bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Simple Protein Extraction Method for Species Identification of Clinically Relevant Staphylococci by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Matsuda Naoto , Matsuda Mari , Notake Shigeyuki , Yokokawa Hirohide , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Hiramatsu Keiichi , Kikuchi Ken
Published: September 2012

In clinical microbiology, bacterial identification is labor-intensive and time-consuming. A solution for this problem is the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). In this study, we evaluated a modified protein extraction method of identification performed on target plates (on-plate extraction method) with MALDI-TOF (Bruker Microflex LT with Biotyper version 3.0) and compared it to 2 previously described methods: the direct colony method and a standard protein extraction method (standard extraction method). We evaluated the species of 273 clinical strains and 14 reference strains of staphylococci. All isolates were characterized using the superoxide dismutase A sequence as a reference. For the species identification, the on-plate, standard extraction, and direct colony methods identified 257 isolates (89.5%), 232 isolates (80.8%), and 173 isolates (60.2%), respectively, with statistically significant differences among the three methods (
P
< 0.05). In conclusion, the on-plate extraction method is at least as good as standard extraction in identification rate and has the advantage of a shorter processing time.
Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Lower Respiratory Tract Secretions from Patients with Suspected Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Evaluation of the Cepheid Xpert MRSA/SA SSTI Assay
Authors: Cercenado Emilia , Marín Mercedes , Burillo Almudena , Martín-Rabadán Pablo , Rivera Marisa , Bouza Emilio
Published: September 2012

A preclinical evaluation was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Cepheid Xpert assay on 135 lower respiratory tract secretions for detection of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
and
S. aureus
. Compared with the quantitative culture, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 99.0%, 72.2%, 90.7%, and 96.3%, respectively.
Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase Controls Chronic Gammaherpesvirus Infection
Authors: Kulinski Joseph M. , Leonardo Steven M. , Mounce Bryan C. , Malherbe Laurent , Gauld Stephen B. , Tarakanova Vera L.
Published: September 2012

Gammaherpesviruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are ubiquitous cancer-associated pathogens that interact with DNA damage response, a tumor suppressor network. Chronic gammaherpesvirus infection and pathogenesis in a DNA damage response-insufficient host are poorly understood. Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is associated with insufficiency of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a critical DNA damage response kinase. A-T patients display a pattern of anti-EBV antibodies suggestive of poorly controlled EBV replication; however, parameters of chronic EBV infection and pathogenesis in the A-T population remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that chronic gammaherpesvirus infection is poorly controlled in an animal model of A-T. Intriguingly, in spite of a global increase in T cell activation and numbers in wild-type (wt) and ATM-deficient mice in response to mouse gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) infection, the generation of an MHV68-specific immune response was altered in the absence of ATM. Our finding that ATM expression is necessary for an optimal adaptive immune response against gammaherpesvirus unveils an important connection between DNA damage response and immune control of chronic gammaherpesvirus infection, a connection that is likely to impact viral pathogenesis in an ATM-insufficient host.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Helicobacter pylori Bacteriophages Isolated from Japanese Patients
Authors: Uchiyama Jumpei , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Kato Shin-ichiro , Takemura-Uchiyama Iyo , Ujihara Takako , Daibata Masanori , Matsuzaki Shigenobu
Published: September 2012

Helicobacter pylori
causes peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, which lead to significantly higher morbidity in Japan than elsewhere in the world. As bacteriophage (phage) and host bacteria coevolve, the study of
H. pylori
phages is important to extend understanding of the evolution and pathogenesis of
H. pylori
. Here we report two complete genome sequences of
H. pylori
phages KHP30 and KHP40, which were released spontaneously from the most pathogenic East Asian-type isolates from Japanese patients.
A Network of Protein Interactions around the Herpes Simplex Virus Tegument Protein VP22
Authors: Maringer Kevin , Stylianou Julianna , Elliott Gillian
Published: September 2012

Assembly of the herpesvirus tegument is poorly understood but is believed to involve interactions between outer tegument proteins and the cytoplasmic domains of envelope glycoproteins. Here, we present the detailed characterization of a multicomponent glycoprotein-tegument complex found in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)-infected cells. We demonstrate that the tegument protein VP22 bridges a complex between glycoprotein E (gE) and glycoprotein M (gM). Glycoprotein I (gI), the known binding partner of gE, is also recruited into this gE-VP22-gM complex but is not required for its formation. Exclusion of the glycoproteins gB and gD and VP22's major binding partner VP16 demonstrates that recruitment of virion components into this complex is highly selective. The immediate-early protein ICP0, which requires VP22 for packaging into the virion, is also assembled into this gE-VP22-gM-gI complex in a VP22-dependent fashion. Although subcomplexes containing VP22 and ICP0 can be formed when either gE or gM are absent, optimal complex formation requires both glycoproteins. Furthermore, and in line with complex formation, neither of these glycoproteins is individually required for VP22 or ICP0 packaging into the virion, but deletion of gE and gM greatly reduces assembly of both VP22 and ICP0. Double deletion of gE and gM also results in small plaque size, reduced virus yield, and defective secondary envelopment, similar to the phenotype previously shown for pseudorabies virus. Hence, we suggest that optimal gE-VP22-gM-gI-ICP0 complex formation correlates with efficient virus morphogenesis and spread. These data give novel insights into the poorly understood process of tegument acquisition.
Toward a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine: the Structural Basis of Hepatitis C Virus Neutralization by AP33, a Broadly Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: Potter Jane A. , Owsianka Ania M. , Jeffery Nathan , Matthews David J. , Keck Zhen-Yong , Lau Patrick , Foung Steven K. H. , Taylor Garry L. , Patel Arvind H.
Published: September 2012

