bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zeta equivalent fission‐track dating using LA‐ICP‐MS and examples with simultaneous U–Pb dating
Authors: Hasebe Noriko , Tamura Akihiro , Arai Shoji
Published: August 2013

The use of laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) in the measurement of uranium concentration for fission‐track (FT) dating can provide additional geochronological information by simultaneously acquiring data for U–Pb dating. To circumvent the use of several calibration factors with uncertainties in the FT age equation (i.e. the decay constant, values related to neutron irradiation, and observation efficiencies), the zeta calibration, which is based on the analysis of age‐known standard samples, is recommended internationally. In this report, procedures to acquire LA‐ICP‐MS data for simultaneous dating by FT and U–Pb methods, the age equation with zeta‐equivalent calibration, and the statistical treatment of FT age data, are proposed. An excimer laser beam with 20 μm diameter was used for sampling. We empirically determined zeta calibration constants against NIST SRM610 for FT zircon and apatite dating by analyzing several age standards. The data agreed with the calculated values, which can be obtained using reasonable constants in the equation. The correction factor in 238U–206Pb age determination with NIST SRM610 as an external standard was defined as 0.920 ± 0.034 by analyzing several standards (FCT, Plešovice, Duluth, GJ‐1). Based on this calibration system, zircons from the Nisatai Dacite, Japan, which is a secondary age standard commonly used in the Japanese FT community, were simultaneously dated to be 22 Ma by FT and U–Pb methods on the same grains.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Study of Clot Lysis Evaluation of Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (CLEAR III)
Authors: Ziai Wendy C. , Tuhrim Stanley , Lane Karen , McBee Nichol , Lees Kennedy , Dawson Jesse , Butcher Kenneth , Vespa Paul , Wright David W. , Keyl Penelope M. , Mendelow A. David , Kase Carlos , Wijman Christine , Lapointe Marc , John Sayona , Thompson Richard , Thompson Carol , Mayo Steven , Reilly Pat , Janis Scott , Awad Issam , Hanley Daniel F. ,   for the CLEAR III Investigators
Published: August 2013

Background

In adults, intraventricular thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) facilitates resolution of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), reduces intracranial pressure, decreases duration of cerebrospinal fluid diversion, and may ameliorate direct neural injury. We hypothesize that patients with small parenchymal haematoma volumes (<30 cc) and relatively large IVH causing acute obstructive hydrocephalus would have improved clinical outcomes when given injections of low-dose rtPA to accelerate lysis and evacuation of IVH compared with placebo.

Methods

The Clot Lysis Evaluation of Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage III trial is an investigator-initiated, phase III, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the use of external ventricular drainage (EVD) combined with intraventricular injection of rtPA to EVD plus intraventricular injection of normal saline (placebo) for the treatment of IVH. Patients with known symptom onset within 24 h of the computed tomography scan confirmed IVH and third or fourth ventricle obstruction, with or without supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage volume <30 cc, who require EVD are screened with a computed tomography scan at least six hours after EVD placement and, if necessary, at consecutive 12-h intervals until stabilization of any intracranial bleeding has been established. Patients who meet clinical and imaging criteria (no ongoing coagulopathy and no suspicion of aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, or any other vascular anomaly) will be randomized to either intraventricular rtPA or placebo.

Results

The primary outcome measure is dichotomized modified Rankin Scale 0–3 vs. 4–6 at 180 days. Clinical secondary outcomes include additional modified Rankin Scale dichotomizations at 180 days (0–4 vs. 5–6), ordinal modified Rankin Scale (0–6), mortality and safety events at 30 days, mortality at 180 days, functional status measures, type and intensity of intensive care unit management, rate and extent of ventricular blood clot removal, and quality of life measures.
Diffusion Characteristics of Zr4+ in LiNbO3 Single‐Crystal
Authors: Zhang De‐Long , Qiu Cong‐Xian , Zhang Wen‐Zhu , Hua Ping‐Rang , Yu Dao‐Yin , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun
Published: August 2013

Diffusion characteristics of Zr4+ in LiNbO3 single‐crystal were studied. Zr4+‐doped LiNbO3 crystal plates were prepared by in‐diffusion of 100 nm thick ZrO2 film coated onto Z‐cut congruent substrates in wet O2 at different temperatures. Zr4+‐diffused profile was analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The results show that the Zr4+ diffusion follows the traditional diffusion theory. From the measured profiles, important diffusion parameters are obtained, such as diffusivity and its temperature dependence, diffusion constant, activation energy, surface concentration, and solubility. The Zr4+ has a diffusivity similar to that of Ti4+, implying that the Zr4+ doping and the Ti4+ diffusion can be performed simultaneously to simplify the fabrication process of a photorefractive‐damage‐resistant Zr4+‐doped Ti‐diffused LiNbO3 waveguide.
High Tunability of Nonepitaxially Grown Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 Thin Films Prepared by Plasma‐Assisted Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: He Xiliang , Li Xiaomin
Published: August 2013

