bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine Physical Activity and Mortality in Mexican Americans Aged 75 and Older
Authors: Ottenbacher Allison J. , Snih Soham A. , Karmarkar Amol , Lee Jinhyung , Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Kumar Amit , Bindawas Saad , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To examine the association between routine physical activity and risk of 3‐year mortality in Mexican Americans aged 75 and older.

Design

Longitudinal study involving a population‐based survey.

Setting

Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H‐EPESE) survey conducted in the southwestern United States (TX, CO, AZ, NM, CA).

Participants

Mexican‐American men and women aged 75 and older (N = 948) participating in the H‐EPESE.

Measurements

Responses to the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were assessed in 2005–06. Mortality was determined according to report of relatives at 3‐year follow‐up and from the National Death Index. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, financial strain, smoking status, body mass index, activities of daily living, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and comorbid conditions.

Results

The mean age of the sample was 82.2 ± 4.5. Cox proportional hazard regression estimated that the hazard ratios of death for persons in the low, moderate, and high quartiles of physical activity (PASE scale) ranged from 0.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21–0.62) to 0.50 (95% CI = 0.31‒0.82) compared to persons in the sedentary quartile after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion

Routine physical activity involving household and leisure activities was associated with lower 3‐year risk of mortality in a sample of older Mexican Americans living in the community.
Gender, Work Time, and Care Responsibilities Among Faculty1
Authors: Misra Joya , Lundquist Jennifer Hickes , Templer Abby
Published: May 2012

This study explores how faculty at one research‐intensive university spend their time on research, teaching, mentoring, and service, as well as housework, childcare, care for elders, and other long‐term care. Drawing on surveys and focus group interviews with faculty, the article examines how gender is related to time spent on the different components of faculty work, as well as on housework and care. Findings show that many faculty report working more than 60 hours a week, with substantial time on weekends devoted to work. Finding balance between different kinds of work (research, teaching, mentoring, and service) is as difficult as finding balance between work and personal life. The study further explores how gendered care giving, in particular being a mother to young children, is related to time spent on faculty work, controlling for partner employment and other factors. Men and women devote significantly different amounts of time to housework and care giving. While men and women faculty devote the same overall time to their employment each week, mothers of young children spend less time on research, the activity that counts most toward career advancement.
Adiponectin in breast milk: relation to serum adiponectin concentration in lactating mothers and their infants
Authors: Savino F , Lupica MM , Benetti S , Petrucci E , Liguori SA , Cordero Di Montezemolo L
Published: May 2012

Aims:  The aims of the study were to determine human breast milk adiponectin concentration and to investigate its relationship with serum adiponectin concentration in lactating mothers and their infants and also to evaluate the relationship between serum adiponectin concentration and anthropometric parameters in nurses and infants.

Methods:  We enrolled 60 healthy term breastfed (BF) infants and their lactating mothers. Adiponectin was determined by radioimmunoassay test in serum and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test in human milk (HM). Infants’ and mothers’ anthropometric parameters were measured.

Results:  Median (25‰, 75‰) adiponectin concentration in HM was 9.99 (3.59, 20.52) ng/mL. Serum adiponectin concentration in infants was 60.49 (45.76, 74.24) μg/mL and in lactating mothers 21.14 (12.61, 29.66) μg/mL. Adiponectin concentration in HM correlated positively with adiponectin in mothers’ serum; r = 0.60 (p < 0.001) and in infants’ serum r = 0.37 (p = 0.015). Adiponectin in HM correlated negatively with infants’ age r = −0.3 (p = 0.04). Infants’ serum adiponectin correlated negatively with their weight r = −0.35 (p = 0.005), length r = −0.35 (p = 0.006) and age r = −0.46 (p < 0.001) and mothers’ serum adiponectin with their weight r = −0.37 (p = 0.02) and body mass index r = −0.45 (p = 0.004).

Conclusions:  The observed correlations between adiponectin in mothers, HM and BF infants may be suggestive for a metabolic link between nurses and infants through milk.
Enhanced thrombin generation and depressed anticoagulant function in children with pneumonia
Authors: Långström Satu , Peltola Ville , Petäjä Jari , Ruuskanen Olli , Heikinheimo Markku
Published: May 2012

Aims:  To clarify the status of the coagulation system in children with community‐acquired pneumonia.

Methods:  Coagulation activation markers (prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, thrombin–antithrombin complexes, D‐dimer), the natural anticoagulants (antithrombin, protein C and S) and tissue factor were measured in 28 consecutive children with pneumonia on admission to the hospital. Patients were divided into those with either bacterial‐type pneumonia (at least two of the following three criteria: plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) >80 mg/L, white blood cell count >15 × 109/L and alveolar infiltrates on the chest radiograph) or viral‐type pneumonia.

Results:  The majority of the patients (79%) showed elevation of at least one of the three coagulation activation markers. Plasma CRP concentration correlated with F1 + 2 (R = 0.44, p < 0.05) and D‐dimer (R = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Patients with bacterial‐type pneumonia (n = 17) had higher D‐dimer levels (p < 0.05) and lower levels of antithrombin (p = 0.005) and protein C (p = 0.08) than the patients with viral‐type pneumonia.

