bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiopoietin 2 regulates the transformation and integrity of lymphatic endothelial cell junctions
Authors: Zheng Wei , Nurmi Harri , Appak Sila , Sabine Amélie , Bovay Esther , Korhonen Emilia A. , Orsenigo Fabrizio , Lohela Marja , D’Amico Gabriela , Holopainen Tanja , Leow Ching Ching , Dejana Elisabetta , Petrova Tatiana V. , Augustin Hellmut G. , Alitalo Kari
Published: July 2014

Primitive lymphatic vessels are remodeled into functionally specialized initial and collecting lymphatics during development. Lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) junctions in initial lymphatics transform from a zipper-like to a button-like pattern during collecting vessel development, but what regulates this process is largely unknown. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) deficiency leads to abnormal lymphatic vessels. Here we found that an ANG2-blocking antibody inhibited embryonic lymphangiogenesis, whereas endothelium-specific ANG2 overexpression induced lymphatic hyperplasia. ANG2 inhibition blocked VE-cadherin phosphorylation at tyrosine residue 685 and the concomitant formation of button-like junctions in initial lymphatics. The defective junctions were associated with impaired lymph uptake. In collecting lymphatics, adherens junctions were disrupted, and the vessels leaked upon ANG2 blockade or gene deletion. ANG2 inhibition also suppressed the onset of lymphatic valve formation and subsequent valve maturation. These data identify ANG2 as the first essential regulator of the functionally important interendothelial cell–cell junctions that form during lymphatic development.
Dichlorido{(2E)-2-[phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide}cadmium(II) methanol monosolvate
Authors: Aravindakshan Ambili A. , Seena V. , Sithambaresan M. , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: July 2014

In the title compound, [CdCl2(C13H12N4S)]·CH3OH, the coordination geometry of the CdIIion is slightly distorted square-pyramidal, as indicated by the τ index of 0.36 (8). The S atom, two N atoms from the pyridyl-azomethine moiety and one of the Cl atoms comprise the basal plane, while the other Cl atom occupies the apical position. The hydrazinecarbothioamide moiety adopts anEconformation with respect to the azomethine bond. The solvate molecule in the crystal lattice plays a major role in interconnecting adjacent molecules by means of O—H...Cl and N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions. A supramolecular three-dimensional architecture is sustained in terms of further N—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Strain distributions and diffraction peak profiles from crystals with dislocations
Authors: Kaganer Vladimir M. , Sabelfeld Karl K.
Published: July 2014

Diffraction profiles for different models of dislocation arrangements are calculated directly by the Monte Carlo method and compared with the strain distributions for the same arrangements, which corresponds to the Stokes–Wilson approximation. It is shown that the strain distributions and the diffraction profiles are in close agreement as long as long-range order is absent. Analytical calculation of the strain distribution for uncorrelated defects is presented. For straight dislocations, the Stokes–Wilson and the Krivoglaz–Wilkens approximations give the same diffraction profiles, with the Gaussian central part and ∝q−3power law at the tails.
Bacillus subtilis attachment to Aspergillus niger hyphae results in mutually altered metabolism
Authors: Benoit Isabelle , van den Esker Marielle H. , Patyshakuliyeva Aleksandrina , Mattern Derek J. , Blei Felix , Zhou Miaomiao , Dijksterhuis Jan , Brakhage Axel A. , Kuipers Oscar P. , de Vries Ronald P. , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: July 2014

Interaction between microbes affects the growth, metabolism and differentiation of members of the microbial community. While direct and indirect competition, like antagonism and nutrient consumption have a negative effect on the interacting members of the population, microbes have also evolved in nature not only to fight, but in some cases to adapt to or support each other, while increasing the fitness of the community. The presence of bacteria and fungi in soil results in various interactions including mutualism. Bacilli attach to the plant root and form complex communities in the rhizosphere. Bacillus subtilis, when grown in the presence of Aspergillus niger, interacts similarly with the fungus, by attaching and growing on the hyphae. Based on data obtained in a dual transcriptome experiment, we suggest that both fungi and bacteria alter their metabolism during this interaction. Interestingly, the transcription of genes related to the antifungal and putative antibacterial defence mechanism of B. subtilis and A. niger, respectively, are decreased upon attachment of bacteria to the mycelia. Analysis of the culture supernatant suggests that surfactin production by B. subtilis was reduced when the bacterium was co‐cultivated with the fungus. Our experiments provide new insights into the interaction between a bacterium and a fungus.
A follow‐up of a randomised study of metformin and insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus: growth and development of the children at the age of 18 months
Authors: Ijäs H , Vääräsmäki M , Saarela T , Keravuo R , Raudaskoski T
Published: July 2014

Objective

To compare the growth and development of children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requiring pharmacological treatment, and randomised to treatment with metformin or insulin.

Design

Follow‐up of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing metformin and insulin treatment of GDM.

Setting

Data were gathered during routine visits to child welfare clinics at the ages of 6, 12, and 18 months, including weight and height measurements, and assessment of motor, social, and linguistic development.

