bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Distributional Consequences of Tax Reforms Under Capital–Skill Complementarity
Authors: Angelopoulos Konstantinos , Fernandez Bernardo X. , Malley James R.
Published: April 2014

This paper analyses wage inequality and the welfare effects of changes in capital and labour income tax rates for different types of agents. To achieve this, we develop a model that allows for capital–skill complementarity given non‐uniform distributions of asset holdings and labour skills. We find that capital tax reductions lead to the highest aggregate welfare gains but are skill‐biased and thus increase inequality. However, our analysis also shows that the inequality effects of capital tax reductions are lower over the transition period compared with the long run.
Educational Aspirations and Attitudes over the Business Cycle
Authors: Taylor Mark , Rampino Tina
Published: April 2014

UK policy debate has recently focused on the role of young people's aspirations and attitudes in raising educational attainment. We use the youth component of the British Household Panel Survey to examine how educational attitudes and aspirations among 11‐ to 15‐year‐olds vary with the local unemployment rate. We find that children who have highly educated parents with positive educational attitudes react more positively to low labour demand than those from less educated families with negative educational attitudes. This reduces social mobility and increases persistence in educational inequality for a cohort growing up in a recession.
The Additional Value of Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Complex Aortic Prosthetic Heart Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Tanis Wilco , Teske Arco J. , van Herwerden Lex A. , Chamuleau Steven , Meijboom Folkert , Budde Ricardo P.J. , Cramer Maarten‐Jan
Published: April 2014

Background

Two‐dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (2DTTE and 2DTEE) may fail to detect signs of prosthetic heart valve (PHV) endocarditis due to acoustic shadowing. Three‐dimensional (3D) TEE may have additional value; however, data are scarce. This study was performed to investigate the additional value of 3DTEE for the detection of aortic PHV endocarditis and the extent of the disease process.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of complex aortic PHV endocarditis cases that underwent 2DTTE, 2DTEE, and 3DTEE before surgery. Echocardiograms were individually assessed by 2 cardiologists blinded for the outcome. Surgical and pathological inspection served as the reference standard for vegetations and peri‐annular extensions (abscesses/mycotic aneurysms). To determine if the proximal coronary arteries were involved in the inflammatory process as well, computed tomography angiography findings were added to reference standard.

Results

Fifteen aortic PHV endocarditis cases were identified. According to the reference standard, all 15 cases had peri‐annular extensions, 13 of which had a close relationship with the proximal right and/or left coronary artery. In 6 of 15 patients, a vegetation was present. Combined 2DTTE/TEE missed 1/6 vegetations and 1/15 peri‐annular extensions. After addition of 3DTEE, all vegetations (6/6) and peri‐annular extensions (15/15) were detected, without adding false positives. Compared to 2DTEE, in 3/15 cases, 3DTEE resulted in better delineation of the anatomical relationship of the proximal coronary arteries to the peri‐annular extensions. As a result, 3DTEE had an additional value in 5/15 cases.

Conclusion

In complex aortic, PHV endocarditis 3DTEE may have additional value compared to 2D echocardiography.
Prey C:P ratio and phosphorus recycling by a planktivorous fish: advantages of fish selection towards pelagic cladocerans
Authors: Reissig Mariana , Queimaliños Claudia , Modenutti Beatriz , Balseiro Esteban
Published: April 2014

Prey selection by the small planktivore Galaxias maculatus and phosphorus gain depending on diet has been examined related to predator–prey daily distribution. Prey elemental composition (C:P ratio) was analysed as a factor of selectivity. Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of prey on phosphorus recycling. Results revealed that the pelagic cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia was a highly selected prey by all fish sizes at dawn and dusk, despite its low abundances in comparison with other zooplankters, while the littoral were ingested only during day. The high selectivity for C. dubia showed that G. maculatus moved to pelagic zone during night to consume this prey but returned to littoral areas during day due to the increase in predation risk. Analysis of elemental composition revealed that P content of C. dubia was significantly higher than other planktonic or littoral prey (Bosmina longirostris, Boeckella gracilipes and chironomids). Phosphorus recycling experiments showed that G. maculatus would transport and supply P in available forms for primary producers. Fish size was observed to influence P recycling as YOY had significant higher mass‐specific P release in the morning and mid‐day when they preyed mainly upon C. dubia. Low prey C:P ratio appears as a factor that would add benefits to the classical visual fish selection towards cladocerans, as this preference would imply a net phosphorus gain for fish.
Identification of the major HHV‐6 antigen recognized by cerebrospinal fluid IgG in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alenda R. , Álvarez‐Lafuente R. , Costa‐Frossard L. , Arroyo R. , Mirete S. , Álvarez‐Cermeño J. C. , Villar L. M.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Different data show an association between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Intrathecal anti‐HHV‐6 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected in MS patients, but the antigen recognized by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG has not been characterized yet. Our objective was to identify the HHV‐6 antigens recognized by IgG present in the CSF of patients with MS.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid IgG of 15 MS patients and eight patients with other neurological diseases was purified on protein G Sepharose columns. Purified IgG from every patient was linked to a CNBr‐activated Sepharose 4B column. Fifty micrograms of viral extract was applied to each column. Bound proteins were eluted and analysed by SDS‐PAGE and silver staining. The viral protein was characterized by mass spectrometry.

