bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape Memory and Superelastic Ceramics at Small Scales
Authors: Lai Alan , Du Zehui , Gan Chee Lip , Schuh Christopher A.
Published: September 2013

Shape Memory Ceramics

Shape memory materials convert heat into strain and vice versa. These materials are often made from metal alloys, which can generate large stresses with small shape changes. Ceramics have certain characteristics that underlie shape memory transformation, but generally crack under strain.

Lai
et al.

(p.
1505
; see the Perspective by

Faber

) introduce a modified ceramic structure with limited crystal grains that can withstand comparable cyclic strains to shape memory metals.
Near-Complete Extinction of Native Small Mammal Fauna 25 Years After Forest Fragmentation
Authors: Gibson Luke , Lynam Antony J. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , He Fangliang , Bickford David P. , Woodruff David S. , Bumrungsri Sara , Laurance William F.
Published: September 2013

Futile Forest Fragments

Most of the planet's terrestrial biodiversity is found in tropical forests, but much of this critical habitat now persists as fragmented patches surrounded by agriculture. Smaller forest patches sustain fewer species than larger patches or contiguous forest. However, the numbers of species that will disappear from a forest fragment—and the rate of species loss—remain poorly understood.

Gibson
et al.

(p.
1508
) surveyed islands in a reservoir in Thailand to measure the rate of loss of small mammals from small forest fragments. Collapse of the entire native community (up to 12 species) from 16 forest fragments was observed after 25 years of isolation. Thus, small forest fragments hold little value for mammalian biodiversity, and conservation efforts should instead focus on the preservation of large forest expanses.
The Inhibitory Circuit Architecture of the Lateral Hypothalamus Orchestrates Feeding
Authors: Jennings Joshua H. , Rizzi Giorgio , Stamatakis Alice M. , Ung Randall L. , Stuber Garret D.
Published: September 2013

The Overeating Connection

Obesity has become a major global health problem. Working in mice,

Jennings
et al.

(p.
1517
) identified an important brain circuit within the lateral hypothalamus that modulates food intake. The findings reveal the neuronal connections that drive the consumption of highly palatable food even when energy needs are satisfied. Inhibition of this circuit suppressed feeding.
Global Change and Mercury
Authors: Krabbenhoft David P. , Sunderland Elsie M.
Published: September 2013

Mercury concentrations in the atmosphere and oceans are affected not only by anthropogenic emissions but also by climate and ecosystem change.
A Coat of Many Functions
Authors: Shchukin Dmitry , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: September 2013

Smart coatings are designed to be sensitive to various external and internal stimuli, thereby enhancing the surface functionality of materials.
Some Monocytes Got Rhythm
Authors: Druzd David , Scheiermann Christoph
Published: September 2013

Oscillation in the numbers of inflammatory monocytes in different organs depends on a circadian clock gene expressed by myeloid cells.

[Also see Report by

Nguyen
et al.

]
A New Route for Growing Large Grains in Metals
Authors: Taleff Eric M. , Pedrazas Nicholas A.
Published: September 2013

Controlled thermal processing can create alloys with large crystalline grains that can lead to improvements in materials performance.

[Also see Report by

Omori
et al.

]
Small Volumes Create Super(elastic) Effects
Authors: Faber Katherine T.
Published: September 2013

Superelastic and shape-memory ceramics may find application in high-temperature actuators and energy-harvesting devices.

[Also see Report by

Lai
et al.

]
Zombie Endocrine Disruptors May Threaten Aquatic Life
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: September 2013

Suggesting a new ecological threat, hormonal metabolites thought to degrade in sunlight can revert at night, zombielike, back into the endocrine-disrupting substances.
Gold's Dark Side
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: September 2013

Small-scale artisanal gold mining has become the world's leading source of mercury pollution, poisoning air, rivers, and people.
Genetic Marker Suitable for Identification and Genotyping of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri
Authors: Tanomsing Naowarat , Imwong Mallika , Sutherland Colin J. , Dolecek Christiane , Hien Tran Tinh , Nosten Francois , Day Nicholas P. J. , White Nicholas J. , Snounou Georges
Published: September 2013

We present a seminested PCR method that specifically discriminates between
Plasmodium ovale curtisi
and
P. ovale wallikeri
with high sensitivity. The test is based on species-specific amplification of a size-polymorphic fragment of the tryptophan-rich antigen gene,
potra
, which also permits discrimination of intraspecific sequence variants at this locus.
Comparative Cost-Effectiveness of Two-Tiered Testing Strategies for Serodiagnosis of Lyme Disease with Noncutaneous Manifestations
Authors: Wormser Gary P. , Levin Andrew , Soman Sandeep , Adenikinju Omosalewa , Longo Michael V. , Branda John A.
Published: September 2013

