bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship betweenABOgenotype andAantigen expression on platelets
Authors: DeLelys Michelle E. , Ochoa Gorka , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine M. , Vietz Christine , Preffer Frederic I. , Dzik Walter
Published: November 2012

Background

Although platelets (PLTs) are known to expressABHantigens, the extent of expression is different onPLTscompared with red blood cells and the relationship betweenPLT ABHexpression and genotype has not been thoroughly investigated.

Study Design and Methods

We measured blood groupHandAantigens onPLTsfrom 100 normal volunteers using fluorescent‐conjugated reagents and flow cytometry. Individuals were also genotyped at theABOlocus using a commercially available genotyping system.

Results

Expression ofAandHantigen varied widely onPLTsfrom different individuals. Among groupAandABpersons,Hantigen expression was significantly greater thanAantigen (p < 0.0001). The ratio ofH‐to‐Aantigen expression varied more than 100‐fold in a predictable fashion according to genotype with values lowest inA1/A1 < A1/O < A2/A2 < A2/O.HandAantigen expression was unaffected by secretor status. The proportion ofPLTswith highAexpression also varied directly according to genotype.

Conclusions

Blood groupAandHantigen expression onPLTsvaries in a predictable fashion according to genotype. Flow cytometry and genotyping identify individuals who strongly expressAantigens, a finding that may be relevant to clinicalPLTtransfusion acrossABObarriers.
The Romance of Surrogacy1
Authors: Berend Zsuzsa
Published: November 2012

This article seeks to demonstrate and analyze the cultural and emotional work surrogate mothers collectively engage in on the largest surrogacy support website,

http://www.surromomsonline.com

. Surrogate mothers’ online stories and discussions frame contract surrogacy as a “labor of love.” Women often describe their surrogacy as a “journey” of shared love; they hope for a lasting relationship with the couple they carry for. This article explores how the language of love, learned and internalized through online communication with other surrogates, creates both a cultural conceptualization of surrogacy and a ground for action. Love and altruistic giving are consistent with close interpersonal rather than market relationships; surrogates hope for a long‐term friendship with their couple. Surrogacy journeys, however, not infrequently end in disappointment; surrogates feel betrayed when couples cut ties. As a result of collective learning, surrogates’ discussions increasingly articulate the position that love, even when unreciprocated, can lead to repeated giving; love is noble and ennobling. Surrogates find appreciation and support in their online surrogacy community where they agree that giving life is a moral good. This stance has contributed to a renewed enthusiasm to bear children for others.
Transmissibility of Broad bean wilt virus 1 by aphids: influence of virus accumulation in plants, virus genotype and aphid species
Authors: Ferriol I. , Rubio L. , Pérez‐Panadés J. , Carbonell E. A. , Davino S. , Belliure B.
Published: November 2012

Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV‐1) is transmitted by several aphid species in a non‐persistent manner. Transmission efficiency by vectors is a key factor for understanding virus epidemiology and applying disease control measures based on limiting virus spread. We evaluated the transmission rates of two genetically divergent BBWV‐1 isolates (PV‐132 from USA and Ben from Spain) infecting broad bean (Vicia faba L.) by isofemale lines of nine aphid species from eight different genera collected in Spain. Our analyses showed that: (a) the virus concentration in the source plant was a key factor in BBWV‐1 transmissibility; (b) The Spanish isolate Ben was transmitted more efficiently than the American isolate PV‐132 by most aphid species, but this was only due to the higher accumulation of Ben in plants, as both isolates had similar transmissibility after adjusting virus concentration and (c) The transmission rate varied greatly between the different aphid species.
Centralized resources for nurse practitioners: Common early experiences among leaders of six large health systems
Authors: Bahouth Mona N. , Ackerman Michael , Ellis Elizabeth F. , Fuchs Janet , McComiskey Carmel , Stewart Elizabeth S. , Thomson‐Smith Clare
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This article describes common experiences of institutions that have pioneered the work of integrating nurse practitioners (NPs) into complex hospital environments and addresses effective strategies in achieving a centralized leadership model.

Data sources

We conducted an informal, written survey and focus group discussions comparing experiences of leaders who were first in the position of centralizing resources and providing leadership for NPs in a hospital‐based setting. Experiences were compared and common practices summarized.

Conclusions

The numbers of NPs required to provide patient care in an ever‐growing, complex hospital environment are increasing rapidly. To meet the professional needs of these hospital‐based NPs, a strong centralized leadership approach should be utilized. An organized and centralized approach to credentialing, program development, orientation, and evaluation processes will become necessary as hospitals continue to hire increased numbers of NPs.

Implications for practice

This article summarizes important considerations for formulating centralized leadership models for hospital‐based NPs and provides a guide for administrators and NPs who are attempting to build similar models.
Removable orthodontic appliance with nickel–titanium spring to reposition the upper incisors in an autistic patient
Authors: Saito Kan , Jang Insan , Kubota Kazumi , Hoshino Tomonori , Hotokezaka Hitoshi , Yoshida Noriaki , Fujiwara Taku
Published: November 2012

A newly designed removable appliance with a shape‐memory wire was used for the orthodontic treatment of the anterior teeth in an 11‐year‐old child who had autism and intellectual disability. The device was designed to reduce the lateral incisor crossbite and the central incisors’ labial rotation. The child was treated for 1 year with this removable appliance. Tooth movement was analyzed using cephalograms and surface data were derived from study models.