Nonepitaxially grown Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (NE‐BSTO) thin film with tunability of 65.4% and low leakage current was obtained on Ir electrode by oxygen plasma‐assisted pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and epitaxially grown Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (E‐BSTO) thin film with tunability of 32.5% was obtained by PLD without plasma assistance. Results indicate that the NE‐BSTO film possessed higher oxygen content, lower tetragonal distortion, and low stress, all of which contributed to its excellent dielectric properties. This work demonstrates that NE‐BSTO thin films are well suited for room temperature tunable microwave device applications.
Effects of pollen availability and the mutation bias on the fixation of mutations disabling the male specificity of self‐incompatibility
Authors: Tsuchimatsu T. , Shimizu K. K.
Published: August 2013

The evolution of self‐compatibility (SC) by the loss of self‐incompatibility (SI) is regarded as one of the most frequent transitions in flowering plants. SI systems are generally characterized by specific interactions between the male and female specificity genes encoded at the S‐locus. Recent empirical studies have revealed that the evolution of SC is often driven by male SC‐conferring mutations at the S‐locus rather than by female mutations. In this study, using a forward simulation model, we compared the fixation probabilities of male vs. female SC‐conferring mutations at the S‐locus. We explicitly considered the effects of pollen availability in the population and bias in the occurrence of SC‐conferring mutations on the male and female specificity genes. We found that male SC‐conferring mutations were indeed more likely to be fixed than were female SC‐conferring mutations in a wide range of parameters. This pattern was particularly strong when pollen availability was relatively high. Under such a condition, even if the occurrence of mutations was biased strongly towards the female specificity gene, male SC‐conferring mutations were much more often fixed. Our study demonstrates that fixation probabilities of those two types of mutation vary strongly depending on ecological and genetic conditions, although both types result in the same evolutionary consequence—the loss of SI.
Effects of early morning care, named “Comfort upon Rising” care, on postoperative orthopedic ambulation and morning activity
Authors: Ohashi Kumiko
Published: August 2013

Aim

To examine the effects of “Comfort upon Rising” care (CUR) as a new type of early morning care.

Methods

This was a quasi‐experimental study using a convenience sampling and non‐random assignment of 80 orthopedic postoperative inpatients needing ambulation assistance. The intervention group of 40 inpatients was given CUR designed to support the patients' needs. The control group of 40 inpatients was given conventional early morning care (CMC). Floor nurses conducted either CMC or CUR for subjects beginning the morning after surgery and continuing for 3 days. Mood was measured by the Wake‐up Questionnaire (question I) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Morning activities, which were daily living activities, breakfast behaviors including breakfast intake rate, were measured by Wake‐up Questionnaire (question IV) and observation.

Results

Completing the study were 36 patients from the control group and 36 patients from the intervention group. Mood and activities in the morning were improved in the CUR group.

Conclusion

CUR is a patient‐centered care based on patients' individual needs and promotes self‐care. CUR is more effective than CMC in promoting natural recovery after an operation.
Attenuation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling during amphibian limb development results in the generation of stage‐specific defects
Authors: Jones Tamsin E. M. , Day Robert C. , Beck Caroline W.
Published: August 2013

The vertebrate limb is one of the most intensively studied organs in the field of developmental biology. Limb development in tetrapod vertebrates is highly conserved and dependent on the interaction of several important molecular pathways. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling cascade is one of these pathways and has been shown to be crucial for several aspects of limb development. Here, we have used a Xenopus laevis transgenic line, in which expression of the inhibitor Noggin is under the control of the heat‐shock promoter hsp70 to examine the effects of attenuation of BMP signaling at different stages of limb development. Remarkably different phenotypes were produced at different stages, illustrating the varied roles of BMP in development of the limb. Very early limb buds appeared to be refractory to the effects of BMP attenuation, developing normally in most cases. Ectopic limbs were produced by overexpression of Noggin corresponding to a brief window of limb development at about stage 49/50, as recently described by Christen et al. (2012). Attenuation of BMP signaling in stage 51 or 52 tadpoles lead to a reduction in the number of digits formed, resulting in hypodactyly or ectrodactyly, as well as occasional defects in the more proximal tibia‐fibula. Finally, inhibition at stage 54 (paddle stage) led to the formation of dramatically shortened digits resulting from loss of distal phalanges. Transcriptome analysis has revealed the possibility that more Noggin‐sensitive members of the BMP family could be involved in limb development than previously suspected. Our analysis demonstrates the usefulness of heat‐shock‐driven gene expression as an effective method for inhibiting a developmental pathway at different times during limb development.
Symbiont physiology and population dynamics before and during symbiont shifts in a flexible algal‐cnidarian symbiosis
Authors: Dimond James L. , Bingham Brian L. , le Muller‐Parker Gisè , Oakley Clinton A.
Published: August 2013