Sample

The children of mothers with GDM randomised to metformin (n = 47) or insulin (n = 50) treatment during pregnancy.

Methods

Data were collected from the structured questionnaire filled in at the child welfare clinics.

Main outcome measures

The growth and development of the children until the age of 18 months.

Results

Children exposed to metformin were significantly heavier (10.47 versus 9.85 kg, 95% CI 0.04–1.20) at the age of 12 months and taller and heavier (83.9 vs 82.2 cm, 95% CI 0.23–3.03, 12.05 vs 11.32 kg, 95% CI 0.04–1.43) at the age of 18 months. The mean ponderal index (PI) did not differ significantly. The motor, social, or linguistic development evaluated at the age of 18 months did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Children prenatally exposed to metformin were heavier at the 12 months measurements and taller and heavier at the 18 months measurements than those exposed to insulin, but their body composition defined by PI did not differ. Over the short term, metformin does not seem to be harmful with regards to early motor, linguistic, or social development.
Effect of Massachusetts Health Reform on Chronic Disease Outcomes
Authors: Stryjewski Tomasz P. , Zhang Fang , Eliott Dean , Wharam J. Frank
Published: July 2014

Objective

To determine whether Massachusetts Health Reform improved health outcomes in uninsured patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension.

Data Source

Partners HealthCare Research Patient Data Registry (RPDR).

Study Design

We examined 1,463 patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension who were uninsured in the 3 years before the 2006 Massachusetts Health Reform implementation. We assessed mean quarterly total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, and systolic blood pressure in the respective cohorts for five follow‐up years compared with 3,448 propensity score‐matched controls who remained insured for the full 8‐year study period. We used person‐level interrupted time series analysis to estimate changes in outcomes adjusting for sex, age, race, estimated household income, and comorbidity. We also analyzed the subgroups of uninsured patients with poorly controlled disease at baseline, no evidence of established primary care in the baseline period, and those who received insurance in the first follow‐up year.

Principal Findings

In 5 years after Massachusetts Health Reform, patients who were uninsured at baseline did not experience detectable trend changes in total cholesterol (−0.39 mg/dl per quarter, 95 percent confidence interval [−1.11 to 0.33]), glycosylated hemoglobin (−0.02 percent per quarter [−0.06 to 0.03]), or systolic blood pressure (−0.06 mmHg per quarter [−0.29 to 0.18]). Analyses of uninsured patients with poorly controlled disease, no evidence of established primary care in the baseline period, and those who received insurance in the first follow‐up year yielded similar findings.

Conclusions

Massachusetts Health Reform was not associated with improvements in hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension control after 5 years. Interventions beyond insurance coverage might be needed to improve the health of chronically ill uninsured persons.
Underrepresentation of Heroin Involvement in Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths in Allegheny County, PA
Authors: Mertz Kristen J. , Janssen Jennifer K. , Williams Karl E.
Published: July 2014

Drugs contributing to overdose deaths are listed on death certificates, but their validity is rarely studied. To assess the accuracy of “morphine” and “codeine” listings on death certificates for unintentional overdose deaths in Allegheny County, PA, investigative and laboratory reports were reviewed. Deaths were reclassified as heroin‐related if documentation showed 6‐monoacetylmorphine in blood or urine, “stamp bags” or drug paraphernalia at scene, history of heroin use, or track marks. Deaths were considered morphine‐related if notes indicated morphine use, prescription, or morphine at scene, or codeine‐related if the codeine blood level exceeded morphine. Of 112 deaths with morphine but not heroin listed on the death certificate, 74 met heroin criteria and 21 morphine criteria. Of 20 deaths with both morphine and heroin listed, only one met morphine criteria. Of 34 deaths with codeine listed, only five were attributed to codeine. Consideration of patient history, death scene evidence, and expanded toxicology testing may improve the accuracy of death certificate drug listings.
Color Me Noisy: Example‐based Rendering of Hand‐colored Animations with Temporal Noise Control
Authors: Fišer J. , Lukáč M. , Jamriška O. , Čadík M. , Gingold Y. , Asente P. , Sýkora D.
Published: July 2014

We present an example‐based approach to rendering hand‐colored animations which delivers visual richness comparable to real artwork while enabling control over the amount of perceived temporal noise. This is important both for artistic purposes and viewing comfort, but is tedious or even intractable to achieve manually. We analyse typical features of real hand‐colored animations and propose an algorithm that tries to mimic them using only static examples of drawing media. We apply the algorithm to various animations using different drawing media and compare the quality of synthetic results with real artwork. To verify our method perceptually, we conducted experiments confirming that our method delivers distinguishable noise levels and reduces eye strain. Finally, we demonstrate the capabilities of our method to mask imperfections such as shower‐door artifacts.
Hero Wavelength Spectral Sampling
Authors: Wilkie A. , Nawaz S. , Droske M. , Weidlich A. , Hanika J.
Published: July 2014

We present a spectral rendering technique that offers a compelling set of advantages over existing approaches. The key idea is to propagate energy along paths for a small, constant number of changing wavelengths. The first of these, the hero wavelength, is randomly sampled for each path, and all directional sampling is solely based on it. The additional wavelengths are placed at equal distances from the hero wavelength, so that all path wavelengths together always evenly cover the visible range.

