bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum microRNA‐122 kinetics in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection during antiviral therapy
Authors: Köberle V. , Waidmann O. , Kronenberger B. , Andrei A. , Susser S. , Füller C. , Perner D. , Zeuzem S. , Sarrazin C. , Piiper A.
Published: February 2013

The levels of the liver‐specific microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) circulating extracellularly in the blood have been shown to be increased upon liver damage. However, it is unknown if the levels of serum miR‐122 are altered during antiviral therapy and reflect the therapeutic success. Here, we investigated miR‐122 serum levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection during antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Therefore, sera from 60 patients with chronic HCV infection genotype 1 showing sustained virological response (SVR), non‐response or relapse to therapy obtained at baseline, 4, 12, 24 weeks, end of treatment and follow‐up were analysed retrospectively for miR‐122 content by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR. The time courses of miR‐122 were correlated with HCV RNA as well as standard liver parameters. We found that while there was no relation between serum miR‐122 and HCV RNA levels at baseline, the decline in HCV RNA upon beginning of the therapy closely correlated with the reduction of serum miR‐122 in the three different patient groups. Moreover, the serum miR‐122 level correlated well with alanine aminotransaminase, a marker of ongoing liver damage. At follow‐up serum miR‐122 levels remained low in SVR, but increased to baseline levels in patients not responding or showing relapse to therapy. In contrast, the serum concentration of the ubiquitously expressed miR‐16 did not change during therapy. We conclude that the serum level of miR‐122 well reflects the success of interferon/ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) after intravenous, subcutaneous and oral administration
Authors: Kimble B. , Black L. A. , Li K. M. , Valtchev P. , Gilchrist S. , Gillett A. , Higgins D. P. , Krockenberger M. B. , Govendir M.
Published: February 2013

The pharmacokinetic profile of meloxicam in clinically healthy koalas (n = 15) was investigated. Single doses of meloxicam were administered intravenously (i.v.) (0.4 mg/kg; n = 5), subcutaneously (s.c.) (0.2 mg/kg; n = 1) or orally (0.2 mg/kg; n = 3), and multiple doses were administered to two groups of koalas via the oral or s.c. routes (n = 3 for both routes) with a loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg for day 1 followed by 0.1 mg/kg s.i.d for a further 3 days. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Following i.v. administration, meloxicam exhibited a rapid clearance (CL) of 0.44 ± 0.20 (SD) L/h/kg, a volume of distribution at terminal phase (Vz) of 0.72 ± 0.22 L/kg and a volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) of 0.22 ± 0.12 L/kg. Median plasma terminal half‐life (t1/2) was 1.19 h (range 0.71–1.62 h). Following oral administration either from single or repeated doses, only maximum peak plasma concentration (Cmax 0.013 ± 0.001 and 0.014 ± 0.001 μg/mL, respectively) was measurable [limit of quantitation (LOQ) >0.01 μg/mL] between 4–8 h. Oral bioavailability was negligible in koalas. Plasma protein binding of meloxicam was ~98%. Three meloxicam metabolites were detected in plasma with one identified as the 5‐hydroxy methyl derivative. This study demonstrated that koalas exhibited rapid CL and extremely poor oral bioavailability compared with other eutherian species. Accordingly, the currently recommended dose regimen of meloxicam for this species appears inadequate.
P‐glycoprotein in sheep liver and small intestine: gene expression and transport efflux activity
Authors: Ballent M. , Wilkens M. R. , Maté L. , Muscher A. S. , Virkel G. , Sallovitz J. , Schröder B. , Lanusse C. , Lifschitz A.
Published: February 2013

The role of the transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in the disposition kinetics of different drugs therapeutically used in veterinary medicine has been demonstrated. Considering the anatomo‐physiological features of the ruminant species, the constitutive expression of P‐gp (ABCB1) along the sheep gastrointestinal tract was studied. Additionally, the effect of repeated dexamethasone (DEX) administrations on the ABCB1 gene expression in the liver and small intestine was also assessed. The ABCB1 mRNA expression was determined by real‐time quantitative PCR. P‐gp activity was evaluated in diffusion chambers to determine the efflux of rhodamine 123 (Rho 123) in the ileum from experimental sheep. The constitutive ABCB1 expression was 65‐fold higher in the liver than in the intestine (ileum). The highest ABCB1 mRNA expression along the small intestine was observed in the ileum (between 6‐ and 120‐fold higher). The treatment with DEX did not elicit a significant effect on the P‐gp gene expression levels in any of the investigated gastrointestinal tissues. Consistently, no significant differences were observed in the intestinal secretion of Rho 123, between untreated control (Peff S‐M = 3.99 × 10−6 ± 2.07 × 10−6) and DEX‐treated animals (Peff S‐M = 6.00 × 10−6 ± 2.5 × 10−6). The understanding of the efflux transporters expression and activity along the digestive tract may help to elucidate clinical implications emerging from drug interactions in livestock.
The humerus ofSouthAmerican caviomorph rodents: shape, function and size in a phylogenetic context
Authors: Morgan C. C. , Álvarez A.
Published: February 2013

