bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal communities in the garden chamber soils of leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Rodrigues Andre , Passarini Michel R. Z. , Ferro Milene , Nagamoto Nilson S. , Forti Luiz C. , Bacci Maurício , Sette Lara D. , Pagnocca Fernando C.
Published: May 2013

Leaf‐cutting ants modify the properties of the soil adjacent to their nests. Here, we examined whether such an ant‐altered environment impacts the belowground fungal communities. Fungal diversity and community structure of soil from the fungus garden chambers of Atta sexdens rubropilosa and Atta bisphaerica, two widespread leaf‐cutting ants in Brazil, were determined and compared with non‐nest soils. Culture‐dependent methods revealed similar species richness but different community compositions between both types of soils. Penicillium janthinellum and Trichoderma spirale were the prevalent isolates in fungus chamber soils and non‐nest soils, respectively. In contrast to cultivation methods, analyses of clone libraries based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that richness of operational taxonomic units significantly differed between soils of the fungus chamber and non‐nest soils. FastUnifrac analyses based on ITS sequences further revealed a clear distinction in the community structure between both types of soils. Plectania milleri and an uncultured Clavariaceae fungus were prevalent in fungus chamber soils and non‐nest soils, respectively. FastUnifrac analyses also revealed that fungal community structures of soil from the garden chambers markedly differed among ant species. Our findings suggest that leaf‐cutting ants affect fungal communities in the soil from the fungus chamber in comparison to non‐nest soils.
Mechanisms of plant growth promotion and disease suppression by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 2apa
Authors: Hariprasad P. , Chandrashekar S. , Singh S. Brijesh , Niranjana S. R.
Published: May 2013

A new Pseudomonas strain, designated as 2apa was isolated from tomato rhizosphere and identified as a member of species Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on its morphology, conventional, biochemical, cell wall fatty acid methyl ester analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strain 2apa was positive for root colonization, indole acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid and siderophore production and inhibited the growth of wide range of microorganisms. Antimicrobial substances produced by this strain with further purification and structure elucidation proved to be phenazine. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions the strain promoted plant growth and suppressed a wide range of foliar and root pathogens in tomato. The protection offered by strain 2apa to foliar pathogens is considered as induced systemic resistance and was further confirmed by enhanced accumulation of phenolics, elicitation of lipoxygenas activity, and jasmonic acid levels. The broad‐spectrum antimicrobial and induced systemic resistance exhibiting strain P. aeruginosa 2apa can be used as an effective biological control candidate against devastating fungal and bacterial pathogens, which attack both root and foliar portions of tomato plant. Production of other functional traits such as IAA and siderophore may enhance its potential as biofertilizer.
Susceptibility of species within the Sporothrix schenckii complex to a panel of killer yeasts
Authors: Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Heidrich Daiane , Sorrentino Julia Medeiros , Vieira Fabiane Jamono , Landell Melissa Fontes , Valente Patrícia , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: May 2013

The Sporothrix schenckii complex is the etiologic agent of sporotrichosis, a subacute or chronic mycosis which can affect humans and animals. Killer yeasts have been used in the medical field for development of novel antimycotics and biotyping of pathogenic fungi. The action of 18 killer yeasts on the growth of 88 characterized S. schenckii, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix mexicana clinical and environmental isolates was evaluated. Killer studies were performed on Petri dishes containing cheese black starch agar. The yeasts Candida catenulata (QU26, QU31, QU127, LV102); Trichosporon faecale (QU100); Trichosporon japonicum (QU139); Kluyveromyces lactis (QU30, QU99, QU73); Kazachstania unispora (QU49), Trichosporon insectorum (QU89), and Kluyveromyces marxianus (QU103) showed activity against all strains of the S. schenckii complex tested. Observation by optical microscopy of S. brasiliensis 61 within the inhibition haloes around the colonies of the killer yeasts QU100, QU139, and LV102 showed that there was no conidiation, but there was hyphal proliferation. The toxins were fungistatic against S. brasiliensis 61. There was no difference in susceptibility to the toxins among the S. schenckii species complex. Further investigations are necessary to clearly establish the mechanism of action of the toxins.
Genetic and functional characterization of culturable plant‐beneficial actinobacteria associated with yam rhizosphere
Authors: Arunachalam Palaniyandi Sasikumar , Yang Seung Hwan , Damodharan Karthiyaini , Suh Joo‐Won
Published: May 2013

Actinobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of yam plants from agricultural fields from Yeoju, South Korea and analyzed for their genetic and plant‐beneficial functional diversity. A total of 29 highly occurring actinobacterial isolates from the yam rhizosphere were screened for various plant‐beneficial traits such as antimicrobial activity on fungi and bacteria; biocontrol traits such as production of siderophore, protease, chitinase, endo‐cellulase, and β‐glucanase. The isolates were also screened for plant growth‐promoting (PGP) traits such as auxin production, phosphate solubilization, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, and in vitro Arabidopsis growth promotion. 16S rDNA sequence‐based phylogenetic analysis was carried out on the actinobacterial isolates to determine their genetic relatedness to known actinobacteria. BOX‐PCR analysis revealed high genetic diversity among the isolates. Several isolates were identified to belong to the genus Streptomyces and a few to Kitasatospora. The actinobacterial strains exhibited high diversity in their functionality and were identified as novel and promising candidates for future development into biocontrol and PGP agents.
Human methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus biofilms: potential associations with antibiotic resistance persistence and surface polysaccharide antigens
Authors: Babra Charlene , Tiwari Jully , Costantino Paul , Sunagar Raju , Isloor Shrikrishna , Hegde Nagendra , Mukkur Trilochan
Published: May 2013

The development of persistent antibiotic resistance by human methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains and substantial association with poly‐N‐acetyl glucosamine (PNAG) in biofilms is reported in this investigation. Sixteen of 31 MSSA strains under study were found to have developed resistance to one or more antibiotics, with four strains, two of which did not produce biofilms, showing resistance to cefoxitin, undetectable by mecA amplification. Antibiotic resistance displayed by 13/14 biofilm‐forming S. aureus isolates remained persistent for 4 weeks prior to reverting back to the original antibiotic susceptibility, prompting a suggestion of determining antibiograms for clinical S. aureus isolates subcultured from biofilms developed in vitro as well as planktonic subcultures prepared from the site of infection. While there was correlation of antibiotic resistance with biofilm formation confirming previous reports, this is the first time that persistence of the biofilm‐associated antibiotic resistance by S. aureus as planktonic cells is reported. Among the two methods used for assessment of biofilm formation, the tissue culture plate (TCP) method revealed that almost all strains were strong or moderate biofilm producers whereas only 19/31 strains were biofilm producers using the Congo Red agar (CRA) method indicating the superiority of the TCP method in detecting biofilm producers. We also observed no association between biofilm formation and major capsule types. However, substantial, although not absolute, association of biofilm formation with PNAG was observed, warranting continued identification of additional surface‐associated polysaccharide and/or protein antigens associated with biofilm formation for development of an effective vaccine against S. aureus infections regardless of capsular phenotype.
Rural Tourism Partnerships and Actor Mobility
Authors: Saxena Gunjan
Published: May 2013

In this paper, I examine actor mobility within the context of rural tourism partnerships (RTPs). The term ‘actor’ refers to those who have a stake in tourism planning, promotion and development such as policy makers, businesses, non‐profit making sector and community groups. Mobility is embedded in personal and social histories of actors as well as the policy framework that impacts their daily lives and informs their motives for being (dis)associated with RTPs. While exploring how actors' journeys transform rural localities' socio‐economic fabric, I find the writings of Lefebvre and de Certeau particularly useful because of their focus on counter‐hegemonic practices that shape the ‘everyday life’. Given that most rural societies in current times comprise an intricate mix of long‐term residents, seasonal‐home owners and migrants, each with their distinct set of life stories and value preferences with regard to their place of dwelling, my thrust in this paper on actor mobility is likely to identify new areas of future research on RTPs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes in head and neck reconstruction by surgical site and donor site
Authors: Frederick John W. , Sweeny Larissa , Carroll William R. , Peters Glenn E. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Define surgical outcomes of specific donor sites for free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort review at an academic tertiary care center.

Methods

A review was made of free tissue transfer procedures performed at a university‐based tertiary care facility from October 2004 to April 2011. A total of 1,051 patients underwent six types of free flaps: fasciocutaneous radial forearm (53%), osteocutaneous radial forearm (16%), rectus abdominis (11%), fibula (10%), anterior lateral thigh (7%), and latissimus dorsi (2%). Demographic data were collected, and outcomes measured were: length of hospital stay, flap viability, and major complications (infection, fistula, and hematoma).

Results

Of the 1,051 flaps performed, the most common operative site was oral cavity (40%, n = 414) followed by hypopharynx/larynx (22%, n = 234), cutaneous (20%, n = 206), oropharynx (9%, n = 98), midface (7%, n = 76), and skull base (2%, n = 23). The median hospital stay was 7.9 days (range, 1–76), and the overall failure rate was 2.8%. Cutaneous defects required the shortest length of hospitalization (5.8 days, P < .0001), a low free flap failure rate (1.5%, n = 3), and limited major complications (6%, n = 12). Conversely, oropharynx defects were associated with the longest hospitalization (8.9 days). Midface defects had a high incidence of complications (15%, n = 11, P = .10). Defects above the angle of the mandible had higher overall complications when compared to below. Similarly, reconstruction for primary or recurrent cancer had a total failure rate of 2.5%, whereas secondary reconstruction and radionecrosis had a failure rate of 4.0% (P = .29). Additionally, there was no statistical difference between outcomes based on donor site.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that certain subsets of patients are at higher risk for complications after free tissue transfer. Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for cutaneous defects have substantially shorter hospital stays and are at lower risk of flap complications, whereas reconstruction for radionecrosis and secondary reconstruction tend to have higher overall flap failure rates.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 2013
The Effect of tumor subsite on short‐term outcomes and costs of care after oral cancer surgery
Authors: Li Ryan , Fakhry Carole , Koch Wayne M. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine if epidemiologic differences exist between patients with oral tongue carcinoma compared to tumors arising from other oral cavity subsites, and the relationship between primary site and in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and costs in patients undergoing surgery for oral cavity cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was analyzed for patients who underwent an ablative procedure for a malignant oral cavity neoplasm in 2001 to 2008 using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.