Conclusions:  Children with community‐acquired bacterial‐type pneumonia show distinctive changes in their coagulation system. The finding of coagulation system activation and depressed function of natural anticoagulants in uncomplicated pneumonia helps to understand the rapid and unpredictable changes observed in the coagulation status in patients with more severe forms of disease.
Determinants of infant formula use and relation with growth in the first 4 months
Authors: Betoko Aisha , Charles Marie‐Aline , Hankard Régis , Forhan Anne , Bonet Mercedes , Regnault Nolwenn , Botton Jérémie , Saurel‐Cubizolles Marie‐Josephe , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine ,   the EDEN Mother–Child Cohort Study Group
Published: May 2012

The wide variety of infant formula available on the market can be confusing for parents and physicians. We aimed to determine associations between predominant type of formula used from birth to 4 months and parental and child characteristics and type of physician consulted, and then to describe relations between type of formula used and growth. Our analyses included 1349 infants from the EDEN mother–child cohort. Infant's feeding mode and type of formula used were assessed at 4 months by maternal self‐report. Infant's weight and height from birth to 4 months, measured in routine follow‐up, were documented by health professionals in the infant's personal health record. Anthropometric z‐scores were calculated by using World Health Organization growth standards. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the type of formula predominantly used; relations with growth were analysed by linear regressions. Partially hydrolysed formulas were more likely to be used by primiparous women (P < 0.001), those breastfeeding longer (P < 0.001) and for infants with family history of allergies (P = 0.002). Thickened formulas were more often used by mothers returning to employment in the first 4 months (P = 0.05) and breastfeeding shortly (P < 0.001). No significant relation was found between infant's growth and type of formula (P > 0.20). Infants breastfed shorter showed higher weight‐for‐age (P < 0.001) and length‐for‐age (P = 0.001) z‐score changes between birth and 4 months. The use of a specific type of infant formula seems to be mainly related to parental characteristics. Infant's growth in the first 4 months is related to other factors than to the type of formula used.
Swedish Translation, Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Context Assessment Index (CAI)
Authors: Nilsson Kajermo Kerstin , Böe Heidi , Johansson Eva , Henriksen Eva , McCormack Brendan , Gustavsson J. Petter , Wallin Lars
Published: May 2012

Background

The strength of and relationship between the fundamental elements context, evidence and facilitation of the PARIHS framework are proposed to be key for successful implementation of evidence into healthcare practice. A better understanding of the presence and strength of contextual factors is assumed to enhance the opportunities of adequately developing an implementation strategy for a specific setting. A tool for assessing context—The Context Assessment Index (CAI)—was developed and published 2009. A Swedish version of the instrument was developed and evaluated among registered nurses. This work forms the focus of this paper.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to translate the CAI into Swedish, adapt the instrument for use in Swedish healthcare practice and assess its psychometric properties.

Methods

The instrument was translated and back‐translated to English. The feasibility of items and response scales were evaluated through think aloud interviews with clinically active nurses. Psychometric properties were evaluated in a sample of registered nurses (n = 373) working in a variety of healthcare organisations in the Stockholm area. Item and factor analyses and Cronbach's alpha were computed to evaluate internal structure and internal consistency.

Result

Sixteen items were modified based on the think aloud interviews and to adapt the instrument for use in acute care. A ceiling effect was observed for many items and the originally identified 37 item five‐factor model was not confirmed. Item analyses showed an overlap between factors and indicated a one‐dimensional scale.

Discussion

The Swedish version of the CAI has a wider application than the original instrument. This might have contributed to the differences in factor structure. Different opportunities for further development of the scale are discussed.

Conclusions

Further evaluation of the psychometric properties of the CAI is required.
Regenerative endodontics as a tissue engineering approach: Past, current and future
Authors: Malhotra Neeraj , Mala Kundabala
Published: May 2012

With the reported startling statistics of high incidence of tooth decay and tooth loss, the current interest is focused on the development of alternate dental tissue replacement therapies. This has led to the application of dental tissue engineering as a clinically relevant method for the regeneration of dental tissues and generation of bioengineered whole tooth. Although, tissue engineering approach requires the three main key elements of stem cells, scaffold and morphogens, a conductive environment (fourth element) is equally important for successful engineering of any tissue and/or organ. The applications of this science has evolved continuously in dentistry, beginning from the application of Ca(OH)2 in vital pulp therapy to the development of a fully functional bioengineered tooth (mice). Thus, with advances in basic research, recent reports and studies have shown successful application of tissue engineering in the field of dentistry. However, certain practical obstacles are yet to be overcome before dental tissue regeneration can be applied as evidence‐based approach in clinics. The article highlights on the past achievements, current developments and future prospects of tissue engineering and regenerative therapy in the field of endodontics and bioengineered teeth (bioteeth).
Efficacy of the enamel matrix derivative in direct pulp capping procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Al‐Hezaimi Khalid , Javed Fawad , Al‐Fouzan Khalid , Tay Franklin
Published: May 2012

The aim was to review the efficacy of the enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in direct pulp capping (DPC) procedures. Databases were explored using the following keywords: ‘dental’, ‘dentine’, ‘enamel matrix derivative’, ‘pulp capping’ and ‘treatment’. The inclusion criteria were: (i) original studies; (ii) human and animal studies; (iii) reference list of potentially relevant original and review articles; (iv) intervention: effect of EMD on pulp‐capping procedures; and (v) articles published only in English. Eight studies (four human and four animal) were included. Among the human studies, two studies reported that EMD is a more efficient DPC procedure compared with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). One study reported Ca(OH)2 to be more efficient for DPC than EMD. One study reported no difference in the efficacies between EMD and Ca(OH)2 for DPC. All animal studies reported EMD to be more effective in reparative dentine formation in comparison with Ca(OH)2. EMD can provide favourable results in DPC procedures.
Static hydraulic urethral sphincter for treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in 11 dogs
Authors: Delisser P. J. , Friend E. J. , Chanoit G. P. A. , Parsons K. J.
Published: May 2012

Objective: To review the postoperative results and complications associated with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence managed with a static hydraulic urethral sphincter.