This device proved to be very durable. The lateral incisor crossbite was corrected, and the inclination of the upper central incisors and the interincisal angle were improved. This appliance exerts light and continuous orthodontic force, without requiring any adjustments of the spring wire. The appliance also facilitated orthodontic treatment in a child with intellectual disability in whom treatment with a standard orthodontic device would be unsuitable.
Challenges in Ceramic Science: A Report from the Workshop on Emerging Research Areas in Ceramic Science
Authors: Rohrer Gregory S. , Affatigato Mario , Backhaus Monika , Bordia Rajendra K. , Chan Helen M. , Curtarolo Stefano , Demkov Alex , Eckstein James N. , Faber Katherine T. , Garay Javier E. , Gogotsi Yury , Huang Liping , Jones Linda E. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Lad Robert J. , Levi Carlos G. , Levy Jeremy , Maria Jon‐Paul , Mattos Louis , Navrotsky Alexandra , Orlovskaya Nina , Pantano Carlo , Stebbins Jonathan F. , Sudarshan T. S. , Tani Toshihiko , Scott Weil K.
Published: November 2012

In March 2012, a group of researchers met to discuss emerging topics in ceramic science and to identify grand challenges in the field. By the end of the workshop, the group reached a consensus on eight challenges for the future:—understanding rare events in ceramic microstructures, understanding the phase‐like behavior of interfaces, predicting and controlling heterogeneous microstructures with unprecedented functionalities, controlling the properties of oxide electronics, understanding defects in the vicinity of interfaces, controlling ceramics far from equilibrium, accelerating the development of new ceramic materials, and harnessing order within disorder in glasses. This paper reports the outcomes of the workshop and provides descriptions of these challenges.
A Novel Chemical Route to Prepare La2Zr2O7 Pyrochlore
Authors: Kong Linggen , Karatchevtseva Inna , Gregg Daniel J. , Blackford Mark G. , Holmes Rohan , Triani Gerry
Published: November 2012

Lanthanum zirconate has been prepared via a new chemical synthesis method by combining sol–gel processing and complex precipitation. The synthesis was carried out in aqueous solution under ambient conditions. The synthesized powder possessed the pyrochlore superstructure upon calcination above 1200°C. A suite of characterization techniques, including FTIR, Raman, X‐ray and electron diffraction, TEM, SEM, and nitrogen sorption were employed to investigate the microstructural evolution and bulk properties. Dense ceramics (>90% relative density) were obtained after sintering at 1400°C, without need for additional processing (i.e., hot or cold isostatic pressing) or any milling steps. A mechanism has been proposed that elucidates molecular assembly of this chemical synthesis method.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, tic disorder, and allergy: is there a link? A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Chen Mu‐Hong , Su Tung‐Ping , Chen Ying‐Sheue , Hsu Ju‐Wei , Huang Kai‐Lin , Chang Wen‐Han , Bai Ya‐Mei
Published: November 2012

Background:  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tic disorder usually co‐occur in the same individuals, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous evidence has shown that a frequent coexistence of allergic diseases was noted in patients with ADHD or tic disorder. We attempted to investigate the possible link among ADHD, tic disorder, and various allergic diseases.

Methods:  Utilizing the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 1996 to 2010, 5,811 patients with ADHD alone, 1,816 patients with tic disorder alone, and 349 patients with dual diagnoses of ADHD and tic disorder were identified and compared with age‐/gender‐matched controls (1:4) in an investigation of the association among ADHD, tic disorder, and allergic diseases.

Results:  Patients with dual diagnoses of ADHD and tic disorder had a significantly higher prevalence of allergic diseases and psychiatric comorbidities, including allergic rhinitis (43% vs. 28.4% vs. 33.6% vs. 19.7%, p < 0.001), asthma (27.5% vs. 17.2% vs. 18.2% vs. 11.9%, p < 0.001), atopic dermatitis (10.6% vs. 8.4% vs. 7.0 vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001), allergic conjunctivitis (55.6% vs. 34.7% vs. 43.5% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.001), obsessive compulsive disorder (4.0% vs. 1.3% vs. 2.0% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001), and anxiety disorder (22.1% vs. 18.0% vs. 6.0% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001) than the ADHD alone group, the tic alone group, and the control group. Furthermore, ADHD patients with more allergic diseases (≥3 comorbidities: OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.65∼5.25; 2 comorbidities: OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.82∼3.47; 1 comorbidity: OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.41∼2.49) exhibited an increased risk of tic disorder compared with ADHD patients without allergic disease.

