bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel genomes and genome constitutions identified by GISH and 5S rDNA and knotted1 genomic sequences in the genus Setaria
Authors: Zhao Meicheng , Zhi Hui , Doust Andrew N , Li Wei , Wang Yongfang , Li Haiquan , Jia Guanqing , Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Ning , Diao Xianmin
Published: April 2013

Background

The Setaria genus is increasingly of interest to researchers, as its two species, S. viridis and S. italica, are being developed as models for understanding C4 photosynthesis and plant functional genomics. The genome constitution of Setaria species has been studied in the diploid species S. viridis, S. adhaerans and S. grisebachii, where three genomes A, B and C were identified respectively. Two allotetraploid species, S. verticillata and S. faberi, were found to have AABB genomes, and one autotetraploid species, S. queenslandica, with an AAAA genome, has also been identified. The genomes and genome constitutions of most other species remain unknown, even though it was thought there are approximately 125 species in the genus distributed world-wide.

Results

GISH was performed to detect the genome constitutions of Eurasia species of S. glauca, S. plicata, and S. arenaria, with the known A, B and C genomes as probes. No or very poor hybridization signal was detected indicating that their genomes are different from those already described. GISH was also performed reciprocally between S. glauca, S. plicata, and S. arenaria genomes, but no hybridization signals between each other were found. The two sets of chromosomes of S. lachnea both hybridized strong signals with only the known C genome of S. grisebachii. Chromosomes of Qing 9, an accession formerly considered as S. viridis, hybridized strong signal only to B genome of S. adherans. Phylogenetic trees constructed with 5S rDNA and knotted1 markers, clearly classify the samples in this study into six clusters, matching the GISH results, and suggesting that the F genome of S. arenaria is basal in the genus.

Conclusions

Three novel genomes in the Setaria genus were identified and designated as genome D (S. glauca), E (S. plicata) and F (S. arenaria) respectively. The genome constitution of tetraploid S. lachnea is putatively CCC’C’. Qing 9 is a B genome species indigenous to China and is hypothesized to be a newly identified species. The difference in genome constitution and origin of S. verticillata and S. faberi is also discussed. The new genomes and the genome constitutions of Setaria species identified in this report provide useful information for Setaria germplasm management, foxtail millet breeding, grass evolution and the development of S. viridis and S. italica as a new model for functional genomics.
Transcriptome analysis reveals ginsenosides biosynthetic genes, microRNAs and simple sequence repeats in Panax ginsengC. A. Meyer
Authors: Li Chunfang , Zhu Yingjie , Guo Xu , Sun Chao , Luo Hongmei , Song Jingyuan , Li Ying , Wang Lizhi , Qian Jun , Chen Shilin
Published: April 2013

Background

Panax ginsengC. A. Meyer is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. Complete genome information for this species remains unavailable due to its large genome size. At present, analysis of expressed sequence tags is still the most powerful tool for large-scale gene discovery. The global expressed sequence tags fromP. ginsengtissues, especially those isolated from stems, leaves and flowers, are still limited, hindering in-depth study ofP. ginseng.

Results

Two 454 pyrosequencing runs generated a total of 2,423,076 reads fromP. ginsengroots, stems, leaves and flowers. The high-quality reads from each of the tissues were independently assembled into separate and shared contigs. In the separately assembled database, 45,849, 6,172, 4,041 and 3,273 unigenes were only found in the roots, stems, leaves and flowers database, respectively. In the jointly assembled database, 178,145 unigenes were observed, including 86,609 contigs and 91,536 singletons. Among the 178,145 unigenes, 105,522 were identified for the first time, of which 65.6% were identified in the stem, leaf or flower cDNA libraries ofP. ginseng. After annotation, we discovered 223 unigenes involved in ginsenoside backbone biosynthesis. Additionally, a total of 326 potential cytochrome P450 and 129 potential UDP-glycosyltransferase sequences were predicted based on the annotation results, some of which may encode enzymes responsible for ginsenoside backbone modification. A BLAST search of the obtained high-quality reads identified 14 potential microRNAs inP. ginseng, which were estimated to target 100 protein-coding genes, including transcription factors, transporters and DNA binding proteins, among others. In addition, a total of 13,044 simple sequence repeats were identified from the 178,145 unigenes.

Conclusions

This study provides global expressed sequence tags forP. ginseng, which will contribute significantly to further genome-wide research and analyses in this species. The novel unigenes identified here enlarge the availableP. ginsenggene pool and will facilitate gene discovery. In addition, the identification of microRNAs and the prediction of targets from this study will provide information on gene transcriptional regulation inP. ginseng. Finally, the analysis of simple sequence repeats will provide genetic makers for molecular breeding and genetic applications in this species.
Transcriptional landscape of Aspergillus nigerat breaking of conidial dormancy revealed by RNA-sequencing
Authors: Novodvorska Michaela , Hayer Kimran , Pullan Steven T , Wilson Raymond , Blythe Martin J , Stam Hein , Stratford Malcolm , Archer David B
Published: April 2013

Background

Genome-wide analysis was performed to assess the transcriptional landscape of germinating A. niger conidia using both next generation RNA-sequencing and GeneChips. The metabolism of storage compounds during conidial germination was also examined and compared to the transcript levels from associated genes.