The mainstay of laboratory diagnosis for Lyme disease is two-tiered serological testing, in which a reactive first-tier enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or an immunofluorescence assay is supplemented by separate IgM and IgG immunoblots. Recent data suggest that the C6 ELISA can be substituted for immunoblots without a reduction in either sensitivity or specificity. In this study, the costs of 4 different two-tiered testing strategies for Lyme disease were compared using the median charges for these tests at 6 commercial diagnostic laboratories in 2012. The study found that a whole-cell sonicate ELISA followed by the C6 ELISA was the most cost-effective two-tiered testing strategy for Lyme disease with acute-phase serum samples. We conclude that the C6 ELISA can substitute for immunoblots in the two-tiered testing protocol for Lyme disease without a loss of sensitivity or specificity and is less expensive.
High-Throughput Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry as an Alternative Approach to Monitoring Drug Resistance of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Rybicka Magda , Stalke Piotr , Dreczewski Marcin , Smiatacz Tomasz , Bielawski Krzysztof Piotr
Published: September 2013

Long-term antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to the selection of drug-resistant HBV variants and treatment failure. Moreover, these HBV strains are possibly present in treatment-naive patients. Currently available assays for the detection of HBV drug resistance can identify mutants that constitute ≥5% of the viral population. Furthermore, drug-resistant HBV variants can be detected when a viral load is >104copies/ml (1,718 IU/ml). The aim of this study was to compare matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and multitemperature single-strand conformation polymorphism (MSSCP) with commercially available assays for the detection of drug-resistant HBV strains. HBV DNA was extracted from 87 serum samples acquired from 45 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The 37 selected HBV variants were analyzed in 4 separate primer extension reactions on the MALDI-TOF MS. Moreover, MSSCP for identifying drug-resistant HBV YMDD variants was developed and turned out to be more sensitive than INNOLiPA HBV DR and direct sequencing. MALDI-TOF MS had the capability to detect mutant strains within a mixed viral population occurring with an allelic frequency of approximately 1% (with a specific value of ≥102copies/ml, also expressed as ≥17.18 IU/ml). In our study, MSSCP detected 98% of the HBV YMDD variants among strains detected by the MALDI-TOF MS assay. The routine tests revealed results of 40% and 11%, respectively, for INNOLiPA and direct sequencing. The commonly available HBV tests are less sensitive than MALDI-TOF MS in the detection of HBV-resistant variants, including quasispecies.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Outbreak Strain of Danish Origin Spreading at Worrying Rates among Greenland-Born Persons in Denmark and Greenland
Authors: Lillebaek T. , Andersen A. B. , Rasmussen E. M. , Kamper-Jørgensen Z. , Pedersen M. K. , Bjorn-Mortensen K. , Ladefoged K. , Thomsen V. O.
Published: September 2013

Transmission of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
continues at high rates among Greenland-born persons in Greenland and Denmark, with 203 and 450 notified cases per 10
5
population, respectively, in the year 2010. Here, we document that the predominant
M. tuberculosis
outbreak strain C2/1112-15 of Danish origin has been transmitted to Greenland-born persons in Denmark and subsequently to Greenland, where it is spreading at worrying rates and adding to the already heavy tuberculosis burden in this population group. It is now clear that the C2/1112-15 strain is able to gain new territories using a new population group as the “vehicle.” Thus, it might have the ability to spread even further, considering the potential clinical consequences of strain diversity such as that seen in the widely spread Beijing genotype. The introduction of the predominant
M. tuberculosis
outbreak strain C2/1112-15 into the Arctic circumpolar region is a worrying tendency which deserves attention. We need to monitor whether this strain already has, or will, spread to other countries.
Stewardship Approach for Optimizing Antimicrobial Therapy through Use of a Rapid Microarray Assay on Blood Cultures Positive for Enterococcus Species
Authors: Sango Aaron , McCarter Yvette S. , Johnson Donald , Ferreira Jason , Guzman Nilmarie , Jankowski Christopher A.
Published: September 2013

Enterococci are a major cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients and have limited antimicrobial treatment options due to their many resistance mechanisms. Molecular technologies have significantly shortened the time to enterococcal isolate identification compared with conventional methods. We evaluated the impact of rapid organism identification and resistance detection with the Verigene Gram-positive blood culture microarray assay on clinical and economic outcomes for patients with enterococcal bacteremia. A single-center preintervention/postintervention quasiexperimental study compared inpatients with enterococcal bacteremia from 1 February 2012 to 9 September 2012 (preintervention period) and 10 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 (postintervention period). An infectious disease and/or critical care pharmacist was contacted with the microarray assay results, and effective antibiotics were recommended. The clinical and economic outcomes for 74 patients were assessed. The mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was 23.4 h longer in the preintervention group than in the postintervention group (
P
= 0.0054). A nonsignificant decrease in the mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was seen for patients infected with vancomycin-susceptible
Enterococcus
isolates (
P
= 0.1145). For patients with vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
bacteremia, the mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was 31.1 h longer in the preintervention group than in the postintervention group (
P
< 0.0001). In the postintervention group, the hospital length of stay was significantly 21.7 days shorter (
P
= 0.0484) and mean hospital costs were $60,729 lower (
P
= 0.02) than in the preintervention group. The rates of attributed deaths in the two groups were not statistically different. Microarray technology, supported by pharmacy and microbiology departments, can decrease the time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy, the hospital length of stay, and health care costs.
Comparison of Heat Inactivation and Cell Disruption Protocols for Identification of Mycobacteria from Solid Culture Media by Use of Vitek Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Machen Alexandra , Kobayashi Miwako , Connelly Mary Robin , Wang Yun F. (Wayne)
Published: September 2013

