bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein–Barr virus infection transforms CD25+ B cells into antibody‐secreting cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Brisslert Mikael , Rehnberg Maria , Bokarewa Maria I.
Published: July 2013

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection may initiate production of autoantibodies and development of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Here we outline phenotypic and functional changes in B cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) related to EBV infection. The B‐cell phenotype was analysed in blood and bone marrow (BM) of RA patients who had EBV transcripts in BM (EBV+, n = 13) and in EBV− (n = 22) patients with RA. The functional effect of EBV was studied in the sorted CD25+ and CD25− peripheral B cells of RA patients (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 9). Rituximab treatment results in enrichment of CD25+ B cells in peripheral blood (PB) of EBV+ RA patients. The CD25+ B‐cell subset displayed a more mature phenotype accumulating IgG‐expressing cells. It was also enriched with CD27+ and CD95+ cells in PB and BM. EBV stimulation of the sorted CD25+ B cells in vitro induced a polyclonal IgG and IgM secretion in RA patients, while CD25+ B cells of healthy subjects did not respond to EBV stimulation. CD25+ B cells were enriched in PB and synovial fluid of RA patients. EBV infection affects the B‐cell phenotype in RA patients by increasing the CD25+ subset and by inducing their immunoglobulin production. These findings clearly link CD25+ B cells to the EBV‐dependent sequence of reactions in the pathogenesis of RA.
LONGEVITYSELECTION ANDLIABILITIES INPUBLICSECTORPENSIONFUNDS
Authors: Fong Joelle H. , Piggott John , Sherris Michael
Published: July 2013

This article assesses the cost and risk faced by public sector, defined benefit plan providers arising from uncertain mortality, including longevity selection, mortality improvements, and unexpected systematic shocks. Using longitudinal microdata on Australian pensioners, we quantify the extent of longevity selection at both aggregate and scheme level. We also show that as the age‐membership structure in a pension scheme matures, scheme‐specific longevity selection risk and systematic shocks become quantitatively more important and have larger consequences for plan liabilities than aggregate selection risk or the impact of mortality improvements.
Asymmetric Information in the Market for Automobile Insurance: Evidence From Germany
Authors: Spindler Martin , Winter Joachim , Hagmayer Steffen
Published: July 2013

Asymmetric information is an important phenomenon in insurance markets, but the empirical evidence on the extent of adverse selection and moral hazard is mixed. Because of its implications for pricing, contract design, and regulation, it is crucial to test for asymmetric information in specific insurance markets. In this article, we analyze a recent data set on automobile insurance in Germany, the largest such market in Europe. We present and compare a variety of statistical testing procedures. We find that the extent of asymmetric information depends on coverage levels and on the specific risks covered, which enhances the previous literature. Within the framework of Chiappori et al. (2006), we also test whether drivers have realistic expectations concerning their loss distribution, and we analyze the market structure.
Economic Pricing of Mortality‐Linked Securities: A Tâtonnement Approach
Authors: Zhou Rui , Li Johnny Siu‐Hang , Tan Ken Seng
Published: July 2013

In previous research on pricing mortality‐linked securities, the no‐arbitrage approach is often used. However, this approach, which takes market prices as given, is difficult to implement in today's embryonic market where there are few traded securities. In this article, we tackle the pricing problem from a different angle by considering methods that are more related to fundamental economic concepts. Specifically, we treat the pricing work as aWalrasian tâtonnement process, in which prices are determined through a gradual calibration of supply and demand. We illustrate the proposed pricing framework with a hypothetical mortality‐linked security and mortality data from the U.S. population.
Hot Money Flows, Commodity Price Cycles and Financial Repression in the USA and China: The Consequences of Near‐zero US Interest Rates
Authors: McKinnon Ronald
Published: July 2013

Under near‐zero US interest rates, the international dollar standard malfunctions. Emerging markets with naturally higher interest rates are swamped with hot money inflows. Emerging market central banks intervene to prevent their currencies from rising precipitately. They lose monetary control and domestic prices begin inflating. Primary commodity prices rise worldwide unless interrupted by an international banking crisis. This cyclical inflation on the dollar's periphery only registers in the US core consumer price index with a long lag. The zero interest rate policy also fails to stimulate the US economy as domestic financial intermediation by banks and money market mutual funds is repressed. Because China is forced to keep its interest rates below market‐clearing levels, it also suffers from financial repression, although in a form differing from that in the USA.
State Fragmentation and Rights Contestation: Rural Land Development Rights in China
Authors: Su Fubing , Tao Ran , Wang Hui
Published: July 2013

