bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft tissue histomorphology at implants with a transmucosal modified surface. A study in minipigs
Authors: Liñares Antonio , Muñoz Fernando , Permuy María , Dard Michel , Blanco Juan
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To investigate soft tissue histomorphology and quality around implants with a modified transgingival collar surface comparatively to a machined.

Material and methods

Twenty‐seven Straumann Standard Tissue Level implants belonging to the following groups (nine of each group): Ti modSLA with machined collar (Ti‐M), Ti modSLA with machined, acid‐etched surface collar (Ti‐modMA), and TiZr modSLA with machined, acid‐etched surface collar (TiZr‐modMA) were placed in the mandible of six minipigs. After 8 weeks of healing, buccal sections were obtained and processed for histological evaluation.

Results

Histometric soft tissue outcomes were similar for the three types of implants. The percentage of connective tissue attached to implant surface and its length was longer at TiZr‐modMA with respect to Ti‐M implants. The number of inflammatory cells was slightly higher at the TiZr‐modMA with respect to Ti‐M implant. The percentage of area occupied by perpendicular collagen fibers was slightly higher for the modified surfaces in comparison with the machined.

Conclusions

Modified implant collar surfaces at Ti and TiZr implants showed a soft tissue interface similar to machined. A tendency of increasing number of perpendicular collagen fibers and improved connective tissue contact was found at the modified implant surfaces.
782. SALVIA INVOLUCRATA
Authors: Wood John R. I. , Pink Lynsey
Published: May 2014

Salvia involucrata Cav., the Rose‐leaf sage, is a species endemic to east Mexico which has been in cultivation since at least the late 18th century. It is little‐known as a native species but is widely cultivated and various cultivars and cultivated hybrids are also known. Salvia puberula Fern. is treated as belonging to S. involucrata but has been subject to different interpretations over the years.
A new equation for the soil water retention curve
Authors: Kuang X. , Jiao J. J.
Published: May 2014

The soil water retention curve is a fundamental characteristic of unsaturated zone flow and transport properties. Recent studies show that an air‐entry value is needed in a soil water retention equation in order to provide a better prediction of relative hydraulic conductivity. A new equation considering the air‐entry value is proposed to describe the soil water retention curve. The performance of the proposed equation is contrasted with a well‐supported equation by comparing measured and calculated data for 14 soils, representing various soil textures, which range from sandstone to clay. Results show that the proposed equation provides adequate characterization of the soil water retention curves. The equation for predicting relative hydraulic conductivity is derived from the proposed soil water retention equation. An empirical equation for relative hydraulic conductivity is also used. Our results show that the agreement between the predicted and measured relative hydraulic conductivities is improved by the combinations of the proposed equation and the relative hydraulic conductivity equations. The proposed equation is mathematically simple and it can easily be implemented in unsaturated flow and multiphase flow numerical models.
SPINK5 knockdown in organotypic human skin culture as a model system for Netherton syndrome: effect of genetic inhibition of serine proteases kallikrein 5 and kallikrein 7
Authors: Wang Shirley , Olt Sabine , Schoefmann Nicole , Stuetz Anton , Winiski Anthony , Wolff‐Winiski Barbara
Published: May 2014

Netherton syndrome (NS; OMIM 256500) is a genetic skin disease resulting from defects in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal‐type 5 (SPINK5) gene, which encodes the protease inhibitor lympho‐epithelial Kazal type inhibitor (LEKTI). We established a SPINK5 knockdown skin model by transfecting SPINK5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) into normal human epidermal keratinocytes, which were used together with fibroblast‐populated collagen gels to generate organotypic skin cultures. This model recapitulates some of the NS skin morphology: thicker, parakeratotic stratum corneum frequently detached from the underlying epidermis and loss of corneodesmosomes. As enhanced serine protease activity has been implicated in the disease pathogenesis, we investigated the impact of the kallikreins KLK5 [stratum corneum trypsin‐like enzyme (SCTE)] and KLK7 [stratum corneum chymotrypsin‐like enzyme (SCCE)] on the SPINK5 knockdown phenotype by generating double knockdowns in the organotypic model. Knockdown of KLK5 or KLK7 partially ameliorated the epidermal architecture: increased epidermal thickness and expression of desmocollin 1 (DSC1), desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and (pro)filaggrin. Thus, inhibition of serine proteases KLK5 and KLK7 could be therapeutically beneficial in NS.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer based quantitative analysis of feedforward and feedback loops in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and the sensitivity to molecular targeting drugs
Authors: Fujita Yoshihisa , Komatsu Naoki , Matsuda Michiyuki , Aoki Kazuhiro
Published: May 2014

