bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of lymph node sinus macrophages in host defense
Authors: Kuka Mirela , Iannacone Matteo
Published: March 2014

Strategically positioned along lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes act as filter stations preventing systemic pathogen dissemination; they are primary sites of innate immune responses and provide the staging grounds for the generation of adaptive immunity. Critical mediators of these lymph node functions are two phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets of macrophages: the subcapsular sinus macrophages and the medullary macrophages. This review focuses on the phenotype and function of these lymph node sinus‐resident macrophages and summarizes methods for their proper identification and experimental manipulation.
Hydrogen sulfide accelerates cell cycle progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Ma Z , Bi Q , Wang Y
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the cell cycle regulator role of the third gaseous transmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in three oral SCC cell lines by using NaHS, a donor of H2S.

Methods

The synchronized oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (Cal27, GNM, and WSU‐HN6) were treated with different concentrations of NaHS and then subjected to cell proliferation, cell cycle, and Western blot analyses.

Results

The CCK‐8 assay results showed that the exogenously administered H2S donor, NaHS, induced CAL‐27, and GNM cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner, and the cell cycle analysis indicated that NaHS accelerated cell cycle progression of the synchronized CAL‐27, GNM, and WSU‐HN6 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the cell cycle regulatory genes RPA70 and RB1 were significantly down‐regulated and that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CDK4 were markedly up‐regulated by NaHS at specific time points in the cell cycle. In addition, our results indicated that the phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 was involved in exogenous H2S‐induced oral SCC cell proliferation.

Conclusions

H2S is a potential pro‐proliferative factor of human oral SCC cells that accelerates the progression of the SCC cell cycle; thus, H2S plays a deleterious role in oral SCC cancer development.
In Defence of My Favourite Theory
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E. , Torpman Olle
Published: March 2014

One of the principles on how to act under moral uncertainty, My Favourite Theory, says roughly that a morally conscientious agent chooses an option that is permitted by the most credible moral theory. In defence of this principle, we argue that it prescribes consistent choices over time, without relying on intertheoretic comparisons of value, while its main rivals are either plagued by moral analogues of money pumps or in need of a method for making non‐arbitrary intertheoretic comparisons. We rebut the arguments that have been levelled against My Favourite Theory and offer some arguments against intertheoretic comparisons of value.
Molecular characterization of the citrate transporter gene TaMATE1 and expression analysis of upstream genes involved in organic acid transport under Al stress in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Garcia‐Oliveira Ana Luísa , Martins‐Lopes Paula , Tolrá Roser , Poschenrieder Charlotte , Tarquis Marta , Guedes‐Pinto Henrique , Benito César
Published: March 2014

In bread wheat, besides malate, the importance of citrate efflux for Al tolerance has also been reported. For better understanding the Al tolerance mechanism in bread wheat, here, we performed both a molecular characterization of the citrate transporter gene TaMATE1 and an investigation on the upstream variations in citrate and malate transporter genes. TaMATE1 belong to multidrug transporter protein family, which are located on the long arm of homoeologous group 4 chromosomes (TaMATE1‐4A, TaMATE1‐4B TaMATE1‐4D). TaMATE1 homoeologues transcript expression study exhibited the preponderance of homoeologue TaMATE1‐4B followed by TaMATE1‐4D whereas homoeologue TaMATE1‐4A seemed to be silenced. TaMATE1, particularly homoeologue TaMATE1‐4B and TaALMT1 transcripts were much more expressed in the root apices than in shoots of Al tolerant genotype Barbela 7/72/92 under both control and Al stress conditions. In addition, in both tissues of Barbela 7/72/92, higher basal levels of these gene transcripts were observed than in Anahuac (Al sensitive). Noticeably, the presence of a transposon in the upstream of TaMATE1‐4B in Barbela 7/72/92 seems to be responsible for its higher transcript expression where it may confer citrate efflux. Thus, promoter variations (transposon in TaMATE1‐4B upstream and type VI promoter in TaALMT1) associated with higher basal transcript expression of TaMATE1‐4B and TaALMT1 clearly show how different mechanisms for Al tolerance operate simultaneously in a single genotype. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Barbela 7/72/92 has favorable alleles for these organic acids transporter genes which could be utilized through genomic assisted selection to develop improved cultivars for acidic soils.
Genetic structure of Japanese Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae) populations revealed using microsatellite markers
Authors: Demura Mikihide , Nakayama Takuro , Kasai Fumie , Kawachi Masanobu
Published: March 2014

Chattonella marina var. antiqua and C. marina var. marina (Raphidophyceae) are red tide‐forming, harmful phytoplankton species. We investigated the genetic diversity and genetic relationship among the populations using microsatellite markers to identify putative sources of C. marina var. antiqua and C. marina var. marina in Japanese coastal populations. A positive correlation between genetic divergence and geographical distance (isolation by distance) was recognized for C. marina var. antiqua. The C. marina var. antiqua populations were established throughout a geological time scale, and genetic divergence had progressed in each population with gene flow depending on geographic distances. In contrast, isolation by distance was not observed for C. marina var. marina populations, and the genetic divergence among populations was extremely high. The Tokyo Bay population of C. marina var. marina, which was first recognized in 2008, had many private alleles but was related to the Kagoshima Bay population. The Tokyo Bay population may have been established by several invasions from the Kagoshima Bay population and other regions.
Heterogeneity: A Major Factor Influencing Microbial Exposure and Risk Assessment
Authors: Maul Armand
Published: March 2014