Methods: Case records and a telephone owner questionnaire were retrospectively used to assess postoperative urinary continence scores (1 – dripping constantly to 10 – completely dry) and presence and frequency of complications.

Results: Eleven spayed females were included. Median continence score/10 (range) awarded preoperatively was 3 (2 to 6), and scores at two weeks, three and six months were 8 (4 to 10), 9 (4 to 10) and 8 (4 to 10), respectively. At the last survey, the median continence score of 9 (5 to 10) was significantly better (P=0·004) than before surgery. Complete continence was achieved in 36·4% of dogs. The median (range) follow‐up time was 412 (118 to 749) days. Complications occurred in 9 of 11 dogs and included dysuria (n=7), bacterial cystitis (n=7), longer urination time (n=8), urinary retention (n=3), haematuria (n=1), pain (n=3) and incisional seroma (n=3).

Clinical Significance: Static hydraulic urethral sphincter was frequently associated with minor complications but no major complications (i.e. those requiring further surgery). Continence scores were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, with the possibility of further improvement following inflation of the sphincter.
Selective Acceleration of the Protonated Merocyanine‐Spiropyran Photochromic Transformation by Inclusion in Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Miskolczy Zsombor , Biczók László
Published: May 2012

The effect of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) on the spiropyran‐merocyanine photochromic interconversion was studied in acidic and alkaline aqueous solutions. The merocyanine (MC) isomer was found to be the thermodynamically most stable form both in water and in the presence of CB7. A preferential binding of the protonated merocyanine (MCH+) to CB7 was observed with an equilibrium constant of 7.4 × 104 m−1, and the complex formation led to significant diminution of acidity of the guest. The photoinduced transformation of MCH+ to the spiropyran isomer was accelerated 2.3‐fold upon addition of CB7, whereas the rates of the other photochromic processes were not affected. The partial inclusion of MCH+ in CB7 led to dual fluorescence due to the incomplete deprotonation in the singlet‐excited state.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 February 2012 – 31 March 2012
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, ANDRIS MALVINA , ARIAS M. C. , BARTHEL BRANDON L. , BLUHM BURTON H. , BRIED JOËL , CANAL D. , CHEN X. M. , CHENG P. , CHIAPPERO MARINA B. , COELHO MANUELA M. , COLLINS ANGELA B. , DASH M. , DAVIS MICHELLE C. , DUARTE MARGARIDA , DUBOIS MARIE‐PIERRE , FRANÇOSO E. , GALMES M. A. , GOPAL KESHNI , JARNE PHILIPPE , KALBE MARTIN , KARCZMARSKI LESZEK , KIM HUN , MARTELLA MÓNICA B. , MCBRIDE RICHARD S. , NEGRI VALERIA , NEGRO J. J. , NEWELL ANNAKAY D. , PIEDADE ANA F. , PUCHULUTEGUI CECILIA , RAGGI LORENZO , SAMONTE IRENE E. , SARASOLA J. H. , SEE D. R. , SEYOUM SEIFU , SILVA MÓNICA C. , SOLARO C. , TOLLEY KRYSTAL A. , TRINGALI MICHAEL D. , VASEMÄGI A. , XU L. S. , ZANÓN‐MARTÍNEZ J. I.
Published: May 2012

This article documents the addition of 171 microsatellite marker loci and 27 pairs of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Bombus pauloensis, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, Cercospora sojina, Harpyhaliaetus coronatus, Hordeum vulgare, Lachnolaimus maximus, Oceanodroma monteiroi, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Rhea americana, Salmo salar, Salmo trutta, Schistocephalus solidus, Sousa plumbea and Tursiops aduncus. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Aquila heliaca, Bulweria bulwerii, Buteo buteo, Buteo swainsoni, Falco rusticolus, Haliaeetus albicilla, Halobaena caerulea, Hieraaetus fasciatus, Oceanodroma castro, Puccinia graminis f. sp. Tritici, Puccinia triticina, Rhea pennata and Schistocephalus pungitii. This article also documents the addition of 27 sequencing primer pairs for Puffinus baroli and Bulweria bulwerii and cross‐testing of these loci in Oceanodroma castro, Pelagodroma marina, Pelecanoides georgicus, Pelecanoides urinatrix, Thalassarche chrysostoma and Thalassarche melanophrys.
Lysimachia huchimingii sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from China
Authors: Yan Hai‐Fei , Hao Gang
Published: May 2012