Results

A protein of 150 kD was eluted from CSF IgG columns of three of eight patients with primary progressive MS and one of seven with relapsing−remitting MS. After digestion and mass spectrometry analysis 10 peptides were found with 100% homology with the major capsid protein of the HHV‐6A.

Discussion

These findings confirm the presence of anti‐HHV‐6 IgG in CSF of MS patients, particularly in progressive forms, and identify major capsid protein as the major antigen recognized by CSF IgG from MS patients.
Predictors of hippocampal atrophy in critically ill patients
Authors: Lindlau A. , Widmann C. N. , Putensen C. , Jessen F. , Semmler A. , Heneka M. T.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Hippocampal atrophy is presumably one morphological sign of critical illness encephalopathy; however, predictors have not yet been determined.

Methods

The data for this report derived from patients treated at the intensive care units (ICUs) of the University Hospital in Bonn in the years 2004–2006. These patients underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging 6–24 months after discharge. Volumes (intracranial, whole brain, white matter, grey matter, cerebral spinal fluid, bilateral hippocampus) were compared with healthy controls. Pro‐inflammatory parameters and ICU scoring systems were explored in conjunction with brain volumes. Cut‐scores were defined to differentiate patients with high from those with low inflammatory response.

Results

Hippocampal and white matter volume were reduced in critically ill patients compared with healthy controls. Procalcitonin showed a very strong correlation (r = −0.903, P = 0.01) and interleukin‐6 a moderate correlation (r = −0.538, P = 0.031) with hippocampal volume, but not with other brain volumes. C‐reactive protein was linked to grey matter volume. There was no correlation with systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count) or for hippocampal or whole brain volume. Furthermore, parameters representing severity of disease (APACHE II score, SOFA score, duration of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation) were not associated with hippocampal or other brain volumes.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that high levels of procalcitonin and interleukin‐6 in the blood serum of critically ill patients are associated with a high likelihood of hippocampal atrophy irrespective of the severity of disease measured by ICU scoring systems and other inflammatory parameters.
Characterization of the interaction between a SirR family transcriptional factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, encoded by Rv2788, and a pair of toxin–antitoxin proteins RelJ/K, encoded by Rv3357 and Rv3358
Authors: Yang Min , Gao Chun‐Hui , Hu Jialing , Dong Chao , He Zheng‐Guo
Published: April 2014

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems play significant roles in the regulation of bacterial growth and persistence, and their functions usually depend on protein–protein interaction between their constituent TA proteins. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these systems, particularly their interaction with other cellular components, are still poorly understood. This study investigated cross‐talk between the TA module RelJ/K (Rv3357/Rv3358) and the transcriptional regulator staphylococcal iron regulator repressor (SirR, Rv2788) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We characterized the physical interaction of SirR with both RelJ and RelK using bacterial two‐hybrid, pull‐down and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. Similarly to RelK, SirR regulates the DNA‐binding activity of RelJ and alleviates its inhibitory effect on the activity of the Rv3357p promoter. Furthermore, SirR may replace RelJ to alleviate the inhibitory effect of the toxin RelK on bacterial growth. Conversely, both RelJ and RelK competitively inhibit the interaction between SirR and their respective promoters. Thus, our results show that SirR interacts with a pair of toxin and antitoxin proteins, and exhibits antitoxin‐like function to neutralize the toxin. These findings demonstrate a novel function of the SirR regulator of M. tuberculosis as well as a novel mechanism of regulation of TA systems.

Structured digital abstract

SirR binds to RelJ by pull down (view interaction)

SirR binds to RelK by pull down (view interaction)

RelJ physically interacts with RelK by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (1, 2)

SirR physically interacts with RelK by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (view interaction)

SirR physically interacts with RelJ by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (view interaction)

RelJ and SirR physically interact by two-hybrid (view interaction)

SirR and RelK physically interact by two-hybrid (view interaction)

RelK and RelJ physically interact by two-hybrid (view interaction)
Vigilin interacts with CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) and is involved in CTCF‐dependent regulation of the imprinted genes Igf2 and H19
Authors: Liu Qiuying , Yang Bo , Xie Xiaoyan , Wei Ling , Liu Wenquan , Yang Wenli , Ge Yajun , Zhu Qiang , Zhang Junzhe , Jiang Lei , Yu Xiaoqin , Shen Wenyan , Li Ran , Shi Xuejiao , Li Bo , Qin Yang
Published: April 2014

CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF), a highly conserved zinc finger protein, is a master organizer of genome spatial organization and has multiple functions in gene regulation. Mounting evidence indicates that CTCF regulates the imprinted genes Igf2 and H19 by organizing chromatin at the Igf2/H19 locus, although the mechanism by which CTCF carries out this function is not fully understood. By yeast two‐hybrid screening, we identified vigilin, a multi‐KH‐domain protein, as a new partner of CTCF. Subsequent coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S‐transferase pulldown experiments confirmed that vigilin interacts with CTCF. Moreover, vigilin is present at several known CTCF target sites, such as the promoter regions of c‐myc and BRCA1, the locus control region of β‐globin, and several regions within the Igf2/H19 locus. In vivo depletion of vigilin did not affect CTCF binding; however, knockdown of CTCF reduced vigilin binding to the H19 imprinting control region. Furthermore, ectopic expression of vigilin significantly downregulated Igf2 and upregulated H19, whereas depletion of vigilin upregulated Igf2 and downregulated H19, in HepG2, CNE1 and HeLa cells. These results reveal the functional relevance of vigilin and CTCF, and show that the CTCF–vigilin complex contributes to regulation of Igf2/H19.

Structured digital abstract

CTCF physically interacts with Vigilin by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with L31 by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with CHD1L by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with Ral A by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with DDX17 by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with ND4 by two hybrid (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with Vigilin by pull down (View interaction)

CTCF physically interacts with Vigilin by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (1, 2)
Cu(II) and dopamine bind to α‐synuclein and cause large conformational changes
Authors: Tavassoly Omid , Nokhrin Sergiy , Dmitriev Oleg Y. , Lee Jeremy S.
Published: April 2014

α‐Synuclein (AS) is an intrinsically disordered protein that can misfold and aggregate to form Lewy bodies in dopaminergic neurons, a classic hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The binding of Cu(II) and dopamine to AS was evaluated by nanopore analysis with α‐hemolysin. In the absence of Cu(II), wild‐type AS (1 μm) readily translocated through the pore with a blockade current of − 85 pA, but mostly bumping events were observed in the presence of 25 μm Cu(II). A binding site in the N‐terminus was confirmed, because Cu(II) had no effect on the event profile of a peptide consisting of the C‐terminal 96–140 residues. In the presence of dopamine (25 μm), the translocation events at − 85 pA shifted to − 80 pA, which also represents translocation events, because the event time decreases with increasing voltage. Events at − 80 pA were also observed for the mutant A30P AS in the presence of dopamine. Event profiles for an N‐terminal 1–60‐residue peptide and a C‐terminal 96–140‐residue peptide were both altered in the presence of 25 μm dopamine. In contrast, dopamine had little effect on the CD spectrum of AS, and a single binding site with a Ka of 3.5 × 103 m−1 was estimated by isothermal titration calorimetry. Thus, dopamine can interact with both the N‐terminus and the C‐terminus. Two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy of AS in the presence of dopamine showed that there were significant changes in the spectra in all regions of the protein. According to these findings, a model is presented in which dopamine induces folding between the N‐terminus and C‐terminus of AS. Partially folding conformations such as this may represent important intermediates in the misfolding of AS that leads to fibrillization.
Barite in hydrothermal environments as a recorder of subseafloor processes: a multiple‐isotope study from the Loki's Castle vent field
Authors: Eickmann B. , Thorseth I. H. , Peters M. , Strauss H. , Bröcker M. , Pedersen R. B.
Published: April 2014

Barite chimneys are known to form in hydrothermal systems where barium‐enriched fluids generated by leaching of the oceanic basement are discharged and react with seawater sulfate. They also form at cold seeps along continental margins, where marine (or pelagic) barite in the sediments is remobilized because of subseafloor microbial sulfate reduction. We test the possibility of using multiple sulfur isotopes (δ34S, Δ33S, ∆36S) of barite to identify microbial sulfate reduction in a hydrothermal system. In addition to multiple sulfur isotopes, we present oxygen (δ18O) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes for one of numerous barite chimneys in a low‐temperature (~20 °C) venting area of the Loki's Castle black smoker field at the ultraslow‐spreading Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridge (AMOR). The chemistry of the venting fluids in the barite field identifies a contribution of at least 10% of high‐temperature black smoker fluid, which is corroborated by 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the barite chimney that are less radiogenic than in seawater. In contrast, oxygen and multiple sulfur isotopes indicate that the fluid from which the barite precipitated contained residual sulfate that was affected by microbial sulfate reduction. A sulfate reduction zone at this site is further supported by the multiple sulfur isotopic composition of framboidal pyrite in the flow channel of the barite chimney and in the hydrothermal sediments in the barite field, as well as by low SO4 and elevated H2S concentrations in the venting fluids compared with conservative mixing values. We suggest that the mixing of ascending H2‐ and CH4‐rich high‐temperature fluids with percolating seawater fuels microbial sulfate reduction, which is subsequently recorded by barite formed at the seafloor in areas where the flow rate is sufficient. Thus, low‐temperature precipitates in hydrothermal systems are promising sites to explore the interactions between the geosphere and biosphere in order to evaluate the microbial impact on these systems.
Modeling climate impact on an emerging disease, thePhytophthora alni‐induced alder decline
Authors: Aguayo Jaime , Elegbede Fabrice , Husson Claude , Saintonge François‐Xavier , Marçais Benoît
Published: April 2014