Results

Overall, there were 45,071 patients treated surgically for oral cavity cancer, with oral tongue cancer comprising 35% of all oral cavity tumors. Patients with oral tongue cancer were significantly more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4) and undergo neck dissection (OR = 1.4), and significantly less likely to be black (OR = 0.4), over 40 years of age (OR = 0.4), have Medicaid payer status (OR = 0.7), advanced comorbidity (OR = 0.7), receive care at a teaching hospital (OR = 0.5), and undergo pedicled or free flap reconstruction (OR = 0.6, P < .001). Oral tongue primary site was not associated with in‐hospital mortality or surgical complications, but was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of medical complications (OR = 0.8, P = .005). After controlling for all other variables, oral tongue primary site disease was associated with a significantly reduced length of hospitalization and hospital‐related costs.

Conclusions

Oral tongue cancer is associated with a distinct epidemiologic profile compared to other oral cavity cancer subsites, and is associated with lower postoperative morbidity, length of hospitalization, and hospital‐related costs. Further investigation is warranted to determine if biologic factors underlie these observations.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 2013
Risk factors for desaturation after tonsillectomy
Authors: Kieran Stephen , Gorman Caroline , Kirby Alexann , Oyemwense Naomi , Lander Lina , Schwartz Margot , Roberson David
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify clinical risk factors for oxygen desaturation in the first 24 hours post‐tonsillectomy, thus permitting the identification of those patients who warrant inpatient monitoring.

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of 4092 consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy over a two‐year period.

Methods

Detailed clinical data were recorded for all patients who desaturated in the postoperative period (n = 294) and randomly selected controls (n = 368). Univariate and Multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent risk factors for desaturation.

Results

There were 294/4092 patients (7.2%) who experienced desaturations (defined as sustained saturations <90%) in the first 24 hours postoperatively (mean nadir, 78.7%). Multivariate analysis identified seven independent clinical risk factors for desaturation in the initial 24 hours post‐tonsillectomy: trisomy 21, weight, coexistent cardiac disease, a coexistent syndromic diagnosis, a clinical diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a coexistent neurologic diagnosis, and a prior diagnosis of pulmonary disease. A policy that admits all patients exhibiting any one of these risk factors except OSA would have identified 92% of the patients who subsequently desaturated. However, such a policy would also have required admission of 60% of the patients in our control group.

Conclusions

These findings are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Guidelines recently published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. In a tertiary care center, it may not be possible to identify an algorithm that admits all children at risk of desaturation while permitting the discharge of a high percentage of patients.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 123:2554–2560, 2013
Optical waveguides in crystalline dielectric materials produced by femtosecond‐laser micromachining
Authors: Chen Feng , de Aldana J. R. Vázquez
Published: May 2013

Femtosecond‐laser micromachining (also known as inscription or writing) has been developed as one of the most efficient techniques for direct three‐dimensional microfabrication of transparent optical materials. In integrated photonics, by using direct writing of femtosecond/ultrafast laser pulses, optical waveguides can be produced in a wide variety of optical materials. With diverse parameters, the formed waveguides may possess different configurations. This paper focuses on crystalline dielectric materials, and is a review of the state‐of‐the‐art in the fabrication, characterization and applications of femtosecond‐laser micromachined waveguiding structures in optical crystals and ceramics. A brief outlook is presented by focusing on a few potential spotlights.
Control of Molecular Weight and Tacticity in Stereospecific Living Cationic Polymerization of α‐Methylstyrene at 0 °C Using FeCl3‐Based Initiators: Effect of Tacticity on Thermal Properties
Authors: Banerjee Sanjib , Paira Tapas K. , Mandal Tarun K.
Published: May 2013

The successful stereospecific living cationic polymerization of α‐methylstyrene (α‐MeSt) using FeCl3‐based initiator systems at 0 °C is reported. Linear first‐order ln([M]0/[M]) vs. time and linear molecular weight vs. conversion plots suggest that the polymerization is living in nature, which is further confirmed from successful chain‐extension experiments. Poly(α‐methylstyrene)s of varying syndiotacticities (59.1% to 79.2%) and controllable molecular weights (4300–32 100 g mol−1) with moderately narrow polydispersity indices (PDIs ≈1.3) are synthesized simply by varying the monomer‐to‐initiator ratio ([M]0/[I]0). A possible mechanism for this stereospecific polymerization is proposed. The glass‐transition temperature and thermal‐decomposition temperature depend on the syndiotacticity of poly(α‐methylstyrene).

