bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direction‐selective local‐thresholding method, DSLT, in combination with a dye‐based method for automated three‐dimensional segmentation of cells and airspaces in developing leaves
Authors: Kawase Takashi , Sugano Shigeo S. , Shimada Tomoo , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko
Published: December 2014

Quantifying the anatomical data acquired from three‐dimensional (3D) images has become increasingly important in recent years. Visualization and image segmentation are essential for acquiring accurate and detailed anatomical data from images; however, plant tissues such as leaves are difficult to image by confocal or multi‐photon laser scanning microscopy because their airspaces generate optical aberrations. To overcome this problem, we established a staining method based on Nile Red in silicone‐oil solution. Our staining method enables color differentiation between lipid bilayer membranes and airspaces, while minimizing any damage to leaf development. By repeated applications of our staining method we performed time‐lapse imaging of a leaf over 5 days. To counteract the drastic decline in signal‐to‐noise ratio at greater tissue depths, we also developed a local thresholding method (direction‐selective local thresholding, DSLT) and an automated iterative segmentation algorithm. The segmentation algorithm uses the DSLT to extract the anatomical structures. Using the proposed methods, we accurately segmented 3D images of intact leaves to single‐cell resolution, and measured the airspace volumes in intact leaves.
Validation of the SenseWear Armband as a Measure of Sedentary Behavior and Light Activity
Authors: Reece Joel D. , Barry Vaughn , Fuller Dana K. , Caputo Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Background:

This study determined the validity and sensitivity of the SenseWear armband (SWA) during sedentary and light office duties compared with indirect calorimetry (IC).

Methods:

Participants (N = 22), 30 to 64 years of age, randomly performed 6 conditions for 5 minutes each (ie, supine, sitting no movement, standing no movement, sitting office work, standing office work, walking at 1.0 mph). Steady state for each activity (ie, average for minutes 4 and 5) was analyzed.

Results:

Energy expenditure (EE) for the SWA (1.58 kcal/min) and the IC (1.64 kcal/min) were significantly correlated, r(20) = 0.90, P < .001 and ICC = 0.90, 95% CI (0.699, 0.966). Correlation results for each condition varied in strength, r(20) = 0.53 to 0.83 and ICC = 0.49 to 0.81, but were all significant (P < .05). A significant interaction between measurement method and condition existed (P < .001). The SWA under predicted EE during standing with no movement, sitting office work, and standing office work.

Conclusion:

The SWA and IC EE rates were strongly correlated during sedentary and light activity office behaviors. However, the SWA may under predict EE during office work (standing or sitting) and when standing motionless, making it slightly less sensitive than IC.
Conformational changes in the T cell receptor differentially determine T cell subset development in mice
Authors: Blanco Raquel , Borroto Aldo , Schamel Wolfgang , Pereira Pablo , Alarcon Balbino
Published: December 2014

Recruitment of the adaptor protein Nck to the T cell receptor complex contributes to the specification of T cells in the thymus.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 2 December 2014
Authors: Jura Natalia , Littlefield Peter , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2014

Mutations in the catalytically inactive epidermal growth factor receptor HER3 enhance its ability to stimulate signaling by other members of this family of receptors.
Huntingtin Adapts to Autophagy
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: December 2014

Huntingtin protein may function as an adaptor for multiple types of selective autophagy.
T Cell Activation and High Blood Pressure
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: December 2014

The VEGF-like factor P1GF activates T cells in the spleen that mediate the onset of hypertension.
Effect of Proximity to a Cattle Feedlot on Escherichia coli O157:H7 Contamination of Leafy Greens and Evaluation of the Potential for Airborne Transmission
Authors: Berry Elaine D. , Wells James E. , Bono James L. , Woodbury Bryan L. , Kalchayanand Norasak , Norman Keri N. , Suslow Trevor V. , López-Velasco Gabriela , Millner Patricia D.
Published: December 2014

The impact of proximity to a beef cattle feedlot on
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens was examined. In each of 2 years, leafy greens were planted in nine plots located 60, 120, and 180 m from a cattle feedlot (3 plots at each distance). Leafy greens (270) and feedlot manure samples (100) were collected six different times from June to September in each year. Both
E. coli
O157:H7 and total
E. coli
bacteria were recovered from leafy greens at all plot distances.
E. coli
O157:H7 was recovered from 3.5% of leafy green samples per plot at 60 m, which was higher (
P
< 0.05) than the 1.8% of positive samples per plot at 180 m, indicating a decrease in contamination as distance from the feedlot was increased. Although
E. coli
O157:H7 was not recovered from air samples at any distance, total
E. coli
was recovered from air samples at the feedlot edge and all plot distances, indicating that airborne transport of the pathogen can occur. Results suggest that risk for airborne transport of
E. coli
O157:H7 from cattle production is increased when cattle pen surfaces are very dry and when this situation is combined with cattle management or cattle behaviors that generate airborne dust. Current leafy green field distance guidelines of 120 m (400 feet) may not be adequate to limit the transmission of
E. coli
O157:H7 to produce crops planted near concentrated animal feeding operations. Additional research is needed to determine safe set-back distances between cattle feedlots and crop production that will reduce fresh produce contamination.
Mycofumigation by the Volatile Organic Compound-Producing Fungus Muscodor albus Induces Bacterial Cell Death through DNA Damage
Authors: Alpha Cambria J. , Campos Manuel , Jacobs-Wagner Christine , Strobel Scott A.
Published: December 2014