A related technique, spectral multiple importance sampling, was already introduced a few years ago. We propose a simplified and optimised version of this approach which is easier to implement, has good performance characteristics, and is actually more powerful than the original method. Our proposed method is also superior to techniques which use a static spectral representation, as it does not suffer from any inherent representation bias. We demonstrate the performance of our method in several application areas that are of critical importance for production work, such as fidelity of colour reproduction, sub‐surface scattering, dispersion and volumetric effects. We also discuss how to couple our proposed approach with several technologies that are important in current production systems, such as photon maps, bidirectional path tracing, environment maps, and participating media.
Utility of a new reusable clip device for endoscopic treatment
Authors: Shinozaki Satoshi , Sunada Keijiro , Otake Toshiya , Lefor Alan T. , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim

Existing reusable endoscopic clip devices have some problems regarding opening the device and precise control of clip application. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reusable clip devices for endoscopic treatment.

Methods

Ability to close a large defect and grip force were evaluated using ex‐vivo porcine colon. We assessed clip loading and opening in a non‐clinical setting and describe the resulting learning curve. To evaluate clinical utility, data for clip application in 72 post‐endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) defects in 40 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There was no difference in the ability to close a 20‐mm full‐thickness defect and the grip force comparing the new clip device (ZEOCLIP®) and a previously used reusable clip device (EZClip®). Although the time to load the ZEOCLIP was almost same as the EZClip, the time to open the ZEOCLIP was significantly shorter than the EZClip (P < 0.001). Opening width of the ZEOCLIP was significantly wider than the EZClip (P < 0.05). We successfully accomplished closure of post‐EMR defects by clip application in 72 lesions using ZEOCLIP. Reopening/repositioning and restoring it to the working channel were more frequently carried out in a non‐easy location than in an easy location (11/35 [31%] vs 4/37 [11%], P = 0.030; and 21/35 [60%] vs 1/37 [3%], P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

ZEOCLIP is more quickly and easily opened to its maximum width compared with EZClip, and is feasible for clip application after EMR.
Evidence for perceptual neglect of environmental features in hippocampal‐lesioned pigeons during homing
Authors: Gagliardo Anna , Pollonara Enrica , Coppola Vincent J. , Santos Carlos D. , Wikelski Martin , Bingman Verner P.
Published: July 2014

The importance of the vertebrate hippocampus in spatial cognition is often related to its broad role in memory. However, in birds, the hippocampus appears to be more specifically involved in spatial processes. The maturing of GPS‐tracking technology has enabled a revolution in navigation research, including the expanded possibility of studying brain mechanisms that guide navigation in the field. By GPS‐tracking homing pigeons released from distant, unfamiliar sites prior to and after hippocampal lesion, we observed, as has been reported previously, impaired navigational performance post‐lesion over the familiar/memorized space near the home loft, where topographic features constitute an important source of navigational information. The GPS‐tracking revealed that many of the lost pigeons, when lesioned, approached the home area, but nevertheless failed to locate their loft. Unexpectedly, when they were hippocampal‐lesioned, the pigeons showed a notable change in their behaviour when navigating over the unfamiliar space distant from home; they actually flew straighter homeward‐directed paths than they did pre‐lesion. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that, following hippocampal lesion, homing pigeons respond less to unfamiliar visual, topographic features encountered during homing, and, as such, offer the first evidence for an unforeseen, perceptual neglect of environmental features following hippocampal damage.
Accelerated differentiation of melanocyte stem cells contributes to the formation of hyperpigmented maculae
Authors: Yamada Takaaki , Hasegawa Seiji , Inoue Yu , Date Yasushi , Arima Masaru , Yagami Akiko , Iwata Yohei , Takahashi Masayuki , Yamamoto Naoki , Mizutani Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko , Akamatsu Hirohiko
Published: July 2014

It has been reported that the abnormal regulation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) causes hair greying; however, little is known about the role of McSCs in skin hyperpigmentation such as solar lentigines (SLs). To investigate the involvement of McSCs in SLs, the canonical Wnt signalling pathway that triggers the differentiation of McSCs was analysed in UVB‐induced delayed hyperpigmented maculae in mice and human SL lesions. After inducing hyperpigmented maculae on dorsal skin of F1 mice of HR‐1× HR/De, which was formed long after repeated UVB irradiation, the epidermal Wnt1 expression and the number of nuclear β‐catenin‐positive McSCs were increased as compared to non‐irradiated control mice. Furthermore, the expression of dopachrome tautomerase (Dct), a downstream target of β‐catenin, was significantly upregulated in McSCs of UVB‐irradiated mice. The Wnt1 expression and the number of nuclear β‐catenin‐positive McSCs were also higher in human SL lesions than in normal skin. Recombinant Wnt1 protein induced melanocyte‐related genes including Dct in early‐passage normal human melanocytes (NHEMs), an in vitro McSC model. These results demonstrate that the canonical Wnt signalling pathway is activated in SL lesions and strongly suggest that the accelerated differentiation of McSCs is involved in SL pathogenesis.
Do inflammatory pathways drive melanomagenesis?
Authors: Schneider Samantha L. , Ross Andrew L. , Grichnik James M.
Published: July 2014

