bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replicating Life Cycle of Early‐Maturing Species in the Timing of Restoration Seeding Improves Establishment and Community Diversity
Authors: Frischie Stephanie L. , Rowe Helen I.
Published: February 2011

Tallgrass prairie is among the most endangered ecosystems in North America. High‐diversity restorations protect remnant habitat and expand native communities. Excluding land acquisition, the most expensive step in restoration is procuring seed. Given this cost, managers want to maximize seedling establishment. Native species that flower and ripen early in the growing season are included in a diverse seeding mix but as a group they have not successfully established. For early‐maturing species, the practice of storing seeds in a cold room from harvest until sowing in the dormant season effectively eliminates exposure to the summer conditions seeds would naturally have in the wild. In this study, we compared the effect of summer sowing timing and winter sowing timing on establishment in field conditions. In August 2004 and December 2004, we broadcast a seed mix of seven early‐maturing species: Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson. (Pussy toes), Arabis lyrata L. (Sand cress), Carex swanii (Fernald) Mack. (Downy green sedge), Hymenopappus scabiosaeus L'Hér. (Old plainsman), Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Watson. (Wild lupine), Phlox bifida Beck. (Sand phlox) and Hesperostipa spartea (Trin.) Barkworth. (Porcupine grass). We collected data on establishment and reproductive success at 12 time points from June 2005 until October 2008. Species established one growing season sooner when planted at the summer sowing time, and diversity in the summer sowing plots was higher after 4 years. Quicker establishment may have benefits such as providing early competition from weeds that may outweigh additional effort required to ensure timely planting.
Healthy donor effect: its magnitude in health research among blood donors
Authors: Atsma Femke , Veldhuizen Ingrid , Verbeek André , de Kort Wim , de Vegt Femmie
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: The healthy donor effect has been mentioned as a methodologic problem in blood donor health research. The aim of this study was to investigate different elements of the healthy donor effect.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: First, recent donors (<4 years registered as a donor) were compared with the general population. Second, active and lapsed donors were compared. Third, short‐career donors (<14 donations) were compared with long‐career donors (>37 donations). Various health and lifestyle indicators were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS: Compared to the general population, recent donors had a better self‐rated health (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27‐1.61), visited the general practitioner (GP) less often (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60‐0.72), and were less often treated by a specialist (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.93). Recent donors also exhibited a healthier lifestyle compared to the general population. When examining active versus lapsed donors, similar results were found in favor of active donors. With respect to donation career, long‐career donors were healthier than short‐career donors, but effects were less strong; the ORs were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.15‐1.54) for self‐rated health, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76‐0.94) for GP visit, and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68‐1.00) for specialist treatment. When comparing long‐ and short‐career donors on lifestyle indicators, there were barely any significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings strongly point to the presence of a healthy donor effect when comparing donors with the general population and active versus lapsed donors. The healthy donor effect was less pronounced within active donors, when comparing long‐ and short‐career donors. Therefore, health research should primarily be carried out within active donors.
Perceptions of School and Aspirations of Rural Students with Learning Disabilities and Their Nondisabled Peers
Authors: Irvin Matthew J. , Farmer Thomas W. , Weiss Margaret P. , Meece Judith L. , Byun Soo–yong , McConnell Bethany M. , Petrin Robert A.
Published: February 2011

This study examined the school perceptions and educational aspirations of 6,599 rural high school students, a sample that included 428 students with learning disabilities (LD). Regardless of disability status, rural high school students who had negative perceptions of school had less well–defined postsecondary educational plans and less often aspired to complete college or pursue an advanced degree. Compared to nondisabled youth, rural students with LD were more likely to have negative perceptions of school and lower postsecondary aspirations. However, students with LD who had positive perceptions of school more often planned to pursue postsecondary education and aspired to complete college or an advanced degree. Implications for research and interventions pertaining to the educational attainment of students with LD are discussed.
Meta–Analysis of Mathematic Basic–Fact Fluency Interventions: A Component Analysis
Authors: Codding Robin S. , Burns Matthew K. , Lukito Gracia
Published: February 2011

Mathematics fluency is a critical component of mathematics learning yet few attempts have been made to synthesize this research base. Seventeen single–case design studies with 55 participants were reviewed using meta–analytic procedures. A component analysis of practice elements was conducted and treatment intensity and feasibility were examined. Findings suggest that drill and practice with modeling produced the largest effect sizes. Treatments with more than 3 components yielded higher effect sizes than those with fewer than 3, and a combination of treatment agents lead to better outcomes than a single agent. Other findings pertaining to prebaseline assessment, treatment time, experimental design employed, and treatment setting are also discussed.
Educational Programs for Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities: Can They be Both Effective and Inclusive?
Authors: McLeskey James , Waldron Nancy L.
Published: February 2011

