bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributional niche of relatively rare sable antelope in a South African savanna: habitat versus biotic relationships
Authors: Chirima George J. , Owen‐Smith Norman , Erasmus Barend F. N. , Parrini Francesca
Published: July 2012

The geographic distribution of a species is governed by climatic conditions, topography, resources and habitat structure determining the fundamental niche, while the local distribution expressed via home range occupation may be compressed by biotic interactions with competitors and predators, restricting the realised niche. Biotic influences could be especially important for relatively rare species. We investigated how rainfall, geology, land type and abundance of other ungulate species serving as competitors or prey for predators contributed to the patchy distribution of sable antelope herds within Kruger National Park. Data were provided by annual aerial surveys of ungulate populations conducted between 1978 and 1988. Sable herds were more commonly present on granitic and sandstone substrates than on more fertile basalt. They occurred both in the moist south‐west and dry north of the park. They were most abundant in sour bushveld and mopane savanna woodland, and mostly absent from knob thorn‐marula parkland. The presence of sable was negatively associated with high concentrations of impala and wildebeest, less consistently related to the abundance of zebra, and positively associated with the occurrence of buffalo herds. Best supported models included the separate effects of the most abundant grazers along with land type. Interspecific relationships seemed more consistent with vulnerability to predation as the underlying mechanism restricting the distribution of sable herds than with competitive displacement. Sable favoured land types distinct from those where wildebeest, the most preferred prey of lions, and impala, numerically the most important resident prey species, were most abundant. Hence the risk of predation, associated with habitat conditions where abundant prey species are most concentrated, can exert an overriding influence on the distribution of rarer species in terms of their home range occupation.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Repeated IVF Failure and Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Virro Michael R. , Winger Edward E. , Reed Jane L.
Published: July 2012

Problem

We set out to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improves in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates in women with a difficult history of multiple (≥2) prior IVF failures and /or ‘unexplained’ infertility.

Method of study

A total of 229 women with multiple IVF failures (3.3 ± 2.1) and/or unexplained infertility (3.8 ± 2.7 years) were given IVIG on the day of egg retrieval, and the subsequent IVF success rates were compared with published success rates from the Canadian database (CARTR).

Results

The pregnancy rate per IVIG‐treated cycle was 60.3% (138/229), and the live birth rate per IVIG‐treated cycle was 40.2% (92/229). This is a significantly higher success rate compared to the Canadian average (30% live birth rate; CARTR statistics from 2010; P = 0.0012). In cases where a single embryo was transferred, pregnancy rate using IVIG was almost twofold the CARTR pregnancy rate [(61%(20/33) to 34.9% (428/1225)]. In cases where two high quality (≥Grade 3) day 5 blastocysts were transferred, nearly a 100% pregnancy rate was achieved using IVIG (30/31).

Conclusion

IVIG may be a useful treatment option for patients with previous IVF failure and/ or unexplained infertility. The data confirm previously published studies at other centers.
Human Seminal Plasma Fosters CD4+ Regulatory T‐cell Phenotype and Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 Expression
Authors: Balandya Emmanuel , Wieland‐Alter Wendy , Sanders Katherine , Lahey Timothy
Published: July 2012

Problem

Semen mediates expansion of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the murine female reproductive tract. The impact of semen on Treg in humans, however, remains unclear.

Method of Study

Using seminal plasma (SP) from 20 healthy donors, we investigated the impact of human semen on CD4+ T‐cell expression of CD127 and CD49d as well as CD4+ CD127low
CD49dlow Treg proliferation, apoptosis, and intracellular expression of FoxP3, TGF‐β1, and IL‐10.

Results

SP reduced CD4+ T‐cell expression of CD127 and CD49d and increased the proportion of CD127low
CD49dlow Treg. This increase was non‐proliferative, mediated in part via the conversion of CD4+ helper T cells into FoxP3− but not FoxP3+ Treg. Additionally, SP induced an increase in intracellular expression of the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF‐β1 by the FoxP3− but not FoxP3+ Treg. SP had no impact on Treg intracellular expression of IL‐10.

Conclusion

Human seminal plasma fosters the non‐proliferative increase in the proportion and immunoregulatory activity of FoxP3− Treg.
RETHINKING EDUCATION FOR AUTONOMY IN PLURALISTIC SOCIETIES
Authors: Warnick Bryan R.
Published: July 2012

If we are to posit, as do many liberal theorists, that autonomy is an educational goal that the state should endorse across cultural difference, key questions remain: What type of autonomy should we strive for, exactly, and how should this goal be achieved? Many liberal philosophers of education have argued that autonomy should enable cultural choice and that the development of autonomy requires students to be exposed to different beliefs and traditions. Shelley Burtt has challenged this dominant position, however, insisting that autonomy (properly understood) can be developed within a “comprehensive education” that does not seek to sympathetically expose students to cultural difference. In this essay, Bryan Warnick responds that Burtt's arguments are inconsistent and lack cultural imagination, and that her underlying concept of autonomy is inadequate, primarily because it lacks a compelling picture of cultural self‐criticism. There is a lack of appreciation, he argues, for how frameworks of cultural comparison are necessary in the development of this self‐criticism. At the same time, Warnick argues that there is much to be learned from Burtt's analysis about the tough choices that need to be made as liberals seek to champion autonomy as an educational end across cultural difference.
Prior Experience Predicts Presidential Performance
Authors: SIMON ARTHUR M. , USCINSKI JOSEPH E.
Published: July 2012

