definitive identification by more than 24 hours. This analysis is a useful addition to laboratory methods for early recognition of septicemic melioidosis in non-endemic settings.
Impact of Indoor Residual Spraying with Lambda-Cyhalothrin on Malaria Parasitemia and Anemia Prevalence among Children Less than Five Years of Age in an Area of Intense, Year-Round Transmission in Malawi
Authors: Skarbinski Jacek , Mwandama Dyson , Wolkon Adam , Luka Madalitso , Jafali James , Smith Alison , Mzilahowa Themba , Gimnig John , Campbell Carl , Chiphwanya John , Ali Doreen , Mathanga Don P.
Published: June 2012

Little is known about the impact of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in areas with intense malaria transmission such as sub-Saharan Africa. In Malawi, IRS with lambda-cyhalothrin has been applied annually in an area of intense year-long transmission since 2007. We evaluated the impact of IRS on parasitemia and anemia prevalence in children less than five years of age by using a cross-sectional household survey conducted in 2009, six months after the second IRS spray round. We measured malaria parasitemia and anemia (hemoglobin level < 11 g/dL) in 899 children less than five years of age and used binomial regression to assess the impact of IRS by comparing children living in a household sprayed with IRS (direct IRS) with those in a household not sprayed with IRS, but in an IRS area (indirect IRS) and those living in a household not sprayed with IRS and not in an IRS area (no IRS). In the IRS area, 77% of households reported receiving IRS. Adjusting for bed net use, house construction, and socioeconomic status, we found that receiving direct IRS and indirect IRS were significantly associated with a 33% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1–54%) and 46% (95% CI = 20–64%) reduction in parasitemia and a 21% (95% CI = 4–34%) and 30% (95% CI = 12–45%) reduction in anemia prevalence, respectively.
Chagas Disease: Assessing the Existence of a Threshold for Bug Infestation Rate
Authors: Aiga Hirotsugu , Sasagawa Emi , Hashimoto Ken , Nakamura Jiro , Zúniga Concepción , Chévez José Eduardo Romero , Hernández Hector Manuel Ramos , Nakagawa Jun , Tabaru Yuichiro
Published: June 2012

To examine the existence of a possible threshold for the domestic infestation rate of Triatoma dimidiata, below which transmission becomes unlikely, a census was conducted in 59 Chagas disease endemic communities of El Salvador and Honduras. Entomological and serological tests were conducted targeting 4,083 households and 6,324 children between 6 months and 15 years of age. The overall domestic infestation rate of Triatoma dimidiata and seroprevalence among children were 12.9% and 0.49%, respectively. Communities with a domestic infestation rate at 8% or less consistently showed a seroprevalence of 0%. In communities with a domestic infestation rate above 8%, there was a wide range in seroprevalence. A domestic infestation rate of 8% could serve as the possible threshold below which transmission would become unlikely. The implementation of an 8% threshold for determining needs for universal insecticide spraying would lead to a 21% reduction in spraying-related costs.
PFE0565w, a Plasmodium falciparum Protein Expressed in Salivary Gland Sporozoites
Authors: Schlarman Maggie S. , Roberts Renee N. , Kariuki Michael M. , LaCrue Alexis N. , Ou Ruguang , Beerntsen Brenda T.
Published: June 2012

Because malaria is still a significant problem worldwide, additional control methods need to be developed. The Plasmodium sporozoite is a good target for control measures because it displays dual infectivity for both mosquito and vertebrate host tissues. The Plasmodium falciparum gene, PFE0565w, was chosen as a candidate for study based on data from PlasmoDB, the Plasmodium database, indicating that it is expressed both at the transcriptional and protein levels in sporozoites, likely encodes a putative surface protein, and may have a potential role in the invasion of host tissues. Additional sequence analysis shows that the PFE0565w protein has orthologs in other Plasmodium species, but none outside of the genus Plasmodium. PFE0565w expresses transcript during both the sporozoite and erythrocytic stages of the parasite life cycle, where an alternative transcript was discovered during the erythrocytic stages. Data show that transcript is not present during axenic exoerythrocytic stages. Despite transcript being present in several life cycle stages, the PFE0565w protein is present only during the salivary gland sporozoite stage. Because the PFE0565w protein is present in salivary gland sporozoites, it could be a novel candidate for a pre-erythrocytic stage vaccine.
The Effect of Removing Potentially Infectious Dogs on the Numbers of Canine Leishmania infantum Infections in an Endemic Area with High Transmission Rates
Authors: Grimaldi Gabriel , Teva Antonio , Santos Claudiney B. , Ferreira Adelson L. , Falqueto Aloísio
Published: June 2012

