bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five Cyanophora (Cyanophorales, Glaucophyta) species delineated based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki , Sato Mayuko , Toyooka Kiminori , Matsuzaki Ryo , Kawafune Kaoru , Kawamura Mai , Okuda Kazuo , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: September 2014

Cyanophora is an important glaucophyte genus of unicellular biflagellates that may have retained ancestral features of photosynthetic eukaryotes. The nuclear genome of Cyanophora was recently sequenced, but taxonomic studies of more than two strains are lacking for this genus. Furthermore, no study has used molecular methods to taxonomically delineate Cyanophora species. Here, we delimited the species of Cyanophora using light and electron microscopy, combined with molecular data from several globally distributed strains, including one newly established. Using a light microscope, we identified two distinct morphological groups: one with ovoid to ellipsoidal vegetative cells and another with dorsoventrally flattened or broad, bean‐shaped vegetative cells containing duplicated plastids. Our light and scanning electron microscopy clearly distinguished three species with ovoid to ellipsoidal cells (C. paradoxa Korshikov, C. cuspidata Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov., and C. kugrensii Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov.) and two species with broad, bean‐shaped cells (C. biloba Kugrens, B.L.Clay, C.J.Mey. & R.E.Lee and C. sudae Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov.) based on differences in cell shape and surface ornamentations of the vegetative cells under the field‐emission scanning electron microscope. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of P700 chl a apoprotein A2 (psaB) genes and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), as well as a comparison of secondary structures of nuclear rDNA ITS‐2 and genetic distances of psaB genes, supported the delineation of five morphological species of Cyanophora.
Time‐dependent effects of transcription‐ and translation‐halting drugs on the spatial distributions of the Escherichia coli chromosome and ribosomes
Authors: Bakshi Somenath , Choi Heejun , Mondal Jagannath , Weisshaar James C.
Published: September 2014

Previously observed effects of rifampicin and chloramphenicol indicate that transcription and translation activity strongly affect the coarse spatial organization of the bacterial cytoplasm. Single‐cell, time‐resolved, quantitative imaging of chromosome and ribosome spatial distributions and ribosome diffusion in live Escherichia coli provides insight into the underlying mechanisms. Monte Carlo simulations of model DNA‐ribosome mixtures support a novel nucleoid‐ribosome mixing hypothesis. In normal conditions, 70S‐polysomes and the chromosomal DNA segregate, while 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits are able to penetrate the nucleoids. Growth conditions and drug treatments determine the partitioning of ribosomes into 70S‐polysomes versus free 30S and 50S subunits. Entropic and excluded volume effects then dictate the resulting chromosome and ribosome spatial distributions. Direct observation of radial contraction of the nucleoids 0–5 min after treatment with either transcription‐ or translation‐halting drugs supports the hypothesis that simultaneous transcription, translation, and insertion of proteins into the membrane (‘transertion’) exerts an expanding force on the chromosomal DNA. Breaking of the DNA‐RNA polymerase‐mRNA‐ribosome‐membrane chain in either of two ways causes similar nucleoid contraction on a similar timescale. We suggest that chromosomal expansion due to transertion enables co‐transcriptional translation throughout the nucleoids.
Spatiotemporal organization of standing postprandial contractions in the distal ileum of the anesthetized pig
Authors: Janssen P. W. M. , Lentle R. G. , Chambers P. , Reynolds G. W. , De Loubens C. , Hulls C. M.
Published: September 2014

Background

Spatiotemporal (ST) mapping has mainly been applied to ex vivo preparations of the gut. We report the results of ST mapping of the spontaneous and remifentanil‐induced motility of circular and longitudinal muscles of the distal ileum in the postprandial anaesthetized pig.

Methods

Spatiotemporal maps of strain rate were derived from image sequences of an exteriorized loop of ileum on a superfusion tray at laparotomy. Parameters were obtained by direct measurement from these maps, and by auto‐ and cross‐correlation of map segments.

Key Results

Localized domains of standing longitudinal and circular activity that alternated between neighboring domains occurred spontaneously and both were promptly extinguished following intraluminal dosage with lidocaine. Longitudinal or circular contractions within a domain typically occurred at times that would coincide with every second or third cycle of the slow wave but propagated within the domain at a rate consistent with that reported within spike patches. Shortly after intravenous administration of remifentanil, longitudinal and circular contractions at the reported slow wave frequency propagated over longer distances at a high speed before slowing to a rate similar to that reported for slow waves.

