bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MICROFILMS FOR THE DISABLED
Authors: FORSDYKE JOHN
Published: November 2014

At the Conference in September, 1945, Mrs. Moholy, as Director of the Aslib Microfilm Service, gave an account of the American ‘ceiling’ projector which was then newly designed for the purpose of enabling persons who are paralyzed, or otherwise so disabled that they cannot handle books, to read by means of microfilm. That instrument was devised by Mr. Eugene B. Power, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was produced by the Argus Corporation, of Ann Arbor. It differs from film‐strip projectors in using standard reels of microfilm, like a library reader, and is mechanized in the sense that the reel‐spindles are rotated by electric motors, which are operated by remote control. By pressing a button of the control switch the reader, who is usually lying in bed, moves the film forwards or backwards, and the image of the pages in each successive frame is thrown on the ceiling. The Argus instrument is built to project vertically. It cannot be stood on its side or tilted, but a mirror can be attached to the lens for horizontal projection.
EXPERIENCE OF CO‐OPERATION In TRANSLATION WORK
Authors: PATRICK L.G.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to make known some experience associated with co‐operative ventures in translation work and to include certain reflections arising from it. It is hoped that others here may also feel able to divulge something of their experience, procedures, needs, and hopes in this field in order that today we all may become more fully aware of the realities, strengths, weaknesses, and potentialities of our co‐operative ventures in connection with translation work.
CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS
Authors: AVERY B.W.
Published: November 2014

From the first emergence of civilizations based on agriculture, variations in the nature and productive capacity of the soil were recognized by farmers, and names, usually based on colour or texture, were given to distinctive varieties. In modern times the connection between soils and the rocks which provide their parent materials was generally recognized, and the earliest attempts to classify soils systematically had a geological or petrological basis. Most of these schemes, such as those proposed by Thaer and Fallou in Germany, suffered from their limited geographical scope, and little attention was paid to the effects on soil formation of climate, vegetation, and topography. Soil was conceived primarily as an inert material composed of variously constituted mineral particles mixed with varying quantities of plant residues, and the accent on soil as a material received further emphasis following the publication in 1840 of Liebig's ‘Chemistry in its Application to Agriculture and Physiology’, which suggested that differences in soil fertility were largely determined by differences in chemical constitution.
SOME IMPLICATIONS OF The NEW LIBRARY ASSOCIATION EXAMINATION SYLLABUS FROM The SPECIAL LIBRARY VIEWPOINT
Authors: PATRICK L.G.
Published: November 2014

Miss L.V. Paulin, M.A., F.L.A., County Librarian of Hertfordshire and Chairman of the Library Association Education Committee, opened the meeting and introduced Mr Patrick, who as a special librarian and one closely concerned with the drawing up of the new Library Association Examination syllabus was, she felt, a fortunate choice of speaker. About one hundred members of Aslib attended the meeting.
VOCABULARIES FOR CO‐ORDINATE SYSTEMS
Authors: VICKERY B.C.
Published: November 2014

Indexing documents can be a purely mechanical operation or a highly intelligent one. It can be nothing more than a matter of listing the words in the title of the document, or it can be a detailed intellectual analysis of its content. But however the work is done, it ends up in the same way: the document gets labelled with a set of words (D). When it comes to searching the index, we again have to make up a set of words (Q). Retrieval is the operation of matching question words against document words. In co‐ordinate indexing, a document is retrieved if its word labels D include the question words Q. If we alter the words used for documents or questions, we affect the efficiency of the system.
Union Oil choose Scotchkote system for North Sea Dutch sector flow line
Authors: Goff Brian
Published: November 2014

The Union Oil Company of the Netherlands have employed Scotchkote fusion bonded epoxy powder to protect the external surface of their 10.75 inch diameter flow line in the North Sea.
Fatty acid compositions of triglycerides and free fatty acids in sebum depend on amount of triglycerides, and do not differ in presence or absence of acne vulgaris
Authors: Akaza Narifumi , Akamatsu Hirohiko , Numata Shigeki , Matsusue Miyuki , Mashima Yasuo , Miyawaki Masaaki , Yamada Shunji , Yagami Akiko , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: November 2014

To clarify the influence of the fatty acid composition of sebum in acne vulgaris, we investigated the amounts and fatty acid compositions of triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA), and the amounts of cutaneous superficial Propionibacterium acnes in acne patients and healthy subjects. The foreheads of 18 female patients, 10 male patients, 10 healthy females and 10 healthy males were studied in a Japanese population. There were significant differences in the amounts of sebum, TG and cutaneous superficial P. acnes, as well as the fatty acid compositions of TG and FFA between acne patients and healthy subjects in females. Their fatty acid compositions were correlated with the amount of TG with or without acne. It was clarified that the fatty acid compositions of TG and FFA depended on the amount of TG, and there were no differences in the fatty acid composition in the presence and absence of acne.
Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences for Nanotechnology and Genetic‐modification Technology in Food Products
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Zhao Shuoli , Kuzma Jennifer
Published: November 2014