For cnidarians that can undergo shifts in algal symbiont relative abundance, the underlying algal physiological changes that accompany these shifts are not well known. The sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima associates with the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium muscatinei and the chlorophyte Elliptochloris marina, symbionts with very different tolerances to light and temperature. We compared the performance of these symbionts in anemones maintained in an 8–11.5 month outdoor common garden experiment with simulated intertidal conditions and three levels of shading (2, 43, and 85% ambient irradiance). Symbiont densities, mitotic indices, photophysiology and pigments were assessed at three time points during the summer, a period of high irradiance and solar heating during aerial exposure. Whereas S. muscatinei was either neutrally or positively affected by higher irradiance treatments, E. marina responded mostly negatively to high irradiance. E. marina in the 85% irradiance treatment exhibited significantly reduced Pmax and chlorophyll early in the summer, but it was not until nearly 3 months later that a shift in symbiont relative abundance toward S. muscatinei occurred, coincident with bleaching. Symbiont densities and proportions remained largely stable in all other treatments over time, and displacement of S. muscatinei by E. marina was not observed in the 2% irradiance treatment despite the potentially better performance of E. marina. While our results support the view that rapid changes in symbiont relative abundance are typically associated with symbiont physiological dysfunction and bleaching, they also show that significant temporal lags may occur between the onset of symbiont stress and shifts in symbiont relative abundances.
Systematic significance of seed morphology in the genus Veronica (Plantaginaceae), with special reference to the Egyptian taxa
Authors: HASSAN Nasr M. , ABDEL KHALIK Kadry N.
Published: August 2013

Seed morphology of 29 taxa including 9 subgenera belonging to the genus Veronica was compared using scanning electron microscopy to assess their diagnostic value for systematic studies. Subgenus Beccabunga is the largest in this study represented by nine taxa. Seed surface often varies from ridged reticulate or verrucose/granulate reticulate to rugose‐reticulate. Seed color and size have limited taxonomic significance as their variation is uninformative. Thereagainst, seed shape and seed coat ornamentation present informative characters that can be used efficiently in distinguishing the studied taxa. Our seed features support the DNA sequence data in showing close relationships between V. biloba and V. campylopoda, and between V. fruticans and V. fruticulosa. The present study indicates that V. anagallis‐aquatica, V. anagalloides, V. comosa, and V. catenata have more or less the same seed features; consequently, these four former species are most likely representing a single species as reported by earlier studies. Furthermore, V. polita and V. persica are very similar in terms of seed characteristics. Our results justify placement of V. peregina within subgenus Beccabunga and support the monophyly of the subgenus Veronica.
Treatment failure may lead to accelerated fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Baran B. , Gulluoglu M. , Soyer O. M. , Ormeci A. C. , Gokturk S. , Evirgen S. , Yesil S. , Akyuz F. , Karaca C. , Demir K. , Kaymakoglu S. , Besisik F.
Published: August 2013

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with treatment failure (TF) remain at risk of continuing fibrosis progression. However, it has not been investigated whether there is an increased risk of accelerated fibrosis progression after failed interferon‐based therapy. We aimed to investigate long‐term influence of TF on fibrosis progression compared with untreated patients with CHC. We studied 125 patients with CHC who underwent paired liver biopsies from 1994 to 2012. Patients with advanced fibrosis were excluded from the analysis. Sixty‐three patients had TF, and 62 patients were treatment‐naïve (TN). Annual fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated, and significant fibrosis progression (SFP) was defined as ≥2 stage increase in fibrosis during follow‐up. Multiple regression analyses were performed to find out independent predictors of FPR and SFP. Demographic characteristics and duration between paired liver biopsies were similar in TF and TN groups. Baseline alanine aminotransferase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (71 ± 31 vs 47 ± 22, P < 0.001 and 49 ± 39 vs 36 ± 28, P = 0.027, respectively), baseline mean fibrosis stage (2.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.9 ± 0.7, P = 0.018) and histologic activity index (6.3 ± 1.9 vs 4.3 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) were higher in the TF group compared with the TN group. In regression analyses, the strongest independent predictor of fibrosis progression was the GGT level (OR: 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.5, P < 0.001). Treatment experience (OR: 5.97, 95%CI 1.81–19.7, P = 0.003) also appeared as an independent predictor of both FPR and SFP. Failed interferon‐based CHC treatment may lead to accelerated FPR in the long‐term compared with the natural course.
Challenges and opportunities in polymer technology applied to veterinary medicine
Authors: Bermudez J. M. , Cid A. G. , Ramírez‐Rigo M. V. , Quinteros D. , Simonazzi A. , Sánchez Bruni S. , Palma S.
Published: August 2013

An important frontier in the administration of therapeutic drugs to veterinary species is the use of different polymers as drug delivery platforms. The usefulness of polymers as platforms for the administration of pharmaceutical and agricultural agents has been clearly recognized in the recent decades. The chemical versatility of polymers and the wide range of developed controlled‐release strategies enhance the possibilities for the formulation of active molecules. In particular, the veterinary area offers opportunities for the development of novel controlled‐release drug delivery technologies adapted to livestock or companion animal health needs. In some cases, it also allows to improve profitability in meat production or to meet the safety criteria related to drug residues. A number of factors affect the selection of polymers and subsequent properties of the controlled‐release drug delivery system. However, their selection also dictates the release kinetics of the drug from the delivery system. Such choices are therefore crucial as they affect the success and potential of the delivery system for achieving the therapeutic goals of the veterinarian. It is the intention of this review to give an overview of the most relevant polymers, which are used or have been tested as drug delivery release rate modifiers in the veterinary field. The article highlights some recent developments focusing on their advantages and applications and analyzes the future direction of the scientific and technological advancements in this area.
A direct comparison of the effectiveness of two anti‐predator strategies under field conditions
Authors: Carroll J. , Sherratt T. N.
Published: August 2013