The E2 envelope glycoprotein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) binds to the host entry factor CD81 and is the principal target for neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Most NAbs recognize hypervariable region 1 on E2, which undergoes frequent mutation, thereby allowing the virus to evade neutralization. Consequently, there is great interest in NAbs that target conserved epitopes. One such NAb is AP33, a mouse monoclonal antibody that recognizes a conserved, linear epitope on E2 and potently neutralizes a broad range of HCV genotypes. In this study, the X-ray structure of AP33 Fab in complex with an epitope peptide spanning residues 412 to 423 of HCV E2 was determined to 1.8 Å. In the complex, the peptide adopts a β-hairpin conformation and docks into a deep binding pocket on the antibody. The major determinants of antibody recognition are E2 residues L413, N415, G418, and W420. The structure is compared to the recently described HCV1 Fab in complex with the same epitope. Interestingly, the antigen-binding sites of HCV1 and AP33 are completely different, whereas the peptide conformation is very similar in the two structures. Mutagenesis of the peptide-binding residues on AP33 confirmed that these residues are also critical for AP33 recognition of whole E2, confirming that the peptide-bound structure truly represents AP33 interaction with the intact glycoprotein. The slightly conformation-sensitive character of the AP33-E2 interaction was explored by cross-competition analysis and alanine-scanning mutagenesis. The structural details of this neutralizing epitope provide a starting point for the design of an immunogen capable of eliciting AP33-like antibodies.
ALGEBRAIC APPROACH TO QUASI-EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE KLEIN–GORDON–COULOMB PROBLEM
Authors: PANAHI H. , BARADARAN M.
Published: September 2012

The Klein–Gordon equation in the presence of generalized Coulomb potential is solved and the quasi-exact solutions are obtained via the sl(2) algebraization. The condition of quasi-exact solvability is derived by matching the condition of invariant subspace on the problem. The Lie-algebraic approach of quasi-exact solvability is applied to the problem and the (n+1)×(n+1) matrix for finite values of n is obtained in quite a detailed manner and thereby the finite part of the spectrum is obtained.
CALORIE RESTRICTION AS A MEANS TO CONTROL SKELETAL MUSCLE STIFFNESS IN AGED RATS
Authors: Pauwels Laura L. , Dowling Brittany , Okafor Nkeonye , Breighner Ryan , Domire Zachary J.
Published: September 2012

It has been shown that elderly skeletal muscle does not respond as effectively to exercise as young muscle. This impairment not only limits the effectiveness of interventions in an elderly population but may also be a cause of sarcopenia. One possible explanation for diminished response to exercise is that stiffening of muscle tissue, as a result of glycation, changes the mechanical environment around the muscle cells and that the cells therefore experience less force for any given stimulus. To examine this possibility, it is necessary to manipulate muscle material properties. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of using caloric restriction to accomplish this. It was found that calorie-restricted rats were less sarcopenic than ad libitum (AL) fed rats and that there was a significant negative relationship between muscle stiffness and muscle size in all rats. While the caloric-restricted rats' muscles were not statistically less stiff than the AL-fed rats, the majority of them were less stiff and the use of this group broadened the range of muscle stiffness. In conclusion, caloric restriction appears to be a promising method to manipulate muscle stiffness to study the effects of stiffness on diminished response to exercise.
DECAY PROCESS OF THE CHARMED MESON $D_{2}^{\ast}\,(2460)$ IN THE C3P0 Model
Authors: DA SILVA D. T. , VASCONCELLOS C. A. Z. , HADJIMICHEF D.
Published: September 2012

The Fock-Tani formalism is a successful mapping technique that has been used in hadron physics to describe hadron interaction and decay. In this one can obtain the 3P0 model with bound state corrections. In this work we applay this technique for [Formula: see text] decay, where the amplitude and its respective decay rates are evaluated.
Global Introductions of Crayfishes: Evaluating the Impact of Species Invasions on Ecosystem Services
Authors: Lodge David M. , Deines Andrew , Gherardi Francesca , Yeo Darren C.J. , Arcella Tracy , Baldridge Ashley K. , Barnes Matthew A. , Chadderton W. Lindsay , Feder Jeffrey L. , Gantz Crysta A. , Howard Geoffrey W. , Jerde Christopher L. , Peters Brett W. , Peters Jody A. , Sargent Lindsey W. , Turner Cameron R. , Wittmann Marion E. , Zeng Yiwen
Published: September 2012