Microbial risk assessment is dependent on several biological and environmental factors that affect both the exposure characteristics to the biological agents and the mechanisms of pathogenicity involved in the pathogen‐host relationship. Many exposure assessment studies still focus on the location parameters of the probability distribution representing the concentration of the pathogens and/or toxin. However, the mean or median by themselves are insufficient to evaluate the adverse effects that are associated with a given level of exposure. Therefore, the effects on the risk of disease of a number of factors, including the shape parameters characterizing the distribution patterns of the pathogen in their environment, were investigated. The statistical models, which were developed to provide a better understanding of the factors influencing the risk, highlight the role of heterogeneity and its consequences on the commonly used risk assessment paradigm. Indeed, the heterogeneity characterizing the spatial and temporal distribution of the pathogen and/or the toxin contained in the water or food consumed is shown to be a major factor that may influence the magnitude of the risk dramatically. In general, the risk diminishes with higher levels of heterogeneity. This scheme is totally inverted in the presence of a threshold in the dose‐response relationship, since heterogeneity will then have a tremendous impact, namely, by magnifying the risk when the mean concentration of pathogens is below the threshold. Moreover, the approach of this article may be useful for risk ranking analysis, regarding different exposure conditions, and may also lead to improved water and food quality guidelines.
The Universal Decline of Universality? Social Policy Change in Canada, Denmark, Sweden and the UK
Authors: Béland Daniel , Blomqvist Paula , Andersen Jørgen Goul , Palme Joakim , Waddan Alex
Published: March 2014

The debate about the future of universal social programmes has been raging for years, both in social‐democratic and in liberal welfare states. The objective of this article is to contribute to the literature on universality by analyzing the evolution of universal social programmes in two social‐democratic and two liberal countries: Denmark, Sweden, Canada and the UK. This choice of countries provides the opportunity to investigate whether the principle and practice of universality has fared differently both within and between countries. The analysis focuses primarily on the national level while exploring three policy areas: pensions, healthcare and family policy, specifically child benefits and day care. The main conclusion of our comparative analysis is clear: among our two liberal and two social‐democratic countries, the institutional strength of universality varies greatly from one policy area and one country to another. Considering this, there is no such a thing as a universal decline of universality.
Croyances et coopération : analyse du réseau des acteurs de la Politique de sécurité et de défense commune de l'UE
Authors: Barrette Patrick
Published: March 2014

Cet article aborde la Politique de sécurité et de défense commune de l'UE dans une perspective sociologique. Bien que les nationalités ont toujours une influence sur les préférences des acteurs de la défense européenne, elles ne sont, en revanche, pas liées à la coopération entre les acteurs dans un champ qui s'est trangouvernementalisé en une décennie. À l'aide de l'analyse de réseaux sociaux, nous comparons les relations de coopération d'un échantillon d'acteurs clefs oeuvrant dans ce champ politique avec leurs croyances sur certains enjeux de la PSDC, à partir d'une base de données originale. Conformément à notre cadre théorique, l'advocacy coalition framework, nous découvrons que l'intensification des relations de coopération entre les acteurs est liée à la convergence des certaines catégories de croyances sur des enjeux de la défense européenne.
Difference in petrophysical properties between foliated and dilatant fault rocks in deeply buried clastics: The case of the Grès d'Annot Formation, SW French Alps
Authors: Cavailhes Thibault , Labaume Pierre , Sizun Jean‐Pierre , Soliva Roger , Gout Claude , Potdevin Jean‐Luc , Buatier Martine , Gay Aurélien , Chauvet Alain , Charpentier Delphine , Travé Anna
Published: March 2014

This study describes normal fault zones formed in foreland arkosic turbidites (the Grès d'Annot Formation, SW French Alps) under deep diagenesis conditions (~200 °C) and highlights the occurrence of two markedly different fault‐rock types: (1) the foliated fault rocks of the Moutière‐Restefond area; and (2) the dilatant fault rocks of the Estrop area. The deformation of (1) is dominated by intra‐ and transgranular fracturing, pressure solution of quartz and feldspar grains and syn‐kinematic phyllosilicate precipitation resulting from feldspar alteration. The combination of these mechanisms results in a strongly anisotropic strain with intense shortening normal to the foliation (pressure solution) and extension parallel to the foliation (quartz‐ and calcite‐sealed extension veins). This deformation implies local mass transfer that may be achieved without (or with limited) volume change. The deformation of (2) is expressed as dilatant quartz‐sealed veins and breccia textures in which the main mechanisms are transgranular fracturing and quartz precipitation. Type (2) implies fault volume increase, isotropy of deformation and mass transfer at distances larger than in type (1). This study discusses the origins of (1) and (2) and shows that the permeability of (1) is anisotropic, with higher values than the host rocks parallel to the Y main deformation axis (i.e. perpendicular to the slip vector), whereas the permeability of (2) is isotropic and equivalent to that of the host rocks.
Identification of hematopoietic progenitor cell donor characteristics predicting successful mobilization: results of an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Bertani Giambattista , Santoleri Luca , Martino Massimo , Fedele Roberta , Moscato Tiziana , Marenco Paola , Grillo Giovanni , Zucchetti Elisa , Lotesoriere Ivana , Lando Giuliana , Cesana Clara , Cairoli Roberto , Rossini Silvano
Published: March 2014