Aposematism and crypsis are two widespread defensive strategies that have evolved in organisms to reduce attacks by predators. However, although both have been studied extensively, predation rates on unpalatable conspicuous prey have seldom been directly compared to those on palatable cryptic prey, and never in the field. In this study, we use established methods to compare the effectiveness of both defensive traits, by presenting artificial prey targets on trees where they were subject to attack by wild avian predators in a natural field setting. When partially consumed prey and those that had been completely removed were both treated as attacked by predators, there were no differences in attack rates between targets with the two defensive strategies. However, aposematic prey were completely consumed less often than cryptic prey, and partially consumed more often. This suggests that predators engage in taste rejection of unpalatable prey and/or feed on conspicuous prey more cautiously (‘go‐slow’ predation). We also observed significant differences in predation among experimental sites, in spite of their similarity and relatively close proximity, and among trials, which suggests that prey may experience highly variable predation in the wild. If aposematic prey are capable of surviving attacks by predators, then this represents a potential defensive benefit of aposematism over crypsis.
Influence of diet on prehension mode in cordylid lizards: a morphological and kinematic analysis
Authors: Broeckhoven C. , Mouton P. le F. N.
Published: August 2013

Lizards exhibit a variety of mechanisms to capture prey, including lingual prehension, jaw prehension and lingual pinning. Despite being the topic of numerous studies, the link between prehension mode and diet remains poorly understood, especially in clades where multiple prehension modes are present. We addressed this issue by comparing the feeding behaviour and tongue morphology of a termite‐eating specialist Ouroborus cataphractus with that of a closely related dietary generalist Karusasaurus polyzonus. We used high‐speed videography to test the effect of prey species (termite vs. small cricket) and prey size (small vs. large cricket) on prehension mode. In addition, we included several other cordylid lizards representing the major clades in the family into our analysis to examine whether the prehension modes present in O. cataphractus characterize all cordylid species or whether they represent isolated occurrences. Finally, we investigated the morphology of the tongue in Cordylidae, with emphasis on O. cataphractus and K. polyzonus, using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Our data showed that the consumption of termites in O. cataphractus has resulted in the evolution of a novel lingual prehension mode, during which the ventral surface of the tongue is used to apprehend prey. This is in contrast to other lizards, which use the dorsal surface of the tongue to contact prey. Moreover, we demonstrated that this novel lingual prehension mode is accompanied by distinct morphological elaborations of the tongue surface. None of the other cordylid lizards tested in our study used lingual prehension during prey capture, except K. polyzonus, which used the tongue in a very small percentage of feeding trials. Overall, this study suggests that dietary specialization might underlie the evolution of novel prehension mechanisms in lizards.
Maternal allergy is associated with surface‐bound IgE on cord blood basophils
Authors: Matson Adam P. , Cloutier Michelle M. , Dhongade Ashish , Puddington Lynn , Rafti Ektor
Published: August 2013

Background

The cell type(s) mediating the maternal influence on allergic disease in children remain unclear. We set out to define the relationship between maternal allergy and frequencies of cord blood (CB) basophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs); to characterize surface‐bound IgE and FcεRI expressions on these cells; and to investigate the association between maternal and CB serum IgE levels with surface‐bound IgE and FcεRI expressions.

Methods

One hundred and three mother/infant dyads were recruited prenatally, and maternal allergic history was recorded. Maternal blood was collected prior to delivery, and CB was collected after birth. Flow cytometry was used to identify CB basophils and pDCs and to determine surface‐bound IgE and FcεRI expressions.

Results

Frequencies of CB basophils and pDCs were low and not related to maternal history of allergy. Percentages of CB basophils with surface‐bound IgE were significantly higher in infants of allergic mothers compared with infants of non‐allergic mothers (median, 59.60% vs. 19.70%, p = 0.01). IgE on CB basophils correlated with CB IgE levels (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001), but not with maternal IgE levels (r = 0.26, p = 0.06). IgE on CB pDCs was low and not significantly associated with maternal or CB IgE levels. Similarly, FcεRI expression by CB basophils and pDCs was not significantly associated with maternal or CB IgE levels.