This study investigates heterogeneous consumer preferences for nanofood and genetically‐modified (GM) food and the associated benefits using the results of choice experiments with 1,117 US consumers. We employ a latent class logit model to capture the heterogeneity in consumer preferences by identifying consumer segments. Our results show that nano‐food evokes fewer negative reactions compared with GM food. We identify four consumer groups: ‘Price Oriented/Technology Adopters’, ‘Technology Averse’, ‘Benefit Oriented’, and ‘New Technology Rejecters’. Each consumer group has a distinctive demographic background, which generates deeper insights into the diversified public acceptance of nano‐food and GM food. Our results have policy implications for the adoption of new food technologies.
Infrared Decontamination of Oregano: Effects on Bacillus cereus Spores, Water Activity, Color, and Volatile Compounds
Authors: Eliasson Lovisa , Libander Patrik , Lövenklev Maria , Isaksson Sven , Ahrné Lilia
Published: November 2014

Infrared (IR) heating, a novel technology for decontaminating oregano, was evaluated by investigating the reduction of inoculated Bacillus cereus spores and the effect on water activity (aw), color, and headspace volatile compounds after exposure to IR treatment. Conditioned oregano (aw 0.88) was IR‐treated in a closed heating unit at 90 and 100 °C for holding times of 2 and 10 min, respectively. The most successful reduction in B. cereus spore numbers (5.6 log units) was achieved after a holding time of 10 min at 90 °C, while treatment at 100 °C for the same time resulted in a lower reduction efficiency (4.7 log units). The lower reduction at 100 °C was probably due to a reduced aw (aw 0.76) during IR treatment or possibly to the alteration or loss of volatile compounds possessing antimicrobial properties. The green color of oregano was only slightly affected, while the composition of volatile compounds was clearly altered by IR heating. However, two of the key aroma compounds, carvacrol and thymol, were only slightly affected, compared to the effect on the other studied compounds, indicating that the typical oregano aroma can likely be preserved. In conclusion, IR heating shows potential for the successful decontamination of oregano without severe alteration of its color or the key aroma compounds, carvacrol and thymol.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment of Black Peppercorns Inoculated with Salmonella and Held Under Controlled Storage
Authors: Sun Shengqian , Anderson Nathan M. , Keller Susanne
Published: November 2014

Spices, including black pepper, are a source of microbial contamination and have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis when added to products that undergo no further processing. Traditional thermal processing employed to reduce microbial contamination can lead to losses of heat‐sensitive compounds. Thus, alternative processes such as atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) are desirable. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy of APP in the destruction of Salmonella inoculated on the surface of peppercorns. Secondarily, we examined the effect of storage on the subsequent inactivation of Salmonella on the surfaces of black peppercorns by APP. Black peppercorns inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella enterica serotypes Oranienburg, Tennessee, Anatum, and Enteritidis were stored at 25 °C, 33% relative humidity (RH); 25 °C, 97% RH; and, 37 °C, 33% RH for 10 d and additionally at 25 °C, 33% RH for 1 and 30 d then treated with APP. Results showed that Salmonella populations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to the treatment time, but where not related to previous storage conditions (P > 0.05). Approximately a 4.5‐ to 5.5‐log10 reduction in population was achieved after 60 to 80 s treatment. A combination of treatments, storage and 80 s of plasma, may achieve a total reduction on the order of 7‐log10CFU/g. These findings support the potential of APP to decontaminate Salmonella on the surfaces of black peppercorns and other dry foods and illustrate that a multiple hurdle approach may prove effective for achieving significant reductions of Salmonella in many low‐moisture foods.
Role of the intestinal microbiota and fecal transplantation in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Liang Jie , Sha Su Mei , Wu Kai Chun
Published: November 2014

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite intensive study, it is still challenging because the precise etiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. Studies have shown that IBD is associated with changes in the composition of intestinal microbiota, as either a cause or a consequence of abnormal host immune response in genetic susceptible population. Two specific microorganisms (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Escherichia coli) get more widely studied, but till now no single microorganism has been identified as the only pathogen. Genetic susceptibility data also suggest impaired handling of bacteria as well as an improper immune response to potential pathogens. The microbiota provides new therapeutic methods, and fecal microbiota transplantation may restore the balance of intestinal flora to supplement or optimize the current therapies.
Predicting functional communication ability in children with cerebral palsy at school entry
Authors: Coleman Andrea , Weir Kelly , Ware Robert S , Boyd Roslyn
Published: November 2014

Aim

To explore the value of demographic, environmental, and early clinical characteristics in predicting functional communication in children with cerebral palsy (CP) at school entry.

Method

Data are from an Australian prospective longitudinal study of children with CP. Children assessed at 18 to 24 and 48 to 60 months corrected age were included in the study. Functional communication was classified at 48 to 60 months using the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Predictive variables included communication skills at 18 to 24 months, evaluated using the Communication and Symbolic Behavioural Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS‐DP) Infant‐Toddler Checklist. Early Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System, and motor type and distribution were evaluated by two physiotherapists. Demographic and comorbid variables were obtained through parent interview with a paediatrician or rehabilitation specialist.