Results

The transcriptome of dormant conidia was shown to be highly differentiated from that of germinating conidia and major changes in response to environmental shift occurred within the first hour of germination. The breaking of dormancy was associated with increased transcript levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of proteins, RNA turnover and respiratory metabolism. Increased transcript levels of genes involved in metabolism of nitrate at the onset of germination implies its use as a source of nitrogen. The transcriptome of dormant conidia contained a significant component of antisense transcripts that changed during germination.

Conclusion

Dormant conidia contained transcripts of genes involved in fermentation, gluconeogenesis and the glyoxylate cycle. The presence of such transcripts in dormant conidia may indicate the generation of energy from non-carbohydrate substrates during starvation-induced conidiation or for maintenance purposes during dormancy. The immediate onset of metabolism of internal storage compounds after the onset of germination, and the presence of transcripts of relevant genes, suggest that conidia are primed for the onset of germination. For some genes, antisense transcription is regulated in the transition from resting conidia to fully active germinants.
Accuracy of IgM antibody testing, FQ-PCR and culture in laboratory diagnosis of acute infection by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults and adolescents with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Qu Jiuxin , Gu Li , Wu Jiang , Dong Jianping , Pu Zenghui , Gao Yan , Hu Ming , Zhang Yongxiang , Gao Feng , Cao Bin , Wang Chen ,   Beijing Network for Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia (BNACAP)
Published: April 2013

Background

Diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults and adolescents is hampered by a lack of rapid and standardized tests for detection.

Methods

CAP patients from 12 teaching hospitals were prospectively and consecutively recruited. Basic and clinical information, throat swabs and paired sera were collected. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected by IgG and IgM antibody tests, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and culture. A comparative study of the diagnostic values of three methods, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was conducted. A fourfold or greater increase of IgG antibody titers of paired sera was set as the diagnostic “gold standard”.

Results

One hundred and twenty-five CAP patients (52.8% males, median age 47 years, range 14–85) were enrolled. Twenty-seven (21.6%) patients were diagnosed with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections by the “gold standard”. Specificity values of all three methods were around 90%. An increasing trend of sensitivity, positive predictive value and PLR was found, with the lowest in IgM testing (7.4%, 28.6% and 1.45), intermediate in FQ-PCR (40.7%, 50% and 3.63), and highest in culture (55.6%, 75% and 10.9).

Conclusions

In the defined group of patients, there was a good agreement between positive rate of MP cultivation of throat swabs and acute M. pneumoniae infection (PLR of 10.9). Since the sensitivity is low in all of the evaluated methods, the logical approach would be to incorporate PCR, culture and serological tests for optimum diagnosis of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in adults and adolescents.
Acute respiratory failure due to hemothorax after posterior correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case report
Authors: Ogura Yoji , Watanabe Kota , Hosogane Naobumi , Toyama Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Morio
Published: April 2013

Background

Although posterior correction and fusion surgery using pedicle screws carries the risk of vascular injury, a massive postoperative hemothorax in a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is quite rare. We here report a case of a 12-year-old girl with AIS who developed a massive postoperative hemothorax.

Case presentation

The patient had a double thoracic curve with Cobb angles of 63° at T2-7 and 54° at T7-12. Posterior correction and fusion surgery was performed using a segmental pedicle screw construct placed between T2 and T12. Although the patient's respiration was stable during the surgery, 20 minutes after removing the trachea tube, the patient’s pulse oximetry oxygen saturation suddenly decreased to 80%. A contrast CT scan showed a massive left hemothorax, and a drainage tube was quickly inserted into the chest. The patient was re-intubated and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O applied, which successfully stopped the bleeding. The patient was extubated 4 days after surgery without incident. Based on contrast CT scans, it was suspected that the hemothorax was caused by damage to the intercostal arteries or branches during pedicle probing on the concave side of the upper thoracic curve. Extensive post-surgical blood tests, echograms, and CT and MRI radiographs did not detect coagulopathy, pulmonary or vascular malformation, or any other possible causative factors.

Conclusion

This case underscores the potential risk of massive hemothorax related to thoracic pedicle screw placement, and illustrates that for this serious complication, respiratory management with positive airway pressure, along with a chest drainage tube, can be an effective treatment option.
Sequential compression devices in postoperative urologic patients: an observational trial and survey study on the influence of patient and hospital factors on compliance
Authors: Ritsema David F , Watson Jennifer M , Stiteler Amanda P , Nguyen Mike M
Published: April 2013

Background

Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are commonly used for thromboprophylaxis in postoperative patients but compliance is often poor. We investigated causes for noncompliance, examining both hospital and patient related factors.