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Common FSNP variants of fourteen Bardet‐Biedl syndrome genes and adult body mass
Authors: Birk Ruth Z. , Ermakov Sergey , Livshits Gregory
Published: May 2013

Objective

Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare monogenic multi‐systemic disorder manifesting with marked obesity. Fourteen BBS genes have been identified to date and additional loci are expected. Mutations of several BBS genes were shown to affect fat cell differentiation. The purpose was to Investigate the association between common polymorphisms in all 14 genes as a group and body weight.

Design and Methods

We investigated association between tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) located between 10 kb upstream and downstream from the transcribed sequences of each of 14 BBS genes, and body weight and fat in 2462 adult women from the UK Twins study. Significant results were further tested in a confirmation sample of 2003 women from the same cohort and additionally in the GIANT consortium population (n = 123,865).

Results

105 SNPs in 14 BBS genes were selected and tested in the first cohort of women for association with the body weight and fat related phenotypes, i.e. weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (assessed by DEXA), total fat/height2, and total fat/weight. We used principal component (PC) derived using the latter five traits as a primary phenotype for this study. Of the 105 SNPs, 3 variants in BBS9 and BBS11 showed evidence of nominally significant association with elevated body weight and fat. However, none of the associations survived multiple‐testing correction.

Conclusions

The results suggest that common variation in 14 BBS genes (within or adjacent to the genes) are unlikely to have a substantial effect on body weight and fat in the European population.
Access to nonisocyanate poly(thio)urethanes: A comparative study
Authors: Besse Vincent , Foyer Gabriel , Auvergne Rémi , Caillol Sylvain , Boutevin Bernard
Published: May 2013

This article describes the synthesis of new cyclic compounds able to react with amines to get nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). The contribution of the most studied five‐membered cyclic carbonate was compared to five‐membered cyclic dithiocarbonate analogous and to a six‐membered cyclic carbonate. Difunctional reactive species were obtained by a simple substitution reaction or an efficient thiol–ene coupling reaction. The products, obtained with high yields, were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Fourier tansform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The dicyclocarbonates were then used to synthesize NIPUs by step growth polymerization with several diamines. These materials exhibited glass transition temperatures from 19 to −29 °C, molar mass from 1800 to 20,400 g mol−1, and a 20% mass loss temperature (Td = 20%) between 249 and 296 °C. Such materials are interesting candidates for coating applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3284–3296
A new insight into the mechanism of 1,3‐dienes cationic polymerization. II. Structure of poly(1,3‐pentadiene) synthesized with tBuCl/TiCl4 initiating system
Authors: Rozentsvet Victor A. , Korovina Nelly A. , Ivanova Valentina P. , Kuznetsova Marianna G. , Kostjuk Sergei V.
Published: May 2013

The microstructure of poly(1,3‐pentadiene) synthesized by cationic polymerization of 1,3‐pentadiene with tBuCl/TiCl4 initiating system is analyzed using one‐dimensional‐ and two‐dimensional‐NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that unsaturated part of chain contains only homo and mixed dyads with trans−1,4‐, trans−1,2‐, and cis−1,2‐structures with regular and inverse (head‐to‐head or tail‐to‐tail) enchainment, whereas cis−1,4‐ and 3,4‐units are totally absent. The new quantitative method for the calculation of content of different structural units in poly(1,3‐pentadiene)s based on the comparison of methyl region of 13C NMR spectra of original and hydrogenated polymer is proposed. The signals of tert‐butyl head and chloromethyl end groups are identified in a structure of poly(1,3‐pentadiene) chain and the new approaches for the quantitative calculation of number‐average functionality at the α‐ and ω‐end are proposed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3297–3307
A Homogeneous Surface Inactivation Device Driven by a Pulse High‐Voltage Source
Authors: Song Ying , Wang Wenchun , Lu Qianqian , Yang Dezheng , Niu Jinhai , Liu Dongping
Published: May 2013

A surface discharge device composed of microns‐thick hollow quartz fibers is used to inactivate resistant fungi cells. The homogeneous cold plasmas are generated by using a pulse high‐voltage source with the repetition frequency of 150 Hz at atmospheric‐pressure. Increasing pulse voltage slightly from 26 to 34 kV leads to an obvious improvement in the inactivation efficiency of fungi cells. The atmospheric‐pressure air plasma generated at the pulse voltage of 34 kV is found to kill the fungi cells as much as 99% within a treatment time of 5 min. The inactivation efficiency is systematically investigated as a function of the processing depth of surface plasma. Various measurements indicate that plasma activated derivatives, such as OH, O, O3, and charged species play a key role in this plasma inactivation process.
Insight into the structural requirements of benzimidazole derivatives as interleukin‐2 inducible t‐cell kinase inhibitors by computational explorations
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Li Feng , Li Yan , Yang Yinfeng , Wang Bin , Zhang Shuwei , Yang Ling
Published: May 2013

