bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Interaction Between Firm Management and Sell‐Side Analysts
Authors: SOLTES EUGENE
Published: November 2013

Although sell‐side analysts often privately interact with managers of publicly traded firms, the private nature of this contact has historically obscured direction examination. By examining a set of proprietary records compiled by a large‐cap NYSE‐traded firm, I offer insights into which analysts privately meet with management, when analysts privately interact with management, and why these interactions occur. I also compare private interaction to public interaction between analysts and managers on conference calls. The evidence suggests that private interaction with management is an important communication channel for analysts for reasons other than firm‐specific forecasting news.
Development of an Anti‐Insect Sachet Using a Polyvinyl Alcohol−Cinnamon Oil Polymer Strip Against Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Jo Heon‐Joo , Park Ki‐Moon , Min Sea C. , Na Ja Hyun , Park Ki Hwan , Han Jaejoon
Published: November 2013

Plodia interpunctella is a major storage pest that penetrates into food packaging and causes serious economic losses, as well as posing health risks. The goal of this study was to develop effective anti‐insect polymer strips against P. interpunctella by using plant essential oil (EO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The EO of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, CO) bark was used as an insect repellent, and fumigant mortality and the repellent activity of CO were measured to evaluate subsistent anti‐insect properties through newly designed traps. Repellent activity was also examined with several foods to simulate the storage environment. The mortality rate with CO after fumigation for 120 h was 63%. In the repellent assay, CO‐treated strips, but not control strips, effectively repelled P. interpunctella in both “with foods” and “without foods” groups. A PVA–CO strip sachet (PCO sachet) was developed to control the volatility of CO, and the PCO sachet demonstrated robust repellent activity. The loading contents of CO at the center and edges of strips were 39.41% and 39.59%, respectively, and through the results of FT‐IR, it inferred that CO was physically diffused in the PVA polymer matrix, not forming chemical bonds. In a release test using a gas chromatography, the PCO sachet showed remarkable controlled release of CO. These results demonstrate that the anti‐insect effects of CO can be maintained throughout the distribution and storage periods of foods using PCO sachets.
Hydrogen Peroxide Generation from Hydrated Protein Drink Mixes
Authors: Boatright William L.
Published: November 2013

Generation of oxygen radicals upon hydration of powdered protein products was examined using luminol‐enhanced chemiluminescence. Among individual proteins powders examined oxidative bursts occurred almost immediately, and then rapidly declined in the 1st 5 min. Commercially available powdered protein drink mixes behaved differently, with an initial lag phase followed by a sustained increase in luminol‑enhanced luminescence, lasting for an hour or beyond. The drink mix that produced the highest level of luminol‐enhanced luminescence also contained 379 nM ascorbate radical when hydrated (28 nmole/g of powdered drink mix). The entire ascorbic acid content of this drink mix was oxidized to nondetectable levels (using HPLC‐diode array detection) within 60 min of being hydrated. Treatment of the hydrated drink mixes with the enzyme catalase almost completely inhibited the luminol‐enhanced luminescence from the hydrated drink mix demonstrating that hydrogen peroxide generated via a chemical reaction among the drink mixes’ ingredients was a primary reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is the strongest oxidative capacity demonstrated in a food product as consumed (without any manipulation to increase ROS) and the 1st time that the ascrobate radical in a food product as been quantified. Generation of hydrogen peroxide in the hydrated drink mixes from metal catalyzed reactions involving oxygen and reducing equivalents from ascorbic acid is proposed.
Lipolysis, Lipid Peroxidation, and Color Characteristics of Serrano Hams from Duroc and Large White Pigs during Dry‐Curing
Authors: del Olmo Ana , Calzada Javier , Nuñez Manuel
Published: November 2013

Lipolysis, lipid peroxidation, and colorimetric characteristics of Serrano hams from Duroc and Large White pigs along a 15‐mo curing period were investigated. Physicochemical parameters of both types of hams evolved similarly during curing. Twelve of 13 free fatty acids (FFAs) increased during curing, eicosatrienoic acid being the only exception. Linoleic, stearic, and arachidonic acids and the minor heptadecanoic acid reached lower concentrations, and the rest of minor FFAs higher concentrations, in Duroc hams than in Large White hams. The index measuring the early stage of lipid peroxidation declined from month 5 onwards, indicating that the phenomenon had been completed by month 5, while the index of the secondary stage of lipid peroxidation increased with curing time. Higher values were found for the 1st index in Duroc hams. Curing affected color parameters. Lightness decreased and redness increased in both types of hams, while yellowness decreased only in Duroc hams. Lower redness values were found for Duroc hams. Major differences in color parameters were found between muscles. Principal components analysis of FFAs yielded 2 main principal components. The 1st factor, correlated with all FFAs excepting eicosatrienoic acid, allowed discrimination between curing times. The 2nd factor, correlated with eicosatrienoic acid, permitted discrimination between breeds.
Mathematical Modeling and Microbiological Verification of Ohmic Heating of a Multicomponent Mixture of Particles in a Continuous Flow Ohmic Heater System with Electric Field Parallel to Flow
Authors: Kamonpatana Pitiya , Mohamed Hussein M. H. , Shynkaryk Mykola , Heskitt Brian , Yousef Ahmed E. , Sastry Sudhir K.
Published: November 2013