One of the most controversial issues in special education over the last 40 years has been the extent to which students with learning disabilities (LD) should be educated in general education classrooms. Recent mandates in federal law requiring that all students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum and make adequate yearly progress relative to this content have intensified this debate. In this article, a brief summary of research regarding the nature of instruction that produces significantly improved educational outcomes for students with LD is provided. This is followed by a review of research related to the delivery of this high–quality instruction in inclusive, general education classrooms and in resource settings. We conclude that this research provides the foundation for reconsidering full inclusion and how services are delivered for elementary students with LD.
Is red wine a SAFE sip away from cardioprotection? Mechanisms involved in resveratrol‐ and melatonin‐induced cardioprotection
Authors: Lamont Kim T. , Somers Sarin , Lacerda Lydia , Opie Lionel H. , Lecour Sandrine
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Epidemiological studies suggest that regular moderate consumption of red wine confers cardioprotection but the mechanisms involved in this effect remain unclear. Recent studies demonstrate the presence of melatonin in wine. We propose that melatonin, at a concentration found in red wine, confers cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion injury. Furthermore, we investigated whether both melatonin and resveratrol protect via the activation of the newly discovered survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) prosurvival signaling pathway that involves the activation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Isolated perfused male mouse (wild type, TNFα receptor 2 knockout mice, and cardiomyocyte‐specific STAT3‐deficient mice) or rat hearts (Wistars) were subjected to ischemia–reperfusion. Resveratrol (2.3 mg/L) or melatonin (75 ng/L) was perfused for 15 min with a 10‐min washout period prior to an ischemia–reperfusion insult. Infarct size was measured at the end of the protocol, and Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate STAT3 activation prior to the ischemic insult. Both resveratrol and melatonin, at concentrations found in red wine, significantly reduced infarct size compared with control hearts in wild‐type mouse hearts (25 ± 3% and 25 ± 3% respectively versus control 69 ± 3%, P < 0.001) but failed to protect in TNF receptor 2 knockout or STAT3‐deficient mice. Furthermore, perfusion with either melatonin or resveratrol increased STAT3 phosphorylation prior to ischemia by 79% and 50%, respectively (P < 0.001 versus control). Our data demonstrate that both melatonin and resveratrol, as found in red wine, protect the heart in an experimental model of myocardial infarction via the SAFE pathway.
Segmentation of dermatoscopic images by frequency domain filtering and k‐means clustering algorithms
Authors: Rajab Maher I.
Published: February 2011

Background/Purpose: Since the introduction of epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), image analysis tools have been extended to the field of dermatology, in an attempt to algorithmically reproduce clinical evaluation. Accurate image segmentation of skin lesions is one of the key steps for useful, early and non‐invasive diagnosis of coetaneous melanomas.

Methods: This paper proposes two image segmentation algorithms based on frequency domain processing and k‐means clustering/fuzzy k‐means clustering. The two methods are capable of segmenting and extracting the true border that reveals the global structure irregularity (indentations and protrusions), which may suggest excessive cell growth or regression of a melanoma. As a pre‐processing step, Fourier low‐pass filtering is applied to reduce the surrounding noise in a skin lesion image.

Results: A quantitative comparison of the techniques is enabled by the use of synthetic skin lesion images that model lesions covered with hair to which Gaussian noise is added. The proposed techniques are also compared with an established optimal‐based thresholding skin‐segmentation method. It is demonstrated that for lesions with a range of different border irregularity properties, the k‐means clustering and fuzzy k‐means clustering segmentation methods provide the best performance over a range of signal to noise ratios. The proposed segmentation techniques are also demonstrated to have similar performance when tested on real skin lesions representing high‐resolution ELM images.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the segmentation results obtained using a combination of low‐pass frequency filtering and k‐means or fuzzy k‐means clustering are superior to the result that would be obtained by using k‐means or fuzzy k‐means clustering segmentation methods alone.
Epidemiology of recent outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis in poultry in Australia
Authors: Blacker HP , Kirkpatrick NC , Rubite A , O'Rourke D , Noormohammadi AH
Published: February 2011

Objective  Over the past 3 years, numerous outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) have occurred in poultry in Australia. The objectives of this study were to identify the viral strains involved in the recent outbreaks and to determine possible epidemiological links between these outbreaks.

Procedure  A combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses of several genes of the ILT virus was used to identify genetic differences in field/vaccine ILT virus isolates. In a previous study, these procedures had demonstrated five classes (1–5) in Australia.

Results  Analysis of 92 field ILT viruses demonstrated four new classes: 6, 7, 8 and 9. Class 6 was responsible for four outbreaks in one Victorian broiler company and demonstrated to be distinct from other Australian strains of ILT. Class 7 was the Nobilis ILT vaccine (Intervet Pty Ltd). Class 8 was responsible for the majority of the outbreaks in New South Wales and was phylogenetically close to class 7. On one occasion, classes 7 and 8 were identified in an outbreak on a Victorian farm that had used the Nobilis ILT vaccine. Class 9, also phylogenetically close to classes 7 and 8, was found only in New South Wales. The previously identified class 2 was also found to be responsible for a large number of outbreaks, mainly in Victoria.

