bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Specificity of Two Enzyme Immunoassays for Coccidioidomycosis by Using Sera from a Region of Endemicity and a Region of Nonendemicity
Authors: Lindsley Mark D. , Ahn YoonJi , McCotter Orion , Gade Lalitha , Hurst Steven F. , Brandt Mary E. , Park Benjamin J. , Litvintseva Anastasia P.
Published: September 2015

Coccidioidomycosis (CM), a serious life-threatening fungal infection endemic to arid regions of the western United States and Mexico, can be challenging to diagnose in a timely manner. Commercially developed enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) (from Meridian Biosciences and Immuno-Mycologics [IMMY]) have provided faster, simpler means for serodiagnosis; however, independent evaluations have questioned EIA specificity, particularly IgM-positive/IgG-negative results. This study was conducted to evaluate EIA specificity among persons residing in Puerto Rico (n= 534), where CM is not endemic (who were not likely to have been exposed toCoccidioidesspp.), compared to blood bank donors residing in Arizona (n= 1,218), where CM is endemic. Upon comparing serum reactivity between Puerto Rico and Arizona, the Meridian EIA showed a significant difference in IgG reactivity (0.37% versus 3.6%;P< 0.001) but not IgM reactivity (3.4% versus 2.4%;P= 0.31). No IgM-/IgG-reactive sera were detected among sera from Puerto Rico, compared to 7 (0.57%) sera from Arizona. Similar results were observed using the IMMY EIA, although significantly (P= 0.03) fewer IgM-reactive sera from Arizona were observed, compared to the Meridian EIA. EIA-reactive sera were also evaluated by immunodiffusion before and after 3- to 4-fold concentration of the sera. These results demonstrate that elevated IgG EIA reactivity is present in sera from healthy individuals in regions of endemicity and that IgM EIA reactivity observed in sera from individuals residing outside regions of endemicity is most likely nonspecific. Other criteria, including clinical and microbiological evaluations, should be taken into account when interpreting results from surveillance studies and other reporting measures.
RNA Enrichment Method for Quantitative Transcriptional Analysis of Pathogens
In Vivo
Applied to the Fungus Candida albicans
Authors: Amorim-Vaz Sara , Tran Van Du T. , Pradervand Sylvain , Pagni Marco , Coste Alix T. , Sanglard Dominique
Published: September 2015

In vivo
transcriptional analyses of microbial pathogens are often hampered by low proportions of pathogen biomass in host organs, hindering the coverage of full pathogen transcriptome. We aimed to address the transcriptome profiles of
Candida albicans
, the most prevalent fungal pathogen in systemically infected immunocompromised patients, during systemic infection in different hosts. We developed a strategy for high-resolution quantitative analysis of the
C. albicans
transcriptome directly from early and late stages of systemic infection in two different host models, mouse and the insect
Galleria mellonella
. Our results show that transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries were enriched for fungal transcripts up to 1,600-fold using biotinylated bait probes to capture
C. albicans
sequences. This enrichment biased the read counts of only ~3% of the genes, which can be identified and removed based on
a priori
criteria. This allowed an unprecedented resolution of
C. albicans
transcriptome
in vivo
, with detection of over 86% of its genes. The transcriptional response of the fungus was surprisingly similar during infection of the two hosts and at the two time points, although some host- and time point-specific genes could be identified. Genes that were highly induced during infection were involved, for instance, in stress response, adhesion, iron acquisition, and biofilm formation. Of the
in vivo
-regulated genes, 10% are still of unknown function, and their future study will be of great interest. The fungal RNA enrichment procedure used here will help a better characterization of the
C. albicans
response in infected hosts and may be applied to other microbial pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the mechanisms utilized by pathogens to infect and cause disease in their hosts is crucial for rational drug development. Transcriptomic studies may help investigations of these mechanisms by determining which genes are expressed specifically during infection. This task has been difficult so far, since the proportion of microbial biomass in infected tissues is often extremely low, thus limiting the depth of sequencing and comprehensive transcriptome analysis. Here, we adapted a technology to capture and enrich
C. albicans
RNA, which was next used for deep RNA sequencing directly from infected tissues from two different host organisms. The high-resolution transcriptome revealed a large number of genes that were so far unknown to participate in infection, which will likely constitute a focus of study in the future. More importantly, this method may be adapted to perform transcript profiling of any other microbes during host infection or colonization.
Chinese green tea and acute hepatitis: a rare yet recurring theme
Authors: Lugg Sebastian Thomas , Braganza Menezes Darryl , Gompertz Simon
Published: September 2015

A previously healthy 16-year-old girl presented with signs of acute hepatitis. On initial enquiry, she had not taken any prescribed or ‘over-the-counter’ medications, and there was no recent travel history. Further investigations revealed no viral, autoimmune or metabolic cause of hepatitis. Only following specific questioning did she reveal that she had, in the preceding 3 months, regularly consumed internet ordered Chinese green tea, which containedCamellia sinensis. After ceasing green tea consumption, there was a rapid and sustained recovery of her hepatitis. The authors discuss the probable cause of herbal tea in this case of acute hepatitis, and the importance of awareness of this rare yet recurring theme for patients and clinicians alike.
First use of bedaquiline in a patient with XDR-TB in Singapore
Authors: Chua Angeline Poh-Gek , Hoo Grace Si-Ru , Chee Cynthia Bin-Eng , Wang Yee Tang
Published: September 2015