Inflammatory pathways serve to protect the host and promote tissue healing/repair; however, over‐activation or dysregulation can be pathological with unintended consequences including malignant progression. A correlation between inflammation and cancer has been well established, and anti‐inflammatory medications have been shown to be chemopreventive in certain malignancies. Data are now becoming available that outline an inflammatory pathway that may have a critical role in melanomagenesis. ATP‐regulated membrane channels/receptors P2X7 and PANX1 have been directly implicated in melanoma tumor growth. Among other potential effects, opening of the P2X7/PANX1 channel results in activation of the NALP3 inflammasome, which in turn leads to caspase‐1 activation and increased levels of activated IL‐1β. Elevated levels of caspase‐1 and IL‐1β have been correlated with melanoma progression, and inhibitors of the inflammasome, caspase and IL‐1β activity have all been shown to inhibit melanoma growth. Among many other potential actions, IL‐1β increases cyclooxygenase‐2 expression leading to local increases in inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Anti‐inflammatory medications targeting the end of this pathway have had positive results for certain cancers but overall remain mixed for melanoma. A better understanding of the pathways and appropriate intervention points may help direct future therapies. In this viewpoint, we will review data and attempt to model an inflammatory pathway that may be critical for melanomagenesis and propose future directions for exploration.
Parathyroid hormone‐related peptide and the hair cycle – is it the agonists or the antagonists that cause hair growth?
Authors: Gensure Robert C.
Published: July 2014

While the effects of PTHrP have been studied for almost 20 years, most of these studies have focused on effects on the termination of the anagen phase, giving an incomplete picture of the overall effect of PTHrP on the hair cycle. PTHrP was determined in several experimental models to promote transition of hair follicles from anagen to catagen phase, which by itself would suggest that PTHrP blockade might prolong the anagen phase and promote hair growth. However, clinical trials with topically applied PTHrP antagonists have been disappointing, leading to a reconsideration of this model. Additional studies performed in mouse models where hair follicles are damaged (alopecia areata, chemotherapy‐induced alopecia) suggest that PTHrP has effects early in the hair cycle as well, promoting hair follicles’ entry into anagen phase and initiates the hair cycle. While the mechanism of this has yet to be elucidated, it may involve activation of the Wnt pathway. Thus, the overall effect of PTHrP is to stimulate and accelerate the hair cycle, and in the more clinically relevant models of hair loss where hair follicles have been damaged or become quiescent, it is the agonists, not the antagonists, which would be expected to promote hair growth.
Antioxidant and anticancer capacity of saponin‐enriched Carica papaya leaf extracts
Authors: Vuong Quan V. , Hirun Sathira , Chuen Tiffany L.K. , Goldsmith Chloe D. , Murchie Shane , Bowyer Michael C. , Phillips Phoebe A. , Scarlett Christopher J.
Published: July 2014

The papaya (Carica papaya) leaf (PL) contains high levels of saponins and polyphenolic compounds, and historically, it has been used as a folk medicine for numerous ailments, including cancer. PL is traditionally prepared by hot water extraction; however, optimised extraction conditions have not been assessed. This study optimised conditions for the extraction of saponins from PL and assessed their antioxidant capacity and antipancreatic cancer activity. Optimisation was achieved using response surface methodology. Saponins and total phenolic compounds were assessed for their antioxidant, free radical scavenging, ion‐reducing capacity, and antipancreatic cancer activity. Optimal aqueous extraction conditions were 85 °C, 25 min. and a water‐to‐leaf ratio of 20:1 mL g−1. Ethanol extracts demonstrated higher antioxidant, free radical scavenging and ion‐reducing capacity, as well as antipancreatic cancer activity. This study revealed that the PL contains numerous bioactive compounds, with significant anticancer activity warranting further studies on the isolation and characterisation of individual bioactive compounds from the PL.
Learning Stimulus‐Location Associations in 8‐ and 11‐Month‐Old Infants: Multimodal Versus Unimodal Information
Authors: ter Schure Sophie , Mandell Dorothy J. , Escudero Paola , Raijmakers Maartje E. J. , Johnson Scott P.
Published: July 2014

Research on the influence of multimodal information on infants' learning is inconclusive. While one line of research finds that multimodal input has a negative effect on learning, another finds positive effects. The present study aims to shed some new light on this discussion by studying the influence of multimodal information and accompanying stimulus complexity on the learning process. We assessed the influence of multimodal input on the trial‐by‐trial learning of 8‐ and 11‐month‐old infants. Using an anticipatory eye movement paradigm, we measured how infants learn to anticipate the correct stimulus–location associations when exposed to visual‐only, auditory‐only (unimodal), or auditory and visual (multimodal) information. Our results show that infants in both the multimodal and visual‐only conditions learned the stimulus–location associations. Although infants in the visual‐only condition appeared to learn in fewer trials, infants in the multimodal condition showed better anticipating behavior: as a group, they had a higher chance of anticipating correctly on more consecutive trials than infants in the visual‐only condition. These findings suggest that effects of multimodal information on infant learning operate chiefly through effects on infants' attention.
The Iceberg Risk in the Titanic Year of 1912: Was it Exceptional?
Authors: Bigg Grant , Billings Steve
Published: July 2014

