bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology, Regional Characteristics, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Southern Iran
Authors: Dehghankhalili Maryam , Fallahi Soghra , Mahmudi Forugh , Ghaffarpasand Fariborz , Shahrzad Mohammad Esmaeil , Taghavi Mohsen , Fereydooni Asl Marjan
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is an ancient traditional procedure that involves partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for nonmedical reasons. Although it is well described in African and some Arabic countries, data from Iran are scarce.

Aim

To describe the epidemiology, regional characteristics, knowledge, and attitude toward FGM/C in Southern Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 36-month period from 2010 to 2013 in Hormozgan, a southern province of Iran near the Persian Gulf. We included 780 women in six major rural areas of the province who referred to healthcare centers for vaccination, midwifery, or family planning services. All participants underwent complete pelvic examination to determine the type of FGM. The questionnaire consisted of several sections such as demographic and baseline characteristics, and two self-report sections addressing the knowledge and attitude toward FGM/C and its complications. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics including age, educational level, marital status, religion, and nationality were the independent variables.

Results

Among the participants, 535 (68.5%) had undergone FGM/C. FGM/C was associated with higher age (P = 0.002), Afghan nationality (P = 0.003), Sunni Islam as religion (P = 0.019), illiteracy (P < 0.001), and family history of FGM/C in mother (P < 0.001), sister (P < 0.001), and grandmother (P < 0.001). Ancient traditions in the area (57.1%) were mentioned as the most important factor leading to FMG/C. Urinary tract infection was the most common reported complication (60.4%).

Conclusion

FGM/C is a common practice in rural areas of Southern Iran. It is associated with increased age, illiteracy, Sunni Islam religion, Afghan nationality, and positive family history. Lack of knowledge toward FGM/C is the main cause of its high prevalence and continuation in the area.
The Institutionalization of Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings
Authors: Collins Paul M. , Ringhand Lori A.
Published: July 2015

This article uses an original database of confirmation hearing dialogue to examine how the Senate Judiciary Committee's role in Supreme Court confirmations has changed over time, with particular attention paid to the 1939–2010 era. During this period, several notable developments took place, including a rise in the number of hearing comments, increased attention to nominees’ views of judicial decisions, an expansion of the scope of issues addressed, and the equalization of questioning between majority and minority party senators. We demonstrate that these changes were shaped by both endogenous and exogenous factors to promote the legitimization of the Judiciary Committee's role in the confirmation process and to foster the instrumental goals of senators. This research contributes to our understanding of the development of political institutions, interbranch interactions, and how institutional change affects the behavior of legal and political actors.
Legal Elites and the Shaping of Corporate Law Practice in Brazil: A Historical Study
Authors: Krishnan Jayanth K. , Dias Vitor M. , Pence John E.
Published: July 2015

Brazil today has a legal market that allows for foreign lawyers and foreign firms, but existing regulations are restrictive. Foreign lawyers cannot practice domestic law or litigation, nor can Brazilian‐licensed lawyers working for foreign firms or partnering with foreign lawyers. This was not always the case, however. Until 1963, there was little regulation of the legal profession. Beginning in 1913, elite US lawyers traveled to Brazil, with some even becoming prominent domestic practitioners. They partnered with local elite lawyers (who maintained their domestic privileges) and served as key brokers for US businesses seeking market entry. Drawing on the elite theory literature, and on ethnographies, interview data, and over 1,000 pages of rare Portuguese and English archival sources, this study's thesis is that sophisticated US and Brazilian legal elites capitalized on the lack of regulation to advance their financial interests, and in the process transformed Brazil's corporate legal sector.
RAD mapping reveals an evolving, polymorphic and fuzzy boundary of a plant pseudoautosomal region
Authors: Qiu S. , Bergero R. , Guirao‐Rico S. , Campos J. L. , Cezard T. , Gharbi K. , Charlesworth D.
Published: July 2015

How loss of genetic exchanges (recombination) evolves between sex chromosomes is a long‐standing question. Suppressed recombination may evolve when a sexually antagonistic (SA) polymorphism occurs in a partially sex‐linked ‘pseudoautosomal’ region (or ‘PAR’), maintaining allele frequency differences between the two sexes, and creating selection for closer linkage with the fully sex‐linked region of the Y chromosome in XY systems, or the W in ZW sex chromosome systems. Most evidence consistent with the SA polymorphism hypothesis is currently indirect, and more studies of the genetics and population genetics of PAR genes are clearly needed. The sex chromosomes of the plant Silene latifolia are suitable for such studies, as they evolved recently and the loss of recombination could still be ongoing. Here, we used RAD sequencing to genetically map sequences in this plant, which has a large genome (c. 3 gigabases) and no available whole‐genome sequence. We mapped 83 genes on the sex chromosomes, and comparative mapping in the related species S. vulgaris supports previous evidence for additions to an ancestral PAR and identified at least 12 PAR genes. We describe evidence that recombination rates have been reduced in meiosis of both sexes, and differences in recombination between S. latifolia families suggest ongoing recombination suppression. Large allele frequency differences between the sexes were found at several loci closely linked to the PAR boundary, and genes in different regions of the PAR showed striking sequence diversity patterns that help illuminate the evolution of the PAR.
Targeted capture in evolutionary and ecological genomics
Authors: Jones Matthew R. , Good Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2015