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a threat to global control of TB: 3.5% of new and 20.5% of previously treated TB cases were estimated to have multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB in 2013. Approximately 9% of patients with MDR-TB had extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB. A 30-year-old Vietnamese woman previously treated for TB in her home country presented with 5 months of cough and shortness of breath 1 year after migrating to Singapore. Xpert MTB/Rif testing showed rpoB gene mutation. Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing revealed XDR-TB. Second and third-line TB drugs were commenced. To strengthen the efficacy of her treatment regimen, the novel anti-TB drug bedaquiline was obtained for the patient on compassionate grounds. We report the first use in Singapore of bedaquiline for the treatment of XDR-TB.
Atypical measles syndrome in adults: still around
Authors: Melenotte Cléa , Cassir Nadim , Tessonnier Laurent , Brouqui Philippe
Published: September 2015

Measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, is currently responsible for worldwide outbreaks mainly due to the failure to maintain high coverage of childhood immunisation. Atypical measles syndrome was first described in the 1960s in association with the inactivated measles vaccine. We report a case of atypical measles syndrome in a 29-year-old man without previous measles immunisation. He presented with fever, shortness of breath and a purpuric rash. Radiological investigations allowed the diagnosis of severe nodular pneumonia. Positive PCR in nasal and pharyngeal samples, and positive serology for a primary infection confirmed measles diagnosis. Both clinical symptoms and pulmonary nodules regressed spontaneously, whereas mediastinal lymph nodes increased and persisted up to 3 months after the primary infection. Physicians should be aware of the atypical measles syndrome presentation in order to limit the delay of diagnosis, to avoid unnecessary investigations and to prevent the potential spread of this infectious disease.
Scrotal calcinosis: pathogenetic link with epidermal cyst
Authors: Solanki Anjali , Narang Shveta , Kathpalia Rohit , Goel Apul
Published: September 2015

Scrotal calcinosis is a rare entity characterised by multiple calcified nodules in the scrotal skin. Various pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated in the literature to explain the origin of these nodules; however, debate continues among variable opinions and evidence. We report two cases of scrotal calcinosis developing from an epidermoid cyst with demonstration of pathology at various stages, thereby suggesting calcification of epidermal cysts as an initiating event in the pathogenesis of the disease, at least in a few cases.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of standard wound management versus negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of adult patients with an open fracture of the lower limb: UK Wound management of Open Lower Limb Fractures (UK WOLFF)
Authors: Achten Juul , Parsons Nick R , Bruce Julie , Petrou Stavros , Tutton Elizabeth , Willett Keith , Lamb Sarah E , Costa Matthew L
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Patients who sustain open lower limb fractures have reported infection risks as high as 27%. The type of dressing applied after initial debridement could potentially affect this risk. In this trial, standard dressings will be compared with a new emerging treatment, negative pressure wound therapy, for patients with open lower limb fractures.

Methods and analysis

All adult patients presenting with an open lower limb fracture, with a Gustilo and Anderson (G&A) grade 2/3, will be considered for inclusion. 460 consented patients will provide 90% power to detect a difference of eight points in the Disability Rating Index (DRI) score at 12 months, at the 5% level. A randomisation sequence, stratified by trial centre and G&A grade, will be produced and administered by a secure web-based service. A qualitative substudy will assess patients’ experience of giving consent for the trial, and acceptability of trial procedures to patients and staff. Patients will have clinical follow-up in a fracture clinic up to a minimum of 12 months as per standard National Health Service (NHS) practice. Functional and quality of life outcome data will be collected using the DRI, SF12 and EQ-5D questionnaires at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. In addition, information will be requested with regards to resource use and any late complications or surgical interventions related to their injury. The main analysis will investigate differences in the DRI score at 1 year after injury, between the two treatment groups on an intention-to-treat basis. Tests will be two sided and considered to provide evidence for a significant difference if p values are less than 0.05.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was given by NRES Committee West Midlands—Coventry & Warwickshire on 6/2/2012 (ref: 12/WM/0001). The results of the trial will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN33756652.
Ambulatory hysteroscopy and its role in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Cooper Natalie A M , Robinson Lynne L L , Clark T Justin
Published: September 2015

Hysteroscopy is now an ambulatory procedure, having moved from a conventional day-case operating theatre environment to the outpatient clinic setting. Outpatient hysteroscopy can be used as a diagnostic test and as a therapeutic modality for women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. In many cases women can be diagnosed and treated efficiently during a single hospital appointment. This article reviews the development of ambulatory hysteroscopy and how it should optimally be performed and implemented. The contemporary role of this technology for investigating and treating women with abnormal uterine bleeding is then discussed.
A new Gorstian radiolarian fauna from the upper Silurian of the Cape Phillips Formation, Cornwallis and Bathurst islands, Canadian Arctic
Authors: Tetard Martin , Noble Paula J. , Danelian Taniel , Monnet Claude , Lenz Alfred C.
Published: September 2015