To accomplish continuous flow ohmic heating of a low‐acid food product, sufficient heat treatment needs to be delivered to the slowest‐heating particle at the outlet of the holding section. This research was aimed at developing mathematical models for sterilization of a multicomponent food in a pilot‐scale ohmic heater with electric‐field‐oriented parallel to the flow and validating microbial inactivation by inoculated particle methods. The model involved 2 sets of simulations, one for determination of fluid temperatures, and a second for evaluating the worst‐case scenario. A residence time distribution study was conducted using radio frequency identification methodology to determine the residence time of the fastest‐moving particle from a sample of at least 300 particles. Thermal verification of the mathematical model showed good agreement between calculated and experimental fluid temperatures (P > 0.05) at heater and holding tube exits, with a maximum error of 0.6 °C. To achieve a specified target lethal effect at the cold spot of the slowest‐heating particle, the length of holding tube required was predicted to be 22 m for a 139.6 °C process temperature with volumetric flow rate of 1.0 × 10−4 m3/s and 0.05 m in diameter. To verify the model, a microbiological validation test was conducted using at least 299 chicken‐alginate particles inoculated with Clostridium sporogenes spores per run. The inoculated pack study indicated the absence of viable microorganisms at the target treatment and its presence for a subtarget treatment, thereby verifying model predictions.
Correction of location errors for presence‐only species distribution models
Authors: Hefley Trevor J. , Baasch David M. , Tyre Andrew J. , Blankenship Erin E.
Published: November 2013

Species distribution models (SDMs) for presence‐only data depend on accurate and precise measurements of geographical and environmental covariates that influence presence and abundance of the species. Some data sets, however, may contain both systematic and random errors in the recorded location of the species. Environmental covariates at the recorded location may differ from those at the true location and result in biased parameter estimates and predictions from SDMs.

Regression calibration is a well‐developed statistical method that can be used to correct the bias in estimated coefficients and predictions from SDMs when the recorded geographical location differs from the true location for some, but not all locations. We expand the application of regression calibration methods to SDMs and provide illustrative examples using simulated data and opportunistic records of whooping cranes (Grus americana).

We found we were able to successfully correct the bias in our SDM parameters estimated from simulated data and opportunistic records of whooping cranes using regression calibration.

When modelling species distributions with data that have geographical location errors, we recommend researchers consider the effect of location errors. Correcting for location errors requires that at least a portion of the data have locations recorded without error. Bias correction can result in an increase in variance; this increase in variance should be considered when evaluating the utility of bias correction.
Do women with a repeat termination of pregnancy prefer a medical or a surgical regimen?
Authors: Worm Frandsen Maja , Rørbye Christina , Nilas Lisbeth
Published: November 2013

We compared the risk of a repeat termination and the method of termination in women with a prior medical or surgical termination, or both, in a cohort study of women with a pregnancy termination at gestational age ≤63 days in 1999–2001. Within 5 years, 24% (330/1379) had a repeat abortion, and repeat terminations were more frequent in the surgical [27% (159/588)] than the medical group [22% (171/791)] (p < 0.05). The method used at the repeat termination was medical in 49% (83/171) of women with an earlier medical termination, compared with 13% (21/159) (p < 0.01) in women with an earlier surgical termination. In 125 women who had experienced both procedures, 37% (46/125) of the next terminations were performed medically and 63% (79/125) surgically (p < 0.01). Women in our study with a repeat termination tended to choose the same method as used before, and more often a surgical termination.
Surrogate Measures and Consistent Surrogates
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: November 2013

Surrogates which allow one to predict the effect of the treatment on the outcome of interest from the effect of the treatment on the surrogate are of importance when it is difficult or expensive to measure the primary outcome. Unfortunately, the use of such surrogates can give rise to paradoxical situations in which the effect of the treatment on the surrogate is positive, the surrogate and outcome are strongly positively correlated, but the effect of the treatment on the outcome is negative, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the “surrogate paradox.” New results are given for consistent surrogates that extend the existing literature on sufficient conditions that ensure the surrogate paradox is not manifest. Specifically, it is shown that for the surrogate paradox to be manifest it must be the case that either there is (i) a direct effect of treatment on the outcome not through the surrogate and in the opposite direction as that through the surrogate or (ii) confounding for the effect of the surrogate on the outcome, or (iii) a lack of transitivity so that treatment does not positively affect the surrogate for all the same individuals for whom the surrogate positively affects the outcome. The conditions for consistent surrogates and the results of the article are important because they allow investigators to predict the direction of the effect of the treatment on the outcome simply from the direction of the effect of the treatment on the surrogate. These results on consistent surrogates are then related to the four approaches to surrogate outcomes described by Joffe and Greene (2009, Biometrics 65, 530–538) to assess whether the standard criteria used by these approaches to assess whether a surrogate is “good” suffice to avoid the surrogate paradox.
Sharpening Bounds on Principal Effects with Covariates
Authors: Long Dustin M. , Hudgens Michael G.
Published: November 2013