The functionalist reasoning of institutional changes builds on individual rationality and explains institutional changes from the demand side. While insightful, a comprehensive understanding also needs to take into account the supply side. The state, as the ultimate supplier of institutional changes, plays the pivotal role of agency; therefore, its willingness and ability decide how such regime change occurs and what particular form the new regime takes. Since the mid‐1990s, the Chinese economy has embarked on a path of rapid industrialization and urbanization. The contestation over rural land development rights in China offers an excellent case to illuminate the importance of state agency in institutional changes. Drawing on case studies in China's three major urbanizing regions, this article analyzes how villages brought their own land directly to the land market and reaped handsome profits. We argue that the three successful cases, Nanhai in Guangdong, Kunshan in Jiangsu and Zhenggezhuang in Beijing, all represent a product of active agency on the supply side. The Chinese state's fragmented authority provides a favorable institutional environment for such changes.
Effects of Social Capital, Top Executive Attributes and R&D on Firm Value in Chinese Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises
Authors: Qiao Penghua , Fung Hung‐Gay , Ju Xiaofeng
Published: July 2013

This study uses an unbalanced panel data analysis to examine the effects of social capital, top executive attributes and R&D on firm value in Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises Board from 2007 to 2011. There are several interesting findings. First, the gender (male) and academic degree of the chairperson in the SMEs have a positive and significant effect on firm value. Second, social capital (measured by political connections, managerial business association networks and technology association networks) and R&D have a positive effect on SME firm value. Third, the effect of political connections on firm value for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) is stronger than for non‐SOEs, while the effect of business and technology networks on firm value for non‐SOEs is stronger than for SOEs. Our study has important policy implications for SMEs that want to compete successfully in China.
Four‐year follow‐up of combined surgical therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis evaluating two methods of surface decontamination
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Hegewald Andrea , John Gordon , Sahm Narja , Becker Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To investigate the impact of two surface decontamination methods on the long‐term outcomes following combined surgical resective/regenerative therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis lesions.

Material and Methods

Seventeen patients (n = 17 combined supra‐ and intrabony‐defects) completed the 48 months follow‐up observation following access flap surgery, granulation tissue removal and implantoplasty at bucally and supracrestally exposed implant parts. The remaining unmodified implant surface areas were randomly treated using either (i) an Er:YAG laser (ERL), or (ii) plastic curets + cotton pellets + sterile saline (CPS), and augmented with a natural bone mineral + collagen membrane.

Results

At 48 months, CPS‐treated sites tended to reveal higher reductions in mean BOP (CPS: 85.2 ± 16.4% versus ERL: 71.6 ± 24.9%) and CAL values (CPS: 1.5 ± 2.0 mm versus ERL: 1.2 ± 2.0 mm) when compared with the ERL group. In both groups, clinical outcomes were not directly influenced by the initial defect configuration.

Conclusion

The 4‐year clinical outcomes obtained following combined surgical resective/regenerative therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis were not influenced by the method of surface decontamination.
Insulin and IGF1 modulate turnover of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA–NCAM) in a process involving specific extracellular matrix components
Authors: Monzo Hector J. , Park Thomas I. H. , Dieriks Birger V. , Jansson Deidre , Faull Richard L. M. , Dragunow Mike , Curtis Maurice A.
Published: July 2013

Cellular interactions mediated by the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) are critical in cell migration, differentiation and plasticity. Switching of the NCAM‐interaction mode, from adhesion to signalling, is determined by NCAM carrying a particular post‐translational modification, polysialic acid (PSA). Regulation of cell‐surface PSA‐NCAM is traditionally viewed as a direct consequence of polysialyltransferase activity. Taking advantage of the polysialyltransferase Ca2+‐dependent activity, we demonstrate in TE671 cells that downregulation of PSA‐NCAM synthesis constitutes a necessary but not sufficient condition to reduce cell‐surface PSA‐NCAM; instead, PSA‐NCAM turnover required internalization of the molecule into the cytosol. PSA‐NCAM internalization was specifically triggered by collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and prevented by insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1) and insulin. Our results pose a novel role for IGF1 and insulin in controlling cell migration through modulation of PSA‐NCAM turnover at the cell surface.

image

Neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs) are critically involved in cell differentiation and migration. Polysialylation (PSA)/desialylation of NCAMs switches their functional interaction mode and, in turn, migration and differentiation. We have found that the desialylation process of PSA–NCAM occurs via endocytosis, induced by collagen‐IV and blocked by insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1) and insulin, suggesting a novel association between PSA–NCAM, IGF1/insulin and brain/tumour plasticity.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM THREE DECADES OF RESEARCH ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF PUBLIC CAPITAL?
Authors: Bom Pedro R.D. , Ligthart Jenny E.
Published: July 2013

The last three decades have witnessed a great deal of research effort devoted to measuring the private output elasticity of public capital. The wide range of available estimates have precluded any consensus so far, however. This paper reconciles the empirical findings of the literature by quantitatively analyzing a sample of 578 estimates collected from 68 studies for the 1983–2008 period. Using meta‐regression analysis, we show how study design characteristics and publication bias can explain a large fraction of the variation across estimates. We find a short‐run output elasticity of public capital supplied at the central government level of 0.083, which increases to 0.122 in the long run. If, in addition, only core infrastructure at a regional/local level of government is considered, these estimates are almost doubled. The average output elasticity of public capital amounts to 0.106. Our results suggest that public capital is undersupplied in OECD economies.
Entry in theADHDdrugs market: Welfare impact of generics and me‐too's
Authors: Bokhari Farasat A. S. , Fournier Gary M.
Published: July 2013