To assess the effect of the rapid removal of potentially infectious dogs on the prevalence and incidence of canine infections, a prospective study was undertaken in an area endemic for Leishmania infantum. We used serological testing based on the rapid DPP rK28 fusion protein chromatographic immunoassay for this dog screening-and-culling intervention trial. The outcome was evaluated by measuring seropositivity and sero-conversion/-reversion rates for canine infection. Our estimates indicated that concomitant detection and elimination of seropositive dogs with active disease may affect the numbers of canine infections and disease burden temporarily, although it is insufficient as a measure to interrupt the zoonotic L. infantum transmission. However, most of the asymptomatic, seropositive dogs continuously exhibit low levels of antibodies and/or reverted, remaining seronegative thereafter. In the process of waiting for an effective vaccine, one option for canine reservoir control may be to identify these possibly genetically resistant animals and promote their expansion in the population.
Effect of pH on the Grain Size Dependence of Magnesium Corrosion
Authors: Ralston K. D. , Williams G. , Birbilis N.
Published: June 2012

Prior works show that grain size can play a role in the corrosion of a metal; however, such works are nominally executed in a single electrolyte/environment at a single pH. In this work, the anodic and cathodic reaction kinetics of pure Mg specimens with grain sizes ranging from approximately 8 μm to 590 μm were compared as a function of pH in 0.1 mol dm−3 sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolytes using anodic polarization experiments and an in situ scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). Anodic polarization experiments showed that grain size is important in determining overall electrochemical response, but the environment dictates the form of the grain size vs. corrosion rate relationship (i.e., pH is the overall controlling factor). Consequently, the role of grain size upon corrosion cannot be fully assessed unless a variation in environment is simultaneously studied. For example, the anodic reaction, which dictates active corrosion, also dictates passivation, so the corrosion rate vs. grain size relationship has been shown to “flip” depending on pH. Further, SVET analysis of unpolarized Mg immersed in 0.1 mol dm−3 NaCl electrolyte at neutral pH showed that breakdown of passivity of cast Mg occurred after ~1 h immersion, giving filiform-like corrosion tracks. The front edges of these corrosion features were revealed as intense local anodes, while the remainder of the dark-corroded Mg surface, left behind as the anodes traversed the surface, became cathodically activated. In contrast, grain-refined Mg samples were significantly less susceptible to localized corrosion, and breakdown was not observed for immersion periods of up to 24 h.
Corrosion-Resistant Electrochemical Platings on Magnesium Alloys: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Chen X.B. , Yang H.Y. , Abbott T.B. , Easton M.A. , Birbilis N.
Published: June 2012