A new species of Lysimachia (Primulaceae), L. huchimingii G. Hao & H. F. Yan from China is described and illustrated. It is morphologically compared to its most closely related species in Lysimachia subgen. Lysimachia sect. Nummularia ser. Paridiformes.
Biomass production potential fromPopulusshort rotation systems inRomania
Authors: Werner Christian , Haas Edwin , Grote Rüdiger , Gauder Martin , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone , Claupein Wilhelm , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of biomass production by short rotation poplar in Romania without constraining agricultural food production. Located in the eastern part ofEurope,Romania provides substantial land resources suitable for bioenergy production. The process‐oriented biogeochemical modelLandscapeDNDCwas used in conjunction with the forest‐growth modelPSIMto simulate the yield of poplar grown in short‐rotation coppice at different sites inRomania. The model was validated on five sites with different climatic conditions inCentralEurope. Using regional site conditions, with climatic parameters and organic carbon content in soil being the most important, the biomass production potential of poplar plantations was simulated for agricultural areas acrossRomania.

Results indicated a mean productivity of 12.2 ± 0.5 t ha−1 year−1of poplar coppices on arable land inRomania. The highest yields were simulated for lowland areas in the south‐east and west and for theMures valley, whereas the lowest yields – due to either temperature or water limitations – were found for the mountainous regions, theDanube valley, and the region west ofBucharest. The amount of abandoned arable land in the past 10 years indicates that around 10% of cropping land in production in 1999 (approximately 1 million ha) is available for bioenergy production systems today. Production of poplar grown in short‐rotation coppices on these areas would result in a yield of approximately 10 million tons of wood per year. The energy that can be generated by conversion of poplar short rotation coppice biomass may contribute up to approximately 8% of the national energy demand if these set‐aside areas are used for lignocellulosic bioenergy.
Gorham's Disease complicated with bilateral chylothorax and successfully treated with Interferon‐alpha‐2a
Authors: Liu Chao‐Yu , Yen Chueh‐Chuan , Su Kang‐Cheng , Wu Yu‐Chung
Published: May 2012

Gorham's disease (GD) is rare and characterized by non‐neoplastic lymphovascular proliferation and massive osteolysis. Its clinical course is usually protracted, but sometimes life threatening when vital structures are involved or when complicated with chylothorax. There is no optimal treatment guideline for GD complicated with chylothorax. Surgical ligation of thoracic duct, pleurectomy, pleurodesis, interferon‐alpha‐2b, and radiotherapy, are reported to manage chylothorax. We present the case of a 32‐year‐old man with Gorham's disease complicated by bilateral chylothorax, which was refractory to radiotherapy but remitted dramatically two weeks after interferon‐alpha‐2a therapy. The patient was free of relapse four months after discontinuing four‐month interferon therapy. To date, only 11 cases (including ours) of GD with chylothorax have received interferon as single or salvage therapy, and 10 of them survived. Early intervention with interferon therapy can be considered as an effective treatment for GD complicated with bilateral chylothorax.
Effect of multidose cilostazol on pharmacokinetic and lipid profile of atorvastatin in male Wistar rats
Authors: Vats Rahul , Varanasi Kanthikiran V S , Arla Rambabu , Veeraraghavan Sridhar , Rajak Shraddha , Murthy Aditya Narasimha
Published: May 2012

Objectives

Atorvastatin (ATV) and cilostazol (CLZ) are often co-prescribed to treat conditions such as peripheral arterial disease. In the present study, the drug–drug interaction potential of multi-dose CLZ on both pharmacokinetics and the lipid-lowering ability of single-dose ATV is demonstrated.

Method

The pharmacokinetic parameters of ATV were determined in Wistar rats after per-oral pre-treatment with CLZ for 7 days in order to assess the interaction potential between ATV and CLZ. In-vitro metabolic inhibition and everted gut sac studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of this interaction. Biochemistry analyser was used to estimate lipid profiles in Wistar rats. A validated LC-MS/MS method was employed to simultaneously quantify both ATV and CLZ in rat plasma matrix.

Key findings

A statistically significant increase in systemic exposure to ATV after a single dose was observed in CLZ pre-treated rats. In-vitro metabolism studies using rat liver microsome (RLM) demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of ATV metabolism when co-incubated with CLZ. No change in apparent permeability of ATV was observed in the presence of CLZ. The blood lipid profile study after ATV administration indicated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol.

Conclusions

Multi-dose administration of CLZ influences the pharmacokinetics and lipid-lowering properties of ATV. Collectively, an apparent interaction between selected drugs was evident.
Predictors of semantic categorical flexibility in older adults
Authors: Maintenant Célia , Blaye Agnès , Pennequin Valérie , Paour Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2012

This study investigated the processes involved in the aging of semantic categorical flexibility. A previous study revealed the effects of aging on the flexible use of taxonomic relations. We aimed to explain our previous results regarding the performance of older adults; we carried out investigations into the respective roles of executive and conceptual factors in semantic categorical flexibility. Fifty older adults carried out a semantic categorical flexibility task alongside conceptual and executive measures. The results replicate our previous findings and indicate that the predictors of the maintenance of the use of taxonomic relations are conceptual and the predictors of the switching from thematic to taxonomic relations are executive.
Young children's understanding of cultural common ground
Authors: Liebal Kristin , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2012