Two novel protocols for inactivation and extraction were developed and used to identify 107
Mycobacterium
clinical isolates, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex, from solid cultures using Vitek matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The protocol using heat inactivation with sonication and cell disruption with glass beads resulted in 82.2% and 88.8% species and genus level identifications, respectively.
Robust Neutralizing Antibodies Elicited by HIV-1 JRFL Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Chakrabarti Bimal K. , Feng Yu , Sharma Shailendra Kumar , McKee Krisha , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , LaBranche Celia C. , Montefiori David C. , Mascola John R. , Wyatt Richard T.
Published: September 2013

Host cell-mediated proteolytic cleavage of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp160 precursor glycoprotein into gp120 and gp41 subunits is required to generate fusion-competent envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes. The gp120-directed broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNabs) isolated from HIV-infected individuals efficiently recognize fully cleaved JRFL Env spikes; however, nonneutralizing gp120-directed monoclonal antibodies isolated from infected or vaccinated subjects recognize only uncleaved JRFL spikes. Therefore, as an immunogen, cleaved spikes that selectively present desired neutralizing epitopes to B cells may elicit cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies. Accordingly, we inoculated nonhuman primates (NHPs) with plasmid DNA encoding transmembrane-anchored, cleaved JRFL Env or by electroporation (EP). Priming with DNA expressing soluble, uncleaved gp140 trimers was included as a comparative experimental group of NHPs. DNA inoculation was followed by boosts with soluble JRFL gp140 trimers, and control NHPs were inoculated with soluble JRFL protein trimers without DNA priming. In the TZM-bl assay, elicitation of neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 tier 1 isolates was robust following the protein boost. Neutralization of tier 2 isolates was detected, but only in animals primed with plasmid DNA and boosted with trimeric protein. Using the more sensitive A3R5 assay, consistent neutralization of both clade B and C tier 2 isolates was detected from all regimens assessed in the current study, exceeding levels achieved by our previous vaccine regimens in primates. Together, these data suggest a potential advantage of B cell priming followed by a rest interval and protein boosting to present JRFL Env spikes to the immune system to better generate HIV-1 cross-clade neutralizing antibodies.
Chicken Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 Restricts Influenza Viruses and Lyssaviruses
In Vitro
Authors: Smith S. E. , Gibson M. S. , Wash R. S. , Ferrara F. , Wright E. , Temperton N. , Kellam P. , Fife M.
Published: September 2013

Interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is an effector protein of the innate immune system. It confers potent, cell-intrinsic resistance to infection by diverse enveloped viruses both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, including influenza viruses, West Nile virus, and dengue virus. IFITM3 prevents cytosolic entry of these viruses by blocking complete virus envelope fusion with cell endosome membranes. Although the IFITM locus, which includes
IFITM1
, -
2
, -
3
, and -
5
, is present in mammalian species, this locus has not been unambiguously identified or functionally characterized in avian species. Here, we show that the IFITM locus exists in chickens and is syntenic with the IFITM locus in mammals. The chicken IFITM3 protein restricts cell infection by influenza A viruses and lyssaviruses to a similar level as its human orthologue. Furthermore, we show that chicken IFITM3 is functional in chicken cells and that knockdown of constitutive expression in chicken fibroblasts results in enhanced infection by influenza A virus. Chicken
IFITM2
and -
3
are constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, whereas
IFITM1
is only expressed in the bursa of Fabricius, gastrointestinal tract, cecal tonsil, and trachea. Despite being highly divergent at the amino acid level, IFITM3 proteins of birds and mammals can restrict replication of viruses that are able to infect different host species, suggesting IFITM proteins may provide a crucial barrier for zoonotic infections.
Apoptosis Induction Influences Reovirus Replication and Virulence in Newborn Mice
Authors: Pruijssers Andrea J. , Hengel Holger , Abel Ty W. , Dermody Terence S.
Published: September 2013

Apoptosis is a type of controlled cell death that is essential for development and tissue homeostasis. It also serves as a robust host response against infection by many viruses. The capacity of neurotropic viruses to induce apoptosis strongly correlates with virulence. However, the precise function of apoptosis in viral infection is not well understood. Reovirus is a neurotropic virus that induces apoptosis in a variety of cell types, including central nervous system neurons, leading to fatal encephalitis in newborn mice. To determine the effect of apoptosis on reovirus replication in the host, we generated two otherwise isogenic viruses that differ in a single amino acid in viral capsid protein μ1 that segregates with apoptotic capacity. Apoptosis-proficient and apoptosis-deficient viruses were compared for replication, dissemination, tropism, and tissue injury in newborn mice and for the capacity to spread to uninfected littermates. Our results indicate that apoptotic capacity enhances reovirus replication in the brain and consequent neurovirulence but reduces transmission efficiency. The replication advantage of the apoptosis-proficient strain is limited to the brain and correlates with enhanced infectivity of neurons. These studies reveal a new cell type-specific determinant of reovirus virulence.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ICP0 Protein Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced NF-κB Activation by Interacting with p65/RelA and p50/NF-κB1
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Kezhen , Wang Shuai , Zheng Chunfu
Published: September 2013