Conclusion:  A significant association among ADHD, tic disorder, and allergic diseases was noted in our study. The results may inspire further studies to clarify the underlying mechanisms and help us understand more about the complex etiology of ADHD, tic disorder, and their co‐occurrence.
Phytophthora cinnamomi Associated with Root and Crown Rot of Walnut in Turkey
Authors: Kurbetlİ İlker
Published: November 2012

Walnut decline caused by Phytophthora sp. occurred in an orchard in Sakarya province in Turkey. Affected young trees showed poor growth, leaf discolouration, root and crown rot and eventual death. A Phytophthora sp. isolated from necrotic taproots and crown tissues. The causal agent of the disease was identified as Phytophthora cinnamomi by morphological characteristics and comparing sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Upon conducting pathogenicity test, averaging 7.8‐cm‐long canker developed on basal stem within 2 weeks, while no cankers developed in the control plants.
Melatonin reduces median nerve injury‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity via inhibition of microglial p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation in rat cuneate nucleus
Authors: Chiang Rayleigh Ping‐Ying , Huang Chun‐Ta , Tsai Yi‐Ju
Published: November 2012

In this study, we examined the relationships between p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the cuneate nucleus (CN) and behavioral hypersensitivity after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the median nerve. We further investigated effects of melatonin administration and pinealectomy on p38 MAPK activation and development of hypersensitivity. Using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, low levels of phosphorylated p38 (p‐p38) MAPK were detected in CN of normal rats. As early as 1 day after CCI, p‐p38 MAPK levels in the ipsilateral CN were significantly increased (1.4 ± 0.2‐fold, P < 0.05), which reached a maximum at 7 days (5.1 ± 0.4‐fold, P < 0.001). Double immunofluorescence labeling with cell‐specific markers showed that p‐p38 MAPK immunoreactive cells co‐expressed OX‐42, a microglia activation maker, suggesting the expression of p‐p38 MAPK in microglia. Microinjection of SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, into the CN 1 day after CCI attenuated injury‐induced behavioral hypersensitivity in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, animals received melatonin treatment at daily doses of 37.5, 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg from 30 min before until 3 days after CCI. Melatonin treatment dose‐dependently attenuated p‐p38 MAPK levels, release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and behavioral hypersensitivity following CCI; conversely, pinealectomy that resulted in a reduction in endogenous melatonin levels exacerbated these effects. In conclusion, median nerve injury‐induced microglial p38 MAPK activation in the CN modulated development of behavioral hypersensitivity. Melatonin supplementation eased neuropathic pain via inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling pathway; contrarily, reducing endogenous blood melatonin levels by pinealectomy promoted phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and made rats more vulnerable to nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain.
Association of subgingival colonization of Candida albicans and other yeasts with severity of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Canabarro A. , Valle C. , Farias M. R. , Santos F. B. , Lazera M. , Wanke B.
Published: November 2012

Background and Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the subgingival colonization by Candida albicans and other yeasts with the severity of chronic periodontitis (CP).

Material and Methods

After sample size calculation, 40 patients with CP and 20 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. Cases of slight‐moderate (MCP, n = 23) and severe CP (SCP, n = 17) were defined according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Association of Periodontology classification. Subgingival samples were acquired using sterile paper‐points from the sulcus or the deepest periodontal pocket of each healthy and subject with CP, respectively, and were cultured aerobically on three selective media. Yeast colonies that grew on the surface of plates were later identified by biochemical reactions. Statistical tests were used to analyze the association between subgingival yeast colonization (number of yeast‐positive individuals and colony forming units (CFU) per subject) and periodontal disease status, considering statistical significance when P < 0.05.

Results

Although several yeast species were found (C. parapisilosis, Rhodotorula sp., C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis), only C. albicans was present in all the patients with yeast‐positive CP. Twelve patients (30%) with CP presented yeasts in the subgingival biofilm while only three patients (15%) in the HS group were positive for these microorganisms. No statistical difference was found between the CP and HS groups (P = 0.084). However, when the CP group was divided on the basis of severity, statistical differences were observed between the SCP and MCP groups (47% vs. 17%, P = 0.043), and between the SCP and HS groups (47% vs. 15%, P = 0.033). No statistical difference was observed between the MCP and HS groups (17% vs. 15%, P = 0.832). High densities of yeasts were found only in patients with MCP and SCP (mean and range 61.25 (0–100) CFU/plate and mean and range 51 (0–101) CFU/plate, respectively).

Conclusion

In this group of patients, subgingival colonization of some yeasts, especially C. albicans, was associated with the severity of CP.
A NanoSIMS and Raman spectroscopic comparison of interplanetary dust particles from comet Grigg‐Skjellerup and non‐Grigg Skjellerup collections
Authors: DAVIDSON Jemma , BUSEMANN Henner , FRANCHI Ian A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract–Interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are the most primitive extraterrestrial material available for laboratory studies and may, being likely of cometary origin, sample or represent the unaltered starting material of the solar system. Here we compare IDPs from a “targeted” collection, acquired when the Earth passed through the dust stream of comet 26P/Grigg‐Skjellerup (GSC), with IDPs from nontargeted collections (i.e., of nonspecific origin). We examine both sets to further our understanding of abundances and character of their isotopically anomalous phases to constrain the nature of their parent bodies. We identified ten presolar silicates, two oxides, one SiC, and three isotopically anomalous C‐rich grains. One of seven non‐GSC IDPs contains a wealth of unaltered nebula material, including two presolar silicates, one oxide, and one SiC, as well as numerous δD and δ15N hotspots, demonstrating its very pristine character and suggesting a cometary origin. One of these presolar silicates is the most17O‐rich discovered in an IDP and has been identified as a possible GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides). Organic matter in an anhydrous GSC IDP is extremely disordered and, based on Raman spectral analyses, appears to be the most primitive IDP analyzed in this study, albeit only one presolar silicate was identified. No defining difference was seen between the GSC and non‐GSC IDPs studied here. However, the GSC collectors are expected to contain IDPs of nonspecific origin. One measure alone, such as presolar grain abundances, isotopic anomalies, or Raman spectroscopy cannot distinguish targeted cometary from unspecified IDPs, and therefore combined studies are required. Whilst targeted IDP populations as a whole may not show distinguishable parameters from unspecified populations (due to statistics, heterogeneity, sampling bias, mixing from other cometary sources), particular IDPs in a targeted collection may well indicate special properties and a fresh origin from a known source.
Engineering secondary cell wall deposition in plants
Authors: Yang Fan , Mitra Prajakta , Zhang Ling , Prak Lina , Verhertbruggen Yves , Kim Jin‐Sun , Sun Lan , Zheng Kejian , Tang Kexuan , Auer Manfred , Scheller Henrik V. , Loqué Dominique
Published: November 2012