Impacts of nonindigenous crayfishes on ecosystem services exemplify the mixture of positive and negative effects of intentionally introduced species. Global introductions for aquaculture and ornamental purposes have begun to homogenize naturally disjunct global distributions of crayfish families. Negative impacts include the loss of provisioning (e.g., reductions in edible native species, reproductive interference or hybridization with native crayfishes), regulatory (e.g., lethal disease spread, increased costs to agriculture and water management), supporting (e.g., large changes in ecological communities), and cultural (e.g., loss of festivals celebrating native crayfish) services. Where quantification of impacts exists (e.g., Procambarus clarkii and Pacifastacus leniusculus in Europe), regulations now prohibit introduction and spread of crayfishes, indicating that losses of ecosystem services have outweighed gains. Recent research advances such as predicting invasiveness, predicting spread, improved detection and control, and bioeconomic analysis to increase cost-effectiveness of management could be employed to reduce future losses of ecosystem services.
Balance and Spontaneous Wave Generation in Geophysical Flows
Authors: Vanneste J.
Published: September 2012

The large-scale dynamics of the mid-latitude atmosphere and ocean is characterized by a timescale separation between slow balanced motion and fast inertia-gravity waves. As a result of this separation, the two types of motion interact only weakly, and the dynamics can be approximated using balanced models, which filter out the fast waves completely. The separation is not complete, however: The evolution of well-balanced flows inevitably leads to the excitation of inertia-gravity waves through the process of spontaneous generation. Spontaneous generation has fundamental and practical implications: It limits the validity of balanced models and provides a source of inertia-gravity-wave activity. These two aspects are discussed in this review, which focuses on the small-Rossby-number regime ε≪1 corresponding to strong rotation. Theoretical arguments indicate that spontaneous generation is then exponentially small in ε for smooth flows. They are complemented by numerical simulations that identify specific generation mechanisms.
Looking at the task in hand impairs motor learning
Authors: Wilkie Richard M. , Johnson Robyn L. , Culmer Peter R. , Allen Richard , Mon-Williams Mark
Published: September 2012

“Visual capture” is the term used to describe vision being afforded a higher weighting than other sensory information. Visual capture can produce powerful illusory effects with individuals misjudging the size and position of their hands. The advent of laparoscopic surgical techniques raises the question of whether visual capture can interfere with an individual's rate of motor learning. We compared adaptation to distorted visual feedback in two groups: the Direct group appeared to have the advantage of directly viewing the input device, while the Indirect group used the same input device but viewed their movements on a remote screen. Counterintuitively, the Indirect group adapted more readily to distorted feedback and showed enhanced performance. The results show that visual capture impairs adaptation to distorted visual feedback, suggesting that surgeons need to avoid viewing their hands when learning laparoscopic techniques.
Potential confounds in estimating trial-to-trial correlations between neuronal response and behavior using choice probabilities
Authors: Kang Incheol , Maunsell John H. R.
Published: September 2012

Correlations between trial-to-trial fluctuations in the responses of individual sensory neurons and perceptual reports, commonly quantified with choice probability (CP), have been widely used as an important tool for assessing the contributions of neurons to behavior. These correlations are usually weak and often require a large number of trials for a reliable estimate. Therefore, working with measures such as CP warrants care in data analysis as well as rigorous controls during data collection. Here we identify potential confounds that can arise in data analysis and lead to biased estimates of CP, and suggest methods to avoid the bias. In particular, we show that the common practice of combining neuronal responses across different stimulus conditions with z-score normalization can result in an underestimation of CP when the ratio of the numbers of trials for the two behavioral response categories differs across the stimulus conditions. We also discuss the effects of using variable time intervals for quantifying neuronal response on CP measurements. Finally, we demonstrate that serious artifacts can arise in reaction time tasks that use varying measurement intervals if the mean neuronal response and mean behavioral performance vary over time within trials. To emphasize the importance of addressing these concerns in neurophysiological data, we present a set of data collected from V1 cells in macaque monkeys while the animals performed a detection task.
Analysis of Petroleum System for Exploration and Risk Reduction in Abu Madi/Elqar'a Gas Field, Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Keshta Said , Metwalli Farouk J. , Al Arabi H. S.
Published: September 2012

Abu Madi/El Qar'a is a giant field located in the north eastern part of Nile Delta and is an important hydrocarbon province in Egypt, but the origin of hydrocarbons and their migration are not fully understood. In this paper, organic matter content, type, and maturity of source rocks have been evaluated and integrated with the results of basin modeling to improve our understanding of burial history and timing of hydrocarbon generation. Modeling of the empirical data of source rock suggests that the Abu Madi formation entered the oil in the middle to upper Miocene, while the Sidi Salem formation entered the oil window in the lower Miocene. Charge risks increase in the deeper basin megasequences in which migration hydrocarbons must traverse the basin updip. The migration pathways were principally lateral ramps and faults which enabled migration into the shallower middle to upper Miocene reservoirs. Basin modeling that incorporated an analysis of the petroleum system in the Abu Madi/El Qar'a field can help guide the next exploration phase, while oil exploration is now focused along post-late Miocene migration paths. These results suggest that deeper sections may have reservoirs charged with significant unrealized gas potential.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Cytotoxic, Phytotoxic, Insecticidal, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities ofGeranium wallichianum
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Hussain Javid , Khan Arif-ullah , Khan Abdul Latif , Ali Liaqat , Khan Farman-ullah , Khan Amir Zada , Niaz Uzma , Lee In-Jung
Published: September 2012