This study provides a taxonomic treatment and comparison of lower Gorstian (Silurian) radiolarians recovered from two sections of the Cape Phillips Formation in the Canadian Arctic that accumulated in two different paleoenvironmental settings. Twilight Creek is more basinal, located ∼100 km from the paleo-shelf margin, whereas Snowblind Creek is located within 1 km of the paleo-shelf break, on Cornwallis Island. The fauna, like other material from the Cape Phillips Formation, is extremely well preserved and was recovered from four samples at two localities, all from the Lobograptus progenitor graptolite Zone, an interval that has few published studies regarding radiolarians. A total of 28 species are recognized, of which two are new and described herein (Fusalfanus bilateralis n. sp. and Pseudospongoprunum parvispina n. sp.), belonging to the Haplotaeniatidae, Inaniguttidae, “Sponguridae”, Ceratoikiscidae, Entactiniidae, Palaeoscenidiidae, and Secuicollactidae. Based on these new data, the stratigraphic ranges of some taxa are extended. The species concepts of several closely related inaniguttid species are re-evaluated. As a result, Inanihella tarangulica Nazarov and Ormiston, 1984 is transferred to the genus Fusalfanus Furutani, 1990 based on cortical shell structure, and Inanihella duroacus, Inanihella legiuncula, and Inanihella perarmata are synonymized under Fusalfanus tarangulica sensu lato. Aciferopylorum admirandum is transferred to Fusalfanus and considered a junior synonym of Fusalfanus osobudaniensis. The comparative analysis of taxonomic richness and composition reveals that the more distal sample from Bathurst Island exhibits a slight, but statistically significant, higher alpha diversity at the species rank than the more proximal basin/platform samples from Snowblind Creek. Biodiversity indices at the genus rank produced mixed results, indicating that differences between sites are at best slight. There is also a strong taxonomic separation between the fine and coarse size radiolarian fractions recovered during the sieving of each sample. The siliceous sponge spicule assemblages from these faunas show an inverse diversity relationship to the radiolarians in that Snowblind Creek contains greater alpha diversity than Twilight Creek. This study provides the first documentation of facies-controls in Silurian radiolarian diversity and is useful in evaluating the role of taxa used in biostratigraphy.
Cytochrome P450 Isoforms in the Metabolism of Decursin and Decursinol Angelate from Korean Angelica
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Li Li , Tang Suni , Hale Thomas W. , Xing Chengguo , Jiang Cheng , Lü Junxuan
Published: September 2015

We have shown that the in vitro hepatic microsomal metabolism of pyranocoumarin compound decursinol angelate (DA) to decursinol (DOH) exclusively requires cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, whereas the conversion of its isomer decursin (D) to DOH can be mediated by CYP and esterase(s). To provide insight into specific isoforms involved, here we show with recombinant human CYP that 2C19 was the most active at metabolizing D and DA in vitro followed by 3A4. With carboxylesterases (CES), D was hydrolyzed by CES2 but not CES1, and DA was resistant to both CES1 and CES2. In human liver microsomal (HLM) preparation, the general CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) and respective competitive inhibitors for 2C19 and 3A4, (+)-N-3-benzylnirvanol (NBN) and ketoconazole substantially retarded the metabolism of DA and, to a lesser extent, of D. In healthy human subjects from a single-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study, 2C19 extensive metabolizer genotype (2C19*17 allele) tended to have less plasma DA AUC0-48h and poor metabolizer genotype (2C19*2 allele) tended to have greater DA AUC0-48h. In mice given a single dose of D/DA, pretreatment with ABT boosted the plasma and prostate levels of D and DA by more than an order of magnitude. Taken together, our findings suggest that CYP isoforms 2C19 and 3A4 may play a crucial role in the first pass liver metabolism of DA and, to a lesser extent, that of D in humans. Pharmacogenetics with respect to CYP genotypes and interactions among CYP inhibitor drugs and D/DA should therefore be considered in designing future translation studies of DA and/or D.
Effects of some rare earth and carbonate-based co-dopants on structural and electrical properties of samarium doped ceria (SDC) electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Anwar Mustafa , Khan Zuhair S. , Mustafa Kamal , Rana Akmal
Published: September 2015

