bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Vacuoles of Acanthamoeba castellanii Behave as a Specialized Shelter (host) for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Alipour Nader , Gaeini Nasrin , Taner Abbas , Yıldız Fatih , Masseret Sadegh , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: June 2015

The above article, published online on 30 June 2015 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, David Graham, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the inclusion of plagiarised content from “Vacuoles of Candida yeast as a specialized niche for Helicobacter pylori”, World J Gastroenterol. 2014 May 14; 20(18): 5263–5273. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5263. The corresponding author, N Alipour, has taken responsibility for the manuscript and the unacknowledged overlap of which the other authors named on the paper were unaware

References

Alipour, N., Gaeini, N., Taner, A., Yıldız, F., Masseret, S. and Malfertheiner, P. Vacuoles of Acanthamoeba castellanii Behave as a Specialized Shelter (host) for Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter (2015), 20:485. doi: 10.1111/hel.12233

Siavoshi, F. and Saniee, P. (2014) Vacuoles of Candida yeast as a specialized niche for Helicobacter pylori. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 May 14; 20(18): 5263–5273. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5263
Feminism, Adaptive Preferences, and Social Contract Theory
Authors: Walsh Mary Barbara
Published: June 2015

Feminists have long been aware of the pathology and the dangers of what are now termed “adaptive preferences.” Adaptive preferences are preferences formed in unconscious response to oppression. Thinkers from each wave of feminism continue to confront the problem of women's internalization of their own oppression, that is, the problem of women forming their preferences within the confining and deforming space that patriarchy provides. All preferences are, in fact, formed in response to a (more or less) limited set of options, but not all preferences are unconscious, pathological responses to oppression. Feminist theory therefore requires a method for distinguishing all preferences from adaptive or deformed preferences. Social contract theory provides such a tool. Social contract theory models autonomous preference‐acquisition and retention at both the external level of causation and the internal level of justification. In doing so, social contract theory exposes preferences that do not meet those standards, acting as both a conceptual test that identifies adaptive preferences and as a practical tool for personal and social clarification. A social contract approach helps persons and societies to identify and to confront preferences rooted in unconscious response to oppression.
After‐sales services of home appliances: evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Mathusinghe Kenneth
Published: June 2015

The provision of after‐sales services is considered as a source of product differentiation leading to competitive advantage of a firm. As a consequence, there is a need of monitoring and measuring the activities of after‐sales service departments to ensure that the objectives of their existence are satisfied. Yet, it is very rare to find previous studies that investigated after‐sales service provision. We investigated different dimensions of after‐sales service provision of home appliances in the Sri Lankan context. The study operationalized different dimensions of after‐sales service provision from three different perspectives and used multiple parameters to evaluate the nature of provision.
Effects of Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil, ultraviolet radiation and their combination on Listeria monocytogenes biofilm in a simulated industrial model
Authors: Tajik Hossein , Naghili Hossein , Ghasemmahdi Hadi , Moradi Mehran , Badali Armen
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora boiss essential oils (ZEOs), ultraviolet (UV) radiation and their combination against Listeria monocytogenes biofilm in a simulated industrial model (SIM). The effect of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sub‐MIC concentration of ZEOs, different contact time of UV and their combination was evaluated in a SIM on 6‐ and 12‐day‐old L. monocytogenes biofilm. In a SIM, 0.3% ZEOs were adequate to completely eliminate 6‐ and 12‐day‐old biofilm grown on stainless steel coupons. The population of viable L. monocytogenes biofilm cells under a 15‐ to 45‐min contact time of UV treatment declined significantly at 6‐ and 12‐day‐old biofilm. The combined effect of ZEO and UV showed antagonist effects. These findings indicated that in the single use, ZEO and UV revealed a suitable antilisteria biofilm activity, while combining them is not a promising method to remove listeria biofilms from stainless steel surfaces.
Effects of individualised follow‐up on activation programme participants' self‐sufficiency: A cluster‐randomised study
Authors: Malmberg‐Heimonen Ira , Tøge Anne Grete
Published: June 2015

Recent developments within activation policies emphasise tailor‐made and individualised services; however, little is known of what the effects of these initiatives are. The aim of this study was, therefore, to analyse, in a cluster‐randomised design, the long‐term effects of an individualised follow‐up model on welfare recipients' self‐sufficiency. The follow‐up model systematises the work done by social workers within the Qualification Programme, which is a welfare‐to‐work programme in Norway. In the study, 18 labour and welfare offices were randomised to experimental and control groups. The data consist of baseline questionnaires for Qualification Programme participants (n = 617) and follow‐ups based on administrative data at 12, 24 and 30 months after baseline. The results show significant effects of individualised follow‐up on self‐sufficiency at the 30‐month follow‐up and strong positive trends at the 18‐ and 24‐month follow‐ups. Thus, comprehensive and individualised follow‐up of participants within activation programmes seems to generate positive long‐term effects on self‐sufficiency.
Indwelling peritoneal catheters in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites
Authors: Kathpalia P. , Bhatia A. , Robertazzi S. , Ahn J. , Cohen S. M. , Sontag S. , Luke A. , Durazo‐Arvizu R. , Pillai A. A.
Published: June 2015