Conclusion  The results demonstrate that, epidemiologically, most outbreaks of ILT in New South Wales are unrelated to those in Victoria and suggest a link between classes 8 and 9 and the Nobilis ILT vaccine (class 7).
Cutaneous asthenia in a Warmblood foal
Authors: Marshall VL , Secombe C , Nicholls PK
Published: February 2011

A 6‐week‐old Warmblood colt foal was presented for investigation of multiple haematoma formation in various locations, poor wound healing and abnormal scar formation. Based on the history and clinical presentation of hyperextensible skin with prolonged skin tenting, the foal was diagnosed with cutaneous asthenia and euthanased because of the poor prognosis. Histopathological and electron microscopic findings were inconclusive. This is the first case report of cutaneous asthenia in a Warmblood horse in Australia. Cutaneous asthenia is reviewed with particular reference to hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia and its similarities and differences to the case presented.
Mechanism of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in buffalo flies in south‐east Queensland
Authors: Rothwell JT , Morgan JAT , James PJ , Brown GW , Guerrero FD , Jorgensen WK
Published: February 2011

Resistance to synthetic pyrethroids (SP) was first recorded in buffalo flies in Australia in 1980, associated with previous use of DDT and fenvalerate. By the 1990s, resistance was widespread. Resistance to SP in the related horn fly of the Americas is associated with kdr and super‐kdr mutations in a gene encoding for a voltage‐gated sodium channel. We describe 7–20‐fold resistance to SP in buffalo flies from south‐east Queensland, present evidence of flies that are heterozygous resistant at the kdr locus and show an increase in the frequency of the resistant allele 1 month after treatment of cattle with SP.
In this issue – March 2011
Authors: Jackson AE
Published: February 2011

Wound healing after breech flystrike control methods in lambs · Resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in buffalo flies · Auditory function in older horses · Cutaneous asthenia in a foal · Avian trichomoniasis in an Australian avian practice · Infectious laryngotracheitis in poultry in Australia · Hepatotoxicosis in dogs eating contaminated camel meat · Pulmonary aspergillosis in a cat
Hypertrophy‐Associated Polymorphisms Ascertained in a Founder Cohort Applied to Heart Failure Risk and Mortality
Authors: Parsa Afshin , Chang Yen‐Pei C. , Kelly Reagan J. , Corretti Mary C. , Ryan Kathleen A. , Robinson Shawn W. , Gottlieb Stephen S. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Liggett Stephen B.
Published: February 2011

A three‐stage approach was undertaken using genome‐wide, case‐control, and case‐only association studies to identify genetic variants associated with heart failure mortality. In an Amish founder population (n = 851), cardiac hypertrophy, a trait integral to the adaptive response to failure, was found to be heritable (h2= 0.28, p = 0.0002) and GWAS revealed 21 candidate hypertrophy SNPs. In a case (n = 1,610)‐control (n = 463) study in unrelated Caucasians, one of the SNPs associated with hypertrophy (rs2207418, p = 8 × 10−6), was associated with heart failure, RR = 1.85(1.25–2.73, p = 0.0019). In heart failure cases rs2207418 was associated with increased mortality, HR = 1.51(1.20–1.97, p = 0.0004). There was consistency between studies, with the GG allele being associated with increased ventricular mass (˜13 g/m2) in the Amish, heart failure risk, and heart failure mortality. This SNP is in a gene desert of chromosome 20p12. Five genes are within 2.0 mbp of rs2207418 but with low LD between their SNPs and rs2207418. A region near this SNP is highly conserved in multiple vertebrates (lod score = 1,208). This conservation and the internal consistency across studies suggests that this region has biologic importance in heart failure, potentially acting as an enhancer or repressor element. rs2207418 may be useful for predicting a more progressive form of heart failure that may require aggressive therapy. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 17–23
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐2 Gene Delivery Ameliorates Postinfarction Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Ramani Ravi , Nilles Kathleen , Gibson Gregory , Burkhead Benjamin , Mathier Michael , McNamara Dennis , McTiernan Charles F.
Published: February 2011

Hypothesis:
Adenoviral‐mediated (AdV‐T2) overexpression of TIMP‐2 would blunt ventricular remodeling and improve survival in a murine model of chronic ischemic injury. Methods: Male mice (n = 124) aged 10–14 weeks underwent either (1) left coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI group, n = 36), (2) myocardial injection of 6 × 1010 viral particles of AdV‐T2 immediately post‐MI (MI + T2 group, n = 30), (3) myocardial injection of 6 × 1010 viral particles of a control adenovirus (MI + Ct, n = 38), or 4) received no intervention (controls, n = 20). On post‐MI day 7, surviving mice (n = 79) underwent echocardiographic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis. Results: In infarcted animals, the MI + T2 group demonstrated improved survival (p < 0.02), better preservation of developed pressure and ventricular diameter (p < 0.04), and the lowest expression and activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 (p < 0.04) compared with MI and MI + Ct groups. All infarcted hearts displayed significantly increased inflammatory cell infiltration (p < 0.04 vs. control, MI, or MI + T2), with infiltration highest in the MI + Ct group and lowest in the MI + T2 group (p < 0.04). Conclusions: Adenoviral mediated myocardial delivery of the TIMP‐2 gene improves post‐MI survival and limits adverse remodeling in a murine model of MI. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 24–31
Random Treatment Assignment Using Mathematical Equipoise for Comparative Effectiveness Trials
Authors: Selker Harry P. , Ruthazer Robin , Terrin Norma , Griffith John L. , Concannon Thomas , Kent David M.
Published: February 2011