Conclusions & Inferences

ST mapping based on cross‐correlation is a robust tool for the analysis of intestinal movement and minimizing movement artefacts. We propose that the ST pattern of standing longitudinal and circular contractions arises from variation in the refractory period of smooth muscle, and hence, in its response to successive slow waves with neural stimuli influencing the former and having a mainly permissive role.
Coexistence of neuroblastoma detected on staging of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Shiohama Tadashi , Ochiai Hidemasa , Hishiki Tomoro , Yoshida Hideo , Kohno Yoichi
Published: September 2014

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disease accompanied by the accumulation of pathological Langerhans cells, which often spreads into multi‐site and multi‐organ systems. We here describe a girl with a history of Kawasaki disease and cervical lymphadenopathy who presented with occipital LCH. Adrenal tumor was detected on staging evaluation of LCH and was diagnosed as neuroblastoma on resection using laparoscopic surgery. Neither tumor relapsed following chemotherapy for LCH and resection of neuroblastoma. Although LCH often spreads into multi‐organ lesions, invasive biopsy may be needed for tumors with atypical localization for LCH in consideration of the synchronous occurrence of malignancies.
First pediatric case of Chromobacterium haemolyticum causing proctocolitis
Authors: Tanpowpong Pornthep , Charoenmuang Rarong , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: September 2014

Bloody diarrhea in children is usually due to either infectious or inflammatory etiology, but infection is far more common than inflammatory bowel disease in children worldwide. If, however, the patient has unfavorable response to antibiotics and a definite infectious agent has yet to be identified; colonoscopy should be performed. The current patient presented with acute onset of mucous bloody diarrhea. Stool culture was initially identified as Vibrio mimicus and later identified as Aeromonas schubertii but the biochemistry did not fit well with either organism. After a prolonged course of hematochezia despite i.v. antibiotics, colonoscopy was performed that showed inflammation in the rectosigmoid area. Meanwhile, the final biochemistry tests and 16s rRNA sequencing of the organism confirmed Chromobacterium haemolyticum infection. Twelve weeks after the initial colonoscopy, repeat colonoscopy showed post‐infectious colitis. Herein we report on the first pediatric case of C. haemolyticum infection causing proctocolitis.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Rare cause of meningitis
Authors: Correia Cátia Rodrigues , Ferreira Sara Tavares , Nunes Paula
Published: September 2014

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram‐negative bacillus, which is an extremely rare cause of meningitis. To our knowledge, there are only five previous pediatrics cases. Here, we describe the case of a 4‐year‐old boy who developed meningitis associated with this organism, after several neurosurgical procedures and previous treatment with a broad‐spectrum antibiotic. He was treated successfully with a combination of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime and levofloxacin. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia should be considered as a potential cause of meningitis, especially among severely debilitated or immunosuppressed patients. Antimicrobial therapy is complicated by the high resistance of the organism to multiple antibiotics.
Incidence of death from congenital toxoplasmosis in 0–4‐year‐old children in Japan
Authors: Hoshino Tatsuji , Kita Masato , Imai Yukihiro , Yamakawa Masaru
Published: September 2014

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The incidence of death due to congenital toxoplasmosis in Japan from 1974 to 2007 was calculated using the autopsy database of the Japanese Society of Pathology and vital statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Two neonatal deaths due to congenital toxoplasmosis were reported during that time. As there were 161 195 neonatal deaths during this period and 32 465 autopsies were performed, the yearly neonatal death from congenital toxoplasmosis was calculated as 2 × 161 195/32 465/34 = 0.29 and the autopsy rate as 32 465/161 195 = 0.2014 (20.14%). The calculated number of annual deaths in infants was 0.82 and in children aged 1–4 years it was 2.09; thus, although few, deaths from congenital toxoplasmosis do still occur in neonates, infants, and young children. Therefore, obstetricians and pediatricians should be aware of the potential for congenital toxoplasmosis, and pregnant women should make every effort to avoid T. gondii infection.
Novel mutation in the TMPRSS6 gene with iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Kodama Koya , Noguchi Atsuko , Adachi Hiroyuki , Hebiguchi Miwa , Yano Michihiro , Takahashi Tsutomu
Published: September 2014

Iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by congenital hypochromic microcytic anemia, low transferrin saturation, low serum iron, normal–high serum ferritin, and increased hepcidin. This disease is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in TMPRSS6 that lead to high hepcidin and result in severe anemia. We report our experience with an 11‐year‐old Japanese girl with hypochromic microcytic anemia, low serum iron, and high serum ferritin, with anemia that was refractory to the oral iron that was prescribed frequently from early childhood. Presence of high hepcidin suggested a diagnosis of IRIDA, which was eventually confirmed by identification of a novel homozygous mutation, p.Pro354Leu, in the TMPRSS6 gene. This case suggests that serum hepcidin should be routinely measured for differential diagnosis when patients with IDA are unresponsive to oral iron or have unusual clinical features.
Unrelated cord blood and bone marrow transplantation in pediatric leukemia
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Kato Motohiro , Koh Katsuyoshi , Hanada Ryoji
Published: September 2014