Background

The prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in hospitalised cirrhotics with ascites is 10–30%. Treatment for refractory ascites includes paracenteses, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or drain placement; the latter is discouraged due to a perceived infection risk.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of bacterial peritonitis (BP) with peritoneal drains in patients with Child–Pugh class B or C cirrhosis and determine their impact on survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) patients with non‐malignant, refractory ascites who had peritoneal drains placed for ≥3 days at Loyola University between 1999 and 2009. Cell counts were performed at drain placement and within 72 h. BP was defined as ascitic polymorphonuclear neutrophils >250/mm3. Univariate analysis assessed the association between demographics, laboratory markers and development of BP. Kaplan–Meier curve estimates by infection were constructed and survival distributions were compared using log–rank statistic.

Results

There were 227 drain placements during the study period. Twenty‐two per cent were diagnosed with BP (12% had SBP at drain placement; 10% developed BP within 72 h). There was no association between BP and baseline characteristics. Patients who developed BP within 72 h of drain placement had 50% mortality at 5 months compared with 50 months in those without infection (log–rank P ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion

In ESLD patients who received an indwelling peritoneal catheter, there was 10% risk of developing BP and significant mortality increase. Though placing drains is not the mainstay of treatment for refractory ascites, we confirm the theoretical adverse risk of peritoneal drains on infection and survival in cirrhotics.
Rapid evidence assessment: increasing the transparency of an emerging methodology
Authors: Varker Tracey , Forbes David , Dell Lisa , Weston Adele , Merlin Tracy , Hodson Stephanie , O'Donnell Meaghan
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Within the field of evidence‐based practice, policy makers, health care professionals and consumers require timely reviews to inform decisions on efficacious health care and treatments. Rapid evidence assessment (REA), also known as rapid review, has emerged in recent years as a literature review methodology that fulfils this need. It highlights what is known in a clinical area to the target audience in a relatively short time frame.

Methods

This article discusses the lack of transparency and limited critical appraisal that can occur in REA, and goes on to propose general principles for conducting a REA. The approach that we describe is consistent with the principles underlying systematic review methodology, but also makes allowances for the rapid delivery of information as required while utilizing explicit and reproducible methods at each stage.

Results

Our method for conducting REA includes: developing an explicit research question in consultation with the end‐users; clear definition of the components of the research question; development of a thorough and reproducible search strategy; development of explicit evidence selection criteria; and quality assessments and transparent decisions about the level of information to be obtained from each study. In addition, the REA may also include an assessment of the quality of the total body of evidence.

Conclusions

Transparent reporting of REA methodologies will provide greater clarity to end‐users about how the information is obtained and about the trade‐offs that are made between speed and rigour.
Expanding the Entamoeba Universe: New Hosts Yield Novel Ribosomal Lineages
Authors: Jacob Alison S. , Busby Eloise J. , Levy Abigail D. , Komm Natasha , Clark C. Graham
Published: June 2015

Removing the requirement for cell culture has led to a substantial increase in the number of lineages of Entamoeba recognized as distinct. Surveying the range of potential host species for this parasite genus has barely been started and it is clear that additional sampling of the same host in different locations often identifies additional diversity. In this study, using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, we identify four new lineages of Entamoeba, including the first report of Entamoeba from an elephant, and extend the host range of some previously described lineages. In addition, examination of microbiome data from a number of host animals suggests that substantial Entamoeba diversity remains to be uncovered.
Ovarian function in captive owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae and A. vociferans)
Authors: Mayor Pedro , Takeshita Rafaela S.C. , Coutinho Leandro Nassar , Sánchez Nofre , Gálvez Hugo , Ique Carlos , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros
Published: June 2015

Background

Ovarian function and morphology of owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) is inadequately known, but it is essential to describe this organ in detail to better understand reproductive patterns of the species.

Methods

This study reports the anatomical and histological features of the ovaries from 41 owl monkeys, considering their reproductive status and parity.

Results

The corpora lutea (CL) and reproductive state had a significant effect on ovarian volume. Follicles were observed in both pregnant and non‐pregnant subjects. All females in the luteal phase and pregnant females showed at least one cyclic or pregnancy CL. Mean ovulation rate was 1.89 CL/female, and the mean ovum mortality was 37.5%. There were no significant differences in ovarian volume related to parity.

Conclusions

These results contribute to the scarce information available on the reproductive biology of owl monkeys and can aid in the development of biotechnologies involved in assisted reproduction.
Successful pharmaceutical‐grade streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced hyperglycemia in a conscious tethered baboon (Papio hamadryas) model
Authors: Frost Patrice A. , Chen Shuyuan , Mezzles Marguerite J. , Voruganti Venkata Saroja , Nava‐Gonzalez Edna J. , Arriaga‐Cazares Hector E. , Freed Katy A. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Kent Jack W. , Grayburn Paul A. , Bastarrachea Raul A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Non‐human primate (NHP) diabetic models using chemical ablation of β‐cells with STZ have been achieved by several research groups. Chemotherapeutic STZ could lead to serious adverse events including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and mortality.