Results

A total of 114 children (76 males, 38 females) were included in the study. At 18 to 24 months the mean CSBS‐DP was 84.9 (SD 19.0). The CFCS distribution at 48 to 60 months was I=36(32%), II=25(22%), III=20(18%), IV=19(17%), and V=14(12%). In multivariable regression analysis, only CSBS‐DP (p<0.01) and GMFCS (p<0.01) at 18 to 24 months were predictors of functional communication at school entry.

Interpretation

Body structure and function and not environmental factors impact functional communication at school entry in children with CP. This provides valuable guidance for early screening, parent education, and future planning of intervention programs to improve functional communication.
Dynamic Compressive Behavior of ZrB2‐Based Ceramic Composites at Room Temperature and 1073 K
Authors: Wang Lingling , Liang Jun , Fang Guodong
Published: November 2014

The dynamic compressive behaviors of ZrB2‐based ceramic composites were investigated through the convenient and high‐temperature Splitting Hopkinson Pressure Bars. The effects of strain rate on dynamic compressive strength, stress–strain relationship and fracture mechanisms were discussed in detail. Moreover, the influence of pre‐oxidation on dynamic strength was also studied at 1073 K. The results indicate that the relationship between dynamic compressive stress and strain for ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite is strong nonlinear at room temperature and 1073 K. Dynamic compressive strength increases linearly with the increase of strain rate. The pre‐oxidation effect results in the enhancement of dynamic compressive strength at 1073 K in comparison with the room temperature strength. Based on the microstructures, the dominant intergranular fracture and pull‐out of graphite flake are observed at low strain rates, whereas the transgranular fracture and cutting of graphite flake are found at high strain rates. Fracture mechanisms play a crucial role on the changes of dynamic compressive strength and critical strain with strain rate.
No Safe Haven: Locations of Harassment and Bullying Victimization in Middle Schools
Authors: Perkins H. Wesley , Perkins Jessica M. , Craig David W.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Given that adolescent bullying victimization is a significant concern for secondary education and adolescent development, identifying school contexts in which victimization is most likely to occur is salient.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey assessed the prevalence of being harassed or bullied in various locations within 20 middle schools (grades 5‐9) in New Jersey and New York (N = 10,668). Seven types of bullying‐related victimization (teased in an unfriendly way, called hurtful names, physically abused, excluded from a group to hurt feelings, belongings taken/damaged, threatened to be hurt, and negative rumors spread) were examined in 7 locations where each type of victimization could occur (classroom, lunchroom, hallways, gym, playground, bus, or bathroom).

RESULTS

Prevalence of victimization types ranged from 4% to 38% depending on location. Prevalence of overall victimization was equal or greater in classrooms compared with other school locations (highest prevalence rates in hallways, classrooms, and lunchrooms), regardless of school demographic characteristics. Victimization in classrooms compared with other school settings was most highly associated with feelings of being unsafe.

CONCLUSIONS

Vigilant attention to bullying is needed across all school environments and especially in the classroom context, which may mistakenly be perceived as a more protected area. Indeed, middle school classrooms are not safe havens.
School Social Capital and Body Mass Index in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: Richmond Tracy K. , Milliren Carly , Walls Courtney E. , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Social capital in neighborhoods and workplaces positively affects health. Less is known about the influence of school social capital on student health outcomes, in particular weight status. We sought to examine the association between individual‐ and school‐level social capital and student body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

Analyzing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7‐12 (N = 13,428), we used principal components analysis to define 3 school social capital factors: “connectedness” (feel part of/close to people/safe in school), “treatment” (get along with teachers/students, teachers treat students fairly), and “parental involvement” (school administrator reported percent family/parent self‐reported participation in Parent Teacher Organization, average daily school attendance). We examined the associations between individual‐ and school‐level social capital and individual BMI using multilevel modeling techniques.

RESULTS

In girls, both feeling connected to one's school (β = −0.06, p < .05) and attending schools with overall high connectedness (b = −0.43, p < .01) were associated with lower BMIs. In boys only attending a school with high “treatment” was inversely associated with BMI (b = −0.61, p < .01), adjusting for individual and school demographics.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are needed, our findings suggest enhancing school social capital as a novel approach to addressing student obesity.
Psychological Impact and Sexual Dysfunction in Men with and without Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Cobo Cuenca Ana I. , Sampietro-Crespo Antonio , Virseda-Chamorro Miguel , Martín-Espinosa Noelia
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The World Health Organization recognizes sexual health as a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all individuals. Sexual dysfunction affects various aspects in the lives (physical, psychic, and social) of affected persons.

Aims

To assess the different types of sexual dysfunction, the quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, and levels of self-esteem observed in 165 men with sexual dysfunction, both with and without spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Case control study of 85 men with SCI and sexual dysfunction, and 80 men without SCI that have sexual dysfunction.