Methods

100 patients undergoing inpatient urologic surgery were enrolled. All patient had SCD sleeves placed preoperatively. Postoperative observations determined SCD compliance and reasons for non-compliance. Patient demographics, length of stay, inpatient unit type, and surgery type were recorded. At discharge, a patient survey gauged knowledge and attitudes regarding SCDs and bother with SCDs. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate SCD compliance with patient demographics; patient knowledge and attitudes regarding SCDs; and patient self-reported bother with SCDs.

Results

Observed overall compliance was 78.6%. The most commonly observed reasons for non-compliance were SCD machines not being initially available on the ward (71% of non-compliant observations on post-operative day 1) and SCD use not being restarted promptly after return to bed (50% of non-compliant observations for entire hospital stay). Mean self-reported bother scores related to SCDs were low, ranging from 1–3 out of 10 for all 12 categories of bother assessed. Patient demographics, knowledge, attitudes and bother with SCD devices were not significantly associated with non-compliance.

Conclusions

Patient self-reported bother with SCD devices was low. Hospital factors, including SCD machine availability and timely restarting of devices by nursing staff when a patient returns to bed, played a greater role in SCD non-compliance than patient factors. Identifying and addressing hospital related causes for poor SCD compliance may improve postoperative urologic patient safety.
A response to Gadarowski’s letter to the editor
Authors: Piva Isabella , Graziano Angela , Lo Monte Giuseppe , Caracciolo Stefano , Marci Roberto
Published: April 2013

This discussion is meant to examine the issues raised by Gadarowski in a recent Letter to the Editor.

This is a reply to http://www.hqlo.com/content/pdf/1477-7525-11-52.pdf.
Atypical IκB proteins – nuclear modulators of NF-κB signaling
Authors: Schuster Marc , Annemann Michaela , Plaza-Sirvent Carlos , Schmitz Ingo
Published: April 2013

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) controls a multitude of physiological processes such as cell differentiation, cytokine expression, survival and proliferation. Since NF-κB governs embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis and the functions of innate and adaptive immune cells it represents one of the most important and versatile signaling networks known. Its activity is regulated via the inhibitors of NF-κB signaling, the IκB proteins. Classical IκBs, like the prototypical protein IκBα, sequester NF-κB transcription factors in the cytoplasm by masking of their nuclear localization signals (NLS). Thus, binding of NF-κB to the DNA is inhibited. The accessibility of the NLS is controlled via the degradation of IκBα. Phosphorylation of the conserved serine residues 32 and 36 leads to polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. This process marks the central event of canonical NF-κB activation. Once their NLS is accessible, NF-κB transcription factors translocate into the nucleus, bind to the DNA and regulate the transcription of their respective target genes. Several studies described a distinct group of atypical IκB proteins, referred to as the BCL-3 subfamily. Those atypical IκBs show entirely different sub-cellular localizations, activation kinetics and an unexpected functional diversity. First of all, their interaction with NF-κB transcription factors takes place in the nucleus in contrast to classical IκBs, whose binding to NF-κB predominantly occurs in the cytoplasm. Secondly, atypical IκBs are strongly induced after NF-κB activation, for example by LPS and IL-1β stimulation or triggering of B cell and T cell antigen receptors, but are not degraded in the first place like their conventional relatives. Finally, the interaction of atypical IκBs with DNA-associated NF-κB transcription factors can further enhance or diminish their transcriptional activity. Thus, they do not exclusively act as inhibitors of NF-κB activity. The capacity to modulate NF-κB transcription either positively or negatively, represents their most important and unique mechanistic difference to classical IκBs. Several reports revealed the importance of atypical IκB proteins for immune homeostasis and the severe consequences following their loss of function. This review summarizes insights into the physiological processes regulated by this protein class and the relevance of atypical IκB functioning.
Intra-osseous injection of donor mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) into the bone marrow in living donor kidney transplantation; a pilot study
Authors: Lee Hyunah , Park Jae Berm , Lee Sanghoon , Baek Soyoung , Kim HyunSoo , Kim Sung Joo
Published: April 2013

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent non-hematopoietic progenitor cells possessing an immune-regulatory function, with suppression of proliferation of activated lymphocytes. In this study, adult living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) recipients were given MSCs derived from the donor bone marrow to evaluate the safety and the feasibility of immunological changes related to the intra-osseous injection of MSC into the bone marrow.

Methods

MSCs were derived from negative HLA cross-match donors. Donor bone marrow was harvested 5 weeks prior to KT. At the time of transplantation, 1 x 106 cell/kg of donor MSC was directly injected into the bone marrow of the recipient’s right iliac bone. Patients’ clinical outcomes, presence of mixed chimerism by short tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction, analysis of plasma FoxP3 mRNA and cytokine level, and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) were performed.

