bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceiling fan head injury to children in an Australian tropical location
Authors: Furyk Jeremy , Franklin Richard Charles , Costello Daren
Published: April 2013

Aim

To explore clinical aspects of head injuries caused by ceiling fans in children.

Methods

Cases were identified using a sensitive search strategy of the Townsville Emergency Department information system from 1 December 2005 to 30 April 2010, and a retrospective structured medical record review was undertaken.

Results

During the study period there were 136 presentations with relevant injuries, with a higher incidence in the warmer months. There were three common mechanisms; those related to ingress and egress from bunk beds, children lifted by an adult, and children jumping from a piece of furniture. Aside from lacerations, the majority of children had unremarkable history and examination findings. There were 29 Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the head performed, four skull X‐rays and no c‐spine imaging. Forty‐six children received sedation or anaesthesia as part of their management, 38 in the Emergency Department and eight in the operating theatre. Seven children sustained skull fractures and a total of 13 children were admitted to hospital for an average length of stay of 2.3 days.

Conclusions

Ceiling fans are a small but important source of paediatric head injury in tropical Australia. Significant injuries are possible with 5% of patients having a positive finding on CT scan. Most fractures are palpable, CT is recommended if fracture cannot be confidently excluded clinically.
Nonparametric regression with rescaled time series errors
Authors: Figueroa‐López José E. , Levine Michael
Published: April 2013

We consider a heteroscedastic nonparametric regression model with an autoregressive error process of finite known order p. The heteroscedasticity is incorporated using a scaling function defined at uniformly spaced design points on an interval [0,1]. We provide an innovative nonparametric estimator of the variance function and establish its consistency and asymptotic normality. We also propose a semiparametric estimator for the vector of autoregressive error process coefficients that is consistent and asymptotically normal for a sample size T. Explicit asymptotic variance covariance matrix is obtained as well. Finally, the finite sample performance of the proposed method is tested in simulations.
Phenotypic features of innate and adaptive immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis C and end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Barbosa Kátia V. B. D. , Teixeira Rosângela , Bassetti‐Soares Eric , de Souza Aécio F. Meirelles , M. O. Penido João Milton , Teixeira‐Carvalho Andréa , Martins‐Filho Olindo A.
Published: April 2013

Background

The knowledge of the immunological profile of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis (HD) is still limited.

Aims

This study investigated the immune response profile in HCV patients with concomitant ESRD focusing on the influence of the renal disease on the phenotypic profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Methods

Immunophenotypic features of peripheral blood leucocytes were assessed by flow cytometry in two distinct groups: HCV patients with ESRD (CHC+ESRD, n = 16) and HCV patients with normal renal function (CHC, n = 20). Two control groups that were included were as follows: HCV negative blood donors (BD, n = 15) and HCV negative patients with ESRD (ESRD, n = 19).

Results

Higher frequency of macrophage‐like and pro‐inflammatory monocytes along with enhanced frequency of CD3−CD16−CD56+, mainly CD56dim NK‐cells, were the hallmark of CHC+ESRD patients. Lower frequency of B cells with significant decreased of B1 and CD23+ B‐cells were associated with ESRD, regardless the HCV infection. Although higher rates of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in the CHC and CHC+ESRD groups, the chemotaxis of T‐cell subsets, based on their chemokine receptor expression, was affected by ESRD.

Conclusions

Chronic hepatitis C patients with ESRD on HD exhibit distinctive phenotypic profile of circulating leucocytes. It may be implicated in the natural history of HCV infection in this particular group of patients and warrants further investigation.
Structural basis of FliG–FliM interaction in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Lam Kwok‐Ho , Lam Wendy Wai Ling , Wong Jase Yan‐Kit , Chan Ling‐Chim , Kotaka Masayo , Ling Thomas Kin‐Wah , Jin Dong‐Yan , Ottemann Karen M. , Au Shannon Wing‐Ngor
Published: April 2013

FliG and FliM are switch proteins that regulate the rotation and switching of the flagellar motor. Several assembly models for FliG and FliM have recently been proposed; however, it remains unclear whether the assembly of the switch proteins is conserved among different bacterial species. We applied a combination of pull‐down, thermodynamic and structural analyses to characterize the FliM–FliG association from the mesophilic bacterium Helicobacter pylori. FliM binds to FliG with micromolar binding affinity, and their interaction is mediated through the middle domain of FliG (FliGM), which contains the EHPQR motif. Crystal structures of the middle domain of H. pylori FliM (FliMM) and FliGM–FliMM complex revealed that FliG binding triggered a conformational change of the FliM α3‐α1′ loop, especially Asp130 and Arg144. We furthermore showed that various highly conserved residues in this region are required for FliM–FliG complex formation. Although the FliM–FliG complex structure displayed a conserved binding mode when compared with Thermotoga maritima, variable residues were identified that may contribute to differential binding affinities across bacterial species. Comparison of the thermodynamic parameters of FliG–FliM interactions between H. pylori and Escherichia coli suggests that molecular basis and binding properties of FliM to FliG is likely different between these two species.
Recycling factors for ribosome disassembly in the apicoplast and mitochondrion of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Mir Snober S. , Jackson Katherine E. , Lim Erin E. , Shah Priyanka , Sinha Ashima , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Ralph Stuart A. , Habib Saman
Published: April 2013