Lignocellulosic biomass was used for thousands of years as animal feed and is now considered a great sugar source for biofuels production. It is composed mostly of secondary cell walls built with polysaccharide polymers that are embedded in lignin to reinforce the cell wall structure and maintain its integrity. Lignin is the primary material responsible for biomass recalcitrance to enzymatic hydrolysis. During plant development, deep reductions of lignin cause growth defects and often correlate with the loss of vessel integrity that adversely affects water and nutrient transport in plants. The work presented here describes a new approach to decrease lignin content while preventing vessel collapse and introduces a new strategy to boost transcription factor expression in native tissues. We used synthetic biology tools in Arabidopsis to rewire the secondary cell network by changing promoter‐coding sequence associations. The result was a reduction in lignin and an increase in polysaccharide depositions in fibre cells. The promoter of a key lignin gene, C4H, was replaced by the vessel‐specific promoter of transcription factor VND6. This rewired lignin biosynthesis specifically for vessel formation while disconnecting C4H expression from the fibre regulatory network. Secondly, the promoter of the IRX8 gene, secondary cell wall glycosyltransferase, was used to express a new copy of the fibre transcription factor NST1, and as the IRX8 promoter is induced by NST1, this also created an artificial positive feedback loop (APFL). The combination of strategies—lignin rewiring with APFL insertion—enhances polysaccharide deposition in stems without over‐lignifying them, resulting in higher sugar yields after enzymatic hydrolysis.
Root–soil friction: quantification provides evidence for measurable benefits for manipulation of root‐tip traits
Authors: MCKENZIE BLAIR M. , MULLINS CHRISTOPHER E. , TISDALL JUDITH M. , BENGOUGH A. GLYN
Published: November 2012

To penetrate soil, a root requires pressure to expand the cavity it is to occupy and to overcome root‐soil friction. We quantified these two pressures and showed that the root‐soil friction can be a substantial component of root penetration resistance. This provides evidence suggesting that modifying root‐tip traits has potential to improve plant performance.
Is it useful to ask why plants emit isoprene?
Authors: SHARKEY THOMAS D.
Published: November 2012

This article comments on: Why only some plants emit isoprene
Interpersonal Trust Consistency and the Quality of Peer Relationships During Childhood
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , Boulton Michael
Published: November 2012

Five hundred five children (267 female) enrolled in school years 5 and 6 in the UK (M = 9 years and 9 months) completed measures of trust beliefs in peers, best friendships, ascriptions of trustworthiness, and trustworthiness toward peers. Children's social disengagement, peer preference, and peer victimization were assessed by sociometric ratings. It was found that, relative to children with consistent trust beliefs and trustworthiness, and those with inconsistent low trust beliefs and high trustworthiness, children with high trust beliefs in peers and low trustworthiness toward peers showed (1) low reciprocity of trustworthiness as assessed by disparity in ascribed trustworthiness between best friends, (2) low quality of peer relationships in the form of low peer preference and high peer victimization, and (3) high social disengagement. The findings supported the basis, domain, and target interpersonal trust framework (Rotenberg) as an account of the relation between children's interpersonal trust consistency and quality of peer relationships.
Pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation summit in Changsha, China
Authors: Cooper David K. C. , Schuurman Henk‐Jan
Published: November 2012

Cooper DKC, Schuurman H‐J. Pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation summit in Changsha, China. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 327–328. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  On August 18 to 19, 2012, a meeting “Pig‐to‐Human Xenotransplantation Summit” was held in Changsha, Hunan, China, by Dr. Wei Wang. This summit highlighted important progress in the field in China. We here present a report from this meeting.
From nanocone to nanodisc: Structural transformation of gold nanoarrays via simple mechanical stresses
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Du Ke , Wathuthanthri Ishan , Choi Chang-Hwan
Published: November 2012