In controlled clinical trials, random assignment of treatment is appropriate only when there is equipoise, that is, no clear preference among treatment options. However, even when equipoise appears absent because prior trials show, on average, one treatment yields superior outcomes, random assignment still may be appropriate for some patients and circumstances. In such cases, enrollment into trials may be assisted by real‐time patient‐specific predictions of treatment outcomes, to determine whether there is equipoise to justify randomization. The percutaneous coronary intervention thrombolytic predictive instrument (PCI–TPI) computes probabilities of 30‐day mortality for patients having ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), if treated with thrombolytic therapy (TT), and if treated with PCI. We estimated uncertainty around differences in their respective predicted benefits using the estimated uncertainty of the model coefficients. Using the 2,781‐patient PCI–TPI development dataset, we evaluated the distribution of predicted benefits for each patient. For three typical clinical situations, randomization was potentially warranted for 70%, 93%, and 80% of patients. Predictive models may allow real‐time patient‐specific determination of whether there is equipoise that justifies trial enrollment for a given patient. This approach may have utility for comparative effectiveness trials and for application of trial results to clinical practice. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 10–16
Microfluidics for T‐ Lymphocyte Cell Separation and Inflammation Monitoring in Burn Patients
Authors: Rosenbach Alan E. , Koria Piyush , Goverman Jeremy , Kotz Kenneth T. , Gupta Amit , Yu Ming , Fagan Shawn P. , Irimia Daniel , Tompkins Ronald G.
Published: February 2011

Severe burns result in T lymphocyte specific immunologic changes. In addition to decreased levels of circulating lymphocytes, changes in cytokine secretion and receptor expression also take place. Our finer understanding of the inflammatory response has led to the development of immune‐targeted therapeutics, requiring specialized gene‐expression monitoring. The emerging field of bio‐micro‐electromechanical systems can be used to isolate highly pure T lymphocytes in a clinically relevant and timely manner for downstream genomic analysis. Blood samples from healthy volunteers and burn‐injured patients were introduced into microfluidic devices developed in our laboratory. Utilizing cell‐affinity chromatography for positive selection of T lymphocytes, the devices served as a platform for RNA extraction and downstream cytokine analysis via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From a 0.5‐mL whole blood sample, the microfluidic devices captured highly pure T lymphocytes from healthy volunteers and burn‐injured patients. Cell capture was of sufficient quantity, and extracted RNA was of sufficient quality, for evaluating the gene expression of cytokines: interferon‐gamma, interleukin‐2, interleukin‐4, and interleukin‐10. Microfluidics is a useful tool in processing blood from burn‐injured patients. Though in its very early stages of development, cell‐specific information obtained by this platform/technology will likely be an important component of near‐patient molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 63–68
Building Interdisciplinary Research Models: A Didactic Course to Prepare Interdisciplinary Scholars and Faculty
Authors: Larson Elaine L. , Landers Timothy F. , Begg Melissa D.
Published: February 2011

Many academicians assume that anyone can engage in interdisciplinary research, but it is clear that successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies that can be learned and improved. This paper describes the development and implementation of a course designed for Master’s, pre‐ and postdoctoral students and research faculty on models of interdisciplinary research skills, based on a set of core competencies. Major challenges included working through institutional structures that made it difficult to offer cross‐school courses, and interpersonal challenges among a diverse group of students from a number of disciplines. Although universities may be poised for interdisciplinary research, strategies for faculty preparation and support are lacking. Institutions embracing the concept of team and interdisciplinary science must focus not only on the structural barriers and facilitators, but also on direct support to faculty. The didactic course described in this paper is one approach to enhance interdisciplinary research skills of scholars‐in‐training and faculty, and we recommend that similar efforts be widely implemented. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 38–41
A group, a network and the winning of church union in Canada: a case study in leadership
Authors: CAMPBELI DOUGLAS F.
Published: February 2011

Au cours du premier quart du xxe siècle, un mouvement oecuménique au sein des Eglises protestantes canadiennes a mené à leur fusion, et à la création de ľEglise Unie du Canada. Au moyen de documents ďarchives, j'étudie dans cet article le leadership du mouvement social qui a produit cette fusion. J'analyse ďabord comment la structure du leadership a évolué, du groupe fondateur à un réseau étendu et de faible densité. Les actions du leadership à divers niveaux de ľEglise et de la société sont ensuite examinées, ainsi que les activités dissidentes de plusieurs membres du groupe fondateur.

This paper, based on archival data, is a study of pro‐change leadership in a social movement: namely, the ecumenical movement within the Canadian Protestant churches during the first quarter of this century which succeeded in merging several denominations into the United Church of Canada. First, the structure of the leadership is traced from a founding group to a dispersed and enlarged network, then the leadership is displayed in action at various levels of the church and society. Finally, the dissident activity of several of the original group members is investigated.
“The Sigh of the East”: A Sense of Empire and Other Lingerings*
Authors: Wong Yoke‐Sum
Published: February 2011

L'étude des récits de voyageurs qui sont allés à Singapour au XIXe siècle révèle de quelle manière l'odorat, le toucher et le goût ont influé sur la subjectivité des voyageurs occidentaux et sur I'idée qu'ils se faisaient de Singapour et de la Malaisie britannique à cette période. Souvent, le même endroit suscitait différents sentiments: soit une admiration pour la nature, soit un dégoût pour l'état de délabrement qui régnait, et parfois même un sentiment ambivalent. En s'appuyant sur des fictions et sur plusieurs récits, cet article démontre que, si l'Orient a été orientalisé par les expériences de ces voyageurs, les identités de ces mêmes voyageurs se sont construites dans la sensualité de leurs relations avec le milieu.