Muscodor albusbelongs to a genus of endophytic fungi that inhibit and kill other fungi, bacteria, and insects through production of a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This process of mycofumigation has found commercial application for control of human and plant pathogens, but the mechanism of the VOC toxicity is unknown. Here, the mode of action of these volatiles was investigated through a series of genetic screens and biochemical assays. A single-gene knockout screen revealed high sensitivity forEscherichia colilacking enzymes in the pathways of DNA repair, DNA metabolic process, and response to stress when exposed to the VOCs ofM. albus. Furthermore, the sensitivity of knockouts involved in the repair of specific DNA alkyl adducts suggests that the VOCs may induce alkylation. Evidence of DNA damage suggests that these adducts lead to breaks during DNA replication or transcription if not properly repaired. Additional cytotoxicity profiling indicated that during VOC exposure,E. colibecame filamentous and demonstrated an increase in cellular membrane fluidity. The volatile nature of the toxic compounds produced byM. albusand their broad range of inhibition make this fungus an attractive biological agent. Understanding the antimicrobial effects and the VOC mode of action will inform the utility and safety of potential mycofumigation applications forM. albus.
Isoprenoid Precursor Biosynthesis Is the Essential Metabolic Role of the Apicoplast during Gametocytogenesis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Wiley Jessica D. , Merino Emilio F. , Krai Priscilla M. , McLean Kyle J. , Tripathi Abhai K. , Vega-Rodríguez Joel , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo , Klemba Michael , Cassera Maria B.
Published: December 2014

The malaria parasite harbors a relict plastid called the apicoplast and its discovery opened a new avenue for drug discovery and development due to its unusual, nonmammalian metabolism. The apicoplast is essential during the asexual intraerythrocytic and hepatic stages of the parasite, and there is strong evidence supporting its essential metabolic role during the mosquito stages of the parasite. Supply of the isoprenoid building blocks isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) is the essential metabolic function of the apicoplast during the asexual intraerythrocytic stages. However, the metabolic role of the apicoplast during gametocyte development, the malaria stages transmitted to the mosquito, remains unknown. In this study, we showed that production of IPP for isoprenoid biosynthesis is the essential metabolic function of the apicoplast during gametocytogenesis, by obtaining normal gametocytes lacking the apicoplast when supplemented with IPP. When IPP supplementation was removed early in gametocytogenesis, developmental defects were observed, supporting the essential role of isoprenoids for normal gametocytogenesis. Furthermore, mosquitoes infected with gametocytes lacking the apicoplast developed fewer and smaller oocysts that failed to produce sporozoites. This finding further supports the essential role of the apicoplast in establishing a successful infection in the mosquito vector. Our study supports isoprenoid biosynthesis as a valid drug target for development of malaria transmission-blocking inhibitors.
Two novel type 2 diabetes loci revealed through integration of TCF7L2 DNA occupancy and SNP association data
Authors: Johnson Matthew E , Zhao Jianhua , Schug Jonathan , Deliard Sandra , Xia Qianghua , Guy Vanessa C , Sainz Jesus , Kaestner Klaus H , Wells Andrew D , Grant Struan F A
Published: December 2014

Background

The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) locus is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We previously mapped the genomic regions bound by TCF7L2 using ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation)-seq in the colorectal carcinoma cell line, HCT116, revealing an unexpected highly significant over-representation of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) loci associated primarily with endocrine (in particular T2D) and cardiovascular traits.

Methods

In order to further explore if this observed phenomenon occurs in other cell lines, we carried out ChIP-seq in HepG2 cells and leveraged ENCODE data for five additional cell lines. Given that only a minority of the predicted genetic component to most complex traits has been identified to date, plus our GWAS-related observations with respect to TCF7L2 occupancy, we investigated if restricting association analyses to the genes yielded from this approach, in order to reduce the constraints of multiple testing, could reveal novel T2D loci.

Results

We found strong evidence for the continued enrichment of endocrine and cardiovascular GWAS categories, with additional support for cancer. When investigating all the known GWAS loci bound by TCF7L2 in the shortest gene list, derived from HCT116, the coronary artery disease-associated variant, rs46522 at theUBE2Z-GIP-ATP5G1-SNF8locus, yielded significant association with T2D within DIAGRAM. Furthermore, when we analyzed tag-SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in genes not previously implicated by GWAS but bound by TCF7L2 within 5 kb, we observed a significant association of rs4780476 withinCPPED1in DIAGRAM.