Estimation of treatment effects in randomized studies is often hampered by possible selection bias induced by conditioning on or adjusting for a variable measured post-randomization. One approach to obviate such selection bias is to consider inference about treatment effects within principal strata, that is, principal effects. A challenge with this approach is that without strong assumptions principal effects are not identifiable from the observable data. In settings where such assumptions are dubious, identifiable large sample bounds may be the preferred target of inference. In practice these bounds may be wide and not particularly informative. In this work we consider whether bounds on principal effects can be improved by adjusting for a categorical baseline covariate. Adjusted bounds are considered which are shown to never be wider than the unadjusted bounds. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for which the adjusted bounds will be sharper (i.e., narrower) than the unadjusted bounds. The methods are illustrated using data from a recent, large study of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Using a baseline covariate indicating low birth weight, the estimated adjusted bounds for the principal effect of interest are 63% narrower than the estimated unadjusted bounds.
Robotic kidney transplantation with intraoperative regional hypothermia
Authors: Abaza Ronney , Ghani Khurshid R. , Sood Akshay , Ahlawat Rajesh , Kumar Ramesh K. , Jeong Wooju , Bhandari Mahendra , Kher Vijay , Menon Mani
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe a novel and reproducible technique of robotic kidney transplantation (RKT) that requires no repositioning, and permits intraoperative regional hypothermia.

Patients and Methods

A GelPOINT™ (Applied Medical, Santa Ranchero, CA, USA) access port was used for delivery of ice‐slush and introduction of the graft kidney. The new RKT technique using ice‐slush has been performed in 39 patients.

Results

At a mean follow‐up of 3 months all of the grafts functioned. There was a marked reduction in pain and analgesic requirement compared with patients undergoing open KT, with a propensity towards quicker graft recovery and lower complication rate.

Conclusion

RKT has been shown to be safe and feasible in patients undergoing living‐donor related KT. A prospective trial is underway to assess outcomes definitively.
Locomotion in ornithischian dinosaurs: an assessment using three‐dimensional computational modelling
Authors: Maidment Susannah C. R. , Bates Karl T. , Falkingham Peter L. , VanBuren Collin , Arbour Victoria , Barrett Paul M.
Published: November 2013

Ornithischian dinosaurs were primitively bipedal with forelimbs modified for grasping, but quadrupedalism evolved in the clade on at least three occasions independently. Outside of Ornithischia, quadrupedality from bipedal ancestors has only evolved on two other occasions, making this one of the rarest locomotory transitions in tetrapod evolutionary history. The osteological and myological changes associated with these transitions have only recently been documented, and the biomechanical consequences of these changes remain to be examined. Here, we review previous approaches to understanding locomotion in extinct animals, which can be broadly split into form–function approaches using analogy based on extant animals, limb‐bone scaling, and computational approaches. We then carry out the first systematic attempt to quantify changes in locomotor muscle function in bipedal and quadrupedal ornithischian dinosaurs. Using three‐dimensional computational modelling of the major pelvic locomotor muscle moment arms, we examine similarities and differences among individual taxa, between quadrupedal and bipedal taxa, and among taxa representing the three major ornithischian lineages (Thyreophora, Ornithopoda, Marginocephalia). Our results suggest that the ceratopsidChasmosaurusand the ornithopodHypsilophodonhave relatively low moment arms for most muscles and most functions, perhaps suggesting poor locomotor performance in these taxa. Quadrupeds have higher abductor moment arms than bipeds, which we suggest is due to the overall wider bodies of the quadrupeds modelled. A peak in extensor moment arms at more extended hip angles and lower medial rotator moment arms in quadrupeds than in bipeds may be due to a more columnar hindlimb and loss of medial rotation as a form of lateral limb support in quadrupeds. We are not able to identify trends in moment arm evolution across Ornithischia as a whole, suggesting that the bipedal ancestry of ornithischians did not constrain the development of quadrupedal locomotionviaa limited number of functional pathways. Functional anatomy appears to have had a greater effect on moment arms than phylogeny, and the differences identified between individual taxa and individual clades may relate to differences in locomotor performance required for living in different environments or for clade‐specific behaviours.
MRI‐based abnormalities in young adults at risk of adverse bone health due to childhood‐onset metabolic & endocrine conditions
Authors: McComb C. , Harpur A. , Yacoubian C. , Leddy C. , Anderson G. , Shepherd S. , Perry C. , Shaikh M. G. , Foster J. , Ahmed S. F.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Traditional methods of bone densitometry may not provide a comprehensive assessment of bone health. We aimed to assess bone micro‐architecture and bone marrow adiposity (BMA) by MRI in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and endocrinopathy including GH deficiency and/or hypogonadism.