Methods

We implemented a comprehensive therapeutic strategy that included the tether system, permanent indwelling catheter implants, an aggressive hydration protocol, management for pain with IV nubain and anxiety with IV midazolam, moment‐by‐moment monitoring of glucose levels post‐STZ administration, and continuous intravenous insulin therapy.

Results

A triphasic response in blood glucose after STZ administration was fully characterized. A dangerous hypoglycemic phase was also detected in all baboons. Other significant findings were hyperglycemia associated with low levels of plasma leptin, insulin and C‐peptide concentrations, hyperglucagonemia, and elevated non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations.

Conclusions

We successfully induced frank diabetes by IV administering a single dose of pharmaceutical‐grade STZ safely and without adverse events in conscious tethered baboons.
A coordinated cross‐disciplinary research initiative to address an increased incidence of narcolepsy following the 2009–2010 Pandemrix vaccination programme in Sweden
Authors: Feltelius N. , Persson I. , Ahlqvist‐Rastad J. , Andersson M. , Arnheim‐Dahlström L. , Bergman P. , Granath F. , Adori C. , Hökfelt T. , Kühlmann‐Berenzon S. , Liljeström P. , Maeurer M. , Olsson T. , Örtqvist Å. , Partinen M. , Salmonson T. , Zethelius B.
Published: June 2015

In response to the 2009–2010 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic, a mass vaccination programme with the AS03‐adjuvanted influenza A(H1N1) vaccine Pandemrix was initiated in Sweden. Unexpectedly, there were a number of narcolepsy cases amongst vaccinated children and adolescents reported. In this review, we summarize the results of a joint cross‐disciplinary national research effort to investigate the adverse reaction signal from the spontaneous reporting system and to better understand possible causative mechanisms. A three‐ to fourfold increased risk of narcolepsy in vaccinated children and adolescents was verified by epidemiological studies. Of importance, no risk increase was observed for the other neurological and autoimmune diseases studied. Genetic studies confirmed the association with the allele HLA‐DQB1*06:02, which is known to be related to sporadic narcolepsy. Furthermore, a number of studies using cellular and molecular experimental models investigated possible links between influenza vaccination and narcolepsy. Serum analysis, using a peptide microarray platform, showed that individuals who received Pandemrix exhibited a different epitope reactivity pattern to neuraminidase and haemagglutinin, as compared to individuals who were infected with H1N1. Patients with narcolepsy were also found to have increased levels of interferon‐gamma production in response to streptococcus‐associated antigens. The chain of patient‐related events and the study results emerging over time were subjected to intense nationwide media attention. The importance of transparent communication and collaboration with patient representatives to maintain public trust in vaccination programmes is also discussed in the review. Organizational challenges due to this unexpected event delayed the initiation of some of the research projects, still the main objectives of this joint, cross‐disciplinary research effort were reached, and important insights were acquired for future, similar situations in which a fast and effective task force may be required to evaluate vaccination‐related adverse events.
Reproductive performance of layer chickens reared on deep litter system with or without access to grass or legume pasture
Authors: Oke O. E. , Ladokun A. O. , Onagbesan O. M.
Published: June 2015

Despite several studies carried out to investigate the effects of access to pasture on poultry performance, there is a dearth of information on the comparative benefit of grass and legumes. This study investigated the effects of rearing systems [deep litter system (DL), deep litter with access to legumes (LP) or grass (GP) pastures] on the performance of ISA Brown layers. Two hundred and forty 12‐week‐old pullets were housed for this study. They were reared until 60 weeks of age. Eighty birds were assigned to each treatment; each treatment had four replicates of 20 birds each. Two birds per replicate were slaughtered at weeks 20, 35 and 58 for determination of the weights of liver, ovary, oviduct and the number of follicles. Daily egg production records were kept from the day of first egg to 42 weeks in lay. Body weights were recorded weekly. Results indicated that at 20 weeks of age, the hens kept in the LP had higher (p < 0.05) ovary weight (g) (34.98 ± 1.4), oviduct weight (52.55 ± 2.28) and oviduct length (cm) (49.73 ± 11.34), and higher number of large yellow follicles (3.75 ± 1.31) and small yellow follicles (12.75 ± 5.17) than those in the GP (0.83 ± 0.02, 1.68 ± 0.19, 16.38 ± 1.14, 0.00 and 0.00), and DL (1.03 ± 0.11, 1.48 ± 0.48, 14.43 ± 0.58, 0.00 and 0.00) respectively. The age (days) at first oviposition was earlier (p < 0.05) in the LP (139.25 ± 0.85) than that in the GP (146.75 ± 0.48) and DL (146.75 ± 0.48). The hen‐day egg production was lower (p < 0.05) in GP (74.19 ± 1.25) than that in the DL (78.82 ± 0.78) and LP (79.93 ± 1.13) at mid‐laying phase. Concentrate feed intake was lower (p < 0.05) in LP and GP than DL suggesting economic benefit. It was concluded that access to LP enhanced the performance of layers than DL and GP as indicated by the parameters measured.
Differential transcriptional responses underlie dietary induction of intestinal carbohydrase activities in house sparrow nestlings
Authors: Gatica‐Sosa C. , Brzęk P. , Chediack J. G. , Cid F. D. , Karasov W. H. , Caviedes‐Vidal E.
Published: June 2015