Conclusions

ChIP-seq data generated with this GWAS-implicated transcription factor provided a biologically plausible method to limit multiple testing in the assessment of genome-wide genotyping data to uncover two novel T2D-associated loci.
A new oxygen prescription produces real improvements in therapeutic oxygen use
Authors: Rudge James , Odedra Sunita , Harrison Danielle
Published: December 2014

In the UK, safe use and administration of oxygen therapy was unsatisfactory prior to the implementation of national guidelines in 2008. Each year since then the British Thoracic Society (BTS) has conducted a national audit that has demonstrated a slow but steady improvement in oxygen use across four key standards. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Trust has participated in this audit process but has failed to show consistent improvements. The aim of this quality improvement project was to produce meaningful and sustained improvements in oxygen use across each of the four standards.

Four interventions were developed over three PDSA cycles and included: 1. a new oxygen prescription chart, 2. oxygen ‘alert’ stickers for use on drug and MEWS charts, 3. point of care resources, and 4. senior led educational sessions for healthcare staff. Each intervention was tested on the Acute Medical Unit over seven days and data collected using the BTS data collection form.

The QIP improved oxygen use across each of the standards: baseline measurement for standard one demonstrated that 55% of patients using oxygen had a valid oxygen prescription, improving to 94% after PDSA cycle three. For standard two, baseline measurement demonstrated that 50% of patients had a documented oxygen target saturation range, improving to 94% after PDSA cycle three. For standard three, baseline measurement demonstrated that 84% patients using oxygen had saturations documented on the MEWS chart, improving to 100% after PDSA cycle three. Finally, baseline measurement of standard four demonstrated that 0% patients with a valid oxygen prescription had it signed for at drugs rounds, improving to 18% after PDSA cycle three.

Oxygen use was substantially improved during the QIP. Following engagement with stakeholders a new oxygen prescription will be rolled out within the Trust with projected annual savings of £30,400.
Serum free light chains in patients with HIV infection: their association with markers of disease severity and antiretroviral use
Authors: Zemlin Annalise E , Ipp Hayley , Rensburg Megan A , Germishuys Jurie J , Esser Monika M , Olivier Madeleen , Erasmus Rajiv T
Published: December 2014

Aim

Serum free light chain measurements are used to follow-up and manage patients with monoclonal gammopathies, and abnormal ratios are associated with risk of progression in certain diseases. B cell dysfunction is well described in HIV and patients are at risk of developing B cell lymphomas. This study investigated whether HIV is associated with abnormal free light chain levels and the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on these.

Methods

κ And λ free light chain concentrations and ratios, serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured in 366 HIV positive subjects and correlated with CD4+ counts, viral loads, IgG, albumin and ART use.

Results

66% were women and most were black Africans (66%), 26% were of mixed ethnicity and 8% were Caucasian or of unknown or other race. 89% were on ART. κ Free light chain values ranged from 5.59 to 357.0 mg/L (median 19.6 mg/L) and λ free light chain values ranged from 9.28 to 286 mg/L (median 22.3 mg/L). Both correlated positively with viral load and IgG and negatively with CD4+ counts and albumin concentrations. The ratio only correlated with IgG concentrations. Patients on ART had significantly lower free light chain concentrations, but the ratio was not significantly affected.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that free light chain concentrations were significantly correlated with markers of HIV disease severity, suggesting ongoing B cell dysfunction despite ART use. Free light chain ratio was not significantly affected.
Comparison of anaesthesia ‘Day 1 skills’ expectations between veterinary anaesthetists and general practitioners
Authors: Duncan J. C. , Ross M. , Rhind S. , Clutton E. , Shaw D. J.
Published: December 2014

Day One Skills (DOS) were introduced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2006 as a guideline for minimum skills required by a veterinary graduate. However, the RCVS anaesthesia DOS are broad and do not specify differences in skills required for different species. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine which anaesthesia skills were considered essential for day one practice by UK‐based veterinary practitioners (GPs) and anaesthetists; and (2) to explore current opinions on veterinary undergraduate anaesthesia training. Questionnaires for veterinary GPs (QGP s) and veterinary anaesthetists (QVA s) were developed which asked general information on expectations of anaesthesia skills as well as specific expectations for the common veterinary species. Fifty‐five UK‐based members of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists responded, with a random sample of veterinary practices stratified by UK county generating 234 responses and a convenience sample targeted at more specialist veterinary specialities in the UK generating 161 responses. There was close overall agreement between the two groups of GPs and anaesthetists on essential anaesthesia DOS. However, expectations varied with species—greatest in cats and dogs, lowest in exotics. Many respondents commented that new veterinary graduates lack practical skills and should not be expected to be omnicompetent across all species. In conclusion, anaesthesia undergraduate training should prioritise essential practical DOS.
New graduate's diary
Authors: Hall Jen
Published: December 2014

For Jennifer Hall, the lull over the festive season has ended. With a number of vets away, those left in the practice are finding themselves kept very busy.
EU campaign to make science more of ‘a girl thing’
Authors: Commission European
Published: December 2014

The European Commission has launched a campaign to get more girls interested in science and encourage more women to choose research as a career
The world's most isolated vet?
Authors: Hollins Joe
Published: December 2014