To investigate the role of cord blood as an alternative stem cell source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric acute leukemia, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 35 unrelated cord blood transplantations (UCBT) and 56 unrelated bone marrow transplantations (UBMT) with myeloablative conditioning. The 5 year overall survival (OS) probability was 49.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 35.6–62.4%) for UBMT and 53.8% (95%CI: 34.0–70.1%) for UCBT (P = 0.92). The 5 year event‐free survival (EFS) probability was 47.3% (33.6–59.8%) for UBMT and 33.0% (15.9–51.2%) for UCBT (P = 0.38). OS and EFS were not significantly different between the groups. On multivariate analysis there was no significant difference between the groups. In conclusion, UCBT can have a role as important as that of UBMT in pediatric acute leukemia.
An alternatively spliced heat shock transcription factor, OsHSFA2dI, functions in the heat stress‐induced unfolded protein response in rice
Authors: Cheng Q. , Zhou Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang L. , Song G. , Guo Z. , Wang W. , Qu X. , Zhu Y. , Yang D.
Published: September 2014

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved a wide range of defence pathways to cope with environmental stress such as heat shock. However, the molecular mechanism of these defence pathways remains unclear in rice. In this study, we found that OsHSFA2d, a heat shock transcriptional factor, encodes two main splice variant proteins, OsHSFA2dI and OsHSFA2dII in rice. Under normal conditions, OsHSFA2dII is the dominant but transcriptionally inactive spliced form. However, when the plant suffers heat stress, OsHSFA2d is alternatively spliced into a transcriptionally active form, OsHSFA2dI, which participates in the heat stress response (HSR). Further study found that this alternative splicing was induced by heat shock rather than photoperiod. We found that OsHSFA2dI is localised to the nucleus, whereas OsHSFA2dII is localised to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Moreover, expression of the unfolded protein response (UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE) sensors, OsIRE1, OsbZIP39/OsbZIP60 and the UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE marker OsBiP1, was up‐regulated. Interestingly, OsbZIP50 was also alternatively spliced under heat stress, indicating that UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE signalling pathways were activated by heat stress to re‐establish cellular protein homeostasis. We further demonstrated that OsHSFA2dI participated in the unfolded protein response by regulating expression of OsBiP1.
Inflorescences vs leaves: a distinct modulation of carbon metabolism process during Botrytis infection
Authors: Vatsa‐Portugal Parul , Walker Anne‐Sophie , Jacquens Lucile , Clément Christophe , Barka Essaid Ait , Vaillant‐Gaveau Nathalie
Published: September 2014

Plant growth and survival depends critically on photo assimilates. Pathogen infection leads to changes in carbohydrate metabolism of plants. In this study, we monitored changes in the carbohydrate metabolism in the grapevine inflorescence and leaves using Botrytis cinerea and Botrytis pseudo cinerea. Fluctuations in gas exchange were correlated with variations in chlorophyll a fluorescence. During infection, the inflorescences showed an increase in net photosynthesis (Pn) with a stomatal limitation. In leaves, photosynthesis decreased, with a non‐stomatal limitation. A decrease in the effective photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield (ΦPSII) was accompanied by an increase in photochemical quenching (qP) and non‐photochemical quenching (qN). The enhancement of qP and ΦPSII could explain the observed increase in Pn. In leaves, the significant decline in ΦPSII and qP, and increase in qN suggest that energy was mostly oriented toward heat dissipation instead of CO2 fixation. The accumulation of glucose and sucrose in inflorescences and glucose and fructose in the leaves during infection indicate that the plant's carbon metabolism is differently regulated in these two organs. While a strong accumulation of starch was observed at 24 and 48 hours post‐inoculation (hpi) with both species of Botrytis in the inflorescences, a significant decrease with B. cinerea at 24 hpi and a significant increase with B. pseudo cinerea at 48 hpi were observed in the leaves. On the basis of these results, it can be said that during pathogen attack, the metabolism of grapevine inflorescence and leaf is modified suggesting distinct mechanisms modifying gas exchange, PSII activity and sugar contents in these two organs.
Occurrence and induction of a ultraviolet‐absorbing substance in the cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215
Authors: Rastogi Rajesh P. , Incharoensakdi Aran
Published: September 2014

The filamentous cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215 was tested for the presence of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) and their induction by UV radiation. Reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic coupled with photodiode‐array detection studies revealed the presence of a MAA having an absorption maximum at 332 nm and a retention time of around 16.1 min. Based on absorption maximum, the compound was designated as M‐332. This is the first report for the occurrence of a MAA and its inducibility as influenced by UV radiation in Fischerella strains studied so far. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) had no significant impact on MAA induction. PAR + UV‐A radiation significantly induced the synthesis of M‐332; however, PAR + UV‐A + UV‐B radiation conferred highest impact on MAA synthesis. The cultures exposed to alternate light and dark conditions showed the induction of M‐332 synthesis mostly during the light period in contrast to the decreased levels of M‐322 during the dark period suggesting a circadian induction of its synthesis. Overall results indicate that F. muscicola may protect itself from deleterious short wavelength UV radiation by synthesizing the photoprotective compounds particularly during summer time in its natural brightly‐lit habitats.
Effects of Flunixin Meglumine and Prostaglandin F2αTreatments on the Development and Quality of Bovine EmbryosIn Vitro
Authors: Kim S‐S , Bang J‐I , Fakruzzaman M , Lee K‐L , Ko D‐H , Ghanem N , Wang Z , Kong I‐K
Published: September 2014