Recent decades have seen a growth in treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including many branded and generic drugs. In the early 2000's, new drug entry dramatically altered market shares. We estimate a demand system forADHDdrugs and assess the welfare impact of new drugs. We find that entry induced large welfare gains by reducing prices of substitute drugs, and by providing alternative delivery mechanisms for existing molecules. Our results suggest that the success of follow‐on patented drugs may come from unanticipated innovations like delivery mechanisms, a factor ignored by proposals to retard new follow‐on drug approvals.
Community Pharmacy Detection of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Risk Factors or Who Seek Treatment or Advice But Lack a Valid Prescription
Authors: Morales Antonio Martin , Hatzichristou Dimitris , Lladós Joan Ramon , Renedo Virginia Pascual , Pimenidou Apostolia
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Pharmacists may be the first health care contact consulted about erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To assess pharmacists' ability to detect ED and encourage patients to seek medical evaluation.

Methods

This observational study conducted in Greece and Spain included men without a valid prescription for an ED medication but with a history indicating ED risk and/or who consulted a pharmacist about ED. Pharmacists completed a questionnaire about the patient. Patients completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM); men with a score ≤21 (cutoff for ED) were educated (by case pharmacists) and referred and encouraged to see a physician (by case and control pharmacists).

Main Outcome Measures

Proportion of men with a SHIM score ≤21 and, of those, the proportion who visited a physician and credited the pharmacist for their visit. ANCOVA and chi-square test were used for continuous and categorical data, respectively.

Results

Among the 451 men (mean±SD age, 54.9±12.9years) questioned about ED, 90% had a risk factor (usually hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes), 28% had a previous diagnosis, 36% sought internet information, 38% self-medicated, 10% took medication obtained outside the pharmacy setting, and the first health care professional approached was a pharmacist (50%), physician (18%), or nurse (1%) at a median of 6 (range, 0–360) months after symptom onset. The SHIM score was ≤21 in 348 (77%) men. A lower score (indicating increased ED severity) was associated with increased age and with benign prostate hyperplasia, depression, diabetes, or prostate cancer. In the minority of men contacted for follow-up, less than one-third had visited their physician, despite pharmacist encouragement.

Conclusions

Pharmacists are often the first health care contact regarding ED and are highly accurate in its detection. Further research is needed to optimize the pharmacist's role in early detection, education, and motivating patients to be evaluated by a physician.
Remitted Male Schizophrenia Patients with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Kheng Yee Ong , Muhd Ramli Eni Rahaiza , Che Ismail Hasanah
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Despite the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male schizophrenia patients, there is still a paucity of research on this area.

Aims

The study aims to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and any association between male patients with schizophrenia in remission and the sociodemographic profile, medication, depression, anxiety, psychopathology of illness, body mass index, and waist circumference.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with nonprobability sampling method was conducted in a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Taiping Hospital (Perak, Malaysia) over a 7-month period. A total of 111 remitted male schizophrenia patients were recruited. The validated Malay version of the International Index of Erectile Function (Mal-IIEF-15) was administered to the patients and assessed over 4-week duration in the domains of erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Logistic regression analysis was employed.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence and associated factors for sexual dysfunction in each domain are the main outcome measures.

Results

All five domains of sexual functioning in patients showed a high prevalence of dysfunction ranging from 78.4% to 97.1% with orgasmic dysfunction being the least impaired and intercourse satisfaction the worst impaired. Among the domains, only orgasmic dysfunction was significantly associated with race, i.e., Chinese at lower risk for impairment than the Malays (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.76; P = 0.018); education, i.e., patients with education higher than primary level were at higher risk for dysfunction (OR = 6.49; 95% CI: 1.32, 32.05; P = 0.022); and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-positive subscale, i.e., higher PANSS-positive score was a protective factor for orgasmic dysfunction (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.89; P = 0.015).

Conclusions

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was generally high. Malay patients and those with education higher than primary level were at higher risk for orgasmic dysfunction whereas higher PANSS-positive score was protective against the impairment. The high rate of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia patients warrants a routine inquiry into patients' sexuality and the appropriate problems being addressed.
Reinnervating the Penis in Spina Bifida Patients in the United States: Ilioinguinal-to-Dorsal-Penile Neurorrhaphy in Two Cases
Authors: Jacobs Micah A. , Avellino Anthony M. , Shurtleff David , Lendvay Thomas S.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Penile sensation is absent in some patients with myelomeningocele owing to the dysfunction of the pudendal nerve. Here, we describe the introduction of penile sensation via ilioinguinal-to-dorsal-penile neurorrhaphy in two patients with penile anesthesia due to neural tube defects.