The present study describes the phytochemical investigations of the crude extracts of rhizomes and leaves ofGeranium wallichianum. The crude extracts were fractionated to obtainn-hexane, ethyl acetate, andn-butanol fractions, which were subjected to different biological activities and enzyme inhibition assays to explore the therapeutic potential of this medicinally important herb. The results indicated that the crude extracts and different fractions of rhizomes and leaves showed varied degree of antimicrobial activities and enzyme inhibitions in different assays. Overall, the rhizome extract and its different fractions showed comparatively better activities in various assays. Furthermore, the purified constituents from the repeated chromatographic separations were also subjected to enzyme inhibition studies against three different enzymes. The results of these studies showed that lipoxygenase enzyme was significantly inhibited as compared to urease. In case of chemical constituents, the sterols (2–4) showed no inhibition, while ursolic acid (1) and benzoic ester (6) showed significant inhibition of urease enzymes.
Unusual Occurrence of Rare Lipid-Rich Carcinoma and Conventional Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in the One Breast: Case Report
Authors: Machalekova Katarina , Kajo Karol , Bencat Marian
Published: September 2012

A 56-year-old woman noticed a palpable mass in her left breast during self-examination. Patient was admitted to our hospital and malignant bifocal tumour was diagnosed by ultrasonography, digital mammography, magnetic resonance, and core-cut biopsy. The patient underwent planned conservative surgery (biquadrantectomy) with a sentinel node examination, but after results of the frozen section with positive resection margins and positive sentinel lymph nodes subsequent mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection were realized. Histology in the resection specimen revealed two isolated and distinct tumours. One of the lesions represented conventional invasive ductal carcinoma of histological grade 3, and the second tumour was evaluated as invasive lipid-rich carcinoma, containing tumour cells with clear and foamy cytoplasm. Lipids in neoplastic cells were detected by Oil Red O staining and ultrastructural examination. Immunohistochemical analysis of both carcinomas was almost identical with negative steroid receptors, positive staining of HER-2, and p53 and with high proliferation activity (Ki-67). Mastectomy specimen contained residual foci of invasive ductal carcinoma and dissected axillary lymph nodes were free of metastasis. Patient underwent first cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and Herceptin together with local radiotherapy and two month after surgery is without any evidence of the disease.
Electromagnetic Properties of Neutrinos
Authors: Broggini C. , Giunti C. , Studenikin A.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we discuss the main theoretical aspects and experimental effects of neutrino electromagnetic properties. We start with a general description of the electromagnetic form factors of Dirac and Majorana neutrinos. Then, we discuss the theory and phenomenology of the magnetic and electric dipole moments, summarizing the experimental results and the theoretical predictions. We discuss also the phenomenology of a neutrino charge radius and radiative decay. Finally, we describe the theory of neutrino spin and spin-flavor precession in a transverse magnetic field and we summarize its phenomenological applications.
Analytical Study of the Effect of the System Geometry on Photon Sensitivity and Depth of Interaction of Positron Emission Mammography
Authors: Aguiar Pablo , Lois Cristina
Published: September 2012

Positron emission mammography (PEM) cameras are novel-dedicated PET systems optimized to image the breast. For these cameras it is essential to achieve an optimum trade-off between sensitivity and spatial resolution and therefore the main challenge for the novel cameras is to improve the sensitivity without degrading the spatial resolution. We carry out an analytical study of the effect of the different detector geometries on the photon sensitivity and the angle of incidence of the detected photons which is related to the DOI effect and therefore to the intrinsic spatial resolution. To this end, dual head detectors were compared to box and different polygon-detector configurations. Our results showed that higher sensitivity and uniformity were found for box and polygon-detector configurations compared to dual-head cameras. Thus, the optimal configuration in terms of sensitivity is a PEM scanner based on a polygon of twelve (dodecagon) or more detectors. We have shown that this configuration is clearly superior to dual-head detectors and slightly higher than box, octagon, and hexagon detectors. Nevertheless, DOI effects are increased for this configuration compared to dual head and box scanners and therefore an accurate compensation for this effect is required.
Staff Development as an Imperative Avenue in Ensuring Quality: The Experience of Adama University
Authors: Seyoum Yilfashewa
Published: September 2012

All endeavors were devoted to investigate the views and feelings of stakeholders on the implementation of teachers’ professional development and its contribution to sustain academic programs quality at Adama University. A case study that constitutes qualitative and quantitative method was employed. In an attempt to achieve the objectives of the study, evidences were collected from students, staff members, professional development program coordinators, and management bodies. The data-collecting instruments for obtaining relevant information were questionnaires, interview, observation, and document analysis. The finding in relation to this study uncovers the fact that though continuous professional development has been perceived as the most useful avenue of teachers continuous and lifelong learning, for the most part, it is relegated to adhoc committees or interested group or institutional units in the system of university education/training. Moreover, the absence of PDP in the university organizational structure, clear mission and vision, defined and well-articulated policy, strategic plan, representatives in university senate meetings, adequate resources, well-identified and -preserved training facilities, and unit library were circumstances that in one way or another negatively affected the provision of effective professional development programs/trainings that may have adverse effect in the deliberation of quality education/training in Adama University.
Hopf Bifurcation of Limit Cycles in Discontinuous Liénard Systems
Authors: Xiong Yanqin , Han Maoan
Published: September 2012