Results

Seven patients enrolled in this study and received donor MSC injections simultaneously with LDKT. The median age of recipients was 36 years (32 ~ 48). The number of HLA mismatches was 3 or less in 5 and more than 3 in 2. No local complications or adverse events such as hypersensitivity occurred during or after the injection of donor MSC. There was no graft failure, but the biopsy-proven acute rejections were observed in 3 recipients during the follow-up period controlled well with steroid pulse therapy (SPT). The last serum creatinine was a median of 1.23 mg/dL (0.83 ~ 2.07). Mixed chimerism was not detected in the peripheral blood of the recipients at 1 and 8 week of post-transplantation. Donor-specific lymphocyte or T cell proliferation and Treg priming responses were observed in some patients. Plasma level of IL-10, a known mediator of MSC-induced immune suppression, increased in the patients with Treg induction.

Conclusion

Donor MSC injection into the iliac bone at the time of KT was feasible and safe. A possible correlation was observed between the induction of inhibitory immune responses and the clinical outcome in the MSC-kidney transplanted patients. Further research will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of MSC injection for the induction of mixed chimerism and subsequent immune tolerance in KT.
Sulfonamide resistance in a disseminated infection caused by Nocardia wallacei: a case report
Authors: Cassir Nadim , Million Matthieu , Noudel Remy , Drancourt Michel , Brouqui Philippe
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Nocardial infections, although rare, are challenging for clinicians to treat. Recent contradictory reports of sulfonamide resistance have raised concerns about using this drug to treat nocardial infections.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old immunocompetent Caucasian woman showed disseminated pulmonary nodules and a brain abscess by chest computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Multidrug-resistant Nocardia wallacei was cultured from a stereotactic brain biopsy and confirmed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing. After the first-line treatment failed, a long course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was prescribed with no evidence of recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a Nocardia wallacei disseminated infection in an immunocompetent patient, and it is the first detailed description of successful treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole despite the resistance observed in vitro.

Conclusion

Species identification of clinical isolates is critical for diagnosis, a prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility and epidemiological tracking. In the case of Nocardia wallacei, the clinical outcome suggests that sulfonamides can be used for treatment despite ambiguous results from in vitro susceptibility tests.
Impact of high biomass loading on ionic liquid pretreatment
Authors: Cruz Alejandro G , Scullin Chessa , Mu Chen , Cheng Gang , Stavila Vitalie , Varanasi Patanjali , Xu Dongyan , Mentel Jeff , Chuang Yi-De , Simmons Blake A , Singh Seema
Published: April 2013

Background

Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment has shown great potential as a novel pretreatment technology with high sugar yields. To improve process economics of pretreatment, higher biomass loading is desirable. The goal of this work is to establish, the impact of high biomass loading of switchgrass on IL pretreatment in terms of viscosity, cellulose crystallinity, chemical composition, saccharification kinetics, and sugar yield.

Results

The pretreated switchgrass/IL slurries show frequency dependent shear thinning behavior. The switchgrass/IL slurries show a crossover from viscous behavior at 3 wt% to elastic behavior at 10 wt%. The relative glucan content of the recovered solid samples is observed to decrease with increasing levels of lignin and hemicelluloses with increased biomass loading. The IL pretreatment led to a transformation of cellulose crystalline structure from I to II for 3, 10, 20 and 30 wt% samples, while a mostly amorphous structure was found for 40 and 50 wt% samples.

Conclusions

IL pretreatment effectively reduced the biomass recalcitrance at loadings as high as 50 wt%. Increased shear viscosity and a transition from ‘fluid’ like to ‘solid’ like behavior was observed with increased biomass loading. At high biomass loadings shear stress produced shear thinning behavior and a reduction in viscosity by two orders of magnitude, thereby reducing the complex viscosity to values similar to lower loadings. The rheological properties and sugar yields indicate that 10 to 50 wt% may be a reasonable and desirable target for IL pretreatment under certain operating conditions.
Feeding patterns of molestus and pipiens forms of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in a region of high hybridization
Authors: Gomes Bruno , Sousa Carla A , Vicente José L , Pinho Leonor , Calderón Isabel , Arez Eliane , Almeida António PG , Donnelly Martin J , Pinto João
Published: April 2013

Background

Two biological forms of the mosquitoCulex pipiens s.s., denoted pipiens and molestus, display behavioural differences that may affect their role as vectors of arboviruses. In this study, the feeding patterns of molestus and pipiens forms were investigated in Comporta (Portugal), where high levels of inter-form admixture have been recorded.

Methods

Indoor and outdoor mosquito collections were performed in the summer of 2010. CollectedCx. pipiens s.l.females were molecularly identified to species and form by PCR and genotyped for six microsatellites. The source of the blood meal in post-fed females was determined by ELISA and mitochondrial DNA sequencing.

Results

The distribution of the forms differed according to the collection method. The molestus form was present only in indoor collections, whereas pipiens and admixed individuals were sampled both indoors and outdoors. In both forms, over 90% of blood meals were made on avian hosts. These included blood meals taken from Passeriformes (Passer domesticusandTurdus merula) by females caught resting inside domestic shelters.