In the present study, samarium doped ceria (SDC) and SDC-based composite with the addition of K2CO3 were prepared by co-precipitation route and effects of pH of the solution and calcination temperature on microstructure of SDC and SDC-K2CO3, respectively, were investigated. Furthermore, experimentation was performed to investigate into the ionic conductivity of pure SDC by co-doping with yttrium i.e., YSDC, XRD and SEM studies show that the crystallite size and particle size of SDC increases with the increase in pH. The SEM images of all the samples of SDC synthesized at different pH values showed the irregular shaped and dispersed particles. SDC-K2CO3 was calcined at 600[Formula: see text]C, 700[Formula: see text]C and 800[Formula: see text]C for 4 h and XRD results showed that crystallite size increases while lattice strain, decreases with the increase in calcination temperature and no peaks were detected for K2CO3 as it is present in an amorphous form. The ionic conductivity of the electrolytes increases with the increase in temperature and SDC-K2CO3 shows the highest value of ionic conductivity as compared to SDC and YSDC. Chemical compatibility tests were performed between the co-doped electrolyte and lithiated NiO cathode at high temperature. It revealed that the couple could be used up to the temperature of 700[Formula: see text]C.
Effect of pseudogap on the specific heat of superconductor
Authors: Chanpoom Thaipanya
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the superconductor with the competition of superconducting gap and pseudogap in the below crossover temperature region is calculated. The superconducting gap and pseudogap is assumed to arise from independent and competing correlation. The critical temperature, superconducting gap and the specific heat jump are derived in the analytic form and the approximation is used to simplify the equations obtained for the region that crossover temperature and energy of pseudogap are higher than critical temperature. We find that the critical temperature is decreased as the energy of pseudogap and crossover temperature as increased. The superconductor with pseudogap has small specific heat jump in comparison with the BCS value. Increasing the crossover temperature and critical temperature, the specific heat jump is decreased.
Analysis of Factor Influencing the Tablet Acceptance for Library Information Services: A Combination of UTAUT and TTF Model
Authors: Vongjaturapat Sununthar , Chaveesuk Singha , Chotikakamthorn Nopporn , Tongkhambanchong Sakesan
Published: September 2015

Increasingly, powerful mobile technology, like the tablet, empowers learners to seek information in mobile learning scenarios virtually anywhere and anytime. It is important for the academic library to look at how students use their tablets for library information seeking tasks to fully understand the nature of the patron's task and the need for the tablet. This study investigates the function of mobile technology based on the information seeking task, with particular reference to the appropriateness of tablet characteristics for the information seeking task in a library online database, downloading and reading from the screen, the effect of the patron's perception on their behavioural intention (BI) to use the tablet, and a measure of the patron's acceptance. Adapting the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model requires re-specification to suit a specific information system. The re-specific model introduces new constructs and new measuring instruments. New constructs were used for exogenous predictors of the UTAUT variables as well as including integration variables namely technology characteristics and task characteristics that were explicitly contained in the task-technology fit (TTF) model. These extensions and integrations of UTAUT have been valuable in expanding our understanding of technology adoption and extending the boundaries of the theory. Our research found that TTF and performance expectancy (PE) have a direct effect on actual use (AU). In addition, we also found a significant effect of the TTF on PE which in turn influences BI to accept the tablet for library information seeking tasks. This shows the importance of TTF. Besides, the results showed that interaction with library search systems revealed the strongest effect among the exogenous variables, which ultimately determines the AU of the tablet for library information seeking tasks.
Relationship Among the Dimensions of Knowledge Management from the Viewpoint of Social Capital Based on Interpretive Structural Modelling (A Case Study)
Authors: Taghizadeh Houshang , Shokri Abdolhossein
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of the present research is to identify the internal relationships among the dimensions of knowledge management from the viewpoint of social capital. The statistical population includes 50 Professors and experts in the field, who have been defined as connoisseurs. The data have been collected through the use of the researcher-designed questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by content validity, and its reliability was determined by test–retest method. The results indicate that the dimensions of knowledge management, from the social capital perspective, have relatively strong, reciprocal systemic relations with each other. Among the dimensions of knowledge management studied in the research, the "leadership and management" dimension has been identified as the strongest dimension from the viewpoint of leading power, and the "intellectual capital" has been recognised as having the highest rate of dependence on the other dimensions of knowledge management regarding the social capital of knowledge management. The results obtained from the identification and evaluation of the systematic relations can be used as a guide by managers and decision-makers in designing strategic programs concerning knowledge management within the organisation while having social capital in mind.
Negative vector bundle and complex Finsler structures
Authors: Adouani Ines
Published: September 2015

Given a holomorphic vector bundle [Formula: see text] with a strongly pseudoconvex Finsler metric [Formula: see text], an intrinsic approach to complex Finsler geometry as given by Kobayashi is proposed in order to study the negativity of [Formula: see text].
The limit shadowing property and Li–Yorke’s chaos
Authors: Lee Manseob
Published: September 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a compact metric space, and let [Formula: see text] be a homeomorphism. We show that if [Formula: see text] has the limit shadowing property then [Formula: see text] is chaotic in the sense of Li–Yorke. Moreover, [Formula: see text] is dense Li–Yorke chaos.
A note on the 2-rainbow bondage numbers in graphs
Authors: Asgharsharghi L. , Sheikholeslami S. M. , Volkmann L.
Published: September 2015