Contents

Assisted reproduction procedures, such as embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI), in cattle could induce the secretion of prostaglandin F2‐alpha (PGF2α) from uterine horns which may in turn interrupt embryo development and implantation. This study investigated the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) andFMcombined withPGF2αsupplementation in culture medium (IVC‐II) on the development and quality ofin vitroproduced bovine embryos. The development rate of embryos was significantly higher in theFMgroup (33.3%) than in control (24.3%),PGF2α(23.9%) andFM + PGF2αgroups (24.5%). The percentage of hatched blastocysts was also higher (p < 0.05) in theFMgroup (41.2%) than in the control (27.8%) andPGF2αgroups (19.8%). While, there was no significant difference in total cell number in all experimental groups, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in thePGF2αgroup (8.2 ± 6.6) than in the control (4.7 ± 3.2),FM(4.7 ± 2.5) andFM + PGF2α(4.9 ± 3.4) groups. Detected by real‐timePCR, secreted vesicle seminal protein 1 (SSLP1) and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression decreased (p < 0.05) in thePGF2αgroup. However,SSLP1 andPTGS2 gene expression in theFM + PGF2αgroup returned to their baseline levels, similar to the control andFMgroups. Caspase 3 (CAPS3) gene expression increased in thePGF2αgroup compared with other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, addition ofFMin vitroculture significantly improved embryo development as well as alleviated the negative impact ofPGF2α.
Fertility of a High‐Altitude Sheep Model is Compromised by Deficiencies in Both Preovulatory Follicle Development and Plasma LH Availability
Authors: Parraguez VH , Diaz F , Cofré E , Urquieta B , De Los Reyes M , Astiz S , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A
Published: September 2014

Contents

At high altitude, hypoxia and/or oxidative stress may compromise fertility. This study tested the relative effect of short‐ or long‐term exposure to high‐altitude hypobaric hypoxia and oxidative stress in sheep on preovulatory follicle dynamics and gonadotrophin secretion. Thus, growth dynamics, stereidogenic function and competence to ovulate of preovulatory follicles, as well as FSH and LH availability throughout the entire oestrous cycle, were compared among sheep native from low and high altitude, and sheep newcomers to high altitude. The results indicates that short‐term exposure in sheep newcomers to high altitude has a deleterious effect on both the ovarian function (affecting preovulatory follicular development) and the pituitary function (diminishing plasma LH availability). On the other hand, there were no detected differences in the preovulatory follicular development in sheep adapted to high altitude for generations and, conversely, LH secretion was increased, which suggests an adaptive mechanism. The treatment with antioxidant agents during a relative short period for the time of folliculogenesis (approximately 1 month and a half) changed substantially the development of preovulatory follicles in short‐term exposed sheep to similar patterns than in sheep native and living to both high and low altitude. These results highlight the role of oxidative stress in the detriment of the reproductive function in individuals recently exposed to high‐altitude hypoxic environment.
Accurate Ultrasonographic Prediction of Progesterone Concentrations Greater than 1 ng/ml in Holstein lactating dairy cows
Authors: Kaneko K , Takagi N
Published: September 2014

Contents

To develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P4) as < 1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P4 were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area‐measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P4 (p < 0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = −0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm2 indicated a P4 of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows: < 1.3 cm2 (Group A), 1.3–2.2 cm2 (Group B), 2.3–3.2 cm2 (Group C), 3.3–4.2 cm2 (Group D), 4.3–5.2 cm2 (Group E) and > 5.2 cm2 (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P4 was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p < 0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm2 and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm2 or more.
Conceptualizing and theorizing EU regulatory networks
Authors: Blauberger Michael , Rittberger Berthold
Published: September 2014

European regulatory networks (ERNs) play a central role in the formulation, deliberation, and implementation of EU policies and have, thus, become objects of investigation in a fast‐growing scholarly literature. We identify two shortcomings – one conceptual, one theoretical – in the literature on ERNs: First, we argue that the principal–agent approach, which is conventionally used to conceptualize ERNs, overlooks and even misrepresents central features of ERNs. By introducing and applying the “orchestration” framework to ERNs we demonstrate that it better captures the specific characteristics of ERNs. Secondly, explanations for the choice and design of ERNs have treated functional and power‐based accounts as mutually exclusive. We argue instead that explanatory leverage can be gained by combining these two accounts by specifying their respective domains of application. While functional accounts enable us to illuminate why and under what circumstances ERNs are created in the first place (rather than EU agencies or delegation to the Commission), political accounts help us to shed light on variation in the design of ERNs (i.e. why actors opt for rather close or loose network structures). We illustrate the explanatory value‐added of such an approach through two brief case studies on EU telecommunications and competition policies.
Regulatory capabilities: A normative framework for assessing the distributional effects of regulation
Authors: Cafaggi Fabrizio , Pistor Katharina
Published: September 2014