The rapid expansion of next‐generation sequencing has yielded a powerful array of tools to address fundamental biological questions at a scale that was inconceivable just a few years ago. Various genome‐partitioning strategies to sequence select subsets of the genome have emerged as powerful alternatives to whole‐genome sequencing in ecological and evolutionary genomic studies. High‐throughput targeted capture is one such strategy that involves the parallel enrichment of preselected genomic regions of interest. The growing use of targeted capture demonstrates its potential power to address a range of research questions, yet these approaches have yet to expand broadly across laboratories focused on evolutionary and ecological genomics. In part, the use of targeted capture has been hindered by the logistics of capture design and implementation in species without established reference genomes. Here we aim to (i) increase the accessibility of targeted capture to researchers working in nonmodel taxa by discussing capture methods that circumvent the need of a reference genome, (ii) highlight the evolutionary and ecological applications where this approach is emerging as a powerful sequencing strategy and (iii) discuss the future of targeted capture and other genome‐partitioning approaches in the light of the increasing accessibility of whole‐genome sequencing. Given the practical advantages and increasing feasibility of high‐throughput targeted capture, we anticipate an ongoing expansion of capture‐based approaches in evolutionary and ecological research, synergistic with an expansion of whole‐genome sequencing.
The chromosomal SezAT toxin–antitoxin system promotes the maintenance of the SsPI‐1 pathogenicity island in epidemic Streptococcus suis
Authors: Yao Xinyue , Chen Tian , Shen Xiaodong , Zhao Yan , Wang Min , Rao Xiancai , Yin Supeng , Wang Jing , Gong Yali , Lu Shuguang , Le Shuai , Tan Yinling , Tang Jiaqi , Fuquan Hu , Li Ming
Published: July 2015

Streptococcus suis has emerged as a causative agent of human meningitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome over the last years. The high pathogenicity of S. suis may be due in part to a laterally acquired pathogenicity island (renamed SsPI‐1), which can spontaneously excise and transfer to recipients. Cells harboring excised SsPI‐1 can potentially lose this island if cell division occurs prior to its reintegration; however, attempts to cure SsPI‐1 from the host cells have been unsuccessful. Here, we report that an SsPI‐1‐borne Epsilon/Zeta toxin–antitoxin system (designated SezAT) promotes SsPI‐1 stability in bacterial populations. The sezAT locus consists of two closely linked sezT and sezA genes encoding a toxin and its cognate antitoxin, respectively. Overproduction of SezT induces a bactericidal effect that can be neutralized by co‐expression of SezA, but not by its later action. When devoid of a functional SezAT system, large‐scale deletion of SsPI‐1 is straightforward. Thus, SezAT serves to ensure inheritance of SsPI‐1 during cell division, which may explain the persistence of epidemic S. suis. This report presents the first functional characterization of TA loci in S. suis, and the first biochemical evidence for the adaptive significance of the Epsilon/Zeta system in the evolution of pathogen virulence.
Thymidine kinases share a conserved function for nucleotide salvage and play an essential role in Arabidopsis thaliana growth and development
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Lin , Yang Dong‐Lei , Li Qun , He Zuhua
Published: July 2015

Thymidine kinases (TKs) are important components in the nucleotide salvage pathway. However, knowledge about plant TKs is quite limited. In this study, the molecular function of TKs in Arabidopsis thaliana was investigated.

Two TKs were identified and named AtTK1 and AtTK2. Expression of both genes was ubiquitous, but AtTK1 was strongly expressed in high‐proliferation tissues. AtTK1 was localized to the cytosol, whereas AtTK2 was localized to the mitochondria. Mutant analysis indicated that the two genes function coordinately to sustain normal plant development.

Enzymatic assays showed that the two TK proteins shared similar catalytic specificity for pyrimidine nucleosides. They were able to complement an Escherichia coli strain lacking TK activity. 5′‐Fluorodeoxyuridine (FdU) resistance and 5‐ethynyl 2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays confirmed their activity in vivo. Furthermore, the tk mutant phenotype could be alleviated by nucleotide feeding, establishing that the biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides was disrupted by the TK deficiency. Finally, both human and rice (Oryza sativa) TKs were able to rescue the tk mutants, demonstrating the functional conservation of TKs across organisms.