A 2-rainbow dominating function (2RDF) of a graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] from the vertex set [Formula: see text] to the set of all subsets of the set [Formula: see text] such that for any vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], the condition [Formula: see text] is fulfilled. The weight of a 2RDF [Formula: see text] is the value [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-rainbow domination number of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum weight of a 2RDF of [Formula: see text]. The rainbow bondage number [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] with maximum degree at least two is the minimum cardinality of all sets [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. Dehgardi, Sheikholeslami and Volkmann, [The [Formula: see text]-rainbow bondage number of a graph, Discrete Appl. Math. 174 (2014) 133–139] proved that the rainbow bondage number of a planar graph does not exceed 15. In this paper, we generalize their result for graphs which admit a [Formula: see text]-cell embedding on a surface with non-negative Euler characteristic.
Repulsive Guidance Molecules a, b and c Are Skeletal Muscle Proteins, and Repulsive Guidance Molecule a Promotes Cellular Hypertrophy and Is Necessary for Myotube Fusion
Authors: Martins Aline Fagundes , Xavier Neto José , Azambuja Ana , Sereno Maria Lorena , Figueira Antonio , Campos-Junior Paulo Henrique , Rosário Millor Fernandes , Toledo Cristiane Bittencourt Barroso , Silva Gerluza Aparecida Borges , Kitten Gregory Thomas , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Dietrich Susanne , Jorge Erika Cristina
Published: September 2015

Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) compose a family of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored axon guidance molecules and perform several functions during neural development. New evidence has suggested possible new roles for these axon guidance molecules during skeletal muscle development, which has not been investigated thus far. In the present study, we show that RGMa, RGMb and RGMc are all induced during skeletal muscle differentiation in vitro. Immunolocalization performed on adult skeletal muscle cells revealed that RGMa, RGMb and RGMc are sarcolemmal proteins. Additionally, RGMa was found to be a sarcoplasmic protein with a surprisingly striated pattern. RGMa colocalization with known sarcoplasmic proteins suggested that this axon guidance molecule is a skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic protein. Western blot analysis revealed two RGMa fragments of 60 and 33 kDa, respectively, in adult skeletal muscle samples. RGMa phenotypes in skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 and primary myoblasts) were also investigated. RGMa overexpression produced hypertrophic cells, whereas RGMa knockdown resulted in the opposite phenotype. RGMa knockdown also blocked myotube formation in both skeletal muscle cell types. Our results are the first to show an axon guidance molecule as a skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic protein and to include RGMa in a system that regulates skeletal muscle cell size and differentiation.
Predictably Convergent Evolution of Sodium Channels in the Arms Race between Predators and Prey
Authors: Brodie III Edmund D. , Brodie Jr. Edmund D.
Published: September 2015

Evolution typically arrives at convergent phenotypic solutions to common challenges of natural selection. However, diverse molecular and physiological mechanisms may generate phenotypes that appear similar at the organismal level. How predictable are the molecular mechanisms of adaptation that underlie adaptive convergence? Interactions between toxic prey and their predators provide an excellent avenue to investigate the question of predictability because both taxa must adapt to the presence of defensive poisons. The evolution of resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX), which binds to and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1) in nerves and muscle, has been remarkably parallel across deep phylogenetic divides. In both predators and prey, representing three major vertebrate groups, TTX resistance has arisen through structural changes in NaV1 proteins. Fish, amphibians and reptiles, though they differ in the total number of NaV1 paralogs in their genomes, have each evolved common amino acid substitutions in the orthologous skeletal muscle NaV1.4. Many of these substitutions involve not only the same positions in the protein, but also the identical amino acid residues. Similarly, predictable convergence is observed across the family of sodium channel genes expressed in different tissues in puffer fish and in garter snakes. Trade-offs between the fundamental role of NaV1 proteins in selective permeability of Na+ and their ability to resist binding by TTX generate a highly constrained adaptive landscape at the level of the protein.
Active Listening in a Bat Cocktail Party: Adaptive Echolocation and Flight Behaviors of Big Brown Bats, Eptesicus fuscus, Foraging in a Cluttered Acoustic Environment
Authors: Warnecke Michaela , Chiu Chen , Engelberg Jonathan , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: September 2015

In their natural environment, big brown bats forage for small insects in open spaces, as well as in vegetation and in the presence of acoustic clutter. While searching and hunting for prey, bats experience sonar interference, not only from densely cluttered environments, but also from calls of conspecifics foraging in close proximity. Previous work has shown that when two bats compete for a single prey item in a relatively open environment, one of the bats may go silent for extended periods of time, which can serve to minimize sonar interference between conspecifics. Additionally, pairs of big brown bats have been shown to adjust frequency characteristics of their vocalizations to avoid acoustic interference in echo processing. In this study, we extended previous work by examining how the presence of conspecifics and environmental clutter influence the bat's echolocation behavior. By recording multichannel audio and video data of bats engaged in insect capture in open and cluttered spaces, we quantified the bats' vocal and flight behaviors. Big brown bats flew individually and in pairs in an open and cluttered room, and the results of this study shed light on the different strategies that this species employs to negotiate a complex and dynamic environment.
Predictors of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Yo-ichi , Shirabe Ken , Aishima Shinichi , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: September 2015