Conclusions

Frequencies of CB basophils and pDCs are not influenced by maternal allergy. CB basophils and pDCs have surface‐bound IgE and express FcεRI; however, only IgE on CB basophils appears influenced by maternal allergy.
A case of metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma in the maxillary bone appearing twenty years after initial resection of pleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate
Authors: Akiba Jun , Harada Hiroshi , Kawahara Akihiko , Todoroki Keita , Nagata Shuji , Yano Hirohisa
Published: August 2013

Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma (MPA) is the inexplicable metastasis of a histologically benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Approximately 50 cases have been reported. A 62‐year‐old woman noticed pain in the upper molar area. Her medical history included an operation for PA in the hard palate that was performed 20 years previously. On imaging, four relatively well‐defined lesions were demonstrated in the maxillary bone. She underwent an operation for these lesions. Each lesion revealed the same histological features. Morphological findings displayed typical features of PA. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells of both primary and metastasizing lesions were positive for pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG) 1, which is a sensitive marker for PA. Gene fusions involving PLAG1 were examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. However, no gene rearrangements of PLAG1 were found. We report here on a case of MPA in the maxillary bone, which appeared 20 years after resection of the primary tumor and review the relevant literature.
Toric systems and mirror symmetry
Authors: Bocklandt Raf
Published: August 2013

In their paper [Exceptional sequences of invertible sheaves on rational surfaces, Compositio Math. 147 (2011), 1230–1280], Hille and Perling associate to every cyclic full strongly exceptional sequence of line bundles on a toric weak del Pezzo surface a toric system, which defines a new toric surface. We interpret this construction as an instance of mirror symmetry and extend it to a duality on the set of toric weak del Pezzo surfaces equipped with a cyclic full strongly exceptional sequence.
On the algebraicity of the zero locus of an admissible normal function
Authors: Brosnan Patrick , Pearlstein Gregory
Published: August 2013

We show that the zero locus of an admissible normal function on a smooth complex algebraic variety is algebraic. In Part II of the paper, which is an appendix, we compute the Tannakian Galois group of the category of one-variable admissible real nilpotent orbits with split limit. We then use the answer to recover an unpublished theorem of Deligne, which characterizes the ${\mathrm{sl} }_{2} $-splitting of a real mixed Hodge structure.
Relations in the Sarkisov program
Authors: Kaloghiros Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2013

The Sarkisov program studies birational maps between varieties that are end products of the Minimal Model Program (MMP) on nonsingular uniruled varieties. If $X$ and $Y$ are terminal $ \mathbb{Q} $-factorial projective varieties endowed with a structure of Mori fibre space, a birational map $f: X\dashrightarrow Y$ is the composition of a finite number of elementary Sarkisov links. This decomposition is in general not unique: two such define a relation in the Sarkisov program. I define elementary relations, and show they generate relations in the Sarkisov program. Roughly speaking, elementary relations are the relations among the end products of suitable relative MMPs of $Z$ over $W$ with $\rho (Z/ W)= 3$.
Teleost fish models in membrane transport research: the PEPT1(SLC15A1) H+–oligopeptide transporter as a case study
Authors: Romano Alessandro , Barca Amilcare , Storelli Carlo , Verri Tiziano
Published: August 2013

Human genes for passive, ion‐coupled transporters and exchangers are included in the so‐called solute carrier (SLC) gene series, to date consisting of 52 families and 398 genes. Teleost fish genes for SLC proteins have also been described in the last two decades, and catalogued in preliminary SLC‐like form in 50 families and at least 338 genes after systematic GenBank database mining (December 2010–March 2011). When the kinetic properties of the expressed proteins are studied in detail, teleost fish SLC transporters always reveal extraordinary ‘molecular diversity’ with respect to the mammalian counterparts, which reflects peculiar adaptation of the protein to the physiology of the species and/or to the environment where the species lives. In the case of the H+–oligopeptide transporter PEPT1(SLC15A1), comparative analysis of diverse teleost fish orthologs has shown that the protein may exhibit very eccentric properties in terms of pH dependence (e.g. the adaptation of zebrafish PEPT1 to alkaline pH), temperature dependence (e.g. the adaptation of icefish PEPT1 to sub‐zero temperatures) and/or substrate specificity (e.g. the species‐specificity of PEPT1 for the uptake of l‐lysine‐containing peptides). The revelation of such peculiarities is providing new contributions to the discussion on PEPT1 in both basic (e.g. molecular structure–function analyses) and applied research (e.g. optimizing diets to enhance growth of commercially valuable fish).
Acoustics of Corrugated Pipes: A Review
Authors: Rajavel B. , Prasad M. G.
Published: August 2013

Corrugated pipes and tubes are commonly used in many engineering and industrial applications because they offer global flexibility combined with local rigidity. Some of the engineering systems which use the corrugated pipes are Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage systems, risers for offshore oil and gas industries, heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), aerospace and automobile cabin cooling systems, and certain domestic appliances such as vacuum cleaners. Air flow through a short or a long length of corrugated pipes can cause the pipes to emit loud and clear “tonal” sounds or “whistling” at some critical flow conditions. Interaction and coupling of these acoustic waves with vortex shedding-flow instability can result in severe noise and structural vibration problems. A phenomenon of sound generation in corrugated pipes is also observed in a children's toy called “Hummer,” “Voice of the Dragon,” or “Magic Whistle.” This review paper focuses on the research work carried out to date to study the sound generation mechanism and its reduction methodology in corrugated pipes with air flow. This paper reviews and summarizes the various theoretical, experimental and computational work carried out in relation to acoustics of corrugated pipes.
Heat Transfer for High Aspect Ratio Rectangular Channels in a Stationary Serpentine Passage With Turbulated and Smooth Surfaces
Authors: Smith Matthew A. , Mathison Randall M. , Dunn Michael G.
Published: August 2013