The sinking of the Titanic is typically blamed on human, design and construction errors. But what of the iceberg that did the damage? Was it a lone berg, or one of many in the area? And should it have been that far south? Earth systems scientist Grant Bigg and systems engineer Steve Billings assess the data.
Recapturing Laplace
Authors: Amorós Jaume
Published: July 2014

Capture–recapture is a technique used to estimate anything from populations of whales to the number of patients with diabetes. Laplace used a similar logic, in 1783, to estimate the population of France. Jaume Amorós explains how it is done.
Improved Green Strength and Green Machinability of ZrB2–SiC Through Gelcasting Based on a Double Gel Network
Authors: He Rujie , Zhang Rubing , Zhu Xiaolei , Wei Kai , Qu Zhaoliang , Pei Yongmao , Fang Daining
Published: July 2014

ZrB2–SiC green ceramics were fabricated by aqueous gelcasting based on single AM‐MBAM, single Na‐alginate, and double gel network system. ZrB2–SiC ceramics obtained by aqueous gelcasting based on AM‐MBAM and Na‐alginate double gel network had a dramatically highest green strength of 98.6 ± 5.1 MPa, which was 103% and 61% higher than that of ZrB2–SiC ceramics based on single AM‐MBAM system and Na‐alginate system, respectively. A “scratch test” was conducted to evaluate the green machinability of as‐prepared ZrB2–SiC ceramics. The ZrB2–SiC ceramics based on this double gel network was found to have the best green machinability.
Videoscope‐assisted minimally invasive periodontal surgery (V‐MIS)
Authors: Harrel Stephen K. , Abraham Celeste M. , Rivera‐Hidalgo Francisco , Shulman Jay D. , Nunn Martha E.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Small incision surgery has become routine in many areas of medicine but has not been widely accepted in periodontal therapy. A videoscope to assist minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been developed. The clinical outcomes from MIS performed using this videoscope (V‐MIS) are reported.

Materials and Methods

Patients were evaluated for residual defects following non‐surgical therapy consisting of root planing with local anaesthetic. Thirty patients having 110 sites with residual pocket probing depth (PPD) of at least 5 mm, 2 mm loss of clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic evidence of bone loss were surgically treated. V‐MIS was performed utilizing the videoscope for surgical visualization.

Results

At re‐evaluation 6 months post surgery, there was a statistically significant improvement (p < .001) in mean PPD and CAL (PPD 3.88 ± 1.02 mm, CAL 4.04 ± 1.38 mm) in 1, 2, and 3 wall defects. All PPD at re‐evaluation were 3 mm or less. There was a mean post‐surgical increase in soft tissue height (0.13 ± 0.61 mm, p = 0.168) with a decrease in recession.

Conclusions

The improvement in PPD and CAL from V‐MIS, in the authors' opinion, appears to be favourable when compared to previously reported results of periodontal regenerative surgery. The lack of post‐surgical recession following V‐MIS has not been reported with traditional regenerative surgery.
Microbial invasion of dentinal tubules: a literature review and a new perspective
Authors: Taschieri Silvio , Del Fabbro Massimo , Samaranayake Lakshman , Chang Jeffrey W.W. , Corbella Stefano
Published: July 2014

Various features of endodontic microbiology have been investigated using various methods. The aim of the present study was to review the existing literature on endodontic microbiology in dentinal tubules, and to present the features of two cases with endodontic pathology. An electronic search was performed with a search string created ad hoc. Ex vivo and in vitro studies were included, recording the method of detection and characteristics of analyzed teeth. Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven of them were in vitro laboratory studies on teeth inoculated after extraction, while 13 were ex vivo studies on extracted, infected teeth. Endodontic bacteria were detected in dentinal tubules, both as single units and as biofilm aggregates. Two similar in vitro cases presented here corroborate the latter findings. A number of techniques have been utilized to observe bacteria in the dentinal tubule ecosystem. Dentinal tubules are favorable niches for microbial survival, either in the form of monomicrobial or polymicrobial communities.
A case of Invasive pulmonary infection caused by novel species of Perenniporia
Authors: Detporntewan Pitaks , Chindamporn Ariya , Worasilchai Navaporn , Suankratay Chusana
Published: July 2014

Perenniporia species, members of basidiomycetes, are known as decay fungi from wood of hardwood tree species. The clinical significance of these non‐sporulating fungi from respiratory tract specimens is unknown. They have frequently been discarded as contaminants. There was only one case report of pulmonary fungal ball with positive culture for a Perenniporia species. We report herein a case of invasive pulmonary infection caused by the novel species of Perenniporia in a 44‐year‐old woman with active systemic lupus erythematosus who was successfully treated with voriconazole.
When mutualism goes bad: density‐dependent impacts of introduced bees on plant reproduction
Authors: Aizen Marcelo A. , Morales Carolina L. , Vázquez Diego P. , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Sáez Agustín , Harder Lawrence D.
Published: July 2014