Background

Peripheral blood (PB) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) collected by apheresis are the first‐choice source for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The target HPC dose is usually considered to be 4 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg of the recipient, but higher doses are required in reduced‐intensity conditioning and haploidentical transplants. Thus, prolonged stimulation and repeated collections or failure to reach HPC target may occur, increasing risks for donors and recipients. We carried out a retrospective multicenter study on healthy donors, to identify donor variables which may correlate with HPC mobilization.

Study Design and Methods

HPC allogeneic donations from sibling and unrelated donors performed in two centers from 1995 to 2012 were analyzed. We defined a mobilization cutoff of 50 × 106 CD34+ cells/L and tested somatic variables, blood counts, and granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) dose and molecular form.

Results

A total of 360 donors were analyzed (male, 201; female, 159; sibling, 348; unrelated, 12; median [range] age, 44.8 [13‐80] years). Median peak CD34+ in PB was 54.4 × 106/L (range, 5 × 106‐299 × 106). By multivariate analysis, we identified the following variables to correlate with good mobilization: 1) male sex (p < 0.0005); 2) younger age (p = 0.007); 3) higher baseline (premobilization) white blood cell (WBC) count (p < 0.0005); 4) higher G‐CSF dosage (p < 0.0005); and 5) use of lenograstim rather than filgrastim (p < 0.002).

Conclusion

In healthy donors it is possible to predict successful HPC mobilization by donor sex, age, WBC count, and G‐CSF form and dose. Furthermore, based on these data, it may be possible, at least in parental setting, to modulate G‐CSF dosage on the basis of donor characteristics.
Revertant mutants modify, but do not rescue, the gating defect of the cystic fibrosis mutant G551D‐CFTR
Authors: Xu Zhe , Pissarra Luísa S. , Farinha Carlos M. , Liu Jia , Cai Zhiwei , Thibodeau Patrick H. , Amaral Margarida D. , Sheppard David N.
Published: March 2014

Key points

Malfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a gated pathway for chloride movement, causes the common life‐shortening genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF).

Gene changes (called second‐site mutations or revertants) that restore function to F508del, the most common CF mutation, also alter the behaviour of the CF mutant G551D.

Revertants have direct impact on the structure of CFTR, but they exert their effects in a mutation‐specific way.

Information about the action of revertants assists the development of new therapies that target the root cause of CF.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by dysfunction of the epithelial anion channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). One strategy to restore function to CF mutants is to suppress defects in CFTR processing and function using revertant mutations. Here, we investigate the effects of the revertant mutations G550E and 4RK (the simultaneous disruption of four arginine‐framed tripeptides (AFTs): R29K, R516K, R555K and R766K) on the CF mutant G551D, which impairs severely channel gating without altering protein processing and which affects a residue in the same α‐helix as G550 and R555. Both G550E and 4RK augmented strongly CFTR‐mediated iodide efflux from BHK cells expressing G551D‐CFTR. To learn how revertant mutations influence G551D‐CFTR function, we studied protein processing and single‐channel behaviour. Neither G550E nor 4RK altered the expression and maturation of G551D‐CFTR protein. By contrast, both revertants had marked effects on G551D‐CFTR channel gating, increasing strongly opening frequency, while 4RK also diminished noticeably the duration of channel openings. Because G551D‐CFTR channel gating is ATP independent, we investigated whether revertant mutations restore ATP dependence to G551D‐CFTR. Like wild‐type CFTR, the activity of 4RK‐G551D‐CFTR varied with ATP concentration, suggesting that 4RK confers some ATP dependence on the G551D‐CFTR channel. Thus, the revertant mutations G550E and 4RK alter the gating pattern and ATP dependence of G551D‐CFTR without restoring single‐channel activity to wild‐type levels. Based on their impact on the CF mutants F508del and G551D, we conclude that G550E and 4RK have direct effects on CFTR structure, but that their action on CFTR processing and channel function is CF mutation specific.
The role of internal and external constructive processes in evolution
Authors: Laland Kevin , Odling‐Smee John , Turner Scott
Published: March 2014