Main Outcomes Measures

The Sexual Health Evaluation Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Life Satisfaction Questionnaire scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Evaluation of the Sexual Health Scale, and Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale were all used for data collection.

Results

Of the members in group A (with SCI), 89.4% (76) showed erectile dysfunction, and 75.2% (64) reported anejaculation. In group B (without SCI), 75 (96.8%) showed erectile dysfunction, and 58.7% (47) had disorders of sexual desire. In group A, 16.47 % (14) showed signs of depression, and 35.3% (30) had signs of anxiety. In group B, 30% (24) had elevated scores regarding depression, and 48.75% (39) had high scores for anxiety. All of the participants reported a high general QOL and a high satisfaction with their QOL but reported that their satisfaction with their sexual lives was only at the acceptable level. Social QOL is significantly higher in the SCI group (t Student P = 0.031). The QOL, self-esteem, and anxiety and depression levels are significantly correlated.

Conclusions

Men with sexual dysfunction strive to adapt to their situations, with the relationship between the type of sexual dysfunction and the QOL, mood (depression), and self-esteem all being important considerations. Sexuality and employment status are the areas where men with spinal cord injuries report less satisfaction.
Sural nerve biopsy and functional studies support the pathogenic role of a novel MPZ mutation
Authors: Prada Valeria , Capponi Simona , Ursino Giulia , Alberti Antonia , Callegari Ilaria , Passalacqua Mario , Marotta Roberto , Mandich Paola , Bellone Emilia , Schenone Angelo , Grandis Marina
Published: November 2014

Our patient is a 65‐year‐old woman presenting with bilateral pes cavus, pronounced distal muscle wasting, weakness and areflexia. Electrophysiological findings included diffuse unrecordable motor and sensory responses. While the CMT phenotype was evident, the lack of family history and the severe, but unspecific electrophysiological impairment, was a challenge for genetic diagnosis. A sural nerve biopsy was performed, showing a severe loss of myelinated fibers with residual axons surrounded by myelin outfoldings. Whereas myelin outfoldings are a pathological hallmark of autosomal recessive CMT4B1 and CMT4B2, due to mutations in myotubularin‐related 2 (MTMR2) and 13 (MTMR13) genes respectively, they may also occur in nerve biopsies from CMT1B patients. By direct sequencing, a novel heterozygous transversion c.410G>T in MPZ gene was demonstrated, producing an amino acid change from glycine to valine in position 108 (p.G108V). In HeLa cells the fusion P0G108V‐EGFP was normally trafficked to the cell membrane, but with decreased P0 adhesion function, compared with wild‐type P0, thus supporting a pathogenic role of the new variant. In conclusion this case highlights the relevance, in selected cases, of sural nerve biopsy to orient the genetic/molecular tests, while in vitro analyses may strengthen the pathogenic role of novel mutations.
Periodontal innate immune mechanisms relevant to atherosclerosis
Authors: Amar S. , Engelke M.
Published: November 2014

Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease in the USA where it is a leading cause of illness and death. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause for heart attack and stroke. Most commonly, people develop atherosclerosis as a result of diabetes, genetic risk factors, high blood pressure, a high‐fat diet, obesity, high blood cholesterol levels, and smoking. However, a sizable number of patients suffering from atherosclerosis do not harbor the classical risk factors. Ongoing infections have been suggested to play a role in this process. Periodontal disease is perhaps the most common chronic infection in adults with a wide range of clinical variability and severity. Research in the past decade has shed substantial light on both the initiating infectious agents and host immunological responses in periodontal disease. Up to 46% of the general population harbors the microorganism(s) associated with periodontal disease, although many are able to limit the progression of periodontal disease or even clear the organism(s) if infected. In the last decade, several epidemiological studies have found an association between periodontal infection and atherosclerosis. This review focuses on exploring the molecular consequences of infection by pathogens that exacerbate atherosclerosis, with the focus on infections by the periodontal bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis as a running example.
The Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Power Source: Evolution and Revolution
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , FREITAG GARY
Published: November 2014

Although the first power source for an implantable pacemaker was a rechargeable nickel‐cadmium battery, it was rapidly replaced by an unreliable short‐life zinc‐mercury cell. This sustained the small pacemaker industry until the early 1970s, when the lithium‐iodine cell became the dominant power source for low voltage, microampere current, single‐ and dual‐chamber pacemakers. By the early 2000s, a number of significant advances were occurring with pacemaker technology which necessitated that the power source should now provide milliampere current for data logging, telemetric communication, and programming, as well as powering more complicated pacing devices such as biventricular pacemakers, treatment or prevention of atrial tachyarrhythmias, and the integration of innovative physiologic sensors. Because the current delivery of the lithium‐iodine battery was inadequate for these functions, other lithium anode chemistries that can provide medium power were introduced. These include lithium‐carbon monofluoride, lithium‐manganese dioxide, and lithium‐silver vanadium oxide/carbon mono‐fluoride hybrids. In the early 1980s, the first implantable defibrillators for high voltage therapy used a lithium‐vanadium pentoxide battery. With the introduction of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, the reliable lithium‐silver vanadium oxide became the power source. More recently, because of the demands of biventricular pacing, data logging, and telemetry, lithium‐manganese dioxide and the hybrid lithium‐silver vanadium oxide/carbon mono‐fluoride laminate have also been used. Today all cardiac implantable electronic devices are powered by lithium anode batteries.
Biomedical studies by TOF-SIMS imaging
Authors: Bich Claudia , Touboul David , Brunelle Alain
Published: November 2014