While many assume that “experienced” presidents perform better, citizens do not know which prior experiences help presidents perform successfully, or in what ways. Drawing upon the organizational sciences literature, we argue that prior experiences similar to the presidency will positively predict performance in general; prior experiences similar to an aspect of the presidency will positively predict performance in that particular aspect; and experiences dissimilar to the presidency will either not predict, or negatively predict performance. Contrasting with previous literature, our findings support this intuitive rationale for understanding the effect of prior experience. These findings contribute not only to the long‐standing president‐centered vs. presidency‐centered debate, but also to a growing body of literature explaining how leaders' backgrounds affect how they govern.
Politics or Policy? How Rhetoric Matters to Presidential Leadership of Congress
Authors: VILLALOBOS JOSÉ D. , VAUGHN JUSTIN S. , AZARI JULIA R.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we examine the linkage between presidential policy proposal messages and legislative success. Employing a data set on presidential legislative proposals that covers the years 1949‐2010, we find that politics matters less than policy. Purely political messages that reference the electoral logic of mandates or appeal to a sense of bipartisanship appear to have no impact on presidential legislative success, nor does policy signaling, though highlighting the role of agency‐based policy experts in crafting legislation does. From these results, we conclude that although the way presidents communicate their messages to Congress represents an important component of presidential‐legislative relations, it is instead the perceived quality of the legislation that more strongly shapes congressional support of presidential policy efforts.
Polls and Elections: Still Part of the Conversation: Iowa and New Hampshire's Say within the Invisible Primary
Authors: CHRISTENSON DINO P. , SMIDT CORWIN D.
Published: July 2012

We propose that the extant literature has underestimated the central roles of Iowa and New Hampshire within the invisible primary and, thus, party nominations. Since candidates and the news media focus disproportionately on these states early in the nomination season, impressions of candidate performance within these states have a disproportionate influence on the invisible primary long before their actual outcomes are observed. Using a Bayesian vector autoregression we find that polls within Iowa and New Hampshire have a more consistent influence on candidates' levels of national news media coverage and national polling than vice versa. We also find that campaign contributions are as responsive to early state polls as they are to national forces or campaign activities. Although these findings do not dispute that candidates need a broad basis of national support to win a party's nomination, they explain why candidates continue to campaign early and intensely in these first‐in‐the‐nation contests.
Qualitative comparison of sonic or laser energisation of 4% sodium hypochlorite on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm grown in vitro
Authors: Seet Aaron N. , Zilm Peter S. , Gully Neville J. , Cathro Peter R.
Published: July 2012

The effectiveness of sonic activation, laser activation and syringe irrigation of 4% sodium hypochlorite in removing an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm was compared. Biofilms were grown in extracted human single rooted teeth using a flow cell apparatus. After 4 weeks' growth, teeth were subjected to each treatment using 4% sodium hypochlorite and radicular dentinal surfaces of the root canals were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that sonic activation and syringe irrigation with sodium hypochlorite showed reduced numbers of bacterial cells on the radicular dentine but were not effective in eliminating E. faecalis in the dentinal tubules. Laser activation of sodium hypochlorite resulted in clean dentine walls and undetectable levels of bacteria within dentinal tubules. Qualitatively, sonic or laser activation of 4% NaOCl resulted in greater bacterial reduction compared with syringe irrigation, with laser activation producing the greatest overall reduction.
A Novel Extracellular β‐Glucosidase from Trichosporon asahii: Yield Prediction, Evaluation and Application for Aroma Enhancement of Cabernet Sauvignon
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Xu Yan , Li Jiming
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The production and application of novel β‐glucosidase from Trichosporon asahii were studied. The β‐glucosidase yield was improved by response surface methodology, and the optimal media constituents were determined to be dextrin 4.67% (w/v), yeast extract 2.99% (w/v), MgSO4 0.01% (w/v), and K2HPO4 0.02% (w/v). As a result, β‐glucosidase production was enhanced from 123.72 to 215.66 U/L. The effects of different enological factors on the activity of β‐glucosidases from T. asahii were investigated in comparison to commercial enzymes. β‐Glucosidase from T. asahii was activated in the presence of sugars in the range from 10% to 40% (w/v), with the exception of glucose (slight inhibition), and retained higher relative activities than commercial enzymes under the same conditions. In addition, ethanol, in concentrations between 5% and 20% (v/v), also increased the β‐glucosidase activity. Although the β‐glucosidase activity decreased with decreasing pH, the residual activity of T. asahii was still above 50% at the average wine pH (pH 3.5). Due to these properties, extracellular β‐glucosidase from T. asahii exhibited a better ability than commercial enzymes in hydrolyzing aromatic precursors that remained in young finished wine. The excellent performs of this β‐glucosidase in wine aroma enhancement and sensory evaluation indicated that the β‐glucosidase has a potential application to individuate suitable preparations that can complement and optimize grape or wine quality during the winemaking process or in the final wine.