Conclusion

Genetic structure and blood meal analyses suggest the presence of a bird biting molestus population in the study area. Both forms were found to rest indoors, mainly in avian shelters, but at least a proportion of females of the pipiens form may bite outdoors in sylvan habitats and then search for anthropogenic resting sites to complete their gonotrophic cycle. This behaviour may potentiate the accidental transmission of arboviruses to humans in the region.
A new scoring system derived from base excess and platelet count at presentation predicts mortality in paediatric meningococcal sepsis
Authors: Couto-Alves Alexessander , Wright Victoria J , Perumal Karnan , Binder Alexander , Carrol Enitan D , Emonts Marieke , de Groot Ronald , Hazelzet Jan , Kuijpers Taco , Nadel Simon , Zenz Werner , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Levin Michael , Coin Lachlan , Inwald David P
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to derive a novel prognostic score for mortality in paediatric meningococcal sepsis (MS) based on readily available laboratory markers.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective cohort study for the consortium set and a single centre retrospective study for replication set. The consortium set were 1,073 children (age 1 week to 17.9 years) referred over a 15-year period (1996 to 2011), who had an admission diagnosis of MS, referred to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in six different European centres. The consortium set was split into a development set and validation set to derive the score. The replication set were 134 children with MS (age 2 weeks to 16 years) referred over a 4-year period (2007 to 2011) to PICUs via the Children's Acute Transport Service (CATS), London.

Results

A total of 85/1,073 (7.9%) children in the consortium set died. A total of 16/134 (11.9%) children in the replication set died. Children dying in the consortium set had significantly lower base excess, C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet and white cell count, more deranged coagulation and higher lactate than survivors. Paediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score, Glasgow meningococcal septicaemia prognosis score (GMSPS) and Rotterdam score were also higher. Using the consortium set, a new scoring system using base excess and platelet count at presentation, termed the BEP score, was mathematically developed and validated. BEP predicted mortality with high sensitivity and specificity scores (area under the curve (AUC) in the validation set = 0.86 and in the replication set = 0.96). In the validation set, BEP score performance (AUC = 0.86, confidence interval (CI): 0.80 to 0.91) was better than GMSPS (AUC = 0.77, CI: 0.68, 0.85), similar to Rotterdam (AUC = 0.87, CI: 0.81 to 0.93) and not as good as PRISM (AUC = 0.93, CI: 0.85 to 0.97).

Conclusions

The BEP score, relying on only two variables that are quickly and objectively measurable and readily available at presentation, is highly sensitive and specific in predicting death from MS in childhood.
Mitigating remanent magnetization effects in magnetic data using the normalized source strength
Authors: Pilkington Mark , Beiki Majid
Published: April 2013

We have developed an approach for the interpretation of magnetic field data that can be used when measured anomalies are affected by significant remanent magnetization components. The method deals with remanent effects by using the normalized source strength (NSS), a quantity calculated from the eigenvectors of the magnetic gradient tensor. The NSS is minimally affected by the direction of remanent magnetization present and compares well with other transformations of the magnetic field that are used for the same purpose. It therefore offers a way of inverting magnetic data containing the effects of remanent magnetizations, particularly when these are unknown and are possibly varying within a given data set. We use a standard 3D inversion algorithm to invert NSS data from an area where varying remanence directions are apparent, resulting in a more reliable image of the subsurface magnetization distribution than possible using the observed magnetic field data directly.
Migration velocity analysis using residual diffraction moveout in the poststack depth domain
Authors: Coimbra Tiago A. , de Figueiredo J. Jadsom S. , Schleicher Jörg , Novais Amélia , Costa Jessé C.
Published: April 2013

Diffraction events contain more direct information on the medium velocity than reflection events. We have developed a method for migration velocity improvement and diffraction localization based on a moveout analysis of over- or undermigrated diffraction events in the depth domain. The method uses an initial velocity model as input. It provides an update to the velocity model and diffraction locations in the depth domain as a result. The algorithm is based on the focusing of remigration trajectories from incorrectly migrated diffraction curves. These trajectories are constructed by applying a ray-tracing-like approach to the image-wave equation for velocity continuation. The starting points of the trajectories are obtained from fitting an ellipse or hyperbola to the picked uncollapsed diffraction events in the depth-migrated domain. Focusing of the remigration trajectories points out the approximate location of the associated diffractor, as well as local velocity attributes. Apart from the migration needed at each iteration, the method has a very low computational cost, but relies on the identification and picking of uncollapsed diffractions. We tested the feasibility of the method using synthetic data examples from three simple constant-gradient models and the Sigsbee2B data. Although we were able to build a complete velocity model in this example, we think of our technique as one for local velocity updating of a slightly incorrect model. Our tests showed that, within regions where the assumptions are satisfied, the method can be a powerful tool.
James Baldwin and theUnhistoric Life of Race
Authors: Freeburg Christopher
Published: April 2013