NF-κB plays central roles in regulation of diverse biological processes, including innate and adaptive immunity and inflammation. HSV-1 is the archetypal member of the alphaherpesviruses, with a large genome encoding over 80 viral proteins, many of which are involved in virus-host interactions and show immune modulatory capabilities. In this study, we demonstrated that the HSV-1 ICP0 protein, a viral E3 ubiquitin ligase, was shown to significantly suppress tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-mediated NF-κB activation. ICP0 was demonstrated to bind to the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50 by coimmunoprecipitation analysis. ICP0 bound to the Rel homology domain (RHD) of p65. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that ICP0 abolished nuclear translocation of p65 upon TNF-α stimulation. Also, ICP0 degraded p50 via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The RING finger (RF) domain mutant ICP0 (ICP0-RF) lost its ability to inhibit TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation and p65 nuclear translocation and degrade p50. Notably, the RF domain of ICP0 was sufficient to interact with p50 and abolish NF-κB reporter gene activity. Here, it is for the first time shown that HSV-1 ICP0 interacts with p65 and p50, degrades p50 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and prevents NF-κB-dependent gene expression, which may contribute to immune evasion and pathogenesis of HSV-1.
Nonstructural Protein σ1s Mediates Reovirus-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Boehme Karl W. , Hammer Katharina , Tollefson William C. , Konopka-Anstadt Jennifer L. , Kobayashi Takeshi , Dermody Terence S.
Published: September 2013

Reovirus nonstructural protein σ1s is implicated in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M boundary and induction of apoptosis. However, the contribution of σ1s to these effects in an otherwise isogenic viral background has not been defined. To evaluate the role of σ1s in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, we used reverse genetics to generate a σ1s-null reovirus. Following infection with wild-type virus, we observed an increase in the percentage of cells in G2/M, whereas the proportion of cells in G2/M following infection with the σ1s-null mutant was unaffected. Similarly, we found that the wild-type virus induced substantially greater levels of apoptosis than the σ1s-null mutant. These data indicate that σ1s is required for both reovirus-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To define sequences in σ1s that mediate these effects, we engineered viruses encoding C-terminal σ1s truncations by introducing stop codons in the σ1s open reading frame. We also generated viruses in which charged residues near the σ1s amino terminus were replaced individually or as a cluster with nonpolar residues. Analysis of these mutants revealed that amino acids 1 to 59 and the amino-terminal basic cluster are required for induction of both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Remarkably, viruses that fail to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis also are attenuatedin vivo. Thus, identical sequences in σ1s are required for reovirus-induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and pathogenesis. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that the σ1s-mediated properties are genetically linked and suggest that these effects are mechanistically related.
Hypoxia Induces Permeability and Giant Cell Responses of Andes Virus-Infected Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Activating the mTOR-S6K Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gavrilovskaya Irina N. , Gorbunova Elena E. , Mackow Erich R.
Published: September 2013

Andes virus (ANDV) is a South American hantavirus that causes a highly lethal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) characterized by hypoxia, thrombocytopenia, and vascular leakage leading to acute pulmonary edema. ANDV infects human pulmonary microvascular and lymphatic endothelial cells (MECs and LECs, respectively) and nonlytically enhances the permeability of interendothelial cell adherence junctions in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recent findings also indicate that ANDV causes the formation of giant endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxic conditions alone enhance permeability and giant cell responses of ANDV-infected MECs and LECs through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. In contrast to infection of cells with nonpathogenic Tula virus (TULV), we observed that exposure of ANDV-infected MECs and LECs to hypoxic conditions resulted in a 3- to 6-fold increase in monolayer permeability and the formation of giant cells 3× to 5× normal size. ANDV infection in combination with hypoxic conditions resulted in the enhancement of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α)-directed VEGF A, angiopoietin 4, and EGLN3 transcriptional responses. Constitutive mTOR signaling induces the formation of giant cells via phosphorylation of S6K, and mTOR regulates hypoxia and VEGF A-induced cellular responses. We found that S6K was hyperphosphorylated in ANDV-infected, hypoxia-treated MECs and LECs and that rapamycin treatment for 1 h inhibited mTOR signaling responses and blocked permeability and giant cell formation in ANDV-infected monolayers. These findings indicate that ANDV infection and hypoxic conditions enhance mTOR signaling responses, resulting in enhanced endothelial cell permeability and suggest a role for rapamycin in therapeutically stabilizing the endothelium of microvascular and lymphatic vessels during ANDV infection.
Multiple Roles for Sialylated Glycans in Determining the Cardiopulmonary Tropism of Adeno-Associated Virus 4
Authors: Shen Shen , Troupes Andrew N. , Pulicherla Nagesh , Asokan Aravind
Published: September 2013