Alder decline caused byPhytophthora alniis one of the most important emerging diseases in natural ecosystems in Europe, where it has threatened riparian ecosystems for the past 20 years. Environmental factors, such as mean site temperature and soil characteristics, play an important role in the occurrence of the disease. The objective of the present work was to model and forecast the effect of environment on the severity of alderPhytophthoraoutbreaks, and to determine whether recent climate change might explain the disease emergence. Two alder sites networks inNEandSWFrance were surveyed to assess the crown health of trees; the oomycete soil inoculum was also monitored in theNEnetwork. The main factors explaining the temporal annual variation in alder crown decline or crown recovery were the mean previous winter and previous summer temperatures. Both low winter temperatures and high summer temperatures were unfavorable to the disease. Cold winters promoted tree recovery because of poor survival of the pathogen, while hot summer temperature limited the incidence of tree decline. AnSISmodel explaining the dynamics of theP. alni‐induced alder decline was developed using the data of theNEsite network and validated using theSWsite network. This model was then used to simulate the frequency of declining alder over time with historical climate data. The last 40 years' weather conditions have been generally favorable to the establishment of the disease, indicating that others factors may be implicated in its emergence. The model, however, showed that the climate ofSWFrance was much more favorable for the disease than that of the Northeast, because it seldom limited the overwintering of the pathogen. Depending on the European area, climate change could either enhance or decrease the severity of the alder decline.
Gold Standard Lessons for the Eurozone
Authors: Morys Matthias
Published: April 2014

This article explores some lessons of the gold standard for the eurozone crisis with specific focus on the interwar period. Resurrected in the 1920s, the interwar gold standard malfunctioned from the onset, contributing to theGreatDepression's quick propagation and severity, and its abandonment between 1929 and 1936 was a critical factor in ending theGreatDepression, with countries devaluing earlier and more sizeably recovering more quickly. The intricate combination of similarities and differences with the present situation makes one of two outcomes likely: either some countries will eventually leave the eurozone to boost their growth prospects; or, the eurozone will remain intact as a result of stronger political co‐operation today, but a poorly working internal adjustment mechanism could result in low growth rates for the foreseeable future, similar to the experience of the gold bloc countries in the 1930s.
Policy Options for the Euro: Heterodoxy Ahead
Authors: Urban Scott
Published: April 2014

This article compares the euro crisis to the Great Depression. The challenge in both is to depreciate the real exchange rate of crisis countries – regain ‘competitiveness’ – without depreciating the nominal exchange rate. The monetary arrangements in the Great Depression elicited zeal against nominal depreciation similar to that in the eurozone today. To anticipate the conclusion: recovery in the Great Depression depended upon nominal depreciation or imposition of currency controls. Similar heterodoxy is in store for the eurozone.
External Perceptions and EU Foreign Policy Effectiveness: The Case of Climate Change
Authors: Torney Diarmuid
Published: April 2014

Recent research on external perceptions of the European Union (EU) has not explored sufficiently the implications of its findings for the effectiveness of EU external policies. To address this gap, this article explores the relationship between external perceptions and effectiveness by considering the case of climate change in which, despite broadly favourable external perceptions, EU external effectiveness has been somewhat limited. It uses the case of Chinese and Indian relations with the EU on climate change to illustrate that the findings of the external perceptions literature should be interpreted in the light of the dynamics of specific policy areas as well as broader changes in the context of world politics. The argument is illustrated using the example of negotiations on the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012, which shows how, under certain circumstances, positive external perceptions may in fact limit external effectiveness.
Evolution of phenotypic plasticity and environmental tolerance of a labile quantitative character in a fluctuating environment
Authors: Lande R.
Published: April 2014

Quantitative genetic models of evolution of phenotypic plasticity are used to derive environmental tolerance curves for a population in a changing environment, providing a theoretical foundation for integrating physiological and community ecology with evolutionary genetics of plasticity and norms of reaction. Plasticity is modelled for a labile quantitative character undergoing continuous reversible development and selection in a fluctuating environment. If there is no cost of plasticity, a labile character evolves expected plasticity equalling the slope of the optimal phenotype as a function of the environment. This contrasts with previous theory for plasticity influenced by the environment at a critical stage of early development determining a constant adult phenotype on which selection acts, for which the expected plasticity is reduced by the environmental predictability over the discrete time lag between development and selection. With a cost of plasticity in a labile character, the expected plasticity depends on the cost and on the environmental variance and predictability averaged over the continuous developmental time lag. Environmental tolerance curves derived from this model confirm traditional assumptions in physiological ecology and provide new insights. Tolerance curve width increases with larger environmental variance, but can only evolve within a limited range. The strength of the trade‐off between tolerance curve height and width depends on the cost of plasticity. Asymmetric tolerance curves caused by male sterility at high temperature are illustrated. A simple condition is given for a large transient increase in plasticity and tolerance curve width following a sudden change in average environment.
Selection from parasites favours immunogenetic diversity but not divergence among locally adapted host populations
Authors: Tobler M. , Plath M. , Riesch R. , Schlupp I. , Grasse A. , Munimanda G. K. , Setzer C. , Penn D. J. , Moodley Y.
Published: April 2014