In his essays, James Baldwin emphasizes that white supremacy is a historical trap, which legally and socially debases both whites and blacks. Baldwin claims, however, that if whites recognize it, they can release themselves. In reconsidering Baldwin as a spokesperson of the 1960s civil rights era, it is important to focus on the concept of being trapped in history, which for Baldwin is not just about transforming laws but making manifest a “change of heart” for whites. Being historically “trapped” is the locus for what prevents the social transformation necessary to create just and equal social relations and citizenship in the United States. This essay evaluates Baldwin as a civil rights actor by examining his prescriptions of social change that involve civil rights law and necessary changes in whites’ moral consciousness, as well as the postsegregation vision that Baldwin suggests can occur once whites move beyond being “trapped in history.” To this point, whites escaping from the trap of history, in the legal and moral sense, is the end of whiteness. The final question this essay considers is, what does escaping the trap of history for whites do to black collective racial politics created to combat white abuses?
“Welcome Back to the Living”: Twilight Memories of Martin Luther King Jr. in Contemporary American Television
Authors: Edwards Erica R.
Published: April 2013

In this essay, I read the image of Martin Luther King Jr. in contemporary television as a site of anxieties about temporality, contemporary black politics, and charismatic black leadership. Reading a 2003 episode of The Twilight Zone through a black feminist analytic and in the context of a post-2000 public culture of mourning for slain black leaders, I argue that the resurrections of King in contemporary American television series reinforce normative notions of black nationhood based in inheritance and masculine authority. Extending Andreas Huyssen’s notion of “twilight memories”—generational memories that fade into the horizon as the lights of a modernizing urban landscape push them out of view—I argue that postmodern, or postsoul, African American culture is driven to a large extent by the twilight memories of civil rights-era charismatic leadership.
Black Leadership at the Crossroads: Unfixing Martin Luther King Jr. in Katori Hall’sThe Mountaintop
Authors: Colbert Soyica Diggs
Published: April 2013

Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop (2011) depicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night alive. The play, conjecturing what may have been King’s final thoughts, reservations, desires, and fears, consists of a conversation between King and an enigmatic maid named Camae who we learn, midway through the play, is actually an angel of death. Part Wilsonian mystical realism and part Suzan-Lori Parks history play, Hall domesticates a larger-than-life figure to recalibrate the movement he personifies. I argue here that the play calls forth the conventions of a history play in order to intervene in the civil rights historiography that foregrounds King as an exemplary civil rights activist instead of a figure like Camae, a cursing, drinking former prostitute. In doing so, the play participates in a refashioning of the history play that Parks exemplifies, in which she deforms historical figures in order to reform her audience’s relationship to the past. Hall’s play contemplates the ways we know King in order to call our attention to the civil rights movement as an ongoing endeavor whose past, present, and future continues to be under necessary revision, reexamination, and production. Moreover, the play’s depiction of King in relation to Camae foregrounds the women who helped to produce the movement and the ways we, as audience members, perpetuate and contribute to civil rights history.
Protecting the Commons: Water, Culture, and Nature: The Commons Movement in the Italian Struggle against Neoliberal Governance
Authors: Mattei Ugo
Published: April 2013

This essay introduces the Italian commons social movement—a diverse coalition of scholars, jurists, politicians, and activists—central to the success of the 2011 water referendum. This essay attempts to provide the context for the struggles to protect commons goods in Italy, as well as the three-part strategy of social movements in deploying traditional political forums and mechanisms, illegal occupation, and contestation in courts of law. Access to common goods such as water, culture, and nature is fundamental to human life, and yet such access continues to be threatened by privatization policies. This essay provides a first-hand account from a scholar, lawyer, and activist central to the recent struggles for the common good and against such neoliberal policies taking place in Italy.
From the Water Commons Movement to the Commonification of the Public Realm
Authors: Fattori Tommaso
Published: April 2013

When the economic and financial storm broke, the Italian government asked the collectivity to come together to defend capital and the international financial powers by satisfying their thirst for privatization. The government plan was to sell off the country’s common patrimony, starting with water services and other local utilities, which would have been obliged to open to private shareholders. The Italian people, on the contrary, answered by coming together to defend the commons, voting en masse in June 2011 at the referendum called by the social movements against the privatization of the management of water and other local services of general interest. Ninety-five percent of those voting voted against allowing a profit to be made from managing a commons. This vote was against privatization but also against the old public model, which has at this time been completely subjected to and aligned with private and market reasoning. The exploitation of the common realm as a whole (both material and nonmaterial) thus constitutes the heart of capitalist accumulation and directs new waves of enclosures.
Legalizing the Occupation: The Teatro Valle as a Cultural Commons
Authors: Bailey Saki , Marcucci Maria Edgarda
Published: April 2013

This essay explores the legal and political dimensions of the occupation of the Teatro Valle in Rome and the transformation of the theater into a common goods foundation. The theater workers, acting together as a social movement for the protection of cultural commons, utilized the legal entity of the foundation to ensure its common as opposed to public or private ownership. The foundation serves not only to protect the theater from privatization but also structures its governance in such a way as to encourage and stimulate the collective process of cultural production.
An entirely automated method to score DSS-induced colitis in mice by digital image analysis of pathology slides
Authors: Kozlowski Cleopatra , Jeet Surinder , Beyer Joseph , Guerrero Steve , Lesch Justin , Wang Xiaoting , DeVoss Jason , Diehl Lauri
Published: April 2013