We consider a class of discontinuous Liénard systems and study the number of limit cycles bifurcated from the origin when parameters vary. We establish a method of studying cyclicity of the system at the origin. As an application, we discuss some discontinuous Liénard systems of special form and study the cyclicity near the origin.
Dynamic Resource Management in 802.11 Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Athanasiou George
Published: September 2012

The association/handoff procedures are important components in a balanced operation of 802.11-based wireless mesh networks. In this paper, we introduce the concept of cooperative association where the stations (STA) can share useful information in order to improve the performance of the association/reassociation procedures. Furthermore, in this work we introduce a load balancing mechanism that can be applied in mesh networks. This mechanism operates in a cross-layer manner taking into account uplink and downlink channel information, routing information, and congestion-based information. Our load balancing mechanism is based on a fairness index that is measured at each access point (AP) neighborhood. This index reflects the way the communication load is shared in the neighboring APs. The iterative heuristic algorithms that we propose controls the communication load of each mesh AP in a distributed manner. We evaluate the performance of our mechanisms through OPNET simulations.
An Improvement of Static Subtree Partitioning in Metadata Server Cluster
Authors: Zhipeng Tan , Wei Zhou , Jianliang Sun , Tian Zhan , Jie Cui
Published: September 2012

Efficient metadata management is a key issue in distributed file systems. Currently a single metadata server (MDS) was used to provide metadata service in many distributed file systems. As a result the MDS is likely to be the bottleneck of the system with the expanding scale. To deal with this problem, MDS cluster has been advanced. There are subtree partitioning and hashing partitioning to realize MDS cluster and so on. In view of the strengths and weaknesses of the previous methods, the paper proposes a half-dynamic subtree strategy that supports the replication of metadata, the dynamic addition and failure recovery of MDS. Finally we implement it in the open source pNFS file system and demonstrate its high performance and availability.
On the Reusage of Primary Radio Resources through the Exploitation of the Spatiotemporal Robustness of the MIMO Transmissions
Authors: Medina-Acosta G. A. , Delgado-Penín José A.
Published: September 2012

The spatiotemporal robustness of the MIMO transmissions is exploited aiming at inducing opportunistic secondary communications on the primary radio resources. The proposed model makes use of the smallest singular values and the Extreme Value Theory for characterizing the robustness of the MIMO systems, having always the premise of preventing significant degradations in the performance of the primary communications, while at the same time an attractive number of potential opportunities for secondary are intended to be offered. So, the idea behind the suggested scheme consists in reusing the information that is already available within the primary MIMO networks aiming at cotransmitting opportunistically in a clever manner, which at the end will allow us to make a much more efficient use of both the natural and technical resources.
Daytime Measurements Underestimate Nocturnal Oxygen Desaturations in Pulmonary Arterial and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Hildenbrand Florian F. , Bloch Konrad E. , Speich Rudolf , Ulrich Silvia
Published: September 2012

Background: Nocturnal hypoxemia is important in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (pPH) as it worsens pulmonary hemodynamics. Whether daytime oxygen saturation (Spo2) predicts nocturnal hypoxemia in pPH patients has not been conclusively studied. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of nocturnal hypoxemia in comparison to daytime Spo2 and disease severity in ambulatory patients with pulmonary hypertension. Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with pPH classified as either pulmonary arterial (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pPH (CTEPH) had daytime resting and exercise Spo2 (at the end of a 6-min walk test); thereafter, they underwent overnight pulse oximetry at home. Functional class, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) and the tricuspid pressure gradient were assessed. Results: Sixty-three patients [median (quartiles) age 62 (53; 71), 43 females] with PAH (n = 44) and CTEPH (n = 19) were included. The resting Spo2, exercise Spo2, and mean nocturnal Spo2 were 95% (92; 96), 88% (81; 95), and 89% (85; 92), respectively. Forty-nine patients (77%) spent >10% of the night with Spo2 <90% (desaturators), and 33 (52%) spent >50% of the night with Spo2 <90% (sustained desaturators). The positive predictive values of daytime Spo2 >90% for being a nocturnal nondesaturator or sustained nondesaturator were 25 and 53%, respectively. Nocturnal Spo2 was negatively correlated with the tricuspid pressure gradient, but not with functional class, 6-min walk test, or pro-BNP. Conclusions: Nocturnal hypoxemia is very common in PAH and CTEPH despite often normal daytime Spo2 and reflects disease severity. Nocturnal pulse oximetry should be considered in the routine evaluation of pPH patients and research should be directed toward the treatment of nocturnal desaturation in pPH.
Thyroid Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents with McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Tessaris D. , Corrias A. , Matarazzo P. , De Sanctis L. , Wasniewska M. , Messina M.F. , Vigone M.C. , Lala R.
Published: September 2012