The Ras‐ERK and PI3K‐mTOR pathways are hyperactivated in various malignant tumors. Feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) regulations between the Ras‐ERK and the PI3K‐mTOR pathways have been suggested to attenuate sensitivity to drugs targeting these pathways and confer tumor resistance to therapies. However, because analyses of such regulations require measurements and perturbations with high temporal resolution, the quantitative roles played by FF and FB regulations in the intrinsic resistance to molecular targeting drugs still remain unclear. To address this issue, we quantified FF and FB regulations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway by Förster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging. EGF‐induced activation of EGFR, Ras, extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase and S6K with or without inhibitors was measured by FRET imaging, and analyzed by semi‐automatic image processing. Based on the imaging data set and kinetic parameters determined by our previous studies, we identified the roles played by a coherent FF regulation and two negative FB regulations, one of which was not recognized previously. The systems analyses revealed how these FF and FB regulations shape the temporal dynamics of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase activity upon EGF stimulation. Furthermore, the simulation model predicts the response of molecular targeting drugs applied solely or in combination with each other to BRaf‐ or KRas‐mutated cancer cell lines, indicating the validity of a quantitative model integrating FF and FB regulations.

Database

The mathematical model described here has been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed free of charge at http://jjj.mib.ac.uk/webMathematica/UItester.jsp?modelName=fujita
Modern and Pleistocene large‐sized benthic foraminifers from Tahiti, French Polynesia, collected during IODP Expedition 310
Authors: Fujita Kazuhiko , Omori Akitoshi
Published: May 2014

This paper reports the fauna and distribution of large‐sized benthic foraminifers (LsBFs; defined as benthic foraminifers >0.5 mm in size) from surface sediments collected around Tahiti, French Polynesia, as well as from the Pleistocene deposits drilled off the Tiarei area, Tahiti, during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 310. At least 6 and 22 genera of living and dead tests of LsBFs, respectively, were identified from modern surface sediments. Foraminiferal abundance in surface sediments depends mainly on the water depth and substratum type. The taxonomic composition of dead LsBF assemblages varies with depositional environments and water depths. Back‐reef lagoon assemblages are dominated by Schlumbergerina alveoliniformis, whereas fore‐reef slope and shelf assemblages are dominated by Amphistegina spp. The relative abundance of Amphistegina lessonii decreases with increasing water depth. On the shelf, A. lessonii is replaced by Amphistegina bicirculata and Planostegina sp. Pleistocene samples consisting mainly of volcaniclastic sandstone/siltstone and skeletal grainstone contained very small numbers and low species diversity of fossil LsBFs. Amphistegina lobifera, Heterostegina depressa, and Eponides repandus were commonly found in the Pleistocene samples. The taxonomic compositions showed little variation within holes. The Pleistocene assemblages were compositionally similar to those found in modern fore‐reef slope environments of <30 m depth. Combined results of coral U/Th ages and paleoenvironmental interpretations from in situ corals and LsBFs indicate that the Pleistocene sequence in the Tiarei area was deposited in a fore‐reef slope environment during Marine Isotope Stage 3.
Catechins inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor production and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Nakanishi T. , Mukai K. , Hosokawa Y. , Takegawa D. , Matsuo T.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To investigate the effect of catechins on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in human dental pulp cells (HDPC) stimulated with bacteria‐derived factors or pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Methodology

Morphologically fibroblastic cells established from explant cultures of healthy human dental pulp tissues were used as HDPC. HDPC pre‐treated with catechins, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) or epicatechin gallate (ECG), were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PG), interlukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). VEGF production was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and COX‐2 expression was assessed by immunoblot.

Results

EGCG and ECG significantly reduced LPS‐ or PG‐mediated VEGF production in the HDPC in a dose‐dependent manner. EGCG also prevented IL‐1β‐mediated VEGF production. Although TNF‐α did not enhance VEGF production in the dental pulp cells, treatment of 20 μg mL−1 of EGCG decreased the level of VEGF. In addition, the catechins attenuated COX‐2 expression induced by LPS and IL‐1β.

Conclusions

The up‐regulated VEGF and COX‐2 expressions in the HDPC stimulated with these bacteria‐derived factors or IL‐1β were diminished by the treatment of EGCG and ECG. These findings suggest that the catechins may be beneficial as an anti‐inflammatory tool of the treatment for pulpal inflammation.
Effect of Micro‐Sized Calcium Carbonate Addition on Volumetric Stability and Strength of Corundum‐Based Castables
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Ye Guotian , Wang Yajuan , Fu Anping , Zhang Chuanyin , Shang Xuejun
Published: May 2014

Micro‐sized CaCO3 with varied contents (0–3%) was incorporated in corundum‐based castables. The effect of CaCO3 addition on permanent linear change, bulk density, apparent porosity, cold‐crushing strength of the castable after firing at 1100 and 1450°C was investigated. The contribution of micro‐sized CaCO3 additions to the volumetric stability of the castables was illustrated in terms of the volume expansion accompanying the formation of CA2 and CA6. The mechanism of increased strength of the castables with incorporation of micro‐sized CaCO3 was confirmed through the sintering of the submicrometer CA2 grains at 1100°C and the interlocking of the platelet CA6 grains at 1450°C.
Genomic aberrations of myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms in chronic phase and during disease progression
Authors: Hahm C. , Huh H. J. , Mun Y. C. , Seong C. M. , Chung W. S. , Huh J.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) may transform into secondary myelofibrosis (MF) or evolve into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The genetic mechanisms underlying disease progression in MPN and MDS/MPN patients remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate sequential genomic aberrations identified by single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP‐A)‐based karyotyping that can detect cryptic aberrations or copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH) in the chronic phase and during disease progression of MPN and MDS/MPN patients.