In the remote tropical waters of the mid‐South Atlantic stands a vast and ancient volcano some 5000 metres high. Only the tip, worn over 14 million years into an 830 metre craggy pimple, rises out of the ocean, violently eroded into dinosaur‐back peaks and vertiginous gullies, and surrounded by near impregnable sea cliffs of red cinder and blue‐grey magma. The nearest landfall 1200 miles to the east is Angola, and 2000 miles to the west, Brazil. This is Joe Hollins’ patch – 47 square miles of convulsed igneous rock: the island of St Helena
CPD for veterinary nurses
Authors: Pringle Kay
Published: December 2014

The BSAVA has introduced a range of short, structured CPD programmes for veterinary nurses. Kay Pringle, the BSAVA marketing manager, explains
Qualified abroad and working in the UK
Authors: Eisenberg Shay Shelly
Published: December 2014

Nearly half of newly registered vets in the UK are overseas graduates. For some, getting permission to work here can be a daunting process. Shay Shelly Eisenberg talks about her struggle to follow her vocation – and her heart
Globetrotting as part of an equine career
Authors: Beamish Ian
Published: December 2014

Ian Beamish qualified five years ago and, after a two‐year internship in Newmarket, he travelled to work in New Zealand before he took up a full‐time position in South Africa. He is currently travelling home, taking a slow, scenic route
Working with animals to help people
Authors: Pearce Gill
Published: December 2014

Gill Pearce was a veterinary nurse for nearly 40 years before she retrained as a therapeutic counsellor. She now works with her dog Megan (pictured), helping to reduce offending behaviour in young people
Creatively speaking
Authors: McKay Susan
Published: December 2014

Had veterinary PR consultant Susan McKay known her job existed when she graduated, she would have wanted to do it then. As things turned out, it was to be another 14 years before she managed to find her niche
Theoretical study of energetic carbon-oxidized triazole and tetrazole derivatives
Authors: Xiong Guolin , Liu Zhichao , Wu Qiong , Zhu Weihua , Xiao Heming
Published: December 2014

We investigated the heat of formation, density, thermal stability, and detonation properties of a series of carbon-oxidized triazole and tetrazole derivatives substituted by –NH2 and –NO2 groups using density functional theory. It is found that their properties are associated with the numbers of substituents and substitution positions in the parent ring. The results show that the –NO2 group is an effective structural unit for enhancing their detonation performance. It also indicates that the substitution positions play a very important role in increasing the heat of formation values of the derivatives. An analysis of impact sensitivity (h50) indicates that incorporating the –NH2 groups into the parent ring increases their thermal stability. Considering the detonation performance and thermal stability, seven of the designed compounds may be regarded as potential high-energy compounds. These results provide basic information for the molecular design of novel high-energy compounds.
Finite-time outer synchronization between two complex dynamical networks with on–off coupling
Authors: Dong Yan , Chen Junwei
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the finite-time outer synchronization between two complex dynamical networks with on–off coupling is investigated. By using suitable on–off controllers, sufficient conditions for finite-time outer synchronization are derived based on the Lyapunov function and the finite-time differential inequality method. The theoretical results imply that the two networks will achieve finite-time outer synchronization for fixed on–off rate if the control coupling strength is large enough. Numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
FRET Studies Between CdTe Capped by Small-Molecule Ligands and Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhou Dejian , He Junhui
Published: December 2014

Water-soluble luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals also known as quantum dots (QDs) that have prominent photostability, wide absorption cross sections and tunable narrow emission, have been shown as promising probes in immunoassays. QDs are often used as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based sensors using organic dyes or fluorescent proteins as acceptors. Here, the FRET between a QD donor and fluorescent protein acceptors has been studied. The fluorescent protein (FP)mCherry appended with a hexa-histidine-tag could effectively self-assemble onto CdTe to produce small donor-acceptor distances and hence highly efficient FRET (efficiency > 80%) at relatively low FP: CdTe copy numbers (ca.1). Using the Förster dipole–dipole interaction formula, the Förster radius (R0) and respective donor-acceptor distances for the CdTe -FP FRET systems have been calculated. The binding constants (Kd) of the QD-FP systems have also been evaluated by the emission spectra.
Effect of Sn on sensing performance of nanostructured ZnO film
Authors: Chang Yongqin , Shao Changjing , Jiang Nan , Wang Shiqi , Zou Bo , Long Yi
Published: December 2014

Nanostructured ZnO films were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with different Sn source concentrations for ethanol and acetone sensing applications. The samples prepared with Sn:ZnO (weight ratio) of 0.1:1, 0.2:1 and 0.3:1 are named as S1, S2 and S3, respectively. It was found that hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO is maintained after Sn doping. The S1 sample shows the highest response to acetone, while the S2 sample shows the highest response to ethanol, which confines that the as-grown ZnO films with different Sn source concentrations exhibit obvious selectivity to ethanol and acetone. Working temperature can also be reduced by the increase of Sn source concentration. All the samples have very short average recovery time. Our work provides a prospective approach to obtain high performance gas sensor for ethanol and acetone.
Decoding the language of human movement
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: December 2014

Computers that recognize what is happening in moving images can help defend against crime, and revolutionize rehabilitation.
Innovation and inclusion
Authors: Whitney Telle , Ames Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

What technology companies, especially startups, need to know about building great places to work---for her and him---in the digital age.
No such thing as a general-purpose processor
Authors: Chisnall David
Published: December 2014

And the belief in such a device is harmful.
Soft contract verification
Authors: Nguyen Phúc C. , Tobin-Hochstadt Sam , Van Horn David
Published: December 2014

Behavioral software contracts are a widely used mechanism for governing the flow of values between components. However, run-time monitoring and enforcement of contracts imposes significant overhead and delays discovery of faulty components to run-time.