This chapter covers a range of important topics in the evaluation of the microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before treatment. The malignant potential of HCC is reflected by the types of MVI such as portal venous (vp), hepatic vein (vv) or bile duct (b) infiltration. The identification of the type of MVI in HCC has a key role in decisions regarding the effective treatment of HCC. Here, we describe the possible and important predictors of MVI in HCC.
Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Randomized Controlled Trials to Clinical Practice
Authors: Cabibbo Giuseppe , Petta Salvatore , Maida Marcello , Cammà Calogero
Published: September 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a challenging malignancy of global importance. It is the sixth most common solid malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, worldwide. Curative treatments at early stages include liver transplantation, resection and percutaneous ablation, while transarterial chemoembolization can improve survival in patients with intermediate tumor stage. Patients with mild, related symptoms and/or macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread are classified under the advanced stage. The standard of care in this group is sorafenib, an inhibitor of Raf kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, whose effectiveness has been proven by 2 recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim of this brief review is to highlight the main concerns and pitfalls and to analyze the recent data of literature regarding the efficacy and the management of sorafenib therapy from RCTs to real practice.
Refractive Error in Patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity after Laser Photocoagulation or Bevacizumab Monotherapy
Authors: Kuo Hsi-Kung , Sun I-Ting , Chung Mei-Yung , Chen Yi-Hao
Published: September 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the refractive development of premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after treatment with laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB). Methods: The medical records of patients with ROP treated between 2003 and 2012 who underwent yearly follow-ups were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with residual ROP abnormalities were excluded. The cycloplegic refraction at 3 years of age, assessed using an autorefractometer, was recorded. Results: In total, 54 eyes from 54 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1, including 14 eyes of 14 patients treated with laser therapy; group 2, 15 eyes of 15 patients treated with IVB; group 3, 13 eyes of 13 patients with non-type 1 ROP under conservative follow-up, and group 4, 12 eyes of 12 premature patients without ROP. The mean spherical equivalent at 3 years of age was -1.71 ± 1.27 dpt in group 1, -1.53 ± 2.20 dpt in group 2, 0.63 ± 1.37 dpt in group 3, and 0.41 ± 1.95 dpt in group 4. The mean refractive error differed significantly among the 4 groups (p < 0.001). Patients in groups 1 and 2 were more prone to myopia compared with those in groups 3 and 4. Furthermore, patients with type 1 ROP treated by laser photocoagulation (group 1) and those treated by IVB (group 2) had similar refraction (p = 1). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that treatment-demanding ROP eyes are susceptible to more severe myopia with age compared with eyes without ROP or those with spontaneously regressed ROP. In addition, the myopic status between laser and IVB treatment did not differ statistically.
Integrative Biology of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Harder Jennifer L. , Hodgin Jeffrey B. , Kretzler Matthias
Published: September 2015

Background: The leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the US is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Despite significant efforts to improve outcomes in DKD, the impact on disease progression has been disappointing. This has prompted clinicians and researchers to search for alternative approaches to identify persons at risk, and to search for more effective therapies to halt progression of DKD. The identification of novel therapies is critically dependent on a more comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of DKD, specifically at the molecular level. A more expansive and exploratory view of DKD is needed to complement more traditional research approaches that have focused on single molecules. Summary: In recent years, sophisticated research methodologies have emerged within systems biology that should allow for a more comprehensive disease definition of DKD. Systems biology provides an interdisciplinary approach to describe complex interactions within biological systems, including how these interactions influence systems' functions and behaviors. Computational modeling of large, system-wide, quantitative data sets is used to generate molecular interaction pathways, such as metabolic and cell signaling networks. Key Messages: Importantly, the interpretation of data generated by systems biology tools requires integration with enhanced clinical research data and validation using model systems. Such an integrative biological approach has already generated novel insights into pathways and molecules involved in DKD. In this review, we highlight recent examples of how combining systems biology with traditional clinical and model research efforts results in an integrative biology approach that significantly adds to the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of DKD.
Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Treatment of Kidney Stones: Establishment as Primary Standard Therapy in a Tertiary Stone Center
Authors: Ising Stephan , Labenski Heike , Baltes Stefan , Khaffaf Aso , Thomas Christian , Wiesner Christoph
Published: September 2015

Introduction: To analyze the primary stone free rate (pSFR) of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) in the treatment of renal stones and to identify clinical predictors for the primary freedom from renal stones. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seventy five patients, who underwent fURS for kidney stones were analyzed. Results: Index stone size was 6 mm. The stone was located in the lower calyx in 48%. Ureteral access sheath was used in 97%. Operation time was 35 min and primary stone clearance was 83%. pSFR increased from 74% in 2012 to 83% in 2013 and 90% in 2014 (p = 0.001). Preoperative stenting, index stone size, cumulative stone size, lithotripsy, ureteral access sheath and operation time were significantly correlated with the pSFR by univariate analysis. Multivariate regression analysis showed index stone size, cumulative stone size, ureteral access sheath and operation time as independent parameters for pSFR. Conclusions: fURS for kidney stones is safe with a high pSFR. Clinical parameters for pSFR are stone size, use of ureteral access sheath and operation time. In future, the effective use of fURS for the removal of kidney stones needs to be checked by prospective randomized trials.
Palliation of Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis Using Insulation-Tipped Diathermic Knife 2: A Case Report
Authors: Yoon Seon Bin , Park Yong Won , Cheon Mi Ju , Koh Young Min , Park Sanghoon , Kim Se Joong , Lee Seung Hyeun
Published: September 2015