An examination of travellers' accounts of 19th‐century Singapore reveals how smell, feel, touch and taste impacted upon the subjectivities of Western travellers and their conception of 19th‐century Singapore and British Malaya. Often the same location would evoke different conceptions: either a celebration of nature or disgust with the dilapidated conditions, and sometimes even ambivalence. The paper argues, through the use of fiction and several narrative accounts, that as much as the East was orientalized through such travellers' experiences, the travellers' identities were constituted by their sensuous interaction with their environment.
Brucella melitensis Infection Following Military Duty in Iraq
Authors: Bechtol D. , Carpenter L. R. , Mosites E. , Smalley D. , Dunn J. R.
Published: February 2011

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease worldwide; however, few cases are reported in the US. Brucella melitensis infections are primarily acquired via consumption of high‐risk foods or travel to endemic areas. We describe a case of B. melitensis infection in a Tennessee soldier following deployment in Iraq. Initial symptoms included knee and back pain. Culture of an aspirate of the left sacroiliac joint yielded B. melitensis. Genetic analysis indicated that this isolate came from the Middle East. Investigation of laboratory workers identified risky exposures and positive serology prompting post‐exposure prophylaxis. Military personnel and other travellers should be advised to reduce risk regarding food consumption and animal contact in endemic areas. Additionally, medical providers should remain vigilant for non‐endemic zoonoses among recent travellers.
Molded Glass–Ceramics for Infrared Applications
Authors: Rozé Mathieu , Calvez Laurent , Hubert Mathieu , Toupin Perrine , Bureau Bruno , Boussard‐Plédel Catherine , Zhang Xiang‐Hua
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the feasibility to make molded glass–ceramics transparent in the second and third atmospheric window has been investigated. The thermodynamical and viscosity properties of the base glass have been measured confirming the possibility of generating crystals during molding at different temperatures. 71Ga nuclear magnetic resonance confirms that gallium plays the role of nucleating agent of gallium in this glass. Examination of X‐rays diffraction patterns and optical properties indicates that the generation of nanocrystals of GeGa4Se8 allows the glass–ceramics to keep a wide transparency in the infrared range from 2 to 15 μm. The crystallization of large GeSe2 crystals of at higher temperature induces scattering and a reduced transparency window. The mechanical and structural properties of the as‐prepared glass ceramics show an increase of toughness from 0.188 to 0.387 MPa m1/2 and elastic modulus from 22.7 to 26.55 GPa while the number and size of crystals increase. As a result, the preparation of molded IR glass–ceramics with high resistance to thermal and mechanical shocks has been clearly demonstrated.
Preventing Sodium Poisoning of Photocatalytic TiO2 Films on Glass by Metal Doping
Authors: Kurtoglu Murat Erdem , Longenbach Travis , Gogotsi Yury
Published: February 2011

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has received much attention as a photocatalyst, specifically in applications that require a mechanically robust thin film. TiO2 is particularly useful because it does not absorb visible light, making it well suited for coatings on glass. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films is strongly dependent on the substrate and it has been well established that sodium diffusion from glass has a negative effect on this activity. While the prevention of sodium poisoning is possible through the use of a precoating, this requires an additional coating and/or calcination step. Other remedies, such as acid treatment of the glass surface, are also time consuming. Therefore, it is a more attractive option to negate the effects of sodium diffusion without a separate processing step. In this paper, we examined the effects of silver, cobalt, copper, gallium, molybdenum, and tantalum doping on the prevention of sodium poisoning of sol–gel TiO2 films by comparing the photocatalytic activities on glass and SiO2 precoated glass. While sodium poisoning degraded the photocatalytic activity of undoped TiO2 films by 70%, it was only 10% for Mo‐ and Ta‐doped TiO2 films. Molybdenum was superior to other dopants in terms of photocatalytic activity, both in the presence of sodium and in a sodium‐free environment.
Role of Sulfur and Its Diffusion in Silicate Glass Melts
Authors: Frischat Günther H. , Szurman Monika , Pfeiffer Thomas
Published: February 2011

Sulfur diffusion DS is reported on a technical alkali‐poor barium alumoborosilicate glass melt at 900–1400°C and on three further Na2O‐modified glass melts at 900°C, using a radioactive tracer method. Whereas DS for the base glass melt amounts to ≈1 × 10−15m2/s at 900°C, it increases nearly exponentially with increasing Na2O content from 0 to 15 mol% by almost three orders of magnitude. Similar to other glass melts, the sulfur diffusion obtained in these melts is also closely related to the Eyring diffusivity Dn derived from viscosity. The diffusion controlling species in oxidized melts seems to be SO42−, in reduced melts S2−. SO32− does obviously not play any role in this transport process.
High‐Power Solid‐State Lasers: a Laser Glass Perspective
Authors: Campbell John H. , Hayden Joseph S. , Marker Alex
Published: February 2011