This paper develops the normative concept of “regulatory capabilities.” It asserts that nobody – individuals, groups, or entities – should be subjected to a regulatory regime without some freedom to determine its nature. Self‐determination in this context means the ability to accept or reject a regulatory regime imposed by others or to develop viable alternative approaches. We use the term “regulatory capabilities” to capture the importance of enabling conditions for regulatory self‐determination. This is particularly important in the transnational context where private, hybrid public–private, and public actors compete for influence, shape domestic regulation, and, in doing so, limit the scope for democratic self‐governance. In short, this paper seeks to contribute to the general debate on the normative foundations of and the requisite conditions for transnational regulation and governance.
On the Nature of Toddlers' Helping: Helping or Interest in Others' Activity?
Authors: Carpendale Jeremy I. M. , Kettner Viktoria A. , Audet Karyn N.
Published: September 2014

Toddlers' helping has been interpreted as early evidence of cooperation and altruism. We consider whether this important social activity might, instead, be due to toddlers' interest in participating in the activity of others, and we illustrate this possibility with diary observations of infants' social and communicative development. This alternative view of toddlers' helping as one manifestation of a more‐general tendency for social engagement requires a different approach to the explanation of this aspect of social development. We argue for a relational developmental systems account of the emergence and further development of infants' social and emotional engagement leading to toddlers' helping.
Foundations of the Workfare State – Reflections on the Political Transformation of the Welfare State in Britain
Authors: Deeming Christopher
Published: September 2014

The British ‘welfare state’ has been transformed. ‘Welfare’ has been replaced by a new ‘workfare’ regime (the ‘Work Programme’) defined by tougher state regulatory practices for those receiving out‐of‐work benefits. US‐style mandatory community work programmes are being revived and expanded. This article, therefore, considers shifting public attitudes to work and welfare in Britain and changing attitudes to working‐age welfare and out‐of‐work benefits in particular. It also considers the extent to which recent transformations of the state may be explained by declines in traditional labourist politics and class‐based solidarity. Thus, we attempt to develop a richer understanding of changing public attitudes towards welfare and the punitive regulatory ‘workfare’ practices engaged by the modern state in the liberal market economy; reflecting on the nature of the relations between ideology, party policies, popular attitudes and their political impact.
Rhabdomyolysis associated with cytomegalovirus infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Jung H.‐Y. , Kim K.‐H. , Park S.‐C. , Lee J.‐H. , Choi J.‐Y. , Cho J.‐H. , Park S.‐H. , Kim Y.‐L. , Kim H.‐K. , Huh S. , Kim C.‐D.
Published: September 2014

Rhabdomyolysis is a pathological syndrome caused by skeletal muscle cell damage that affects the integrity of the cellular membrane and leads to the release of toxic intracellular constituents into the bloodstream. Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) has rarely been reported as a cause of rhabdomyolysis, CMV infection could be considered as a possible cause because of its clinical significance in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We report 2 cases of rhabdomyolysis associated with CMV infection in KTRs. A 64‐year‐old woman (Case 1) and a 65‐year‐old man (Case 2), who had each received a kidney from a living unrelated donor, were admitted with complaints of weakness in both legs and myalgia. Laboratory findings revealed highly increased creatine phosphokinase and myoglobinuria. In both cases, no recent alterations of medications had occurred, and other causes of rhabdomyolysis—such as trauma, alcohol, drugs, and electrolyte abnormalities – were excluded. CMV pp65 antigen was positive, and patients were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis associated with CMV infection. Both patients recovered without complications after ganciclovir treatment. In conclusion, CMV infection should be considered as a possible cause of rhabdomyolysis in KTRs.
Risk factors associated with human Rift Valley fever infection: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nicholas Dennis E. , Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Waters Nigel M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To identify risk factors for human Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection.

Methods

A systematic review identified 17 articles reporting on 16 studies examining risk factors for RVFV. Pooled odds ratios (pOR) were calculated for exposures examined in four or more studies.

Results

Being male [pOR = 1.4 (1.0, 1.8)], contact with aborted animal tissue [pOR = 3.4 (1.6, 7.3)], birthing an animal [pOR = 3.2 (2.4, 4.2)], skinning an animal [pOR = 2.5 (1.9, 3.2)], slaughtering an animal [pOR = 2.4 (1.4, 4.1)] and drinking raw milk [pOR = 1.8 (1.2, 2.6)] were significantly associated with RVF infection after meta‐analysis. Other potential risk factors include sheltering animals in the home and milking an animal, which may both involve contact with animal body fluids.