Aim

To establish penile sensation via ilioinguinal-to-dorsal-penile-nerve neurorrhaphy.

Methods

A 20-year-old and a 35-year-old male with L5/S1 myelomeningocele were both highly functioning and ambulatory, with intact ilioinguinal nerve distribution sensation but anesthesia of the penis and glans. They were sexually active and able to ejaculate antegrade. Both had high International Index of Erectile Function scores for confidence to achieve erection sufficient for intercourse. An incision was made from anterior superior iliac crest to the glans penis to expose the inguinal canal and ilioinguinal nerve. The ilioinguinal and dorsal penile nerve were transected and anastomosed. The anastomotic site was then wrapped in a hemostatic agent and a drain was left in place. For penile rehabilitation, both patients were instructed to stimulate the penis while looking at the genitalia to encourage redistribution of perceived sensation.

Main Outcome Measures

Presence of erogenous penile sensation was tested by neurologic examination and patient feedback, and patients completed sexual health questionnaires.

Results

Both patients reported paresthesias of the groin with penile stimulation 1 month after surgery. Both patients are now 24 months postoperative and have erogenous sensation on the ipsilateral glans and shaft during intercourse. Neither patient has difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.

Conclusions

We present two patients with dorsal penile reinnervation via the ilioinguinal nerve. Although nerve reinnervation has been used in urological procedures, this is the first description of an attempt to resupply penile sensation via the dorsal penile nerve in the United States with a minimum of 18 months follow-up. Early follow-up suggests successful neuronal remapping and regained sensation of the penis.
Oral l-Citrulline Supplementation Improves Erectile Function in Rats with Acute Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Shiota Arufumi , Hotta Yuji , Kataoka Tomoya , Morita Masahiko , Maeda Yasuhiro , Kimura Kazunori
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Oral l-citrulline supplementation increases serum l-arginine levels more efficiently than l-arginine itself and increases nitric oxide (NO) production.

Aim

To investigate whether oral l-citrulline supplementation improves erectile function in rats with acute arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

We divided 8-week-old male Wistar-ST rats into 3 groups: sham-operated rats (control group), arteriogenic ED rats who underwent ligation of both internal iliac arteries (ligation group), and arteriogenic ED rats receiving oral 2% l-citrulline water supplementation (citrulline group). Citrulline water was given to arteriogenic ED rats for 3 weeks from 1 week after surgery. Erectile function was evaluated by maximum intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratios via cavernous nerve stimulation at 4 weeks after surgery. Then, the penises were resected, stained with Masson's trichrome, and observed microscopically. Serum nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Bonferroni's multiple t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were changes in ICP/MAP, smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratios, and NOx levels following l-citrulline supplementation.

Results

The ICP/MAP ratio in the ligation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), denoting ED. The ICP/MAP ratio of the citrulline group was significantly higher than that of the ligation group (P < 0.05), indicating ED amelioration. Levels of NOx in the ligation group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), while those in the citrulline group were significantly higher than in the ligation group (P < 0.05). SM/collagen ratios in the ligation group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), while ratios in the citrulline group were significantly higher than those in the ligation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oral l-citrulline supplementation improved ICP/MAP and SM/collagen ratios and increased NOx. Therefore, oral l-citrulline supplementation might be a useful novel therapy for acute arteriogenic ED.
Bioequivalence accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and remaining challenges
Authors: Martinez M. N.
Published: July 2013

Although bioequivalence (BE) concepts date back to the late 1960s, there has been a steady evolution in the tools applied to the assessment of product comparability. Despite these advancements, we continue to face a multitude of unresolved challenges. Several of these challenges are unique to veterinary medicine due to issues such as multiple species approvals, unique dosage forms (e.g., intramammary infusion and medicated premixes), physiological challenges (e.g., limitations in blood volume and stress reactions), and the need to evaluate product equivalence for products intended to release drug over a duration of months. Thus, while in some instances, we can adopt advancements implemented by our human health counterparts but in other situations, we need to pioneer our own method for resolving these challenges. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an update on recent advances, achievements, and ongoing initiatives associated with the assessment of product BE in veterinary medicine. This review reflects the highlights of a presentation given at the 2012 meeting of the European Association for Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.
RrmAregulates the stability of specific transcripts in response to both nitrogen source and oxidative stress
Authors: Krol Kinga , Morozov Igor Y. , Jones Meriel G. , Wyszomirski Tomasz , Weglenski Piotr , Dzikowska Agnieszka , Caddick Mark X.
Published: July 2013