Many species show diet‐induced flexibility of activity of intestinal enzymes; however, molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for such modulation are less known, particularly in altricial birds. The goal of our study was to test whether a diet‐induced increase in activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase in house sparrow nestlings is matched with an increase in maltase–glucoamylase (MG) and sucrase–isomaltase (SI) complex mRNAs respectively. Both enzyme activities were significantly higher in mid‐intestine of nestlings fed a medium‐starch (MS) diet compared to those fed a starch‐free (SF) diet. In contrast to the similar pattern of dietary induction for both enzyme activities, diet MS elevated significantly only the level of MG mRNA, but not SI mRNA. The coordinated increase in activity of maltase and in MG mRNA is consistent with the hypothesis that dietary induction of this enzyme is under transcriptional control. In contrast, the lack of such coordination for changes in activity of sucrase and SI mRNA suggests that upregulation of this enzyme may be achieved by post‐translational factor(s). We conclude that genetic mechanisms responsible for diet‐induced flexibility of digestive enzymes in birds may differ from that observed in mammals.
Digestive physiology, metabolism and methane production of captive Linné's two‐toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus)
Authors: Vendl C. , Frei S. , Dittmann M. T. , Furrer S. , Osmann C. , Ortmann S. , Munn A. , Kreuzer M. , Clauss M.
Published: June 2015

Sloths are renowned for their low metabolic rate, low food intake and low defecation frequency. We investigated factors of digestive physiology and energy metabolism in four captive individuals (mean body mass 10.0 ± SD 3.7 kg) of a hitherto mostly unstudied sloth species, Linné's two‐toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), in a 2‐week digestion recording and 23‐h respiration experiment on animals fed a standard zoo diet of vegetables and starchy components. Dry matter intake, defecation frequency and particle mean retention time (MRT) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were 12 ± 3 g/(kg0.75 day), once every 5 days and >140 h in three individuals, but 53 g/(kg0.75 day), daily and 82 h in one individual that was apparently compensating for a period of weight loss prior to the experiment. In all animals, solute marker was eliminated at a faster rate than the particle marker, indicating ‘digesta washing’ in the sloths’ GIT. The overall metabolic rate calculated from oxygen consumption matched the metabolisable energy intake in three individuals [173 ± 22 vs. 168 ± 44 kJ/(kg0.75 day)] but not in the fourth one [225 vs. 698 kJ/(kg0.75 day)], supporting the interpretation that this animal was replenishing body stores. In spite of the low food intake and the low‐fibre diet (209 ± 26 g neutral detergent fibre/kg dry matter), methane production was rather high accounting for 9.4 ± 0.8% of gross energy intake (2.7% in the fourth individual), which exceeded literature data for ruminants on forage‐only diets. These results corroborate literature reports on low intake, low defecation frequency, low metabolic rate and long MRT in other sloth species. The long MRT is probably responsible for the comparatively high methane production, providing more opportunity for methanogenic archaea than in other non‐ruminant mammals to produce significant amounts of methane.
Facilitating Educational Needs in Digital Era: Adequacy of Fair Dealing Provisions of Indian Copyright Act in Question
Authors: Prasad Narayan , Aggarwal Pravesh
Published: June 2015

The recent educational policy of India has recognized the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to meet the educational needs in the digital era. But some of the objects of the policy like making available suitable e‐content, preparing knowledge modules, facilitating e‐learning etc. look far‐off, given the extant set of fair dealing provisions in the Indian Copyright Act. Against this backdrop, this paper delineates the doctrine of fair use and that of fair dealing followed by an account of international regime of fair use in copyright specific to education. Subsequently, it analyses the concerned fair dealing provisions of Indian Copyright Act and finds that they are too narrow and inadequate to foster the educational needs. The paper concludes with the view and suggestion that India needs to step beyond the fair dealing doctrine and head towards the doctrine of fair use through complementary role of the legislature and the judiciary on the lines how it happened in Canada. Over and above, there is a need to undertake some incentive‐oriented policies encouraging copyright owners to forgo their commercial interests to some extent for the sake of education.
The art of destruction: revealing the proteolytic capacity of bacterial caspase homologs
Authors: Asplund‐Samuelsson Johannes
Published: June 2015

Caspases are proteases that initiate and execute programmed cell death in animal tissues, thereby facilitating multicellular development and survival. While caspases are unique to metazoans and specifically cleave substrates at aspartic acid residues, homologs are found in protozoa, plants, algae, fungi, bacteria and archaea, and show specificity for basic residues. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Klemenčič and colleagues present the first biochemical characterization of a bacterial caspase homolog, classified as an orthocaspase. By expressing the gene MaOC1 from the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 in Escherichia coli, the authors discovered specificity for substrates with arginine in the P1 position. The protein requires autocatalytic processing to become active and is dependent on an intact histidine–cysteine dyad. These results significantly extend our knowledge of the specificities of bacterial caspase homologs, which are known to be highly diverse in protein domain architectures and active site mutations. Although bacterial programmed cell death is one possible area of action, the function of most bacterial caspase homologs remains unexplored. Cyanobacteria represent the best studied group in terms of prokaryotic caspase‐like proteins both genomically and experimentally, and thereby provide a suitable platform for further investigations into activation, regulation and physiological roles of orthocaspases.
Very high resolution image matching based on local features and k‐means clustering
Authors: Sedaghat Amin , Ebadi Hamid
Published: June 2015