Human social interaction depends on individuals identifying the common ground they have with others, based both on personally shared experiences and on cultural common ground that all members of the group share. We introduced 3‐ and 5‐year‐old children to a culturally well‐known object and a novel object. An experimenter then entered and asked, ‘What is that?’, either as a request for information or in a recognitory way. When she was requesting information, both 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds assumed she was asking about the novel object. When she seemed to recognize an object, 5‐year‐olds assumed she was referring to the culturally well‐known object. Thus, by 3 years of age, children are beginning to understand that they share cultural common ground with other members of their group.
Fully Developed Mixed Convection in a Vertical Channel Filled by a Nanofluid
Authors: Grosan T. , Pop I.
Published: May 2012

The steady fully developed mixed convection flow between two vertical parallel plates with asymmetrical thermal and nanoparticle concentration conditions at the walls filled by a nanofluid is studied. The nanofluid model used in this paper takes into account the Brownian diffusion and the thermophoresis effects, and the analysis is based on analytical solutions. Thus, analytical expressions for the fully developed velocity, temperature, and nanoparticle concentration profiles as well as for the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers at the left wall of the channel are given. A numerical solution has been also obtained and compared with the analytical solution, the agreement being very good.
Effects of Rotation on Heat Transfer for a Single Row Jet Impingement Array With Crossflow
Authors: Lamont Justin A. , Ekkad Srinath V. , Alvin Mary Anne
Published: May 2012

The effects of the Coriolis force are investigated in rotating internal serpentine coolant channels in turbine blades. For complex flow in rotating channels, detailed measurements of the heat transfer over the channel surface will greatly enhance the blade designers’ ability to predict hot spots so coolant may be distributed more effectively. The present study uses a novel transient liquid crystal technique to measure heat transfer in a rotating, radially outward channel with impingement jets. A simple case with a single row of constant pitch impinging jets with the crossflow effect is presented to demonstrate the novel liquid crystal technique and document the baseline effects for this type of geometry. The present study examines the differences in heat transfer distributions due to variations in jet Rotation number, Roj, and jet orifice-to-target surface distance (H/dj = 1,2, and 3). Colder air, below room temperature, is passed through a room temperature test section to cause a color change in the liquid crystals. This ensures that buoyancy is acting in a similar direction as in actual turbine blades where walls are hotter than the coolant fluid. Three parameters were controlled in the testing: jet coolant-to-wall temperature ratio, average jet Reynolds number, Rej, and average jet Rotation number, Roj. Results show, such as serpentine channels, the trailing side experiences an increase in heat transfer and the leading side experiences a decrease for all jet channel height-to-jet diameter ratios (H/dj). At a jet channel height-to-jet diameter ratio of 1, the crossflow from upstream spent jets greatly affects impingement heat transfer behavior in the channel. For H/dj = 2 and 3, the effects of the crossflow are not as prevalent as H/dj = 1: however, it still plays a detrimental role. The stationary case shows that heat transfer increases with higher H/dj values, so that H/dj = 3 has the highest results of the three examined. However, during rotation the H/dj = 2 case shows the highest heat transfer values for both the leading and trailing sides. The Coriolis force may have a considerable effect on the developing length of the potential core, affecting the resulting heat transfer on the target surface.
Turbulent Heat and Mass Transfer Across a Hollow Fiber Membrane Tube Bank in Liquid Desiccant Air Dehumidification
Authors: Huang Si-Min , Zhang Li-Zhi , Tang Kai , Pei Li-Xia
Published: May 2012

The fluid flow and conjugate heat and mass transfer across a hollow fiber membrane tube bundle used for liquid desiccant air dehumidification are investigated. In this process, humid air flows across the fiber bank and salt solution flows inside the fibers packed in a shell. They exchange heat and moisture through the membranes. To overcome the difficulties in the direct modeling of the whole tube bundle, a representative cell, which comprises of a single fiber, a solution stream inside the fiber, and an air stream flowing across the fiber, is selected as the calculation domain. The liquid flow inside the fibers is assumed to be laminar due to the low Reynolds numbers, while the air flow across the bank is considered to be turbulent as a result from the disturbances from the numerous fibers. The governing equations for fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in the two flows and in the membrane are coupled together and solved numerically with a self-built code. Experimental work on hollow fiber membrane-based liquid desiccant air dehumidification is performed to validate the model. The fundamental data on friction factor, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers on both the shell and the tube sides are then obtained for Re = 300–600.
A Peptide Derived from Endostatin Ameliorates Organ Fibrosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yukie , Takihara Takahisa , Chambers Roger A. , Veraldi Kristen L. , Larregina Adriana T. , Feghali-Bostwick Carol A.
Published: May 2012

A naturally occurring peptide from endostatin can inhibit fibrosis in lung and skin, even when it is already established.
Noninvasive Identification and Monitoring of Cancer Mutations by Targeted Deep Sequencing of Plasma DNA
Authors: Forshew Tim , Murtaza Muhammed , Parkinson Christine , Gale Davina , Tsui Dana W. Y. , Kaper Fiona , Dawson Sarah-Jane , Piskorz Anna M. , Jimenez-Linan Mercedes , Bentley David , Hadfield James , May Andrew P. , Caldas Carlos , Brenton James D. , Rosenfeld Nitzan
Published: May 2012