The authors demonstrate a simple fabrication process that enables to tune the shape, alignment, and dimension of gold nanocone arrays through mechanical stresses. The initial gold nanocone arrays were fabricated by lift-off process using the high-aspect-ratio nanopore arrays defined by interference lithography. Gold nanoarrays with continuous variation in their structural size, shape, orientation, and interspace were achieved by applying either single or combined mechanical stresses of normal pressure and tangential shear. With the tailored normal pressure level, the shapes of gold nanoarrays transformed from nanocones to nanopillars, and then nanodiscs. In the compression mode, the aspect ratio and interstructural gap spacing were controllable isotropically. When tangential shear stress was combined with the normal stress, the nanocones were bent anisotropically to the shearing direction. With an increase of the tangential stress level, the nanocone arrays were overturned and flattened, forming asymmetric and elongated nanodiscs. By alternating the different stress modes, further variation of the structural parameters was attained. The simple approach of tuning the nanotopography of nanoarrays is of great significance to provide a useful platform to systematically study many unexplored nanoscale physical properties of nanoarrays (e.g., nano-electronic, -optical, and -photonic properties) and to broaden their novel applications to the related areas.
Cytoplasmic ATP Hydrolysis Powers Transport of Lipopolysaccharide Across the Periplasm in
E. coli
Authors: Okuda Suguru , Freinkman Elizaveta , Kahne Daniel
Published: November 2012

Powering LPS Export

The surface of Gram-negative bacteria such as
Escherichia coli
is covered in lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which must be synthesized within the cytoplasm and then exported across the periplasm to the outer leaflet of the outer membrane.

Okuda
et al.

(p.
1214
, published online 8 November) describe the detection of LPS molecules bound to specific components of the
E. coli
lipopolysaccharide exporter during transport in vivo. In vitro reconstitution of LPS transport revealed the energetic requirements for the first two steps of transport, release from the membrane and transit along the periplasmic bridge of the exporter that connects the inner and outer membrane components. The findings suggest that adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis by a cytoplasmic component of the machine provides energy to push a continuous stream of LPS against its concentration gradient to the cell surface.
Genome Sequence of Halorubrum sp. Strain T3, an Extremely Halophilic Archaeon Harboring a Virus-Like Element
Authors: Chen Shaoxing , Wang Chuanming , Zhao Zhiwei , Yang Zhu L.
Published: November 2012

Halorubrum
sp. strain T3, harboring a virus-like element, was isolated from a sample collected from a solar saltern in Yunnan, China. Several strains of
Halorubrum
pleomorphic viruses were reported in this genus recently; however, the virus-host interaction in haloarchaea remains unclear. To explore this issue, here we present the genome sequence of
Halorubrum
sp. strain T3 (3,168,011 bp, 68.48% G+C content).
Draft Genome Sequence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serotype 7 Strain S-8
Authors: Li Gang , Xie Fang , Zhang Yanhe , Wang Chunlai
Published: November 2012

The Gram-negative bacterium
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
is the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, a respiratory disease that leads to severe economic losses in the swine industry. For years, scientists working with it have lacked a reliable genome sequence for comparison with other
Actinobacillus
species. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
A. pleuropneumoniae
serotype 7 (strain S-8), isolated from swine lung in China in 1992.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Antifungal-Producing Plant-Benefiting Bacterium Burkholderia pyrrocinia CH-67
Authors: Song Ju Yeon , Kwak Min-Jung , Lee Kwang Youll , Kong Hyun Gi , Kim Byung Kwon , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Lee Seon-Woo , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: November 2012

Burkholderia pyrrocinia
CH-67 was isolated from forest soil as a biocontrol agent to be utilized in agriculture. Here, we report the 8.05-Mb draft genome sequence of this bacterium. Its genome contains genes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and plant growth promotion, which may contribute to probiotic effects on plants.
Complete Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus 134, a Biovar 1 Strain Isolated from Human
Authors: Wang Yufei , Ke Yuehua , Gao Guangjun , Zhen Qing , Yuan Xitong , Wang Zhoujia , Xu Jie , Li Tiefeng , Wang Dali , Huang Liuyu , Xu Xingran , Chen Zeliang
Published: November 2012

Brucella abortus
is one of the common pathogens causing brucellosis in China. Here, we report the genome sequence of
B. abortus
strain 134, a strain isolated from a human patient and belonging to biovar 1, the most highly represented biovar among
B. abortu
s strains in China.
Treatment of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in the case of pulmonary metastasis secondary-to-nasopharyngeal carcinoma with zoledronic acid: an enlightening experience
Authors: Sonthalia Nikhil , Mukherjee Kabita , Saha Avishek , Talukdar Arunansu
Published: November 2012

We describe a case of 23-year-old man, who presented with painful hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy involving bilateral upper and lower extremities, resulting from intrathoracic metastasis. The patient had a history of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma which was treated successfully 2 years ago. The painful osteoarthropathy had made the patient incapacitated. A single dose of 4 mg of intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA) was given which resulted in complete resolution of pain along with reduction of swelling. There was no recurrence on follow-up. Bisphosphonates by their action on bone metabolism might alleviate the symptoms and its use should be encouraged in cancer patients with debilitating arthropathies. This article aims at highlighting the role of bisphosphonates, particularly ZA in managing patients with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) and sharing our experience with this drug because of the rarity of the condition and lack of sufficient data in the medical literature.
Intracranial venous sinus thrombosis mimicking Lhermitte Duclos disease
Authors: Praharaj Heramba Narayan , Singh Maneesh Kumar , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Raut Tushar Premraj
Published: November 2012