Measurements

High‐resolution micro‐MRI images were acquired at the tibia using 3T MRI to calculate parameters of bone micro‐architecture in seven adults with OI and 10 adults with endocrinopathies. MR Spectroscopy was performed in participants to calculate vertebral BMA, which was expressed as percentage fat fraction (%FF). Lumbar spine DXA was performed to assess bone mineral density. The MRI data were compared with a group of 22 healthy adults who were divided into two age‐matched control groups.

Results

Intra‐operator repeatability was high, with an average CoV of 1% for micro‐MRI and 2·5% for MRS. The ratio of apparent bone volume to total volume (appBV/TV) in the endocrinopathy and OI groups was lower than in age‐matched control groups (P = 0·003 and P = 0·008 respectively). A weak association between DXA BMD and appBV/TV was also observed (r = 0·5, P = 0·045). %FF was higher in the endocrinopathy group than in the age‐matched control group (P = 0·005), but no difference in %FF was observed between the OI group and their age‐matched control group (P = 0·26).

Conclusions

MRI provides valuable detailed information on the micro‐architecture and adiposity of bones and is capable of showing clear differences in bone parameters in a range of clinical conditions associated with abnormal bone health.
Utility of additional tissue sections in dermatopathology: diagnostic, clinical and financial implications
Authors: Stuart Lauren N. , Rodriguez Adrianna S. , Gardner Jerad M. , Foster Toby E. , MacKelfresh Jamie , Parker Douglas C. , Chen Suephy C. , Stoff Benjamin K.
Published: November 2013

Background

As histopathologic assessment is subject to sampling error, some institutions ‘preorder’ deeper sections on some or all cases (hereafter referred to as prospective deeper sections), while others order additional sections only when needed (hereafter referred to as retrospective deeper sections). We investigated how often additional sections changed a diagnosis and/or clinical management. Given the recent decrease in reimbursement for CPT‐code 88305, we also considered the financial implications of ordering additional sections.

Methods

Cases (n = 204) were assigned a preliminary diagnosis, based on review of the initial slide, and a final diagnosis, after reviewing additional sections. Cases with discordant diagnoses were assessed by two dermatologists, who indicated whether the change in diagnosis altered clinical management. Expenses were estimated for three scenarios: (a) no additional sections, (b) prospective deeper sections and (c) retrospective deeper sections.

Results

Diagnoses were modified in 9% of cases, which changed clinical management in 56% of these cases. Lesions obtained by punch‐biopsy and inflammatory lesions were disproportionately overrepresented amongst cases with changed diagnoses (p < 0.001, p = 0.12, respectively). The cost of prospective deeper sections and retrospective deeper sections represented a 56% and 115% increase over base costs, respectively. Labor costs, particularly the cost of dermatopathologist evaluation, were the most significant cost‐drivers.

Conclusions

While additional sections improve diagnostic accuracy, they delay turn‐around‐time and increase expenditures. In our practice, prospective deeper sections are cost effective, however, this may vary by institution.
Microbial enzyme activities, fungal biomass and quality of the litter and upper soil layer in a beech forest of south Italy
Authors: Papa S. , Cembrola E. , Pellegrino A. , Fuggi A. , Fioretto A.
Published: November 2013

Forest soils contain a large amount of organic matter (OM) and therefore represent a considerable carbon reserve. The amount of OM sequestered in the soil is dependent on annual input of litter and its quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity and quality of OM, the microbial capacity to degrade it and its recalcitrance to further degradation, by considering some extracellular enzyme activities in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in south Italy (Mediterranean area). Our attention was focused on the decomposition continuum of the litter horizon and upper soil layer. Because fungi are the major decomposers of plant material, fungal biomass was also measured and its relationship with enzyme activities was tested. The results showed that: (i) the litter horizon and the upper soil layer differed in chemical characteristics and biological activities; (ii) within the litter horizon, the three layers detected for their different degree of degradation (L, recently fallen, not decomposed and not compressed material; F, partially decomposed and fragmented but macroscopically recognizable material; H, compressed and strongly fragmented) differed more in chemical characteristics than in biological activities; (iii) the enzyme activities and fungal biomass changed during the study period but a clear relationship with succession of seasons was evident only for cellulase, laccase, peroxidase and fungal biomass; and (iv) the upper soil layer included 42% OM and less than 50% of that was susceptible to further decomposition. This percentage was 30% in the OM of L.
A model for predicting the mixed‐mode fatigue crack growth in a bonded joint
Authors: Marannano G. , Pasta A. , Giallanza A.
Published: November 2013

Bonded joints are highly sensitive to the presence of defects and to the degradation phenomena, and this aspect represents the primary obstacle to their use in different structural engineering applications. Delamination in a bonded joint represents, in fact, one of the primary, most common and insidious causes of damage. In this paper, a numerical–experimental study on the crack propagation along the adhesive layer of a bonded joint specimen is carried out. Experimental study is focused on the evaluation of the damage modalities of a bonded joint when the specimens are subject to fatigue load. Experimental tests are compared with the results of several numerical analysis performed in ANSYS environment. A crack growth model is implemented in the finite element method solver and allows the simulation of the progressive delamination process. Comparison between numerical results and experimental tests allows to identify the descriptive numerical parameters of fatigue crack propagation, which may be used in the structures design.
Some remarks on the Neuber rule applied to a control volume surrounding sharp and blunt notch tips
Authors: Zappalorto M. , Lazzarin P.
Published: November 2013

The paper deals with the small scale yielding estimation of nonlinear stresses and strains at the root of sharp and blunt notches through the mechanical model of antiplane shear loadings. The frame stems from the relation existing between the elastic and plastic averaged strain energy densities evaluated over the control volume drawn by the energy contour lines ahead of the notch tip.