The unprecedented polymorphism in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is thought to be maintained by balancing selection from parasites. However, do parasites also drive divergence at MHC loci between host populations, or do the effects of balancing selection maintain similarities among populations? We examined MHC variation in populations of the livebearing fish Poecilia mexicana and characterized their parasite communities. Poecilia mexicana populations in the Cueva del Azufre system are locally adapted to darkness and the presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide, representing highly divergent ecotypes or incipient species. Parasite communities differed significantly across populations, and populations with higher parasite loads had higher levels of diversity at class II MHC genes. However, despite different parasite communities, marked divergence in adaptive traits and in neutral genetic markers, we found MHC alleles to be remarkably similar among host populations. Our findings indicate that balancing selection from parasites maintains immunogenetic diversity of hosts, but this process does not promote MHC divergence in this system. On the contrary, we suggest that balancing selection on immunogenetic loci may outweigh divergent selection causing divergence, thereby hindering host divergence and speciation. Our findings support the hypothesis that balancing selection maintains MHC similarities among lineages during and after speciation (trans‐species evolution).
Murine solid tumours as a novel model to study bacterial biofilm formation in vivo
Authors: Pawar V. , Crull K. , Komor U. , Kasnitz N. , Frahm M. , Kocijancic D. , Westphal K. , Leschner S. , Wolf K. , Loessner H. , Rohde M. , Häussler S. , Weiss S.
Published: April 2014

Bacteria of many species are able to invade and colonize solid tumours in mice. We have focused on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Detailed analysis revealed that such tumour‐invading Salmonella form biofilms, thus providing a versatile in vivo test system for studying bacterial phenotypes and host–pathogen interactions. It appears that biofilm formation by S. typhimurium is induced as a defence against the immune system of the host, and in particular against neutrophils. Further, we extended our work to the clinically more relevant biofilm infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The induction of P. aeruginosa biofilms in neoplastic tissue appears to be elicited as a reaction against the immune system. Reconstitution experiments reveal that T cells are responsible for biofilm induction. Isogenic mutants that are no longer able to form biofilms can be used for comparison studies to determine antimicrobial resistance, especially therapeutic efficacy against P. aeruginosa located in biofilms.
Veterinary treatment and rehabilitation of indigenous wildlife
Authors: Mullineaux E.
Published: April 2014

Veterinary surgeons in general practice are frequently presented with injured or orphaned animals by wildlife rescue centres, members of the public or police officers. Following treatment, many of these animals are released to the wild. Despite the large numbers of wildlife casualties rehabilitated in this way there are few published data detailing species, numbers treated, quality of care provided and outcome following release. There is also ongoing debate regarding the welfare and conservation benefits of such human intervention. This article reviews the available published evidence on wildlife rehabilitation and offers recommendations on future policy.
In vitro antifungal effect and inhibitory activity on biofilm formation of seven commercial mouthwashes
Authors: Fu J , Wei P , Zhao C , He C , Yan Z , Hua H
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate the antifungal ability of seven over‐the‐counter mouthwashes against planktonic and sessile Candida albicans and Candida krusei.

Materials and Methods

The seven mouthwashes studied were Listerine®, compound chlorhexidine solution, povidone iodine solution (PV‐I), cetylpyridinium chloride solution, Colgate® Plax, Crest® Prohealth Mouthwash, and NaHCO3. The antifungal ability of each mouthwash against ATCC90028, ATCC6258, and 10 clinical C. albicans isolates was tested using disk diffusion tests, the broth microdilution method, and biofilm testing with two different XTT‐reduction assays. Fluconazole was used as a positive control, and the experiments were performed in triplicate.

Results

Chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride had the largest inhibition zones for ATCC90028 and ATCC6258 (18.6 ± 3.5 and 19 ± 1.6 mm, respectively). Cetylpyridinium chloride was the most effective at inhibiting all of the planktonic C. albicans strains and ATCC6258 with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). As the maturity of the biofilms increased, the change in sessile cell MIC of the mouthwashes was much smaller than that of fluconazole. For the mature biofilms, chlorhexidine, PV‐I, and cetylpyridinium chloride produced the greatest reductions in metabolism (60–80%).