Practical Application:  The present study demonstrated the usefulness of response surface methodology based on the central composite design for yield enhancement of β‐glucosidase from T. asahii. The investigation of the primary characteristics of the enzyme and its application in young red wine suggested that the β‐glucosidase from T. asahii can provide more impetus for aroma improvement in the future.
Veterinary infection control in Australia: is there control?
Authors: Attard K , Burrows E , Kotiranta‐Harris K , Hedlefs R , Ketheesan N , Govan B
Published: July 2012

There is little information relating to infection control procedures in Australian veterinary practices. This review summarises the findings of international studies in the area of zoonoses and infection control, and discusses potential reasons for the apparent complacency about these issues in veterinary practice. It is the authors’ opinion that legislative changes governing veterinary practice in Australia should be implemented. The curricula in veterinary schools should also emphasise infection control. These measures would significantly improve safety issues associated with the control of zoonoses in veterinary practice.
The impact of long‐haul air travel on variables of the athlete's biological passport
Authors: Schumacher Y. O. , Klodt F. , Nonis D. , Pottgiesser T. , Alsayrafi M. , Bourdon P. C. , Voss S. C.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Dehydration, fluid shifts or changes in coagulation occurring during air travel can trigger distinct reactions in the haematological system. Athletes are concerned that these effects might impair sporting performance, increase the risk of thrombosis or cause abnormalities in blood values that might be mistaken for doping in the ‘Athlete′s biological passport’ (ABP) a longitudinal monitoring of haematological variables in antidoping. The aim of the study was to investigate key variables of the ABP before and after a long‐haul flight in athletes.

Methods

Fifteen endurance athletes were submitted to ABP blood samples in the morning before and after arrival of an 8 h flight. Two additional samples were obtained in the morning and the evening 3 days after the travel. Twelve nontravelling subjects served as controls.

Results

Haemoglobin concentration was higher before than after travel in athletes (+0.5 g/dL, P = 0.038), a similar pattern was observed 3 days after the travel. No difference was observed in the control group. Reticulocyte% did not show any significant changes in neither of the groups.

Conclusion

The observed changes are in line with normal diurnal variations. There is no indication that travel will affect haematological variables in way that might be mistaken for blood doping.
Testing Greenfield run‐off estimation techniques using high‐resolution field observations
Authors: Rodda H.J.E. , Hawkins J.
Published: July 2012

The current UK guidelines for sustainable drainage systems design [Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs/Environment Agency (DEFRA/EA), 2005; Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), 2007] require that the design peak flow from a new development should not exceed that which would occur under the pre‐development or Greenfield conditions. Although these guidelines are fairly recent documents, the standard methodology for estimating Greenfield flows dates back to the results of studies from the 1970s. The recommendation of the guideline method was not the result of any testing and calibration but rather the assumption that it produced Greenfield flow estimates that were in the order of what would be expected. Experience of Greenfield peak flow estimates using the approved method has shown flows to be very low compared with what would be expected where a detailed knowledge of the site hydrology was available or from observational evidence of flooding events. Recent monitoring of surface run‐off and drainage using a 1‐min temporal resolution at the Rowden Moor Drainage Experiment at North Wyke Research, Devon, UK has provided an ideal dataset through which to test the current approved methodology for Greenfield flow estimation. The results show that the methods significantly underestimate the Greenfield peak flows.
Indeterminate pulmonary nodules on CT images in breast cancer patient: The additional value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT
Authors: Evangelista Laura , Panunzio Annalori , Cervino Anna Rita , Vinante Lorenzo , Al‐Nahhas Adil , Rubello Domenico , Muzzio Pier Carlo , Polverosi Roberta
Published: July 2012

Aim: To assess the potential role of 18F‐Fluorodeoxiglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) in characterizing indeterminate lung nodules detected at CT scan in patients previously treated for a breast cancer (BC).

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐nine consecutive BC patients (28 females, mean age 65 ± 12 years) with evidence of indeterminate lung nodules at contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) scan (lesions with axial diameter ≥8 mm) were retrospectively analysed: all patients underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT within a mean 2 ± 1 months from CECT imaging. PET/CT was considered positive in the presence of abnormal FDG uptake in the pulmonary nodules and/or in other organs. The nature of lung nodules was defined at histopathology and/or imaging follow‐up.

Results: Fourteen (48%) patients showed negative and 15 (52%) positive PET/CT scan in the lungs: of these 15 patients, 7 (47%) had pathologic FDG‐uptake in lungs only, whereas 8 (53%) showed abnormal FDG‐uptake also in sites different from lungs. At histology and/or imaging follow‐up, five (17%) patients were considered positive for BC lung metastases while in seven (24%) a second cancer was diagnosed. In this subset of patients, the sensitivity and specificity for FDG PET/CT in revealing lung lesions were 17% and 100%, respectively, for nodules <8 mm in diameter, and 77% and 85%, respectively, for nodules with diameter ≥8 mm.

The therapeutic planning was changed to surgery in seven patients, chemotherapy in one patient and continued hormonal therapy in five. The inclusion of PET/CT in the diagnostic algorithm of the evaluated patients helped avoid unnecessary over‐treatment in 12 of 29 patients.