Background: To date, there is no agreement about the frequency or the features of thyroid abnormalities in McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). The aim of our study was to detect thyroid abnormalities in a cohort of MAS children and adolescents and to give indications for their treatment and follow-up. Methods: In 36 patients, 22 females and 14 males, thyroid function and sonographic features of thyroid were evaluated every 6–12 months. Results: Three males and 1 female had hyperthyroidism: 2 with nodular, 2 with diffuse goiters. They were treated with methimazole (0.2–0.5 mg/kg/day) with good clinical and biochemical responses. The remaining 32 patients were euthyroid, even if 7 displayed sonographic alterations, of whom 5 had nodular goiter with nodules >1 cm, and 2 micronodular goiter. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 2 patients with nodules >1 cm, 1 showing hemorrhagic nodule and 1 colloid cystic nodule. Conclusions: Prevalence of thyroid alterations in the studied MAS series was 31%. 64% of 11 patients with thyroid alterations had nodular goiters, with nodules >1 cm. As the onset of thyroid disease ranged from 1 to 20 years, a strict monitoring of thyroid function is recommended every 6 months. Satisfactory treatment can be obtained and maintained with antithyroid drugs.
Climate Change, High-Temperature Stress, Rice Productivity, and Water Use in Eastern China: A New Superensemble-Based Probabilistic Projection
Authors: Tao Fulu , Zhang Zhao
Published: September 2012

The impact of climate change on rice productivity in China remains highly uncertain because of uncertainties from climate change scenarios, parameterizations of biophysical processes, and extreme temperature stress in crop models. Here, the Model to Capture the Crop–Weather Relationship over a Large Area (MCWLA)-Rice crop model was developed by parameterizing the process-based general crop model MCWLA for rice crop. Bayesian probability inversion and a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique were then applied to MCWLA-Rice to analyze uncertainties in parameter estimations and to optimize parameters. Ensemble hindcasts showed that MCWLA-Rice could capture the interannual variability of the detrended historical yield series fairly well, especially over a large area. A superensemble-based probabilistic projection system (SuperEPPS) coupled to MCWLA-Rice was developed and applied to project the probabilistic changes of rice productivity and water use in eastern China under scenarios of future climate change. Results showed that across most cells in the study region, relative to 1961–90 levels, the rice yield would change on average by 7.5%–17.5% (from −10.4% to 3.0%), 0.0%–25.0% (from −26.7% to 2.1%), and from −10.0% to 25.0% (from −39.2% to −6.4%) during the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, in response to climate change, with (without) consideration of CO2 fertilization effects. The rice photosynthesis rate, biomass, and yield would increase as a result of increases in mean temperature, solar radiation, and CO2 concentration, although the rice development rate could accelerate particularly after the heading stage. Meanwhile, the risk of high-temperature stress on rice productivity would also increase notably with climate change. The effects of extreme temperature stress on rice productivity were explicitly parameterized and addressed in the study.
A Method for Adaptive Habit Prediction in Bulk Microphysical Models. Part II: Parcel Model Corroboration
Authors: Harrington Jerry Y. , Sulia Kara , Morrison Hugh
Published: September 2012

It is common for cloud microphysical models to use a single axis length to characterize ice crystals. These methods use either the diameter of an equivalent sphere or mass–size equations in conjunction with the capacitance model to close the equations for ice vapor diffusion. Single-axis methods unnaturally constrain growth because real crystals evolve along at least two axis directions. Thus, they are unable to reproduce the simultaneous variation in mass mixing ratio, maximum dimension, and mass-weighted fall speeds. While mass–size relations can at times capture the evolution of one of these with relatively low errors, the other properties are generally under- or overpredicted by 20%–40%. Part I of this study describes an adaptive habit method that evolves two axis dimensions, allowing feedbacks between aspect ratio changes and mass mixing-ratio evolution. The adaptive habit method evolves particle habit by prognosing number and mass mixing ratios along with two axis length mixing ratios. Compared with a detailed Lagrangian bin representation of ice habit distribution evolution in a parcel framework, the bulk method reproduces the ice mass mixing ratio, mean axis lengths, and mass-weighted fall speeds generally to within less than 5% relative error for layered and deeper mixed-phase clouds.
Concurrent Decadal Mesoscale Eddy Modulations in the Western North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming
Published: September 2012