Conclusions

Based on the identified risk factors, use of personal protective equipment and disinfectants by animal handlers may help reduce RVFV transmission during outbreaks. Milk pasteurisation and other possible preventive methods require further investigation.
A Systematic Scoping Study of the Socio‐Economic Impact of Rift Valley Fever: Research Gaps and Needs
Authors: Peyre M. , Chevalier V. , Abdo‐Salem S. , Velthuis A. , Antoine‐Moussiaux N. , Thiry E. , Roger F.
Published: September 2014

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a severe mosquito‐borne disease affecting humans and domestic ruminants. RVF virus has been reported in most African countries, as well as in the Arabic Peninsula. This paper reviews the different types of socio‐economic impact induced by RVF disease and the attempts to evaluate them. Of the 52 papers selected for this review, 13 types of socio‐economic impact were identified according to the sector impacted, the level and temporal scale of the impact. RVF has a dramatic impact on producers and livestock industries, affecting public and animal health, food security and the livelihood of the pastoralist communities. RVF also has an impact on international trade and other agro‐industries. The risk of introducing RVF into disease‐free countries via the importation of an infected animal or mosquito is real, and the consequent restriction of access to export markets may induce dramatic economic consequences for national and local economies. Despite the important threat of RVF, few studies have been conducted to assess the socio‐economic impact of the disease. The 17 studies identified for quantitative analysis in this review relied only on partial cost analysis, with limited reference to mid‐ and long‐term impact, public health or risk mitigation measures. However, the estimated impacts were high (ranging from $5 to $470 million USD losses). To reduce the impact of RVF, early detection and rapid response should be implemented. Comprehensive disease impact studies are required to provide decision‐makers with science‐based information on the best intervention measure to implement ensuring efficient resource allocation. Through the analysis of RVF socio‐economic impact, this scoping study proposes insights into the mechanisms underpinning its often‐underestimated importance. This study highlights the need for comparative socio‐economic studies to help decision‐makers with their choices related to RVF disease management.
Artificial Neural Network Based Prediction of Heat Transfer From Horizontal Tube Bundles Immersed in Gas–Solid Fluidized Bed of Large Particles
Authors: Kamble L. V. , Pangavhane D. R. , Singh T. P.
Published: September 2014

Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling of heat transfer from horizontal tube bundles immersed in gas fluidized bed of large particles (mustard, raagi and bajara) was investigated. The effect of fluidizing gas velocity on the heat transfer coefficient in the immersed tube bundles in in-line and staggered arrangement is discussed. The parameters particle diameter, temperature difference between bed and immersed surface were used in the neural network (NN) modeling along with fluidizing velocity. The feed-forward network with back propagation structure implemented using Levenberg–Marquardt's learning rule in the NN approach. The predictions of the ANN were found to be in good agreement with the experiment's values, as well as the results achieved by the developed correlations.
Classification of Joints Used in Steerable Instruments for Minimally Invasive Surgery—A Review of the State of the Art
Authors: Jelínek Filip , Arkenbout Ewout A. , Henselmans Paul W. J. , Pessers Rob , Breedveld Paul
Published: September 2014

This review article provides a comprehensive overview and classification of the joint types used in the steerable tips of minimally invasive surgical instruments. The review was carried out with the objective to pinpoint the essence of the joints' fundamental mechanical design and to provide a qualitative comparison of their strengths and weaknesses with respect to a number of straightforward criteria. Besides researching the ASME scientific literature, the entire Espacenet patent database was searched using the keywords endo* or lapar* or surg* in title and steer* or articu* or deflect* in title or abstract. The extensive scope of the patent results was further limited to World (WO), United States (US), and European (EP) patents only as well as to the period of the last decade, 2003–2013, with a few exceptions predating this period. Overall, more than 840 patents were reviewed and categorized on the basis of the joints' mechanical design and supplemented with the scientific papers. A number of joint categories and subcategories were identified. At the fundamental level the joints can be differentiated as planar and spatial, where the spatial are further split as perpendicular mirrored and revolved. Based on the means of establishing rotational motion, the joint types can be discriminated as rolling, sliding, the combination of rolling and sliding, and bending. Lastly, the rolling and sliding categories can be further split with regard to the phenomenon or feature used for transferring the rotational motion, i.e., friction, teeth, belts, curved features, and hinges. In general, the most favored joint types were identified as the sliding and the bending joint categories overall. Nevertheless, it was recognized that no single fundamental joint type can be considered as ideal and that novel and preferably more superior joint configurations can be generated by combining several fundamental categories together.
Laparoscopic Tissue Retractor Based on Local Magnetic Actuation
Authors: Garbin Nicolò , Di Natali Christian , Buzzi Jacopo , De Momi Elena , Valdastri Pietro
Published: September 2014