In the present work, a set of ligand‐ and receptor‐based 3D‐QSAR models were developed to explore the structure–activity relationship of 109 benzimidazole‐based interleukin‐2‐inducible T‐cell kinase (ITK) inhibitors. In order to reveal the requisite 3D structural features impacting the biological activities, a variety of in silico modeling approaches including the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), docking, and molecular dynamics were applied. The results showed that the ligand‐based CoMFA model (Q2 = 0.552, R2ncv = 0.908, R2pred = 0.787, SEE = 0.252, SEP = 0.558) and CoMSIA model (Q2 = 0.579, R2ncv = 0.914, R2pred = 0.893, SEE = 0.240, SEP = 0.538) were superior to other models with greater predictive power. In addition, a combined analysis between the 3D contour maps and docking results showed that: (1) Compounds with bulky or hydrophobic substituents near ring D and electropositive or hydrogen acceptor groups around rings C and D could increase the activity. (2) The key amino acids impacting the receptor–ligand interactions in the binding pocket are Met438, Asp500, Lys391, and Glu439. The results obtained from this work may provide helpful guidelines in design of novel benzimidazole analogs as inhibitors of ITK. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A data mining system for distributed abnormal event detection in backbone networks
Authors: Zhou Yingjie , Hu Guangmin , Wu Dapeng
Published: May 2013

Detecting distributed abnormal events has become an increasingly significant task for efficient network management and operation. However, it is still challenging to uncover these distributed behaviors in backbone networks because of the voluminous amount of noisy, high‐dimensional traffic data. In this paper, we present a novel system for detecting distributed abnormal events in backbone networks. The proposed system emphasizes on detecting distributed correlated abnormal events, which are caused by the same reason. In contrast, existing methods are not able to distinguish correlated abnormal events from the independent abnormal events. In our proposed system, a set of data mining techniques is used for modeling and detecting distributed correlated abnormal events by analyzing the traffic features. Specifically, traffic behavior representation is constructed to define and select traffic features for describing the traffic behaviors of interest, feature clustering is performed to group together similar transformations in each feature, behavioral data mining is employed to discover the most significant patterns in network interactions with respect to typical behavior, and behavior classification is used to expose the behaviors of interest. Experiment results using real traffic data present the effectiveness of our proposed methods for detecting distributed correlated abnormal events in the backbone network. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons on diesel exhaust particles using sputtered neutral mass spectrometry
Authors: Sakamoto Tetsuo , Ohishi Kenji , Hayashi Shun‐ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: May 2013

Aiming for the highly sensitive analysis of aromatic hydrocarbons in organic mixtures, selective ionization using an ultraviolet laser ionization technique was examined for the determination of sputtered neutral species on organic surfaces. The mass spectrum of a model mixture containing pyrene and n‐alkane showed that only pyrene was ionized and detected, whereas a mass spectrum without laser irradiation, i.e. in the case of secondary ion mass spectrometry, was dominated by many n‐alkane fragment peaks. This technique was applied for the detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed on diesel exhaust particles. Two kinds of polyaromatic hydrocarbons were clearly detected because many aliphatic fragment signals were suppressed by means of ultraviolet laser ionization. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances of CeO2/TiO2 Nanobelt Heterostructures
Authors: Tian Jian , Sang Yuanhua , Zhao Zhenhuan , Zhou Weijia , Wang Dongzhou , Kang Xueliang , Liu Hong , Wang Jiyang , Chen Shaowei , Cai Huaqiang , Huang Hui
Published: May 2013

CeO2/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures are synthesized via a cost‐effective hydrothermal method. The as‐prepared nanocomposites consist of CeO2 nanoparticles assembled on the rough surface of TiO2 nanobelts. In comparison with P25 TiO2 colloids, surface‐coarsened TiO2 nanobelts, and CeO2 nanoparticles, the CeO2/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures exhibit a markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of organic pollutants such as methyl orange (MO) under either UV or visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to a novel capture–photodegradation–release mechanism. During the photocatalytic process, MO molecules are captured by CeO2 nanoparticles, degraded by photogenerated free radicals, and then released to the solution. With its high degradation efficiency, broad active light wavelength, and good stability, the CeO2/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures represent a new effective photocatalyst that is low‐cost, recyclable, and will have wide application in photodegradation of various organic pollutants. The new capture–photodegradation–release mechanism for improved photocatalysis properties is of importance in the rational design and synthesis of new photocatalysts.
Uptake Kinetics and Nanotoxicity of Silica Nanoparticles Are Cell Type Dependent
Authors: Blechinger Julia , Bauer Alexander T. , Torrano Adriano A. , Gorzelanny Christian , Bräuchle Christoph , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: May 2013