A middle-aged man presented with 1-month history of headache, dizziness, staggering of gait and progressive deafness. Examination revealed decreased visual acuity, papilloedema, gaze evoked nystagmus, bilateral sensorineural deafness and gait ataxia. MRI showed TI iso and T2 hyperintensity of cerebellum, prominence of folia with gyral enhancement in a tigroid pattern making impression of the rare entity, Lhermitte Duclos disease (LDD) or dysplastic gangliocytoma of cerebellum. Conservative management for the raised intra cranial pressure did not have any impact on patient's general condition for which an MR venogram was planned and it surprisingly showed non-visualisation of left transverse sinus and internal jugular vein, suggestive of thrombosis. Patient was treated with anticoagulants but he succumbed to his illness soon after. We present this case to convey that a high index of suspicion should always be there in mind for this commoner condition (venous sinus thrombosis) before diagnosing the rarer ones (here LDD disease) to prevent the disastrous consequences of the former.
Unusual presentation of spontaneous splenic haematoma due to severe pancreatitis: a cautionary tale
Authors: Purushothaman Karthik , Borowski David W
Published: November 2012

We report the case of a patient with multiple splenic complications from chronic pancreatitis with pseudocyst formation, including splenic vein thrombosis, subcapsular splenic haematoma and splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. The initial presentation was associated with pleuritic chest pain, clinically resembling symptoms of pulmonary embolism. The patient was treated with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin, without confirmatory imaging. However, the latter arranged computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram was negative, while the abdominal sequences of the CT revealed the splenic haematoma as causative pathology. The patient was initially treated conservatively, and discharged from inpatient care. On a subsequent CT, a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery was found and treated with coil embolisation. The patient is currently awaiting definitive management of the pancreatic pseudocyst.
Cirrhosis, cellulitis and cats: a ‘purrfect’ combination for life-threatening spontaneous bacterial peritonitis fromPasteurella multocida
Authors: Hey Penelope , Gow Paul , Torresi Joseph , Testro Adam
Published: November 2012

Pasteurella multocidais a Gram-negative coccobacillus that colonises the upper airways of many animals, in particular, dogs and cats. It acts as an opportunistic infection in humans following an animal bite or scratch and is associated with soft tissue infections, septicaemia and pneumonia, particularly in patients with a compromised immune response, such as patients with liver failure. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of cirrhosis with a death rate of 10–15%. We report a case of a 47-year-old man with cirrhosis who presented with life-threateningP multocidaSBP and bacteraemia secondary to a lick from a cat to a cellulitic leg wound. This case highlights the potential severity of an infection from domestic animals and an otherwise innocuous organism in an immunocompromised host.
Effects of ambient temperature on mechanomyography of resting quadriceps muscle
Authors: McKay William P. , Vargo Michael , Chilibeck Philip D. , Daku Brian L.
Published: November 2012

It has been speculated that resting muscle mechanical activity, also known as minor tremor, microvibration, and thermoregulatory tonus, has evolved to maintain core temperature in homeotherms, and may play a role in nonshivering thermogenesis. This experiment was done to determine whether resting muscle mechanical activity increases with decreasing ambient temperature. We cooled 20 healthy, human, resting, supine subjects from an ambient temperature of 40° to 12 °C over 65 min. Core temperature, midquadriceps mechanomyography, surface electromyography, and oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2) were recorded. Resting muscle mechanical and electrical activity in the absence of shivering increased significantly at temperatures below 21.5 °C. Women defended core temperature more effectively than men, and showed increased resting muscle activity earlier than men. Metabolism measured by [Formula: see text]O2 correlated with resting muscle mechanical activity (R = 0.65; p = 0.01). Resting muscle mechanical activity may have evolved, in part, to maintain core temperature in the face of mild cooling.
The study of protein–protein interactions in bacteria
Authors: Velasco-García Roberto , Vargas-Martínez Rocío
Published: November 2012

Many of the functions fulfilled by proteins in the cell require specific protein–protein interactions (PPI). During the last decade, the use of high-throughput experimental technologies, primarily based on the yeast 2-hybrid system, generated extensive data currently located in public databases. This information has been used to build interaction networks for different species. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the yeast 2-hybrid system, these databases contain many false positives and negatives, thus they require purging. A method for confirming these PPI is to test them using a technique that operates in vivo and detects binary PPI. This article comprises an overview of the study of PPI and describes the main techniques that have been used to identify bacterial PPI, prioritizing those that can be used for their verification, and it also mentions a number of PPI that have been identified or confirmed using these methods.
Caenorhabditis elegansavoids staphylococcal superantigenic toxins via 5-hydroxytryptamine-dependent pathway
Authors: Osanai Arihiro , Hu Dong-Liang , Nakane Akio
Published: November 2012