Sizable genomic regions were screened and low-frequency mutations were identified in circulating DNA of cancer patients using tagged-amplicon deep sequencing (TAm-Seq).
SIV Replication in the Infected Rhesus Macaque Is Limited by the Size of the Preexisting T
H
17 Cell Compartment
Authors: Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J. , Abel Kristina , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Kanwar Bittoo , McCune Joseph M.
Published: May 2012

Macaques with abundant T
H
17 cells in blood and intestinal tissue before infection are resistant to SIV replication.
Relief from Within: A Peptide Therapy for Fibrosis
Authors: Atamas Sergei P.
Published: May 2012

A modified natural peptide, E4, has the potential to become a breakthrough therapy for those afflicted with organ fibrosis (Yamaguchi
et al
., this issue).
In Vivo
Emergence of Tigecycline Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli
Authors: Spanu Teresa , De Angelis Giulia , Cipriani Michela , Pedruzzi Barbara , D'Inzeo Tiziana , Cataldo Maria Adriana , Sganga Gabriele , Tacconelli Evelina
Published: May 2012

Although resistance to tigecycline has been reported in surveillance studies, very few reports have described the emergence of resistance
in vivo
. We report two cases of patients with infections due to SHV-12-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase-3 (KPC-3)-producing
Escherichia coli
, which developed tigecycline resistance
in vivo
after treatment. The reported limited experience underlines the risk of occurrence of a tigecycline MIC increase under treatment pressure.
Identification of Disubstituted Sulfonamide Compounds as Specific Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA Formation
Authors: Cai Dawei , Mills Courtney , Yu Wenquan , Yan Ran , Aldrich Carol E. , Saputelli Jeffry R. , Mason William S. , Xu Xiaodong , Guo Ju-Tao , Block Timothy M. , Cuconati Andrea , Guo Haitao
Published: May 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) plays a central role in viral infection and persistence and is the basis for viral rebound after the cessation of therapy, as well as the elusiveness of a cure even after extended treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic agents that directly target cccDNA formation and maintenance. By employing an innovative cell-based cccDNA assay in which secreted HBV e antigen is a cccDNA-dependent surrogate, we screened an in-house small-molecule library consisting of 85,000 drug-like compounds. Two structurally related disubstituted sulfonamides (DSS), termed CCC-0975 and CCC-0346, emerged and were confirmed as inhibitors of cccDNA production, with low micromolar 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
s) in cell culture. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that DSS compound treatment neither directly inhibited HBV DNA replication in cell culture nor reduced viral polymerase activity in the
in vitro
endogenous polymerase assay but synchronously reduced the levels of HBV cccDNA and its putative precursor, deproteinized relaxed circular DNA (DP-rcDNA). However, DSS compounds did not promote the intracellular decay of HBV DP-rcDNA and cccDNA, suggesting that the compounds interfere primarily with rcDNA conversion into cccDNA. In addition, we demonstrated that CCC-0975 was able to reduce cccDNA biosynthesis in duck HBV-infected primary duck hepatocytes. This is the first attempt, to our knowledge, to identify small molecules that target cccDNA formation, and DSS compounds thus potentially serve as proof-of-concept drug candidates for development into therapeutics to eliminate cccDNA from chronic HBV infection.
Tigecycline Resistance Can Occur Independently of the
ramA
Gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Veleba Mark , Schneiders Thamarai
Published: May 2012

Tigecycline resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
results from
ramA
upregulation that causes the overexpression of the efflux pump, AcrAB-TolC. Tigecycline mutants, derived from Ecl8Δ
ramA
, can exhibit a multidrug resistance phenotype due to increased transcription of the
marA
,
rarA
,
acrAB
, and
oqxAB
genes. These findings support the idea that tigecycline or multidrug resistance in
K. pneumoniae
, first, is not solely dependent on the
ramA
gene, and second, can arise via alternative regulatory pathways in
K. pneumoniae
.
Mechanism of Action of and Mechanism of Reduced Susceptibility to the Novel Anti-Clostridium difficile Compound LFF571
Authors: Leeds J. A. , Sachdeva M. , Mullin S. , Dzink-Fox J. , LaMarche M. J.
Published: May 2012

LFF571 is a novel semisynthetic thiopeptide and potent inhibitor of Gram-positive bacteria. We report that the antibacterial activity of LFF571 against
Clostridium difficile
is due to inhibition of translation. Single-step mutants of
C. difficile
with reduced susceptibility to LFF571 were selected at frequencies of <4.5 × 10
−11
to 1.2 × 10
−9
. Sequencing revealed a G260E substitution in the thiopeptide-binding pocket of elongation factor Tu. Importantly, this mutation did not confer cross-resistance to clinically used antimicrobials. These results support the development of LFF571 as a treatment for
C. difficile
infection.
Identification of Coli Surface Antigen 23, a Novel Adhesin of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Del Canto Felipe , Botkin Douglas J. , Valenzuela Patricio , Popov Vsevolod , Ruiz-Perez Fernando , Nataro James P. , Levine Myron M. , Stine O. Colin , Pop Mihai , Torres Alfredo G. , Vidal Roberto
Published: May 2012