Image matching is a critical process in photogrammetry and remote sensing. Automatic and reliable feature matching using well‐distributed points in very high resolution images is a difficult task due to significant relief displacement caused by tall buildings and ground relief. In this paper a robust and efficient image‐matching approach is proposed, consisting of two main steps. In the first step, three sets of local features – Harris points, UR‐SIFT and MSER – are extracted over the entire image. A SIFT (scale‐invariant feature transform) descriptor is then created for each extracted feature, and an initial cross‐matching verification is performed using the Euclidean distance between feature descriptors. In the second step, an approach based on k‐means clustering is performed to achieve accurate matching without mismatched features, followed by a consistency check using a local affine transformation model for each cluster. The proposed method is successfully applied to matching various aerial and satellite images and the results demonstrate its robustness and capability.
Stable Isotopic Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints on the Formation of theShihu Gold Deposit: The Intracontinental Metallogeny of theTaihangTectonic Belt, EasternChina
Authors: Wang Shuzhi , Hu Jianzhong , Song Yang , Cai Xiao , Wang Tao
Published: June 2015

The Early CretaceousShihu gold deposit is located in the northern segment of theTaihangTectonic belt, which extends across the central part of theNorthChinaCraton. The deposit is hosted predominantly by the Archean metamorphic crystalline units, and is spatially and temporally related to quartz diorite porphyry present extensively throughout the gold deposit. We studied the geology, geochronology and stable isotopic geochemistry. ZirconU–PbLA–ICP–MSages of the quartz diorite porphyry at deposit range from 134 ± 1 to 131 ± 2 Ma, which are coeval and probably genetically related to the mineralization. The majority of the sulfides of the gold deposit have δ34S values ranging from −1 to 2‰, which suggest an homogeneous magmatic source. In addition, the isotopic compositions of δ18Ofluidand δ18Dfluidvary from 2.1 to 7.0‰ and −93 to −65‰, respectively, suggesting that the magmatic fluids mingled with meteoric water. ThePb isotopic analyses reveal that both the ore‐forming materials and the quartz diorite porphyry originated from the lower crust and may have been mixed with mantle material. The87Sr/86Sriand143Nd/144Nd (143Nd/144Nd)iratios for the quartz diorite porphyry demonstrate that there was mixing of two end‐member (crust and the mantle) isotopic compositions. These results suggest that the ore‐forming fluids and materials were derived from lower‐crustal melting induced by mantle processes. Processes associated with the formation of theShihu gold deposit differ significantly from those that characterize orogenic gold deposits, and instead are representative of formation in an intracontinental tectonic environment.
Geological Features and Formation Processes of the Makeng Fe Deposit, China
Authors: Zhang Zhenjie , Zuo Renguang , Cheng Qiuming
Published: June 2015

Recent studies have revealed that the Makeng Fe deposit is a skarn type deposit. However, the skarns in Makeng, occurring primarily between limestone and sandstone, are not typically associated with limestone and plutons. Different periods of intrusions, e.7. Hercynian mafic intrusions and Yanshanian (i.e. early Cretaceous) Dayang–Juzhou granitic intrusion, occurred in the Makeng deposit district. In this study, the formation processes of the skarns and Fe mineralization are constrained by detailed fieldwork, petrology, geochronology, and geochemistry. Skarns and Fe mineralization intersecting the Hercynian mafic intrusions are observed in consecutive specimens from the 106# tunnel. They suggest that the skarn formation and Fe mineralization occurred after the Hercynian mafic intrusions and are related to the later Yanshanian Dayang–Juzhou granitic intrusion. The geochronological characteristics of weakly skarn‐altered diabases, the decreasing nature of Fe contents in altered diabase, and the major element compositions of pyroxenes and garnets also support that Hercynian mafic intrusions are strongly reformed by Yanshanian granitic magmas and the Fe migrated from mafic intrusion was responsible for formation of iron ore.
Comparative Studies of the Petrochemistry of Sn–W‐Mineralized Granitoids: Continent vs. Island Arc
Authors: Ishihara Shunso
Published: June 2015