The analysis proves that there exist different relationships in terms of point‐wise elastic and plastic stresses and strains at the notch tip depending whether the notch is sharp (small notch tip radius) or blunt. For sharp notches, the analysis confirms previous results obtained by the present authors, according to which . This equation accounts for the influence of the material law through the hardening exponent n. Differently, when the notch can be regarded as blunt, calculations over the control volume give , in agreement with the Neuber rule.
Variable fidelity of tissue‐marking dyes in surgical pathology
Authors: Williams Andrew S , Dakin Haché Kelly
Published: November 2013

Aims

Pathology specimens often contain important margins that must be identified from gross examination of specimens through to microscopic examination. Commonly, unique colours of tissue‐marking dye (TMD) are applied to each margin, which facilitates both macroscopic and microscopic identification. Various techniques have been described, but the colour endurance and fidelity ofTMDs following special tissue processing have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of variousTMDs through decalcification and immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols.

Methods and results

Samples ofTMDs from two manufacturers and acrylic artists' inks were obtained in seven colours and applied to excess non‐diagnostic surgical pathology tissue. Tissues were subjected to a decalcification protocol or directly processed in a routine fashion. The presence and colour ofTMDor ink were assessed on routine H&E sections and followingIHC. Of the colours that reliably survived routine processing, loss of colour and colour change following decalcification andIHCprotocols were seen with one manufacturer's product.

Conclusions

TMDmay lose or change its colour during special tissue processing. This previously unreported artefact may lead to potentially serious errors in margin assessment and reporting. Laboratories should evaluateTMDs and inks through routine processing, decalcification, andIHCprotocols, to ensure colour endurance and fidelity.
The effects of age on associations between markers of HIV progression and markers of metabolic function including albumin, haemoglobin and lipid concentrations
Authors: Samuel M , Jose S , Winston A , Nelson M , Johnson M , Chadwick D , Fisher M , Leen C , Gompels M , Gilson R , Post FA , Hay P , Sabin CA ,   UK Collaborative HIV Cohort Study (UK CHIC)
Published: November 2013

Objectives

We investigated whether age modified associations between markers of HIV progression, CD4 T lymphocyte count and HIV RNA viral load (VL), and the following markers of metabolic function: albumin, haemoglobin, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and total cholesterol (TC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from the United Kingdom Collaborative HIV Cohort was carried out. Analyses were limited to antiretroviral‐naïve subjects to focus on the impact of HIV disease itself. A total of 16670 subjects were included in the analysis. Multilevel linear regression models assessed associations between CD4 count/VL and each of the outcomes. Statistical tests for interactions assessed whether associations differed among age groups.

Results

After adjustment for gender and ethnicity, there was evidence that lower CD4 count and higher VL were associated with lower TC, LDL‐C, haemoglobin and albumin concentrations but higher triglyceride concentrations. Age modified associations between CD4 count and albumin (P < 0.001) and haemoglobin (P = 0.001), but not between CD4 count and HDL‐C, LDL‐C and TC, or VL and any outcome. Among participants aged < 30, 30–50 and > 50 years, a 50 cells/μL lower CD4 count correlated with a 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–3.0], 3.6 (95% CI 3.2–4.0) and 5.1 (95% CI 4.0–6.1) g/L lower haemoglobin concentration and a 0.09 (95% CI 0.07–0.11), 0.12 (95% CI 0.11–0.13) and 0.16 (95% CI 0.13–0.19) g/L lower albumin concentration, respectively.

Conclusions

We present evidence that age modifies associations between CD4 count and plasma albumin and haemoglobin levels. A given reduction in CD4 count was associated with a greater reduction in haemoglobin and albumin concentrations among older people living with HIV. These findings increase our understanding of how the metabolic impact of HIV is influenced by age.
The effectiveness of enzymic irrigation in removing a nutrient‐stressed endodontic multispecies biofilm
Authors: Niazi S. A. , Clark D. , Do T. , Gilbert S. C. , Foschi F. , Mannocci F. , Beighton D.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To establish a nutrient‐stressed multispecies model biofilm and investigate the dynamics of biofilm killing and disruption by 1% trypsin and 1% proteinase K with or without ultrasonic activation.

Methodology

Nutrient‐stressed biofilms (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Actinomyces radicidentis, Streptococcus mitis and Enterococcus faecalis OMGS 3202) were grown on hydroxyapatite discs and in prepared root canals of single‐rooted teeth in modified fluid universal medium. The treatment groups included trypsin, proteinase K, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (with and without ultrasonics). NaOCl and chlorhexidine were the positive controls and untreated group, and sterile saline was the negative control. The biofilms were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with live/dead staining and quantitative microbial culture.