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is an important cause of diarrhea, mainly in developing countries. Although there are 25 different ETEC adhesins described in strains affecting humans, between 15% and 50% of the clinical isolates from different geographical regions are negative for these adhesins, suggesting that additional unidentified adhesion determinants might be present. Here, we report the discovery of Coli Surface Antigen 23 (CS23), a novel adhesin expressed by an ETEC serogroup O4 strain (ETEC 1766a), which was negative for the previously known ETEC adhesins, albeit it has the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells. CS23 is encoded by an 8.8-kb locus which contains 9 open reading frames (ORFs), 7 of them sharing significant identity with genes required for assembly of K88-related fimbriae. This gene locus, named
aal
(
a
dhesion-
a
ssociated
l
ocus), is required for the adhesion ability of ETEC 1766a and was able to confer this adhesive phenotype to a nonadherent
E. coli
HB101 strain. The CS23 major structural subunit, AalE, shares limited identity with known pilin proteins, and it is more closely related to the CS13 pilin protein CshE, carried by human ETEC strains. Our data indicate that CS23 is a new member of the diverse adhesin repertoire used by ETEC strains.
Urease Activity Represents an Alternative Pathway for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Lin Wenwei , Mathys Vanessa , Ang Emily Lei Yin , Koh Vanessa Hui Qi , Martínez Gómez Julia María , Ang Michelle Lay Teng , Zainul Rahim Siti Zarina , Tan Mai Ping , Pethe Kevin , Alonso Sylvie
Published: May 2012

Urease represents a critical virulence factor for some bacterial species through its alkalizing effect, which helps neutralize the acidic microenvironment of the pathogen. In addition, urease serves as a nitrogen source provider for bacterial growth. Pathogenic mycobacteria express a functional urease, but its role during infection has yet to be characterized. In this study, we constructed a urease-deficientMycobacterium tuberculosisstrain and confirmed the alkalizing effect of the urease activity within the mycobacterium-containing vacuole in resting macrophages but not in the more acidic phagolysosomal compartment of activated macrophages. However, the urease-mediated alkalizing effect did not confer any growth advantage onM. tuberculosisin macrophages, as evidenced by comparable growth profiles for the mutant, wild-type (WT), and complemented strains. In contrast, the urease-deficient mutant exhibited impairedin vitrogrowth compared to the WT and complemented strains when urea was the sole source of nitrogen. Substantial amounts of ammonia were produced by the WT and complemented strains, but not with the urease-deficient mutant, which represents the actual nitrogen source for mycobacterial growth. However, the urease-deficient mutant displayed parental colonization profiles in the lungs, spleen, and liver in mice. Together, our data demonstrate a role for the urease activity inM. tuberculosisnitrogen metabolism that could be crucial for the pathogen's survival in nutrient-limited microenvironments where urea is the sole nitrogen source. Our work supports the notion thatM. tuberculosisvirulence correlates with its unique metabolic versatility and ability to utilize virtually any carbon and nitrogen sources available in its environment.
Selective Purification of Recombinant Neuroactive Peptides Using the Flagellar Type III Secretion System
Authors: Singer Hanna M. , Erhardt Marc , Steiner Andrew M. , Zhang Min-Min , Yoshikami Doju , Bulaj Grzegorz , Olivera Baldomero M. , Hughes Kelly T.
Published: May 2012

The structure, assembly, and function of the bacterial flagellum involves about 60 different proteins, many of which are selectively secreted via a specific type III secretion system (T3SS) (J. Frye et al., J. Bacteriol. 188:2233–2243, 2006). The T3SS is reported to secrete proteins at rates of up to 10,000 amino acid residues per second. In this work, we showed that the flagellar T3SS of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium could be manipulated to export recombinant nonflagellar proteins through the flagellum and into the surrounding medium. We translationally fused various neuroactive peptides and proteins from snails, spiders, snakes, sea anemone, and bacteria to the flagellar secretion substrate FlgM. We found that all tested peptides of various sizes were secreted via the bacterial flagellar T3SS. We subsequently purified the recombinant μ-conotoxin SIIIA (rSIIIA) from
Conus striatus
by affinity chromatography and confirmed that T3SS-derived rSIIIA inhibited mammalian voltage-gated sodium channel Na
V
1.2 comparably to chemically synthesized SIIIA.

IMPORTANCE
Manipulation of the flagellar secretion system bypasses the problems of inclusion body formation and cellular degradation that occur during conventional recombinant protein expression. This work serves as a proof of principle for the use of engineered bacterial cells for rapid purification of recombinant neuroactive peptides and proteins by exploiting secretion via the well-characterized flagellator type III secretion system.
Contribution of a Single Host Genetic Locus to Mouse Adenovirus Type 1 Infection and Encephalitis
Authors: Hsu Tien-Huei , Althaus Irene W. , Foreman Oded , Spindler Katherine R.
Published: May 2012