Granitic rocks obtained during field excursions of the famed mineralized regions of the Erzgebirge, Germany (mainly tin‐bearing), and South China (mainly tungsten‐bearing) have been geochemically analyzed and their results are compared with similar (mainly tungsten‐bearing) granites in the island‐arc setting of Southwest Japan. The studied granitoids all belong to the ilmenite‐series. The collision‐related Erzgebirge granitoids are rich in K2O and P2O5, have high A/CNK ratios (1.11–1.24, i.e. S type), but are also high in Ga/Al ratio (i.e., having some A‐type characteristics). In South China, the Xihuashan granites, in contrast, are very low in P2O5, and have A/CNK slightly above 1.0 (1.01–1.05), indicative of I type granites. The (Sn‐) W‐related granites of southwest Japan have similarly low P2O5 and A/CNK ratios, indicative also of I‐type. Both in the Xihuashan and southwest Japan, the tungsten‐related granites have high whole‐rock δ18O values implying involvement of W‐rich crustal rocks. Sn and W contents of the unaltered granites are lowest in the island‐arc setting where the related Sn–W deposits are smallest in size relative to the collision and continental margin settings of the Erzgebirge and South China.
Racial Resentment, Old‐Fashioned Racism, and the Vote Choice of Southern and Nonsouthern Whites in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election*
Authors: Knuckey Jonathan , Kim Myunghee
Published: June 2015

Objective

The effects of racial attitudes on the vote choice of whites in the 2012 U.S. presidential election are examined, with a specific focus on the simultaneous effects of both racial resentment and old‐fashioned racial prejudice.

Methods

Data are taken from the 2012 American National Election Study (ANES). Models of vote choice are estimated separately for southern and nonsouthern whites.

Results

Findings show that racial resentment alone affected the vote choice of southern whites, but among nonsouthern whites both racial resentment and old‐fashioned racism exerted independent effects on vote choice. Furthermore, it was among independents that the effects of racial attitudes were most visible.

Conclusions

Overall, it is estimated that racial attitudes cost Obama support among white voters, and likely made his victories in a number of swing states a lot closer than they would have been absent the effects of racial attitudes. Consistent with prior literature, findings also demonstrate that the election of the first African‐American president has primed old‐fashioned racial prejudice.
Cell‐specific transcriptomic analyses of three‐dimensional shoot development in the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Frank Margaret H. , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Haploid moss gametophytes harbor distinct stem cell types, including tip cells that divide in single planes to generate filamentous protonemata, and bud cells that divide in three planes to yield axial gametophore shoots. This transition from filamentous to triplanar growth occurs progressively during the moss life cycle, and is thought to mirror evolution of the first terrestrial plants from Charophycean green algal ancestors. The innovation of morphologically complex plant body plans facilitated colonization of the vertical landscape, and enabled development of complex vegetative and reproductive plant morphologies. Despite its profound evolutionary significance, the molecular programs involved in this transition from filamentous to triplanar meristematic plant growth are poorly understood. In this study, we used single‐cell type transcriptomics to identify more than 4000 differentially expressed genes that distinguish uniplanar protonematal tip cells from multiplanar gametophore bud cells in the moss Physcomitrella patens. While the transcriptomes of both tip and bud cells show molecular signatures of proliferative cells, the bud cell transcriptome exhibits a wider variety of genes with significantly increased transcript abundances. Our data suggest that combined expression of genes involved in shoot patterning and asymmetric cell division accompanies the transition from uniplanar to triplanar meristematic growth in moss.
Blood transfusion and 30‐day readmission rate in adult patients hospitalized with sickle cell disease crisis
Authors: Nouraie Mehdi , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients hospitalized with vasoocclusive pain crisis tend to have prolonged length of stay (LOS) and high 30‐day readmission rates. We investigated the associations of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and blood transfusion during hospitalization with these outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Repeated regression analysis was used to analyze 39,324 admissions of 4348 adults with sickle cell crisis from 2007 to 2012 in the Truven Health MarketScan Medicaid Databases.

RESULTS

The mean (95% range) LOS was 5.9 (1.0‐19.0) days and the 30‐day readmission rate was 39.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.1%‐40.0%). Older age; chronic cardiopulmonary, renal, or liver disease; and sepsis were associated with both longer LOS and greater 30‐day readmission rate. Female sex, iron overload, acute chest syndrome, acute renal failure, and stroke were additional predictors of longer LOS. Simple red blood cell transfusion was administered in 31.8% of the admissions, and these patients tended to have more severe disease (chronic cardiopulmonary or kidney disease, acute chest syndrome, acute kidney or liver failure, sepsis). Nevertheless, transfusion was associated with a reduced estimated odds ratio (OR) of inpatient mortality of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.57‐0.99) and a decreased OR of 30‐day readmission of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73‐0.83).

CONCLUSION

Our findings point to blood transfusion as a potential means to reduce the 30‐day readmission rate among Medicaid patients hospitalized with sickle cell crisis. There is a need for a prospective study to examine the potential benefit and safety of simple blood transfusion for this purpose.
Site‐specific reproductive performance of an invasive fleshy‐fruited tree in remnant grasslands of the Argentinean Pampas
Authors: Zalba S M , Amodeo M R
Published: June 2015