Conclusion

Most of these seven mouthwashes had significant antifungal activity for both planktonic and sessile Candida species.
Immunomodulation regulates mesenchymal stem cell‐based bone regeneration
Authors: Su Y , Shi S , Liu Y
Published: April 2014

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based regenerative medicine represents a promising frontier for bone reconstruction. Significant efforts have been devoted to clarifying the capacities of MSCs to repair or reconstruct bone tissue. This review provides a concise summary of current knowledge pertaining to the possible mechanisms of MSC action in the regeneration of bone, with particular focus on the interplay between donor MSCs and host immune response in the process of new bone regeneration.
The secret of the care of the patient is in knowing and applying the evidence about effective clinical communication
Authors: Frankel RM , Sherman HB
Published: April 2014

American physicians and dentists conduct approximately 140 000–160 000 patient interviews in a practice lifetime, making the interview the most frequently performed medical procedure. Over the past 75 years, a steadily growing stream of scientific research has confirmed the fact that patient–clinician communication affects the course, direction, and both biomedical and functional outcomes of care. The field of clinical communication research has matured from anecdotes and aphorisms about ‘bedside manner’ to sophisticated randomized control trials and evidence‐based outcomes that have been translated into reliable practice guidelines. Several key skills or habits of practice have been identified and studied in terms of their efficacy and effectiveness. These include the importance of agenda‐setting, eliciting patients' perspectives about the nature of their ailments, communicating caring and concern, and testing for patient comprehension and agreement with proposed treatments. In addition to being effective, interpersonal communication can be deeply satisfying as well as offering a lower probability of law suits in the event of an adverse outcome.
Protective immunity and use of bortezomib for antibody‐mediated rejection in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Claes Donna J. , Yin Hong , Goebel Jens
Published: April 2014

Standard treatments for AMR—rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or plasmapheresis—aim to suppress the production and modulate the effect of donor‐specific antibodies and remove them, respectively. Proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib are potent therapeutic agents that target plasma cells more effectively than rituximab to reduce measurable donor‐specific antibody production. Little is known in adults, and no data exist in children about effects of proteasome inhibition to treat AMR on protective antibody titers. We present a pediatric renal transplant recipient who received bortezomib for relatively early AMR and whose antibody titers to measles and tetanus were tracked. The AMR was treated successfully, and we noted no clinical decrease in the overall level of protective immunity from pretransplant baseline levels at almost one yr after AMR treatment cessation. Larger studies will elucidate more clearly how proteasome inhibition to treat AMR affects protective immunity in pediatric transplant recipients.
Reduced NK Cell Percentage at Birth is Associated with Late Onset Infection in Very Preterm Neonates
Authors: Ma L. , Chen R. , Liu F. , Li Y. , Wu Z. , Zhong W. , Lu G. , Wang B.
Published: April 2014

Immune status in the early life of preterm infants and its association with late onset infection has not been fully described. To investigate immune status of lymphocyte subsets in the first week in preterm neonates and its association with late onset infection, 143 preterm neonates (84 neonates ≤32 weeks, 59 neonates of 33–36 weeks) and 49 term neonates were recruited. Absolute counts and percentages of lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry in umbilical cord or venous blood at birth (in all neonates), on day 3 and 7 (in preterm neonates). The presence of late onset infection was recorded in very preterm neonates ≤32 weeks. At birth, absolute counts of most lymphocyte subsets in all preterm neonates and percentages of B cell and NK cell in those ≤32 weeks were reduced compared with term neonates. Absolute counts of all the subsets in preterm neonates showed decline after birth then beginning to rise after day 3. Late onset infections were documented in 33 of 84 very preterm infants ≤32 weeks and 27 of 45 very preterm infants ≤30 weeks. Percentages of NK cell at birth in very preterm neonates ≤30 weeks with late onset infection were significantly reduced compared with those without infection (P < 0.01). In conclusion, immune status of lymphocyte subsets in preterm neonates at birth is less developmental than in term neonates, in spite of the ability of getting improvement in the first week. Reduced NK cell percentage at birth would increase the risk of subsequent infection in very preterm infants.
Phenotypic Differences in Leucocyte Populations among Healthy Preterm and Full‐Term Newborns
Authors: Quinello C. , Silveira‐Lessa A. L. , Ceccon M. E. J. R. , Cianciarullo M. A. , Carneiro‐Sampaio M. , Palmeira P.
Published: April 2014