Differential regulation of transcript stability is an effective means by which an organism can modulate gene expression. A well‐characterized example is glutamine signalled degradation of specific transcripts inAspergillus nidulans. In the case ofareA, which encodes a wide‐domain transcription factor mediating nitrogen metabolite repression, the signal is mediated through a highly conserved region of the 3′UTR. Utilizing thisRNAsequence we isolatedRrmA, anRNArecognition motif protein. Disruption of the respective gene led to loss of both glutamine signalled transcript degradation as well as nitrate signalled stabilization ofniaDmRNA. However, nitrogen starvation was shown to act independently ofRrmAin stabilizing certain transcripts.RrmAwas also implicated in the regulation of arginine catabolism gene expression and the oxidative stress responses at the level of mRNA stability. ΔrrmAmutants are hypersensitive to oxidative stress. This phenotype correlates with destabilization ofeifEanddhsAmRNA.eifEencodeseIF5A, a translation factor within which a conserved lysine is post‐translationally modified to hypusine, a process requiringDhsA. Intriguingly, for specific transcriptsRrmAmediates both stabilization and destabilization and the specificity of the signals transduced is transcript dependent, suggesting it acts in consort with other factors which differ between transcripts.
Post‐transcriptional activation of a diguanylate cyclase by quorum sensing small RNAs promotes biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Zhao Xiaonan , Koestler Benjamin J. , Waters Christopher M. , Hammer Brian K.
Published: July 2013

Biofilms promote attachment of Vibrio cholerae in aquatic ecosystems and aid in transmission. Intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels that control biofilm development positively correlate with expression of Qrr sRNAs, which are transcribed when quorum sensing (QS) autoinducer levels are low. The Qrr sRNAs base‐pair with and repress translation of hapR encoding the QS ‘master regulator’, hence increased c‐di‐GMP and biofilm development at low density were believed to be solely a consequence of Qrr/hapR pairing. We show that Qrr sRNAs also base‐pair with and activate translation of the mRNA of a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), Vca0939; relieving an inhibitory structure in vca0939 that occludes the ribosome binding site. A nucleotide substitution in vca0939 disrupted sRNA/mRNA base‐pairing and prevented vca0939 translation, while a compensating Qrr sRNA substitution restored pairing and Vca0939 levels. Qrr‐dependent DGC activation led to c‐di‐GMP accumulation and biofilm development in V. cholerae. This represents the first description of (1) a DGC post‐transcriptionally activated by direct pairing with an Hfq‐dependent sRNA, and (2) control of a V. cholerae QS phenotype, independent of HapR. Thus, direct interactions of the same sRNAs with two mRNAs promote c‐di‐GMP‐dependent biofilm formation by complementary mechanisms in V. cholerae; by negatively regulating HapR, and positively regulating the DGC Vca0939.
VeA and MvlA repression of the cryptic orsellinic acid gene cluster in Aspergillus nidulans involves histone 3 acetylation
Authors: Bok Jin Woo , Soukup Alexandra A. , Chadwick Elizabeth , Chiang Yi‐Ming , Wang Clay C. C. , Keller Nancy P.
Published: July 2013

A perplexing aspect of fungal secondary metabolite gene clusters is that most clusters remain ‘silent’ under common laboratory growth conditions where activation is obtained through gene manipulation or encounters with environmental signals. Few proteins have been found involved in repression of silent clusters. Through multicopy suppressor mutagenesis, we have identified a novel cluster suppressor in Aspergillus nidulans, MvlA (modulator of veA loss). Genetic assessment of MvlA mutants revealed the role of both itself and VeA (but not the VeA partner LaeA) in the suppression of the cryptic ors gene cluster producing orsellinic acid and its F9775 derivatives. Loss of veA upregulates F9775A and F9775B production and this increase is reduced 4–5‐fold when an overexpression mvlA (OE:mvlA) allele is introduced into the ΔveA background. Previous studies have implicated a positive role for GcnE (H3K9 acetyltransferase of the SAGA/ADA complex) in ors cluster expression and here we find expression of gcnE is upregulated in ΔveA and suppressed by OE:mvlA in the ΔveA background. H3K9 acetylation levels of ors cluster genes correlated with gcnE expression and F9775 production in ΔveA and OE:mvlAΔveA strains. Finally, deletion of gcnE in the ΔveA background abolishes ors cluster activation and F9775 production. Together, this work supports a role for VeA and MvlA in modifying SAGA/ADA complex activity.
The genus Striga: a witch profile
Authors: Spallek Thomas , Mutuku Musembi , Shirasu Ken
Published: July 2013

The genus Striga comprises about 30 obligate root‐parasitic plants, commonly known as witchweeds. In particular, S. hermonthica, S. asiatica and S. gesnerioides cause immense losses to major stable crops in sub‐Saharan Africa. Most Striga species parasitize grass species (Poaceae), but Striga gesnerioides has evolved to parasitize dicotyledonous plants. Aspects of phylogeny, economic impact, parasitic life style and molecular discoveries are briefly reviewed to profile one of the main biotic constraints to African agriculture.