Conclusion: FDG PET/CT appears useful in characterizing indeterminate lung nodules found at CECT scan in BC patients, with a sensitivity that is proportional to nodule size. In addition, PET/CT helped in avoiding over‐treatment in a significant proportion of patients.
Cognitive Science and the Cultural Nature of Music
Authors: Cross Ian
Published: July 2012

The vast majority of experimental studies of music to date have explored music in terms of the processes involved in the perception and cognition of complex sonic patterns that can elicit emotion. This paper argues that this conception of music is at odds both with recent Western musical scholarship and with ethnomusicological models, and that it presents a partial and culture‐specific representation of what may be a generic human capacity. It argues that the cognitive sciences must actively engage with the problems of exploring music as manifested and conceived in the broad spectrum of world cultures, not only to elucidate the diversity of music in mind but also to identify potential commonalities that could illuminate the relationships between music and other domains of thought and behavior.
Efficacy of Ramelteon in Patients with Insomnia and Nocturia
Authors: SHIMIZU Nobutaka , SUGIMOTO Koichi , NOZAWA Masahiro , KOBAYASHI Yasuyuki , YAMAMOTO Yutaka , MINAMI Takafumi , HAYASHI Taiji , YOSHIMURA Kazuhiro , ISHII Tokumi , UEMURA Hirotsugu , NOSE Kazuhiro , NISHIOKA Tsukasa
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To study the efficacy of ramelteon for patients with insomnia and nocturia.

Methods: Forty‐nine patients experiencing insomnia and two or more nocturnal voids were included. The degree of lower urinary tract symptoms and sleep disorders was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)1 score, and frequency/volume chart (FVC). The patients were treated with ramelteon (8 mg) for four weeks and then reexamined by questionnaire and FVC to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies.

Results: The mean IPSS score was 16.1 ± 6.9 at baseline and 12.4 ± 7.1 at four weeks. The subject scores for the number of nocturnal voids also decreased significantly from 3.3 ± 0.9 to 2.9 ± 1.0. In addition, PSQI scores improved significantly from 7.4 ± 2.9 to 5.4 ± 2.8. According to the FVC, the number of nocturnal voids decreased significantly from 3.1 ± 1.2 at baseline to 2.2 ± 1.1 at four weeks, and nighttime bladder capacity improved significantly from 181.4 ± 79.9 to 201.1 ± 93.7 mL.

Conclusion: Ramelteon alleviated nocturia and disturbed sleep in patients with insomnia and nocturia and led to increased nighttime bladder capacity.
Altered expression and function of hepatic natural killer T cells in obese and diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Yamagata Hisafumi , Ikejima Kenichi , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Aoyama Tomonori , Kon Kazuyoshi , Okumura Ko , Watanabe Sumio
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the role of natural killer (NK)T cells in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), here we investigated the expression and function of hepatic NKT cells in KK‐Ay mice, an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

Methods:  Male, 8‐week‐old KK‐Ay and C57Bl/6 mice were fed a high‐fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks. Some mice were given daily intragastric injections of pioglitazone for 5 days prior to or after dietary treatment.

Results:  In untreated KK‐Ay mice, the percentages of NKT cells in liver mononucleolar cells were nearly one‐third of those in C57Bl/6 controls. Elevations in interleukin (IL)‐4 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA in the liver after a single injection of α‐galactosylceramide (GalCer) were blunted in KK‐Ay mice largely. Percentages of NKT cells, as well as GalCer‐induced increases in IL‐4 mRNA, were blunted significantly in both strains after HF diet feeding for 4 weeks. Interestingly, KK‐Ay mice pretreated with pioglitazone showed significant increases in NKT cell proportion, and GalCer‐induced increases in IL‐4 and IFN‐γ mRNA were also enhanced by pioglitazone. In KK‐Ay mice, the percentages of annexin V positive NKT cells were nearly 2.5‐fold higher than those in C57Bl/6 controls; however, pioglitazone decreased annexin V positive cells significantly. Moreover, pioglitazone increased NKT cell fraction in KK‐Ay mice even after HF diet feeding.

Conclusion:  KK‐Ay mice exhibit proportional and functional alterations in hepatic NKT cells in close relation with the development of steatohepatitis, and it is postulated that pioglitazone improves steatohepatitis in part through restoration of hepatic NKT cells.
Monitoring Fatigue Cracking in Interconnects in a Ball Grid Array by Measuring Electrical Resistance
Authors: Fiedler B. , Fine M. , Kao K. , Keer L.
Published: July 2012

In displacement controlled mechanical fatigue of ball grid solder interconnect arrays, decrease in maximum load monitors total increase in crack area in an array while electrical resistance monitors only the area of large cracks that lead to electrical failure. Small cracks with good electrical contact between the crack surfaces have only minor effect on the resistance of the array. In this mechanical fatigue research of ball grid arrays, the fatigue damage was continually followed by simultaneously measuring maximum load and electrical resistance. Experimental details, results, and analysis of the results are given including a Paris relation fit to the data.
Soot Evolution With Cyclic Crank-Angle-Resolved Two-Color Thermometry in an Optical Diesel Engine Fueled With Biodiesel Blend and ULSD
Authors: Zha Kan , Florea Radu-Catalin , Jansons Marcis
Published: July 2012