In this study, it is shown that the cytotoxic response of cells as well as the uptake kinetics of nanoparticles (NPs) is cell type dependent. We use silica NPs with a diameter of 310 nm labeled with perylene dye and 304 nm unlabeled particles to evaluate cell type‐dependent uptake and cytotoxicity on human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cancer cells derived from the cervix carcinoma (HeLa). Besides their size, the particles are characterized concerning homogeneity of the labeling and their zeta potential. The cellular uptake of the labeled NPs is quantified by imaging the cells via confocal microscopy in a time‐dependent manner, with subsequent image analysis via a custom‐made and freely available digital method, Particle_in_Cell‐3D. We find that within the first 4 h of interaction, the uptake of silica NPs into the cytoplasm is up to 10 times more efficient in HUVEC than in HeLa cells. Interestingly, after 10 or 24 h of interaction, the number of intracellular particles for HeLa cells by far surpasses the one for HUVEC. Inhibitor studies show that these endothelial cells internalize 310 nm SiO2 NPs via the clathrin‐dependent pathway. Remarkably, the differences in the amount of taken up NPs are not directly reflected by the metabolic activity and membrane integrity of the individual cell types. Interaction with NPs leads to a concentration‐dependent decrease in mitochondrial activity and an increase in membrane leakage for HUVEC, whereas HeLa cells show only a reduced mitochondrial activity and no membrane leakage. In addition, silica NPs lead to HUVEC cell death while HeLa cells survive. These findings indicate that HUVEC are more sensitive than HeLa cells upon silica NP exposure.
Process communication in medical software development
Authors: Polgár Péter Balázs , Kazinci Ferenc
Published: May 2013

This paper describes a case study on using the Eclipse Process Framework in a medical software development organization to consolidate existing process descriptions. Although on nonmedical fields the Eclipse Process Framework was successfully used for process modeling and aiding process improvement efforts, the complex nature of the regulatory and process standard requirements on the medical software field needs special attention. In this environment, compliance to the regulatory is more important than improvement, so the process modeling has to implement these requirements in a very strict way, while supporting the business goals of the organization and enabling the improvement of the processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KIT Receptor Gain-of-Function in Hematopoiesis Enhances Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Promotes Progenitor Cell Expansion
Authors: Deshpande Shayu , Bosbach Benedikt , Yozgat Yasemin , Park Christopher Y. , Moore Malcolm A.S. , Besmer Peter
Published: May 2013

The KIT receptor tyrosine kinase has important roles in hematopoiesis. We have recently produced a mouse model for imatinib resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) carrying the KitV558Δ and KitT669I (human KITT670I) mutations found in imatinib-resistant GIST. The KitV558Δ;T669I/+ mice developed microcytic erythrocytosis with an increase in erythroid progenitor numbers, a phenotype previously seen only in mouse models of polycythemia vera with alterations in Epo or Jak2. Significantly, the increased hematocrit observed in KitV558Δ;T669I/+ mice normalized upon splenectomy. In accordance with increased erythroid progenitors, myeloerythroid progenitor numbers were also elevated in the KitV558Δ;T669I/+ mice. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers in the bone marrow (BM) of KitV558Δ;T669I/+ mice were unchanged in comparison to wild-type mice. However, increased HSC numbers were observed in fetal livers and the spleen and peripheral blood of adult KitV558Δ;T669I/+ mice. Importantly, HSC from KitV558Δ;T669I/+ BM had a competitive advantage over wild-type HSC. In response to 5-fluorouracil treatment, elevated numbers of dividing Lin−Sca+ cells were found in the KitV558Δ;T669I/+ BM compared to wild type. Our study demonstrates that signaling from the KitV558Δ;T669I/+ receptor has important consequences in hematopoiesis enhancing HSC self-renewal and resulting in increased erythropoiesis.
121‐story Shanghai Center Tower foundation re‐analysis using a compensated pile foundation theory
Authors: Tang Yongjing , Zhao Xihong
Published: May 2013

This paper attempts to re‐analyze the piled raft foundation in the Shanghai Center Tower as a fully compensated foundation using a hybrid method of superstructure–foundation interaction and other methods. Some cases were used to the applicability of the methods. The deformation analysis is divided into four parts: (a) Part 1: heave due to the weight of the excavated soil, (b) Part 2 : recompression due to the dead load of the structure, (c) Part 3 : recompression due to the live load of the structure and (d) Part 4 : settlement due to the constant load. Load acting on the top of the pile group and load sharing between the raft and the piles are also considered. The results are also compared in detail with the measured ones. In addition, research based on earth pressure theory was conducted to determine how to reduce or control the overturning moment caused by wind. Finally, this paper suggests that the Shanghai Center Tower, which is currently under construction, can have more than 121 stories by improving the design, which will also result in great investment savings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular techniques for identifying intraguild predators of fishers and other North American small carnivores
Authors: Wengert Greta M. , Gabriel Mourad W. , Foley Janet E. , Kun Teri , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: May 2013