Industrial deployment of magnesium alloys in most instances requires anti-corrosion coatings. Distinct from conversion coatings, the electro/electroless plating techniques are emerging as the common means of coating magnesium; however, more research is needed. A state-of-the-art review was undertaken with respect to aqueous plating systems (including pretreatment, under-coating, and electroplating), electroless plating (being treated individually, though it is used as undercoating for subsequent plating in some cases), non-aqueous plating systems (including high-temperature molten salts and ionic liquids), and novel plating methods. In addition to the performance assessment of various plated coatings on magnesium alloys, merits and demerits of existing plating techniques are discussed. Based on the literature to date, the practical issues faced in magnesium plating are raised, and possible advances discussed, providing some instructive guidelines for future work.
Sulfur isotope fractionation during heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust
Authors: Harris E. , Sinha B. , Foley S. , Crowley J. N. , Borrmann S. , Hoppe P.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Mineral dust is a major fraction of global atmospheric aerosol, and the oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust has implications for cloud formation, climate and the sulfur cycle. Stable sulfur isotopes can be used to understand the different oxidation processes occurring on mineral dust. This study presents measurements of the 34S/32S fractionation factor α34 for oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust surfaces and in the aqueous phase in mineral dust leachate. Sahara dust, which accounts for ~60% of global dust emissions and loading, was used for the experiments. The fractionation factor for aqueous oxidation in dust leachate is αleachate = 0.9917±0.0046, which is in agreement with previous measurements of aqueous SO2 oxidation by iron solutions. This fractionation factor is representative of a radical chain reaction oxidation pathway initiated by transition metal ions. Oxidation on the dust surface at subsaturated relative humidity (RH) had an overall fractionation factor of αhet = 1.0096±0.0036 and was found to be almost an order of magnitude faster when the dust was simultaneously exposed to ozone, light and RH of ~40%. However, the presence of ozone, light and humidity did not influence isotope fractionation during oxidation on dust surfaces at subsaturated relative humidity. All the investigated reactions showed mass-dependent fractionation of 33S relative to 34S. A positive matrix factorization model was used to investigate surface oxidation on the different components of dust. Ilmenite, rutile and iron oxide were found to be the most reactive components, accounting for 85% of sulfate production with a fractionation factor of α34 = 1.012±0.010. This overlaps within the analytical uncertainty with the fractionation of other major atmospheric oxidation pathways such as the oxidation of SO2 by H2O2 and O3 in the aqueous phase and OH in the gas phase. Clay minerals accounted for roughly 12% of the sulfate production, and oxidation on clay minerals resulted in a very distinct fractionation factor of α34 = 1.085±0.013. The fractionation factors measured in this study will be particularly useful in combination with field and modelling studies to understand the role of surface oxidation on clay minerals and aqueous oxidation by mineral dust and its leachate in global and regional sulfur cycles.
Relationships between particles, cloud condensation nuclei and cloud droplet activation during the third Pallas Cloud Experiment
Authors: Anttila T. , Brus D. , Jaatinen A. , Hyvärinen A.-P. , Kivekäs N. , Romakkaniemi S. , Komppula M. , Lihavainen H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Concurrent measurement of aerosols, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and cloud droplet activation were carried out as a part of the third Pallas Cloud Experiment (PaCE-3) which took place at a ground based site located on northern Finland during the autumn of 2009. In this study, we investigate relationships between the aerosol properties, CCN and size resolved cloud droplet activation. During the investigated cloudy periods, the inferred number of cloud droplets (CDNC) varied typically between 50 and 150 cm−3 and displayed a linear correlation both with the number of particles having sizes over 100 nm and with the CCN concentrations at 0.4% supersaturation. Furthermore, the diameter corresponding to the 50% activation fraction, D50, was generally in the range of 80 to 120 nm. The measured CCN concentrations were compared with predictions of a numerical model which used the measured size distribution and size resolved hygroscopicity as input. Assuming that the droplet surface tension is equal to that of water, the measured and predicted CCN concentrations were generally within 30%. We also simulated size dependent cloud droplet activation with a previously developed air parcel model. By forcing the model to reproduce the experimental values of CDNC, adiabatic estimates for the updraft velocity and the maximum supersaturation reached in the clouds were derived. Performed sensitivity studies showed further that the observed variability in CDNC was driven mainly by changes in the particle size distribution while the variations in the updraft velocity and hygroscopicity contributed to a lesser extent. The results of the study corroborate conclusions of previous studies according to which the number of cloud droplets formed in clean air masses close to the Arctic is determined mainly by the number of available CCN.
Behavior of substorm auroral arcs and Pi2 waves: implication for the kinetic ballooning instability
Authors: Chang T. F. , Cheng C. Z. , Chiang C. Y. , Chen A. B.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. We present synoptic observations of the 21 December 2006 substorm event by the THEMIS ground-based All-Sky-Imagers, the ISUAL CCD Imager aboard the FORMOSAT-2 satellite, the geosynchronous satellites and the ground-based magnetometers, and discuss the implication of the observations. There are three subsequent arc breakups with time separation of <1 min during the substorm expansion phase. In particular, we investigated the mode number of the substorm arc bead-like structure and the concurrent behavior of the arc intensity, the westward electroject intensity, and the ground Pi2 pulsation amplitude. Prior to each arc breakup there was a clear azimuthally-spaced bright spot structure along the arc with high mode number (~140–180) and the arc intensity increased together with the westward electrojet and the ground Pi2 pulsation amplitude under the arc. The Pi1 perturbations observed under the arc appeared at or after the arc breakup started. This suggests that the Pi2 pulsation is related to the arc formation. The Pi2 pulsation may be caused by the kinetic ballooning instability (KBI) that is excited in the strong cross-tail current region. The longitudinal extent of the earthward expansion front of the substorm dipolarization region at the geosynchronous orbit is estimated from timings of the energetic proton and electron injections and is roughly located between ~19.50 MLT and ~23.00 MLT, which is consistent with the corresponding longitudinal extent of the auroral substorm activity.
Oxygen exchange and ice melt measured at the ice-water interface by eddy correlation
Authors: Long M. H. , Koopmans D. , Berg P. , Rysgaard S. , Glud R. N. , Søgaard D. H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This study examined fluxes across the ice-water interface utilizing the eddy correlation technique. Temperature eddy correlation systems were used to determine rates of ice melting and freezing, and O2 eddy correlation systems were used to examine O2 exchange rates driven by biological and physical processes. The study was conducted below 0.7 m thick sea-ice in mid-March 2010 in a southwest Greenland fjord and revealed low rates of ice melt at a maximum of 0.80 mm d−1. The O2 flux associated with release of O2 depleted melt water was less than 13 % of the average daily O2 respiration rate. Ice melt and insufficient vertical turbulent mixing due to low current velocities caused periodic stratification immediately below the ice. This prevented the determination of fluxes 61 % of the deployment time. These time intervals were identified by examining the velocity and the linearity and stability of the cumulative flux. The examination of unstratified conditions through vertical velocity and O2 spectra and their cospectra revealed characteristic fingerprints of well-developed turbulence. From the measured O2 fluxes a photosynthesis/irradiance curve was established by least-squares fitting. This relation showed that light limitation of net photosynthesis began at 4.2 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and that algal communities were well-adapted to low-light conditions as they were light saturated for 75 % of the day during this early spring period. However, the sea-ice associated microbial and algal community was net heterotrophic with a daily gross primary production of 0.69 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 and a respiration rate of −2.13 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 leading to a net ecosystem metabolism of −1.45 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. This application of the eddy correlation technique produced high temporal resolution O2 fluxes and ice melt rates that were measured without disturbing the in situ environmental conditions while integrating over an area of approximately 50 m2 which incorporated the highly variable activity and spatial distributions of sea-ice communities.