Adeno-associated virus 4 (AAV4) is one of the most divergent serotypes among known AAV isolates. Mucins orO-linked sialoglycans have been identified as the primary attachment receptors for AAV4in vitro. However, little is known about the role(s) played by sialic acid interactions in determining AAV4 tissue tropismin vivo. In the current study, we first characterized two loss-of-function mutants obtained by screening a randomly mutated AAV4 capsid library. Both mutants harbored several amino acid residue changes localized to the 3-fold icosahedral symmetry axes on the AAV4 capsid and displayed low transduction efficiencyin vitro. This defect was attributed to decreased cell surface binding as well as uptake of mutant virions. These results were further corroborated by low transgene expression and recovery of mutant viral genomes in cardiac and lung tissue following intravenous administration in mice. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed rapid clearance of AAV4 mutants from the blood circulation in conjunction with low hemagglutination potentialex vivo. These results were recapitulated with mice pretreated intravenously with sialidase, directly confirming the role of sialic acids in determining AAV4 tissue tropism. Taken together, our results support the notion that blood-borne AAV4 particles interact sequentially withO-linked sialoglycans expressed abundantly on erythrocytes followed by cardiopulmonary tissues and subsequently for viral cell entry.
Inhibition of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection by Anti-CD26 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Ohnuma Kei , Haagmans Bart L. , Hatano Ryo , Raj V. Stalin , Mou Huihui , Iwata Satoshi , Dang Nam H. , Bosch Berend Jan , Morimoto Chikao
Published: September 2013

We identified the domains of CD26 involved in the binding of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) using distinct clones of anti-CD26 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). One clone, named 2F9, almost completely inhibited viral entry. The humanized anti-CD26 MAb YS110 also significantly inhibited infection. These findings indicate that both 2F9 and YS110 are potential therapeutic agents for MERS-CoV infection. YS110, in particular, is a good candidate for immediate testing as a therapeutic modality for MERS.
Tuberculous gumma: a forgotten entity in the UK
Authors: Parker Louise , Babu Suresh
Published: September 2013

A 24-year-old immunocompetent Pakistani man presented with multiple subcutaneous abscesses that had developed and persisted over 2 months. After surgical incision and drainage,Mycobacterium tuberculosiswas isolated (MTB). Further investigation yielded positive sputum cultures confirming pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) too. The patient was started on standard quadruple therapy for disseminated haematogenous TB in the form of tuberculous gumma and pulmonary TB.
Just another negative DVT?
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Govind Abha
Published: September 2013

A 69-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with a swollen left thigh and leg. D-dimer test was positive, a radiology department ultrasound showed no direct evidence of a deep venous thrombosis but a lack of respiratory modulation was seen. ED ultrasound showed large groin lymph nodes and this, together with low haemoglobin, prompted a CT scan which led to the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma.
Perianal Paget's disease: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Jabir Shehab , Khatib Manaf , Ali Sa'd , Niranjan Niri
Published: September 2013

Perianal Paget's disease (PPD) is part of the spectrum of pagetoid skin lesions occurring outside the region of the nipple/areolar complex that are collectively referred to as extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). However, unlike Paget's disease of the breast, which in the vast majority of cases is invariably associated with an underlying ductal carcinoma, most cases of EMPD occur as either insitu or invasive adenocarcinomas with visceral malignancy being a rare entity. We present a case of a 50-year-old man who was referred to us with PPD. This case highlights the difficulties associated with making a clinical diagnosis of this condition. Furthermore, investigative workup to exclude possible malignancy with associated metastatic spread as well as the treatment options available are also discussed. In addition, this case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary team approach when dealing with this difficult problem.
Spinal epidural abscess in brucellosis
Authors: Boyaci Ahmet , Boyaci Nurefsan , Tutoglu Ahmet , Sen Dokumacı Dilek
Published: September 2013

Involvement of the skeletal system is a common complication of brucellosis. However, muscle involvement or paraspinal abscess formation are rare complications. Paraspinal abscess usually develops secondary to spondylitis. A case is reported here of a 33-year-old woman with symptoms of night sweats, fever and low back pain. Rose-Bengal test for brucellosis was positive and Brucella standard tube agglutination test was positive at a titre of 1/160. The diagnosis was made on MRI. The patient was treated with doxycycline and rifampin daily for 16 weeks. On day 14 of treatment, decline was observed in the patient’s symptoms. In the presence of inflammatory lower back pain and fever, brucellosis should be considered particularly in the endemic areas. Furthermore, tuberculosis should be remembered in the differential diagnosis when a spinal epidural abscess is determined.
Devastating complication of silver nitrate instillation for the treatment of chyluria
Authors: Garg Manish , Dalela Deepansh , Goel Apul
Published: September 2013

The passage of milky white urine (chyluria) is an alarming sign. Safety and efficacy of silver nitrate instillation therapy for chyluria has been demonstrated in various studies in literature. Inspite of these, various serious complications following silver nitrate therapy have been reported from the regions where the pathology is prevalent. Even today, no protocol has been standardised for instillation therapy for chyluria about the ideal agent used, exact concentration or amount to be instilled, total number of instillations and doses per instillation to be administered. We presented a devastating complication of silver nitrate instillation therapy resulted in acute renal failure followed by later formation of long ureteric stricture in a patient resulting in long-term morbidity to the patient. There is a need for more vigilant approach and standardisation of protocol for silver nitrate instillation for treatment of chyluria.
Dentists’ practice patterns regarding caries prevention: results from a dental practice-based research network
Authors: Yokoyama Yoko , Kakudate Naoki , Sumida Futoshi , Matsumoto Yuki , Gilbert Gregg H , Gordan Valeria V
Published: September 2013

Objective

The purposes of this study were to (1) quantify dentists' practice patterns regarding caries prevention and (2) test the hypothesis that certain dentists' characteristics are associated with these practice patterns.