Taxonomy

Striga Lour.; Kingdom Plant; Division Angiospermae; Clade Eudicots; Order Laminales; Family Orobanchaceae.

Important hosts

Sorghum Moench., maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza L.), sugarcane (Saccharum L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.].

Disease symptoms

Stunted growth, drought‐stressed‐like appearance, in severe cases chlorosis and necrosis.

Economic importance

1 billion $US per annum.

Disease control

Hand weeding, breeding, chemical control, intercropping with catch or trap crops.

Useful webpages

http://ppgp.huck.psu.edu; http://striga.psc.riken.jp
Caring and technology in an intensive care unit: an ethnographic study
Authors: Price Ann M
Published: July 2013

Background

Critical care practice is a mixture of caring and technological activities. There is debate about whether the balance between these two elements is correct and a concern that critical care units can dehumanize the patient. This research sought to examine aspects that might affect this balance between the caring and technology within the critical care setting.

Aim

What aspects affect registered health care professionals' ability to care for patients within the technological environment of a critical care unit?

Methodology

A qualitative approach using ethnography was utilized as this methodology focuses on the cultural elements within a situation. Data collection involved participant observation, document review and semi‐structured interviews to triangulate methods as this aids rigour for this approach. A purposeful sample to examine registered health care professionals currently working within the study area was used. A total of 19 participants took part in the study; 8 nurses were observed and 16 health care professionals were interviewed, including nurses, a doctor and 2 physiotherapists. The study took place on a District General Hospital intensive care unit and ethical approval was gained.

Findings

An overarching theme of the ‘Crafting process’ was developed with sub themes of ‘vigilance’, ‘focus of attention, ‘being present’ and ‘expectations’ with the ultimate goal of achieving the best interests for the individual patient.

Conclusion

The areas reflected in this study coincide with the care, compassion, competency, commitment, communication and courage ideas detailed by the Department of Health (2012). Thus, further research to detail more specifically how these areas are measured within critical care may be useful.

Relevance to practice

Caring is a complex concept that is difficult to outline but this article can inform practitioners about the aspects that help and hinder caring in the technical setting to inform training.
Knowledge levels of intensive care nurses on prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: Akın Korhan Esra , Hakverdioğlu Yönt Gülendam , Parlar Kılıç Serap , Uzelli Derya
Published: July 2013

Background

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia constitutes a significant concern for ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.

Aim

This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in general intensive care units concerning evidence‐based measures for the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia.

Method

This study design is cross‐sectional. It was carried out on nurses working in the general intensive care units of anesthiology and re‐animation clinics. Collection of research data was performed by means of a Nurse Identification Form and a Form of Evidence‐Based Knowledge concerning the Prevention of Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia. Characterization statistics were shown by percentage, median and interquartile range. Chi‐square and Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used as appropriate.

Results

The median value of total points scored by nurses on the questionnaire was 4.00 ± 2.00. The difference between the nurses' education levels, duration of work experience and participation in in‐service training programmes on ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention and the median value of their total scores on the questionnaire was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The conclusion of the study was that critical care nurses' knowledge about ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention is poor.
Effects of introduced insects and diseases on forest ecosystems in the Catskill Mountains of New York
Authors: Lovett Gary M. , Arthur Mary A. , Weathers Kathleen C. , Griffin Jacob M.
Published: July 2013

Repeated invasions of non‐native insects and pathogens have altered the structure and function of forest ecosystems in the Catskill Mountains of New York State, and will continue to do so in the future. Gypsy moth, beech bark disease, and hemlock woolly adelgid are among the insects and diseases currently established in the Catskills that are having significant effects on forests. Many others, including emerald ash borer, Asian long‐horned beetle, Phytophthora ramorum, and Sirex wood wasp, are either very recently established in the Catskills or have been found elsewhere in North America and threaten to spread to this region. Short‐term disturbances associated with these pests include reduction of productivity, tree decline and mortality, disruption of nutrient cycles, and reduction of seed production. Longer‐term impacts are associated with shifts in tree species composition that alter productivity, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Catskill forests at mid to high elevations, such as the New York State Forest Preserve lands, are dominated by sugar maple and are particularly vulnerable to pests that use maple as a host, including the Asian long‐horned beetle. The simultaneous effects of multiple invading insects and pathogens, and their interactions with changing climate and air pollution regimes, make it very difficult to predict the future composition of Catskill forests.
Current Status of Research on Fungal Bioluminescence: Biochemistry and Prospects for Ecotoxicological Application
Authors: Stevani Cassius V. , Oliveira Anderson G. , Mendes Luiz F. , Ventura Fernanda F. , Waldenmaier Hans E. , Carvalho Rodrigo P. , Pereira Tatiana A.
Published: July 2013