Biodiesel is a desirable alternative fuel for the diesel engine due to its low engine-out soot emission tendency. When blended with petroleum-based diesel fuels, soot emissions generally decrease in proportion to the volume fraction of biodiesel in the mixture. While comparisons of engine-out soot measurements between biodiesel blends and petroleum-based diesel have been widely reported, in-cylinder soot evolution has not been experimentally explored to the same extent. To elucidate the soot emission reduction mechanism of biodiesel, a single-cylinder optically-accessible diesel engine was used to compare the in-cylinder soot evolution when fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to that using a B20 biodiesel blend (20% vol./vol. biodiesel ASTM D6751-03A). Soot temperature and KL factors are simultaneously determined using a novel two-color optical thermometry technique implemented with a high-speed CMOS color camera having wide-band Bayer filters. The crank-angle resolved data allows quantitative comparison of the rate of in-cylinder soot formation. High-speed spray images show that B20 has more splashing during spray wall impingement than ULSD, distributing rebounding fuel droplets over a thicker annular ring interior to the piston bowl periphery. The subsequent soot luminescence is observed by high-speed combustion imaging and soot temperature and KL factor measurements. B20 forms soot both at low KL magnitudes over large areas between fuel jets, and at high values among remnants of the fuel spray, along its axis and away from the bowl edge. In contrast, ULSD soot luminescence is observed exclusively as pool burning on the piston bowl surfaces resulting from spray wall impingement. The soot KL factor evolution during B20 combustion indicates earlier and significantly greater soot formation than with ULSD. B20 combustion is also observed to have a greater soot oxidation rate, which results in lower late-cycle soot emissions. For both fuels, higher fuel injection pressure led to lower late-cycle soot KL levels. The apparent rate of heat release (ARHR) analysis under steady skip-fire conditions indicates that B20 combustion is less sensitive to wall temperature than that observed with ULSD due to a lesser degree of pool burning. B20 was found to have both a shorter ignition delay and shorter combustion duration than ULSD.
Investigation of the Effect of Moving Forklift on Data Transmission of IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Sensor Radio
Authors: Tang Lei , Yang Fan , Zhang Daxing , Wang Kuang-Ching , Huang Yong
Published: July 2012

Low-cost wireless sensors embedded in machines and plant floors are essential components for intelligent monitoring and automation in automated manufacturing systems. To enable robust and confident industrial adoption of wireless sensor systems, their data transmission performance must be guaranteed before deployment. Moving objects such as forklifts in common manufacturing settings are known to cause errors and losses in wireless sensor data transmission. As an essential step toward building wireless sensor-based manufacturing plant floor monitoring systems, this study has conducted systematic data transmission performance measurements with IEEE 802.15.4 sensors in the presence of a moving forklift. It is found that for a typical moving forklift, its path loss profile can be predicted based on its stationary path loss profile. Specifically, the path loss for a moving forklift can be adequately modeled using a two-state time-dependent model with both deterministic and random contributions. Such a two-state path loss model can be applied to adequately estimate the packet error rate in the presence of moving objects.
Technical Note: Electronic chart checks in a paperless radiation therapy clinic
Authors: Yang Deshan , Wu Yu , Brame Ryan S. , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Rangaraj Dharanipathy , Li H. Harold , Goddu S. Murty , Mutic Sasa
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

EcCk, which stands forElectronic Chart ChecK, is a computer software and database system. It was developed to improve quality and efficiency of patient chart checking in radiation oncology departments. The core concept is to automatically collect and analyze patient treatment data, and to report discrepancies and potential concerns.

Methods:

EcCk consists of several different computer technologies, including relational database, DICOM, dynamicHTML, and image processing. Implemented in MATLAB and C#, EcCk processes patient data in DICOM, PDF, Microsoft Word, database, and Pinnacle native formats. Generated reports are stored on the storage server and indexed in the database. A standalone report‐browser program is implemented to allow users to view reports on any computer in the department. Checks are performed according to predefined logical rules, and results are presented through color‐coded reports in which discrepancies are summarized and highlighted. Users examine the reports and take appropriate actions. The core design is intended to automate human task and to improve the reliability of the performed tasks. The software is not intended to replace human audits but rather to aid as a decision support tool.

Results:

The software was successfully implemented in the clinical environment and has demonstrated the feasibility of automation of this common task with modern clinical tools. The software integrates multiple disconnected systems and successfully supports analysis of data in diverse formats.