Prunus mahaleb (Saint Lucie's cherry) is a fleshy‐fruited small rosaceous tree, native to the Mediterranean region that has been extensively used as a rootstock species for commercial orchard trees. It has been widely introduced in several countries, becoming invasive in many regions, including the Pampas region of southern Argentina. We studied the reproductive performance of trees spontaneously growing in natural grasslands inside a protected area, estimating age at first reproduction and analysing changes in fruit production, age, canopy volume and basal stem diameter associated with different soil types: rock crevices on hillsides, deep soils in valleys and deep soils in stream‐side habitats. Fruit production starts at the age of 3–6 years, and it can be abundant, even for young plants. We found evidence that fecundity is related to plant size, and that the age at which individuals reach a particular size and begin fruiting differs depending on the soil type where they grow. Trees in the study area show an order of magnitude increase in fruit production on reaching ages from 7 to 10 years for plants growing in deep soils at stream‐side habitats and 13–16 years for plants growing in rock crevices. Invasive trees should be felled before they reach a basal stem diameter of c. 9 cm to avoid this increase in propagule pressure. Considering that the age at which this stage is reached depends on soil type, the streams could act as dispersal corridors for the spread and invasion of this species.
Pig kidney graft survival in a baboon for 136 days: longest life‐supporting organ graft survival to date
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Liu Hong , Wijkstrom Martin , Zhou Huidong , Singh Jagjit , Hara Hidetaka , Ezzelarab Mohamed , Long Cassandra , Klein Edwin , Wagner Robert , Phelps Carol , Ayares David , Shapiro Ron , Humar Abhinav , Cooper David K. C.
Published: June 2015

The longest survival of a non‐human primate with a life‐supporting kidney graft to date has been 90 days, although graft survival > 30 days has been unusual. A baboon received a kidney graft from an α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout pig transgenic for two human complement‐regulatory proteins and three human coagulation‐regulatory proteins (although only one was expressed in the kidney). Immunosuppressive therapy was with ATG+anti‐CD20mAb (induction) and anti‐CD40mAb+rapamycin+corticosteroids (maintenance). Anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IL‐6R were administered. The baboon survived 136 days with a generally stable serum creatinine (0.6 to 1.6 mg/dl) until termination. No features of a consumptive coagulopathy (e.g., thrombocytopenia, decreased fibrinogen) or of a protein‐losing nephropathy were observed. There was no evidence of an elicited anti‐pig antibody response. Death was from septic shock (Myroides spp). Histology of a biopsy on day 103 was normal, but by day 136, the kidney showed features of glomerular enlargement, thrombi, and mesangial expansion. The combination of (i) a graft from a specific genetically engineered pig, (ii) an effective immunosuppressive regimen, and (iii) anti‐inflammatory agents prevented immune injury and a protein‐losing nephropathy, and delayed coagulation dysfunction. This outcome encourages us that clinical renal xenotransplantation may become a reality.
Noninvasive Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes Recovered from Hospitalized Adult Patients in the United States in 2009 to 2012
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Hollingsworth Rosalind C. , Costello Andrew , Jones Ronald N. , Isturiz Raul E. , Hewlett Dial , Farrell David J.
Published: June 2015

This study was conducted to determine the serotype distribution and trends over time of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strains associated with noninvasive infections among adult patients ≥18 years of age in the United States (2009 to 2012). A total of 2,927
S. pneumoniae
isolates recovered from patients presenting with respiratory infections and obtained mainly (87.0%) from lower respiratory tract specimens (sputum) were included. The levels of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) serotypes remained stable over the 4-year study period (4.6% to 5.5%;
P
= 0.953). Overall, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotypes were identified in 32.7% of samples, declining from 33.7% to 35.5% in 2009 to 2011 to 28.2% in 2012 (
P
= 0.007), with a significant decrease in the levels of serotypes 7F (
P
= 0.013) and 6A (
P
= 0.010). The levels of 19A remained constant (15.8% to 17.1%) during 2009 to 2011, dropping to 12.2% in 2012 (
P
= 0.089). The prevalence of serotypes associated with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), but not PCV13, remained generally stable; however, the prevalence of serotypes 15B and 15C (15B/15C) increased from 2.7% to 6.3% (
P
= 0.010). The proportion of nonvaccine serotypes increased gradually during the study period (
P
= 0.044), particularly for serotype 35B (from 3.6% in 2009 to 8.2% in 2012;
P
= 0.001). Nonsusceptibility rates for penicillin (susceptible breakpoint, ≤2 μg/ml) and clindamycin against PCV7 serotypes decreased over the period. These results suggest the emergence of indirect effects following introduction of PCV13 for infants and young children; continued surveillance is needed to assess the burden of PCV13 serotypes in the adult population after the implementation of age-based recommendations in the United States.
Preliminary Method for Direct Quantification of Colistin Methanesulfonate by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Niece Krista L. , Akers Kevin S.
Published: June 2015

Colistin use has increased in response to the advent of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. It is administered parenterally as an inactive prodrug, colistin methanesulfonate (CMS). Various formulations of CMS and labeling conventions can lead to confusion about colistin dosing, and questions remain about the pharmacokinetics of CMS. Since CMS does not have strong UV absorbance, current methods employ a laborious process of chemical conversion to colistin followed by precolumn derivatization to detect formed colistin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Here, we report a method for direct quantification of colistin methanesulfonate by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR).
Nucleoside Inhibitors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Eyer Luděk , Valdés James J. , Gil Victor A. , Nencka Radim , Hřebabecký Hubert , Šála Michal , Salát Jiří , Černý Jiří , Palus Martin , De Clercq Erik , Růžek Daniel
Published: June 2015