The architects of the Modern Synthesis viewed development as an unfolding of a form already latent in the genes. However, developing organisms play a far more active, constructive role in both their own development and their evolution than the Modern Synthesis proclaims. Here we outline what is meant by constructive processes in development and evolution, emphasizing how constructive development is a shared feature of many of the research developments central to the developing Extended Evolutionary Synthesis. Our article draws out the parallels between constructive physiological processes expressed internally and in the external environment (niche construction), showing how in each case they play important and not fully recognized evolutionary roles by modifying and biasing natural selection.
Control of the interfacial abruptness of Au-catalyzed Si-Si1−xGex heterostructured nanowires grown by vapor–liquid–solid
Authors: Periwal Priyanka , Baron Thierry , Latu-Romain Laurence , Salem Bassem , Bassani Franck , Patriarche Gilles , Gentile Pascal
Published: March 2014

Axial Si-Si1−xGex heterostructured nanowires were grown by Au-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid method. In this work, the authors examine the changes in growth parameters on the interfacial-abruptness of Si-Si1−xGex heterointerfaces in nanowires. The authors have investigated the effect of temperature drop, pressure change, and growth stop on the droplet stability which in turn modifies nanowire morphology and interfacial abruptness. The authors found that Si/Si1−xGex heterointerface is relatively sharp while Si1−xGex/Si is much broader. They demonstrate that a short growth stop is a good way to minimize reservoir effect resulting in small interfacial abruptness value. Our observations reveal that Si/Si1−xGex interfacial abruptness is 20 ± 5 nm irrespective of the nanowire diameter while interfacial abruptness for Si1−xGex/Si is linearly dependent on nanowire diameter.
Pilot study demonstrating potential association between breast cancer image‐based risk phenotypes and genomic biomarkers
Authors: Li Hui , Giger Maryellen L. , Sun Chang , Ponsukcharoen Umnouy , Huo Dezheng , Lan Li , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Jamieson Andrew R. , Brown Jeremy Bancroft , Di Rienzo Anna
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

In this pilot study, the authors examined associations between image‐based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers. The potential genetic contribution of UGT2B genes to interindividual variation in breast density and mammographic parenchymal patterns is demonstrated by performing an association study between image‐based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers [single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes].

Methods:

This candidate‐gene approach study included 179 subjects for whom both mammograms and blood DNA samples had been obtained. The full‐field digital mammograms were acquired using a GE Senographe 2000D FFDM system (12‐bit; 0.1 mm‐pixel size). Regions‐of‐interest, 256 × 256 pixels in size, selected from the central breast region behind the nipple underwent computerized image analysis to yield image‐based phenotypes of mammographic density and parenchymal texture patterns. SNP genotyping was performed using a Sequenom MassArray System. One hundred twenty three SNPs with minor allele frequency above 5% were genotyped for the UGT2B gene clusters, and used in the study. The association between the image‐based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient via thePLINK software, and included permutation and correction for multiple SNP comparisons.

Results:

From the phenotype‐genotype association analysis, a parenchyma texture coarseness feature was found to be correlated with SNP rs451632 after multiple test correction for the multiple SNPs (p = 0.022). The power law β, which is used to characterize the frequency component of texture patterns, was found to be correlated with SNP rs4148298 (p = 0.035).

Conclusions:

The authors’ results indicate that UGT2B gene variation may contribute to interindividual variation in mammographic parenchymal patterns and breast density. Understanding the relationship between image‐based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers may help understand the biologic mechanism for image‐based biomarkers and yield a future role in personalized medicine.
Analytical, experimental, and Monte Carlo system response matrix for pinhole SPECT reconstruction
Authors: Aguiar Pablo , Pino Francisco , Silva‐Rodríguez Jesús , Pavía Javier , Ros Doménec , Ruibal Álvaro , El Bitar Ziad
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To assess the performance of two approaches to the system response matrix (SRM) calculation in pinhole single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reconstruction.

Methods: Evaluation was performed using experimental data from a low magnification pinhole SPECT system that consisted of a rotating flat detector with a monolithic scintillator crystal. The SRM was computed following two approaches, which were based on Monte Carlo simulations (MC‐SRM) and analytical techniques in combination with an experimental characterization (AE‐SRM). The spatial response of the system, obtained by using the two approaches, was compared with experimental data. The effect of the MC‐SRM and AE‐SRM approaches on the reconstructed image was assessed in terms of image contrast, signal‐to‐noise ratio, image quality, and spatial resolution. To this end, acquisitions were carried out using a hot cylinder phantom (consisting of five fillable rods with diameters of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 mm and a uniform cylindrical chamber) and a custom‐made Derenzo phantom, with center‐to‐center distances between adjacent rods of 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mm.

Results: Good agreement was found for the spatial response of the system between measured data and results derived from MC‐SRM and AE‐SRM. Only minor differences for point sources at distances smaller than the radius of rotation and large incidence angles were found. Assessment of the effect on the reconstructed image showed a similar contrast for both approaches, with values higher than 0.9 for rod diameters greater than 1 mm and higher than 0.8 for rod diameter of 1 mm. The comparison in terms of image quality showed that all rods in the different sections of a custom‐made Derenzo phantom could be distinguished. The spatial resolution (FWHM) was 0.7 mm at iteration 100 using both approaches. The SNR was lower for reconstructed images using MC‐SRM than for those reconstructed using AE‐SRM, indicating that AE‐SRM deals better with the projection noise than MC‐SRM.