Advances in laser glass compositions and manufacturing have enabled a new class of high‐energy/high‐power (HEHP), petawatt (PW), and high average power (HAP) laser systems that are being used for fusion energy ignition demonstration, fundamental physics research, and materials processing, respectively. The requirements for these three laser systems are different, necessitating different glasses or groups of glasses. The manufacturing technology is now mature for melting, annealing, fabricating, and finishing of laser glasses for all three applications. The laser glass properties of major importance for HEHP, PW, and HAP applications are briefly reviewed and the compositions and properties of the most widely used commercial laser glasses are summarized. Proposed advances in these three laser systems will require new glasses and new melting methods, which are briefly discussed. The challenges presented by these laser systems will likely dominate the field of laser glass development over the next several decades.
Coatings on Glass–Ceramic Granules for Dental Restorative Biomaterials
Authors: Michel Kathrin , Pantano Carlo G. , Ritzberger Christian , Rheinberger Volker , Höland Wolfram
Published: February 2011

Two methods for coating glass–ceramic granules have been tested: self‐assembly in aqueous solutions and the fluidized‐bed technique. Both methods have been successfully used to produce nanocoatings on leucite–fluoroapatite glass–ceramic granules. Two chemical substances were developed for the experiments: (a) a combination of inorganic and organic compounds, (b) organic compounds alone, preferably comb polymers. Both groups of materials positively influenced the sintering properties of the glass–ceramics, because they suppressed tearing. The glass–ceramics were used to produce powder compacts for veneering materials, which would be used on metal frameworks (primarily multiunit dental bridges). With regard to the processing of the aqueous slurry, coatings with inorganic and organic substances are preferred.
Cofactor for Amino Acid Stimulation
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2011

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase stabilizes the mTORC1 complex and enhances amino acid–induced signaling.
AKTing as Individuals
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2011

Heterogeneity in AKT activity in cell populations depends on differences in phosphoinositide 3-kinase abundance.
Two Ways to Plant Symbiosis
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: February 2011

Parasponia
uses a mycorrhizal signaling receptor essential for arbuscle formation to control rhizobium nodule symbiosis.
Micro-NMR for Rapid Molecular Analysis of Human Tumor Samples
Authors: Haun Jered B. , Castro Cesar M. , Wang Rui , Peterson Vanessa M. , Marinelli Brett S. , Lee Hakho , Weissleder Ralph
Published: February 2011

A portable micro-NMR device enables rapid molecular diagnosis from scarce cancer cells in fine-needle aspirates from human tumors.
Activities of Triazole-Echinocandin Combinations against Candida Species in Biofilms and as Planktonic Cells
Authors: Chatzimoschou Athanasios , Katragkou Αspasia , Simitsopoulou Maria , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Georgiadou Elpiniki , Walsh Thomas J. , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: February 2011

Biofilm formation complicates the treatment of various infections caused by
Candida
species. We investigated the effects of simultaneous or sequential combinations of two triazoles, voriconazole (VRC) and posaconazole (PSC), with two echinocandins, anidulafungin (AND) and caspofungin (CAS), against
Candida albicans
and
Candida parapsilosis
biofilms in comparison to their planktonic counterparts. Antifungal activity was assessed by the 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) metabolic assay. Antifungal-agent interactions were analyzed by the Bliss independence model in the simultaneous-treatment studies and by analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the sequential-treatment studies. Against
C. albicans
planktonic cells, the simultaneous combination of PSC (32 to 128 mg/liter) and CAS (0.008 to 0.25 mg/liter) was synergistic; the combinations of PSC (128 to 1,024 mg/liter) with AND (0.03 to 0.5 mg/liter) and VRC (32 to 512 mg/liter) with AND (0.008 to 0.03 mg/liter) were antagonistic. Against
C. parapsilosis
planktonic cells, the interaction between VRC (32 to 1,024 mg/liter) and CAS (1 to 16 mg/liter) was antagonistic. All simultaneous antifungal combinations demonstrated indifferent interactions against biofilms of both
Candida
species. Damage to biofilms of both species increased (
P
< 0.01) in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of echinocandins (0.008 to 0.064 mg/liter), followed by the addition of PSC (512 mg/liter for
C. albicans
and 64 to 512 mg/liter for
C. parapsilosis
) or VRC (256 to 512 mg/liter for
C. albicans
and 512 mg/liter for
C. parapsilosis
). Triazole-echinocandin combinations do not appear to produce antagonistic effects against
Candida
sp. biofilms, while various significant interactions occur with their planktonic counterparts.
Differential Requirement of the Transcription Factor Mcm1 for Activation of the Candida albicans Multidrug Efflux Pump
MDR1
by Its Regulators Mrr1 and Cap1
Authors: Mogavero Selene , Tavanti Arianna , Senesi Sonia , Rogers P. David , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: February 2011