Methods

The study group included 13 MPN and four MDS/MPN patients (seven polycythemia vera (PV); four essential thrombocythemia (ET); two MPN‐unclassifiable (MPN‐U); one chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML); one atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, BCR‐ABL1 negative (aCML); and two MDS/MPN‐unclassifiable (MDS/MPN‐U)). Among them, five patients (two PV, two MPN‐U, and one MDS/MPN‐U) progressed to MF and three patients (one CMML, one aCML, and one MDS/MPN‐U) transformed to AML. The median follow‐up period was 70 months (range, 7–152). Whole‐genome SNP‐A (SNP 6.0; Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA)‐based karyotyping and JAK2 mutation analysis were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results

SNP‐A showed 19 kinds of genomic aberrations, including seven gains, eight deletions, and four CN‐LOH. CN‐LOH of 9p involving JAK2 was the most common aberration, followed by 5q deletion and 9p gain. The incidence of genomic changes identified by SNP was not different in patients with disease progression (75%), compared with those without disease progression (56%) (P = 0.4). However, when excluding 9p CN‐LOH, the incidence of genomic changes was significantly higher in patients with disease progression than in patients without disease progression (63% and 0%, respectively, P = 0.01). Among eight patients with disease progression, two patients (two MPN‐U) showed abnormal SNP‐A results, whereas metaphase cytogenetics (MC) analysis showed normal results at diagnosis and during follow‐up. In nine patients without disease progression, SNP‐A did not show any genomic aberrations except for 9p CN‐LOH. In three patients (one PV, one aCML, and one MDS/MPN‐U), clonal evolutions were identified by both MC and SNP‐A according to disease progression. One PV patient who progressed to MF at 45 months after diagnosis showed sequential genomic changes from 9p CN‐LOH to 9p gain by SNP‐A. Results of JAK2 mutation analysis were variable depending on the patient. Most of the patients with 9p CN‐LOH or 9p gain showed more than 50% of the JAK2 mutant alleles. In one patient (MDS/MPN‐U) evolving to AML, the number of JAK2 mutant alleles decreased according to disease progression.

Conclusion

This study suggests sequential genomic changes identified by SNP‐A may be associated with disease progression.
Developing a pressure ulcer risk factor minimum data set and risk assessment framework
Authors: Coleman Susanne , Nelson E. Andrea , Keen Justin , Wilson Lyn , McGinnis Elizabeth , Dealey Carol , Stubbs Nikki , Muir Delia , Farrin Amanda , Dowding Dawn , Schols Jos M.G.A. , Cuddigan Janet , Berlowitz Dan , Jude Edward , Vowden Peter , Bader Dan L. , Gefen Amit , Oomens Cees W.J. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Nixon Jane
Published: May 2014

Aim

To agree a draft pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set to underpin the development of a new evidenced‐based Risk Assessment Framework.

Background

A recent systematic review identified the need for a pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set and development and validation of an evidenced‐based pressure ulcer Risk Assessment Framework. This was undertaken through the Pressure UlceR Programme Of reSEarch (RP‐PG‐0407‐10056), funded by the National Institute for Health Research and incorporates five phases. This article reports phase two, a consensus study.

Design

Consensus study.

Method

A modified nominal group technique based on the Research and Development/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. This incorporated an expert group, review of the evidence and the views of a Patient and Public Involvement service user group. Data were collected December 2010–December 2011.

Findings

The risk factors and assessment items of the Minimum Data Set (including immobility, pressure ulcer and skin status, perfusion, diabetes, skin moisture, sensory perception and nutrition) were agreed. In addition, a draft Risk Assessment Framework incorporating all Minimum Data Set items was developed, comprising a two stage assessment process (screening and detailed full assessment) and decision pathways.