Over the last half decade the study of fungal bioluminescence has regained momentum since the involvement of enzymes has been confirmed after over 40 years of controversy. Since then our laboratory has worked mainly on further characterizing the substances involved in fungal bioluminescence and its mechanism, as well as the development of an ecotoxicological bioluminescent assay with fungi. Previously, we proved the involvement of a NAD(P)H‐dependent reductase and a membrane‐bound luciferase in a two‐step reaction triggered by addition of NAD(P)H and molecular oxygen to generate green light. The fungal luminescent system is also likely shared across all lineages of bioluminescent fungi based on cross‐reaction studies. Moreover, fungal bioluminescence is inhibited by the mycelium exposure to toxicants. The change in light emission under optimal and controlled conditions has been used as endpoint in the development of toxicological bioassays. These bioassays are useful to better understand the interactions and effects of hazardous compounds to terrestrial species and to assist the assessment of soil contaminations by biotic or abiotic sources. In this work, we present an overview of the current state of the study of fungal luminescence and the application of bioluminescent fungi as versatile tool in ecotoxicology.
Forced Heat and Mass Transfer From a Slightly Deformed Sphere at Small but Finite Peclet Numbers in Stokes Flow
Authors: Feng Zhi-Gang
Published: July 2013

The fundamental problem of heat and mass transfer from a slightly deformed sphere at low but finite Peclet numbers in Stokes flow is solved by a combined regular and singular perturbation method. The deformed sphere is assumed to be axisymmetric and its shape is described by a power series in a small parameter; the correction to the Nusselt number due to the deformation of the sphere is obtained through a regular perturbation with respect to this parameter. On the contrary, the correction to the Nusselt number due to the small Peclet number is derived by applying a singular perturbation method. The analytical solution is derived for the averaged Nusselt number in terms of the Peclet number and the deformation parameter.
Numerical Simulation and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition of the Flow in a Counter-Flow T-Junction
Authors: Merzari E. , Pointer W. D. , Fischer P.
Published: July 2013

Large eddy simulations (LES) of the turbulent mixing in a T-junction have been carried out with the spectral element code Nek5000 at two inlet velocity ratios. Numerical results have been compared with an available experiment. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has then been used to identify the most energetic modes of turbulence for both the velocity and temperature fields. Since POD was also performed on the experiment particle image velocimetry (PIV) data, a further means of verification and validation was available. The structure of the numerical POD modes and the time histories of the projection of each mode on the velocity field offer additional insight into the physics of turbulence in T-junctions. In particular, in the case of identical inlet velocities (T-junction velocity ratio equal to 1.0) the dynamics appears to be richer than might be expected and additional diagonal modes are present.
Fast Heating Induced Thermoacoustic Waves in Supercritical Fluids: Experimental and Numerical Studies
Authors: Hasan Nusair , Farouk Bakhtier
Published: July 2013

Thermoacoustic waves in near-critical supercritical carbon dioxide are investigated experimentally on acoustic time scales using a fast electrical heating system along with high speed pressure measurements. Supercritical carbon dioxide (near the critical or the pseudocritical states) in an enclosure is subjected to fast boundary heating with a thin nickel foil and an R-C circuit. The combination of very high thermal compressibilities and vanishingly small thermal diffusivities of the near-critical fluid affect the thermal energy propagation, leading to the formation of acoustic waves as carriers of thermal energy (the so called piston effect). The experimental results show that under the same temperature perturbation at the boundary, the strength of the acoustic field is enhanced as the initial state of the supercritical fluid approaches criticality. The heating rate, at which the boundary temperature is raised, is a key factor in the generation of these acoustic waves. The effect of different rates of boundary heating on the acoustic wave formation mechanism near the critical point is studied. The thermoacoustic wave generation and propagation in near-critical supercritical fluid is also investigated numerically and compared with the experimental measurements. The numerical predictions show a good agreement with the experimental data.
Convective Heat Transfer in an Impinging Synthetic Jet: A Numerical Investigation of a Canonical Geometry
Authors: Silva Luis A. , Ortega Alfonso
Published: July 2013

Synthetic jets are generated by an equivalent inflow and outflow of fluid into a system. Even though such a jet creates no net mass flux, net positive momentum can be produced because the outflow momentum during the first half of the cycle is contained primarily in a vigorous vortex pair created at the orifice edges; whereas in the backstroke, the backflow momentum is weaker, despite the fact that mass is conserved. As a consequence of this, the approach can be potentially utilized for the impingement of a cooling fluid onto a heated surface. In previous studies, little attention has been given to the influence of the jet's origins; hence it has been difficult to find reproducible results that are independent of the jet apparatus or actuators utilized to create the jet. Furthermore, because of restrictions of the resonators used in typical actuators, previous investigations have not been able to independently isolate effects of jet frequency, amplitude, and Reynolds number. In the present study, a canonical geometry is presented, in order to study the flow and heat transfer of a purely oscillatory jet that is not influenced by the manner in which it is produced. The unsteady Navier–Stokes equations and the convection–diffusion equation were solved using a fully unsteady, two-dimensional finite volume approach in order to capture the complex time dependent flow field. A detailed analysis was performed on the correlation between the complex velocity field and the observed wall heat transfer. Scaling analysis of the governing equations was utilized to identify nondimensional groups and propose a correlation for the space-averaged and time-averaged Nusselt number. A fundamental frequency, in addition to the jet forcing frequency, was found, and was attributed to the coalescence of consecutive vortex pairs. In terms of time-averaged data, the merging of vortices led to lower heat transfer. Point to point correlations showed that the instantaneous local Nusselt number strongly correlates with the vertical velocity v although the spatial-temporal dependencies are not yet fully understood.
Achieving a Specific Nonuniform Heat Flux With an Electrical Heat Flux Plate
Authors: Rutledge James L. , Polanka Marc D.
Published: July 2013