Objective: To report the first case of using the insulation-tipped diathermic knife 2 (IT knife-2) for the treatment of postintubation tracheal stenosis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 71-year-old female patient with a history of endotracheal intubation 3 years earlier presented with throat discomfort, gross wheezing and dyspnea. Chest imaging and bronchoscopy demonstrated a strand-like tracheal stenosis in the upper trachea. The IT knife-2 was used to treat the patient and the lesion was palliated without complication. Conclusion: This case was successfully treated with the IT knife-2 and thus implies a potential usefulness of the IT knife-2 as a new modality for bronchoscopic intervention.
Post–Acute Care Data for Predicting Readmission After Ischemic Stroke: A Nationwide Cohort Analysis Using the Minimum Data Set
Authors: Fehnel Corey R. , Lee Yoojin , Wendell Linda C. , Thompson Bradford B. , Potter N. Stevenson , Mor Vincent
Published: September 2015

Background

Reducing hospital readmissions is a key component of reforms for stroke care. Current readmission prediction models lack accuracy and are limited by data being from only acute hospitalizations. We hypothesized that patient‐level factors from a nationwide post–acute care database would improve prediction modeling.

Methods and Results

Medicare inpatient claims for the year 2008 that used
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
codes were used to identify ischemic stroke patients older than age 65. Unique individuals were linked to comprehensive post–acute care assessments through use of the Minimum Data Set (
MDS
). Logistic regression was used to construct risk‐adjusted readmission models. Covariates were derived from
MDS
variables. Among 39 178 patients directly admitted to nursing homes after hospitalization due to acute stroke, there were 29 338 (75%) with complete
MDS
assessments. Crude rates of readmission and death at 30 days were 8448 (21%) and 2791 (7%), respectively. Risk‐adjusted models identified multiple independent predictors of all‐cause 30‐day readmission. Model performance of the readmission model using
MDS
data had a c‐statistic of 0.65 (95%
CI
0.64 to 0.66). Higher levels of social engagement, a marker of nursing home quality, were associated with progressively lower odds of readmission (odds ratio 0.71, 95%
CI
0.55 to 0.92).

Conclusions

Individual clinical characteristics from the post–acute care setting resulted in only modest improvement in the c‐statistic relative to previous models that used only Medicare Part A data. Individual‐level characteristics do not sufficiently account for the risk of acute hospital readmission.
“There Is No Wild”
Authors: Bell Jessica
Published: September 2015

This paper documents the discourse used by contemporary circuses to justify their exploitation of nonhuman animals. The circus is undergoing redefinition due to cultural changes, animal welfare concerns, and political legislation. Critical Discourse Analysis is applied to a sample of articles (N= 128) on animals in circuses published inusnewspapers and magazines from 2007 to 2012. Analyses revealed that circus discourse attempts to (a) promote the circus as an ecologically important endeavor, (b) minimize the differences between human and nonhuman animals, (c) naturalize culturally induced behavior, (d) assert that captivity is preferable to the wild, and (e) collapse domesticity and wildness. These discursive strategies serve to legitimize, naturalize, and produce consent for the use of nonhuman animals in circuses. Furthermore, circus discourse conceptualizes nature and culture in ways that are ideologically significant and detrimental to the promotion of a conservation mindset.
SYSTEMATIC WOOD ANATOMY OF HUBERIA, MICONIA AND TIBOUCHINA (MELASTOMATACEAE)
Authors: dos Santos Silva Marcelo , dos Santos Francisco de Assis Ribeiro , da Silva Camilla Reis Augusto , dos Santos Noélia Costa , da Silva Lazaro Benedito
Published: September 2015

The wood anatomy of Huberia consimilis, Miconia amoena, M. mirabilis, M. rimalis and Tibouchina francavillana (Melastomataceae) is described and compared with other species from the same genera. All taxa share vestured pits, absent or inconspicuous growth rings, septate fibres, parenchyma-like tangential bands, and fibres shorter than 900 μm which is characteristic of the family Melastomataceae. Each species exhibited a set of wood anatomical characteristics that enabled its identification. Some traits were more relevant in distinguishing genera, such as composition of parenchyma-like tangential bands, vessel-ray pits, ray width, rays per millimetre and fibre length. Parenchyma-like tangential bands are described in great detail, and we propose a more specific nomenclature for their anatomical classification.
A new and endangered species of Iochroma (Solanaceae) from the cloud forests of central Peru and its phylogenetic position in Iochrominae
Authors: Cueva Manchego Marco Antonio , SMITH STACEY DEWITT , GONZÁLES SEGUNDO LEIVA
Published: September 2015