Conclusion

The draft Risk Assessment Framework will undergo further design and pre‐testing with clinical nurses to assess and improve its usability. It will then be evaluated in clinical practice to assess its validity and reliability. The Minimum Data Set could be used in future for large scale risk factor studies informing refinement of the Risk Assessment Framework.
Negotiating multiple cues of predation risk in a landscape of fear: what scares free‐ranging brushtail possums?
Authors: Mella V. S. A. , Banks P. B. , McArthur C.
Published: May 2014

Herbivores live in a landscape of fear and must incorporate danger in their foraging decisions, balancing their need of food and safety using a variety of cues to assess the risk of predation. These cues can either be direct (i.e. signalling the possible presence of a predator) or indirect (i.e. linked to the likelihood of encountering a predator). How then do herbivores negotiate these multiple cues in the landscape? And which type of cues do foraging herbivores use to assess variation in predation risk? We examined these questions by investigating the foraging responses of a free‐ranging marsupial herbivore, the common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula to perceived predation risk. We found that indirect habitat‐related cues of predation (i.e. feeder location) consistently influenced foraging, while other more variable indirect (i.e. illumination) and direct cues (i.e. predator odour) did not. Giving‐up‐density at above‐ground feeders was always lower than at on‐ground feeders. Possums spent more time and foraged more at the above‐ground feeders than at the on‐ground feeders. Our results demonstrate that when multiple cues are present, varying in the accuracy of the information they provide about predation risk, possums respond to habitat‐related cues. Possums manage risk by modifying behaviours, reducing time spent foraging in areas where potential risk is perceived as high. Thus, when the location of a predator at a certain point in time and space is unknown, and food demands are high, habitat‐related cues are a safe choice to assess predation risk, with reliable returns for free‐ranging herbivores.
Detecting genotypic changes associated with selective mortality at sea in Atlantic salmon: polygenic multilocus analysis surpasses genome scan
Authors: Bourret Vincent , Dionne Mélanie , Bernatchez Louis
Published: May 2014

Wild populations of Atlantic salmon have declined worldwide. While the causes for this decline may be complex and numerous, increased mortality at sea is predicted to be one of the major contributing factors. Examining the potential changes occurring in the genome‐wide composition of populations during this migration has the potential to tease apart some of the factors influencing marine mortality. Here, we genotyped 5568 SNPs in Atlantic salmon populations representing two distinct regional genetic groups and across two cohorts to test for differential allelic and genotypic frequencies between juveniles (smolts) migrating to sea and adults (grilses) returning to freshwater after 1 year at sea. Given the complexity of the traits potentially associated with sea mortality, we contrasted the outcomes of a single‐locus FST based genome scan method with a new multilocus framework to test for genetically based differential mortality at sea. While numerous outliers were identified by the single‐locus analysis, no evidence for parallel, temporally repeated selection was found. In contrast, the multilocus approach detected repeated patterns of selection for a multilocus group of 34 covarying SNPs in one of the two populations. No significant pattern of selective mortality was detected in the other population, suggesting different causes of mortality among populations. These results first support the hypothesis that selection mainly causes small changes in allele frequencies among many covarying loci rather than a small number of changes in loci with large effects. They also point out that moving away from the a strict ‘selective sweep paradigm’ towards a multilocus genetics framework may be a more useful approach for studying the genomic signatures of natural selection on complex traits in wild populations.
Manipulation of two α‐endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase genes, AtCel6 and GmCel7, reduces susceptibility to Heterodera glycines in soybean roots
Authors: Woo Mi‐Ok , Beard Hunter , MacDonald Margaret H. , Brewer Eric P. , Youssef Reham M. , Kim Hyunsoon , Matthews Benjamin F.
Published: May 2014

Plant endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanases (EGases) include cell wall‐modifying enzymes that are involved in nematode‐induced growth of syncytia (feeding structures) in nematode‐infected roots. EGases in the α‐ and β‐subfamilies contain signal peptides and are secreted, whereas those in the γ‐subfamily have a membrane‐anchoring domain and are not secreted. The Arabidopsis α‐EGase At1g48930, designated as AtCel6, is known to be down‐regulated by beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) in Arabidopsis roots, whereas another α‐EGase, AtCel2, is up‐regulated. Here, we report that the ectopic expression of AtCel6 in soybean roots reduces susceptibility to both soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Suppression of GmCel7, the soybean homologue of AtCel2, in soybean roots also reduces the susceptibility to SCN. In contrast, in studies on two γ‐EGases, both ectopic expression of AtKOR2 in soybean roots and suppression of the soybean homologue of AtKOR3 had no significant effect on SCN parasitism. Our results suggest that secreted α‐EGases are likely to be more useful than membrane‐bound γ‐EGases in the development of an SCN‐resistant soybean through gene manipulation. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that Arabidopsis shares molecular events of cyst nematode parasitism with soybean, and confirms the suitability of the Arabidopsis–H. schachtii interaction as a model for the soybean–H. glycines pathosystem.
A practical guide to subtotal nephrectomy in the rat with subsequent methodology for assessing renal and cardiac function
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Kompa Andrew R
Published: May 2014

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its associated cardiovascular events, is one of the major causes of morbidity and recurrent hospitalization in Asian Pacific region. The subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) model has remained the state‐of‐the‐art prototype which closely mimics humanCKDand cardiac‐renal syndrome.

Aim and Methods

In this article, we comprehensively outline the procedure and methodology required to develop the rat model 5/6 nephrectomy and the associated procedures involved in assessing cardiac and renal functional outcomes.