A voltage applied across a uniform plate results in a uniform ohmic heat dissipation, useful for conducting heat transfer experiments or preventing unacceptably low temperatures on spacecraft components. Most experiments to date involve application of a known uniform heat flux to the surface of a model. Measurement of the resulting temperature distribution facilitates calculation of the heat transfer coefficient, h. The dependence of h on the boundary condition, however, may necessitate a specified nonuniform heat flux. In this paper, a novel methodology is developed for designing a nonuniform thickness heat flux plate to provide a specified spatially variable heat flux. The equations are derived to solve the two dimensional heat flux with a variable cross sectional area. After showing that this inverse heat transfer problem cannot be readily linearized, a methodology utilizing a smooth surface polynomial was applied. Then, for a prescribed, desired heat flux distribution, a 7th order polynomial (including 36 terms) yielded a normalized root mean squared error of 1% over the surface. This distributed heat flux could result in significant power and thus cost savings for a variety of applications.
SU‐A‐WAB‐01: Professional Council Symposium: The Medical Physicist as a Professional Leader ‐ The Importance of Leadership Development
Authors: Hendee W , Hazle J , Clements J
Published: July 2013

Medical physicists have a unique combination of education and training in physics principles, radiation physics applications in medicine, human anatomy, as well as safety analysis and quality control methods. To be highly effective, we must be leaders in our local practice environments — that is, our professional mission should be to provide professional leadership within our respective institutions. Unfortunately, many medical physicists focus exclusively on their narrow specialty of practice (e.g. imaging physics, radiation oncology physics). Such an approach represents a missed opportunity. Within every institution, whether it has a clinical, research or teaching focus, there are key stakeholders who are not experts in the science of physics in medicine, and many colleagues who rely on medical physicists to provide direction and prioritization of the group's work. An effective medical physicist recognizes that to advance the institution's mission, the medical physicist must join other professional leaders within the institution to provide clear direction and perspective for the entire team. This year's Professional Council Symposium will explore the many facets of professional leadership in medical physics. Dr. Hendee will provide an overview of medical physicists as leaders in our profession, with a focus on our long partnership with our physician colleagues. Dr. Hazle will describe how the medical physicist can have a significant impact on the environment of care in one's institution. Ms. Clements will describe how the medical physicist can influence the professional standards within their institution, even if the medical physicist does not yet possess several decades of experience. Being an effective professional leader is quite different from being an effective manager. The professional leader helps the entire team or institution to recognize the most important topics to focus on and why these topics matter, and provides the entire team with clear direction and support. To be effective as medical physicists, we must learn how to provide leadership to a diverse team of colleagues.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the difference between management and leadership.

2. Understand the importance of professional leadership for medical physicists to be highly effective in their professional mission.

3. Understand some strategies for developing as a professional leader.
SU‐B‐103‐01: Education Council Symposium: AAPM and International Education: What, Why and How?
Authors: Pipman Y , Van Dyk J , Saw C , Jeraj R , White G
Published: July 2013

AAPM members, and the AAPM as an organization, have been active for many years in educational activities outside of the USA. A great portion of these activities has taken place in countries with much less resources, and with only incipient or barely organized Medical Physics societies, while others were carried out in support of new and emerging needs in regions with long Medical Physics traditions. The AAPM has earned a great reputation as a Result of these and other activities. The last decade has seen an inordinate surge of deployment of new technology and methods worldwide, but also an increased awareness about the risks it poses. Hence the pressing need for well educated and trained Medical Physicists. The gap is most critical in developing countries, where the normally slow process of growing the training capacity appears to be an unaffordable luxury. We plan to discuss the “What, Why, and How” of the involvement of AAPM members in International Educational activities that should be of help in developing countries and that will enrich the members' experience and outlook.

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn about challenges for Medical Physics education in developing countries.

2. To look at ways and opportunities to “do good” while engaging in exciting work.

3. To discuss ways to help our colleagues abroad while expanding our own understanding and improving our skills

4. To learn how collaborating on projects can leverage the educational offerings and generate opportunities for growth.