Taken together, our findings clarify the specialized function of two TKs in A. thaliana and establish that the salvage pathway mediated by the kinases is essential for plant growth and development.
Genome‐wide association mapping of time‐dependent growth responses to moderate drought stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bac‐Molenaar Johanna A. , Granier Christine , Keurentjes Joost J. B. , Vreugdenhil Dick
Published: July 2015

Large areas of arable land are often confronted with irregular rainfall resulting in limited water availability for part(s) of the growing seasons, which demands research for drought tolerance of plants. Natural variation was observed for biomass accumulation upon controlled moderate drought stress in 324 natural accessions of Arabidopsis. Improved performance under drought stress was correlated with early flowering and lack of vernalization requirement, indicating overlap in the regulatory networks of flowering time and drought response or correlated responses of these traits to natural selection. In addition, plant size was negatively correlated with relative water content (RWC) independent of the absolute water content (WC), indicating a prominent role for soluble compounds. Growth in control and drought conditions was determined over time and was modelled by an exponential function. Genome‐wide association (GWA) mapping of temporal plant size data and of model parameters resulted in the detection of six time‐dependent quantitative trait loci (QTLs) strongly associated with drought. Most QTLs would not have been identified if plant size was determined at a single time point. Analysis of earlier reported gene expression changes upon drought enabled us to identify for each QTL the most likely candidates.
Inhibition of root meristem growth by cadmium involves nitric oxide‐mediated repression of auxin accumulation and signalling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yuan Hong‐Mei , Huang Xi
Published: July 2015

The root is the first plant organ to get in contact with the toxin cadmium (Cd), which is a widespread soil contaminant. Cd inhibits the growth of the primary root, but the mechanisms underlying this inhibition remain elusive. In this study, we used physiological, pharmacological and genetic approaches to investigate the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and auxin in Cd‐mediated inhibition of Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem growth. Our study demonstrated that in the first 12 h of exposure, Cd inhibits primary root elongation through a decrease in the sizes of both the elongation and meristematic zones. Following Cd exposure, a decrease in auxin levels is associated with reduced PIN1/3/7 protein accumulation, but not with reduced PIN1/3/7 transcript levels. Additionally, Cd stabilized AXR3/IAA17 protein to repress auxin signalling in this Cd‐mediated process. Furthermore, decreasing Cd‐induced NO accumulation with either NO‐specific scavenger 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO) or NO synthase inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐Arg‐methylester (l‐NAME) compromised the Cd‐mediated inhibition of root meristem development, reduction in auxin and PIN1/3/7 accumulation, as well as stabilization of AXR3/IAA17, indicating that NO participates in Cd‐mediated inhibition of root meristem growth. Taken together, our data suggest that Cd inhibits root meristem growth by NO‐mediated repression of auxin accumulation and signalling in Arabidopsis.
Long‐Pulsed Neodymium‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Glomuvenous Malformations in Adolescents
Authors: Trost Jaren , Buckley Colin , Smidt Aimee C.
Published: July 2015

Currently there exist few reported cases where lasers are used successfully to treat glomuvenous malformations in adolescents. In the two cases described here, we provide evidence that the long‐pulsed neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser is an effective and safe alternative treatment for these lesions. Our case series is unique because it focuses on adolescents, the population that most often seeks treatment for this dermatologic condition.
Candidate Voice Pitch Influences Election Outcomes
Authors: Klofstad Casey A.
Published: July 2015

A growing literature in psychology shows that human voice pitch—perceived “highness” or “lowness” as determined by the physiology of the throat—influences how speakers are perceived. This leads to the prediction that candidate voice pitch influences voters. Here this question is addressed with two studies. The first is an experiment conducted with a large national sample of U.S. adults. The results show that men and women prefer to vote for male and female candidates with lower pitched voices. The second study examines the outcomes of the 2012 U.S. House elections. When facing male opponents, candidates with lower voices won a larger vote share. However, when facing female opponents, candidates with higher voices were more successful and particularly so in the case of male candidates. In synthesizing research on the human voice and voter behavior and triangulating evidence from a controlled experiment and a large observational study of actual elections, this article illustrates that candidate voice pitch influences election outcomes.
Replacement of the European wheat yellow rust population by new races from the centre of diversity in the near‐Himalayan region
Authors: Hovmøller M. S. , Walter S. , Bayles R. A. , Hubbard A. , Flath K. , Sommerfeldt N. , Leconte M. , Czembor P. , Rodriguez‐Algaba J. , Thach T. , Hansen J. G. , Lassen P. , Justesen A. F. , Ali S. , de Vallavieille‐Pope C.
Published: July 2015

Isolates of recently spreading races of yellow rust from wheat and triticale in Europe were analysed using virulence phenotypic data of 2605 isolates sampled in 12 countries between 2000 and 2014. A subset of 239 isolates was investigated by microsatellite markers. At least three races of non‐European origin, termed ‘Warrior’, ‘Kranich’ and ‘Triticale aggressive’, were identified in the post‐2011 population. The Warrior race was already present in high frequencies in the first year of detection in most European countries and to a large extent it replaced the pre‐2011 European population. In contrast, the two other exotic races were localized to certain regions and/or crop type. The presence already of at least six multilocus genotypes of the Warrior race and five genotypes of the Kranich race in the first year of detection and across large areas is consistent with a hypothesis of aerial spread from genetically diverse source populations. A comparison with reference isolates sampled from six continents suggested that the Warrior and Kranich races originated from sexually recombining populations in the centre of diversity of the yellow rust fungus in the near‐Himalayan region of Asia. However, the Triticale aggressive race was most similar to populations in the Middle East/Central Asia. The study illustrated the potential role of sexual Puccinia striiformis populations as a reservoir for new races replacing distant clonal populations.
Possible roles of introduced plants for native vertebrate conservation: the case of Madagascar
Authors: Gérard Anne , Ganzhorn Jörg U. , Kull Christian A. , Carrière Stéphanie M.
Published: July 2015