Overexpression of the multidrug efflux pump Mdr1 causes increased fluconazole resistance in the pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
. The transcription factors Mrr1 and Cap1 mediate
MDR1
upregulation in response to inducing stimuli, and gain-of-function mutations in Mrr1 or Cap1, which render the transcription factors hyperactive, result in constitutive
MDR1
overexpression. The essential MADS box transcription factor Mcm1 also binds to the
MDR1
promoter, but its role in inducible or constitutive
MDR1
upregulation is unknown. Using a conditional mutant in which Mcm1 can be depleted from the cells, we investigated the importance of Mcm1 for
MDR1
expression. We found that Mcm1 was dispensable for
MDR1
upregulation by H
2
O
2
but was required for full
MDR1
induction by benomyl. A C-terminally truncated, hyperactive Cap1 could upregulate
MDR1
expression both in the presence and in the absence of Mcm1. In contrast, a hyperactive Mrr1 containing a gain-of-function mutation depended on Mcm1 to cause
MDR1
overexpression. These results demonstrate a differential requirement for the coregulator Mcm1 for Cap1- and Mrr1-mediated
MDR1
upregulation. When activated by oxidative stress or a gain-of-function mutation, Cap1 can induce
MDR1
expression independently of Mcm1, whereas Mrr1 requires either Mcm1 or an active Cap1 to cause overexpression of the
MDR1
efflux pump. Our findings provide more detailed insight into the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in this important human fungal pathogen.
Comparative Genome Sequencing of an Isogenic Pair of USA800 Clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Obtained before and after Daptomycin Treatment Failure
Authors: Boyle-Vavra Susan , Jones Marcus , Gourley Brett L. , Holmes Michael , Ruf Rebecca , Balsam Ashley R. , Boulware David R. , Kline Susan , Jawahir Selina , DeVries Aaron , Peterson Scott N. , Daum Robert S.
Published: February 2011

We describe here a clinical daptomycin treatment failure in a patient with recurrent methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia in whom daptomycin was administered after a failed empirical treatment course with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. We had the opportunity to compare the genome sequences of an isogenic pair of daptomycin-susceptible and -resistant MRSA isolates obtained before and after initiation of daptomycin therapy, respectively. The genotype of both isolates was USA800, ST5, SCC
mec
type IV,
agr
type II. There was no increase in cell wall thickness in the daptomycin-resistant strain despite having decreased susceptibility to both vancomycin and daptomycin. By comparing the genome sequences by pyrosequencing, we identified a polymorphism (S337L) in the tenth transmembrane segment of the multiple peptide resistance factor, MprF, encoding lysyl phosphatidylglycerol transferase. This enzyme has been shown previously to promote repulsion of daptomycin at the cell surface by addition of positively charged lysine to phosphatidylglycerol. Also, the
hlb
open reading frame (ORF) encoding the β-toxin was interrupted by a prophage in the daptomycin-susceptible strain; this phage was missing in the daptomycin-resistant isolate and the
hlb
ORF was restored. Loss of the phage in the resistant isolate also resulted in loss of the virulence factor genes
clpP
,
scn
, and
sak
. This is the first study to use pyrosequencing to compare the genomes of a daptomycin-susceptible/resistant MRSA isolate pair obtained during failed daptomycin therapy in humans.
Multistep Resistance Development Studies of Ceftaroline in Gram-Positive and -Negative Bacteria
Authors: Clark Catherine , McGhee Pamela , Appelbaum Peter C. , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia
Published: February 2011

Ceftaroline, the active component of the prodrug ceftaroline fosamil, is a novel broad-spectrum cephalosporin with bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and -negative isolates. This study evaluated the potential for ceftaroline and comparator antibiotics to select for clones of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
,
Streptococcus pyogenes
,
Haemophilus influenzae
,
Moraxella catarrhalis
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Enterococcus faecalis
with elevated MICs.
S. pneumoniae
and
S. pyogenes
isolates in the present study were highly susceptible to ceftaroline (MIC range, 0.004 to 0.25 μg/ml). No streptococcal strains yielded ceftaroline clones with increased MICs (defined as an increase in MIC of >4-fold) after 50 daily passages. Ceftaroline MICs for
H. influenzae
and
M. catarrhalis
were 0.06 to 2 μg/ml for four strains and 8 μg/ml for a β-lactamase-positive, efflux-positive
H. influenzae
with a mutation in L22. One
H. influenzae
clone with an increased ceftaroline MIC (quinolone-resistant, β-lactamase-positive) was recovered after 20 days. The ceftaroline MIC for this isolate increased 16-fold, from 0.06 to 1 μg/ml. MICs for
S. aureus
ranged from 0.25 to 1 μg/ml. No
S. aureus
isolates tested with ceftaroline had clones with increased MIC (>4-fold) after 50 passages. Two
E. faecalis
isolates tested had ceftaroline MICs increased from 1 to 8 μg/ml after 38 days and from 4 to 32 μg/ml after 41 days, respectively. The parental ceftaroline MIC for the one
K. pneumoniae
extended-spectrum β-lactamase-negative isolate tested was 0.5 μg/ml and did not change after 50 daily passages.
In Vitro
Activity of Fusidic Acid (CEM-102, Sodium Fusidate) against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Its Effect on the Activities of Tobramycin and Amikacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia
Authors: McGhee Pamela , Clark Catherine , Credito Kim , Beachel Linda , Pankuch Glenn A. , Appelbaum Peter C. , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia
Published: February 2011