Design

The study used a cross-sectional study design consisting of a questionnaire survey.

Participants

The study queried dentists who worked in outpatient dental practices who were affiliated with the Dental Practice-Based Research Network Japan, which seeks to engage dentists in investigating research questions and sharing experiences and expertise (n=282).

Measurement

Dentists were asked about their practice patterns regarding caries preventive dentistry. Background data on patients, practice and dentist were also collected.

Results

38% of dentists (n=72) provided individualised caries prevention to more than 50% of their patients. Overall, 10% of the time in daily practice was spent on caries preventive dentistry. Dentists who provided individualised caries prevention to more than 50% of their patients spent significantly more time on preventive care and less time on removable prosthetics treatment, compared to dentists who did not provide individualised caries prevention. Additionally, they provided oral hygiene instruction, patient education, fluoride recommendations, intraoral photographs taken and diet counselling to their patients significantly more often than dentists who did not provide individualised caries prevention. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that the percentage of patients interested in caries prevention and the percentage of patients who received hygiene instruction, were both associated with the percentage of patients who receive individualised caries prevention.

Conclusions

We identified substantial variation in dentists' practice patterns regarding preventive dentistry. Individualised caries prevention was significantly related to provision of other preventive services and to having a higher percentage of patients interested in caries prevention, but not to the dentist's belief about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01 680 848).
Rosiglitazone use and post-discontinuation glycaemic control in two European countries, 2000–2010
Authors: Ehrenstein V , Hernandez R K , Ulrichsen S P , Rungby J , Lash T L , Riis A H , Li L , Sørensen H T , Jick S S
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of risk minimisation policies on the use of rosiglitazone-containing products and on glycaemic control among patients in Denmark and the UK.

Design, setting and participants

We used population-based data from the Aarhus University Prescription Database (AUPD) in northern Denmark and from the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) in the UK.

Main outcome measures

We examined the use of rosiglitazone during its entire period of availability on the European market (2000–2010) and evaluated changes in the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among patients discontinuing this drug.

Results

During 2000–2010, 2321 patients with records in AUPD used rosiglitazone in northern Denmark and 25 428 patients with records in GPRD used it in the UK. The proportion of rosiglitazone users among all users of oral hypoglycaemic agents peaked at 4% in AUPD and at 15% in GPRD in May 2007, the month of publication of a meta-analysis showing increased cardiovascular morbidity associated with rosiglitazone use. 12 months after discontinuation of rosiglitazone-containing products, the mean change in HbA1cwas −0.16% (95% CI −3.4% to 3.1%) in northern Denmark and −0.17% (95% CI −0.21% to 0.13%) in the UK. The corresponding mean changes in FPG were 0.01 mmol/L (95% CI −7.3 to 7.3 mmol/L) and 0.03 mmol/L (95% CI −0.22 to 0.28 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Publication of evidence concerning the potential cardiovascular risks of rosiglitazone was associated with an irreversible decline in the use of rosiglitazone-containing products in Denmark and the UK. The mean changes in HbA1cand FPG after drug discontinuation were slight.
Rehabilitation impact indices and their independent predictors: a systematic review
Authors: Koh Gerald Choon-Huat , Chen Cynthia Huijun , Petrella Robert , Thind Amardeep
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To (1) identify all available rehabilitation impact indices (RIIs) based on their mathematical formula, (2) assess the evidence for independent predictors of each RII and (3) propose a nomenclature system to harmonise the names of RIIs.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

PubMed and references in primary articles.

Study selection

First, we identified all available RII through preliminary literature review. Then, various names of the same formula were used to identify studies, limited to articles in English and up to 31 December 2011, including case–control and cohort studies, and controlled interventional trials where RIIs were outcome variable and matching or multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

The five RIIs identified were (1) absolute functional gain (AFG)/absolute efficacy/total gain, (2) rehabilitation effectiveness (REs)/Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS)/relative functional gain (RFG), (3) rehabilitation efficiency (REy)/length of stay-efficiency (LOS-EFF)/efficiency, (4) relative functional efficiency (RFE)/MRFS efficiency and (5) revised MRFS (MRFS-R). REy/LOS-EFF/efficiency had the most number of supporting studies, followed by REs and AFG. Although evidence for different predictors of RIIs varied according to the RII and study population, there is good evidence that older age, lower prerehabilitation functional status and cognitive impairment are predictive of poorer AFG, REs and REy.