Restoration approaches rely on native plants; yet in some situations, natural vegetation may not grow fast enough to prevent the fragmentation of original vegetation and the consequent negative impacts on fauna. In this context, some introduced plants may grow faster and provide more food than native species, and they may also contribute to human livelihood. We investigate to what extent introduced plant species (1) can serve as habitat and food for endemic vertebrates and (2) provide benefits to local people. We address this question in Madagascar, characterized by high degrees of endemism, long histories of coevolution between endemic species, highly fragmented forests, and a high reliance of the rural population on natural resources. A literature search for interactions between endemic fauna and introduced flora revealed that 100 of 1,379 introduced species recorded for Madagascar are used by endemic vertebrates. They provide food mainly for primates, flying foxes, and birds, and habitat for all terrestrial vertebrate groups. One hundred vertebrate species were reported to use introduced plants, many of which are fast growing and are useful for populations. Although these introduced plants should be approached with caution due to their potentially invasive behavior, many introduced plants can provide services for the native fauna and for humans. For example, trees can provide an interim solution to secure the survival of endemic fauna that otherwise would be lost due to fragmentation effects. These plants could bridge the time lag until native forest regeneration or restoration with native trees will have become effective.
Percutaneous Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement in Patients with Complex Abdomen
Authors: Jalandhara Nishant , Balamuthusamy Saravanan , Shah Bhumi , Souraty Pierre
Published: July 2015

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment for end‐stage renal disease. There are several techniques of percutaneous PD catheter placement including trocar or Seldinger techniques. Placement can be performed with fluoroscopy and/or sonography or as a blind percutaneous procedure. Historically, percutaneous PD catheters have been placed in patients even if they had prior abdominal surgeries. The outcomes of percutaneous PD catheter placement in patients with complex abdomen (patients with two or more abdominal surgeries or known adhesions) are unknown. This study was carried out to determine the outcomes of percutaneous PD catheter placements using Seldinger technique with sonography and fluoroscopy in patients with complex abdomen. Preprocedure sonography was also used to identify site of adhesions and blood vessels. The goal was to see if ultrasound and fluoroscopy would support placement of PD catheters in patients with complex abdomens. There were total of 10 catheter placements in 10 patients with complex abdomen. The initial success rate was 100%. The patients had an average of 2.8 abdominal surgeries. The mean BMI was 28.4. There were no incidences of perforation or failed placements. One catheter was replaced due to outflow failure and one patient discontinued PD due to peri‐catheter leak. One year catheter survival was 80%. Our study demonstrates benefits of using ultrasonography and fluoroscopy during percutaneous PD catheter placement by the Seldinger technique in patients with complex abdomen.
The Mechanics of Human Achievement
Authors: Duckworth Angela L. , Eichstaedt Johannes C. , Ungar Lyle H.
Published: July 2015

Countless studies have addressed why some individuals achieve more than others. Nevertheless, the psychology of achievement lacks a unifying conceptual framework for synthesizing these empirical insights. We propose organizing achievement‐related traits by two possible mechanisms of action: Traits that determine the rate at which an individual learns a skill are talent variables and can be distinguished conceptually from traits that determine the effort an individual puts forth. This approach takes inspiration from Newtonian mechanics: achievement is akin to distance traveled, effort to time, skill to speed, and talent to acceleration. A novel prediction from this model is that individual differences in effort (but not talent) influence achievement (but not skill) more substantially over longer (rather than shorter) time intervals. Conceptualizing skill as the multiplicative product of talent and effort, and achievement as the multiplicative product of skill and effort, advances similar, but less formal, propositions by several important earlier thinkers.
Learning as Leaving Home: Fear, Empathy, and Hospitality in the Theology and Religion Classroom
Authors: Fleming Daniel , Lovat Terence
Published: July 2015

The article is a response to this journal's call for papers on metaphors for teaching, and also draws from a previous publication in which Kent Eilers developed a methodology for teaching global theologies. In this methodology, the ultimate goal was the development of “hermeneutical dispositions of empathy, hospitality, and receptivity toward culturally diverse voices” (2014, 165). This article considers the goals of Eilers' methodology, and others like his, and how it is that the metaphors of “leaving home” and “communal imagination” highlight the importance of the ambient and interpersonal features of a classroom and their effect on the attainment of the above goals. In so doing, it extends the conversation beyond content and methodology in teaching theology and religion into the realms of philosophy of education, as well as the fields of moral and values education. It is contended that the metaphors informed by these areas of study facilitate the attainment of such goals, and similar ones, by demonstrating that the cultivation of an ambience of care, trust, and compassion within the classroom constitutes an essential foundation for learning in which students “leave home” and cultivate “communal imagination.” The article finishes with practical suggestions for educators in theology and religion.
Teaching Religious Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia
Authors: Kenney Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2015