To overcome these issues, we present
soft contract verification
, which aims to statically prove either complete or partial contract correctness of components, written in an untyped, higher-order language with first-class contracts. Our approach uses higher-order symbolic execution, leveraging contracts as a source of symbolic values including unknown behavioral values, and employs an updatable heap of contract invariants to reason about flow-sensitive facts. We prove the symbolic execution soundly approximates the dynamic semantics and that
verified programs can't be blamed
.

The approach is able to analyze first-class contracts, recursive data structures, unknown functions, and control-flow-sensitive refinements of values, which are all idiomatic in dynamic languages. It makes effective use of an off-the-shelf solver to decide problems without heavy encodings. The approach is competitive with a wide range of existing tools - including type systems, flow analyzers, and model checkers - on their own benchmarks.
Detecting silent data corruption through data dynamic monitoring for scientific applications
Authors: Bautista Gomez Leonardo , Cappello Franck
Published: December 2014

Parallel programming has become one of the best ways to express scientific models that simulate a wide range of natural phenomena. These complex parallel codes are deployed and executed on large-scale parallel computers, making them important tools for scientific discovery. As supercomputers get faster and larger, the increasing number of components is leading to higher failure rates. In particular, the miniaturization of electronic components is expected to lead to a dramatic rise in soft errors and data corruption. Moreover, soft errors can corrupt data silently and generate large inaccuracies or wrong results at the end of the computation. In this paper we propose a novel technique to detect silent data corruption based on data monitoring. Using this technique, an application can learn the normal dynamics of its datasets, allowing it to quickly spot anomalies. We evaluate our technique with synthetic benchmarks and we show that our technique can detect up to 50% of injected errors while incurring only negligible overhead.
Spot
Authors: Bocchino Robert L. , Gamble Edward , Gostelow Kim P. , Some Raphael R.
Published: December 2014

The C programming language is widely used for programming space flight software and other safety-critical real time systems. C, however, is far from ideal for this purpose: as is well known, it is both low-level and unsafe. This paper describes Spot, a language derived from C for programming space flight systems. Spot aims to maintain compatibility with existing C code while improving the language and supporting verification with the SPIN model checker. The major features of Spot include actor-based concurrency, distributed state with message passing and transactional updates, and annotations for testing and verification. Spot also supports domain-specific annotations for managing spacecraft state, e.g., communicating telemetry information to the ground.

We describe the motivation and design rationale for Spot, give an overview of the design, provide examples of Spot's capabilities, and discuss the current status of the implementation.
Too Big to Fail
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: December 2014

Our project has been rolling out a well-known, distributed key/value store onto our infrastructure, and we’ve been surprised - more than once - when a simple increase in the number of clients has not only slowed things, but brought them to a complete halt. This then results in rollback while several of us scour the online forums to figure out if anyone else has seen the same problem. The entire reason for using this project’s software is to increase the scale of a large system, so I have been surprised at how many times a small increase in load has led to a complete failure. Is there something about scaling systems that’s so difficult that these systems become fragile, even at a modest scale?
The Intake of Energy and Selected Nutrients by Thai Urban Sedentary Workers: An Evaluation of Adherence to Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Ivanovitch Katiya , Klaewkla Jeeranun , Chongsuwat Rewadee , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat , Kitvorapat Wanicha
Published: December 2014

Rapid changes in Thailand’s nutrition and lifestyles have led to increasing diet-related pathologies among people with sedentary occupations. This study examines the extent to which the dietary intake of nutrients and energy by a sample of Thai sedentary workers conforms to the Thai Dietary Reference Intakes (Thai DRIs). The nutrients and energy intake estimates were based on self-reported information collected with a single 24-hour dietary recall and nonweighed 2-day food record. The study participants were Thai adults aged 20–50 years employed in sedentary occupations. A convenience sample of 215 healthy individuals (75 males and 140 females) was based on four randomly selected worksites in the Bangkok metropolitan area. For male participants, the study found a median energy intake of 1,485 kcal/day, with 54.4% of energy coming from carbohydrate, 15.9% from protein, and 29.6% from fat. Females’ median energy intake was 1,428 kcal/day, 56% of which came from carbohydrate, 16.2% from protein, and 28.6% from fat. Both genders showed insufficient intake of fiber and most micronutrients. This study provides the material for preventive public health interventions focusing on nutrition-related diseases affecting Thailand’s rapidly growing sedentary workforce.
Vertebral Osteomyelitis Caused byMycobacterium abscessusSurgically Treated Using Antibacterial Iodine-Supported Instrumentation
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Yokogawa Noriaki , Fang Xiang , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