SouthAmerican caviomorph rodents comprise four major lineages encompassing wide taxonomic and ecological diversity, but the morphological diversity of their postcranial skeleton has not been thoroughly explored using phylogenetic comparative methods. The main goal of this work is to analyze their humerus using geometric morphometrics in a phylogenetic context and attempt to tease apart the influence of locomotory preferences and shared evolutionary history on morphological variation. We examined 28 genera in 9 families representing all major clades. Humeral shape was captured by 13 landmarks and four semilandmarks in2D. In the morphospace of the first two principal components, most taxa were located near the origin along both axes. Fossorial octodontoids were apart from this central group. Most caviids were separated in one extreme of the morphospace; the specialized digging ctenomyidCtenomys, the fossorial chinchillidLagostomusand the generalized cavioidCuniculuswere located at the opposite end. Phylogenetic signal was significant. Regressions of shape on size were not significant; regression of shape on habit was significant for raw data and not significant after phylogenetic control. Humeral shape variation was primarily associated with the phylogenetic structure of the group; additionally, some morphological traits were associated with particular habits and interpreted as functional specializations. This association between humeral shape and both phylogeny and habit at different hierarchical levels suggests early ecomorphological diversification of caviomorphs.
The water content and parental magma of the second chassignite NWA 2737: Clues from trapped melt inclusions in olivine
Authors: He Qi , Xiao Long , Hsu Weibiao , BALTA J. Brian , McSween Harry Y. , Liu Yang
Published: February 2013

NWA 2737, the second known chassignite, mainly consists of cumulate olivine crystals of homogeneous composition (Fo = 78.7 ± 0.9). These brown colored olivine grains exhibit two sets of perpendicular planar defects due to shock. Two forms of trapped liquids, interstitial melts and magmatic inclusions, have been examined. Mineral assemblages within the olivine‐hosted magmatic inclusions include low‐Ca pyroxene, augite, kaersutite, fluorapatite, biotite, chromite, sulfide, and feldspathic glass. The reconstructed parental magma composition (A#) of the NWA 2737 is basaltic and resembles both the experimentally constrained parental melt composition of chassiginites and the Gusev basalt Humphrey, albeit with lower Al contents. A# also broadly resembles the average of shergottite parent magmas or LAR 06319. However, we suggest that the mantle source for the chassignite parental magmas was distinct from that of the shergottite meteorites, particularly in CaO/Al2O3 ratio. In addition, based on the analysis of the volatile contents of kaersutite, we derived a water content of 0.48–0.67 wt% for the parental melt. Finally, our MELTS calculations suggest that moderate pressure (approximately 6.8 kb) came closest to reproducing the crystallized melt‐inclusion assemblages.
Cytoplasmic iron deposition is associated with the expression of oxidative DNA damage marker in meningiomas
Authors: Nagaishi Masaya , Yokoo Hideaki , Osawa Tadashi , Nobusawa Sumihito , Tanaka Yuko , Ikota Hayato , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2013

Angiomatous meningiomas are rare meningioma subtypes, which are characterized by abundant, well‐formed vessels. We encountered two cases of newly diagnosed angiomatous meningiomas exhibiting tumor cells with brown pigments, which were histochemically proven to be iron. In an attempt to understand its pathological significance, we assessed this unusual finding in representatives for each grade of meningiomas and immunoexpression of transferrin receptor (CD71) and the oxidative DNA damage marker, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Iron deposition in the tumor cells was observed in 8/15 (53%) angiomatous meningioma cases, 2/6 (33%) microcystic meningiomas and 2/20 (10%) meningothelial meningiomas, which included clustered microvessels, but not in fibrous, atypical or anaplastic meningiomas (P = 0.001). Cytoplasmic CD71 expression was largely negative in angiomatous meningioma cases, but positive in meningothelial and high‐grade meningiomas, suggesting that the transferrin‐dependent iron transporter was involved in iron uptake in meningiomas. Nuclear expression of 8‐OHdG was observed in ≥50% of the tumor cells in all 15 cases of angiomatous meningioma and was associated with the presence of regressive histopathological findings, such as hyalinized vessels and cystic changes. In addition, the fraction of iron‐containing tumor cells was correlated to those expressing 8‐OHdG (P = 0.005). Our finding indicates that cytoplasmic iron deposition in tumor cells is characteristic of highly vascularized benign meningiomas and related to increased oxidative DNA damage markers.
Interpretation of overall colonic transit in defecation disorders in males and females
Authors: Shin A. , Camilleri M. , Nadeau A. , Nullens S. , Rhee J. C. , Jeong I. D. , Burton D. D.
Published: February 2013

Background

There is little information regarding gender‐specific measurements of colonic transit and anorectal function in patients with defecation disorders (DD). To compare overall colonic transit by gender in DD.

Methods

In 407 patients with constipation due to DD diagnosed by a single gastroenterologist (1994–2012), DD was characterized by anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, and colonic transit by scintigraphy. The primary endpoint was overall colonic transit (geometric center, GC) at 24 h (GC24). Effects of gender in DD on colonic transit, and comparison with transit in 208 healthy controls were assessed by Mann–Whitney rank sum test. Secondary endpoints were maximum anal resting (ARP) and squeeze (ASP) pressures. We also tested association of the physiological endpoints among DD females by pregnancy history and among DD patients by colectomy history.