Imaging by secondary ion mass spectrometry coupled to time-of-flight mass analysis (TOF-SIMS) is a method of which the applications have greatly increased since 10 years. Taking advantage of the development of cluster ion sources, TOF-SIMS offers images of molecular ions at a micrometer lateral resolution or slightly below and does not require complex sample preparation. Although TOF-SIMS has been primarily dedicated to surface analysis of inorganic or polymeric samples, several groups have successfully demonstrated that TOF-SIMS imaging is also perfectly suited for mapping organic compounds, such as drugs or lipids, directly on tissue sections from animals or from human biopsies. This minireview will enlighten some of these developments in the field of biomedical applications.
Mucins Suppress Virulence Traits of Candida albicans
Authors: Kavanaugh Nicole L. , Zhang Angela Q. , Nobile Clarissa J. , Johnson Alexander D. , Ribbeck Katharina
Published: November 2014

Candida albicans
is the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans, causing a variety of diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to deep-seated systemic invasions. Mucus, the gel that coats all wet epithelial surfaces, accommodates
C. albicans
as part of the normal microbiota, where
C. albicans
resides asymptomatically in healthy humans. Through a series of
in vitro
experiments combined with gene expression analysis, we show that mucin biopolymers, the main gel-forming constituents of mucus, induce a new oval-shaped morphology in
C. albicans
in which a range of genes related to adhesion, filamentation, and biofilm formation are downregulated. We also show that corresponding traits are suppressed, rendering
C. albicans
impaired in forming biofilms on a range of different synthetic surfaces and human epithelial cells. Our data suggest that mucins can manipulate
C. albicans
physiology, and we hypothesize that they are key environmental signals for retaining
C. albicans
in the host-compatible, commensal state.

IMPORTANCE
The yeast
Candida albicans
causes both superficial infections of the mucosa and life-threatening infections upon entering the bloodstream. However,
C. albicans
is not always harmful and can exist as part of the normal microbiota without causing disease. Internal body surfaces that are susceptible to infection by
C. albicans
are coated with mucus, which we hypothesize plays an important role in preventing infections. Here, we show that the main components of mucus, mucin glycoproteins, suppress virulence attributes of
C. albicans
at the levels of gene expression and the corresponding morphological traits. Specifically, mucins suppress attachment to plastic surfaces and human cells, the transition to cell-penetrating hyphae, and the formation of biofilms (drug-resistant microbial communities). Additionally, exposure to mucins induces an elongated morphology that physically resembles the mating-competent opaque state but is phenotypically distinct. We suggest that mucins are potent antivirulence molecules that have therapeutic potential for suppressing
C. albicans
infections.
Release of Nonstop Ribosomes Is Essential
Authors: Feaga Heather A. , Viollier Patrick H. , Keiler Kenneth C.
Published: November 2014

Bacterial ribosomes frequently translate to the 3′ end of an mRNA without terminating at a stop codon. Almost all bacteria use the transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA)-based
trans
-translation pathway to release these “nonstop” ribosomes and maintain protein synthesis capacity.
trans
-translation is essential in some species, but in others, such as
Caulobacter crescentus
,
trans
-translation can be inactivated. To determine why
trans
-translation is dispensable in
C. crescentus
, a Tn-seq screen was used to identify genes that specifically alter growth in cells lacking
ssrA
, the gene encoding tmRNA. One of these genes,
CC1214
, was essential in Δ
ssrA
cells. Purified CC1214 protein could release nonstop ribosomes
in vitro
. CC1214 is a homolog of the
Escherichia coli
ArfB protein, and using the CC1214 sequence, ArfB homologs were identified in the majority of bacterial phyla. Most species in which
ssrA
has been deleted contain an ArfB homolog, suggesting that release of nonstop ribosomes may be essential in most or all bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Genes that are conserved across large phylogenetic distances are expected to confer a selective advantage. The genes required for
trans
-translation,
ssrA
and
smpB
, have been found in >99% of sequenced bacterial genomes, suggesting that they are broadly important. However, these genes can be deleted in some species without loss of viability. The identification and characterization of
C. crescentus
ArfB reveals why
trans
-translation is not essential in
C. crescentus
and suggests that many other bacteria are likely to use ArfB to survive when
trans
-translation is compromised.
‘Little old lady's hernia’ causing small bowel obstruction in a man: a case report with a review of literature on the pathophysiology of obturator hernias
Authors: Blach Ola , Ghosh Anil
Published: November 2014