Invasive, alien plants and pollinators have varying effects on their interaction partners, ranging from highly beneficial to strongly detrimental. To understand these contrasting impacts, we review the benefits and costs associated with plant–pollinator interactions and enquire as to how the presence of abundant invaders affects the benefit–cost balance. We provide a conceptual framework that predicts that mutualism shifts to antagonism when invaders increase disproportionally in abundance relative to their interaction partners. This outcome is illustrated by an empirical example of a crop in which flower damage and an associated reduction in fruit quality represent interaction costs of intense visitation by invasive bees. More generally, the extremely high density of invasive flower visitors, such as Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris, might have population‐ and community‐level consequences by hampering reproduction of native plants while promoting reproduction of alien plants. Furthermore, modification of the structure of pollination networks resulting from intense visitation of native plants by superabundant alien flower visitors in highly invaded communities could predict accentuated interaction costs for many native plants. Owing to their high density and the exclusion of native pollinators, invasive bees, originally introduced for honey production and crop pollination, may negatively impact both the native biota and agriculture.
The ecosystem approach to fisheries: management at the dynamic interface between biodiversity conservation and sustainable use
Authors: Jennings Simon , Smith Anthony D.M. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Smith David C.
Published: July 2014

The emergence of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) was characterized by the adoption of objectives for maintaining ecosystem health alongside those for fisheries. The EAF was expected to meet some aspirations for biodiversity conservation, but health was principally linked to sustainable use rather than lower levels of human impact. Consequently, while policies including EAF concepts identified objectives for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation, the wording often reflected unresolved societal and political debates about objectives and gave imprecise guidance on addressing inevitable trade‐offs. Despite scientific progress in making trade‐offs and consequences explicit, there remain substantial differences in interpretations of acceptable impact, responses to uncertainty and risk, and the use of management measures by groups accountable for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. Within and among nations and regions, these differences are influenced by the contribution of fisheries, aquaculture, farming, and trade to food security, consumers’ options, and other social, economic, and environmental factors. Notwithstanding, mutual understanding of the motivations and norms of fisheries management and biodiversity conservation groups is increasing, and interactions between these groups have likely supported more progress toward meeting their stated objectives than would have otherwise been achievable.
Spatial Resolution of Defibrillator Electrograms to Detect Distinct Exit Sites of Scar‐Related Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: SANTANGELI PASQUALE , ALCALDE OSCAR , ZADO ERICA S. , CALLANS DAVID J. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E.
Published: July 2014

Background

Analysis of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator electrograms (IEGMs) with pacing along the scar edge is often used to approximate distinct exit sites of scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT). We evaluated the spatial resolution of IEGMs in identifying distinct exit sites of scar‐related VT.

Methods and Results

Seventeen patients with scar‐related VT were included. Threshold pacing (500‐ms cycle length) was performed at sites spaced 10 mm apart along the scar border, as defined by high‐density bipolar voltage mapping. Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram and near‐field and far‐field IEGMs were recorded at each pacing site and assessed for morphology. The average scar size was 60 ± 30 cm2 and the scar border perimeter measured 28 ± 9 cm. A median of 18 pacing sites per patient were collected, spaced 14 ± 11 mm apart. The mean spatial resolution for the near‐field, far‐field, and combination of both was 82.7 ± 76 mm, 62.7 ± 53.6 mm, and 56.7 ± 50 mm (P for trend < 0.001). In all cases, IEGM analysis failed to identify distinct VT exit sites spaced <2 cm apart.

Conclusions

Analysis of IEGM morphology with pacing around the edge of the scar is unable to distinguish distinct VT exit sites spaced <2 cm apart, with an average spatial resolution of 5 cm. Given the wide range of values observed, detailed pace mapping over a perimeter of 10–15 cm along the scar edge appears crucial to define the boundaries of a linear ablation strategy to target the VT exit site based on IEGM pace match alone.
Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease: Cellular pathogenesis and pharmacologic therapy
Authors: Torii Tomohiro , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji , Tanoue Akito
Published: July 2014

Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a rare leukodystrophy that causes severe dysmyelination in the central nervous system in infancy and early childhood. Many previous studies showed that various proteolipid protein 1 (plp1) mutations, including duplications, point mutations, and deletions, lead to oligodendrocyte dysfunction in patients with PMD. PMD onset and clinical severity range widely, depending on the type of plp1 mutation. Patients with PMD exhibit a delayed mental and physical development phenotype, but specific pharmacological therapy and clinical treatment for PMD are not yet well established. This review describes PMD pathology and establishment of new clinical treatment for PMD. These findings support the development of a new therapy for PMD and these treatments may improve the quality of life in patients with PMD.
Trade‐Offs, Limitations, and Promises of Big Data in Social Science Research
Authors: White Patricia , Breckenridge R. Saylor
Published: July 2014