Key Results

The DD patients were 67 males (M) and 340 females (F). Significant differences by gender in DD patients were observed in GC24 (median: M: 2.2; F: 1.8; P = 0.01), ARP (median: M: 87.8 mmHg; F: 82.4 mmHg; P = 0.04), and ASP (median: M: 182.4 mmHg; F: 128.7 mmHg; P < 0.001). GC24 was slower in DD compared with same‐gender healthy controls. GC24 did not differ among DD females by pregnancy history. Anorectal functions and upper GI transit did not differ among DD patients by colectomy history.

Conclusions & Inferences

Patients with DD have slower colonic transit compared with gender‐matched controls. Among DD patients, males have higher ARP and ASP, and females have slower colonic transit. Although the clinical significance of these differences may be unclear, findings suggest that interpretation of these tests in suspected DD should be based on same‐gender control data.
Accuracy of volumetric measurement of simulated root resorption lacunas based on cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Wang Y. , He S. , Guo Y. , Wang S. , Chen S.
Published: February 2013

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of volumetric measurement of simulated root resorption cavities based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in comparison with that of Micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) which served as the reference.

Setting and Sample Population

The State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases at Sichuan University.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐two bovine teeth were included for standardized CBCT scanning and Micro‐CT scanning before and after the simulation of different degrees of root resorption. The teeth were divided into three groups according to the depths of the root resorption cavity (group 1: 0.15, 0.2, 0.3 mm; group 2: 0.6, 1.0 mm; group 3: 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 mm). Each depth included four specimens. Differences in tooth volume before and after simulated root resorption were then calculated from CBCT and Micro‐CT scans, respectively. The overall between‐method agreement of the measurements was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

Results

For the first group, the average volume of resorption cavity was 1.07 mm3, and the between‐method agreement of measurement for the volume changes was low (CCC = 0.098). For the second and third groups, the average volumes of resorption cavities were 3.47 and 6.73 mm3 respectively, and the between‐method agreements were good (CCC = 0.828 and 0.895, respectively).

Conclusions

The accuracy of 3‐D quantitative volumetric measurement of simulated root resorption based on CBCT was fairly good in detecting simulated resorption cavities larger than 3.47 mm3, while it was not sufficient for measuring resorption cavities smaller than 1.07 mm3. This method could be applied in future studies of root resorption although further studies are required to improve its accuracy.
Moderate acute exercise (70% VO2 peak) induces TGF‐β, α‐amylase and IgA in saliva during recovery
Authors: Rosa L , Teixeira AAS , Lira FS , Tufik S , Mello MT , Santos RVT
Published: February 2013

Strenuous exercise promotes changes in salivary IgA and can be associated with a high incidence of upper respiratory tract Infections. However, moderate exercise enhances immune function. The effect of exercise on salivary IgA has been well studied, but its effect on other immunological parameters is poorly studied. Thus, this study determined the effect of moderate acute exercise on immunological salivary parameters, such as the levels of cytokines (TGF‐β and IL‐5), IgA, α‐amylase and total protein, over 24 h. Ten male adult subjects exercised for 60 min at an intensity of 70% VO2 peak. Saliva samples were collected before (‘basal’) and 0, 12 and 24 h after an exercise session. The total salivary protein was lower after 12 and 24 h than immediately after exercise, whereas α‐amylase increased at 12 and 24 h after exercise compared with basal levels. The IgA concentration was increased at 24 h after exercise relative to immediately after exercise, and there was no difference in the IL‐5 while TGF‐β concentration increased in recovery. In conclusion, 70% VO2 peak exercise does not induce changes immediately after exercise, but after 24 h, it produces an increase in salivary TGF‐β without changing IL‐5.
Parenting Strategies African American Mothers Employ to Decrease Sexual Risk Behaviors in Their Early Adolescent Daughters
Authors: Aronowitz Teri , Eche Ijeoma
Published: February 2013

Objective

The impact of parenting strategies on adolescent's behavior has been the focus of research in the past three decades; the findings have never been more critical, particularly among African American mothers. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 70% of all new HIV cases are among female African Americans (AA) aged 15–24 years. The purpose of this study is to explore the process by which AA mothers intervene with their early adolescent daughters to decrease risky sexual situations, with the long‐term goal of HIV prevention.

Design and Sample

A total of 64 AA mother‐daughter dyads were recruited and separate focus groups were conducted for mothers and daughters with 6–8 per group.

Method

Focus group methodology with principles of participatory action research was employed to formulate focus group questions, recruit dyads, and to analyze the data.

Results

Five codes emerged: scaring, limit setting, monitoring, nurturing/instilling values and identifying with one's ethnicity. The findings also showed an interaction between neighborhood risks, mother‐daughter relationships and parenting strategies.

Conclusions

Parenting strategies could be targeted for public health prevention interventions with the long‐term goal of HIV prevention.
Preferred Communication Methods of Abused Women
Authors: Gilroy Heidi , McFarlane Judith , Nava Angeles , Maddoux John
Published: February 2013

Objective

To determine preferred communication methods of abused women.

Design and Sample

A naturalistic study utilizing principles of Community Based Participatory Research. A total of 300 first time users of criminal justice or safe shelter for abused women were interviewed in person.