Heat transfer distributions are presented for a stationary three passage serpentine internal cooling channel for a range of engine representative Reynolds numbers. The spacing between the sidewalls of the serpentine passage is fixed and the aspect ratio (AR) is adjusted to 1:1, 1:2, and 1:6 by changing the distance between the top and bottom walls. Data are presented for aspect ratios of 1:1 and 1:6 for smooth passage walls and for aspect ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:6 for passages with two surfaces turbulated. For the turbulated cases, turbulators skewed 45 deg to the flow are installed on the top and bottom walls. The square turbulators are arranged in an offset parallel configuration with a fixed rib pitch-to-height ratio (P/e) of 10 and a rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio (e/Dh) range of 0.100–0.058 for AR 1:1–1:6, respectively. The experiments span a Reynolds number range of 4000–130,000 based on the passage hydraulic diameter. While this experiment utilizes a basic layout similar to previous research, it is the first to run an aspect ratio as large as 1:6, and it also pushes the Reynolds number to higher values than were previously available for the 1:2 aspect ratio. The results demonstrate that while the normalized Nusselt number for the AR 1:2 configuration changes linearly with Reynolds number up to 130,000, there is a significant change in flow behavior between Re = 25,000 and Re = 50,000 for the aspect ratio 1:6 case. This suggests that while it may be possible to interpolate between points for different flow conditions, each geometric configuration must be investigated independently. The results show the highest heat transfer and the greatest heat transfer enhancement are obtained with the AR 1:6 configuration due to greater secondary flow development for both the smooth and turbulated cases. This enhancement was particularly notable for the AR 1:6 case for Reynolds numbers at or above 50,000.
Vaccine-Induced Anti-HA2 Antibodies Promote Virus Fusion and Enhance Influenza Virus Respiratory Disease
Authors: Khurana Surender , Loving Crystal L. , Manischewitz Jody , King Lisa R. , Gauger Phillip C. , Henningson Jamie , Vincent Amy L. , Golding Hana
Published: August 2013

Heterologous influenza A vaccination–induced antibodies correlated with vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease.
Blocking Macrophage Leukotriene B
4
Prevents Endothelial Injury and Reverses Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tian Wen , Jiang Xinguo , Tamosiuniene Rasa , Sung Yon K. , Qian Jin , Dhillon Gundeep , Gera Lajos , Farkas Laszlo , Rabinovitch Marlene , Zamanian Roham T. , Inayathullah Mohammed , Fridlib Marina , Rajadas Jayakumar , Peters-Golden Marc , Voelkel Norbert F. , Nicolls Mark R.
Published: August 2013

In a rat model of pulmonary hypertension, inhibition of LTB
4
synthesis in macrophages that accumulate in lung tissue reverses the disease.
Starvation Strengthens Addiction
Authors: Eid Tore
Published: August 2013

Food restriction enhances the addictive effect of cocaine via glutamate- and dopamine-mediated mechanisms in the brain.
Nothing but NET
Authors: Ghajar Cyrus M.
Published: August 2013

Extracellular traps released by neutrophils to fight infection may entrap circulating tumor cells and promote metastasis.
Yersinia pestis Subverts the Dermal Neutrophil Response in a Mouse Model of Bubonic Plague
Authors: Shannon Jeffrey G. , Hasenkrug Aaron M. , Dorward David W. , Nair Vinod , Carmody Aaron B. , Hinnebusch B. Joseph
Published: August 2013

The majority of humanYersinia pestisinfections result from introduction of bacteria into the skin by the bite of an infected flea. Once in the dermis,Y. pestiscan evade the host’s innate immune response and subsequently disseminate to the draining lymph node (dLN). There, the pathogen replicates to large numbers, causing the pathognomonic bubo of bubonic plague. In this study, several cytometric and microscopic techniques were used to characterize the early host response to intradermal (i.d.)Y. pestisinfection. Mice were infected i.d. with fully virulent or attenuated strains of dsRed-expressingY. pestis, and tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry. By 4 h postinfection, there were large numbers of neutrophils in the infected dermis and the majority of cell-associated bacteria were associated with neutrophils. We observed a significant effect of the virulence plasmid (pCD1) on bacterial survival and neutrophil activation in the dermis. Intravital microscopy of i.d.Y. pestisinfection revealed dynamic interactions between recruited neutrophils and bacteria. In contrast, very few bacteria interacted with dendritic cells (DCs), indicating that this cell type may not play a major role early inY. pestisinfection. Experiments using neutrophil depletion and a CCR7 knockout mouse suggest that dissemination ofY. pestisfrom the dermis to the dLN is not dependent on neutrophils or DCs. Taken together, the results of this study show a very rapid, robust neutrophil response toY. pestisin the dermis and that the virulence plasmid pCD1 is important for the evasion of this response.