Mycobacterium abscessusinfections rarely develop in healthy individuals, and mostly they occur in immunocompromised hosts. Vertebral osteomyelitis due toMycobacterium abscessusis very rare and only three previous cases of spinal infection caused byMycobacterium abscessushave been reported.Mycobacterium abscessusisolates are uniformly resistant to antituberculous agents and can display a virulent biofilm-forming phenotype. The patient was a 67-year-old woman with vertebral osteomyelitis of the L1-2. She was healthy without immune-suppressed condition, history of trauma, or intravenous drug use. The smear examination of the specimen harvested by CT-guided puncture of the paravertebral abscess revealedMycobacterium abscessus. Her disease condition did not abate with conservative treatment using antimicrobial chemotherapy. Radical debridement of the vertebral osteomyelitis and anterior reconstruction from T12 to L2 using antibacterial iodine-supported instrumentation were performed. Chemotherapy using clarithromycin, amikacin, and imipenem was applied for 6 months after surgery as these antibiotics had been proven to be effective toMycobacterium abscessusafter surgery. Two years after surgery, the infected anterior site healed and bony fusion was successfully achieved without a recurrence of infection.
Cyclic Nanostructures of Tungsten OxideWO3n  (n=2–6)asNOxGas Sensor: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Izadyar Mohammad , Jamsaz Azam
Published: December 2014

Today’s WO3-based gas sensors have received a lot of attention, because of important role as a sensitive layer for detection of the small quantities of  NOx. In this research, a theoretical study has been done on the sensing properties of different cyclic nanoclusters ofWO3n  (n=2–6)forNOx  (x=1,2)gases. Based on the calculated adsorption energies by B3LYP and X3LYP functionals, from the different orientations of  NOxmolecule on the tungsten oxide clusters, O–N⋯W was preferred. Different sizes of the mentioned clusters have been analyzed and W2O6cluster was chosen as the best candidate forNOxdetection from the energy viewpoint. Using the concepts of the chemical hardness and electronic charge transfer, some correlations between the energy of adsorption and interaction energy have been established. These analyses confirmed that the adsorption energy will be boosted with charge transfer enhancement. However, the chemical hardness relationship is reversed. Finally, obtained results from the natural bond orbital and electronic density of states analysis confirmed the electronic charge transfer from the adsorbates to WO3clusters and Fermi level shifting after adsorption, respectively. The last parameter confirms that the cyclic clusters of tungsten oxide can be used asNOxgas sensors.
Response of Various Stakeholders towards Newly Introduced Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in a North Indian State
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Singh Amar Jeet
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Many attempts had been made to introduce newer vaccines into national immunization schedule of India. Special vaccines campaigns for diseases like JE were also initiated, which required a lot of preparation before vaccinating the beneficiaries. Objectives. To ascertain response of various stakeholders regarding launch of Japanese encephalitis vaccination campaign by state government in district Ambala, Haryana. Methodology. A 30-cluster survey was done to assess the vaccine coverage and views of the stakeholders. Various officials of state health services were also interviewed. Results. JE vaccine coverage was found to be 93.9%. Majority (59.8%) of the parents were informed about JE vaccination by the health worker. Many (83; 41.7%) parents said that they got their child vaccinated for JE since it “endangers life of children” and 82 (41.2%) said that “since everybody got it.” All the staff was trained for JE vaccination campaign. Conclusion. JE vaccination campaign was a success with adequate preparation. Majority of people accepted vaccine in good faith in the government rather than due to their knowledge about disease.
Acute Effects of Exogenous Hormone Administration on Postprandial Acylation Stimulating Protein Levels in Ovariectomized Rats after a Fat Load
Authors: Al Riyami Bashair , El-Tahir Marah , Al Maskari Sultan , Johnson Eugene H. , Saleh Jumana
Published: December 2014

Background. ASP, a potent lipogenic factor, was linked to female fat metabolism in association studies.Aim. To investigate acute effects of sex hormone treatment on postprandial ASP levelsin vivo.Methods. 24 female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including controls. The rats were ovariectomized and injected with progesterone, estrogen, or testosterone. An hour later, olive oil was administered orally. Plasma ASP and triglycerides were measured at several postprandial time points. Area under the curve (TG-AUC) represented TG clearance.Results. Only the progesterone treated group had a significant postprandial ASP increase at two hours compared to basal levels (439.8 ± 62.4 versus 253.4 ± 59.03 μg/mL,P=0.04). Interestingly, increased ASP levels coordinated negatively with corresponding TG levels and TG-AUC postprandially, mostly evident in the opposite effects in the progesterone and testosterone treated groups. ASP levels increased 3-fold in the progesterone versus testosterone treated groups, whereas TG-AUC was significantly lower.Conclusion. These findings suggest that progesterone enhances ASP production and TG clearance simultaneously, supporting the notion of a stimulatory role for progesterone on ASP-mediated TG clearance. This is the first functional study demonstrating a cause-effect relationship between hormone treatment and ASP levelsin vivoand may contribute to understanding the mechanism of progesterone function as a female lipogenic hormone.
Sentinel Bleeding as a Sign of Gastroaortic Fistula Formation after Oesophageal Surgery
Authors: Uittenbogaart M. , Sosef M. N. , van Bastelaar J.
Published: December 2014