Conclusions:

While the human is the ultimate expert, EcCk has a significant potential to improve quality and efficiency of patient treatment record audits, and to allow verification of tasks that are not easily performed by humans. EcCk can potentially relieve human experts from simple and repetitive tasks, and allow them to work on other important tasks, and in the end to improve the quality and safety of radiation therapy treatments.
The Exploration of Hot Nuclear Matter
Authors: Jacak Barbara V. , Müller Berndt
Published: July 2012

The Primordial Soup

Protons and neutrons were originally thought to be indivisible, but we now know that they have constituent parts—quarks. Quarks are bound together tightly through gluons and can only come apart under extreme conditions—conditions believed microseconds after the Big Bang to have formed a hot, dense “soup” of quarks and gluons, called the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). QGP can be made experimentally in heavy ion colliders, where extremely high temperatures are reached.
Jacak and Müller
(p.
310
) review the progress in this field and its unexpected ties to cold atomic gases and string theory.
Imaging the Impact of Single Oxygen Atoms on Superconducting Bi
2+y
Sr
2–y
CaCu
2
O
8+x
Authors: Zeljkovic Ilija , Xu Zhijun , Wen Jinsheng , Gu Genda , Markiewicz Robert S. , Hoffman Jennifer E.
Published: July 2012

It's the Oxygens

Scanning tunneling microscopy of cuprate high-temperature superconductors has revealed surprising inhomogeneity of the energy scales known as the superconducting gap, pseudogap, and the critical temperature. Some of these effects have been correlated with chemical disorder of the materials caused by doping, but, because of technical limitations, only the dopants in a limited energy range have been imaged.

Zeljkovic
et al.

(p.
320
) extend this range to reveal the positions of the remaining oxygen defects in Bi
2+y
Sr
2-y
CaCu
2
O
8+x
.
A Paramagnetic Bonding Mechanism for Diatomics in Strong Magnetic Fields
Authors: Lange Kai K. , Tellgren E. I. , Hoffmann M. R. , Helgaker T.
Published: July 2012

Magnetically Bound

At the macroscopic scale associated with daily life on Earth, magnetic attraction can seem fairly strong—think of the great loads moved by magnetized cranes. Microscopically, however, the field strengths attainable by human construction act as just a small perturbation on the Coulombic forces that bind atoms into molecules.

Lange
et al.

(p.
327
; see the Perspective by

Schmelcher

) used theoretical calculations to examine atomic behavior in environments very close to certain stars, where magnetic fields exceed those attainable on Earth by factors of 10,000 or more. The results predict a distinct type of chemical bonding in which spin-parallel hydrogen atoms or ground-state helium atoms are drawn together into pairs.
Sulfate Burial Constraints on the Phanerozoic Sulfur Cycle
Authors: Halevy Itay , Peters Shanan E. , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: July 2012

More than a Dash of Sea Salt

The cycling of major elements, such as sulfur, in the oceans depends on a number of processes, from bacterial respiration of organic matter to venting of gases from hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. Over geologic time, sediment deposited on the seafloor preserves chemical records of major changes in sulfur cycling and seawater chemistry (see the Perspective by

Hurtgen

).

Halevy
et al.

(p.
331
) observed swings in sulfur isotopes in a stratigraphic database covering North America and the Caribbean that, when modeled, corresponded to variable evaporite preservation and high turnover of sedimentary pyrite.
Wortmann and Paytan
(p.
334
) modeled the two most recent major swings in sedimentary sulfur isotopes over the last 130 million years and suggest that short periods of rapid fluxes in sulfur cycling were at least in part caused by the growth and dissolution of evaporite deposits.
Taking the Measure of Madidi
Authors: Friedman-Rudovsky Jean
Published: July 2012

Researchers journey into one of the world's most diverse areas to help predict the future of our planet's trees.
Abl Family Kinases Modulate T Cell–Mediated Inflammation and Chemokine-Induced Migration Through the Adaptor HEF1 and the GTPase Rap1
Authors: Gu Jing Jin , Lavau Catherine P. , Pugacheva Elena , Soderblom Erik J. , Moseley M. Arthur , Pendergast Ann Marie
Published: July 2012

Inhibitors of Abl family kinases block T cell migration and could be used to treat inflammatory diseases.
GPCR Close-Up
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: July 2012

A protein-engineering strategy yields a closer look at the receptor-bound water, sodium, and lipid molecules.
HIV-1 Reservoirs in Breast Milk and Challenges to Elimination of Breast-Feeding Transmission of HIV-1
Authors: Van de Perre Philippe , Rubbo Pierre-Alain , Viljoen Johannes , Nagot Nicolas , Tylleskär Thorkild , Lepage Philippe , Vendrell Jean-Pierre , Tuaillon Edouard
Published: July 2012

The breast milk of HIV-infected mothers contains reservoirs of HIV, even when they are successfully treated with antiretroviral therapy; new approaches to prophylactic therapy are needed to prevent HIV transmission to their infants through breast-feeding.
New Kid on the Block
Authors: Anandasabapathy Niroshana
Published: July 2012

Interleukin-9–producing T cells inhibit melanoma growth in mice.
Diminishing Returns
Authors: Collier Joel H.
Published: July 2012

A new biosensor generates the highest signals when the concentration of the target analyte becomes vanishingly small.
Pain in the Brain
Authors: Mashour George A.
Published: July 2012

In people who have extra-strong connections between the brain’s executive control region and its reward/punishment area, back pain is more likely to develop into a chronic condition.
The pH-Sensitive Fusogenic 3-Methyl-Glutarylated Hyperbranched Poly(Glycidol)-Conjugated Liposome Induces Antigen-Specific Cellular and Humoral Immunity
Authors: Hebishima Takehisa , Yuba Eiji , Kono Kenji , Takeshima Shin-nosuke , Ito Yoshihiro , Aida Yoko
Published: July 2012