The immune system of neonates has been considered functionally immature, and due to their high susceptibility to infections, the aim of this study was to analyse the phenotypic differences in leucocyte populations in healthy preterm and full‐term newborns. We evaluated the absolute numbers and frequencies of dendritic cells (DCs) and DC subsets, monocytes and T and B lymphocytes and subsets in the cord blood of healthy moderate and very preterm (Group 1), late preterm (Group 2) and full‐term (Group 3) newborns and in healthy adults, as controls, by flow cytometry. The analyses revealed statistically higher absolute cell numbers in neonates compared with adults due to the characteristic leucocytosis of neonates. We observed a lower frequency of CD80+ myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs in Group 1 and reduced expression of TLR‐4 on myeloid DCs in all neonates compared with adults. TLR‐2+ monocytes were reduced in Group 1 compared with Groups 2 and 3, and TLR‐4+ monocytes were reduced in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. The frequencies and numbers of naïve CD4+ T and CD19+ B cells were higher in the three groups of neonates compared with adults, while CD4+ effector and effector memory T cells and CD19+ memory B cells were elevated in adults compared with neonates, as expected. Our study provides reference values for leucocytes in cord blood from term and preterm newborns, which may facilitate the identification of immunological deficiencies in protection against extracellular pathogens.
The heterogeneous HLA genetic composition of the Brazilian population and its relevance to the optimization of hematopoietic stem cell donor recruitment
Authors: Fabreti‐Oliveira R. A. , Nascimento E. , Fonseca C. G. , Santos M. A.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecular variation across the Brazilian population in order to determine possible regional differences, which would be highly relevant to optimizing donor recruitment strategies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and understanding the population genetic background of this heterogeneous country. HLA data of 551 HSCT donors from five Brazilian regions were characterized by high‐resolution DNA alleles at the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 loci and compared with other populations in Brazil and worldwide populations. Allele and haplotype frequencies were estimated. The analysis was performed to assess Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) among different loci in each recruitment center. Genetic variation was explored through genetic distance analyzed by using a new algorithm based on linear algebra, taking into account geographic regions of Brazil. The results indicated a heterogeneous genetic composition of the Brazilian population, such that HLA allele and haplotype frequencies exhibit different distributions among Brazilian regions, which has important implications for donor matching. In addition, a pronounced differentiation was observed by the absence of clustering of the regional populations in the reduced‐dimension space. These data may be useful for increasing donor recruitment with more genetic representativeness in the Brazilian Volunteer Bone Marrow Donors Registry (REDOME).
Independent contribution of bronchoalveolar lavage and serum galactomannan in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Fisher C.E. , Stevens A.M. , Leisenring W. , Pergam S.A. , Boeckh M. , Hohl T.M.
Published: April 2014

The optimal combination of galactomannan index (GMI) testing for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains unclear. For diagnostic approaches that are triggered by clinical signs and symptoms in high‐risk patients, institutional variation remains, with some centers routinely relying on only serum GMI or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) GMI testing. In addition, use of mold‐active agents before diagnosis of IPA is becoming increasingly common, and understanding the effect of these drugs on test yield is important when making time‐critical treatment decisions. In a single‐center cohort of 210 allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, we found that serum and BAL GMI testing contributed independently to IPA diagnosis, supporting the practice of sending both tests simultaneously to ensure a timely diagnosis of IPA. BAL GMI sensitivity was not affected by receipt of mold‐active therapy in our cohort.
Intrinsic properties of rostral ventrolateral medulla presympathetic and bulbospinal respiratory neurons of juvenile rats are not affected by chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Almado Carlos Eduardo L. , Leão Ricardo M. , Machado Benedito H.
Published: April 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (a neurogenic model of hypertension that also induces active expiration) on intrinsic electrophysiological properties of rostral ventrolateral medulla presympathetic and putative expiratory neurons recorded in brainstem slices of juvenile rats (postnatal day 35)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Presympathetic neurons and phrenic nucleus‐projecting neurons of rostral ventrolateral medulla present characteristics of intrinsic pacemakers, and chronic intermittent hypoxia produces no changes in their intrinsic electrophysiological properties.

The presympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are considered to be the source of the sympathetic activity, and there is experimental evidence that these cells present intrinsic autodepolarization. There is also evidence that an important respiratory neuronal population located in the RVLM/Bötzinger complex (BötC) corresponds to augmenting expiratory neurons (aug‐E), which send projections to the phrenic nucleus in the spinal cord. However, the pacemaker activity of presympathetic neurons and the intrinsic properties of aug‐E neurons had not been evaluated in brainstem slices of juvenile rats (postnatal day 35). Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a sympathetic‐mediated hypertension model, which seems to produce an associated increase in the activity of aug‐E neurons. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CIH on the intrinsic properties of RVLM/BötC presympathetic and phrenic nucleus‐projecting neurons (aug‐E) in brainstem slices of juvenile rats (postnatal day 35). We observed that all presympathetic neurons presented spontaneous action potential firing (n = 18), which was not abolished by ionotropic receptor antagonism. In addition, exposure to 10 days of CIH produced no changes in their intrinsic passive properties, firing pattern or excitability. Most aug‐E neurons presented spontaneous firing in control conditions (13 of 15 neurons), and this characteristic was preserved after blocking fast synaptic transmission (12 of 15 neurons), clearly demonstrating their intrinsic pacemaker activity. Chronic intermittent hypoxia also produced no changes in intrinsic passive properties, frequency and pattern of discharge or excitability of the aug‐E neurons. The present study shows that: (i) it is possible to record the electrophysiological properties of RVLM/BötC presympathetic and aug‐E neurons in brainstem slices from juvenile rats; (ii) these neurons present characteristics of intrinsic pacemakers; and (iii) their intrinsic properties were not altered by chronic intermittent hypoxia.
Growth and electrical properties of in situ phosphorus-doped polycrystalline silicon films using Si3H8 and PH3
Authors: Kim Byongju , Jang Hyunchul , Kim Sun-Wook , Byeon Dae-Seop , Koo Sangmo , Song Jason S. , Ko Dae-Hong
Published: April 2014