Avoidance behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode, towards Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic bacterium, was studied. Caenorhabditis elegans avoided S. aureus cultures and also their culture supernatants, suggesting that secretory molecules are involved in the repellent activity. We demonstrated that toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) and staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC), the superantigenic toxins produced by S. aureus, are responsible for the nematode avoidance. By using TSST-1 and SEC mutants, the results indicated that the repellent activity of these toxins is independent of their superantigenic activity. The TSST-1 and SEC were found to locate at chemosensory neurons that are responsible for the recognition of repellents and avoidance of pathogenic bacteria. When mutants of C. elegans deficient in Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR-1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) biosynthesis were used, avoidance behavior was attenuated. In the 5-HT biosynthesis deficient mutant nematodes, the avoidance activity was recovered when exogenous 5-HT was added. tph-1 expression and 5-HT production were upregulated when the nematodes were treated with TSST-1 or SEC. These results suggest that C. elegans avoids S. aureus by recognizing secretory molecules including TSST-1 and SEC and this avoidance is dependent on TIR and production of 5-HT.
FROM RIBBON CATEGORIES TO GENERALIZED YANG–BAXTER OPERATORS AND LINK INVARIANTS (AFTER KITAEV AND WANG)
Authors: HONG SEUNG-MOON
Published: November 2012

We consider two approaches to isotopy invariants of oriented links: one from ribbon categories and the other from generalized Yang–Baxter (gYB) operators with appropriate enhancements. The gYB-operators we consider are obtained from so-called gYBE objects following a procedure of Kitaev and Wang. We show that the enhancement of these gYB-operators is canonically related to the twist structure in ribbon categories from which the operators are produced. If a gYB-operator is obtained from a ribbon category, it is reasonable to expect that two approaches would result in the same invariant. We prove that indeed the two link invariants are the same after normalizations. As examples, we study a new family of gYB-operators which is obtained from the ribbon fusion categories SO (N)2, where N is an odd integer. These operators are given by 8 × 8 matrices with the parameter N and the link invariants are specializations of the two-variable Kauffman polynomial invariant F.
A PROGRAMMABLE 1-V CMOS 65 nm FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER DESIGN IN 60 GHz WIRELESS TRANSCEIVER
Authors: HSIAO SEN-WEN , LEUNG MATTHEW CHUNG-HIN
Published: November 2012

The paper proposes a CMOS 65 nm 24 GHz wide-band frequency synthesizer with programmability on acquisition speed and supply voltage for low power application in 60 GHz millimeter-wave (mmW) wireless transceiver. The role of mmW phase-locked loop (PLL) is significant for supporting 7 GHz bandwidth across the four channels in IEEE 802.15.3c. The PLL is introduced with consideration of system specifications, as well as the design of individual block. In order to maintain the dynamic behavior of a PLL, two control parameters of its loop transfer function are used for programmability, including the charge pump current and pole-zero position. A regulator is also adopted for supply noise suppression. The Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) covers frequency range from 24.2 to 29.3 GHz, with 19.1% tuning range. On top of the oscillator, a 1.2 V LDO (Low-Dropout Regulator) with 0.2 V dropout voltage is introduced to increase the immunity against low frequency noise fluctuation from supply. With the proposed structure, the PLL provides a loop bandwidth from 0.94 to 2.05 MHz. The phase margin is larger than 54° and the locking time can be adjusted 16% faster than nominal case. The VCO has better power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of -48 dB, and Phase Noise of -94 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz frequency offset of 24 GHz.
A SELECTIVE REPLACEMENT METHOD FOR TIMING-ERROR-PREDICTING FLIP-FLOPS
Authors: KUNITAKE YUJI , SATO TOSHINORI , YASUURA HIROTO , HAYASHIDA TAKANORI
Published: November 2012

The aggressive technology scaling brings us new challenges, such as parameter variations, soft errors, and device wearout. They increase unreliability of transistors and thus will become a serious problem in SoC designs. The design margin in the supply voltage will be overestimated, which results in large power consumption. To eliminate the waste power consumption due to the overestimated power supply voltage, spatial redundancy is commonly utilized. Based on the spatial redundancy, a lot of dual-sensing flip-flops (FFs) are proposed. These FFs require additional circuits consisting of a redundant FF and a comparator. Thus, they suffer large area overhead. In order to reduce the area overhead, this paper proposes a selective replacement method. We focus our attention on a timing-error-predicting FF, named Canary FF and evaluate the selective replacement method. We apply it to two commercial processors, Toshiba's MeP and Renesas Electronics's M32R. In the case of MeP, the area overhead is reduced from 55% to 11%.
A THEORETICAL APPROACH FOR INVESTIGATING THE NONRELATIVISTIC REPULSIVE OPTICAL POTENTIAL INVOLVED IN NEUTRON–NUCLEUS SCATTERING
Authors: GRADO-CAFFARO M. A. , GRADO-CAFFARO M.
Published: November 2012

For the first time, we present a theoretical formulation to determine the nonrelativistic repulsive optical potential relative to neutron–nucleus interaction in terms of the s-wave coherent scattering amplitude and the radius of the nucleus which is regarded as a spherical infinite potential well. Within this context, the Fermi velocity is determined in excellent agreement with the Fermi velocity obtained from considerations relative to nuclear density obeying the Saxon–Woods distribution. Assuming this distribution, the force relative to the neutron–nucleus interaction is calculated. Aspects related to the involved chemical potential are discussed. Our results are consistent with previous work.
THE PERFORMANCE OF BARIUM SULFATE NANOPARTICLES/POLYPROPYLENE HYBRID MULTIFILAMENT
Authors: LI YING , WANG XUANJUN , MU XIAOXI , ZHANG SHUJUAN
Published: November 2012