Conclusions: The authorsˈ findings show that both approaches provide good solutions to the problem of calculating the SRM in pinhole SPECT reconstruction. The AE‐SRM was faster to create and handle the projection noise better than MC‐SRM. Nevertheless, the AE‐SRM required a tedious experimental characterization of the intrinsic detector response. Creation of the MC‐SRM required longer computation time and handled the projection noise worse than the AE‐SRM.

Nevertheless, the MC‐SRM inherently incorporates extensive modeling of the system and therefore experimental characterization was not required.
mMAPS: A Flow-Proteometric Technique to Analyze Protein-Protein Interactions in Individual Signaling Complexes
Authors: Chou Chao-Kai , Lee Heng-Huan , Tsou Pei-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Te , Hsu Jung-Mao , Yamaguchi Hirohito , Wang Ying-Nai , Lee Hong-Jen , Hsu Jennifer L. , Lee Jin-Fong , Kameoka Jun , Hung Mien-Chie
Published: March 2014

Flow proteometry, fluorescence-based sorting of proteins, reveals the composition of individual protein-containing complexes.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 4 March 2014
Authors: Abbott Geoffrey W. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2014

A small-molecule transporter and a potassium channel cooperate to modulate the composition of cerebrospinal fluid and seizure susceptibility.
A Different Route
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: March 2014

An alternate signaling route for the plant hormone auxin goes directly inside from the cell surface.
Stressed Out About Crohn’s Disease
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2014

A single-nucleotide polymorphism impairs autophagy and stimulates inflammation by increasing turnover of the Crohn's disease–associated autophagy protein ATG16L1.
Cross-Resistance between Clofazimine and Bedaquiline through Upregulation of MmpL5 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hartkoorn Ruben C. , Uplekar Swapna , Cole Stewart T.
Published: March 2014

The antileprosy drug clofazimine is also of interest for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. To understand possible resistance mechanisms, clofazimine-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
mutants were isolated
in vitro
, and, unexpectedly, found to be cross-resistant to bedaquiline. Mutations in the transcriptional regulator Rv0678, with concomitant upregulation of the multisubstrate efflux pump, MmpL5, accounted for this cross-resistance. Mutation in Rv0678 should therefore be considered a confounding factor for the treatment of tuberculosis with clofazimine or bedaquiline.
Tranylcypromine Reduces Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection in Mice
Authors: Yao Hui-Wen , Lin Pin-Hung , Shen Fang-Hsiu , Perng Guey-Chuen , Tung Yuk-Ying , Hsu Sheng-Min , Chen Shun-Hua
Published: March 2014

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infects the majority of the human population and establishes latency by maintaining viral genomes in neurons of sensory ganglia. Latent virus can undergo reactivation to cause recurrent infection. Both primary and recurrent infections can cause devastating diseases, including encephalitis and corneal blindness. Acyclovir is used to treat patients, but virus resistance to acyclovir is frequently reported. Recentin vitrofindings reveal that pretreatment of cells with tranylcypromine (TCP), a drug widely used in the clinic to treat neurological disorders, restrains HSV-1 gene transcription by inhibiting the histone-modifying enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 1. The present study was designed to examine the anti-HSV-1 efficacy of TCPin vivobecause of the paucity of reports on this issue. Using the murine model, we found that TCP decreased the severity of wild-type-virus-induced encephalitis and corneal blindness, infection with the acyclovir-resistant (thymidine kinase-negative) HSV-1 mutant, and tissue viral loads. Additionally, TCP blockedin vivoviral reactivation in trigeminal ganglia. These results support the therapeutic potential of TCP for controlling HSV-1 infection.
CT coronary angiography evaluation of involvement of the left internal mammary artery graft in advanced left upper lobe lung tumour
Authors: Bisleri Ullas , Beliaev Andrei M
Published: March 2014

Evaluation of internal mammary artery graft involvement in upper lobe lung tumour is important to determine an optimal surgical treatment. We report the case of a 52-year-old male patient with an advanced left upper lobe lung tumour located in the proximity of the left internal mammary artery graft. CT coronary angiography showed that the tumour did not invade the graft. The patient underwent a successful palliative left upper lobe lung resection.
Enterocolitis without diarrhoea in an adult patient: a clinical dilemma
Authors: Vaidya Gaurang Nandkishor , Sharma Amit , Khorasani-Zadeh Arman , John Savio
Published: March 2014