Results

Nutrient stress in the multispecies biofilm was apparent as the medium pH became alkaline, glucose was absent, and serum proteins were degraded in the supernatant. The CLSM showed the percentage reduction in viable bacteria at the biofilm surface level due to nutrient starvation. On the disc model, trypsin and proteinase K were effective in killing bacteria; their aerobic viable counts were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than the negative control and chlorhexidine. NaOCl was the most effective agent (P < 0.001). In the tooth model, when compared to saline, trypsin with ultrasonics caused significant killing both aerobically and anaerobically (P < 0.05). Chlorhexidine (1.46 ± 0.42), trypsin (3.56 ± 1.18) and proteinase K (4.2 ± 1.01) with ultrasonics were significantly effective (P < 0.05) in reducing the substratum coverage as compared to saline with ultrasonics (12% ± 4.9).

Conclusion

Trypsin with ultrasonic activation has a biofilm killing and disrupting potential.
Electromagnetic Valve Made in Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Czok Mateusz J. , Malecha Karol , Golonka Leszek J.
Published: November 2013

This article describes the technology of the electromagnetic valve made in the LTCC (low temperature co‐fired ceramics). The actuation is supplied by mutual reaction between a 3D coil and a neodymium magnet bonded to flexible membrane. Such solution has many advantages like small power consumption and relatively great attractive forces. The valve is built in a hybrid polymer‐ceramic technology. The microfluidic and coil parts are fabricated in the LTCC technology. The flexible section is manufactured using a PDMS (poly(dimethylsiloxane)) membrane bonded to the ceramic part by plasma oxidation. The magnet is fixed on the membrane surface. The LTCC material was chosen for the sake of chemical durability and possibility of 3D structuration. The PDMS membrane provides simultaneously very good stability and high flexibility.
Fetal hemoglobin and alpha thalassemia modulate the phenotypic expression of HbSD‐Punjab
Authors: Patel D. K. , Purohit P. , Dehury S. , Das P. , Dutta A. , Meher S. , Patel S. , Bag S. , Mashon R. S. , Das K.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

HbSD‐Punjab (HbSD) is a less common form of sickle cell disease (SCD) and discrimination between HbSD and HbSS is not possible on alkaline electrophoresis because the two variants overlap in the compound heterozygous state. There are only a few publications consisting mostly of case reports. Thus, the phenotypic expression of HbSD and its modifiers has not been studied.

Methods

We studied the phenotypic expression of 42 cases of HbSD (the largest number of subjects ever included in this kind of study) and compared them with 84 HbSS cases matched for age, sex, and caste. Further, we evaluated the influence of HbF concentration and alpha thalassemia on the phenotypic expressions of HbSD, namely the frequency of VOC and degree of hemolysis.

Results

The frequencies of VOC were similar in both the groups. The markers of hemolysis such as total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, and LDH were higher where as HbF concentration was significantly low in HbSD. There was a negative correlation between HbF concentration and risk of VOC in the HbSD. The total hemoglobin level and hematocrit were significantly high, and the MCV and MCH were significantly low in HbSD with alpha thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia had no influence on the frequency of VOC and severity of hemolysis in HbSD.

Conclusion

HbF reduced the frequency of VOC but had no influence on the hemolytic markers in HbSD. HbSD with alpha thalassemia was associated with hypohromic and microcytic features of red blood cells.
Responsible Leadership: A Missing Link
Authors: Esper Susana C. , Boies Kathleen
Published: November 2013

Aguinis and Glavas (2013) ask, “When and why does CSR lead to positive outcomes for employees, organizations, and society?” Although the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is elusive and comprises a wide range of definitions, there is convergence on the voluntary nature of these actions. But who implements these voluntary initiatives? CSR will take effect, as Aguinis and Glavas point out, at micro levels, through the actions of lower-level units and employees. Thus, there is a need to specify mechanisms by which macro-level CSR policies result in microlevel outcomes.
THE ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE IN CENTRAL INDIA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Tiwari Vidhatri , Saxena Vrinda , Bhambhal Ajay , Tiwari Utkarsh , Singh Aishwarya , Goud Siddana
Published: November 2013

Aim

To compare prevalence of caries and periodontal disease amongst patients on renal dialysis with healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study was conducted amongst 30 cases and 30 controls. Patients who were diagnosed with renal disease were included as cases and systemically healthy individuals as controls. Patients' perceptions of oral health were recorded using structured questionnaires. The WHO proforma (1997) was used to record the periodontal condition, caries status and the treatment need of each group.