Conclusions

5 RIIs have been developed in the past two decades as composite rehabilitation outcome measures controlling premorbid and prerehabilitation functional status, rate of functional improvement, each with varying levels of evidence for its predictors. To address the issue of multiple names for the same RII, a new nomenclature system is proposed to harmonise the names based on common mathematical formula and a first-named basis.
Do intrauterine device/intrauterine system users check their threads?
Authors: Davies Amanda , Fleming Charlotte
Published: September 2013

Background

Expulsion of an intrauterine device (IUD) occurs in about 1 in 20 women and expulsion may not be noticed by the user. Current guidance recommends that users are instructed to check regularly for their threads. This is the first study to explore the reality of how women feel about checking their threads and the details surrounding how frequently checks are done.

Methods

One hundred consecutive IUD users were interviewed regarding their type of device, duration of use, frequency of thread checking, prompts for checking and reasons for not checking.

Results

Only 23% checked their threads regularly and 51% had never done so. The most common reason for not checking was forgetting about it.

Conclusions

Despite being advised to do so, the majority of users do not check their threads at all and fewer than one-quarter of them check regularly. We propose that advice offered about thread checking should be given less emphasis and suggested more for user reassurance.
Factors influencing antibiotic prescribing habits and use of sensitivity testing amongst veterinarians in Europe
Authors: De Briyne N. , Atkinson J. , Pokludová L. , Borriello S. P. , Price S.
Published: September 2013

The Heads of Medicines Agencies and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe undertook a survey to gain a better insight into the decision‐making process of veterinarians in Europe when deciding which antibiotics to prescribe. The survey was completed by 3004 practitioners from 25 European countries. Analysis was to the level of different types of practitioner (food producing (FP) animals, companion animals, equines) and country for Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Responses indicate no single information source is universally considered critical, though training, published literature and experience were the most important. Factors recorded which most strongly influenced prescribing behaviour were sensitivity tests, own experience, the risk for antibiotic resistance developing and ease of administration. Most practitioners usually take into account responsible use warnings. Antibiotic sensitivity testing is usually performed where a treatment failure has occurred. Significant differences were observed in the frequency of sensitivity testing at the level of types of practitioners and country. The responses indicate a need to improve sensitivity tests and services, with the availability of rapid and cheaper testing being key factors.
Physiological responses and energy expenditure during competitive fencing
Authors: Milia Raffaele , Roberto Silvana , Pinna Marco , Palazzolo Girolamo , Sanna Irene , Omeri Massimo , Piredda Simone , Migliaccio Gianmario , Concu Alberto , Crisafulli Antonio
Published: September 2013

Fencing is an Olympic sport in which athletes fight one against one using bladed weapons. Contests consist of three 3-min bouts, with rest intervals of 1 min between them. No studies investigating oxygen uptake and energetic demand during fencing competitions exist, thus energetic expenditure and demand in this sport remain speculative. The aim of this study was to understand the physiological capacities underlying fencing performance. Aerobic energy expenditure and the recruitment of lactic anaerobic metabolism were determined in 15 athletes (2 females and 13 males) during a simulation of fencing by using a portable gas analyzer (MedGraphics VO2000), which was able to provide data on oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and heart rate. Blood lactate was assessed by means of a portable lactate analyzer. Average group energetic expenditure during the simulation was (mean ± SD) 10.24 ± 0.65 kcal·min−1, corresponding to 8.6 ± 0.54 METs. Oxygen uptakeand heart rate were always below the level of anaerobic threshold previously assessed during the preliminary incremental test, while blood lactate reached its maximum value of 6.9 ± 2.1 mmol·L−1 during the final recovery minute between rounds. Present data suggest that physical demand in fencing is moderate for skilled fencers and that both aerobic energy metabolism and anaerobic lactic energy sources are moderately recruited. This should be considered by coaches when preparing training programs for athletes.
Growth–climate relationships for six subalpine tree species in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: Dolanc Christopher R. , Westfall Robert D. , Safford Hugh D. , Thorne James H. , Schwartz Mark W.
Published: September 2013

A better understanding of the growth–climate relationship for subalpine trees is key to improving predictions about their future distributions under climate change. In subalpine regions of Mediterranean mountains, drought is an annual event, yet many sites can have long-lasting snowpack. We analyzed the growth–climate relationship from 1896 to 2006 for the six most abundant subalpine tree species (red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murray bis), whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.), Sierra/Cascade lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. murrayana (Balf.) Engelm.), Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Balf.), western white pine (Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don), and mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carrière)) of the central Sierra Nevada, California, USA, a region with deep spring snowpack followed by strong summer drought. Chronologies for the six species exhibited a high degree of synchrony in their response to annual fluctuations in temperature and precipitation. For all six species, cool, wet conditions in the year prior to growth are conducive to good radial growth, as well as warm springs with sufficient moisture during the year of growth. For species more common on protected slopes, such as mountain hemlock, deep spring snowpack can limit growth. Although predictions of future precipitation trends in the region are uncertain, drought stress appears to already be increasing. If this trend continues, radial growth is likely to be inhibited for most or all species in our study. Trees growing where snowpack is deep may be least likely to suffer reduced growth.
Physical condition of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in relation to road disturbance
Authors: Proppe D.S. , Byers K.A. , Sturdy C.B. , St. Clair C.C.
Published: September 2013