Iochroma amicorum M. Cueva, S. D. Sm. & S. Leiva (Solanaceae), a new species from cloud forests of Central Peru, is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data suggest that Iochroma amicorum is closely related to I. nitidum, I. umbellatum, I. grandiflorum and I. tingoanum, which collectively form the “U” clade of Iochrominae. Certain morphological characteristics of calyx and corolla as well as the type of habitat appear to be common in species of this clade. Iochroma amicorum is easily distinguished from other members of the “U” clade by its campanulate or funnel-shaped corolla with short and slightly reflexed lobes, the presence of an expanded stapet at the point of filament insertion with short lateral extensions united to the corolla, and its globose usually white fruits with tinges of purple at the base. Distribution, phenology and are discussed together with the position of the new species in Iochrominae. Iochroma amicorum is assessed as Endangered according to IUCN criteria B1ab (i, iii)
Sorbus dolichofoliolatus (Rosaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Li Meng , Gao Xin-Fen
Published: September 2015

Sorbus dolichofoliolatus (Rosaceae) sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on the collections deposited at the herbarium CDBI. The new species is similar to S. rehderiana in infructescence with sparsely rust-brown short hairs, fruit size, and glabrescent leaflets, but the former has longer and wider leaflets, persistent stipules and pinkish fruit color. A molecular phylogenetic analysis supports that the new species is distinguishable from related species in the genus.
Review of the genus Taiwanomyrme Tsuneki, 1993 (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae, Mutillinae), with description of two new species from China
Authors: TU BIN-BIN , LELEJ ARKADY S. , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: September 2015

Five species of Taiwanomyrme Tsuneki, 1993 are reviewed; two of them, T. latisquamula Tu, Lelej et Chen, sp. nov. (China: Guizhou) and T. impressoides Tu, Lelej et Chen, sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan), are described and illustrated. Smicromyrme taiwanus Tsuneki, 1993 is proposed as a new synonym for Taiwanomyrme friekae (Zavattari, 1913). A key to males and females of Taiwanomyrme and additions to the key of females of Oriental genera of the tribes Petersenidiini and Trogaspidiini are given. New ranges are given for T. basirufus (Chen, 1957) and T. impressus (Chen, 1957), specifically within China.
Systematics and distribution of the giant fossil barn owls of the West Indies (Aves: Strigiformes: Tytonidae)
Authors: SUÁREZ WILLIAM , OLSON STORRS L.
Published: September 2015

After reviewing the systematics and distribution of the extinct West Indian taxa of Tytonidae (Tyto) larger than the living barn owl Tyto alba (Scopoli), we reached the following conclusions: (1) the species T. ostologa Wetmore (1922) is the only giant barn owl known so far from Hispaniola; (2) T. pollens Wetmore (1937) was a somewhat larger and even more robust representative of T. ostologa known from the Great Bahama Bank and Cuba; (3) the very rare species T. riveroi Arredondo (1972b) is here synonymized with T. pollens; (4) the smallest taxon of these giant barn owls is T. noeli Arredondo (1972a), which is widespread and abundant in Quaternary deposits of Cuba and is here reported for the first time from two cave deposits in Jamaica; (5) the only large barn owl named so far from the Lesser Antilles is T. neddi Steadman & Hilgartner (1999), which is here synonymized with T. noeli; (6) a new taxon from Cuba, T. cravesae new species, which in size approached the linear dimensions of T. ostologa, is named and described herein.
Barrier Wind Formation in the Upper Green River Basin of Sublette County, Wyoming, and Its Relationship to Elevated Ozone Distributions in Winter
Authors: Emery Brittni R. , Montague Derek C. , Field Robert A. , Parish Thomas R.
Published: September 2015

Meteorological factors affect the concentrations and distributions of pollutants during episodes of degraded air quality. Over the last 10 years, the upper Green River basin (UGRB) of Sublette County, Wyoming, has experienced numerous wintertime ozone episodes stimulated by emissions from oil and natural gas development operations, resulting in the region being determined to be in marginal nonattainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Examination of surface wind field patterns in the UGRB using observations from a network of surface monitoring stations for 2011 and 2012, with an emphasis on ozone-episode days, confirms that increased ozone concentrations are most frequently measured on days on which winds are light and variable. Dispersion and dilution of ozone and its precursor pollutants on these days is therefore inefficient, and so these episodes invariably occur within and close by the gas fields. On days that instead experience afternoon southeasterly winds, episodes can often be observed at locations on the northwestern perimeter of the basin remote from pollutant source regions. Simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, conducted for the case study of 15 February 2011, identify these southeasterlies as barrier winds caused by southwesterly flow at 700 hPa impinging on the Wind River Mountains that flank the UGRB to the northeast. Characterization of the barrier wind and the overall airflow patterns facilitates more accurate future forecasting of the time-dependent geographical distribution of increased concentrations of ozone and other pollutants in the region.