The reduced genomes of the apicoplast and mitochondrion of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum are actively translated and antibiotic‐mediated translation inhibition is detrimental to parasite survival. In order to understand recycling of organellar ribosomes, a critical step in protein translation, we identified ribosome recycling factors (RRF) encoded by the parasite nuclear genome. Targeting of PfRRF1 and PfRRF2 to the apicoplast and mitochondrion respectively was established by localization of leader sequence–GFP fusions. Unlike any RRF characterized thus far, PfRRF2 formed dimers with disulphide interaction(s) and additionally localized in the cytoplasm, thus suggesting adjunct functions for the factor. PfRRF1 carries a large 108‐amino‐acid insertion in the functionally critical hinge region between the head and tail domains of the protein, yet complemented Escherichia coli RRF in the LJ14frrts mutant and disassembled surrogate E. coli 70S ribosomes in the presence of apicoplast‐targeted EF‐G. Recombinant PfRRF2 bound E. coli ribosomes and could split monosomes in the presence of the relevant mitochondrial EF‐G but failed to complement the LJ14frrts mutant. Although proteins comprising subunits of P. falciparum organellar ribosomes are predicted to differ from bacterial and mitoribosomal counterparts, our results indicate that the essential interactions required for recycling are conserved in parasite organelles.
Body growth in Hawaiian monk seals
Authors: Baker Jason D. , Johanos Thea C. , Wurth Tracy A. , Littnan Charles L.
Published: April 2013

Body length and axillary girth measurements of more than 600 free‐ranging Hawaiian monk seals from 1 to 20 yr old were analyzed. Comparison of fitted von Bertalanffy growth models confirmed there is no evidence of sexual dimorphism in this species. Substantial differences in growth patterns were detected among seven subpopulations representing the species entire geographic range. The age at which seals would be expected to attain a reference length of 180 cm ranged from just over 3 yr up to almost 7 yr at the various sites. Subpopulations exhibiting slower growth have previously been found to also exhibit lower age‐specific reproductive rates. Differences in growth of seals among sites likely indicate varying environmental conditions determining growth during the time periods represented in the sampled data.
Alterations of the default mode network in functional dyspepsia patients: a resting‐state fmri study
Authors: Liu P. , Zeng F. , Zhou G. , Wang J. , Wen H. , von Deneen K. M. , Qin W. , Liang F. , Tian J.
Published: April 2013

Background

Increasing brain imaging studies have emphasized the role of regional brain activity abnormalities in functional dyspepsia (FD) during the resting state. The goal of this study was to investigate the default mode network (DMN) in FD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning was carried out on 49 patients and 39 HCs. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to isolate the DMN in each subject. Group topography of the DMN was compared to study significant alteration in FD. A correlation analysis was then performed in the FD group to investigate the effects of symptom severity and the psychological factors on the DMN.

Key Results

Significant spatial differences with the DMN in FD patients, compared with HCs, were mainly found in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC), thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus, precuneus, parietal cortex, and temporal pole. Meanwhile, Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) scores were positively correlated with the pACC, and was negative correlated with the OFC. However, both the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were not correlated with any regions of interest showing differences between the FD patients and the HCs.

Conclusions & Inferences

These findings suggested that the DMN might indeed undergo dysfunctional changes due to the abnormal persistent activity in FD patients. To a certain extent, the changes in the DMN were related to the FD‐related symptom severity.
Core myopathies and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: a review
Authors: Brislin Robert P. , Theroux Mary C.
Published: April 2013

The core myopathies are a subset of myopathies that present in infancy with hypotonia and muscle weakness. They were formerly considered a rare type of congenital myopathy but are now recognized as being more prevalent. Due to their genetic linkage to mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1), core myopathies (in particular, central core disease) carry a high risk of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. In this review article, we describe the phenotypical, genetic, and histopathological characteristics of core myopathies and further describe the currently understood nature of their risk of malignant hyperthermia. We also review the level of suspicion a clinician should exhibit with a child who has a possible core myopathy or other congenital myopathy presenting for an anesthetic prior to a definitive genetic analysis. For this review article, we performed literature searches using the key words anesthesiology, core myopathies, pediatric neurology, malignant hyperthermia, genetics, ryanodine receptor, and molecular biology. We also relied on literature accumulated by the two authors, who served as hotline consultants for the Malignant Hyperthermia Hotline of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) for the past 12 years.
The Comparison of Two Analgesic Regimes after Ambulatory Surgery: An Observational Study
Authors: van der Worp Froukje , Stapel Jeroen T. , Lako Sandra , Hendriks Jan , Vissers Kris C. P. , Steegers Monique A. H.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Over the past 15 years, the number of ambulatory surgical procedures worldwide has increased continuously. Studies show that 30% to 40% of the patients experience moderate‐to‐severe pain in the first 48 hours. The objective of this observational study is to compare the percentage of moderate‐to‐severe pain, side effects, and the use of escape medication of two different analgesic regimes after ambulatory surgery.