Measures

The Preferred Communication Questionnaire was used to determine preference.

Results

Given the choice of phone voice, face to face, phone text, e‐mail, or Facebook, traditional methods of communication (face‐to‐face communication and phone voice) were the primary (80% combined) and secondary (58.6% combined) preferred sources among abused women. A total of 292 women (97.3%) gave at least two preferred methods of communication, 255 (85%) gave three preferred methods, 190 (63%) gave four, and 132 (44%) used all five methods.

Conclusions

Public health nurses and other professionals who serve abused women should be aware of their preferred method of communication for contact. The women in the sample preferred face‐to‐face and phone‐voice communication; however, many were open to newer forms of communication such as texting and Facebook. Caution should be used to protect the safety of abused women when using any kind of communication.
Framing Childhood Obesity: How Individualizing the Problem Affects Public Support for Prevention
Authors: Barry Colleen L. , Brescoll Victoria L. , Gollust Sarah E.
Published: February 2013

Political actors recognize the power of framing problems using personalized examples and causal stories to shape public opinion. Yet little is known about how these frames interact. This research presents the results of three studies designed to investigate the effect of “individualizing” the problem of childhood obesity, in combination with information about causes of obesity, on public support for obesity prevention policies (Studies 1 and 2) and to examine how frequently the news media rely on individual depictions of obese children to portray the problem in actual news coverage (Study 3). Results from two experiments consistently demonstrated that, regardless of how the cause of childhood obesity was framed, when a news report identified an individual obese child, participants were less likely to support prevention policies than when the report described the problem in more general terms. A content analysis indicated that news articles relatively infrequently frame the problem using individualized depictions of a specific child. When specific overweight or obese children were mentioned, news coverage emphasized internal (behavioral and genetic) causes rather than factors external to the child such as neighborhood, economic, or food‐industry factors. Findings underscore the importance of considering attitudes toward a policy's target population when assessing how individual depictions of a policy problem influence public sentiment.
Large subclonal variation in Phytophthora infestans populations associated with Ecuadorian potato landraces
Authors: Delgado R. A. , Monteros‐Altamirano A. R. , Li Y. , Visser R. G. F. , van der Lee T. A. J. , Vosman B.
Published: February 2013

The population of
Phytophthora infestans on potato landraces in three provinces (Carchi, Chimborazo and Loja) of Ecuador was analysed. All isolates (n = 66) were of the A1 mating type. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) were used to assess the genetic diversity of the isolates. The
P. infestans isolates from the potato landraces grouped in a single clade together with reference isolates belonging to the clonal lineage EC‐1. In the 66 SSR profiles obtained, 31 multilocus genotypes were identified. The 66 isolates constituted 49 different races according to the
Solanum demissum differential set (
R1 to
R11). The
P. infestans population was complex and virulent on 4 to 11
R
genes. Analysis showed that the subclonal variation in the Ecuadorian EC‐1 clone is increasing over time and is much larger than clonal variation in lineages in the Netherlands and Nicaragua, suggesting high mutation rates and little or no selection in Ecuador.
Cardiovascular stress reactivity tasks successfully predict the hypotensive response of isometric handgrip training in hypertensives
Authors: Badrov Mark B. , Horton Sean , Millar Philip J. , McGowan Cheri L.
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to determine whether: (a) isometric handgrip (IHG) training lowers resting blood pressure (BP), (b) cardiovascular reactivity to a serial subtraction (SST), IHG (IHGT), and cold pressor (CPT) task predicts this hypotensive response, and (c) cardiovascular reactivity is attenuated posttraining. Resting BP and cardiovascular reactivity to a SST, IHGT, and CPT were measured in 24 hypertensives (51–74 years) before and after 10 weeks of IHG training (n = 12) or control (n = 12). IHG training lowered resting BP (Δ8/5 mmHg), whereby the decrease in systolic BP was correlated to pretraining systolic BP reactivity to the SST (r = −.85) and IHGT (r = −.79; all ps < .01), but not the CPT (r = .34; p > .01). Furthermore, following IHG training, systolic BP reactivity to the SST (Δ7 mmHg) and IHGT (Δ8 mmHg) was reduced (all ps < .01). The results offer promising implications for hypertensives and may provide a tool to identify IHG training responders.
Motivational Interviewing for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sanders Kathryn A. , Whited Amanda , Martino Steve
Published: February 2013

Successful management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically involves consideration of several lifestyle changes and treatments that could improve patients’ health outcomes. The complexity of behavioral changes and treatment decisions that must be made by patients, with the support of their treatment team, could diminish their motivation to address CKD and lead to poorer treatment outcomes. Hence, motivational enhancement, in the context of patient education and shared decision‐making with the treatment team, is a critical issue in CKD patient care. This article describes how motivational interviewing can be used with patients to enhance their motivation to address CKD and participate in treatment.
The significance of Chara vegetation in the precipitation of lacustrine calcium carbonate
Authors: Pełechaty Mariusz , Pukacz Andrzej , Apolinarska Karina , Pełechata Aleksandra , Siepak Marcin
Published: February 2013