Campylobacter jejuniis one of the most common causes of bloody diarrhoea in the USA. We report a case of a young woman who presented with a clinical picture reminiscent of acute appendicitis. Ultrasonography and CT of the abdomen performed subsequently revealed evidence of colitis. Quite unexpectedly, she had no symptoms of diarrhoea and the stool Gram stain and culture were negative. Nevertheless, due to high clinical suspicion of infectious colitis, appendectomy was deferred. Blood culture was later reported positive forCampylobacterspecies and the patient responded to quinolones. With this case report we try to highlight one of the unusual presentations ofC jejuniinfection, closely mimicking acute appendicitis in the absence of classical symptoms of bacterial enteritis. In such cases, a high index of suspicion, astute history taking skills and the proper use of imaging studies can save the patient from the surgical knife.
OptimisingMycobacterium tuberculosisdetection in resource limited settings
Authors: Alfred Nwofor , Lovette Lawson , Aliyu Gambo , Olusegun Obasanya , Meshak Panwal , Jilang Tunkat , Iwakun Mosunmola , Nnamdi Emenyonu , Olubunmi Onuoha , Dakum Patrick , Abimiku Alash'le
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The light-emitting diode (LED) fluorescence microscopy has made acid-fast bacilli (AFB) detection faster and efficient although its optimal performance in resource-limited settings is still being studied. We assessed the optimal performances of light and fluorescence microscopy in routine conditions of a resource-limited setting and evaluated the digestion time for sputum samples for maximum yield of positive cultures.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Facility-based involving samples of routine patients receiving tuberculosis treatment and care from the main tuberculosis case referral centre in northern Nigeria.

Participants

The study included 450 sputum samples from 150 new patients with clinical diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

The 450 samples were pooled into 150 specimens, examined independently with mercury vapour lamp (FM), LED CysCope (CY) and Primo Star iLED (PiLED) fluorescence microscopies, and with the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) microscopy to assess the performance of each technique compared with liquid culture. The cultured specimens were decontaminated with BD Mycoprep (4% NaOH–1% NLAC and 2.9% sodium citrate) for 10, 15 and 20 min before incubation inMycobacteriumgrowth incubator tube (MGIT) system and growth examined for acid-fast bacilli (AFB).

Results

Of the 150 specimens examined by direct microscopy: 44 (29%), 60 (40%), 49 (33%) and 64 (43%) were AFB positive by ZN, FM, CY and iLED microscopy, respectively. Digestion of sputum samples for 10, 15 and 20 min yielded mycobacterial growth in 72 (48%), 81 (54%) and 68 (45%) of the digested samples, respectively, after incubation in the MGIT system.

Conclusions

In routine laboratory conditions of a resource-limited setting, our study has demonstrated the superiority of fluorescence microscopy over the conventional ZN technique. Digestion of sputum samples for 15 min yielded more positive cultures.
Validity of self-reported hysterectomy: a prospective cohort study within the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)
Authors: Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Taylor Henry , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Ryan Andy , Burnell Matthew , Sharma Aarti , Apostolidou Sophia , Campbell Stuart , Jacobs Ian , Menon Usha
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the validity of self-reported hysterectomy against the gold standard of uterine visualisation using pelvic ultrasound.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) based in 13 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Participants

Between April 2001 and October 2005, 48 215 postmenopausal women aged 50–74 randomised to the ultrasound screening arm of UKCTOCS underwent the first (initial) scan on the trial.

Interventions

At recruitment, the women completed a recruitment questionnaire (RQ) which included previous hysterectomy. The sonographer asked each woman regarding previous hysterectomy (interview format, IF) prior to the scan. At the scan, in addition to ovarian morphology, endometrial thickness (ET)/endometrial abnormality were captured if the uterus was visualised at the scan.

Outcome measures

Self-reported hysterectomy at RQ or IF was compared to ultrasound data on ET/endometrial abnormality (as surrogate uterine visualisation markers) on the first (initial) scan.

Results

Of 48 215 women, 3 had congenital uterine agenesis and 218 inconclusive results. The uterus was visualised in 39 121 women. 8871 self-reported hysterectomy at RQ, 8641 at IF and 8487 at both. The uterus was visualised in 39 123, 39 353 and 38 969 women not self-reporting hysterectomy at RQ, IF or both. Validity, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of using RQ alone, IF or both RQ/IF were 99.6%, 98.9%, 99.7%, 98.9% and 99.7%; 98.9%, 98.4%, 99.1%, 95.9% and 99.7%; 99.8%, 99.6%, 99.9%, 99.4% and 99.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Self-reported hysterectomy is a highly accurate and valid source for studying long-term associations of hysterectomy with disease onset.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN)—22488978
Validation of a home safety questionnaire used in a series of case-control studies
Authors: Watson Michael , Benford Penny , Coupland Carol , Clacy Rose , Hindmarch Paul , Majsak-Newman Gosia , Deave Toity , Kendrick Denise
Published: March 2014

Objective

To measure the validity of safety behaviours, safety equipment use and hazards reported on a questionnaire by parents/carers with children aged under 5 years participating in a series of home safety case-control studies.

Methods

The questionnaire measured safety behaviours, safety equipment use and hazards being used as exposures in five case-control studies. Responses to questions were compared with observations made during a home visit. The researchers making observations were blind to questionnaire responses.