Identifying predators of threatened and endangered species is important for understanding and reducing the impacts of predation. Visible evidence collected from a carcass alone is often insufficient to accurately identify predator species. The DNA from the predator left on the carcass allows for a definitive identification of predator species associated with the carcass, but DNA can be difficult to isolate independently from the prey. We developed field collection and molecular protocols for amplifying canid and felid predator DNA from saliva on fisher (Martes pennanti) carcasses without amplifying fisher DNA itself. We tested the protocol on fisher carcasses suspected of having been killed by a bobcat (Lynx rufus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), coyote (Canis latrans), and domestic dog. We successfully amplified and sequenced DNA from these 4 predator species, confirming predation by them on fishers. We confirmed that these protocols could also identify other felid and canid predators of several other small North American carnivores. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Monitoring Cu2+‐Binding to a DNA‐Clip‐phen Conjugate and Metal‐centered Redox Processes by a Fluorescent Reporter Group
Authors: Sprödefeld Arndt , Kiel Alexander , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Krämer Roland
Published: May 2013

A DNA conjugate of the bis‐1,10‐phenanthroline ligand Clip‐phen was prepared and combined with a complementary, fluorescent reporter labeled DNA strand. In the resulting ds‐DNA, the fluorescent reporter signals both the binding of Cu2+ ions to the Clip‐phen moiety and the reduction to Cu+ by a change in fluorescence intensity. In preliminary single molecule fluorescence investigations, these processes appear to be observable on the level of individual molecules by single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, but further validation and optimisation of the system is needed.
Successful Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: O'Malley Martin J. , Vosseller J. Turner , Gu Yang
Published: May 2013

Background

There are limited data on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating chronic plantar fasciitis.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to document the clinical outcomes of patients who were treated with PRP injections for plantar fasciitis to determine the degree to which injections were able to decrease the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and improve patient reported functional scores.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 23 consecutive patients treated with PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms lasting over 6 months). Patients returned after 4 weeks for a postinjection follow-up. A second injection was given if significant improvement was not obtained by that time. Postinjection foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOS), 12-item short form health survey (SF-12), and VAS scores were collected at a minimum of 6 months follow-up.

Results

Thirty injections were given in 23 patients, with one patient lost to follow-up. The mean VAS score improved from 7 to 4. The pain, symptoms, and quality of life subscales of the FAOS and SF-12 significantly improved from preinjection scores. Five patients went on to have endoscopic release of the plantar fascia at an average of 94 days after the last injection (range, 22–314 days). Six patients obtained full resolution of symptoms while the majority of patients were able to forgo surgery due to improvement from the PRP injection.

Conclusion

These results provide preliminary information on the safety and efficiency of PRP injection as treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in preterm infants with maternal risk factors
Authors: Sezer Cenk , Unlu Serhan , Demirkale Ismail , Altay Murat , Kapicioglu Safa , Bozkurt Murat
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in preterm infants with maternal risk factors.

Methods

A prospective review of the medical records and ultrasound (US) scans of all preterm infants at one tertiary-care children's hospital was completed to identify all premature infants without any infantile risk factors at a particular time frame. We consecutively evaluated 421 babies (842 hips) who satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Hip US images were classified according to Graf.

Results

Overall, one hip was diagnosed as DDH (Graf type 2c). Female infants had significantly lower alpha angles (70.2 ± 6.6 and 71.4 ± 4.4 for females and males, respectively) ( P = 0.033). There was no correlation between oligohydramnios and alpha and beta angles and hip sides ( P = 0.345 and P = 0.789 for left and right hips, respectively). US examination of the infants revealed no differences between the alpha and beta angles of the hips and birth weight and age at gestation. Although it was statistically not significant, US evaluation of left hips among singletons demonstrated one immature hip ( P = 0.864) and that of right hips demonstrated one immature hip for both singletons and twins ( P = 0.904).

Conclusions

Prematurity with or without maternal risk factors does not have an effect on DDH.
Effect of long‐term caffeine administration to mice on in vitro fertilization and embryo development using oocytes
Authors: Yokota Hidemi , Yokota Yoshimasa , Yokota Mikako , Araki Yasuyuki , Araki Yasuhisa
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of long‐term caffeine administration to mice on in vitro fertilization (IVF) of oocytes.

Methods

Mice were injected with different dosages (0, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mouse/converted day) of caffeine for one month. Subsequently, the fertilization rate and embryo development to blastocyst stage were evaluated in IVF using oocytes from the mice.