Gastroaortic fistula formation is a very rare complication following oesophageal resection and, in most cases, leads to sudden death. We report the case of a 65-year-old male with an adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by a minimally invasive transthoracic oesophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and intrathoracic anastomosis. After an uneventful postoperative course and hospital discharge, the patient reported blood regurgitation on postoperative day 23. Endoscopy revealed an adherent blood clot on the oesophageal wall, which after dislocation caused exsanguination. Autopsy determined the cause of death being massive haemorrhage due to a gastroaortic fistula. The sudden onset of haemorrhage makes this condition particularly difficult to treat. Recognition of warning signs such as thoracic or epigastric pain, regurgitation of blood, or the passing of bloody stools or melena is crucial in the early detection of fistula and may improve patient outcome.
Peritoneal Effusion in a Dog due toBabesia gibsoniInfection
Authors: Gonde Suresh , Chhabra Sushma , Singla L. D. , Bansal B. K.
Published: December 2014

A five-year-old male Labrador was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinics of GADVASU with a primary complaint of distended abdomen, fever, and anorexia. The dog was found to be dull with elevated rectal temperature (104°F), heart rate (148 per minute), and respiration rate (58 per minute). Blood smear examination and PCR assay revealed that dog was positive forBabesia gibsoni. Elevated bilirubin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total leucocyte count, hypoalbuminaemia, and hypoproteinaemia were haematobiochemical alterations. Radiography and ultrasonography showed ground glass appearance and anechoic area of abdomen, respectively.
Fully Supramolecular Polyrotaxanes as Biphase Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Massoudi Abdolhossien , Adeli Mohsen , Khosravi far Leila
Published: December 2014

Pseudopolyrotaxanes (PPR) consisting ofα-cyclodextrin rings and polyethylene glycol axes with end thymine groups have been synthesized and characterized successfully. Fluorescein (Fl) as a model drug was conjugated to the hydroxyl functional groups of cyclodextrin rings of PPR via ester bonds and PPR-Fl as the primary drug delivery system was obtained. Finally PPR-Fl was capped by hydrogen bonds between end thymine groups and a suitable complementary molecule such as polycitric acid, citric acid, or adenine. The aim of this work was to control the release of the fluorescein-cyclodextrin (Fl-CD) conjugates, as the secondary drug delivery systems, from PPR-Fl by controlling the noncovalent interactions between stoppers and thymine end groups. It was found that the rate of release of the Fl-CD from PPR-Fl could be controlled by pH and the ratio of citric acid or adenine to the PPR-Fl.
Playing a Musical Instrument as a Protective Factor against Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Twin Study
Authors: Balbag M. Alison , Pedersen Nancy L. , Gatz Margaret
Published: December 2014

Increasing evidence supports that playing a musical instrument may benefit cognitive development and health at young ages. Whether playing an instrument provides protection against dementia has not been established. In a population-based cotwin control study, we examined the association between playing a musical instrument and whether or not the twins developed dementia or cognitive impairment. Participation in playing an instrument was taken from informant-based reports of twins’ leisure activities. Dementia diagnoses were based on a complete clinical workup using standard diagnostic criteria. Among 157 twin pairs discordant for dementia and cognitive impairment, 27 pairs were discordant for playing an instrument. Controlling for sex, education, and physical activity, playing a musical instrument was significantly associated with less likelihood of dementia and cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36 [95% confidence interval 0.13–0.99]). These findings support further consideration of music as a modifiable protective factor against dementia and cognitive impairment.
Distal Clavicle Osteolysis after Modified Weaver-Dunn’s Procedure for Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of Complications
Authors: Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Santana Fernando , Mingo Felipe , Piñol Ignasi , Solano Albert , Puig-Verdié Lluís , Torrens Carles
Published: December 2014

Distal clavicle osteolysis after acromioclavicular joint stabilization has only been described after the use of hardware for clavicle stabilization or synthetic graft causing a foreign body reaction. This paper reports a very rare case of distal clavicle osteolysis after modified Weaver-Dunn procedure for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of complications of this surgical technique and discusses a potential vascular etiology and preventive strategies aimed at avoiding clavicle osteolysis.
A Novel Pathway of Cell Death in Response to Cytosolic DNA in Drosophila Cells
Authors: Vitak Nazarii , Johnson Karyn N. , Sester David P. , Stacey Katryn J.
Published: December 2014