The promise of “big data” is a grand one. The collection and aggregation of massive datasets and the development of analytical tools by which to study these data is part of cutting‐edge efforts across scientific disciplines, with social, behavioral, and economic sciences leading the way in many of these efforts. There has been a recent rise in National Science Foundation funding for “big data” research across directorates that coincides with scholarly, public, and governmental attention to the topic. Nonetheless, there are limitations and trade‐offs to “big data” research, particularly as it corresponds to scientific modes of inquiry and the limited range of topics that fall under its umbrella, that must be recognized and incorporated into the general understanding of its long‐term promise.
Time‐Series Analysis on Human Brucellosis During 2004–2013 in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Yang L. , Bi Z.‐W. , Kou Z.‐Q. , Li X.‐J. , Zhang M. , Wang M. , Zhang L.‐Y. , Zhao Z.‐T.
Published: July 2014

Human brucellosis is a re‐emerging bacterial anthropozoonotic disease, which remains a public health concern in China with the growing number of cases and more widespread natural foci. The purpose of this study was to short‐term forecast the incidence of human brucellosis with a prediction model. We collected the annual and monthly laboratory data of confirmed cases from January 2004 to December 2013 in Shandong Diseases Reporting Information System (SDRIS). Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was fitted based on the monthly human brucellosis incidence from 2004 to 2013. Finally, monthly brucellosis incidences in 2014 were short‐term forecasted by the obtained model. The incidence of brucellosis was increasing from 2004 to 2013. For the ARIMA (0, 2, 1) model, the white noise diagnostic check (x2 = 5.58 P = 0.35) for residuals obtained was revealed by the optimum goodness‐of‐fit test. The monthly incidences that fitted by ARIMA (0, 2, 1) model were closely consistent with the real incidence from 2004 to 2013. And forecasting incidences from January 2014 to December 2014 were, respectively, 0.101, 0.118, 0.143, 0.166, 0.160, 0.172, 0.169, 0.133, 0.122, 0.105, 0.103 and 0.079 per100 000 population, with standard error 0.011–0.019 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 58.79%.
Fabrication and characterization of glassy carbon membranes
Authors: Koval Yuri , Geworski Andreas , Gieb Klaus , Lazareva Irina , Müller Paul
Published: July 2014

In this work, the authors focus on a method to fabricate arbitrary shaped free standing membranes with a thickness less than 20 nm, produced from different polymers with the help of low-energy ion irradiation. The authors analyze the thickness of the membranes and its dependence on the details of the irradiation process. In order to tune the properties of the suspended membranes, an additional ion irradiation step has been used. This step is applied to already suspended membranes and leads to several effects, such as heating, shape transformation, etc. These effects were analyzed for irradiation with Ar+ and He+ ions. The authors have found that He+ irradiation has a significant advantage over Ar+ irradiation providing strained, smooth, and homogeneous membranes. In order to measure the electrical properties of the suspended membranes, the authors invented a new method to contact the membranes. These low resistance contacts can be achieved as the authors describe in detail. The membranes electrical properties after He+ ion irradiation at different temperatures are presented. Finally, the authors analyze Raman spectra, and thermal and electrical conductivity of the highly conducting membranes. The authors conclude that after high temperature He+ ion irradiation the membranes consist of material similar in properties to the glassy carbon obtained by pyrolysis. However, this method does not require high temperature pyrolysis step, which makes integration with on-chip electronics more feasible.
Broadband pattern synthesis for circular sensor arrays
Authors: Wang Yong , Yang Yixin , Ma Yuanliang , He Zhengyao , Liu YuKang
Published: July 2014

The solutions of pattern synthesis are derived for circular sensor arrays based on the criterion of minimizing the mean square error between the desired and synthesized beampatterns. Specifically, the optimal weighting vector, the output beam, and the minimum mean square error are all expressed in closed-form exactly when the desired beampattern is properly formulated. These results provide a more effective and convenient scheme for designing practical frequency-invariant beamformers. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.
What’s Your Attitude?
Authors: Mefford Heather C.
Published: July 2014

Genetics experts weigh in on whether and how to return incidental findings from exome sequencing.
Conditionally Rare Taxa Disproportionately Contribute to Temporal Changes in Microbial Diversity
Authors: Shade Ashley , Jones Stuart E. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Handelsman Jo , Knight Rob , Fierer Noah , Gilbert Jack A.
Published: July 2014

Microbial communities typically contain many rare taxa that make up the majority of the observed membership, yet the contribution of this microbial “rare biosphere” to community dynamics is unclear. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of 3,237 samples from 42 time series of microbial communities from nine different ecosystems (air; marine; lake; stream; adult human skin, tongue, and gut; infant gut; and brewery wastewater treatment), we introduce a new method to detect typically rare microbial taxa that occasionally become very abundant (conditionally rare taxa [CRT]) and then quantify their contributions to temporal shifts in community structure. We discovered that CRT made up 1.5 to 28% of the community membership, represented a broad diversity of bacterial and archaeal lineages, and explained large amounts of temporal community dissimilarity (i.e., up to 97% of Bray-Curtis dissimilarity). Most of the CRT were detected at multiple time points, though we also identified “one-hit wonder” CRT that were observed at only one time point. Using a case study from a temperate lake, we gained additional insights into the ecology of CRT by comparing routine community time series to large disturbance events. Our results reveal that many rare taxa contribute a greater amount to microbial community dynamics than is apparent from their low proportional abundances. This observation was true across a wide range of ecosystems, indicating that these rare taxa are essential for understanding community changes over time.