Results and Conclusion

In addition, the expected functional outcomes from our own experience, and those of others, have been described. TheSTNxmodel in the rat is an established model ofCKDand displays all the functional and structural hallmarks observed in the human condition. Lesser known are the cardiac effects of this model which make it ideal for studying cardiorenal syndrome.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder among survivors two years after the 2010 Mount Merapi volcano eruption: A survey study
Authors: Warsini Sri , Buettner Petra , Mills Jane , West Caryn , Usher Kim
Published: May 2014

The Mount Merapi volcanic eruption in October 2010 was one of Indonesia's largest and most recent natural disasters. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken to measure the psychosocial impact of the eruption on survivors in two locations in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. The Impact of Event Scale Revised was used to assess participants' symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder. Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder responses and demographic characteristics were compared in both locations by conducting bivariate analysis using Mann–Whitney and t tests. The relative contributions of demographic variables and psychosocial impact were examined using multiple linear regression analyses. Two years after the eruption, survivors from the area closest to the eruption had significantly higher Impact of Event Scale Revised scores than those in the comparison area. In particular, females, adults between the ages of 18 and 59, and people who owned their own home experienced the highest levels of psychosocial impact. Nurses and other health professionals need to be aware of the impact of natural disasters on survivors and develop interventions to help people adjust to the psychosocial impact of these events.
The effects of lip revision surgery on nasolabial esthetics in patients with cleft lip
Authors: Mercado A. M. , Phillips C. , Vig K. W. L. , Trotman C.‐A.
Published: May 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

1) To determine the concordance among surgeons on subjective assessments of nasolabial esthetics in children with repaired cleft lip; and 2) to evaluate longitudinal changes in nasolabial esthetics in relation to cleft lip revision surgery.

Setting and Sample Population

School of Dentistry at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Children with repaired unilateral cleft lip: 32 had lip revision surgery and 27 did not have surgery.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective observational study from a non‐randomized clinical trial. Ratings of nasolabial esthetics performed by six surgeons using the Asher‐McDade scale at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Concordance among surgeons ranged from poor to acceptable. Nasolabial ratings at follow‐up were better in the Revision group than in the Non‐Revision group, although differences were small. The most prevalent change in the Revision Group was improvement in one or more units on the scale, while ‘no change’ was most prevalent in the Non‐Revision group. Participants in the Revision group were more likely to receive a ‘no’ in relation to the need for lip or nose revision at the follow‐up visit.

Conclusion

There were mild esthetic improvements observed in relation to lip revision surgery, which should be interpreted with caution given the subjectivity of the rating method used.
The Role of Toll‐Like Receptors and Vitamin D in Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 – A Review
Authors: Adamczak D. M. , Nowak J. K. , Frydrychowicz M. , Kaczmarek M. , Sikora J.
Published: May 2014

It is widely accepted that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease resulting from an interaction between immunologic, genetic and environmental factors. However, the exact mechanism leading to the development of T1DM remains incomplete. There is a large body of evidence pointing towards the important role of toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation and vitamin D deficiency in T1DM pathogenesis. In this article, we review the available data on the influence of TLRs' level of activation and vitamin D status on the risk of the development of T1DM in humans and rodent models. We also summarize the current information regarding the interactions between TLRs' level of activation, vitamin D status and various environmental factors, such as enteroviral infections, the gut microbiota and breastfeeding substitution, among others. Our results stipulate that vitamin D seems to protect against T1DM by reducing the TLRs' level of activation.
The Decrease in Number and Change in Phenotype of Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T cells in the Elderly and Differences in Men and Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Novak J. , Dobrovolny J. , Novakova L. , Kozak T.
Published: May 2014

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate‐like T cells comprising up to 10% of the peripheral blood T cells in humans. During ontogeny, MAIT cells can first be detected in the cord blood in low amounts, but rise steadily after birth. In this population‐based study, we show that their counts continue to increase, reaching maximal levels (4.5% of CD3+ cells, 65 cells/μl) in the third and fourth decenniums. At this age, the amounts of MAIT cells exhibit the highest interindividual variability. The values then dramatically decline; subjects 80 years old and older have on average 10 times less MAIT cells, both absolutely and as a percentage among CD3+ T cells, than subjects in fertile age. The senescence of MAIT cells is associated with decreased CD8/double negative (DN) ratio. Finally, we observed significantly higher amounts of MAIT cells in women of reproductive age than in men of the same age. Our data suggest that further studies aimed at elucidating a role of MAIT cells in human pathologies must recruit age‐ and gender‐matched controls.
Is flooding in South Asia getting worse and more frequent?
Authors: Kale Vishwas S.
Published: May 2014