Methods

In this observational study, at the day care center of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, patients were followed during the period from April 2010 till October 2011. At the day care center, a multimodal analgesic regime with paracetamol (1000), diclofenac (75), and tramadol (50) and an analgesic regime with a combination tablet tramadol/paracetamol (37.5/325) and diclofenac (75) were prescribed in different periods for ambulatory surgery. Prior to surgery and during the first 3 days after surgery, patients were asked to complete five questionnaires. In these questionnaires, they were asked about pain (NRS) at rest and when moving, experienced side effects, and the analgesic medication taken.

Results

A total of 375 patients participated in the study, of which 99 in the tramadol group and 138 in the combination tablet tramadol/paracetamol group. The percentage of patients with moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain was 25% to 40%. In both the groups, an equal percentage of patients experienced moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain. Both analgesic regimes have a comparable analgesic effectiveness with each with its own specific advantages and disadvantages. On the first day after surgery, patients with the tramadol/paracetamol regime experienced more side effects (drowsiness and nausea) were less therapy compliant, but needed a smaller amount of escape medication than the patients from the tramadol group.
Hemodynamic analysis in infants with late‐onset circulatory collapse
Authors: Washio Yosuke , Uchiyama Atsushi , Nakanishi Hidehiko , Totsu Satsuki , Masumoto Kenichi , Kusuda Satoshi
Published: April 2013

Background

Late‐onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is a disorder in which blood pressure decreases and oliguria suddenly occurs in preterm infants who have survived the acute stage, leading to shock, without contributing underlying factors. In order to evaluate hemodynamic changes during LCC, the correlation between myocardial functions and organ blood flow was investigated with echography.

Methods

Seven very‐low‐birthweight infants were given a diagnosis of LCC during the study period. Cardiovascular and organ flow parameters of the infants were recorded prospectively, once a week, and compared with eight control very‐low‐birthweight infants with matching gestational age. Echographic study was performed before LCC, at the onset of LCC, and after LCC among infants with LCC.

Results

A significant increase in ejection fraction and a significant decrease in end systolic wall stress were observed in infants with the LCC condition. At the same time, the mean blood flow velocity increased significantly in the superior mesenteric artery, while it decreased in the anterior cerebral artery. Systolic blood flow velocity increased and mean velocity was maintained in the renal artery during LCC.

Conclusion

LCC is a distributive shock, characterized by a hyperdynamic state and decreased afterload. Echographic examination of organ flow during LCC is useful in understanding the pathophysiology of the disorder.
Behavioral and emotional problems in a Kuala Lumpur children's home
Authors: Abd Rahman Fairuz Nazri , Mohd Daud Tuti Iryani , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Tan Susan Mooi Koon , Wan Ismail Wan Salwina
Published: April 2013

Background

There is a dearth of studies on behavioral and emotional problems in residential care children in Malaysia. This study describes the behavioral and emotional problems in a sample of children in a government residential care home and compares them with their classmates living with their birth parents.

Methods

A comparative cross‐sectional study was carried out where carers from both groups were asked to fill in the translated Bahasa Melayu version of the Child Behavior Check List.

Results

Forms for 53 residential care children and 61 classmates were completed. The residential care children had significantly higher scores on the rule‐breaking (P < 0.001) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conduct problem subscales (P < 0.001). Residential care children's age significantly correlated with DSM somatic problems (P = 0.03) and post‐traumatic stress (P = 0.023). Duration of care was significantly positively correlated with rule‐breaking (P = 0.008), DSM conduct problems (P = 0.018) and externalizing scores (P = 0.017). Abuse and neglect cases had higher anxiety and depression scores (P = 0.024). Number of reasons in care positively correlated with several subscales, including total behavioral problem score (P = 0.005). Logistic regression revealed the greater number of reasons for placement a child had was significantly associated with having externalizing scores in the clinical range (P = 0.016). However, after Bonferroni correction, only the initial findings regarding rule‐breaking and DSM conduct problem scores remained significant.

Conclusions

Challenges exist in managing residential care children in Malaysia, especially regarding externalizing behavior. More studies are required to describe the Malaysian scene.
Estimation of Transformation Parameters Between Centre‐Line Vector Road Maps and High Resolution Satellite Images
Authors: Lu Luping , Zhang Yong , Tao Pengjie , Zhang Zuxun , Zhang Yongjun
Published: April 2013

A method for automatically estimating the transformation parameters between road centre‐line vector maps and high resolution satellite images is proposed. The advantages of the method are that global image feature extraction is avoided and feature extraction and matching are achieved simultaneously by using the vector data as guidance. The road width, as estimated by the algorithm, together with the road direction are used as constraints to refine the matching results. Arbitrarily chosen road nodes contribute to improving the adjustment. Map‐to‐image matching has advantages over image‐to‐image matching and could be a good method for the rapid updating of geographical information system (GIS) data.
Locked Plate Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fractures Using Cannulated Subchondral Support Pegs
Authors: Raphael James S. , Booker M. Rashad , Saing Minn H. , Beaver Andrew B. , Marvil Sean C. , Puglisi Anthony S. , Samuel Solomon P.
Published: April 2013

Background

In severely osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures, the biomechanics of fixed-angle fracture fixation with locked smooth pegs may be improved by using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) augmentation. Commercially available smooth pegs were modified (added a central cannula and two distal side ports) to accommodate bone cement injection around the pegs. The failure strength and stiffness of proximal humerus fracture fixation with modified pegs and PMMA augmentation was evaluated.