A significant portion of calcium carbonate is deposited in lake sediments as a result of biological processes related to the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton in the pelagic realm and, in addition, macrophytes in the littoral zone. Lake Wigry, one of the largest lakes in Poland (north‐east Poland), is characterized by: (i) carbonate sediments with a CaCO3 content exceeding 80% within the littoral zone; and (ii) large areas of submerged vegetation dominated by charophytes (macroscopic green algae, Characeae family). It is claimed that charophytes are highly effective in utilizing HCO3− and forming thick CaCO3 encrustations. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the CaCO3 production by dense Chara stands overgrowing the lake bottom reaching a depth of 4 m. In late July 2009, the fresh and dry mass of plants, the percentage contribution of calcium carbonate and the production of CaCO3 per 1 m2 were investigated along three transects at three depths (1 m, 2 m and 3 m, with each sample area equal to 0·0625 m2) per transect. The composition and structure of phytoplankton and the physico‐chemical properties of the water analysed in both the littoral and pelagic zones served as the environmental background and demonstrated moderately low fertility in the lake. The greatest dry plant mass exceeded 1000 g m−2 and CaCO3 encrustations constituted from 59% to over 76% of the charophyte dry weight. Thus, the maximum and average values of carbonates precipitated by charophytes were 685·5 and 438 g m−2, respectively, which exceeded previously reported results. A correlation of carbonate production with the depth of Chara stands was detected, and intermediate depths offered the most favourable conditions for carbonate precipitation (589 g m−2 on average). As precipitated carbonates are ultimately stored in bottom deposits, the results highlight the significance of charophytes in lacustrine CaCO3 sedimentation.
Comparison of concurrent imaging modalities for staging of dogs with appendicular primary bone tumours
Authors: Oblak M. L. , Boston S. E. , Woods J. P. , Nykamp S.
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the use of whole body computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of metastasis in dogs with primary appendicular bone tumours compared to long bone survey radiography, bone scintigraphy and thoracic radiographs. Fifteen dogs were included in this pilot study. A construct reference standard was used for detection of bone metastasis, and negative thoracic radiographs were compared againstCT. Definitive lesions were only identified on bone scintigraphy. Not all lesions agreed with the construct reference standard. No definitive lesions were identified on survey radiographs orCT. Lesions were identified on thoracicCTthat were not visible radiographically. Equivocal ground glass pulmonary lesions progressed in three of four cases. Whole bodyCTwas not a suitable alternative to bone scintigraphy; however, it was useful as an adjunctive diagnostic modality. Pulmonary lesions were visible onCTthat were not seen radiographically and ground glass pulmonary lesions in dogs should be considered suspicious for metastasis.
Transmission resonances and Bloch states for a periodic array of delta function potentials
Authors: Berman P. R.
Published: February 2013

The relationship between transmission resonances and Bloch states for a periodic array consisting of N delta function potentials is discussed. The transmission resonances are derived for matter waves incident on the periodic array, while the Bloch states are calculated using periodic boundary conditions for the array. It is shown that approximately half of the transmission resonances map into pairs of degenerate Bloch states. Wave functions are shown for both the transmission resonances and the Bloch states for arrays of five and six delta function potentials. The origin of the band structure of the Bloch states is interpreted in terms of the wave functions and eigenenergies for a particle confined to move on a ring, subjected to a periodic array of delta function potentials on the ring.
Bound charges and currents
Authors: Herczyński Andrzej
Published: February 2013

Bound charges and currents are among the conceptually challenging topics in advanced courses on electricity and magnetism. It may be tempting for students to believe that they are merely computational tools for calculating electric and magnetic fields in matter, particularly because they are usually introduced through abstract manipulation of integral identities, with the physical interpretation provided a posteriori. Yet these charges and currents are no less real than free charges and currents and can be measured experimentally. A simpler and more direct approach to introducing this topic, suggested by the ideas in the classic book by Purcell and emphasizing the physical origin of these phenomena, is proposed.
The impact of glottal area discontinuities on block-type vocal fold models with asymmetric tissue properties
Authors: Sommer David E. , Erath Byron D. , Zañartu Matías , Peterson Sean D.
Published: February 2013

Block-type lumped-element models of the vocal folds are widely used for speech investigations due in part to the rich dynamics exhibited over a range of input parameters, particularly for asymmetric tissue properties. While self-consistent in derivation and application, block-type models of the vocal fold masses are inherently susceptible to non-physical aerodynamic loading conditions when vocal fold motion is highly asymmetric. A standard block-type model is compared against two modified models that disallow the non-physiological loading condition. These minor modifications toward a more physiologically relevant aerodynamic model alter the specific vibration regimes and prevalence of chaos, though bifurcations still exist.
Similarity of Scattering Rates in Metals Showing
T
-Linear Resistivity
Authors: Bruin J. A. N. , Sakai H. , Perry R. S. , Mackenzie A. P.
Published: February 2013

Quantum Critical Scattering

The temperature (T) dependence of the electrical resistivity offers clues about the behavior of electrical carriers. One of the more puzzling observations is the T-linear resistivity found in systems known or suspected to exhibit quantum criticality, such as cuprate and organic superconductors, and heavy fermion materials; the origin of this behavior remains elusive.

Bruin
et al.