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a leading cause of human neuroinfections in Europe and Northeast Asia. There are no antiviral therapies for treating TBEV infection. A series of nucleoside analogues was tested for the ability to inhibit the replication of TBEV in porcine kidney cells and human neuroblastoma cells. The interactions of three nucleoside analogues with viral polymerase were simulated using advanced computational methods. The nucleoside analogues 7-deaza-2′-
C
-methyladenosine (7-deaza-2′-CMA), 2′-
C
-methyladenosine (2′-CMA), and 2′-C-methylcytidine (2′-CMC) inhibited TBEV replication. These compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition of TBEV-induced cytopathic effects, TBEV replication (50% effective concentrations [EC
50
]of 5.1 ± 0.4 μM for 7-deaza-2′-CMA, 7.1 ± 1.2 μM for 2′-CMA, and 14.2 ± 1.9 μM for 2′-CMC) and viral antigen production. Notably, 2′-CMC was relatively cytotoxic to porcine kidney cells (50% cytotoxic concentration [CC
50
] of ∼50 μM). The anti-TBEV effect of 2′-CMA in cell culture diminished gradually after day 3 posttreatment. 7-Deaza-2′-CMA showed no detectable cellular toxicity (CC
50
> 50 μM), and the antiviral effect in culture was stable for >6 days posttreatment. Computational molecular analyses revealed that compared to the other two compounds, 7-deaza-2′-CMA formed a large cluster near the active site of the TBEV polymerase. High antiviral activity and low cytotoxicity suggest that 7-deaza-2′-CMA is a promising candidate for further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent in treating TBEV infection.
Alkaloids as Inhibitors of Malate Synthase from Paracoccidioides spp.: Receptor-Ligand Interaction-Based Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Studies, Antifungal Activity, and the Adhesion Process
Authors: Costa Fausto Guimaraes , Neto Benedito Rodrigues da Silva , Gonçalves Ricardo Lemes , da Silva Roosevelt Alves , de Oliveira Cecília Maria Alves , Kato Lucília , Freitas Carla dos Santos , Giannini Maria José Soares Mendes , da Silva Julhiany de Fátima , Soares Célia Maria de Almeida , Pereira Maristela
Published: June 2015

Paracoccidioides
is the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis. Malate synthase plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity and virulence of various fungi, such as those that are human pathogens. Thus, an inhibitor of this enzyme may be used as a powerful antifungal without side effects in patients once these enzymes are absent in humans. Here, we searched for compounds with inhibitory capacity against the malate synthase of
Paracoccidioides
species (
Pb
MLS). The three-dimensional (3D) structure of
Pb
MLS was determined using the I-TASSER server. Compounds were selected from the ZINC database. Based on the mechanism underlying the interaction of the compounds with
Pb
MLS, it was possible to identify β-carboline moiety as a standard key structure. The compounds with β-carboline moiety that are available in our laboratories were investigated. A total of nine alkaloid compounds were selected. The primary mechanisms of interaction of the alkaloid compounds in the binding pocket of
Pb
MLS were identified and compared with the mechanism of interaction of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). We discovered that the amphipathic nature of the compounds, concomitant with the presence of β-carboline moiety, was crucial for their stability in the binding pocket of
Pb
MLS. In addition, the importance of a critical balance of the polar and nonpolar contacts of the compounds in this region was observed. Four β-carboline alkaloid compounds showed the ability to inhibit recombinant
Pb
MLS (
Pb
MLSr) activity,
Paracoccidioides
species growth, and adhesion of the fungus and
Pb
MLSr to the extracellular matrix components. The cytotoxicity of the alkaloids was also evaluated.
An Iron-Regulated Autolysin Remodels the Cell Wall To Facilitate Heme Acquisition in Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Farrand Allison J. , Haley Kathryn P. , Lareau Nichole M. , Heilbronner Simon , McLean John A. , Foster Timothy , Skaar Eric P.
Published: June 2015

Bacteria alter their cell surface in response to changing environments, including those encountered upon invasion of a host during infection. One alteration that occurs in several Gram-positive pathogens is the presentation of cell wall-anchored components of the iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system, which extracts heme from host hemoglobin to fulfill the bacterial requirement for iron.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
, an opportunistic pathogen that causes infective endocarditis, encodes an Isd system. Unique among the known Isd systems,
S. lugdunensis
contains a gene encoding a putative autolysin located adjacent to the Isd operon. To elucidate the function of this putative autolysin, here named IsdP, we investigated its contribution to Isd protein localization and hemoglobin-dependent iron acquisition.
S. lugdunensis
IsdP was found to be iron regulated and cotranscribed with the Isd operon. IsdP is a specialized peptidoglycan hydrolase that cleaves the stem peptide and pentaglycine crossbridge of the cell wall and alters processing and anchoring of a major Isd system component, IsdC. Perturbation of IsdC localization due to
isdP
inactivation results in a hemoglobin utilization growth defect. These studies establish IsdP as an autolysin that functions in heme acquisition and describe a role for IsdP in cell wall reorganization to accommodate nutrient uptake systems during infection.