Satellite altimeter data of the past two decades are used to investigate the low-frequency mesoscale eddy variability inside the western North Pacific subtropical gyre. Eddy activity modulations with a decadal time scale are detected concurrently within the 18°–28°N band, including the three branches of the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) and the Hawaiian Lee Countercurrent (HLCC). Lagging behind the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) index by six months, enhanced eddy activities were detected in 1995–98 and 2003–06, whereas the eddy activities were below the average in 1999–2002 and 2009–11. Analysis of the temperature and salinity data that became available after 2001 via the International Argo Program reveals that the modulating eddy activities are due to the decadal change in the upper-ocean eastward shear in the broad-scale STCC–HLCC band. By conducting an upper-ocean temperature budget analysis, the authors found that this observed eastward shear change can be effectively accounted for by the decadal-varying surface heat flux forcing. Using the Argo-based temperature and salinity data, it is further found that the decadal subsurface potential vorticity (PV) signals to the north and beneath the STCC–HLCC were vertically coherent and not confined to the mode water isopycnals. Adjusting to the PDO-related surface forcing, these subsurface PV anomalies lagged behind the upper-ocean eastward shear signals and likely made minor contributions to generate the decadal-varying eddy signals observed in the western North Pacific subtropical gyre.
Habitual Physical Activity as a Determinant of the Effect of Moderate Physical Exercise on Postural Control in Older Men
Authors: Stemplewski Rafał , Maciaszek Janusz , Tomczak Maciej , Szeklicki Robert , Sadowska Dorota , Osiński Wiesław
Published: September 2012

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of exercise on postural control (PC) among the elderly with lower or higher level of habitual physical activity (HPA). The study involved 17 elderly men (mean age 72.9 ± 4.79 years). Mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured using a force plate both before and after cycle ergometer exercise. A significantly higher increase in mean velocity of COP displacements and its component in the sagittal plane were observed in the group with lower level of HPA in comparison with the group with higher HPA level. Simultaneously, a relatively similar reaction to the exercise in the frontal plane was observed in both groups, possibly connected to the specific type of used exercise, which mainly activated the sagittal muscles.
Accurate variant detection across non-amplified and whole genome amplified DNA using targeted next generation sequencing
Authors: ElSharawy Abdou , Warner Jason , Olson Jeff , Forster Michael , Schilhabel Markus B , Link Darren R , Rose-John Stefan , Schreiber Stefan , Rosenstiel Philip , Brayer James , Franke Andre
Published: September 2012

Background

Many hypothesis-driven genetic studies require the ability to comprehensively and efficiently target specific regions of the genome to detect sequence variations. Often, sample availability is limited requiring the use of whole genome amplification (WGA). We evaluated a high-throughput microdroplet-based PCR approach in combination with next generation sequencing (NGS) to target 384 discrete exons from 373 genes involved in cancer. In our evaluation, we compared the performance of six non-amplified gDNA samples from two HapMap family trios. Three of these samples were also preamplified by WGA and evaluated. We tested sample pooling or multiplexing strategies at different stages of the tested targeted NGS (T-NGS) workflow.

Results

The results demonstrated comparable sequence performance between non-amplified and preamplified samples and between different indexing strategies [sequence specificity of 66.0% ± 3.4%, uniformity (coverage at 0.2× of the mean) of 85.6% ± 0.6%]. The average genotype concordance maintained across all the samples was 99.5% ± 0.4%, regardless of sample type or pooling strategy. We did not detect any errors in the Mendelian patterns of inheritance of genotypes between the parents and offspring within each trio. We also demonstrated the ability to detect minor allele frequencies within the pooled samples that conform to predicted models.

Conclusion

Our described PCR-based sample multiplex approach and the ability to use WGA material for NGS may enable researchers to perform deep resequencing studies and explore variants at very low frequencies and cost.
Effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammatory markers in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xin Wei , Wei Wei , Li Xiaoying
Published: September 2012

Background

Effects of fish oil on systematic inflammation in chronic heart failure remain unclear. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the influence of fish oil supplementation on circulating levels of inflammatory markers in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods

Human randomized controlled trials, which compared the effects of fish oil supplementation with placebo in patients with chronic heart failure, were identified by systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane’s library and references cited in related reviews and studies up to November 2011. Outcome measures comprised the changes of circulating inflammatory markers. Meta-analysis was performed with the fixed-effect model or random-effect model according to the heterogeneity.

Results

A total of seven trials with eight study arms were included. The pooled results indicated circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor α (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.16, p = 0.009), interleukin 1 (SMD = -1.24, 95% CI -1.56 to -0.91, p < 0.001) and interleukin 6 (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.14, p = 0.02) were significantly decreased after fish oil supplementation; however, high sensitivity C reactive protein, soluble intracellular adhesion molecular 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecular 1 were not significantly affected. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis results suggested the difference in dose of fish oil and follow-up duration might influence the effects of fish oil on tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Greater reduction of these two markers might be achieved in patients taking fish oil of a higher dose (over 1000 mg/day) or for a longer duration (over 4 months).

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests anti-inflammation may be a potential mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of fish oil for chronic heart failure. Further large-scale and adequately powered clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Immunization with live virus vaccine protects highly susceptible DBA/2J mice from lethal influenza A H1N1 infection
Authors: Dengler Leonie , May Mathias , Wilk Esther , Bahgat Mahmoud M , Schughart Klaus
Published: September 2012

Background

The mouse represents an important model system to study the host response to influenza A infections and to evaluate new prevention or treatment strategies. We and others reported that the susceptibility to influenza A virus infections strongly varies among different inbred mouse strains. In particular, DBA/2J mice are highly susceptible to several influenza A subtypes, including human isolates and exhibit severe symptoms after infection with clinical isolates.