Susceptibility to mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) is mouse strain dependent; susceptible mice die from hemorrhagic encephalomyelitis. The MAV-1 susceptibility quantitative trait locusMsq1accounts for ~40% of the phenotypic (brain viral load) variance that occurs between resistant BALB/c and susceptible SJL mice after MAV-1 infection. Using an interval-specific congenic mouse strain (C.SJL-Msq1SJL), in which the SJL-derived alleleMsq1SJLis present in a BALB/c background, we demonstrate thatMsq1SJLcontrols the development of high brain viral titers in response to MAV-1 infection, yet does not account for the total extent of brain pathology or mortality in SJL mice. C.SJL-Msq1SJLmice had disruption of the blood-brain barrier and increased brain water content after MAV-1 infection, but these effects occurred later and were not as severe, respectively, as those noted in infected SJL mice. As expected, BALB/c mice showed minimal pathology in these assays. Infection of SJL- and C.SJL-Msq1SJL-derived primary mouse brain endothelial cells resulted in loss of barrier properties, whereas BALB/c-derived cells retained their barrier properties despite being equally capable of supporting MAV-1 infection. Finally, we provide evidence that organ pathology and inflammatory cell recruitment to the brain following MAV-1 infection were both influenced byMsq1. These results validateMsq1as an important host factor in MAV-1 infection and refine the major role of the locus in development of MAV-1 encephalitis. They further suggest that additional host factors or gene interactions are involved in the mechanism of pathogenesis in MAV-1-infected SJL mice.

IMPORTANCEA successful viral infection requires both host and viral factors; identification of host components involved in viral replication and pathogenesis is important for development of therapeutic interventions. A genetic locus (Msq1) controlling mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) brain infection was previously identified. Genes inMsq1belong to the same family of genes associated with susceptibility to other encephalitic viruses, HIV-1 and West Nile virus. We constructed an interval-specific congenic mouse strain to examine the contribution ofMsq1to MAV-1 susceptibility and brain morbidity. We compared infected resistant, susceptible, and congenic mice regarding known MAV-1 disease manifestations in the brain (survival, viral loads, blood-brain barrier disruption, edema, mouse brain endothelial cell barrier properties, pathology, and inflammatory cell recruitment) to determine the extent to whichMsq1influences MAV-1 infection outcome. Our results showed thatMsq1is a critical host genetic factor that controls many aspects of MAV-1 infection.
Economic consequences of immediate or delayed insemination of a cow in oestrus
Authors: Steeneveld W. , Hogeveen H.
Published: May 2012

Most dairy farmers are not certain whether immediate insemination or delaying the insemination is the best economic decision for a cow in oestrus. A model was developed for determining, based on herd and cow characteristics, the economic consequences of immediate or delayed insemination. The model was based on literature information and expert knowledge. In the model, the oestrus detection and conception rates were made cow‐specific. The utility of the model was illustrated using a standard cow and data on 90 cows in oestrus (provided by 10 Dutch dairy farmers). The model suggested that for the majority of cows, the best decision is to immediately inseminate the cow in oestrus, but for most heifers with a flatter lactation curve the best decision was to delay the insemination. The economic effect of delaying the insemination was however small, on average –€18 per cow per year. Immediate insemination of an individual cow did result in relatively low economic benefits, but for a whole herd they can be substantial. This model can be used by farmers to help making the best economic decision for a cow in oestrus.
Effects of different doses of medetomidine and tiletamine–zolazepam on the duration of induction and immobilization in free-ranging yearling brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Painer Johanna , Zedrosser Andreas , Arnemo Jon M. , Fahlman Åsa , Brunberg Sven , Segerström Peter , Swenson Jon E.
Published: May 2012

We compared anesthetic protocols with different doses of tiletamine–zolazepam (TZ) combined with medetomidine (M) for 288 yearling brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) immobilizations with the objective of finding a combination of doses that would provide fast induction with a duration of anesthesia long enough to minimize the need for administering additional drug. The duration of induction time and immobilization was dose-dependent. Increasing the M dose resulted in significantly shorter induction times and a lower probability of giving supplemental drugs. Increasing the TZ dose prolonged duration of anesthesia. For yearling brown bears in Scandinavia, captured shortly after den emergence in April and May, we recommend total dart doses of 1.0–1.66 mg M/dart, plus 62.5–125 mg TZ/dart, depending on the individual requirements for the length and depth of anaesthesia.
GHOST DARK ENERGY IN f(R) MODEL OF GRAVITY
Authors: SAAIDI KH. , AGHAMOHAMMADI A. , SABET B. , FAROOQ O.
Published: May 2012

We study a correspondence between f(R) model of gravity in the Jordan frame and a phenomenological kind of dark energy (DE), which is known as QCD ghost DE. Since this kind of DE is not stable in the context of Einsteinian theory of gravity and Brans–Dicke model of gravity, we consider two kinds of correspondence between modified gravity and DE. By studding the dynamical evolution of model and finding relevant quantities such as, equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter, dimensionless density parameter, we show that the model can describe the present Universe and also the EoS parameter can cross the phantom divide line without needs to any kinetic energy with negative sign. Furthermore, by obtaining the adiabatic squared sound speed of the model for different cases of interaction, we show that this model is stable. Finally, we fit this model with supernova observational data in a noninteraction case and we find the best values of parameter at 1σ confidence interval as; [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. These best-fit values show that DE equation of state parameter, ωd0, can cross the phantom divide line at the present time.
A LIMIT THEOREM FOR OCCUPATION MEASURES OF LÉVY PROCESSES IN COMPACT GROUPS
Authors: BERGER ARNO , EVANS STEVEN N.
Published: May 2012

A short proof utilizing dynamical systems techniques is given of a necessary and sufficient condition for the normalized occupation measure of a Lévy process in a metrizable compact group to be asymptotically uniform with probability one.