This essay is part of a collection of short essays solicited from authors around the globe who teach religion courses at the college level (not for professional religious training). They are published together with an introduction in Teaching Theology and Religion 18:3 (July 2015). The authors were asked to provide a brief overview of the curriculum, student learning goals, and pedagogical techniques employed in their courses.
Teaching Church History in Global Perspective in New Zealand
Authors: Cooper Tim
Published: July 2015

This essay is part of a collection of short essays solicited from authors around the globe who teach religion courses at the college level (not for professional religious training). They are published together with an introduction in Teaching Theology and Religion 18:3 (July 2015). The authors were asked to provide a brief overview of the curriculum, student learning goals, and pedagogical techniques employed in their courses.
Student Learning in an Introductory GIS Course: Using a Project‐Based Approach
Authors: Bowlick Forrest J. , Bednarz Sarah W. , Goldberg Daniel W.
Published: July 2015

Introductory courses in Geographic Information Science (GIS) expose students to the concepts and practices necessary for future academic and professional use of GIS tools. Traditional GIS courses balance lectures in the theories of GIS with pre‐built and pre‐packaged lab activities to learn the practices of GIS. This article presents a case study of an experimental introductory course in which students conducted novel, independent project‐based group research under the supervision of graduate or advanced undergraduate students enrolled in the course, culminating in a class presentation and publication quality paper. Surveys and interviews indicated that students reacted more positively to project‐based group research than to traditional activities. Students felt the projects better prepared them for ‘real world’ applications of GIS, and recommend project‐based group research in other GIS coursework. Additionally, our findings indicate that students appreciate interactions with peers of varying skill levels and experiences, as these broaden their capabilities to work with other GIS users.
Functional characterization of mutants affected in the carbonic anhydrase domain of the respiratory complex I in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Soto Débora , Córdoba Juan Pablo , Villarreal Fernando , Bartoli Carlos , Schmitz Jessica , Maurino Veronica G. , Braun Hans Peter , Pagnussat Gabriela C. , Zabaleta Eduardo
Published: July 2015

The NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex (complex I) (EC 1.6.5.3) is the main entrance site of electrons into the respiratory chain. In a variety of eukaryotic organisms, except animals and fungi (Opisthokonta), it contains an extra domain comprising trimers of putative γ–carbonic anhydrases, named the CA domain, which has been proposed to be essential for assembly of complex I. However, its physiological role in plants is not fully understood. Here, we report that Arabidopsis mutants defective in two CA subunits show an altered photorespiratory phenotype. Mutants grown in ambient air show growth retardation compared to wild–type plants, a feature that is reversed by cultivating plants in a high‐CO2 atmosphere. Moreover, under photorespiratory conditions, carbon assimilation is diminished and glycine accumulates, suggesting an imbalance with respect to photorespiration. Additionally, transcript levels of specific CA subunits are reduced in plants grown under non‐photorespiratory conditions. Taken together, these results suggest that the CA domain of plant complex I contributes to sustaining efficient photosynthesis under ambient (photorespiratory) conditions.
Analytic errors in Sysmex‐generated hematology results in blood from a dog with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Novacco Marilisa , Martini Valeria , Grande Carmen , Comazzi Stefano
Published: July 2015

A blood sample from a 14‐year‐old dog was submitted to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory of the University of Milan for marked leukocytosis with atypical cells. A diagnosis of chronic T‐cell lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was made based on blood smear evaluation and flow cytometric phenotyping. ACBCby SysmexXT‐2000iV revealed a moderate normocytic normochromic anemia. Red blood cells counted by optic flow cytometry (RBC‐O) resulted in a higher value than using electrical impedance (RBC‐I). The relative reticulocyte count based onRNAcontent and size was 35.3%, while the manual reticulocyte count was < 1%. TheWBCcount of 1,562,680 cells/μL was accompanied by a flag. Manual counts forRBCandWBCusing the Bürker chamber confirmed the Sysmex impedance results. Finally the manualPCVwas lower thanHCTby Sysmex. While SysmexXTcan differentiate betweenRBCandWBCby impedance, even in the face of extreme lymphocytosis due toCLL,RBC‐O can be affected by bias, resulting in falsely increasedRBCand reticulocyte numbers. Overestimation ofRBC‐O may be due to incorrect Sysmex classification of leukemic cells or their fragments as reticulocytes. This phenomenon is known as pseudoreticulocytosis and can lead to misinterpretation of regenerative anemia. On the other sidePCVcan be affected by bias inCLLdue to the trapping ofRBCin the buffy coat, resulting in a pink hue in the separation area. AsHGBconcentration is not affected by flow cytometric or other cell‐related artifacts it may represent the most reliable variable to assess the degree of anemia in cases ofCLL.
Effectiveness of a combined (4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo and solution) protocol in MRS and non‐MRS canine superficial pyoderma: a randomized, blinded, antibiotic‐controlled study
Authors: Borio Stefano , Colombo Silvia , La Rosa Giuseppe , De Lucia Michela , Damborg Peter , Guardabassi Luca
Published: July 2015

Background

There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare the efficacy of topical chlorhexidine with systemic amoxicillin–clavulanic acid for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma.