(p.
804
) find that the ruthenate Sr
3
Ru
2
O
7
also exhibits T-linear resistivity in the vicinity of its quantum critical point, and that its scattering rate per kelvin is approximately given by the inverse of a characteristic time made up of the Planck and Boltzmann constants. A comprehensive analysis of other systems with T-linear resistivity, including ordinary metals at high temperatures, indicates that their scattering rates are similarly close to the characteristic rate. That the rates are similar across a wide range of materials with diverse microscopic scattering mechanisms may indicate universal behavior.
Universal Computation by Multiparticle Quantum Walk
Authors: Childs Andrew M. , Gosset David , Webb Zak
Published: February 2013

Computing Power of Quantum Mechanics

There is much interest in developing quantum computers in order to perform certain tasks much faster than, or that are intractable for, a classical computer. A general quantum computer, however, requires the fabrication and operation a number of quantum logic devices (see the Perspective by

Franson

).

Broome
et al.

(p.
794
, published online 20 December) and

Spring
et al.

(p.
798
, published online 20 December) describe experiments in which single photons and quantum interference were used to perform a calculation (the permanent of a matrix) that is very difficult on a classical computer. Similar to random walks, quantum walks on a graph describe the movement of a walker on a set of predetermined paths; instead of flipping a coin to decide which way to go at each point, a quantum walker can take several paths at once.

Childs
et al.

(p.
791
) propose an architecture for a quantum computer, based on quantum walks of multiple interacting walkers. The system is capable of performing any quantum operation using a subset of its nodes, with the size of the subset scaling favorably with the complexity of the operation.
The Many Ways of Making Academic Research Pay Off
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: February 2013

Universities are learning that commercialization means more than patents, licensing fees, and startups.
Reference Ranges for Lymphocyte Subsets among Healthy Hong Kong Chinese Adults by Single-Platform Flow Cytometry
Authors: Wong W. S. , Lo A. W. I. , Siu L. P. , Leung J. N. S. , Tu S. P. , Tai S. W. , Lam S. C. , Wong K. F.
Published: February 2013

Race, age, sex, and environmental conditions have significant impacts on lymphocyte subset values. It is important to establish the local reference ranges from healthy and non-HIV-positive adults in the local population for clinical decision making. In this study, the reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets among Chinese adults were established by analysis by single-platform flow cytometry of the lymphocyte compositions of 273 healthy adult blood donors between 17 and 59 years of age. The 95% reference ranges for CD3
+
T cells, CD3
+
CD4
+
T helper cells, and CD3
+
CD8
+
T suppressor cells are 723 to 2,271 cells/μl, 396 to 1,309 cells/μl, and 224 to 1,014 cells/μl, respectively. The 95% reference ranges for CD19
+
B cells and CD56
+
NK cells are 118 to 645 cells/μl and 61 to 607 cells/μl, respectively. Significant gender and age differences in the lymphocyte subsets have been demonstrated. Our results have also shown that the T-lymphocyte compositions in Hong Kong Chinese were comparable to those of other Asian populations but were different from those of Caucasians.
Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain Chol1, a Model Organism for the Degradation of Bile Salts and Other Steroid Compounds
Authors: Holert Johannes , Alam Intikhab , Larsen Michael , Antunes André , Bajic Vladimir B. , Stingl Ulrich , Philipp Bodo
Published: February 2013

Bacterial degradation of steroid compounds is of high ecological and biotechnological relevance.
Pseudomonas
sp. strain Chol1 is a model organism for studying the degradation of the steroid compound cholate. Its draft genome sequence is presented and reveals one gene cluster responsible for the metabolism of steroid compounds.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Feline Leukemia Virus Subgroup B Isolates with Novel Recombination Sites
Authors: Stewart H. , Jarrett O. , Hosie M. J. , Willett B. J.
Published: February 2013

It is generally accepted that all primary isolates of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) contain a subgroup A virus (FeLV-A) that is essential for transmission. In contrast, FeLV-B is thought to arise
de novo
in the infected animal through RNA recombination events with endogenous FeLV transcripts, presumably through copackaging of RNA from endogenous FeLV and exogenous FeLV-A. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two novel strains of FeLV-B (FeLV-2518 and FeLV-4314) that were isolated in the absence of FeLV-A. The
env
genes of these isolates have been characterized previously, and the 3′ recombination sites have been identified. We describe herein the 5′ recombination breakpoints of each virus. These breakpoints were found to be within the signal peptide of the
env
gene and the reverse transcriptase-coding region, respectively. This is the first report of a recombination site within the
pol
gene of an FeLV-B genome and the first genetic characterization of multiple independently arising FeLV-B isolates that have been identified without a functional FeLV-A ancestral virus.
First Genome Sequence of a Syntrophic Acetate-Oxidizing Bacterium,
Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans
Strain Re1
Authors: Manzoor Shahid , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Schnürer Anna , Müller Bettina
Published: February 2013

Syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria (SAOB) have been identified as key organisms for efficient biogas production from protein-rich materials.
Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans
is the first reported SAOB for which the genome has been sequenced. Genome analysis will aid us in understanding the mechanisms regulating syntrophy, particularly energy-conserving and electron transfer mechanisms.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Street Rabies Virus Isolated from a Dog in Nigeria
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zhou Zutao , Kia Grace S. N. , Gnanadurai Clement W. , Leyson Christina M. , Umoh Jarlath U. , Kwaga Jacob P. , Kazeem Haruna M. , Fu Zhen F.
Published: February 2013