The DSS (dextran sulfate sodium) model of colitis is a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Microscopic symptoms include loss of crypt cells from the gut lining and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the colon. An experienced pathologist requires several hours per study to score histological changes in selected regions of the mouse gut. In order to increase the efficiency of scoring, Definiens Developer software was used to devise an entirely automated method to quantify histological changes in the whole H&E slide. When the algorithm was applied to slides from historical drug-discovery studies, automated scores classified 88% of drug candidates in the same way as pathologists' scores. In addition, another automated image analysis method was developed to quantify colon-infiltrating macrophages, neutrophils, B cells and T cells in immunohistochemical stains of serial sections of the H&E slides. The timing of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration had the highest correlation to pathological changes, whereas T and B cell infiltration occurred later. Thus, automated image analysis enables quantitative comparisons between tissue morphology changes and cell-infiltration dynamics.
Mdct Coronary Angiography - Postprocessing, Reading, and Reporting: Last but Not Least
Authors: Marano Riccardo , Savino Giancarlo , Merlino Biagio , Verrillo Gemma , Silvestri Valentina , Tricarico Francesco , Meduri Agostino , Natale Luigi , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: April 2013

Significant literature on MDCT coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) has emerged in the last decade concerning patient's selection, technical aspects of different generations of CT equipment, ECG gating, contrast material and beta-blockade administration, acquisition parameters, and radiation dose. However, the literature regarding postprocessing, reading, and reporting is not so extensive. This review highlights the main elements of MDCT-CA data analysis, thereby allowing the radiologist to take full advantage of this technology and enable a structured report to be generated, promoting best practice with high-quality results.
The Multislice Ct Findings of Renal Carcinoma Associated with XP11.2 Translocation/TFE Gene Fusion and Collecting Duct Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Qing-Qiang , Wang Zhong-Qiu , Zhu Wen-Rong , Chen Wen-Xin , Wu Jing-Tao
Published: April 2013

Background

Renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation and TFE gene fusion (Xp11.2/TFE RCC), and collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) are uncommon subtypes of renal cell carcinomas.

Purpose

To investigate the multislice CT (MSCT) characteristics of these two tumor types. Material and Methods: Nine patients with Xp11.2/TFE RCC and 10 patients with CDC were studied retrospectively. MSCT was undertaken to investigate differences in tumor characteristics and enhancement patterns.

Results

All patients had single tumors centered in the renal medulla. Two patients with each tumor type had lymph node involvement and there was a single case of hepatic metastasis (Xp11.2/TFE RCC). The mean tumor diameter of Xp11.2/TFE RCC tumors was significantly larger than for CDC tumors. Two patients with Xp11.2/TFE RCC had cystic components as did eight patients with CDC (P < 0.05). Calcifications were present in six patients, each with CDC. Clear tumor boundaries were visible in two patients with CDC and in nine with Xp11.2/TFE RCC (P< 0.05). The density of Xp11.2/TFE RCC tumors was greater than that of CDC tumors, normal renal cortex, or medulla on unenhanced CT. Enhancement was higher with Xp11.2/TFE RCC than with CDC tumors during all phases. Xp11.2/TFE RCC enhancement was higher than in the renal medulla during cortical and medullary phase but lower than in normal renal medulla during the delayed phase. CDC tumor enhancement was lower than that for normal renal medulla during all enhanced phases.

Conclusion

Both tumor types originated from the renal medulla. Distinguishing features included density on unenhanced CT, enhancement patterns, and capsule signs. Identifying these differences may aid diagnosis.
Hypertrophic olivary degeneration after surgical resection of brain tumors
Authors: Shinohara Yuki , Kinoshita Toshibumi , Kinoshita Fumiko , Kaminou Toshio , Watanabe Takashi , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: April 2013

Background

Hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) can be seen as high signal intensity with enlargement of the inferior olivary nucleus (ION) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images 4–6 months after injury of the Guillain-Mollaret triangle. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no systematic evaluation with regard to the relationship between neurosurgical intervention affecting this pathway and the appearance of HOD.

Purpose

To evaluate MR findings of HOD after surgical resection of brain tumors with the temporal evolution in focus.

Material and Methods

MR images of seven patients that showed signal changes in the ION after surgical resection of brain tumors in the posterior fossa were retrospectively reviewed. T1-weighted imaging with and without gadolinium (Gd) contrast enhancement and T2-weighted imaging were performed in all patients before and after surgery.