Animals

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in dogs with superficial pyoderma. Group T (n = 31) was treated topically with 4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo (twice weekly) and solution (once daily) for 4 weeks. Group S (n = 20) was treated orally with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (25 mg/kg) twice daily for 4 weeks.

Methods

Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing were performed on clinical specimens collected before treatment. Severity of lesions and number of intracellular bacteria were evaluated using four‐point scales to calculate a total pyoderma score for each dog. Pruritus was assessed by owners using a visual analog scale (range 0–10). Scores were analysed for statistical differences between groups T and S.

Results

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was isolated from 48 dogs, including eight meticillin‐resistant strains (MRSP). Although the number of dogs was small, no significant differences in pyoderma and pruritus scores were observed between groups throughout the study except for day 1, when group S had a significantly higher total score than group T (P = 0.03). Treatment with chlorhexidine products resulted in resolution of clinical signs in all dogs including those infected with MRSP.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Topical therapy with chlorhexidine digluconate products may be as effective as systemic therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. This finding supports the current recommendations to use topical antiseptics alone for the management of superficial pyoderma.
Nucleolin enhances the proliferation and migration of heat‐denatured human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang Bimei , Li Yuanbin , Liang Pengfei , Liu Yanjuan , Huang Xu , Tong Zhongyi , Zhang Pihong , Huang Xiaoyuan , Liu Ying , Liu Zhenguo
Published: July 2015

Denatured dermis, a part of dermis in burned skin, has the ability to restore its normal morphology and functions after their surrounding microenvironment is improved. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the denatured dermis could improve wound healing are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of nucleolin during the recovery of heat‐denatured human dermal fibroblasts. Nucleolin mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased time‐dependently during the recovery of heat‐denatured human dermal fibroblasts (52 °C, 30 seconds). Heat‐denaturation promoted a time‐dependent cell proliferation, migration, chemotaxis, and scratched wound healing during the recovery of human dermal fibroblasts. These effects were prevented by knockdown of nucleolin expression with small interference RNA (siRNA), whereas overexpression of nucleolin enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and chemotaxis of human dermal fibroblasts with heat‐denaturation. In addition, the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1(TGF‐β1) was significantly increased during the recovery of heat‐denatured dermis and human dermal fibroblasts. TGF‐β1 expression was up‐regulated by nucleolin in human dermal fibroblasts. The results suggest that nucleolin expression is up‐regulated, and play an important role in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and chemotaxis of human dermal fibroblasts during the recovery of heat‐denatured dermis with a mechanism probably related to TGF‐β1.
Advances in genetic therapeutic strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Guiraud Simon , Chen Huijia , Burns David T. , Davies Kay E.
Published: July 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review highlights recent progress in genetically based therapies targeting the primary defect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What advances does it highlight?

Over the last two decades, considerable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms underlying Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leading to the development of genetic therapies. These include manipulation of the expression of the gene or related genes, the splicing of the gene and its translation, and replacement of the gene using viral approaches.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal X‐linked disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. In the absence of the dystrophin protein, the link between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix is destroyed, and this severely compromises the strength, flexibility and stability of muscle fibres. The devastating consequence is progressive muscle wasting and premature death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. There is currently no cure, and despite exhaustive palliative care, patients are restricted to a wheelchair by the age of 12 years and usually succumb to cardiac or respiratory complications in their late 20s. This review provides an update on the current genetically based therapies and clinical trials that target or compensate for the primary defect of this disease. These include dystrophin gene‐replacement strategies, genetic modification techniques to restore dystrophin expression, and modulation of the dystrophin homologue, utrophin, as a surrogate to re‐establish muscle function.
Arterial structure and function in vascular ageing: are you as old as your arteries?
Authors: Thijssen Dick H. J. , Carter Sophie E. , Green Daniel J.
Published: July 2015