Methods

Nineteen fresh-frozen cadaveric humeri were fixated with a locked plate using: (i) smooth pegs (seven specimens), (ii) threaded pegs (six specimens) or (iii) modified smooth pegs with PMMA augmentation (six specimens). The osteotomized humeri constructs were subjected to an axial compressive load to failure at loading rate of 5 mm/minute. The maximum failure load and slope for each specimen was calculated.

Results

There was no difference ( p > 0.31) between the failure strength of constructs containing smooth or threaded pegs. However, the mean failure strength and stiffness of modified smooth pegs with PMMA augmentation was higher than the constructs containing either the smooth or threaded pegs.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study show that the use of PMMA augmentation along with smooth pegs may benefit humerus fracture patients with severe osteoporosis.
Benefits of early development of eye–hand coordination: Evidence from the LOOK longitudinal study
Authors: Telford R. D. , Cunningham R. B. , Telford R. M. , Olive L. S. , Byrne D. G. , Abhayaratna W. P.
Published: April 2013

We investigated longitudinal and cross‐sectional relationships between eye–hand coordination (EHC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (multistage run), physical activity (pedometers), percent body fat (%BF, dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry), body image, and organized sport participation (questionnaires) in 406 boys and 384 girls at 8 and 10 years of age. EHC was measured by a throw and wall‐rebound catch test involving 40 attempts of increasing difficulty. Median EHC improved during two years from 18 to 32 (boys) and 9 to 24 (girls), and gender differences and improvements were both significant (P < 0.001). Cross‐sectional analyses showed that boys and girls with better EHC were fitter (P < 0.001), and a longitudinal relationship showed that girls who improved their EHC over the two years became fitter (P < 0.001). There was also evidence that children with better EHC possessed a more positive body image (P = 0.05 for combined sex data), but there was no evidence of any relationships between EHC and %BF or PA (both P > 0.3). Finally, even at age 8 years, boys and girls participating in organized sport possessed better EHC than non‐participants. These data provide evidence for the premise that early acquisition of this single motor skill promotes the development of a child's fitness, body image, and participation in sport.
Fungal‐specific transcription factor AbPf2 activates pathogenicity in Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: Cho Yangrae , Ohm Robin A. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Srivastava Akhil
Published: April 2013

Alternaria brassicicola is a successful saprophyte and necrotrophic plant pathogen. To identify molecular determinants of pathogenicity, we created non‐pathogenic mutants of a transcription factor‐encoding gene, AbPf2. The frequency and timing of germination and appressorium formation on host plants were similar between the non‐pathogenic ∆abpf2 mutants and wild‐type A. brassicicola. The mutants were also similar in vitro to wild‐type A. brassicicola in terms of vegetative growth, conidium production, and responses to a phytoalexin, reactive oxygen species and osmolites. The hyphae of the mutants grew slowly but did not cause disease symptoms on the surface of host plants. Transcripts of the AbPf2 gene increased exponentially soon after wild‐type conidia contacted their host plants . A small amount of AbPf2 protein, as monitored using GFP fusions, was present in young, mature conidia. The protein level decreased during saprophytic growth, but increased and was located primarily in fungal nuclei during pathogenesis. Levels of the proteins and transcripts sharply decreased following colonization of host tissues beyond the initial infection site. When expression of the transcription factor was induced in the wild‐type during early pathogenesis, 106 fungal genes were also induced in the wild‐type but not in the ∆abpf2 mutants. Notably, 33 of the 106 genes encoded secreted proteins, including eight putative effector proteins. Plants inoculated with ∆abpf2 mutants expressed higher levels of genes associated with photosynthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway and primary metabolism, but lower levels of defense‐related genes. Our results suggest that AbPf2 is an important regulator of pathogenesis, but does not affect other cellular processes in A. brassicicola.
Independence of -adic Galois representations over function fields
Authors: Gajda Wojciech , Petersen Sebastian
Published: April 2013

Let$K$be a finitely generated extension of$\mathbb {Q}$. We consider the family of$\ell $-adic representations ($\ell $varies through the set of all prime numbers) of the absolute Galois group of$K$, attached to$\ell $-adic cohomology of a separated scheme of finite type over$K$. We prove that the fields cut out from the algebraic closure of$K$by the kernels of the representations of the family are linearly disjoint over a finite extension of K. This gives a positive answer to a question of Serre.
Automatic assessment of regional and global wall motion abnormalities in echocardiography images by nonlinear dimensionality reduction
Authors: Shalbaf Ahmad , Behnam Hamid , Alizade‐Sani Zahra , Shojaifard Maryam
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Identification and assessment of left ventricular (LV) global and regional wall motion (RWM) abnormalities are essential for clinical evaluation of various cardiovascular diseases. Currently, this evaluation is performed visually which is highly dependent on the training and experience of echocardiographers and thus is prone to considerable interobserver and intraobserver variability. This paper presents a new automatic method, based on nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) for global wall motion evaluation and also detection and classification of RWM abnormalities of LV wall in a three‐point scale as follows: (1) normokinesia, (2) hypokinesia, and (3) akinesia.