IMPORTANCE
Microbial communities and their processes are the foundations of ecosystems. The ecological roles of rare microorganisms are largely unknown, but it is thought that they contribute to community stability by acting as a reservoir that can rapidly respond to environmental changes. We investigated the occurrence of typically rare taxa that very occasionally become more prominent in their communities (“conditionally rare”). We quantified conditionally rare taxa in time series from a wide variety of ecosystems and discovered that not only were conditionally rare taxa present in all of the examples, but they also contributed disproportionately to temporal changes in diversity when they were most abundant. This result indicates an important and general role for rare microbial taxa within their communities.
The impact of overstory density on sapling height growth in the Missouri Ozarks: implications for interspecific differentiation during canopy recruitment
Authors: Vickers Lance A. , Larsen David R. , Knapp Benjamin O. , Kabrick John M. , Dey Daniel C.
Published: July 2014

Successful canopy recruitment is one of the most important components of sustainable forestry practices. For many desirable species in oak-dominated forests, insufficient sapling growth is a common limitation to successful recruitment. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the impact of overstory density on sapling growth in the Missouri Ozarks, (ii) investigate the potential for overstory retention to promote compositional shifts via interspecific differences in sapling height growth, and (iii) compare the use of mean and near-maximum growth rates to quantify the impact of overstory density on sapling growth and height differentiation among species. We found that the periodic annual height increment of saplings decreased with increasing overstory density for all species groups in this study (red oaks (Quercus spp.), white oaks (Quercus spp.), hickories (Carya spp.), sassafras (Sassafras spp.), blackgum (Nyssa spp.), dogwood (Cornus spp.), red maple (Acer spp.), ashes (Fraxinus spp.), and elms (Ulmus spp.)). There was evidence of interspecific differentiation in growth rates during the sapling stage, and the observed differences were more pronounced at low overstory densities. Increasing overstory densities either reduced or eliminated the differences in growth among species. Although red oaks displayed the greatest maximum growth rates of all species under low overstory densities (<5 m2·ha−1), the growth advantage of red oaks was reduced with increasing overstory density. This may provide opportunities to shift species composition toward white oaks using partial harvesting regimes in the Missouri Ozarks. However, white oaks had little to no advantage in height growth over many competing species when overstory density exceeded about 10 m2·ha−1. This implies that the probability of recruitment under overstory densities greater than about 10 m2·ha−1is likely to decline for all oaks in the Missouri Ozarks. We found that using the 90th quantile of height growth rates to evaluate the impact of overstory density on sapling growth had two potential advantages over using the mean growth rate: (i) it provided better models of the limiting effects of overstory density on sapling height growth, and (ii) the focus was on the growth rates of stems that were most likely to recruit into the canopy.
Melting heat transfer in boundary layer stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid towards a stretching–shrinking sheet
Authors: Kumar Ch. Kishore , Bandari Shankar
Published: July 2014

The present analysis deals with the study of two-dimensional stagnation-point flow and heat transfer from a warm, laminar liquid flow of a nanofluid towards a melting stretching sheet. Using similarity transformations, the governing differential equations were transformed into coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which were then solved numerically by using the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method along with the shooting technique for two types of nanoparticles namely copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) in the water-based fluid with Prandtl number Pr = 6.2, the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number, the velocity and the temperature profiles are presented graphically and discussed.
C-field cosmology for barotropic fluid distribution with variable bulk viscosity and vacuum energy (Λ) in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) space–time
Authors: Bali Raj , Saraf Seema
Published: July 2014

A cosmological model that admits barotropic fluid distribution and a negative energy massless scalar creation field as a source in the presence of bulk viscosity and vacuum energy (Λ) in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker space–time is investigated. It has been shown that the model satisfies observational tests and is thus an alternative to the standard Big Bang model. The model is free from real singularity and particle horizon. The creation field increases with time, which matches Hoyle and Narlikar (Proc. Roy. Soc. A, 282, 178 (1964). doi:10.1098/rspa.1964.0225 ). To get the deterministic results, we have assumed that the coefficient of bulk viscosity, ζαρ1/2, where ρ is the matter density, ρ = 3H2, Λ ∼ H2, where H is the Hubble parameter. The model satisfies the energy conditions (weak, dominant, and strong). The deceleration parameter, q < 0, shows that the model represents an accelerating phase of the universe.
Kenneth Wilson — Renormalization and QCD
Authors: Wegner Franz J.
Published: July 2014

Kenneth Wilson had an enormous impact on field theory, in particular on the renormalization group and critical phenomena, and on QCD. I had the great pleasure to work in three fields to which he contributed essentially: Critical phenomena, gauge-invariance in duality and QCD, and flow equations and similarity renormalization.