Results

Before surgery, no patient had a signal change in the ION. T2-high signal intensity of the ION initially appeared 5 days to 2.5 months after surgery. Five patients showed enlargement of the ION with T2-high signal intensity 11 days to 3.5 months after surgery: three patients showed the enlargement of the ION subsequent to the T2-signal change on serial follow-up MR images. On Gd-enhanced T1-weighted images, there was no enhancement at the ION in any patient. Each signal change of the ION was consistent with HOD, according to the relationship between the resection site of the tumor and the Guillain-Mollaret triangle on follow-up MRI.

Conclusion

HOD can be caused after neurosurgical intervention of brain tumors involving the Guillain-Mollaret triangle. It is important for radiologists to distinguish HOD from tumor recurrence.
Intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation: are we optimizing the management of cardiogenic shock?
Authors: Shahid F , Akhtar M , Khan F , Chahal Caa
Published: April 2013

Summary

Intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABPC) has been used in various forms for decades. The change in physiology brought about by their use is conceptually appealing in managing cardiogenic shock and mechanical complications of myocardial infarction. A common myth is that this method of managing acute cardiological emergencies is to be limited to the realms of this specialist field. However, as medical physicians an appreciation and understanding of this novel therapy is essential not only as a lifesaving measure but also as a bridging therapy to more definitive management in the acute medical setting. IABPC is a safe and under-utilized technique despite featuring in all major international guidelines (ESC and ACC) for the management of cardiogenic shock secondary to acute coronary syndromes. Without awareness of this intervention we may be suboptimally managing patients in the first instance. To improve awareness we examine the evidence supporting the use of the IABPC therapy and the contraindications to their use. Complications and advances in technology are also addressed.
Patients’ experiences of their healthcare in relation to their expectations and satisfaction: a population survey
Authors: Bowling Ann , Rowe Gene , Mckee Martin
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate patients’ experiences of health services, and how these related to what they had expected to receive, and satisfaction with their care.

Design

Surveys of patients before and after their consultations in general practice and hospital outpatients departments.

Setting

Greater London and Essex

Participants

In total, 833 patients attending 21 hospitals (434 patients; 52%) and 22 general practices (399 patients; 49%) across Greater London and Essex sampled in clinics and a population survey.

Main outcome measures

Patient expectations of care, patient satisfaction.

Results

Compared with younger people, and those in black and ethnic minority groups, older people (aged 65+) and White British people had significantly higher overall realistic expectations of their care (pre-visit realistic expectations score: age 60+: mean 53.26 [standard deviation 13.73]; age <60: 56.20 [15.17]; White British: 54.41 [13.50]; Black and other ethnic groups: 56.90 [16.15]) and greater satisfaction post-consultation (satisfaction score age 60+: 1.71 [0.80]; age <60: 1.97 [0.97]; White British: 1.79 [0.89]; Black and other ethnic groups: 2.01 [0.95]). Pre-visit ideal and realistic expectations of care was not significantly associated with patient satisfaction, although met expectations (post-visit experiences) were. Elements of these which was predictive of satisfaction were communication with the doctor, information conveyed and clinical outcomes. Factors associated with satisfaction included having a sense of control over one's life, being older, female, White British and attending general practice, compared with hospital outpatient clinics.

Conclusions

It is the ability of the system to meet patients’ expectations in respect of the emotional and human features of the consultation, and the clinical outcomes, that matter most to people. This research also questions prevailing stereotypes of older age: it is not the case that older patients are more satisfied with their care because their expectations are lower. In fact, they are higher, but they believe that they are being met.
Management of operable breast cancer in older women
Authors: Fentiman Ian S
Published: April 2013

Older women are not being given the opportunity to benefit from the improvements in both local and systemic treatment for breast cancer. Mammographic screening call/recall system ceases at age 72, making access more difficult. Knowledge about breast cancer in those aged >75 is significantly reduced in terms of understanding symptoms and personal risk but studies have shown that intervention can improve this, at least in the short term. Although older women are more likely to have estrogen receptor positive tumours, nevertheless, more than one-third of women aged over 70 have grade III, aggressive breast cancers. Whenever possible, older women should be offered breast conserving therapy rather than mastectomy since this not only improves their quality of life but also reduces risk of subsequent mental health problems. Endocrine treatment alone should not be used other than in patients with severe co-morbidity and a life-expectancy of less than a year. As adjuvant treatment in those with estrogen receptor positive cancers, the choice between tamoxifen and an aromatase inhibitor will depend upon co-morbidity, side-effects and patient choice.
Options for Assessment and Regulation of Low Frequency Noise
Authors: Jabben Jan , Verheijen Edwin
Published: April 2013

Dutch legal limits for Lden noise levels are different for road traffic, railways, industry and airports. A justification for these differences might be found in the difference between dose-response relationships for noise annoyance. Nevertheless, frequently situations occur where people severely complain of low frequency noise, even when Lden levels amply comply with limits. So far, an effective regulation specifically for low frequency noise is not available. This paper discusses some options for improving the protection for LFN annoyance from Lden legislation. A potential solution might be to penalize Lden levels based on low versus high frequency ratio and tonality. This paper describes how such an approach is applied for a number of LFN cases in the Netherlands and discusses the results.