Methods:

Isometric feature mapping (Isomap) is one of the most popular NLDR algorithms. In this paper, a modified version of Isomap algorithm, where image to image distance metric is computed using nonrigid registration, is applied on two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography images of one cycle of heart. By this approach, nonlinear information in these images is embedded in a 2D manifold and each image is characterized by a point on the constructed manifold. This new representation visualizes the relationship between these images based on LV volume changes. Then, a new global and regional quantitative index from the resultant manifold is proposed for global wall motion estimation and also classification of RWM of LV wall in a three‐point scale. Obtained results by our method are quantitatively evaluated to those obtained visually by two experienced echocardiographers as the reference (gold standard) on 10 healthy volunteers and 14 patients.

Results:

Linear regression analysis between the proposed global quantitative index and the global wall motion score index and also with LV ejection fraction obtained by reference experienced echocardiographers resulted in the correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. Comparison between the proposed automatic RWM scoring and the reference visual scoring resulted in an absolute agreement of 82% and a relative agreement of 97%.

Conclusions:

The proposed diagnostic method can be used as a useful tool as well as a reference visual assessment by experienced echocardiographers for global wall motion estimation and also classification of RWM abnormalities of LV wall in a three‐point scale in clinical evaluations.
Root Cause Analysis for Young Engineers
Authors: Immel Joe
Published: April 2013

Root Cause Analysis, an IBI prize–winning module, requires students to use a systematic approach to analyze complex problems.
Network-Based Diffusion Analysis Reveals Cultural Transmission of Lobtail Feeding in Humpback Whales
Authors: Allen Jenny , Weinrich Mason , Hoppitt Will , Rendell Luke
Published: April 2013

Animal Culture

Cultural transmission of information occurs when individuals learn from others with more experience or when individuals come to accept particular modes of behavior as the local norm. Such information transfer can be expected in highly social or long-lived species where contact and time for learning are maximized and are seen in humans (see the Perspective by

de Waal

). Using a network-based diffusion analysis on a long-term data set that includes tens of thousands of observations of individual humpback whales,

Allen
et al.

(p.
485
) show that an innovative feeding behavior has spread through social transmission since it first emerged in a single individual in 1980. The “lobtail” feeding has passed among associating individuals for more than three decades.

Van de Waal
et al.

(p.
483
), on the other hand, used a controlled experimental approach in vervet monkeys to show that individuals learn what to eat from more experienced individuals within their social group. Not only did young animals learn from observing older animals, but immigrating males switched their food preference to that of their new group.
Potent Social Learning and Conformity Shape a Wild Primate’s Foraging Decisions
Authors: van de Waal Erica , Borgeaud Christèle , Whiten Andrew
Published: April 2013

Animal Culture

Cultural transmission of information occurs when individuals learn from others with more experience or when individuals come to accept particular modes of behavior as the local norm. Such information transfer can be expected in highly social or long-lived species where contact and time for learning are maximized and are seen in humans (see the Perspective by

de Waal

). Using a network-based diffusion analysis on a long-term data set that includes tens of thousands of observations of individual humpback whales,

Allen
et al.

(p.
485
) show that an innovative feeding behavior has spread through social transmission since it first emerged in a single individual in 1980. The “lobtail” feeding has passed among associating individuals for more than three decades.

Van de Waal
et al.

(p.
483
), on the other hand, used a controlled experimental approach in vervet monkeys to show that individuals learn what to eat from more experienced individuals within their social group. Not only did young animals learn from observing older animals, but immigrating males switched their food preference to that of their new group.
Transit Shadows
SUPRA100
Le temps suspendu Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Through 20 May 2013. www.museumneuchatel.ch/new/navigation.php?cat=5
Authors: Junier Thomas , Junier Pilar
Published: April 2013

This exhibition celebrating superconductivity features sculptures by Etienne Krähenbühl that reveal fresh mechanical and artistic possibilities of metal alloys.
To Improve Public Policy
Evidence-Based Policy
A Practical Guide to Doing It Better

by Nancy Cartwright and Jeremy Hardie

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2012. 208 pp. $74.95, £45. ISBN 9780199841608. Paper, $18.95, £11.99. ISBN 9780199841622.
Public Policy in an Uncertain World
Analysis and Decisions

by Charles F. Manski

Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2013. 215 pp. $39.95, £29.95, €36. ISBN 9780674066892.
Authors: Baird Brian
Published: April 2013

The authors explore the complexities of applying science in forming public policy and suggest means for making more effective use of research results.
Dark-Matter Mystery Nears Its Moment of Truth
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: April 2013