South Asia is drained by some of the most flood‐prone rivers in the world. Flooding during the monsoon season is the most recurring, widespread and disastrous natural hazard in South Asia that results in enormous social, economic and environment consequences every year. Several massive floods have occurred in the recent decades causing huge economic losses and human suffering. On average, the total damage is close to USD 1 billion annually. To answer the question whether flooding in South Asia is getting worse and more frequent, all available data were considered: the annual peak discharge data for major rivers, post‐1985 information on floods from the global archive of large floods and palaeoflood records from nine Indian rivers. According to the global archive data, 372 large and 55 extreme flood events have occurred since 1985. Although there is no significant trend, all types of data point to clustering of large floods. Palaeoflood records show that modern floods (post‐1950) have higher flood levels than the late Holocene floods. Notwithstanding the limitations of data, there is enough evidence to conclude that (1) incidences of flood‐generating extreme rainfall event are rising and (2) human interventions have made the recent floods more destructive.
Thrombotic microangiopathy in a patient with adult‐onset Still's disease
Authors: Rawal Shail , Einbinder Yael , Rubin Laurence , Perl Jeff , Trinkaus Martina , Teitel Jerome , Pavenski Katerina
Published: May 2014

Background

Since there are many disorders that can present with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), establishing a correct diagnosis is important to offer the most appropriate therapy.

Case Report

A 26‐year‐old woman was transferred to our hospital with fragmentation hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney failure. History revealed that she was recently diagnosed with adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) and received intraocular injections of bevacizumab to treat acute retinal artery occlusion. At our hospital, she underwent extensive investigations and was treated with high‐dose steroids, hemodialysis, and therapeutic plasma exchange. For recurrent disease, she received a single dose of eculizumab.

Results

The patient's ADAMTS13 activity was normal and she had evidence of complement activation. Genetic testing identified a benign polymorphism in the C3 gene. Pathophysiology of TMA in AOSD is briefly discussed and an overview of the literature is presented.

Conclusion

Work‐up of a new fragmentation hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia should include careful review of past history, including medications, as well as relevant laboratory investigations with aim to establish a correct diagnosis. Occasionally, the correct diagnosis is not the obvious one and there could be multiple contributors to the pathogenesis. Establishing diagnosis is important for counseling patient on disease prognosis and to guide treatment.
High‐throughput Kell, Kidd, and Duffy matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry–based blood group genotyping of 4000 donors shows close to full concordance with serotyping and detects new alleles
Authors: Meyer Stefan , Vollmert Caren , Trost Nadine , Brönnimann Chantal , Gottschalk Jochen , Buser Andreas , Frey Beat M. , Gassner Christoph
Published: May 2014

Background

After the ABO (ABO) and Rh (RHD and RHCE) blood group systems, Kell (KEL), Kidd (SLC14A1), and Duffy (DARC) represent the second most important clinically relevant antigens.

Study Design and Methods

Samples from 4000 Swiss blood donors, with serologic prevalues for K/k, Kpa/b, Jka/b, and Fya/b, and 48 additional samples of presumptive black African origin were genotyped using high‐throughput matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, applying one single‐multiplex polymerase chain reaction/primer‐extension reaction simultaneously detecting 15 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms.

Results

Genotype/phenotype concordance for K/k, Kpa/b, Jka/b, and all Fya/b specificities were 100, 99.98, 99.93, and 99.20%, respectively. Discrepancies were caused by erroneous serologic profiles (n = 33), mainly attributed to weakly expressed Fyx (n = 28). Only three discrepancies had a genetic basis. They could all be explained by newly observed silenced alleles: one KEL*02N.34 and one FY*02N.03 with predicted R700Q and G261R amino acid exchanges, respectively, and one JK*B, with an as‐yet‐unidentified silencing cause. According to NCBI SNP database entry for rs8176034, another new allele, KEL*02.38, had been expected, and we formally demonstrated its presence. We furthermore identified individuals with rare phenotypes, such as Jsa/b heterozygotes among Caucasians, rare alleles, the “Swiss” JK*01N.03, and rare genotypes, such as one Fyx homozygote.

Conclusion

Genotyping proved its practicability in the daily routine setting and qualitatively outperformed serology. Technology is ideal for time‐insensitive donor genotyping and allows for a broad range of throughput needs. Consequently, from a technologic point of view, serotyping should be replaced by genotyping for donors' blood groups encoded by KEL, SLC14A1, and DARC.
DIAGNOSTIC SENSITIVITY OF RADIOGRAPHY, ULTRASONOGRAPHY, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR DETECTING SHOULDER OSTEOCHONDROSIS/OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS IN DOGS
Authors: Wall Corey R. , Cook Cristi R. , Cook James L.
Published: May 2014

Radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography are commonly used for diagnosis of shoulder osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans (OC/OCD) in dogs, however there is a lack of published information on the relative diagnostic sensitivities of these modalities. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare diagnostic sensitivities of these modalities for detecting shoulder OC/OCD in a group of dogs, using arthroscopy as the reference standard. Inclusion criteria were history and clinical findings consistent with osteochondrosis and/or osteochondritis dissecans involving at least one shoulder. With informed client consent, both shoulders for all included dogs were examined using standardized radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and arthroscopy protocols. One of three veterinary surgeons recorded clinical and arthroscopic findings without knowledge of diagnostic imaging findings. One of two veterinary radiologists recorded diagnostic imaging findings without knowledge of clinical and arthroscopic findings. Eighteen client‐owned dogs (n= 36 shoulders) met inclusion criteria. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (correct classification rate) values for detecting presence or absence of shoulder osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans were as follows: radiography (88.5%, 90%, 88.9%), ultrasonography (92%, 60%, 82.6%), and MRI (96%, 88.9%, 94.4%). Odds of a correct diagnosis for MRI were 3.2 times more than ultrasonography and two times more than radiography. For MRI detection of lesions, the sagittal T2 or PD‐FAT SAT sequences were considered to be most helpful. For radiographic detection of lesions, the additional supinated‐mediolateral and pronated‐mediolateral projections were considered to be most helpful. Findings from the current study support more evidence‐based diagnostic imaging recommendations for dogs with clinically suspected shoulder osteochondrosis or osteochondritis dissecans.
Impacts of the warming of the continental shelf in spring 2012 on acoustic propagation conditions and fish distributions north of Cape Hatteras
Authors: Gawarkiewicz Glen , Chen Ke , Lynch James F. , Grothues Thomas M. , Newhall Arthur , Lin Ying-Tsong
Published: May 2014

During May 2012, we conducted hydrographic surveys in conjunction with studies of acoustic scattering from fish schools north of Cape Hatteras. The waters of the continental shelf were greater than 4° Degrees C. warmer than prior observations during typical spring-time conditions in May 1996. In addition, the temperature gradients which normally exist across the shelfbreak front were absent, leading to intensification of the shelfbreak frontal jet. We relate the warming to large-scale atmospheric shifts and also report on the absence of cold water fish species, which were expected to be abundant in the study area.
Decreasing the radiated acoustic and vibration noise of both prop-driven and buoyancy-driven autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Zimmerman Richard , D'Spain Gerald L. , Brodsky Peter , Stevenson Mark , Zumberge Mark , Orcutt John
Published: May 2014

Our previously published results from decreasing the radiated acoustic and vibration noise of a mid-size, prop-driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) show self noise levels recorded at sea by an AUV-mounted hydrophone array that are at, or below, typical background ocean noise levels across the frequency band above 200 Hz. The remaining noise below 200 Hz is primarily vibration induced. The modifications required to achieve this 20–50 dB reduction in propulsion and steering system noise levels will be reviewed in this talk. In addition, at-sea measurements of the acoustic noise radiated by the large (30 L) buoyancy engine on a 20-ft wing span flying wing autonomous underwater glider are presented. Whereas a prop-driven system operates continuously, the buoyancy-driven propulsion system has a very low duty cycle of a few percent; it is on only for about 3 min during each dive cycle. Onboard self noise from the glider's internal fluid-based roll control system far exceeds that from an aileron-based system. However, the former system provides control authority at or near neutral buoyancy. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research and BP.]
From acoustic metamaterials to functional metasurfaces
Authors: Fang Nicholas X. , Xu Jun , Ma Chu , Nemati Navid
Published: May 2014

By guiding and controlling the wave path through a deformed space, metamaterial devices that display distinctive response to light, acoustic waves, and heat waves have opened up a new field of considerable interest. However, current challenge issues such as high loss and complex geometries are hampering the development of metamaterial technology. Is it possible to tailor the field information contained by a complex volumetric object with a thin metamaterial structure, so the observer from afar would not tell the difference? In this invited talk, we will present our research progress toward tailoring the edge rays and creeping rays with acoustic metasurfaces. The tailored metasurface could lead to two pronounced effects: redirecting the reflected rays by spatial impedance gradient and reducing the strength of the edge rays. In fact our recent study suggest such illusional effects by embedding wedges in a transformed acoustic medium, and we will present theoretical analysis and experimental study of such engineered components with acoustic metasurface. The potential application of such novel device concept in underwater communication and medical ultrasound will be also discussed.
Facilitating perception of speech in babble through conceptual relationships
Authors: Guediche Sara , Reilly Megan , Blumstein Sheila E.
Published: May 2014

Speech perception is influenced by many different sources of information. Here we examine whether auditorily presented conceptual/semantic information facilitates the perception of degraded speech. To this end, acoustically clear sentences preceded sentences presented in speech babble. These sentence pairs were either conceptually related, conceptually unrelated, or the same. The conceptually related and unrelated sentence pairs did not share any content words. Behavioral results show the highest accuracy for the same condition, followed by the conceptually related condition. The worst performance was in the unrelated condition. We then examined the neural substrates of this effect using fMRI. Preliminary results show that a direct contrast between related and unrelated sentences recruits a semantic/conceptual network including fronto-parietal and subcortical areas. The same sentence pair condition showed relatively greater activation in the superior temporal gyrus compared to the other two conditions. These findings suggest that the type of congruency (acoustic-phonetic vs. conceptual) enhances the activation of different functional networks. They also suggest that conceptually related sentences override a reliance on temporal lobe structures typically activated in resolving the perception of degraded speech.
Underwater sound from pile driving, what is it and why does it matter
Authors: Dahl Peter H. , Reinhall Per G. , Popper Arthur N. , Hastings Mardi C. , Ainslie Michael A.
Published: May 2014