Advancing age may be the most potent independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, a relationship that is not fully explained by time‐related changes in traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Since some arteries exhibit differential susceptibility to atherosclerosis, generalisations regarding the impact of ageing in humans may be overly simplistic, whereas in vivo assessment of arterial function and health provide direct insight. Coronary and peripheral (conduit, resistance and skin) arteries demonstrate a gradual, age‐related impairment in vascular function that is likely to be related to a reduction in endothelium‐derived nitric oxide bioavailability and/or increased production of vasoconstrictors (e.g. endothelin‐1). Increased exposure and impaired ability for defence mechanisms to resist oxidative stress and inflammation, but also cellular senescence processes, may contribute to age‐related changes in vascular function and health. Arteries also undergo structural changes as they age. Gradual thickening of the arterial wall, changes in wall content (i.e. less elastin, advanced glycation end‐products) and increase in conduit artery diameter are observed with older age and occur similarly in central and peripheral arteries. These changes in structure have important interactive effects on artery function, with increases in small and large arterial stiffness representing a characteristic change with older age. Importantly, direct measures of arterial function and structure predict future cardiovascular events, independent of age or other cardiovascular risk factors. Taken together, and given the differential susceptibility of arteries to atherosclerosis in humans, direct measurement of arterial function and health may help to distinguish between biological and chronological age‐related change in arterial health in humans.
Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Heat Transfer in Curved-Pipe Flow
Authors: Kang Changwoo , Yang Kyung-Soo
Published: July 2015

In the present investigation, turbulent heat transfer in fully developed curved-pipe flow has been studied by using large eddy simulation (LES). We consider a fully developed turbulent curved-pipe flow with axially uniform wall heat flux. The friction Reynolds number under consideration is Reτ  = 1000 based on the mean friction velocity and the pipe radius, and the Prandtl number (Pr) is 0.71. To investigate the effects of wall curvature on turbulent flow and heat transfer, we varied the nondimensionalized curvature (δ) from 0.01 to 0.1. Dynamic subgrid-scale models for turbulent subgrid-scale stresses and heat fluxes were employed to close the governing equations. To elucidate the secondary flow structures due to the pipe curvature and their effect on the heat transfer, the mean quantities and various turbulence statistics of the flow and temperature fields are presented, and compared with those of the straight-pipe flow. The friction factor and the mean Nusselt number computed in the present study are in good agreement with the experimental results currently available in the literature. We also present turbulence intensities, skewness and flatness factors of temperature fluctuations, and cross-correlations of velocity and temperature fluctuations. In addition, we report the results of an octant analysis to clarify the correlation between near-wall turbulence structures and temperature fluctuation in the vicinity of the pipe wall. Based on our results, we attempt to clarify the effects of the pipe curvature on turbulent heat transfer. Our LES provides researchers and engineers with useful data to understand the heat-transfer mechanisms in turbulent curved-pipe flow, which has numerous applications in engineering.
Lean HCCI/Rich SACI Gasoline Combustion Cycling and Three-Way Catalyst for Fuel Efficiency and NOx Reduction
Authors: Chen Yi , Šíma Vojtěch , Lin Weiyang , Sterniak Jeff , Bohac Stanislav.V
Published: July 2015

Multimode combustion (MMC) concepts using homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) gasoline combustion at low loads and spark assisted compression ignition (SACI) gasoline combustion at medium loads have the potential for improved fuel efficiency relative to spark ignition (SI) gasoline combustion. Two MMC concepts are compared in this paper with respect to fuel efficiency and tailpipe NOx emissions. The first concept uses stoichiometric HCCI and SACI to allow standard three-way catalyst (TWC) operation. The second concept also uses HCCI and SACI, but cycles between lean and rich combustion and uses a TWC with increased oxygen storage capacity (OSC) for potentially even greater fuel efficiency improvement. This paper performs a preliminary comparison of the two MMC concepts by analyzing two scenarios: (1) cycling between stoichiometric HCCI at 2 bar BMEP (brake mean effective pressure) and stoichiometric SACI at 3 bar BMEP, and (2) cycling between lean HCCI at 2 bar BMEP and rich SACI at 3 bar BMEP. The effects of excess oxygen ratio during HCCI operation and the frequency of oxygen depletion events on TWC performance and fuel efficiency are investigated. Results show that MMC lean/rich cycling can achieve better fuel efficiency than stoichiometric HCCI/SACI cycling. NOx emissions are moderately higher, but may still be low enough to meet current and future emission regulations.
Reliability Assessment of Wafer Level Packages With Novel FeNi Under Bump Metallization
Authors: Xi Jia , Zhai Xinduo , Wang Jun , Yang Donglun , Ru Mao , Xiao Fei , Zhang Li , Ming Lai Chi
Published: July 2015

FeNi alloy is considered a possible substitute for Cu as under bump metallization (UBM) in wafer level package (WLP) since it forms very thin intermetallic compound (IMC) layer with Pb-free solder in the reflow process. In this paper, WLPs with FeNi and Cu UBM were fabricated and their board level reliabilities were studied comparatively. The WLP samples assembled on the printed circuit board (PCB) were subjected to temperature cycling and drop tests according to JEDEC standards. The results showed that the reliability of WLP with FeNi UBM was a little lower than that with Cu UBM. The main failure modes for both FeNi and Cu UBM samples in temperature cycling test were the crack in IMC or solder ball on PCB side. And detachments between UBM and the redistribution layer (RDL) were also observed in Cu UBM WLPs. In drop test, the crack of RDL was found in all failed FeNi UBM samples and part of Cu UBM ones, and the primary failure mode in Cu UBM samples was the crack of IMC on PCB side. In addition, the finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to further understand the difference of the failure modes between the FeNi UBM samples and the Cu UBM samples. The high stress was observed around the UBM and the pad on PCB in the temperature cycling model. And the maximum stress appeared on the RDL in the drop simulation, which was obviously larger than that on the pad. The FEA results showed that the introduction of FeNi UBM increased the stress levels both in temperature cycling and drop tests. Thus, the FeNi alloy cannot simply replace Cu as UBM in WLP without further package structural optimization.
Effects of the Foil Flatness on Irradiation Performance of U10Mo Monolithic Mini-Plates
Authors: Ozaltun Hakan , Medvedev Pavel G. , Rabin Barry H.
Published: July 2015