Results

The number of people affected by periodontal disease (bleeding and calculus) was significantly higher amongst people with renal disease compared with controls (p < 0.05) and also mean caries prevalence amongst the cases was significantly higher compared with controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for greater periodontal disease amongst patients with renal disease as compared with healthy individuals.
Alkaline phosphatase in boar sperm function
Authors: Bucci D. , Isani G. , Giaretta E. , Spinaci M. , Tamanini C. , Ferlizza E. , Galeati G.
Published: November 2013

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) catalyses the detachment of phosphate residues from different substrates. Its activity has been demonstrated in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from porcine and other mammalian species; anyway, the role of AP in male reproduction has not been clarified yet and the aim of this study was to determine AP function in boar sperm capacitation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). AP activity was assayed in seminal plasma and in uncapacitated and in vitro capacitated (IVC) spermatozoa; in addition, capacitation was studied in presence of different doses of AP (1.2 and 2.5 IU/mL). The effect of different doses of AP (1.2 and 2.5 IU/mL) on several sperm parameters after IVC (viability, acrosome integrity with FITC‐PSA, capacitation status with CTC staining, tyrosine phosphorylation) and on fertilizing ability during IVF were also evaluated. High AP activity was detected in seminal plasma, in particular in sperm‐rich fraction; a lower activity was detected in uncapacitated spermatozoa while a significant decrease was evidenced after IVC. Viability was not changed by AP supplementation of the capacitating medium, whereas acrosome integrity and capacitation status were significantly affected by 1.2 and 2.5 doses, with a dose‐dependent decrease in acrosome‐reacted cells as well as in CTC B pattern displaying cells. As for sperm head protein phosphorylation, a decrease in relative fluorescence was detected in AP 2.5 group, if compared with capacitated one. After IVF, a dose‐dependent decrease in penetrated oocytes was recorded, with an increase in monospermic zygote rate. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AP activity decreases under capacitating condition and that addition of AP to spermatozoa during capacitation results in a depression of the capacitating process and IVF. We can infer that AP plays a role in keeping spermatozoa quiescent until they are ejaculated and in modulating the acquisition of the fertilizing ability.
Improvement in HSPF's Low‐Flow Predictions by Implementation of a Power Law Groundwater Storage‐Discharge Relationship
Authors: Schultz C.L. , Ahmed S.N. , Mandel R. , Moltz H.L.N.
Published: November 2013

We have enhanced the ability of a widely used watershed model, Hydrologic Simulation Program — FORTRAN (HSPF), to predict low flows by reconfiguring the algorithm that simulates groundwater discharge. During dry weather periods, flow in most streams consists primarily of base flow, that is, groundwater discharged from underlying aquifers. In this study, HSPF's groundwater storage‐discharge relationship is changed from a linear to a more general nonlinear relationship which takes the form of a power law. The nonlinear algorithm is capable of simulating streamflow recession curves that have been found in some studies to better match observed dry weather hydrographs. The altered version of HSPF is implemented in the Chesapeake Bay Program's Phase 5 Model, an HSPF‐based model that simulates nutrient and sediment loads to the Chesapeake Bay, and is tested in the upper Potomac River basin, a 29,950 km2 drainage area that is part of the Bay watershed. The nonlinear relationship improved median Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiencies for log daily flows at the model's 45 calibration points. Mean absolute percent error on low‐flow days dropped in five major Potomac River tributaries by up to 12 percentage points, and in the Potomac River itself by four percentage points, where low‐flow days were defined as days when observed flows were in the lowest 5th percentile range. Percent bias on low‐flow days improved by eight percentage points in the Potomac River, from −11 to −3%.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Comparative Genomics of Achlya hypogyna and Thraustotheca clavata
Authors: O'Brien Megan A. , Misner Ian , Lane Christopher E.
Published: November 2013

As a lineage, oomycetes have adapted to a wide range of lifestyles. Although the common ancestor of the group was likely a marine pathogen, extant members inhabit a spectrum from free‐living saprobes to obligate biotrophs. The mitochondrial genomes of Achlya hypogyna and Thraustotheca clavata were sequenced to directly compare a facultative parasitic species (A. hypogyna) to a closely related free living saprobe (T. clavata). Both sequenced mitochondrial genomes are circular, with sizes of 46,869 bp for A. hypogyna and 47,381 bp for T. clavata. They share 63 common genes, indicating little influence of lifestyle on gene content, but small differences in total number and order of genes. Achlya hypogyna has a single copy of nad2, whereas T. clavata has one pseudogene (rps7) and two duplicated genes (nad5 and nad2), each with one full and one truncated copy. The genomes encode a total of 29 or 30 tRNAs (A. hypogyna and T. clavata, respectively) for 19 amino acids. Three unidentified open reading frames are conserved, and one is unique to T. clavata. Comparisons of these genomes with published sequences of the closely related Saprolegnia ferax mitochondrial genome, and four other more distantly related oomycetes, reveals no correlation in genome content or architecture with lifestyle.
External fluorescence retention of calcein‐marked juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta raised in natural and artificial environments
Authors: Richard A. , O'Rourke J. , Rubin J.‐F.
Published: November 2013