Pile driving as used for in-water construction can produce high levels of underwater sound that has potential to produce physiological and/or behavioral effects on fish, benthic invertebrates, and marine mammals. There are two basic pile driving methods: impact pile driving where the pile is driven by strikes from a high-energy hammer, and vibratory pile driving where the pile is effectively vibrated into the sediment. Often both methods are used on the same pile. At ranges on the order of 10 m, and considering steel piles of diameter 0.75–1 m, vibratory pile driving produces underwater sound pressures of order 100–1000 Pa, which is often sustained for minutes. In contrast, each impact pile strike produces peak sound pressures on the order of 100 kPa, with effective duration of the sound from the strike being of order tens of milliseconds. Measurements made both far from the pile source (range many depths) and close-in (range of about 1–2 depths) for impact and vibratory pile driving are presented, along with examples modeling of such sound. We conclude by showing why such sounds matter to aquatic life; potential effects include injury at close range and behavioral changes, including evasion resulting in habitat loss at greater distance.
Perceptual learning of lexical tones by native speakers of English
Authors: Shen Guannan , Levy Erika , Froud Karen
Published: May 2014

Whether native speakers of non-tonal languages can acquire categorical representations of lexical tones remains controversial. This study investigates the acquisition of lexical tone categories by native English speakers learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language by comparing the categorical perception of lexical tones between three groups of listeners: (1) native English speakers who had taken advanced Mandarin courses in colleges; (2) inexperienced native English speakers; and (3) native Mandarin speakers. Two tone continua derived from natural speech within carrier phrases were created through interpolation within two tone contrasts (T1/T4; T2/T3). Assessments of categorical perception, including an identification task and a discrimination task, were conducted on all three groups of participants. Results showed classic categorical perception of tones by native Mandarin speakers. The inexperienced English speakers performed near chance on discrimination tasks and showed significantly broader identification boundaries. The learners of Mandarin showed similar categorical perception to native Mandarin speakers with comparable identification boundaries and discrimination scores. The results indicate that native speakers of non-tonal languages can learn to perceive lexical tones categorically. Experience-based perceptual categorization and acoustic cues for tonal language learners are discussed.
Matched-field source localization with non-synchronized sensor arrays
Authors: Dosso Stan E.
Published: May 2014

This paper considers matched-field ocean acoustic source localization based on acoustic field measurements at an array of sensors which are not synchronized in time or at an array which is comprised of non-synchronized combinations of synchronized sub-arrays. Standard matched-field methods are based on acoustic-field measurements at a time-synchronized array to allow coherent processing over space (the array aperture). For non-synchronized systems, frequency-coherent/space-incoherent processing can be applied if the complex source spectrum (amplitude and phase) is known, but this is rarely the case in practical applications. However, time- and frequency-coherent processing are not the only possibilities. Maximum-likelihood methods can be applied to derive optimal matched-field processors for any state of source/receiver information. Using this method, optimal processors can be developed for broadband matched-field localization with any combination of synchronized and/or non-synchronized components based on the fact that the source amplitude spectrum is the same (although unknown) for all receivers (the phase spectrum is both unknown and variable for non-synchronized components). Bayesian inversion methods are employed to quantify the source-localization information content for various array scenarios.
Coupled vibrations in hollow cylindrical shells of arbitrary aspect ratio
Authors: Aronov Boris , Brown David A.
Published: May 2014

Vibrations of hollow cylinders have been the subject of considerable interest for many years. Piezoelectric cylinders offer a convenient system to study the vibration mode shapes, resonance frequencies and their mode coupling do to the ability to strongly and symmetrically excite extensional circumferential and axial vibration modes as well as flexural bending axial modes. While the mode repulsion of coupled circumferential and axial modes is generally widely known, their interaction gives rise to tubular flexural resonances in cylinders of finite thickness. Junger et al. [JASA 26, 709–713 (1954)] appears to have been first to discredit the notion of a forbidden zone, a frequency band free of resonant modes, as being an artifact of treating thin cylinders in the membrane limit. Aronov [JASA 125(2), 803–818 (2009)] showed experimental and theoretical proof of the presence of resonant modes throughout the spectrum as a result of the extensional mode coupling induced symmetric tubular bending modes in cylinders and their relationships as a function of different piezoelectric polarizations. That analysis used the energy method and the Euler-Lagrange equations based on the coupling of assumed modes of vibration and the synthesis of results using equivalent electromechanical circuits. This paper aims to both summarize and generalize those results for the applicability of passive cylindrical shells.