We examined the ability of a novel liposome, surface modified by 3-methyl-glutarylated hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (MGlu-HPG), to enhance antigen-specific immunity
in vitro
and
in vivo
and to function as a vaccine carrier. Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells took up ovalbumin (OVA) encapsulated in MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes more effectively than free OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. Immunization of mice with OVA-containing MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes induced antigen-specific splenocyte proliferation and production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) more strongly than did immunization with free OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. The immune responses induced by OVA encapsulated in MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes were significantly suppressed by addition of anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II monoclonal antibodies, indicating the involvement of antigen presentation via MHC class I and II. Furthermore, delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and OVA-specific antibodies were induced more effectively in mice immunized with OVA encapsulated by MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes than with unencapsulated OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. These results suggested that MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes effectively induced both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Collectively, this study is the first to demonstrate the induction of both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses
in vivo
by MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes.
Genome Sequence of Micromonospora lupini Lupac 08, Isolated from Root Nodules of Lupinus angustifolius
Authors: Alonso-Vega Pablo , Normand Philippe , Bacigalupe Rodrigo , Pujic Petar , Lajus Aurelie , Vallenet David , Carro Lorena , Coll Pedro , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: July 2012

Micromonospora
strains have been isolated from diverse niches, including soil, water, and marine sediments and root nodules of diverse symbiotic plants. In this work, we report the genome sequence of
Micromonospora lupini
Lupac 08 isolated from root nodules of the wild legume
Lupinus angustifolious
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Probiotic Strains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.lactisB420 and Bi-07
Authors: Stahl Buffy , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: July 2012

We present the complete genomes ofBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisB420 and Bi-07. Comparative genomic analysis with the type strain DSMZ10140 revealed 40 to 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an indel in a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) locus. These genetic differences provide a molecular basis for strain typing within the two main phylogenetic groups of this monomorphic species.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus siamensis KCTC 13613
T
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Jeong Da-Eun , Kim Sun Hong , Song Geun Cheol , Park Soo-Young , Ryu Choong-Min , Park Seung-Hwan , Choi Soo-Keun
Published: July 2012

Bacillus siamensis
KCTC 13613
T
, a novel halophilic
Bacillus
species isolated from a salted Thai food, produced antimicrobial compounds against plant pathogens and promoted plant growth by volatile emission. We determined the 3.8-Mb genome sequence of
B. siamensis
KCTC 13613
T
to reveal the plant-beneficial effect at the genomic level.
Development of an Improved Selective and Differential Medium for Isolation of Salmonella spp
Authors: Park Sang-Hyun , Ryu Sangryeol , Kang Dong-Hyun
Published: July 2012

We describe an improved selective, differential, and cost-effective medium, XA medium, which contains
d
-arabinose, to facilitate the selective isolation of
Salmonella
spp. The sensitivity and the specificity of XA medium were compared to those of xylose lysine desoxycholate agar (XLD) using stock cultures and naturally contaminated food samples. XA medium and XLD were evaluated with a total of 82
Salmonella
and 69 non-
Salmonella
stock cultures. Of 82 strains of
Salmonella
spp. tested, 76 produced a characteristic black colony on XA medium and XLD. The remaining 6 strains belonged to
Salmonella enterica
serovars Berta (
n
= 1), Paratyphi A (
n
= 1), Gallinarum (
n
= 2), and Pullorum (
n
= 2). The sensitivities of XA medium and XLD were identical (92.7%).
Citrobacter freundii
(
n
= 21) and
Proteus mirabilis
(
n
= 21) stock cultures produced black colonies on XLD, whereas only 4 strains of
P. mirabilis
appeared as black colonies on XA medium. In the second phase of the study, a total of 180 food samples were cultured onto XA medium and XLD after selective enrichment. The sensitivities of XA medium and XLD were equal (100%), and a total of 6
Salmonella
strains were isolated from the 180 food samples. The specificity of XA medium (92.0%) was superior to that of XLD (73.0%), with a total of 14 and 47 false-positive results found on XA medium and XLD, respectively. On the basis of its good specificity, XA medium is useful for the isolation of
Salmonella
spp. from food samples.
Clinical-Epidemiological Features of 13 Cases of Melioidosis in Brazil
Authors: Brilhante Raimunda S. N. , Bandeira Tereza J. P. G. , Cordeiro Rossana A. , Grangeiro Thalles B. , Lima Rita A. C. , Ribeiro Joyce F. , Castelo-Branco Débora S. C. M. , Rodrigues Jorge L. N. , Coelho Ivo C. B. , Magalhães Francisco G. , Rocha Marcos F. G. , Sidrim José J. C.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this work was to catalog the clinical and ecoepidemiological characteristics of melioidosis in Brazil. The clinical-epidemiological features of melioidosis in Ceará are similar to those in other regions where the disease is endemic. These findings support the inclusion of this Brazilian state as part of the zone of endemicity for melioidosis.
Expression of the Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus Receptor on Atlantic Salmon Endothelial Cells Correlates with the Cell Tropism of the Virus
Authors: Aamelfot Maria , Dale Ole Bendik , Weli Simon Chioma , Koppang Erling Olaf , Falk Knut
Published: July 2012

Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-listed disease of farmed Atlantic salmon, characterized by slowly developing anemia and circulatory disturbances. The disease is caused by ISA virus (ISAV) in theOrthomyxoviridaefamily; hence, it is related to influenza. Here we explore the pathogenesis of ISA by focusing on virus tropism, receptor tissue distribution, and pathological changes in experimentally and naturally infected Atlantic salmon. Using immunohistochemistry on ISAV-infected Atlantic salmon tissues with antibody to viral nucleoprotein, endotheliotropism was demonstrated. Endothelial cells lining the circulatory system were found to be infected, seemingly noncytolytic, and without vasculitis. No virus could be found in necrotic parenchymal cells. From endothelium, the virus budded apically and adsorbed to red blood cells (RBCs). No infection or replication within RBCs was detected, but hemophagocytosis was observed, possibly contributing to the severe anemia in fish with this disease. Similarly to what has been done in studies of influenza, we examined the pattern of virus attachment by using ISAV as a probe. Here we detected the preferred receptor of ISAV, 4-O-acetylated sialic acid (Neu4,5Ac2). To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating thein situdistribution of this sialic acid derivate. The pattern of virus attachment mirrored closely the distribution of infection, showing that the virus receptor is important for cell tropism, as well as for adsorption to RBCs.
Adenovirus Serotype 26 Utilizes CD46 as a Primary Cellular Receptor and Only Transiently Activates T Lymphocytes following Vaccination of Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Li Hualin , Rhee Elizabeth G. , Masek-Hammerman Katherine , Teigler Jeffrey E. , Abbink Peter , Barouch Dan H.
Published: July 2012

The cellular receptor utilized by adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) has remained unclear. Here we show that Ad26 transduction is CD46-dependent and is efficiently blocked by anti-CD46 but not anti-CAR antibodies, demonstrating that Ad26 utilizes CD46 as a primary cellular receptor. Moreover, following Ad26 vaccination of rhesus monkeys, we did not observe sustained activation of peripheral or mucosal vector-specific CD4+T lymphocytes. These data contribute to our understanding of Ad26 as a candidate vaccine vector.
An Effector Phenotype of CD8+T Cells at the Junction Epithelium during Clinical Quiescence of Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection
Authors: Peng Tao , Zhu Jia , Phasouk Khamsone , Koelle David M. , Wald Anna , Corey Lawrence
Published: July 2012

Herpes simplex virus 2 infection is characterized by cycles of viral quiescence and reactivation. CD8+T cells persist at the site of viral reactivation, at the genital dermal-epidermal junction contiguous to neuronal endings of sensory neurons, for several months after herpes lesion resolution. To evaluate whether these resident CD8+T cells frequently encounter HSV antigen even during times of asymptomatic viral infection, we analyzed the transcriptional output of CD8+T cells captured by laser microdissection from human genital skin biopsy specimens during the clinically quiescent period of 8 weeks after lesion resolution. These CD8+T cells expressed a characteristic set of genes distinct from those of three separate control cell populations, and network and pathway analyses revealed that these T cells significantly upregulated antiviral genes such asGZMB,PRF1,INFG,IL-32, andLTA, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism-related genes such asGLUT-1, and chemotaxis and recruitment genes such asCCL5andCCR1, suggesting a possible feedback mechanism for the recruitment of CD8+T cells to the site of infection. Many of these transcripts are known to have half-lives of <48 h, suggesting that cognate antigen is released frequently into the mucosa and that resident CD8+T cells act as functional effectors in controlling viral spread.
Strain-Specific Role of RNAs in Prion Replication
Authors: Saá Paula , Sferrazza Gian Franco , Ottenberg Gregory , Oelschlegel Anja M. , Dorsey Kerri , Lasmézas Corinne I.
Published: July 2012

Several lines of evidence suggest that various cofactors may be required for prion replication. PrP binds to polyanions, and RNAs were shown to promote the conversion of PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
in vitro
. In the present study, we investigated strain-specific differences in RNA requirement during
in vitro
conversion and the potential role of RNA as a strain-specifying component of infectious prions. We found that RNase treatment impairs PrP
Sc
-converting activity of 9 murine prion strains by protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) in a strain-specific fashion. While the addition of RNA restored PMCA conversion efficiency, the effect of synthetic polynucleotides or DNA was strain dependent, showing a different promiscuity of prion strains in cofactor utilization. The biological properties of RML propagated by PMCA under RNA-depleted conditions were compared to those of brain-derived and PMCA material generated in the presence of RNA. Inoculation of RNA-depleted RML in
Tga20
mice resulted in an increased incidence of a distinctive disease phenotype characterized by forelimb paresis. However, this abnormal phenotype was not conserved in wild-type mice or upon secondary transmission. Immunohistochemical and cell panel assay analyses of mouse brains did not reveal significant differences between mice injected with the different RML inocula. We conclude that replication under RNA-depleted conditions did not modify RML prion strain properties. Our study cannot, however, exclude small variations of RML properties that would explain the abnormal clinical phenotype observed. We hypothesize that RNA molecules may act as catalysts of prion replication and that variable capacities of distinct prion strains to utilize different cofactors may explain strain-specific dependency upon RNA.