In situ phosphorus-doped polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) films grown on silicon oxide layers using trisilane (Si3H8) and phosphine (PH3) as precursors are investigated as a function of the Si3H8/PH3 gas flow ratio and the growth temperature. At a high flow rate for Si3H8 in the temperature range of 600–700 °C, the deposition process is controlled by the rate of desorption of hydrogen molecules on the surface, which has an activation energy of 1.13 eV. For a low Si3H8 flow rate at growth temperatures >650 °C, however, the deposition is limited by the diffusion of Si3H8 gas to the surface. The presence of phosphorus decreases the crystallization temperature of the polysilicon layers during growth. In addition, the ratio of phosphorus incorporated into the polysilicon decreases with increasing growth temperature because of the increase in the growth rate. The resistivity of the phosphorus-doped polysilicon films decreases with increasing deposition temperature at the same phosphorus concentration, indicating that the use of a high growth temperature results in an enhancement in the activation of phosphorus in the polysilicon films during growth.
Study of non-spherical bubble oscillations near a surface in a weak acoustic standing wave field
Authors: Xi Xiaoyu , Cegla Frederic , Mettin Robert , Holsteyns Frank , Lippert Alexander
Published: April 2014

The interaction of acoustically driven bubbles with a wall is important in many applications of ultrasound and cavitation, as the close boundary can severely alter the bubble dynamics. In this paper, the non-spherical surface oscillations of bubbles near a surface in a weak acoustic standing wave field are investigated experimentally and numerically. The translation, the volume, and surface mode oscillations of bubbles near a flat glass surface were observed by a high speed camera in a standing wave cell at 46.8 kHz. The model approach is based on a modified Keller-Miksis equation coupled to surface mode amplitude equations in the first order, and to the translation equations. Modifications are introduced due to the adjacent wall. It was found that a bubble's oscillation mode can change in the presence of the wall, as compared to the bubble in the bulk liquid. In particular, the wall shifts the instability pressure thresholds to smaller driving frequencies for fixed bubble equilibrium radii, or to smaller equilibrium radii for fixed excitation frequency. This can destabilize otherwise spherical bubbles, or stabilize bubbles undergoing surface oscillations in the bulk. The bubble dynamics observed in experiment demonstrated the same trend as the theoretical results.
Numerical analysis of flow induced noise propagation in supercavitating vehicles at subsonic speeds
Authors: Ramesh Sai Sudha , Lim Kian Meng , Zheng Jianguo , Khoo Boo Cheong
Published: April 2014

Flow supercavitation begins when fluid is accelerated over a sharp edge, usually at the nose of an underwater vehicle, where phase change occurs and causes low density gaseous cavity to gradually envelop the whole object (supercavity) and thereby enabling higher speeds of underwater vehicles. The process of supercavity inception/development by means of “natural cavitation” and its sustainment through ventilated cavitation result in turbulence and fluctuations at the water-vapor interface that manifest themselves as major sources of hydrodynamic noise. Therefore in the present context, three main sources are investigated, namely, (1) flow generated noise due to turbulent pressure fluctuations around the supercavity, (2) small scale pressure fluctuations at the vapor-water interface, and (3) pressure fluctuations due to direct impingement of ventilated gas-jets on the supercavity wall. An understanding of their relative contributions toward self-noise is very crucial for the efficient operation of high frequency acoustic sensors that facilitate the vehicle's guidance system. Qualitative comparisons of acoustic pressure distribution resulting from aforementioned sound sources are presented by employing a recently developed boundary integral method. By using flow data from a specially developed unsteady computational fluid dynamics solver for simulating supercavitating flows, the boundary-element method based acoustic solver was developed for computing flow generated sound.
Soundscape evaluation in a Catholic cathedral and Buddhist temple precincts through social surveys and soundwalks
Authors: Jeon Jin Yong , Hwang In Hwan , Hong Joo Young
Published: April 2014

Religious precincts in urban spaces have their own religious spatiality formed by their sociocultural and historical background. It is necessary to identify the spatiality of urban religious precincts in their sociocultural contexts because soundscape perception is determined largely by context. In the present study, social surveys and soundwalks were performed in a Catholic cathedral and in Buddhist temple precincts in Seoul. In the surveys, important spatial functions, sound, and visual components of the Catholic cathedral and Buddhist temple precincts were investigated by principal component analysis. The results showed that the cathedral precincts play a more important role in social functions related to mainly visual components than the temple precincts do, whereas the functions for religious activities related to sound elements are more stressed in the temple precincts. In the soundwalk evaluation, contributions of soundscape and landscape components to tranquility in the two religious precincts were explored. It was found that pleasantness of soundscape and attractiveness of landscape significantly affected the perception of tranquility. In addition, it was revealed that a sense of enclosure could enhance tranquility in urban religious precincts.