Results

In total, 162 families participated in the study. Overall agreement between reported and observed values of the safety practices ranged from 48.5% to 97.3%. Only 3 safety practices (stair gate at the top of stairs, stair gate at the bottom of stairs, stairs are carpeted) had substantial agreement based on the κ statistic (k=0.65, 0.72, 0.74, respectively). Sensitivity was high (≥70%) for 19 of the 30 safety practices, and specificity was high (≥70%) for 20 of the 30 practices. Overall for 24 safety practices, a higher proportion of respondents over-reported than under-reported safe practice (negative predictive value>positive predictive value). For six safety practices, a higher proportion of respondents under-reported than over-reported safe practice (negative predictive value<positive predictive value).

Conclusions

This study found that the validity of self-reports varied with safety practice. Questions with a high specificity will be useful for practitioners for identifying households who may benefit from home safety interventions and will be useful for researchers as measures of exposures or outcomes.
Current procedural terminology; a primer
Authors: Hirsch Joshua A , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M , Nicola Gregory N , Barr Robert M , Bello Jacqueline A , Donovan William D , Tu Raymond , Alson Mark D , Manchikanti Laxmaiah
Published: March 2014

In 1966, The American Medical Association (AMA) working with multiple major medical specialty societies developed an iterative coding system for describing medical procedures and services using uniform language, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system. The current code set, CPT IV, forms the basis of reporting most of the services performed by healthcare providers, physicians and non-physicians as well as facilities allowing effective, reliable communication among physician and other providers, third parties and patients. This coding system and its maintenance has evolved significantly since its inception, and now goes well beyond its readily perceived role in reimbursement. Additional roles include administrative management, tracking new and investigational procedures, and evolving aspects of ‘pay for performance’. The system also allows for local, regional and national utilization comparisons for medical education and research. Neurointerventional specialists use CPT category I codes regularly—for example, 36 215 for first-order cerebrovascular angiography, 36 216 for second-order vessels, and 37 184 for acute stroke treatment by mechanical means. Additionally, physicians add relevant modifiers to the CPT codes, such as ‘−26’ to indicate ‘professional charge only,’ or ‘−59’ to indicate a distinct procedural service performed on the same day.
Physical and numerical tests of the excavation walls in jointed rock masses
Authors: Son Moorak , Park Jaehyun
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the magnitude and distribution of earth pressure on the support systems of open cuts in jointed rock masses. A physical model test was carried out using concrete blocks with man-made joints to represent a jointed rock mass. The model test was simulated numerically to provide a justifiable basis for extended numerical parametric studies. This study focused on the overall procedures of the physical model test, its numerical simulation, and extended numerical parametric studies. A comparison of the results from both the physical model test and numerical simulation confirmed that the applied numerical approach and methodology were suitable for further extended numerical parametric studies. The controlled parameters were the different rock types and joint characteristics including joint shear condition, joint spacing, and joint inclination angle. Results of the earth pressures from the numerical parametric tests in jointed rock masses were compared with Peck’s empirical earth pressure for soil ground. The comparison showed that the earth pressure in jointed rock masses can be very different from that in the soil ground. Accordingly, the effect of the rock types and joint characteristics needs to be considered when designing excavation support systems in jointed rock masses.
D-dimensional energies for cesium and sodium dimers
Authors: Hu Xue-Tao , Zhang Lie-Hui , Jia Chun-Sheng
Published: March 2014

We solve the Schrödinger equation with the improved Rosen−Morse potential energy model in D spatial dimensions. The D-dimensional rotation-vibrational energy spectra have been obtained by using the supersymmetric shape invariance approach. The energies for the 33[Formula: see text]g+ state of the Cs2 molecule and the 51Δg state of the Na2 molecule increase as D increases in the presence of fixed vibrational quantum number and various rotational quantum numbers. We observe that the change in behavior of the vibrational energies in higher dimensions remains similar to that of the three-dimensional system.
A POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
Authors: Wilson J. Tuzo
Published: March 2014

It is noted that different physicists and geologists have in recent years espoused not less than four groups of theories of the physical behavior of the Earth’s interior. Recent observations of submarine geology, heat, and rock magnetism have tended to support some form of continental drift rather than the older concept of a rigid earth.The Hawaiian Islands are one of seven, parallel, linear chains of islands and seamounts in the Pacific Ocean of Tertiary to Recent age. Their nature had previously been explained in terms of a series of volcanoes along parallel faults. Horizontal shear motion along these faults was supposed to be extending them southeasterly.The inadequacies of this explanation are pointed out. If there are convection currents in the Pacific region and if the upper parts of these cells move faster than the central parts, sources of lava within the slower moving cores could give rise to linear chains of progressively older volcanic piles such as the Hawaiian Islands. This view is shown to be compatible with seismic observations and age determinations.
Simulating ectomycorrhizal fungi and their role in carbon and nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystems
Authors: Deckmyn G. , Meyer A. , Smits M.M. , Ekblad A. , Grebenc T. , Komarov A. , Kraigher H.
Published: March 2014