Findings

Upon intra-muscular immunization with live H1N1 influenza A virus (mouse-adapted PR8M, and 2009 pandemic human HA04), DBA/2J mice mounted virus-specific IgG responses and were protected against a subsequent lethal challenge. The immune response and rescue from death after immunization in DBA/2J was similar to those observed for C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusions

DBA/2J mice represent a suitable mouse model to evaluate virulence and pathogenicity as well as immunization regimes against existing and newly emerging human influenza strains without the need for prior adaptation of the virus to the mouse.
Team care to cure adolescents with braces (avoiding low quality of life, pain and bad compliance): a case–control retrospective study. 2011 SOSORT Award winner
Authors: Tavernaro Marta , Pellegrini Anna , Tessadri Fabrizio , Zaina Fabio , Zonta Andrea , Negrini Stefano
Published: September 2012

Background

Bracing could be efficacious, given good compliance and quality of braces. Recently the SOSORT Brace Treatment Management Guidelines (SBTMG) have highlighted the perceived importance of the professional teams surrounding braced patients.

Purpose

To verify the impact of a complete rehabilitation team in the adolescent patient with bracing.

Materials and methods

Design. Initial cross-sectional study, followed by a retrospective case–control study. Population: Thirty-eight patients (15.8 ± 1.6 years; 26 females; 10 hyperkyphosis, 28 scoliosis of 29.2 ± 7.9° Cobb) extracted from a single orthotist database (between January 1, 2008 and September 1, 2009) and treated by the same physician; brace wearing at least 15 hours/day for a minimum of 6 months; age 10 or more. Treatment: Braces: Sforzesco, Sibilla, Lapadula or Maguelone. Exercises: SEAS. Methods: Two questionnaires filled in blindly by patients: SRS-22 and one especially developed and validated with 25 questions on adherence to treatment. Groups (main risk factor): TEAM (private institute: satisfied 44/44 SOSORT criteria; grade of teamwork, “excellent”) included 13 patients and NOT 25 (National Health Service Rehabilitation Department: 35/44 SOSORT criteria respected; grade, “insufficient”).

Results

TEAM was more compliant to bracing than NOT (97 ± 6% vs. 80 ± 24%) and performed nearly double the exercises (38 ± 12 vs. 20 ± 13 minutes/session). The self-reduction of bracing was significant in NOT (from 16.8 ± 3.7 to 14.8 ± 4.9 hours/day, , P<0.05); TEAM showed a significant reduction in the difficulties due to bracing (from 8.9 ± 1.4 to 3.5 ± 2.0 in 12 months on a 10-point scale, P<0.05). Pain was perceived by 55% of NOT versus 7% of TEAM (P < 0.05). The populations did not differ at the baseline studied outcomes. The absence of a good team surrounding the patient increases by five times the risk of reduced compliance to bracing (odds ratio OR 5.5 – 95% confidence interval 95CI 3.6-7.4), along with more than 15 times that of QoL problems (OR 15.7 - 95CI 13.6-17.9) and pain (OR 16.8 - 95CI 14.5-19.1).

Conclusions

Provided the limits of this first study on the topic, the SBTMG seems to be important for brace treatment, influencing pain, QoL and compliance (and so, presumably, final results). Future studies on the topic are advisable.
Cigarette smoke impairs granulosa cell proliferation and oocyte growth after exposure cessation in young Swiss mice: an experimental study
Authors: Paixão Larissa LO , Gaspar-Reis Rejane P , Gonzalez Gabrielle PL , Santos Aline S , Santana Aluana C , Santos Rachel MM , Spritzer Poli Mara , Nascimento-Saba Celly Cristina A
Published: September 2012

Background

Cigarette smoke is associated with decreased female fertility, causing damage to ovarian function and disturbing follicle development. However, the effects of cigarette toxicants on ovarian function depend on duration and intensity of exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of brief, intense exposure to tobacco smoke on granulosa cell number, oocyte growth, and follicle size during puberty in female Swiss mice.

Methods

Ten female Swiss mice aged 35 days were exposed to tobacco smoke from 3R4F reference research cigarettes. They were exposed to an automatic smoking machine 8 h/day, 7 days/week for 15 days. Ten age-matched controls were kept in a different room and exposed to ambient air. At the end of 15 days, five mice in each group were euthanized and the ovaries were analyzed for follicular morphometry and granulosa cell count. The remaining animals were kept for an additional 30 days for further analysis as an ex-smoker group and control group. Comparison between the two groups was evaluated by the Student’s t-test or a two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test was applied for multiple comparisons.

Results

We found that cigarette smoke impaired antral follicular growth even after exposure cessation (p < 0.001). Both smoking and ex-smoking groups exhibited similar follicle diameter. However, at the same follicular stage, the number of granulosa cells was smaller in the ex-smoking group compared to smoking animals (p < 0.001). This was associated with increased oocyte diameter in ex-smoking animals compared to smoking animals (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The negative effects of cigarette smoking seem to last even after exposure has been interrupted. Moreover, brief exposure during puberty may induce silent oocyte disruption, which could in turn lead to decreased fecundity rates.