Physicists working with an ultrasensitive particle detector deep underground reported three blips that could be particles of dark matter—suggesting that weakly interacting massive particles might not be far off.
In a Flurry of Metaphors, Justices Debate a Limit on Gene Patents
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: April 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court is trying to determine whether patents on the cancer-linked genes

BRCA1

and

BRCA2

are legitimate.
Ardi's a Hominin—But How Did She Move?
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: April 2013

Researchers gave Ardi, the oldest and most complete skeleton of a potential human ancestor, new recognition as a hominin. They agreed with the discoverers that Ardi walked upright—albeit in a weird way—and that features in her teeth and skull make her a primitive member of the human family. But debate raged about whether she also climbed vertically in trees like an ape.
Proteomics Meets Cellular Signaling: Exploring Post-translational Modifications by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Suri Vipin , Paweletz Cloud , Choudhary Chunaram
Published: April 2013

Post-translational modifications (PTMs)—including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination—are specific modifications that can alter the activity of an individual protein target. The cumulative effect of these small modifications is the regulation of large signaling pathways and networks within cells.

Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the identification of individual PTMs during the investigation of signaling networks. A new approach using antibody-based peptide enrichment for a class of PTMs combined with tandem mass spectrometry has been successfully used for global identification of hundreds to thousands of PTMs within a sample. In this webinar, examples of how the technology was applied to each of these PTM classes will be described.
Cross-Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Transferrin-Binding Protein A of Haemophilus parasuis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , Li Yu , Fu Yuguang , Ji Yanhong , Lian Kaiqi , Zheng Haixue , Wei Jianzhong , Cai Xuepeng , Zhu Qiyun
Published: April 2013

The causative agent of Glasser's disease in swine isHaemophilus parasuis. Commercial bacterins are widely used for protection of the swine population. However, cross protection is limited becauseH. parasuishas more than 15 serovars. Transferrin-binding protein A has shown potential as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate against homologous and heterologous strains. Here we amplified the full-lengthtbpAgene from anH. parasuisserovar 13 isolate and cloned it into a pET-SUMO expression vector. We then expressed and purified the TbpA protein by Ni affinity chromatography. First, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the protein were evaluated in guinea pigs by two subcutaneous immunizations with different doses of Montanide IMS 206 VG adjuvant. The immunized guinea pigs were, respectively, challenged on week 3 after a booster immunization with homologous strain LJ3 (serovar 13) and heterologous strain FX1 (serovar 4), and vaccine-inoculated groups were compared with nonvaccinated controls. All immunized groups showed serum antibody titers higher than those of negative-control groups. Furthermore, the cytokine and chemokine levels were evaluated at the transcriptional level by the real-time PCR analysis of six cytokines and chemokines. Gamma interferon and interleukin-5 in groups immunized with 100 μg were elevated more than 15-fold over those in negative-control groups. The protection rates were 80 and 60% after a challenge with strains LJ3 and FX1, respectively, in the groups vaccinated with 100 μg of recombinant TbpA protein. Subsequently, the data showed that guinea pigs immunized with a single dose (100 μg) were protected at levels of 80, 80, and 60% against LJ3, FX1, and another heterologous strain, SZ (serovar 14), respectively. The results indicate for the first time that TbpA protein cross protects guinea pigs against serovars 13, 4, and 14 ofH. parasuis. Taken together, these results suggest that the recombinant TbpA protein is a promising vaccine candidate that needs to be confirmed in a swine population.
Interaction between Endogenous Bacterial Flora and Latent HIV Infection
Authors: Victoriano Ann Florence B. , Imai Kenichi , Okamoto Takashi
Published: April 2013

Human commensal bacteria do not normally cause any diseases. However, in certain pathological conditions, they exhibit a number of curious behaviors. In HIV infection, these bacteria exhibit bidirectional relationships: whereas they cause opportunistic infections based on immunological deterioration, they also augment HIV replication, in particular, viral replication from latently infected cells, which is attributable to the effect of butyric acid produced by certain anaerobic bacteria by modifying the state of chromatin. Here, we review recent evidence supporting the contributory role of such endogenous microbes in disrupting HIV latency and its potential link to the clinical progression of AIDS.
Fully Automated Quantification of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Whole Blood with the New Sensitive Abbott RealTi
m
e CMV Assay in the Era of the CMV International Standard
Authors: Schnepf Nathalie , Scieux Catherine , Resche-Riggon Matthieu , Feghoul Linda , Xhaard Alienor , Gallien Sébastien , Molina Jean-Michel , Socié Gérard , Viglietti Denis , Simon François , Mazeron Marie-Christine , LeGoff Jérôme
Published: April 2013