Magnetic instruments for laparoscopic surgery have the potential to enhance triangulation and reduce invasiveness, as they can be rearranged inside the abdominal cavity and do not need a dedicated port during the procedure. Onboard actuators can be used to achieve a controlled and repeatable motion at the interface with the tissue. However, actuators that can fit through a single laparoscopic incision are very limited in power and do not allow performance of surgical tasks such as lifting an organ. In this study, we present a tissue retractor based on local magnetic actuation (LMA). This approach combines two pairs of magnets, one providing anchoring and the other transferring motion to an internal mechanism connected to a retracting lever. Design requirements were derived from clinical considerations, while finite element simulations and static modeling were used to select the permanent magnets, set the mechanism parameters, and predict the lifting and supporting capabilities of the tissue retractor. A three-tier validation was performed to assess the functionality of the device. First, the retracting performance was investigated via a benchtop experiment, by connecting an increasing load to the lever until failure occurred, and repeating this test for different intermagnetic distances. Then, the feasibility of liver resection was studied with an ex vivo experiment, using porcine hepatic tissue. Finally, the usability and the safety of the device were tested in vivo on an anesthetized porcine model. The developed retractor is 154 mm long, 12.5 mm in diameter, and weights 39.16 g. When abdominal wall thickness is 2 cm, the retractor is able to lift more than ten times its own weight. The model is able to predict the performance with a relative error of 9.06 ± 0.52%. Liver retraction trials demonstrate that the device can be inserted via laparoscopic access, does not require a dedicated port, and can perform organ retraction. The main limitation is the reduced mobility due to the length of the device. In designing robotic instrument for laparoscopic surgery, LMA can enable the transfer of a larger amount of mechanical power than what is possible to achieve by embedding actuators on board. This study shows the feasibility of implementing a tissue retractor based on this approach and provides an illustration of the main steps that should be followed in designing a LMA laparoscopic instrument.
Numerical Evaluation of Unsteadiness in Particle Dispersion Modeling
Authors: Ahmadi W. , Mehdizadeh A. , Chrigui M. , Sadiki A.
Published: September 2014

The paper deals with the issues of stochastic dispersion models for the inertial particle turbulent flow. Thereby, dispersion models are applied to generate the instantaneous velocity of the fluid at particle location to reproduce the effect of turbulence on particle transport within an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. Especial focus is on the influence of unsteady calculation of carrier phase in combination with unsteady phase coupling. Computations are carried out in a particle-laden turbulent shear flow using three dispersion models. It turns out that accurate prediction of the carrier phase is essential to predict the dispersion in an acceptable level of accuracy.
Operational Improvements for Startup Time Reduction in Solar Steam Turbines
Authors: Topel Monika , Genrup Magnus , Jöcker Markus , Spelling James , Laumert Björn
Published: September 2014

Solar steam turbines are subject to high thermal stresses as a result of temperature gradients during transient operation, which occurs more frequently due to the variability of the solar resource. In order to increase the flexibility of the turbines while preserving lifting requirements, several operational modifications for maintaining turbine temperatures during offline periods are proposed and investigated. The modifications were implemented in a dynamic thermal turbine model and the potential improvements were quantified. The modifications studied included: increasing the gland steam pressure injected to the end-seals, increasing the back pressure and increasing the barring speed. These last two take advantage of the ventilation and friction work. The effects of the modifications were studied both individually as well as in different combinations. The temperatures obtained when applying the combined modifications were compared to regular turbine cool-down (CD) temperatures and showed significant improvements on the startup times of the turbine.
Mathematical Model of Two-Stage Turbocharging Gasoline Engine Propeller Propulsion System and Analysis of Its Flying Characteristic
Authors: Shan Peng , Zhou Yicheng , Zhu Dexuan
Published: September 2014

A flying characteristic simulation method was studied for two-stage turbocharging compression ignition (CI) engine propeller propulsion system, intended for medium/high altitude low-speed long-endurance multirole aerial vehicle systems at 10–20 km high. Introducing the simulation method for gas turbine engine with component models, based upon component maps or algebraic equations, this method solved joint-working equations of the propulsion system by Newton iteration method to obtain cooperation points of the system. A full-power holding (FPH) requirement and turbocharger-engine collaboration condition were stated. The regulating rules in both FPH mode and power lapse (PL) mode were analyzed. The influences of regulating rules on turbocharger operating lines were placed. Finally, the altitude–velocity characteristics of the propulsion system and components were investigated. The research shows three results. This method converges rapidly that usually it needs only 5–6 iterations to obtain one operating point. The regulation scheme of two gas-bypass valves cannot only meet the design objectives but also allow an effective adjusting to the operating points of the turbochargers. This method can be extended conveniently to the simulations of more complex multistage turbocharging systems.
An Angular Momentum and Energy Conserving Lie-Group Integration Scheme for Rigid Body Rotational Dynamics Originating From Störmer–Verlet Algorithm
Authors: Terze Zdravko , Müller Andreas , Zlatar Dario
Published: September 2014

The paper presents two novel second order conservative Lie-group geometric methods for integration of rigid body rotational dynamics. First proposed algorithm is a fully explicit scheme that exactly conserves spatial angular momentum of a free spinning body. The method is inspired by the Störmer–Verlet integration algorithm for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which is also momentum conservative when dealing with ODEs in linear spaces but loses its conservative properties in a nonlinear regime, such as nonlinear SO(3) rotational group. Then, we proposed an algorithm that is an implicit integration scheme with a direct update in SO(3). The method is algorithmically designed to conserve exactly both of the two “main” motion integrals of a rotational rigid body, i.e., spatial angular momentum of a torque-free body as well as its kinetic energy. As it is shown in the paper, both methods also preserve Lagrangian top integrals of motion in a very good manner, and generally better than some of the most successful conservative schemes to which the proposed methods were compared within the presented numerical examples. The proposed schemes can be easily applied within the integration algorithms of the dynamics of general rigid body systems.
Automatic slice selection and diagnosis of breast strain elastography
Authors: Chang Shao‐Chien , Lee Yan‐Wei , Lai Yi‐Chen , Tiu Chui‐Mei , Wang Hsin‐Kai , Chiou Hong‐Jen , Hsu Yu‐Wei , Chou Yi‐Hong , Chang Ruey‐Feng
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

Generally speaking, breast imaging experts and physicians select a representative slice from the strain elastographic image sequences to diagnose the tumor. Given the strain image qualities, it is difficult to make a successful diagnosis using human eyes only. The main purpose of this study is to develop an automatic and reliable method to select the representative slice from the elastography cine loops and/or video and then diagnose the tumor by means of the elastographic features generated from the selected slice.