Monolithic plate-type fuels comprise a high-density, low-enrichment, U10Mo fuel foil encapsulated in a cladding material. This concept generates several fabrication challenges, including flatness, centering, or thickness variation. There are concerns whether these parameters have implications on overall performance. To investigate these inquiries, the effects of the foil flatness were studied. For this, a representative plate was simulated for an ideal case. The simulations were repeated for additional cases with various foil curvatures to evaluate the effects on the irradiation performance. The results revealed that the stresses and strains induced by fabrication process are not affected by the flatness of the foil. Furthermore, fabrication stresses in the foil are relieved relatively fast in the reactor. The effects of the foil flatness on peak irradiation stress-strains are minimal. There is a slight increase in temperature for the case with maximum curvature. The major impact is on the displacement characteristics. While the case with a flat foil produces a symmetrical swelling, if the foil is curved, more swelling occurs on the thin-cladding side and the plate bows during irradiation.
Investigation of Natural Convection Heat-Transfer Phenomena in Packed Beds: Lead-Way Toward New Nuclear Fuel Design
Authors: Noah Olugbenga O. , Slabber Johan F. , Meyer Josua P.
Published: July 2015

The ability of coated particles of enriched uranium dioxide fuel encased in graphite to discontinue nuclear fission reaction without human action in the case of complete loss of cooling is a vital safety measure over traditional nuclear fuel. As a possible solution toward enhancing the safety of light water reactors (LWRs), it is envisaged that the fuel, in the form of loose, coated particles in a helium atmosphere, can be used inside the cladding tubes of the fuel elements. This study is therefore a first step toward understanding the heat-transfer characteristics under natural convective conditions within the fuel cladding tubes of such a revolutionary new fuel design. The coated particle fuels are treated as a bed, from which the heat is transferred to the cladding tube and the gas movement occurs due to natural convection. A basic unit cell model was used where a single unit of the packed bed was analyzed and taken as representative of the entire bed. The model is a combination of both analytical and numerical methods accounting for the thermophysical properties of sphere particles, the interstitial gas effect, gas temperature, contact interface between particles, particle size, and particle temperature distribution used in this study to investigate the heat-transfer effect. The experimental setup was a packed bed heated from below with gas circulation due to natural convection. This allows for the development of an appropriate, conservative thermal energy balance that can be used in determining the heat-transfer characteristics in homogeneous porous media. Success in this method, when validated with suitable correlation, such as Gunn, suggests that the heat-transfer phenomenon/characteristics in the fuel cladding tube of the new design can be evaluated using this approach for design purpose.
Influence of sound-conditioning on noise-induced susceptibility of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Luebke Anne E. , Stagner Barden B. , Martin Glen K. , Lonsbury-Martin Brenda L.
Published: July 2015

Cochlear damage caused by loud sounds can be attenuated by “sound-conditioning” methods. The amount of adaptation for distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) measured in alert rabbits previously predicted an ear's susceptibility to a subsequent noise exposure. The present study investigated if sound-conditioning influenced the robustness of such DPOAE adaptation, and if such conditioning elicited more protection by increasing the amount of DPOAE adaptation. Toward this end, rabbits were divided into two study groups: (1) experimental animals exposed to a sound-conditioning protocol, and (2) unconditioned control animals. After base-line measures, all rabbits were exposed to an overstimulation paradigm consisting of an octave band noise, and then re-assessed 3 weeks post-exposure to determine permanent changes in DPOAEs. A major result was that prior sound-conditioning protected reductions in DPOAE levels by an average of 10–15 dB. However, DPOAE adaptation decreased with sound-conditioning, so that such conditioning was no longer related to noise-induced reductions in DPOAEs. Together, these findings suggest that sound-conditioning affected neural pathways other than those that likely mediate DPOAE adaptation (e.g., medial olivocochlear efferent and/or middle-ear muscle reflexes).
Development threatens home of early humans
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: July 2015

A rare record of ancient culture, left by early
Homo sapiens
in a South African cave, is at risk.
Small scopes log an ever-changing sky
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: July 2015

New surveys shoot celestial “movies” on a tight budget.
Of mice and men
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Researchers are adding human DNA to mice to pinpoint sequences that helped define our species.