We tested the MICs of fusidic acid (CEM-102) plus other agents against 40 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates from cystic fibrosis patients and the activities of fusidic acid with or without tobramycin or amikacin against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, MRSA, and
Burkholderia cepacia
isolates from cystic fibrosis patients in a 24-h time-kill study. Fusidic acid was potent (MICs, 0.125 to 0.5 μg/ml; a single 500-mg dose of fusidic acid at 8 h averaged 8 to 12. 5 μg/ml with 91 to 97% protein binding) against all MRSA strains. No antagonism was observed; synergy occurred for one MRSA strain treated with fusidic acid plus tobramycin.
Neuraminidase Inhibitor Sensitivity and Receptor-Binding Specificity of Cambodian Clade 1 Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus
Authors: Naughtin M. , Dyason J. C. , Mardy S. , Sorn S. , von Itzstein M. , Buchy P.
Published: February 2011

The evolution of the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus produces genetic variations that can lead to changes in antiviral susceptibility and in receptor-binding specificity. In countries where the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is endemic or causes regular epidemics, the surveillance of these changes is important for assessing the pandemic risk. In Cambodia between 2004 and 2010, there have been 26 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in poultry and 10 reported human cases, 8 of which were fatal. We have observed naturally occurring mutations in hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of Cambodian H5N1 viruses that were predicted to alter sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) and/or receptor-binding specificity. We tested H5N1 viruses isolated from poultry and humans between 2004 and 2010 for sensitivity to the NAIs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). All viruses were sensitive to both inhibitors; however, we identified a virus with a mildly decreased sensitivity to zanamivir and have predicted that a V149A mutation is responsible. We also identified a virus with a hemagglutinin A134V mutation, present in a subpopulation amplified directly from a human sample. Using reverse genetics, we verified that this mutation is adaptative for human α2,6-linked sialidase receptors. The importance of an ongoing surveillance of H5N1 antigenic variance and genetic drift that may alter receptor binding and sensitivities of H5N1 viruses to NAIs cannot be underestimated while avian influenza remains a pandemic threat.
Critical Role of cRel Subunit of NF-κB in Sepsis Survival
Authors: Courtine Emilie , Pène Frédéric , Cagnard Nicolas , Toubiana Julie , Fitting Catherine , Brocheton Jessy , Rousseau Christophe , Gerondakis Steve , Chiche Jean-Daniel , Ouaaz Fatah , Mira Jean-Paul
Published: February 2011

NF-κB is a critical regulator of gene expression during severe infections. NF-κB comprises homo- and heterodimers of proteins from the Rel family. Among them, p50 and p65 have been clearly implicated in the pathophysiology of sepsis. In contrast, the role of cRel in sepsis is still controversial and has been poorly studied in single-pathogen infections. We aimed to investigate the consequences of cRel deficiency in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. We have approached the underlying mechanisms of host defense by analyzing bacterial clearance, systemic inflammation, and the distribution of spleen dendritic cell subsets. Moreover, by using a genome-wide technology, we have also analyzed the CLP-induced modifications in gene expression profiles both in wild-type (wt) and in
rel
−/−
mice. The absence of cRel enhances mortality due to polymicrobial sepsis. Despite normal pathogen clearance, cRel deficiency leads to an altered systemic inflammatory response associated with a sustained loss of the spleen lymphoid dendritic cells. Furthermore, a whole-blood microarray study reveals that the differential outcome between wt and
rel

−/−

mice during sepsis is preceded by remarkable changes in the expression of hundreds of genes involved in aspects of host-pathogen interaction, such as host survival and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, cRel is a key NF-κB member required for host antimicrobial defenses and a regulatory transcription subunit that controls the inflammatory and immune responses in severe infection.
Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli That Contains Functional Locus of Enterocyte Effacement Genes Can Be Attaching-and-Effacing Negative in Cultured Epithelial Cells
Authors: Rocha Sérgio P. D. , Abe Cecilia M. , Sperandio Vanessa , Bando Silvia Y. , Elias Waldir P.
Published: February 2011

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) induces a characteristic histopathology on enterocytes known as the attaching-and-effacing (A/E) lesion, which is triggered by proteins encoded by the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). EPEC is currently classified as typical EPEC (tEPEC) and atypical EPEC (aEPEC), based on the presence or absence of the EPEC adherence factor plasmid, respectively. Here we analyzed the LEE regions of three aEPEC strains displaying the localized adherence-like (LAL), aggregative adherence (AA), and diffuse adherence (DA) patterns on HEp-2 cells as well as one nonadherent (NA) strain. The adherence characteristics and the ability to induce A/E lesions were investigated with HeLa, Caco-2, T84, and HT29 cells. The adherence patterns and fluorescent actin staining (FAS) assay results were reproducible with all cell lines. The LEE region was structurally intact and functional in all strains regardless of their inability to cause A/E lesions. An EspF
U
-expressing plasmid (pKC471) was introduced into all strains, demonstrating no influence of this protein on either the adherence patterns or the capacity to cause A/E of the adherent strains. However, the NA strain harboring pKC471 expressed the LAL pattern and was able to induce A/E lesions on HeLa cells. Our data indicate that FAS-negative aEPEC strains are potentially able to induce A/E
in vivo
, emphasizing the concern about this test for the determination of aEPEC virulence. Also, the presence of EspF
U
was sufficient to provide an adherent phenotype for a nonadherent aEPEC strain via the direct or indirect activation of the
LEE4
and
LEE5
operons.