The fluorescence retention and intensity of juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta marked during their first summer were monitored in a hatchery and in four natural streams. A handheld detector was used for direct examination. In the hatchery, three marking treatments (T) were compared: 3·5 min in a 0·5% calcein solution (T0·5‐3·5), 7 min in a 0·5% calcein solution (T0·5‐7) and 3·5 min in a 1% calcein solution (T1‐3·5). The fish were raised indoors for 11 months and then outdoors until 18 months. The fluorescence retention rate was 100% in all treatments at 11 months, although T1‐3·5 showed the highest mean fluorescence intensity, followed by T0·5‐7 and T0·5‐3·5. The fluorescence intensity was not correlated with the final total length (LT) of the fish in two treatments, although it significantly decreased with increasing LT in T1‐3·5. At 18 months, <30% of the fish were still slightly fluorescent, suggesting a negative effect of sunlight exposure. In stream studies, the fluorescence intensity did not significantly differ according to final LT; an overall mean ± s.d. retention rate of 70·7 ± 26·6% was measured at 12 months with a decrease to 48·6 ± 24·6% at 24 months. Significant differences amongst streams and within reaches of the same stream were observed. Because of a significant positive effect of the shading index on the fluorescence intensity, the use of calcein should be restricted to streams unexposed to direct sunlight. Consequently, the marking method would be reliable for 1 year monitoring studies in shaded streams.
Atomic force microscopic investigation of respiratory syncytial virus infection in HEp‐2 cells
Authors: TIWARI P.M. , EROGLU E. , BOYOGLU‐BARNUM S. , HE Q. , WILLING G.A. , VIG K. , DENNIS V.A. , SINGH S.R.
Published: November 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) primarily causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. In spite of intense research, no safe and effective vaccine has been developed yet. For understanding its pathogenesis and development of anti‐RSV drugs/therapeutics, it is indispensable to study the RSV–host interaction. Although, there are limited studies using electron microscopy to elucidate the infection process of RSV, to our knowledge, no study has reported the morphological impact of RSV infection using atomic force microscopy. We report the cytoplasmic and nuclear changes in human epidermoid cell line type 2 using atomic force microscopy. Human epidermoid cell line type 2 cells, grown on cover slips, were infected with RSV and fixed after various time periods, processed and observed for morphological changes using atomic force microscopy. RSV infected cells showed loss of membrane integrity, with degeneration in the cellular content and cytoskeleton. Nuclear membrane was disintegrated and nuclear volume was decreased. The chromatin of the RSV infected cells was condensed, progressing towards degeneration via pyknosis and apoptosis. Membrane protrusions of ∼150–200 nm diameter were observed on RSV infected cells after 6 h, suggestive of prospective RSV budding sites. To our knowledge, this is the first study of RSV infection process using atomic force microscopy. Such morphological studies could help explore viral infection process aiding the development of anti‐RSV therapies.
Automatic segmentation of fluorescence lifetime microscopy images of cells using multiresolution community detection—a first study
Authors: HU D. , SARDER P. , RONHOVDE P. , ORTHAUS S. , ACHILEFU S. , NUSSINOV Z.
Published: November 2013

Inspired by a multiresolution community detection based network segmentation method, we suggest an automatic method for segmenting fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging microscopy (FLIM) images of cells in a first pilot investigation on two selected images. The image processing problem is framed as identifying segments with respective average FLTs against the background in FLIM images. The proposed method segments a FLIM image for a given resolution of the network defined using image pixels as the nodes and similarity between the FLTs of the pixels as the edges. In the resulting segmentation, low network resolution leads to larger segments, and high network resolution leads to smaller segments. Furthermore, using the proposed method, the mean‐square error in estimating the FLT segments in a FLIM image was found to consistently decrease with increasing resolution of the corresponding network. The multiresolution community detection method appeared to perform better than a popular spectral clustering‐based method in performing FLIM image segmentation. At high resolution, the spectral segmentation method introduced noisy segments in its output, and it was unable to achieve a consistent decrease in mean‐square error with increasing resolution.
Study for the improvement of umbilical cord blood sampling using a new trial apparatus
Authors: Masaoka Naoki , Morooka Masako , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Ogata Hajime , Kodo Hideki , Kato Shunichi
Published: November 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the trial umbilical cord blood sampling bag for unrelated cord blood transplantation.

Material and Methods

Data were obtained from 100 vaginal deliveries. In 50 cases, umbilical cord blood (UCB) was taken with the traditional Kawasumi type UCB sampling bag. In another 50 cases, UCB were taken with trial UCB sampling bag offered by NIPRO Co. We compared the sampling volume between the two groups. Furthermore, 10 cases in each group were matched by sampling volume; we examined the quality of UCB on the number and concentration of nucleated cells, mononuclear cells, CD34+ cells and colony‐forming unit granulocyte macrophage and the numbers tested positive for bacteria.

Results

Whereas there were no significant differences in gestational weeks at sampling, the ratio of primipara women to multipara women, maternal age, and neonatal weight between the two groups, the sampling UCB volumes with the trial sampling bag were significantly higher than those with traditional sampling bags (P < 0.05). In addition, this phenomenon was more significant in the latter part of the study period (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the quality of UCB between the two groups.

Conclusion

Once clinicians have become accustomed to the trial UBC sampling bag, this method might be a useful method for collecting UCB for unrelated cord blood transplantation.