Although ectomycorrhizal fungi play an important role in forest ecosystem functioning, they are usually not included in forest growth or ecosystem models. Simulation is hampered by two main issues: a lack of understanding of the ecological functioning of the ectomycorrhizal fungi and a lack of adequate basic data for parameterization and validation. Concerning these issues, much progress has been made during the past few years, but this information has not found its way into the forest and soil models. In this paper, state-of-the-art insight into ectomycorrhizal functioning and basic values are described in a manner transparent to nonspecialists and modelers, together with the existing models and model strategies. As such, this paper can be the starting point and the motivator to include ectomycorrhizal fungi into existing soil and forest ecosystem models.
Response of thermal source in transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials without energy dissipation and with two temperatures
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A. , Kumar Rajneesh , Reen Lajvinder Singh
Published: March 2014

A two-dimensional problem in a transversely isotropic thermoelastic medium without energy dissipation and with two temperatures due to a thermal source is investigated. As an application of the problem, a particular type of continuous thermal source has been taken to illustrate the utility of the approach. The problem is solved numerically by using a finite element method. The displacement components, conductive temperature, and stress components have been obtained numerically and illustrated graphically for our particular model. Some special cases of interest are also discussed. The implementation of finite element method codes used C++. Numerical work is also performed for a suitable material with the aim of illustrating the results.
Photocurrent analysis of In–Ga–Zn–O (IGZO) film
Authors: Kim Ju-Yeon , Yu Kyeong-Min , Jeong So-Hyeon , Yun Eui-Jung , Bae Byung Seong
Published: March 2014

We investigated the electrical properties of the In–Ga–Zn–O (IGZO) film under light illumination. We measured the photoconductivity of a-IGZO thin film under light illumination with various intensities. We extracted the photoexcitation activation energy and dark relaxation activation energy through extended stretched exponential analysis. Dark relaxation characteristics, which are related to the recombination process, show longer time constant, τ, larger effective activation energy Eac, and lower stretching exponent, β, with wider activation energy bandwidth, Δac, than those corresponding to those of photoexcitation. These indicate that recombination takes place more slowly and through more deeply bound activation processes with the broader distribution of activation energies than those corresponding to photogeneration process. The wider distribution for the dark relaxation energy for the higher light intensity suggests that the metastable state distribution is related to the distribution of the oxygen vacancy state, Vo. We also concluded that the usage of the right value of the attempt-to-escape frequency is important to estimate the exact value of Eac.
K shell X-ray intensity ratios and vacancy transfer probabilities of Fe, Ag, and Te following electron capture decay
Authors: George Linu , Gudennavar S.B. , Joseph Daisy , Bubbly S.G.
Published: March 2014

The K shell X-ray photons of Fe, Ag, and Te following the electron capture decay of Co57, Cd109, and I125, respectively, were detected using Si(Li) detector coupled to PC-based 8k multichannel analyzer employing a simple method suggested earlier by our group. The calculated K shell X-ray intensity ratios and vacancy transfer probabilities for these elements are compared with the theoretical values predicted by Scofield and with others’ experimental values obtained via photoionization. It is found that the Κβ to Κα X-ray intensity ratio of Fe is lower by 4.0%, while that of Ag and Te are greater by 7.9% and 19.1%, respectively, from the theoretical values. These deviations may be attributed to the exchange interactions occurring between the 3p–3d shell electrons as well as the recoil effect of the nucleus due to neutrino emission.
Influence of climate and human land use on the distribution of white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) in the western boreal forest
Authors: Dawe K.L. , Bayne E.M. , Boutin S.
Published: March 2014

Understanding the factors that drive species distributions is emerging as an important tool in wildlife management, under unprecedented changes in species ranges. While invasion ecologists have long studied the impact of human land use on species’ distributions, and models developed more recently to explain changes in species range boundaries have been largely parameterized by climate variables, few authors have considered climate and land-use factors together to explain species distribution. The purpose of this study was to test two main competing hypotheses involving human land use and climate effects on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) distribution, which has expanded into the boreal ecosystem in recent decades. Using a species distribution modeling approach with data from boreal Alberta, we found that climate, as measured by an index of winter severity, was the most important individual factor determining current white-tailed deer distribution in boreal Alberta. Human land use (as measured by total land-use footprint) acted to substantially increase white-tailed deer presence but only in areas with more severe winter conditions. We use our findings to recommend where limiting or reclaiming the industrial footprint may be most beneficial to limiting white-tailed deer distribution.
Complex tangencies to embeddings of Heisenberg groups and odd-dimensional spheres
Authors: Elgindi Ali M.
Published: March 2014

The notion of a complex tangent arises for embeddings of real manifolds into complex spaces. It is of particular interest when studying embeddings of real n-dimensional manifolds into ℂn. The generic topological structure of the set complex tangents to such embeddings Mn ↪ ℂn takes the form of a (stratified) (n-2)-dimensional submanifold of Mn. In this paper, we generalize our results from our previous work for the 3-dimensional sphere and the Heisenberg group to obtain results regarding the possible topological configurations of the sets of complex tangents to embeddings of odd-dimensional spheres S2n-1 ↪ ℂ2n-1 by first considering the situation for the higher-dimensional analogues of the Heisenberg group.