Commonly known as ‘little old lady’s hernia’, obturator hernias are usually seen in frail, octogenarian multiparous women reporting non-specific nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and anteromedial thigh pain. They are exceedingly rare; even less frequently are they diagnosed preoperatively, with the vast majority being found incidentally at laparotomy for small bowel obstruction. This case report describes an atypical presentation of a ‘little old lady's hernia’ in a man, in whom, thanks to high degree of clinical suspicion, an incarcerated obturator hernia was diagnosed preoperatively and treated successfully.
Citalopram-induced hyponatraemia and parkinsonism: potentially fatal side-effects not to be missed
Authors: Damali Amiri Negin , Wijenaike Nishan
Published: November 2014

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, is on the rise and, as such, clinicians must be vigilant of rare side-effects associated with this group of medications. We report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented to West Suffolk Hospital with a fall, confusion and movement abnormalities, and was found to have a serum sodium of 105 on admission. He was managed with hypertonic saline, dopamine agonists and intensive physiotherapy. Despite initially deteriorating neurologically, he made a remarkable recovery, and was discharged home at his pre-admission baseline. The learning points from this report are as follows: (1) regular monitoring of electrolytes on starting an SSRI (and similarly selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors–SNRIs) in SSRI/SNRIs naïve patients, (2) awareness of possible citalopram-induced parkinsonism and the potential benefits of dopamine agonists as one management strategy and (3) vigilant fluid/electrolyte monitoring in patients with profound hyponatraemia.
Sudden death in a patient with bone marrow transplant by a fungus among us
Authors: Non Lemuel , Sta Cruz Joanna Paula , Tuazon Sherilyn
Published: November 2014

Mucormycosis is rare, presenting as breakthrough infection among haematological and transplant patients on prophylaxis with voriconazole. We report an unusual presentation of this infection, that which is pneumonia progressing to cardiac arrest. A 68-year-old woman with refractory acute myelogenous leukaemia on voriconazole prophylaxis was initially admitted for neutropenic fever and pneumonia. She was discharged improved on antibiotics and voriconazole for presumed aspergillosis. She returned after 1 month with the same presentation. She eventually improved on antibiotics and voriconazole, and eventually received bone marrow transplantation. Three days later, she developed pleuritic chest pain, dyspnoea, and hypoxia requiring intubation. An hour after intubation, the patient arrested and expired. Autopsy revealedRhizopuspneumonitis with pulmonary infarction, and emboli to her cerebellum, heart, thyroid and kidney. Mucormycosis is an emerging, fatal infection that should be suspected in haematological and transplant patients who deteriorate on voriconazole.
A fourth case of Feingold syndrome type 2: psychiatric presentation and management
Authors: Ganjavi Hooman , Siu Victoria Mok , Speevak Marsha , MacDonald Penny Anne
Published: November 2014

Feingold syndrome (FGLDS1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in theMYCNoncogene on the short arm of chromosome 2 (2p24.1). It is characterised by microcephaly, digital abnormalities, oesophageal and duodenal atresias, and often learning disability or mental retardation. In 2011, individuals sharing the skeletal abnormalities of FGLDS1 but lacking mutations inMYCN, were found to harbour hemizygous deletions of the MIR17HG gene on chromosome 13q31.3. These individuals share many of the characteristics of FGLDS1 except for gastrointestinal atresia. The condition was termed Feingold syndrome type 2 (FGLDS2). We describe the presentation and management of a fourth known case of FGLDS2 in an 18-year-old girl with microcephaly, short stature, mildly dysmorphic features, digital malformations and significant cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Comparative genomic hybridisation array testing confirmed a 7.4 Mb microdeletion in chromosome region 13q31.1q.31.3 corresponding to the MIR17HG gene.
Exercise during school hours when added to patient education improves outcome for 2 years in adolescent patellofemoral pain: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Rathleff M S , Roos E M , Olesen J L , Rasmussen S
Published: November 2014

Background

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is common among adolescents and associated with long-lasting pain and disability. Patient education and exercise therapy are commonly used treatments in primary and secondary care but the effect of these treatments in adolescents is unknown. We aimed to determine the effect of exercise therapy as an add-on therapy to patient education compared with education alone.

Methods

121 adolescents from 15–19 years of age were cluster randomised to patient education or patient education combined with exercise therapy. Patient education covered self-management of pain and information on PFP. Exercise therapy consisted of supervised exercises on school premises (3/week for 3 months) and instructions on home-based exercises. Adherence to exercises was assessed as attendance and weekly text messages. Primary outcome measure was self-reported recovery (seven-point Likert scale) at 12 months with additional follow-ups at 3, 6 and 24 months.

Results

Adolescents randomised to patient education and exercise therapy were more likely to have recovered at 12 months (OR, 1.73, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.93, number needed to treat (NNT) of 11). Similar results were observed at 3 and 6 months (OR 1.88 and 1.43) while the effect was further increased at 24 months (OR of 2.52, NNT of 5). A higher total number of weekly exercise sessions increased the odds of recovery.