Nanosize barium sulfate ( BaSO 4) particles prepared with dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) in ethanol–water reaction system are used to prepare BaSO4 /polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites by melt mixing method. It is then made into hybrid fibers by melt spinning and subsequent drawing with different ratios. The hybrid fibers are characterized by rheology, morphology, thermal stability and mechanical properties, respectively. The results indicate that the DBSA-modified BaSO4 can improve the spinnability of BaSO4 /PP hybrid multifilament even at high BaSO4 nanoparticles concentration. DBSA can be used as compatibilizer to enhance the interface interaction of BaSO4 /PP nanocomposites, because DBSA contains both hydrophobicity long alkyl chain and hydrophilic sulfonic group. Therefore, it can improve the performances of BaSO4 /PP hybrid multifilament.
Analog Performance At Room and Low Temperature of Triple-Gate Devices: Bulk, DTMOS, BOI and SOI
Authors: Andrade M. G. C. , Martino J. A. , Simoen E. , Claeys C.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, the analog performance of Bulk, DTMOS (Dynamic Threshold MOSFET - DT), BOI (Body-On-Insulator) and SOI (Silicon-On-Insulator) triple-gate devices is compared through three-dimensional numerical simulations. Furthermore, the impact of low temperature operation was also studied for different channel doping concentrations. The results indicate that DTMOS structures show the best analog performance for higher channel doping concentration at room temperature and they present a larger transistor efficiency (gm /ID) at all temperatures analyzed. In spite of the gm/ID improvement at low temperatures for all structures, the Early voltage and intrinsic voltage gain degrade for Bulk and DTMOS devices when the channel doping concentration is high. For lowly doped channels, the Early voltage and intrinsic voltage gain increase at lower temperature in all structures studied with a slight improvement for the SOI devices.
Temperature Influence on Nanowire Tunnel Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Neves F. S. , Martino M.D. V. , Agopian P.G. D. , Martino J. A. , Rooyackers R. , Leonelli D. , Claeys C.
Published: November 2012

This work presents a study of the temperature impact on the performance of nanowire tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs). After explaining the fundamental working principles based on simulated energy band diagrams, experimental data were analyzed for temperatures ranging from 300 to 420 K. Therefore, it was possible to evaluate the TFET performance regarding the subthreshold slope (S) and the on-state and off-state current ratio (ION/IOFF) for different nanowire diameters and bias conditions. The drain current susceptibility to the temperature can be explained based on the influence of each of the most relevant transport mechanisms (band-to-band tunneling, trap-assisted tunneling and Shockley-Read-Hall generation/recombination). The resulting subthreshold slopes in the different regions were compared to the 60 mV/dec limit at room temperature for standard MOSFET devices. It was observed that the ION/IOFF ratio increased for larger nanowire diameters but decreased for higher temperatures. Drain current was reported to be much less influenced by the temperature for higher gate voltage values, when band-to-band tunneling prevailed over the other components.
Improvement of Integrated Pressure Sensor Systems Fabricated by a Combined CMOS- and MEMS-Technology with Regard to Low Pressure Ranges
Authors: Schreiber-Prillwitz W. , Job R.
Published: November 2012

Monolithic integrated pressure sensor systems are realized by the combination of two different technologies: CMOS-technology for the electrical part and MEMS-technology for the pressure sensor part. The paper describes the modification of such pressure sensor systems to extend their original nominal pressure range from 600 mbar to the low pressure range of 40 mbar by keeping a sufficient signal to noise ratio and without changing the original mask set. The general methodology is described, and a comparison between theoretical signal evaluation and measurement is given. The study concentrates on the aspect of the different piezocoefficients for various Boron doping concentrations of the piezoresistors.
Ethanol administration exacerbates the abnormalities in hepatic lipid oxidation in genetically obese mice
Authors: Everitt Hannah , Hu Ming , Ajmo Joanne M. , Rogers Christopher Q. , Liang Xiaomei , Zhang Ray , Yin Huquan , Choi Alison , Bennett Eric S. , You Min
Published: November 2012

Alcohol consumption synergistically increases the risk and severity of liver damage in obese patients. To gain insight into cellular or molecular mechanisms underlying the development of fatty liver caused by ethanol-obesity synergism, we have carried out animal experiments that examine the effects of ethanol administration in genetically obese mice. Lean wild-type (WT) and obese (ob/ob) mice were subjected to ethanol feeding for 4 wk using a modified Lieber-DeCarli diet. After ethanol feeding, the ob/ob mice displayed much more pronounced changes in terms of liver steatosis and elevated plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, indicators of liver injury, compared with control mice. Mechanistic studies showed that ethanol feeding augmented the impairment of hepatic sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling in the ob/ob mice. Moreover, the impairment of SIRT1-AMPK signaling was closely associated with altered hepatic functional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-α and lipin-1, two vital downstream lipid regulators, which ultimately contributed to aggravated fatty liver observed in ethanol-fed ob/ob mice. Taken together, our novel findings suggest that ethanol administration to obese mice exacerbates fatty liver via impairment of the hepatic lipid metabolism pathways mediated largely by a central signaling system, the SIRT1-AMPK axis.