Methods:

In this study, the authors collected 80 biopsy‐proven breast tumors, comprising of 45 benign and 35 malignant lesions, to estimate the performance of the automatic slice selection method. Images chosen using several slice selection criteria (e.g., whole‐image analysis or tumor region analysis) were compared to the physician‐selected images to determine the best selection criterion. The level set tumor segmentation method was applied to the corresponding B‐mode part of the representative elastographic slice to overlap tumor boundaries on strain images and to calculate elastographic features for diagnosis.

Results:

The experiment showed that the diagnostic performance, in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, evaluated by the leave‐one‐out method, based on the elastographic features for the representative slice selected by the proposed slice selection method, was 71.3%, 91.4%, and 55.6%, respectively, while the performance values for the physician‐selected slice were 65.0%, 77.1%, and 55.6%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Both the sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed slice selection method were better than those of the physician‐selected slice, and the specificity of these two different schemes is similar. According to the statistical analysis of experimental results, the performance of the proposed slice selection method was similar to that of the physician's selection. The authors concluded that the proposed slice selection method could assist the physician in selecting the appropriate representative slice and in decreasing the time of selection.
Phantomless patient‐specific TomoTherapy QA via delivery performance monitoring and a secondary Monte Carlo dose calculation
Authors: Handsfield Lydia L. , Jones Ryan , Wilson David D. , Siebers Jeffery V. , Read Paul W. , Chen Quan
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

To describe the validation and implementation of a novel quality assurance (QA) system for TomoTherapy using a Monte Carlo (MC)‐based secondary dose calculation and CT detector‐based multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf opening time measurement QA verification. This system is capable of detecting plan transfer and delivery errors and evaluating the dosimetric impact of those errors.

Methods:

The authors’ QA process, MCLogQA, utilizes an independent pretreatment MC secondary dose calculation and postdelivery TomoTherapy exit detector‐based MLC sinogram comparison and log file examination to confirm accurate dose calculation, accurate dose delivery, and to verify machine performance. MC radiation transport simulations are performed to estimate patient dose utilizing prestored treatment machine‐specific phase‐space information, the patient's planning CT, and MLC sinogram data. Sinogram data are generated from both the treatment planning system (MC_TPS) and from beam delivery log files (MC_Log). TomoTherapy treatment planning dose (DTPS) is compared with DMC_TPS and DMC_Log via dose–volume metrics and mean region of interest dose statistics. For validation, in‐phantom ionization chamber dose measurements (DIC) for ten sample patient plans are compared with the computed values.

Results:

Dose comparisons to in‐phantom ion chamber measurements validate the capability of the MCLogQA method to detect delivery errors. DMC_Log agreed with DIC within 1%, while DTPS values varied by 2%–5% compared to DIC. The authors demonstrated that TomoTherapy treatments can be vulnerable to MLC deviations and interfraction output variations during treatment delivery. Interfractional Linac output variations for each patient were approximately 2% and average output was 1%–1.5% below the gold standard. While average MLC leaf opening time error from patient to patient varied from −0.6% to 1.6%, the MLC leaf errors varied little between fractions for the same patient plan, excluding one patient.

Conclusions:

MCLogQA is a new TomoTherapy QA process that validates the planned dose before delivery and analyzes the delivered dose using the treatment exit detector and log file data. The MCLogQA procedure is an effective and efficient alternative to traditional phantom‐based TomoTherapy plan‐specific QA because it allows for comprehensive 3D dose verification, accounts for tissue heterogeneity, uses patient CT density tables, reduces total QA time, and provides for a comprehensive QA methodology for each treatment fraction.
The classical Bloch equations
Authors: Frimmer Martin , Novotny Lukas
Published: September 2014

Coherent control of a quantum mechanical two-level system is at the heart of magnetic resonance imaging, quantum information processing, and quantum optics. Among the most prominent phenomena in quantum coherent control are Rabi oscillations, Ramsey fringes, and Hahn echoes. We demonstrate that these phenomena can be derived classically by use of a simple coupled-harmonic-oscillator model. The classical problem can be cast in a form that is formally equivalent to the quantum mechanical Bloch equations with the exception that the longitudinal and the transverse relaxation times (T1 and T2) are equal. The classical analysis is intuitive and well suited for familiarizing students with the basic concepts of quantum coherent control, while at the same time highlighting the fundamental differences between classical and quantum theories.