Results

The retrieved average oocyte rate was significantly lower (27.4) in mice injected with 1.0 mg caffeine than in the control group (36.5; P < 0.05); the fertilization rate was significantly different between the 0 mg (317/401; 79.1 %) and 1.0 mg group (199/301; 66.1 %) (P < 0.05). At 96 h after insemination, the blastocyst formation rate was significantly decreased in the 1.0 mg group (94/199; 47.2 %) compared with the control (0 mg) group (237/317; 74.8 %) and 0.1 mg group (226/323; 70 %) (P < 0.05). When 1.0 mg caffeine was administered for two weeks, embryo development was significantly impacted.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that caffeine administration negatively impacts oocytogenesis and embryonic development after IVF.
Incremental validation of NCL hypermedia documents
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Costa Mesquita , Neto José Rios Cerqueira , de Salles Soares Neto Carlos , Teixeira Mário Meireles
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes an incremental, structural and contextual validation method for Nested Context Language (NCL) documents. As part of the proposed method, we define a declarative metalanguage to ensure low coupling between NCL structure and the validator code, which simplifies the validation of new language profiles. Requirements such as incremental processing and multilingual messages are also covered by this work. We present an implementation of this method using component architecture as a proof of concept and also conduct a performance evaluation to compare the traditional and incremental validation approaches.
Development and relative validity of a new field instrument for detection of geriatric cachexia: preliminary analysis in hip fracture patients
Authors: Villani Anthony M. , Miller Michelle D. , Cameron Ian D. , Kurrle Susan , Whitehead Craig , Crotty Maria
Published: May 2013

Background

Geriatric cachexia is distinct from other age‐related muscle wasting syndromes; however, detection and therefore treatment is challenging without the availability of valid instruments suitable for application in the clinical setting. This study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a newly developed screening instrument utilising portable assessments against previously defined and commonly accepted diagnostic criteria for detection of geriatric cachexia.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses from 71 older adults' post‐surgical fixation for hip fracture were performed. The diagnostic criteria required measures of appendicular skeletal muscle index derived from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and anorexia assessed by ≤70 % of estimated energy requirements. These assessments were replaced with mid‐upper arm muscle circumference and the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, respectively, to create a field instrument suitable for screening geriatric cachexia. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

The current diagnostic algorithm identified few patients as cachectic (4/71; 5.6 %). The sensitivity and specificity of the geriatric cachexia screening tool was 75 and 97 %, respectively. The screening tool had a positive predictive value of 60 % and a negative predictive value of 99 %.

Conclusions

Given the unexpected prevalence of cachexia in such a vulnerable group, these results may suggest problems in operationalising of the consensus definition and diagnostic criteria. Although the application of a newly developed screening tool using portable field measures looks promising, the authors recommend additional research to identify the prevalence of geriatric cachexia, which captures all diagnostic criteria from the consensus definition. Future investigation may then be positioned to explore the predictive validity of screening tools using portable field measures, which potentially achieve higher sensitivity.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sayko Oksana , Pezzin Liliana E. , Yen Tina W.F. , Nattinger Ann B.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To examine factors associated with variations in diagnosis and rehabilitation treatments received by women with self‐reported lymphedema resulting from breast cancer care.

Design

A large, population‐based, prospective longitudinal telephone survey.

Setting

California, Florida, Illinois, and New York.

Participants

Elderly (65+ years) women identified from Medicare claims as having had an incident breast cancer surgery in 2003.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Self‐reported incidence of lymphedema symptoms, formal diagnosis of lymphedema, treatments for lymphedema.

Results

Of the 450 breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who participated in the study, 290 (64.4%) were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician. An additional 160 (35.6%) reported symptoms consistent with lymphedema (ie, arm swelling on the side of surgery that is absent on the contralateral arm) but were not formally diagnosed. Of those who reported being diagnosed by a physician, 39 (13.4%) received complete decongestive therapy that included multiple components of treatment (ie, manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging with short stretch bandages, the use of compression sleeves, skin care, and remedial exercises); 24 (8.3%) were treated with manual lymphatic drainage only; 162 (55.9%) used bandages, compression garments, or a pneumatic pump only; 8 (2.8%) relied solely on skin care or exercise to relieve symptoms; and 65 (22.4%) received no treatment at all. Multivariate regressions revealed that race (African American), lower income, and lower levels of social support increased a woman's probability of having undiagnosed lymphedema. Even when they were formally diagnosed, African American women were more likely to receive no treatment or to be treated with bandages/compression only rather than to receive the multimodality, complete decongestive therapy.

Conclusions

Lymphedema is a disabling chronic condition related to breast cancer treatment. Our results suggest that a substantial proportion of persons reporting symptoms were not formally diagnosed with the condition, thereby reducing their opportunity for treatment. The variation in rehabilitation treatments received by women who were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician suggests that lymphedema might not have been optimally addressed in many cases despite the availability of effective interventions.
Cyclic cohomology after the excision theorem of Cuntz and Quillen
Authors: Brodzki Jacek
Published: May 2013

The excision theorem of Cuntz and Quillen established the existence of a six term exact sequence in the bivariant periodic cyclic cohomology HP*(–,–) associated with an arbitrary algebra extension 0 →S→P→Q→ 0. This remarkable result enabled far reaching developments in the purely algebraic periodic cyclic cohomology. It also provided a new formalism that led to the creation of new versions of this theory for topological and bornological algebras. In this article we outline some of the developments that resulted from this breakthrough.