Defence against invading DNA occurs in both mammals and bacteria. Recognition of stray DNA can initiate responses to infection, but may also protect against potentially mutagenic integration of transposons or retrotransposons into the genome. Double-stranded DNA detected in the cytosol of mammalian macrophages can elicit inflammatory cytokines and cell death following assembly of the AIM2 inflammasome. Amongst eukaryotes, responses to cytosolic DNA have so far only been detected in mammals, and AIM2 is mammalian restricted. In protecting genome integrity, we reasoned that pathways recognising invading DNA should be fundamental to cellular life, and that cell death would be an appropriate response to an overwhelming foreign DNA burden. We found that Drosophila S2 cells were killed by transfection of DNA from a range of natural sources. Unlike with mammalian cells, responses were not prevented by DNA denaturation. There was an element of sequence specificity, as synthetic single-stranded homopolymers were not toxic, whilst mixed-base synthetic DNA caused significant cell death. Death occurred with rapid loss of membrane integrity, and without the characteristic features of apoptosis. We have defined a novel defence against invading DNA in Drosophila. An active necrotic pathway has not previously been described in insects.
SH2B1 CpG-SNP Is Associated with Body Weight Reduction in Obese Subjects Following a Dietary Restriction Program
Authors: Mansego Maria Luisa , Milagro Fermin Ignacio , Zulet Maria Angeles , Martinez José Alfredo
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to examine whether 7 SNPs previously associated with obesity-related traits that add or remove potential sites of DNA methylation are accompanied by differential DNA methylation and subsequently affect adiposity variables or body weight reduction in WBC from obese subjects under an energy-restricted program. Material and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were assessed in 47 volunteers recruited within the RESMENA study (Spain). At baseline, DNA from white blood cells was isolated and 7 obesity-related trait CpG-SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan-PCR. Then, methylation levels of CpG-SNP sites were quantified by MassArray® EpiTyper™ or MS-HRM approaches. Results: Differential DNA methylation levels were observed by genotypes in all of the CpG-SNPs analyzed. The FTO and BDNF methylation levels were further correlated with baseline body weight and, BDNF mRNA levels and body weight change, respectively. Moreover, the rs7359397 (SH2B1) was associated with the body weight, body mass index, and truncal fat mass reduction. Conclusions: Our results reveal the interaction of epigenetic and genetic variations in CpG-SNPs, especially in BDNF and SH2B1 genes, and how allele-specific methylation may contribute to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms as these SNPs are affecting the decrease of mRNA levels and contributing to a lower body weight reduction. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Neurokinin 3 Receptor and Phosphocholine Transferase
Authors: Parchim Nicholas F. , Wang Wei , Iriyama Takayuki , Ashimi Olaide A. , Siddiqui Athar H. , Blackwell Sean , Sibai Baha , Kellems Rodney E. , Xia Yang
Published: December 2014

C-reactive protein (CRP), an innate immune mediator, is elevated in the circulation before symptoms in patients with preeclampsia, a severe hypertensive pregnancy disorder with high mortality and morbidity. However, the specific sources underlying increased CRP and the role of elevated CRP in preeclampsia are undefined. Here, we report that circulating CRP levels are significantly increased in a large cohort of normotensive pregnant individuals when compared with nulligravid women and is further increased in patients with preeclampsia. These findings led us to discover further that placental syncytiotrophoblasts are previously unrecognized cellular sources of CRP and underlie elevated CRP in normotensive pregnant women and the additional increase in patients with preeclampsia. Next, we demonstrated that injection of CRP induces preeclampsia features, including hypertension (157 mm Hg CRP treated versus 119 mm Hg control), proteinuria (35.0 mg/μg CRP treated versus 14.1 mg/μg control), kidney, and placental damage and increased levels of sFlt-1 in pregnant mice but not in nonpregnant mice. Our study implicates that phosphocholine transferase, a placental-specific enzyme post-translationally modifying neurokinin B, is essential for the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia through activation of the neurokinin 3 receptor. Overall, our studies have provided significant new insight on the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia and highlighted innovative therapeutic strategies.
Augmented Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Stiffness and Adhesion When Hypertension Is Superimposed on Aging
Authors: Sehgel Nancy L. , Sun Zhe , Hong Zhongkui , Hunter William C. , Hill Michael A. , Vatner Dorothy E. , Vatner Stephen F. , Meininger Gerald A.
Published: December 2014

Hypertension and aging are both recognized to increase aortic stiffness, but their interactions are not completely understood. Most previous studies have attributed increased aortic stiffness to changes in extracellular matrix proteins that alter the mechanical properties of the vascular wall. Alternatively, we hypothesized that a significant component of increased vascular stiffness in hypertension is due to changes in the mechanical and adhesive properties of vascular smooth muscle cells, and that aging would augment the contribution from vascular smooth muscle cells when compared with the extracellular matrix. Accordingly, we studied aortic stiffness in young (16-week-old) and old (64-week-old) spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar–Kyoto wild-type controls. Systolic and pulse pressures were significantly increased in young spontaneously hypertensive rats when compared with young Wistar–Kyoto rats, and these continued to rise in old spontaneously hypertensive rats when compared with age-matched controls. Excised aortic ring segments exhibited significantly greater elastic moduli in both young and old spontaneously hypertensive rats versus Wistar–Kyoto rats. were isolated from the thoracic aorta, and stiffness and adhesion to fibronectin were measured by atomic force microscopy. Hypertension increased both vascular smooth muscle cell stiffness and vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion, and these increases were both augmented with aging. By contrast, hypertension did not affect histological measures of aortic collagen and elastin, which were predominantly changed by aging. These findings support the concept that stiffness and adhesive properties of vascular smooth muscle cells are novel mechanisms contributing to the increased aortic stiffness occurring with hypertension superimposed on aging.