A canine rabies virus (RABV) was isolated from a trade dog in Nigeria. Its entire genome was sequenced and found to be closely related to canine RABVs circulating in Africa. Sequence comparison indicates that the virus is closely related to the Africa 2 RABV lineage. The virus is now termed DRV-NG11.
Use of the Rapid BinaxNOW Malaria Test in a 24-Hour Laboratory Associated with Accurate Detection and Decreased Malaria Testing Turnaround Times in a Pediatric Setting Where Malaria Is Not Endemic
Authors: Ota-Sullivan K. , Blecker-Shelly D. L.
Published: February 2013

The impact of implementing the BinaxNow malaria test was evaluated. From 288 tests, 34 malaria cases were detected. Laboratory turnaround time decreased from 9.8 to 1.7 h for report of any
Plasmodium
spp., 10.2 to 1.6 h for
P. falciparum
, and 8.6 to 1.1 h for any result.
Intracellular Transport of the Measles Virus Ribonucleoprotein Complex Is Mediated by Rab11A-Positive Recycling Endosomes and Drives Virus Release from the Apical Membrane of Polarized Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nakatsu Yuichiro , Ma Xuemin , Seki Fumio , Suzuki Tadaki , Iwasaki Masaharu , Yanagi Yusuke , Komase Katsuhiro , Takeda Makoto
Published: February 2013

Many viruses use the host trafficking system at a variety of their replication steps. Measles virus (MV) possesses a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome that encodes three components of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex (N, P, and L), two surface glycoproteins, a matrix protein, and two nonstructural proteins. A subset of immune cells and polarized epithelial cells are
in vivo
targets of MV, and MV is selectively released from the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms for the apical release of MV remain largely unknown. In the present study, the localization and trafficking mechanisms of the RNP complex of MV were analyzed in detail using recombinant MVs expressing fluorescent protein-tagged L proteins. Live cell imaging analyses demonstrated that the MV RNP complex was transported in a manner dependent on the microtubule network and together with Rab11A-containing recycling endosomes. The RNP complex was accumulated at the apical membrane and the apical recycling compartment. The accumulation and shedding of infectious virions were severely impaired by expression of a dominant negative form of Rab11A. On the other hand, recycling endosome-mediated RNP transport was totally dispensable for virus production in nonpolarized cells. These data provide the first demonstration of the regulated intracellular trafficking events of the MV RNP complex that define the directional viral release from polarized epithelial cells.
No Viral Evolution in the Lymph Nodes of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques during Combined Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Oue Megu , Sakabe Saori , Horiike Mariko , Yasui Mika , Miura Tomoyuki , Igarashi Tatsuhiko
Published: February 2013

To elucidate the mode of viral persistence in primate lentivirus-infected individuals during combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), four simian immunodeficiency virus 239-infected monkeys were treated with cART for 1 year. The viral
env
genes prepared from total RNA extracted from the mesenteric lymph nodes collected at the completion of therapy were assessed by single genome amplification. Analyses of nucleotide substitutions and phylogeny revealed no viral evolution during cART.
The effect of high-intensity aerobic interval training on postinfarction left ventricular remodelling
Authors: Godfrey Richard , Theologou Thomas , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Binukrishnan Sukumaran , Wright Jay , Whyte Gregory , Ellison Georgina
Published: February 2013

This is the third in a series of case studies on an individual with normal coronaries who sustained an idiopathic acute myocardial infarction . Bilateral pulmonary emboli almost 2 years post-myocardial infarction (MI) revealed coagulopathy as the cause. The original MI resulted in 16% myocardial scar tissue. An increasing number of patients are surviving MI, hence the burden for healthcare often shifts to heart failure. Accumulating evidence suggests high-intensity aerobic interval exercise (AHIT) is efficacious in improving cardiac function in health and disease. However, its impact on MI scar has never been assessed. Accordingly, the 50-year-old subject of this case study undertook 60 weeks of regular AHIT. Successive cardiac MRI results demonstrate, for the first time, a decrease in MI scar with exercise and, alongside mounting evidence of high efficacy and low risk, suggests AHIT may be increasingly important in future prevention and reversing of disease and or amelioration of symptoms.
Fatal subcutaneous emphysema by manja: a deadly string
Authors: Tumram Nilesh Keshav , Bardale Rajesh Vaijnathrao , Dixit Pradeep Gangadhar , Ambade Vipul Namdeorao
Published: February 2013

‘Manja’ is an abrasive string which is gummed, coloured and coated with powdered glass used in fighter kites in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chile, India, Nepal, Pakistan, etc. Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when gas or air is present in the subcutaneous layer of the skin either because of blunt and penetrating trauma, chest surgeries or by necrotising skin infections such as gangrene. Here, we present a case of subcutaneous emphysema owing to a cut-throat injury by ‘manja’, which is rare and has not been reported to date to the best of our knowledge.
Geochemical and isotopic (Nd–Sr–Hf–Pb) evidence for a lithospheric mantle source in the formation of the alkaline Monteregian Province (Quebec)
Authors: Roulleau Emilie , Stevenson Ross
Published: February 2013