IMPORTANCEYersinia pestisremains a public health concern today because of sporadic plague outbreaks that occur throughout the world and the potential for its illegitimate use as a bioterrorism weapon. Since bubonic plague pathogenesis is initiated by the introduction ofY. pestisinto the skin, we sought to characterize the response of the host’s innate immune cells to bacteria early after intradermal infection. We found that neutrophils, innate immune cells that engulf and destroy microbes, are rapidly recruited to the injection site, irrespective of strain virulence, indicating thatY. pestisis unable to subvert neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection. However, we saw a decreased activation of neutrophils that were associated withY. pestisstrains harboring the pCD1 plasmid, which is essential for virulence. These findings indicate a role for pCD1-encoded factors in suppressing the activation/stimulation of these cellsin vivo.
Clathrin- and Arp2/3-Independent Endocytosis in the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Epp Elias , Nazarova Elena , Regan Hannah , Douglas Lois M. , Konopka James B. , Vogel Jackie , Whiteway Malcolm
Published: August 2013

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is conserved among eukaryotes and has been extensively analyzed at a molecular level. Here, we present an analysis of CME in the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
that shows the same modular structure as those in other fungi and mammalian cells. Intriguingly,
C. albicans
is perfectly viable in the absence of Arp2/3, an essential component of CME in other systems. In
C. albicans
, Arp2/3 function remains essential for CME as all 15 proteins tested that participate in CME, including clathrin, lose their characteristic dynamics observed in wild-type (WT) cells. However, since
arp2
/
3
cells are still able to endocytose lipids and fluid-phase markers, but not the Ste2 and Mup1 plasma membrane proteins, there must be an alternate clathrin-independent pathway we term Arp2/3-independent endocytosis (AIE). Characterization of AIE shows that endocytosis in
arp2
mutants relies on actin cables and other Arp2/3-independent actin structures, as inhibition of actin functions prevented cargo uptake in
arp2
/
3
mutants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that
arp2
/
3
mutants still formed invaginating tubules, cell structures whose proper functions are believed to heavily rely on Arp2/3. Finally, Prk1 and Sjl2, two proteins involved in patch disassembly during CME, were not correctly localized to sites of endocytosis in
arp2
mutants, implying a role of Arp2/3 in CME patch disassembly. Overall,
C. albicans
contains an alternative endocytic pathway (AIE) that relies on actin cable function to permit clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE) and provides a system to further explore alternate endocytic routes that likely exist in fungal species.

IMPORTANCE
There is a well-established process of endocytosis that is generally used by eukaryotic cells termed clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Although the details are somewhat different between lower and higher eukaryotes, CME appears to be the dominant endocytic process in all eukaryotes. While fungi such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
have proven excellent models for dissecting the molecular details of endocytosis, loss of CME is so detrimental that it has been difficult to study alternate pathways functioning in its absence. Although the fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
has a CME pathway that functions similarly to that of
S. cerevisiae
, inactivation of this pathway does not compromise growth of yeast-form
C. albicans
. In these cells, lipids and fluid-phase molecules are still endocytosed in an actin-dependent manner, but membrane proteins are not. Thus,
C. albicans
provides a powerful model for the analysis of CME-independent endocytosis in lower eukaryotes.
Genome and Transcriptome Adaptation Accompanying Emergence of the Definitive Type 2 Host-Restricted Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Pathovar
Authors: Kingsley Robert A. , Kay Sally , Connor Thomas , Barquist Lars , Sait Leanne , Holt Kathryn E. , Sivaraman Karthi , Wileman Thomas , Goulding David , Clare Simon , Hale Christine , Seshasayee Aswin , Harris Simon , Thomson Nicholas R. , Gardner Paul , Rabsch Wolfgang , Wigley Paul , Humphrey Tom , Parkhill Julian , Dougan Gordon
Published: August 2013

Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium definitive type 2 (DT2) is host restricted toColumba livia(rock or feral pigeon) but is also closely related toS. Typhimurium isolates that circulate in livestock and cause a zoonosis characterized by gastroenteritis in humans. DT2 isolates formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster withinS. Typhimurium based on whole-genome-sequence polymorphisms. Comparative genome analysis of DT2 94-213 andS. Typhimurium SL1344, DT104, and D23580 identified few differences in gene content with the exception of variations within prophages. However, DT2 94-213 harbored 22 pseudogenes that were intact in other closely relatedS. Typhimurium strains. We report a novelin silicoapproach to identify single amino acid substitutions in proteins that have a high probability of a functional impact. One polymorphism identified using this method, a single-residue deletion in the Tar protein, abrogated chemotaxis to aspartatein vitro. DT2 94-213 also exhibited an altered transcriptional profile in response to culture at 42°C compared to that of SL1344. Such differentially regulated genes included a number involved in flagellum biosynthesis and motility.

IMPORTANCEWhereasSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium can infect a wide range of animal species, some variants within this serovar exhibit a more limited host range and altered disease potential. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequences can identify lineages associated with specific virulence traits, including host adaptation. This study represents one of the first to link pathogen-specific genetic signatures, including coding capacity, genome degradation, and transcriptional responses to host adaptation within aSalmonellaserovar. We performed comparative genome analysis of reference and pigeon-adapted definitive type 2 (DT2)S. Typhimurium isolates alongside phenotypic and transcriptome analyses, to identify genetic signatures linked to host adaptation within the DT2 lineage.
High-dose thiamine as initial treatment for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Costantini Antonio , Pala Maria Immacolata , Compagnoni Laura , Colangeli Marco
Published: August 2013

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a systemic disease with motor and non-motor deficits. We recruited three patients with newly diagnosed PD. They were not under anti-Parkinson's therapy. Plasmatic thiamine was within healthy reference range. We performed the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and started a parenteral therapy with high doses of thiamine. The therapy led to a considerable improvement in the motor part of the UPDRS ranging from 31.3% to 77.3%. From this clinical observation, it is reasonable to infer that a focal, severe thiamine deficiency due to a dysfunction of thiamine metabolism could cause a selective neuronal damage in the centres that are typically hit in this disease. Injection of high doses of thiamine was effective in reversing the symptoms, suggesting that the abnormalities in thiamine-dependent processes could be overcome by diffusion-mediated transport at supranormal thiamine concentrations.
Evaluating a complex system-wide intervention using the difference in differences method: the Delivering Choice Programme
Authors: Round Jeff , Drake Robyn , Kendall Edward , Addicott Rachael , Agelopoulos Nicky , Jones Louise
Published: August 2013

Objectives

We report the use of difference in differences (DiD) methodology to evaluate a complex, system-wide healthcare intervention. We use the worked example of evaluating the Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme (DCP) for advanced illness in a large urban healthcare economy.

Methods

DiD was selected because a randomised controlled trial was not feasible. The method allows for before and after comparison of changes that occur in an intervention site with a matched control site. This enables analysts to control for the effect of the intervention in the absence of a local control. Any policy, seasonal or other confounding effects over the test period are assumed to have occurred in a balanced way at both sites. Data were obtained from primary care trusts. Outcomes were place of death, inpatient admissions, length of stay and costs.

Results

Small changes were identified between pre- and post-DCP outputs in the intervention site. The proportion of home deaths and median cost increased slightly, while the number of admissions per patient and the average length of stay per admission decreased slightly. None of these changes was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Effects estimates were limited by small numbers accessing new services and selection bias in sample population and comparator site. In evaluating the effect of a complex healthcare intervention, the choice of analysis method and output measures is crucial. Alternatives to randomised controlled trials may be required for evaluating large scale complex interventions and the DiD approach is suitable, subject to careful selection of measured outputs and control population.
The evolutionary history and conservation value of disjunctBartonia paniculatasubsp.paniculata(Branched Bartonia) populations in Canada
Authors: Ciotir Claudia , Yesson Chris , Freeland Joanna
Published: August 2013

Understanding the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and its evolutionary history is an essential part of developing effective biodiversity management plans. This may be particularly true when considering the value of peripheral or disjunct populations. Although conservation decisions are often made with reference to geopolitical boundaries, many policy-makers also consider global distributions, and therefore a species’ global status may temper its regional status. Many disjunct populations can be found in the Great Lakes region of North America, including those of Bartonia paniculata subsp. paniculata, a species that has been designated as threatened in Canada but globally secure. We compared chloroplast sequences between disjunct (Canada) and core (USA) populations of B. paniculata subsp. paniculata separated by 600 km, which is the minimum distance between disjunct and core populations in this subspecies. We found that although lineages within the disjunct populations shared a relatively recent common ancestor, the genetic divergence between plants from Ontario and New Jersey was substantially greater than expected for a consubspecific comparison. A coalescence-based analysis dated the most recent common ancestor of the Canadian and US populations at approximately 534 000 years ago with the lower confidence estimate at 226 000 years ago. This substantially predates the Last Glacial Maximum and suggests that disjunct and core populations have followed independent evolutionary trajectories throughout multiple glacial–interglacial cycles. Our findings provide important insight into the diverse processes that have resulted in numerous disjunct species in the Great Lakes region and highlight a need for additional work on Canadian B. paniculata subsp. paniculata taxonomy prior to a reevaluation of its conservation value.
A novel application of ecological analyses to assess transposable element distributions in the genome of the domestic cow, Bos taurus
Authors: Saylor Brent , Elliott Tyler A. , Linquist Stefan , Kremer Stefan C. , Gregory T. Ryan , Cottenie Karl
Published: August 2013

Transposable elements (TEs) are among the most abundant components of many eukaryotic genomes. Efforts to explain TE abundance, as well as TE diversity among genomes, have led some researchers to draw an analogy between genomic and ecological processes. Adopting this perspective, we conducted an analysis of the cow (Bos taurus) genome using techniques developed by community ecologists to determine whether environmental factors influence community composition. Specifically, each chromosome within the Bos taurus genome was treated as a “linear transect”, and a multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to identify large-scale spatial patterns in TE communities associated with 10 TE families. The position of each TE community on the chromosome accounted for ∼50% of the variation along the chromosome “transect”. Multivariate analysis further revealed an effect of gene density on TE communities that is influenced by several other factors in the (genomic) environment, including chromosome length and TE density. The results of this analysis demonstrate that ecological methods can be applied successfully to help answer genomic questions.