Fully standardized reproducible and sensitive quantification assays for cytomegalovirus (CMV) are needed to better define thresholds for antiviral therapy initiation and interruption. We evaluated the newly released Abbott RealTi
m
e CMV assay for CMV quantification in whole blood (WB) that includes automated extraction and amplification (
m
2000 RealTi
m
e system). Sensitivity, accuracy, linearity, and intra- and interassay variability were validated in a WB matrix using Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) panels and the WHO international standard (IS). The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 1.37% and 2.09% at 5 log
10
copies/ml and 2.41% and 3.80% at 3 log
10
copies/ml, respectively. According to expected values for the QCMD and Abbott RealTi
m
e CMV methods, the lower limits of quantification were 104 and <50 copies/ml, respectively. The conversion factor between international units and copies (2.18), determined from serial dilutions of the WHO IS in WB, was significantly different from the factor provided by the manufacturer (1.56) (
P
= 0.001). Results from 302 clinical samples were compared with those from the Qiagen artus CMV assay on the same
m
2000 RealTi
m
e system. The two assays provided highly concordant results (concordance correlation coefficient, 0.92), but the Abbott RealTi
m
e CMV assay detected and quantified, respectively, 20.6% and 47.8% more samples than the Qiagen/artus CMV assay. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the results, along with the automation, fulfilled the quality requirements for implementation of the Abbott RealTi
m
e CMV assay in clinical settings. Our results highlight the need for careful validation of conversion factors provided by the manufacturers for the WHO IS in WB to allow future comparison of results obtained with different assays.
Evaluation of Cobas TaqMan MTB for Direct Detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Comparison with Cobas Amplicor MTB
Authors: Bloemberg Guido V. , Voit Antje , Ritter Claudia , Deggim Vanessa , Böttger Erik C.
Published: April 2013

The Roche Cobas Amplicor MTB assay, recently replaced by the Roche Cobas TaqMan MTB assay, was one of the first commercially available assays for detection of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex based on nucleic acid amplification. We reported previously on the limited specificity of the Cobas Amplicor MTB assay, in particular for positive samples with an optical density at 660 nm (OD
660
) of <2.0. Using a selected set of respiratory samples, which were scored as false positive by the Cobas Amplicor test, we demonstrate here that the specificity of the Cobas TaqMan assay is significantly improved. In addition, our study of a set of 133 clinical samples revealed that the Cobas TaqMan MTB assay showed significantly less PCR inhibition than the Cobas Amplicor test. An overall concordance of 98.2% was observed between the two assays. In a subsequent prospective study, we evaluated the performance of the Roche Cobas TaqMan MTB assay on 1,143 clinical specimens, including respiratory (
n
= 838) and nonrespiratory (
n
= 305) specimens. Using culture as the gold standard, we found a sensitivity of 88.4% and a specificity of 98.8% for the 838 respiratory specimens, compared to a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 94.6% for the 305 nonrespiratory specimens. We conclude that the Cobas TaqMan MTB assay is a significantly improved tool for the direct detection of
M. tuberculosis
DNA in clinical specimens.
Toxoplasma Seroconversion with Negative or Transient Immunoglobulin M in Pregnant Women: Myth or Reality? A French Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Fricker-Hidalgo H. , Cimon B. , Chemla C. , Darde M. L. , Delhaes L. , L'Ollivier C. , Godineau N. , Houze S. , Paris L. , Quinio D. , Robert-Gangneux F. , Villard O. , Villena I. , Candolfi E. , Pelloux H.
Published: April 2013

Classically,
Toxoplasma
infection is associated with high levels of specific IgM antibody and a rise in specific IgG levels 1 to 3 weeks later. Atypical IgG seroconversion, without IgM detection or with transient IgM levels, has been described during serologic follow-up of seronegative pregnant women and raises difficulties in interpreting the results. To evaluate the frequency and the characteristics of these atypical cases of seroconversion, an investigation was conducted within the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, from which 26 cases collected from 12 laboratories belonging to the network were identified. The aim of this work was to retrospectively analyze the results of serologic testing, the treatments administered, and the results of prenatal and postnatal follow-up for these women. In each case, IgG antibodies were detected using both screening and confirmatory tests. IgM antibodies were not detected in 15 cases, and the levels were equivocal or low-positive in 11 cases. The IgG avidity results were low in 16 cases and high in one case. Most of the pregnant women (22/26) were treated with spiramycin from the time that IgG antibodies appeared until delivery. Amniotic fluid was analyzed for
Toxoplasma gondii
DNA by PCR in 11/26 cases, and the results were negative in all cases. Congenital toxoplasmosis was ruled out in 12/26 newborns. There was no abnormality observed at birth for 10 newborns and no information available for 4 newborns. In conclusion, when the interpretation of serological results is so difficult, it seems cautious to initiate treatment by spiramycin and to follow the pregnant women and their newborns.
Development and Evaluation of a Calibrator Material for Nucleic Acid-Based Assays for Diagnosing Aspergillosis
Authors: Lyon G. Marshall , Abdul-Ali Deborah , Loeffler Juergen , White P. Lewis , Wickes Brian , Herrera Monica L. , Alexander Barbara D. , Baden Lindsey R. , Clancy Cornelius , Denning David , Nguyen M. Hong , Sugrue Michele , Wheat L. Joseph , Wingard John R. , Donnelly J. Peter , Barnes Rosemary , Patterson Thomas F. , Caliendo Angela M.
Published: April 2013