We present new major element and isotopic (Nd–Sr–Hf–Pb) data and modelling from alkaline rocks of the Monteregian Igneous Province of southern Quebec (Canada) that constrain the mantle source and the magmatic origin of these rocks. The whole-rock chemical composition of the intrusions is consistent with fractional crystallization of an assemblage of olivine ± clinopyroxene (± plagioclase) derived from ocean island basalts (OIB)-like magmas, and variations in the Sr and Nd isotope compositions suggest as much as 20% crustal contamination. The bulk of the Nd–Sr–Hf and Pb isotopic data form a tight cluster between a depleted mantle end-member (HIMU, high-U/Pb mantle) and an enriched mantle (EMI) end-member and are thought to reflect a sub-continental lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized by a convecting asthenospheric plume. Variations in these isotopic compositions along the west–east axis of the Monteregian Province (from the Oka carbonatite to the Mount Shefford intrusion) may reflect various degrees of mixing between HIMU and EMI enriched mantle reservoirs. Anomalously low 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb isotopic ratios from some of the intrusions likely indicate incorporation of an Archean component within the lithospheric mantle. We propose a model in which Monteregian magmatism formed from melting of a predominantly Proterozoic metasomatized lithospheric mantle in response to lithospheric extension during the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean at ca. 124 Ma.
AUTOMATED DIAGNOSIS OF EPILEPSY USING CWT, HOS AND TEXTURE PARAMETERS
Authors: ACHARYA U. RAJENDRA , YANTI RATNA , ZHENG JIA WEI , KRISHNAN M MUTHU RAMA , TAN JEN HONG , MARTIS ROSHAN JOY , LIM CHOO MIN
Published: February 2013

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder which manifests as recurrent seizures. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are generally analyzed to study the characteristics of epileptic seizures. In this work, we propose a method for the automated classification of EEG signals into normal, interictal and ictal classes using Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), Higher Order Spectra (HOS) and textures. First the CWT plot was obtained for the EEG signals and then the HOS and texture features were extracted from these plots. Then the statistically significant features were fed to four classifiers namely Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to select the best classifier. We observed that the SVM classifier with Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel function yielded the best results with an average accuracy of 96%, average sensitivity of 96.9% and average specificity of 97% for 23.6 s duration of EEG data. Our proposed technique can be used as an automatic seizure monitoring software. It can also assist the doctors to cross check the efficacy of their prescribed drugs.
DE NOVO SEQUENCING WITH LIMITED NUMBER OF POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS PER PEPTIDE
Authors: HE LIN , HAN XI , MA BIN
Published: February 2013

De novo sequencing derives the peptide sequence from a tandem mass spectrum without the assistance of protein databases. This analysis has been indispensable for the identification of novel or modified peptides in a biological sample. Currently, the speed of de novo sequencing algorithms is not heavily affected by the number of post-translational modification (PTM) types in consideration. However, the accuracy of the algorithms can be degraded due to the increased search space. Most peptides in a proteomics research contain only a small number of PTMs per peptide, yet the types of PTMs can come from a large number of choices. Therefore, it is desirable to include a large number of PTM types in a de novo sequencing algorithm, yet to limit the number of PTM occurrences in each peptide to increase the accuracy. In this paper, we present an efficient de novo sequencing algorithm, DeNovoPTM, for such a purpose. The implemented software is downloadable from http://www.cs.uwaterloo.ca/~l22he/denovo_ptm .
GRAPHENE-BASED TRANSPARENT CONDUCTIVE FILMS
Authors: LEE YOUNGBIN , AHN JONG-HYUN
Published: February 2013

Graphene is a promising alternative to indium tin oxide for use in transparent conducting electrodes. We review recent progress in production methods of graphene and its applications in optoelectronic devices such as touch panel screens, organic photovoltaic cells, organic light emitting diodes and thin film transistors. In addition, we discuss important criteria such as optical transmittance, electrical conductivity and work function, which are critical considerations in the integration of graphene conductive films with optoelectronic devices.
Topology-driven vectorization of clean line drawings
Authors: Noris Gioacchino , Hornung Alexander , Sumner Robert W. , Simmons Maryann , Gross Markus
Published: February 2013

Vectorization provides a link between raster scans of pencil-and-paper drawings and modern digital processing algorithms that require accurate vector representations. Even when input drawings are comprised of clean, crisp lines, inherent ambiguities near junctions make vectorization deceptively difficult. As a consequence, current vectorization approaches often fail to faithfully capture the junctions of drawn strokes. We propose a vectorization algorithm specialized for clean line drawings that analyzes the drawing's topology in order to overcome junction ambiguities. A gradient-based pixel clustering technique facilitates topology computation. This topological information is exploited during centerline extraction by a new “reverse drawing” procedure that reconstructs all possible drawing states prior to the creation of a junction and then selects the most likely stroke configuration. For cases where the automatic result does not match the artist's interpretation, our drawing analysis enables an efficient user interface to easily adjust the junction location. We demonstrate results on professional examples and evaluate the vectorization quality with quantitative comparison to hand-traced centerlines as well as the results of leading commercial algorithms.