Roads and their associated low-frequency noise have been linked with a reduction in abundance and density for many songbird species. However, a handful of species remain equally abundant in roadside habitats and nondisturbed areas. Abundance is a valuable baseline indicator of a species’ ability to adapt to habitats altered by roads, but does not directly ascertain whether health is affected in these species. Here we examine whether Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus (L., 1766)), a species that remains abundant near roads, exhibit higher levels of chronic stress or reduced physical condition when residing near roads. Neither hematological measures of chronic stress, nor any of our measures of physical condition, differed significantly between Black-capped Chickadees inhabiting areas near or far from roads. Our results suggest that health and physical condition, like abundance, are not significantly affected by roads in the Black-capped Chickadee. This species may be an ideal model for understanding how some songbird species adapt to roads and the noise that they produce.
SUBALGEBRAS OF THE SQUARES OF FINITE MINIMAL MAJORITY ALGEBRAS
Authors: KAARLI KALLE
Published: September 2013

This paper provides an abstract characterization of the monoids that appear as monoids of subalgebras of the square of finite minimal algebras admitting a majority term. As a tool, a matrix construction similar to the one introduced in [A characterization of the inverse monoid of bi-congruences of certain algebras, Int. J. Algebra Comput.6 (2009) 791–808] is used.
STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW ON SEISMIC INDUCED POUNDING RESPONSE OF BRIDGE STRUCTURES
Authors: HAO HONG , BI KAIMING , CHOUW NAWAWI , REN WEI-XIN
Published: September 2013

Seismic induced pounding damage to bridge structures was repeatedly observed in many previous major earthquakes. To avoid this adverse effect, extensive research efforts have been made by many researchers. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review in this field. It includes a brief review of the numerical modeling of bridge structures and impact models, numerical simulation of pounding responses between different components of bridge structures, experimental investigations, and pounding mitigation methods.
High permittivity ofBa(Ti1-xZrx)O3-basedY5V-type nanopowders and ceramics synthesized using a one-step sol–gel method
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Cui Bin , Ma Rong , Li Leilei , Wang Yan , Yan Wenqing , Chang Zhuguo
Published: September 2013

We synthesized Ba ( Ti1-xZrx) O3-based (BTZ) nanopowders modified with Cu and Nb , and sintered ceramics using a one-step sol–gel process. Characterization using TG-DTG, XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis methods revealed that the powders formed at a nanometer scale. The process was controlled by the composition and calcining temperature. BaZrO3formed earlier than BaTiO3during the calcining, then a Ba ( Ti1-xZrx) O3solid solution formed incompletely, resulting in ceramics with huge permittivity and good temperature stability. Moreover, the maximum dielectric constant (εmax) first increased and then decreased as the Curie temperature (Tc) shifted to a lower temperature. When the Zr concentration was 5.4 mol%, εmaxwas greater than 24,000 and the dielectric loss (25°C) was only 0.005; this meets the Electronic Industries Alliance Y 5 V specifications. These nanopowders would permit a significant reduction in the thickness of multilayer ceramic capacitors and the huge permittivity of the ceramics will help meet the current demand for device miniaturization in the electronics industry.
Effects of thickness on the microstructure and energy-storage performance of PLZT antiferroelectric thick films
Authors: Sun Ningning , Wang Ying , Zhang Liwen , Zhang Xuefeng , Hao Xihong , Li Meiling
Published: September 2013

The typical antiferroelectric (AFE) thick films Pb0.94La0.04( Zr0.98Ti0.02) O3(PLZT 4/98/2) with different thicknesses of 2, 4, 6 and 10 μm were successfully deposited on Pt (111)/ TiO2/ SiO2/ Si (100) substrates from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-modified chemical solution. The effects of thickness on the crystalline structure, electrical properties and the energy-storage performance were investigated in detail. X-Ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy pictures indicated that AFE films with a thickness less than 4 μm showed a (111)-preferred orientation with uniform surface microstructure. The electrical measurement results illustrated that, as the thickness increased, the saturation polarization, remnant polarization, dielectric constant and leakage current of AFE thick films were enhanced gradually, while the capacitive density and the critical breakdown fields were decreased. Moreover, all the PLZT 4/98/2 AFE films shared the same Curie temperature of about 224°C. As a result, the AFE thick films showed good energy-storage stability in a wide temperature range. The maximum energy-storage density of 47.4 J/cm3was obtained in the 2-μm-thick PLZT 4/98/2 films measured at 3699 kV/cm.
Trends in computer science research
Authors: Hoonlor Apirak , Szymanski Boleslaw K. , Zaki Mohammed J.
Published: September 2013

Keywords in the ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore digital library and in NSF grants anticipate future CS research.
When faster is slower
Authors: Armour Phillip G.
Published: September 2013

How the speed of modern tools may decelerate development.
Barbarians at the gateways
Authors: Loveless Jacob
Published: September 2013

A special section on high-frequency trading and exchange technology.
Passively measuring TCP round-trip times
Authors: Strowes Stephen D.
Published: September 2013

A close look at round-trip time measurements with the Transmission Control Protocol.