Twelve laboratories evaluated candidate material for an
Aspergillus
DNA calibrator. The DNA material was quantified using limiting-dilution analysis; the mean concentration was determined to be 1.73 × 10
10
units/ml. The calibrator can be used to standardize aspergillosis diagnostic assays which detect and/or quantify nucleic acid.
A Single Early Introduction of HIV-1 Subtype B into Central America Accounts for Most Current Cases
Authors: Murillo Wendy , Veras Nazle , Prosperi Mattia , de Rivera Ivette Lorenzana , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Morales-Miranda Sonia , Juarez Sandra I. , Yang Chunfu , DeVos Joshua , Marín José Pablo , Mild Mattias , Albert Jan , Salemi Marco
Published: April 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants show considerable geographical separation across the world, but there is limited information from Central America. We provide the first detailed investigation of the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in six Central American countries. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on 625 HIV-1polgene sequences collected between 2002 and 2010 in Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. Published sequences from neighboring countries (n= 57) and the rest of the world (n= 740) were included as controls. Maximum likelihood methods were used to explore phylogenetic relationships. Bayesian coalescence-based methods were used to time HIV-1 introductions. Nearly all (98.9%) Central American sequences were of subtype B. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 437 (70%) sequences clustered within five significantly supported monophyletic clades formed essentially by Central American sequences. One clade contained 386 (62%) sequences from all six countries; the other four clades were smaller and more country specific, suggesting discrete subepidemics. The existence of one large well-supported Central American clade provides evidence that a single introduction of HIV-1 subtype B in Central America accounts for most current cases. An introduction during the early phase of the HIV-1 pandemic may explain its epidemiological success. Moreover, the smaller clades suggest a subsequent regional spread related to specific transmission networks within each country.
Human Cytomegalovirus pUL97 Regulates the Viral Major Immediate Early Promoter by Phosphorylation-Mediated Disruption of Histone Deacetylase 1 Binding
Authors: Bigley Tarin M. , Reitsma Justin M. , Mirza Shama P. , Terhune Scott S.
Published: April 2013

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common agent of congenital infection and causes severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Current approved therapies focus on inhibiting viral DNA replication. The HCMV kinase pUL97 contributes to multiple stages of viral infection including DNA replication, controlling the cell cycle, and virion maturation. Our studies demonstrate that pUL97 also functions by influencing immediate early (IE) gene expression during the initial stages of infection. Inhibition of kinase activity using the antiviral compound maribavir or deletion of the UL97 gene resulted in decreased expression of viral immediate early genes during infection. Expression of pUL97 was sufficient to transactivate IE1 gene expression from the viral genome, which was dependent on viral kinase activity. We observed that pUL97 associates with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). HDAC1 is a transcriptional corepressor that acts to silence expression of viral genes. We observed that inhibition or deletion of pUL97 kinase resulted in increased HDAC1 and decreased histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation associating with the viral major immediate early (MIE) promoter. IE expression during pUL97 inhibition or deletion was rescued following inhibition of deacetylase activity. HDAC1 associates with chromatin by protein-protein interactions. Expression of active but not inactive pUL97 kinase decreased HDAC1 interaction with the transcriptional repressor protein DAXX. Finally, using mass spectrometry, we found that HDAC1 is uniquely phosphorylated upon expression of pUL97. Our results support the conclusion that HCMV pUL97 kinase regulates viral immediate early gene expression by phosphorylation-mediated disruption of HDAC1 binding to the MIE promoter.
The Lack of Maturation of Ebola Virus-Infected Dendritic Cells Results from the Cooperative Effect of at Least Two Viral Domains
Authors: Lubaki Ndongala M. , Ilinykh Philipp , Pietzsch Colette , Tigabu Bersabeh , Freiberg Alexander N. , Koup Richard A. , Bukreyev Alexander
Published: April 2013

Ebola virus (EBOV) infections are characterized by deficient T lymphocyte responses, T lymphocyte apoptosis, and lymphopenia in the absence of direct infection of T lymphocytes. In contrast, dendritic cells (DC) are infected but fail to mature appropriately, thereby impairing the T cell response. We investigated the contributions of EBOV proteins in modulating DC maturation by generating recombinant viruses expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein and carrying mutations affecting several potentially immunomodulating domains. They included envelope glycoprotein (GP) domains, as well as innate response antagonist domains (IRADs) previously identified in the VP24 and VP35 proteins. GP expressed by an unrelated vector, but not the wild-type EBOV, was found to strongly induce DC maturation, and infections with recombinant EBOV carrying mutations disabling GP functional domains did not restore DC maturation. In contrast, each of the viruses carrying mutations disabling any IRAD in VP35 induced a dramatic upregulation of DC maturation markers. This was dependent on infection, but not interaction with GP. Disabling of IRADs also resulted in up to a several hundredfold increase in secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, these mutations induced formation of homotypic DC clusters, which represent close correlates of their maturation and presumably facilitate transfer of antigen from migratory DC to lymph node DC. Thus, an individual IRAD is insufficient to suppress DC maturation; rather, the suppression of DC maturation and the “immune paralysis” observed during EBOV infections results from a cooperative effect of two or more individual IRADs.