Conclusions

In adolescent PFP, the addition of exercise therapy for 3 months was more effective than patient education alone. The effect was apparent at 3 months and increased up to 2 years. Adherence to exercises was important and improved the odds of recovery.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov reference:NCT01438762.
Residual shear strength of fine-grained soils and soil–solid interfaces at low effective normal stresses
Authors: Eid Hisham T. , Amarasinghe Ruslan S. , Rabie Khaled H. , Wijewickreme Dharma
Published: November 2014

A laboratory research program was undertaken to study the large-strain shear strength characteristics of fine-grained soils under low effective normal stresses (∼3–7 kPa). Soils that cover a wide range of plasticity and composition were utilized in the program. The interface shear strength of these soils against a number of solid surfaces having different roughness was also investigated at similar low effective normal stress levels. The findings contribute to advancing the knowledge of the parameters needed for the design of pipelines placed on sea beds and the stability analysis of shallow soil slopes. A Bromhead-type torsional ring-shear apparatus was modified to suit measuring soil–soil and soil–solid interface residual shear strengths at the low effective normal stresses. In consideration of increasing the accuracy of assessment and depicting the full-scale field behavior, the interface residual shear strengths were also measured using a macroscale interface direct shear device with a plan interface shear area of ∼3.0 m2. Correlations are developed to estimate the soil–soil and soil–solid interface residual shear strengths at low effective normal stresses. The correlations are compared with soil–soil and soil–solid interface drained residual shear strengths and correlations presented in the literature.
Decomposition rates of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) wood and implications for coarse woody debris pools
Authors: de Bruijn Arjan , Gustafson Eric J. , Kashian Daniel M. , Dalgleish Harmony J. , Sturtevant Brian R. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: November 2014

Observations of the rapid growth and slow decomposition of American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) suggest that its reintroduction could enhance terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration. A suite of decomposition models was fit with decomposition data from coarse woody debris (CWD) sampled in Wisconsin and Virginia, U.S. The optimal (two-component exponential) model was integrated with generic growth curves and documented longevity and typical stem density to evaluate how CWD and biomass pools relate to decomposition. CWD decomposed faster in Wisconsin (4.3% ± 0.3% per year) than in Virginia (0.7% ± 0.01% per year), and downed dead wood decomposed faster (8.1% ± 1.9% per year) than standing dead wood (0.7% ± 0.0% per year). We predicted considerably smaller CWD pools in Wisconsin (maximum 41 ± 23 Mg C·ha–1) than in Virginia (maximum 98 ± 23 Mg C·ha–1); the predicted biomass pool was larger in the faster growing Wisconsin trees (maximum 542 ± 58 Mg C·ha–1) compared with slower growing trees in Virginia (maximum 385 ± 51 Mg C·ha–1). Sensitivity analysis indicated that accurate estimates of decomposition rates are more urgent in fertile locations where growth and decomposition are rapid. We conclude that the American chestnut wood is intermediate in resistance to decomposition. Due to the interrelatedness of growth and decomposition rates, CWD pool sizes likely do not depend on species alone but on how the growth and decomposition of individual species vary in response to site productivity.
On zero forcing number of graphs and their complements
Authors: Eroh Linda , Kang Cong X. , Yi Eunjeong
Published: November 2014

The zero forcing number, Z(G), of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a set S of black vertices (whereas vertices in V(G)\S are colored white) such that V(G) is turned black after finitely many applications of "the color-change rule": a white vertex is converted to a black vertex if it is the only white neighbor of a black vertex. Zero forcing number was introduced and used to bound the minimum rank of graphs by the "AIM Minimum Rank-Special Graphs Work Group". It is known that Z(G) ≥ δ(G), where δ(G) is the minimum degree of G. We show that Z(G) ≤ n - 3 if a connected graph G of order n has a connected complement graph [Formula: see text]. Further, we characterize a tree or a unicyclic graph G which satisfies either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Combining a Nanosensor and ELISA for Measurement of Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) Activity and Protein Amount in Cell and Tissue Extract
Authors: Jakobsen Ann-Katrine , Stougaard Magnus
Published: November 2014

Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) was initially discovered by its ability to remove topoisomerase I (TOPI) covalently trapped to DNA. However, it has since been found to be involved in the repair of a number of DNA lesions other than TOPI–DNA complexes e.g., damages caused by ionizing radiation and free radical-based genotoxins. TDP1 has been reported to be posttranslational regulated, and in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) it has been reported that the enzyme activity of TDP1 can be upregulated without detectable upregulation in protein amount. Activity and protein analyses are normally performed sequentially using radioactively labeled DNA substrates analyzed using gel-electrophoresis for the activity measurement and western blot or ELISA for protein measurement. We demonstrate here that our previously developed TDP1 nanosensor due to the optical real-time readout can be combined with ELISA measurement into one assay facilitating measurement of both the enzymatic activity and the protein amount of TDP1. We show that the combined assay can be used for measurements both in cell line-based studies and for measurement in clinical tissue samples. Due to all measurements being performed in the exact same aliquot of cell or tissue extract, the combined assay allows the use of minimal amount of cells or tissue and without additional incubation steps compared to the normal ELISA procedure. Measuring protein amount and activity within the same portion of extract also minimizes the risk of variation being introduced when comparing amount to activity. Since the assay only uses small amounts of extract, it requires no advanced equipment besides a plate reader, and can work in whole-cell or tissue extract. We expect that it could be useful for analysis of posttranslational modifications influencing enzymatic activities both in basic research and in clinical studies.
Why Are Put Options So Expensive?
Authors: Bondarenko Oleg
Published: November 2014

This paper studies the "overpriced puts puzzle" — the finding that historical prices of the S&P 500 put options have been too high and incompatible with the canonical asset-pricing models. To investigate whether put returns could be rationalized by another, possibly non-standard equilibrium model, we implement the model-free methodology of Bondarenko [2003a, Statistical Arbitrage and Securities Prices, Review of Financial Studies 16, 875–919]. The methodology requires no parametric assumptions on investors' preferences. Furthermore, it can be applied even when the sample is affected by certain selection biases (such as the Peso problem) and when investors' beliefs are incorrect. The main finding of the paper is that no model within a studied class of models can possibly explain the put anomaly.
Muscarinic presynaptic modulation in GABAergic pallidal synapses of the rat
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Ricardo , Aceves José J. , Rueda-Orozco Pavel E. , Hernández-Flores Teresa , Hernández-González Omar , Tapia Dagoberto , Galarraga Elvira , Bargas José
Published: November 2014

The external globus pallidus (GPe) is central for basal ganglia processing. It expresses muscarinic cholinergic receptors and receives cholinergic afferents from the pedunculopontine nuclei (PPN) and other regions. The role of these receptors and afferents is unknown. Muscarinic M1-type receptors are expressed by synapses from striatal projection neurons (SPNs). Because axons from SPNs project to the GPe, one hypothesis is that striatopallidal GABAergic terminals may be modulated by M1 receptors. Alternatively, some M1 receptors may be postsynaptic in some pallidal neurons. Evidence of muscarinic modulation in any of these elements would suggest that cholinergic afferents from the PPN, or other sources, could modulate the function of the GPe. In this study, we show this evidence using striatopallidal slice preparations: after field stimulation in the striatum, the cholinergic muscarinic receptor agonist muscarine significantly reduced the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) from synapses that exhibited short-term synaptic facilitation. This inhibition was associated with significant increases in paired-pulse facilitation, and quantal content was proportional to IPSC amplitude. These actions were blocked by atropine, pirenzepine, and mamba toxin-7, suggesting that receptors involved were M1. In addition, we found that some pallidal neurons have functional postsynaptic M1 receptors. Moreover, some evoked IPSCs exhibited short-term depression and a different kind of modulation: they were indirectly modulated by muscarine via the activation of presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Thus pallidal synapses presenting distinct forms of short-term plasticity were modulated differently.
Shear Wave Propagation in Multilayered Medium including an Irregular Fluid Saturated Porous Stratum with Rigid Boundary
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Madan Dinesh Kumar , Singh Sikka Jitander
Published: November 2014

The present investigation is concerned with the study of propagation of shear waves in an anisotropic fluid saturated porous layer over a semi-infinite homogeneous elastic half-space lying under an elastic homogeneous layer with irregularity present at the interface with rigid boundary. The rectangular irregularity has been taken in the half-space. The dispersion equation for shear waves is derived by using the perturbation technique followed by Fourier transformation. Numerically, the effect of irregularity present is analysed. It is seen that the phase velocity is significantly influenced by the wave number and the depth of the irregularity. The variations of dimensionless phase velocity against dimensionless wave number are shown graphically for the different size of rectangular irregularities with the help of MATLAB.
Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxic Thyroiditis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Barvalia Umang , Amlani Barkha , Pathak Ram
Published: November 2014

Amiodarone is an iodine-based, potent antiarrhythmic drug bearing a structural resemblance to thyroxine (T4). It is known to produce thyroid abnormalities ranging from abnormal thyroid function testing to overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. These adverse effects may occur in patients with or without preexisting thyroid disease. Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a clinically recognized condition commonly due to iodine-induced excessive synthesis of thyroid, also known as type 1 AIT. In rare instances, AIT is caused by amiodarone-induced inflammation of thyroid tissue, resulting in release of preformed thyroid hormones and a hyperthyroid state, known as type 2 AIT. Distinguishing between the two states is important, as both conditions have different treatment implications; however, a mixed presentation is not uncommon, posing diagnostic and treatment challenges. We describe a case of a patient with amiodarone-induced type 2 hyperthyroidism and review the current literature on the best practices for diagnostic and treatment approaches.