bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundus Fluorescein Angiographic Findings in Patients Who Underwent Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Ozturk Taylan , Nalcaci Serhad , Ozturk Pelin , Engin Cagatay , Yagdi Tahir , Akkin Cezmi , Ozbaran Mustafa
Published: July 2013

Disruption of microcirculation in various tissues as a result of deformed blood rheology due to ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation causes novel arteriovenous malformations. Capillary disturbances and related vascular leakage in the retina and choroidea may also be seen in patients supported by VADs. We aimed to evaluate retinal vasculature deteriorations after VAD implantation. The charts of 17 patients who underwent VAD implantation surgery for the treatment of end‐stage heart failure were retrospectively reviewed. Eight cases (47.1%) underwent pulsatile pump implantation (Berlin Heart EXCOR, Berlin Heart Mediprodukt GmbH, Berlin, Germany); however, nine cases (52.9%) had continuous‐flow pump using centrifugal design (HeartWare, HeartWare Inc., Miramar, FL, USA). Study participants were selected among the patients who had survived with a VAD for at least 6 months, and results of detailed ophthalmologic examinations including optic coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) were documented. All of the 17 patients were male, with a mean age of 48.5 ± 14.8 years (15–67 years). Detailed ophthalmologic examinations including the evaluation of retinal vascular deteriorations via FA were performed at a mean of 11.8 ± 3.7 months of follow‐up (6–18 months). Mean best‐corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were found as logMAR 0.02 ± 0.08 and 14.6 ± 1.9 mm Hg, respectively in the study population. Dilated fundoscopy revealed severe focal arteriolar narrowing in two patients (11.8%), and arteriovenous crossing changes in four patients (23.5%); however, no pathological alteration was present in macular OCT scans. In patients with continuous‐flow blood pumps, mean arm‐retina circulation time (ARCT) and arteriovenous transit time (AVTT) were found to be 16.8 ± 3.0 and 12.4 ± 6.2 s, respectively; whereas those with pulsatile‐flow blood pumps were found to be 17.4 ± 3.6 and 14.0 ± 2.1 s in patients (P = 0.526 and P = 0.356, respectively). FA also revealed a tendency for increased frequency of dye leakage from the optic disc in our study population. Except for remarkable delays in both ARCT and AVTT as well as a tendency for increased frequency of dye leakage from the optic disc, ophthalmologic evaluations revealed no other significant pathology or vascular deterioration in the retina that could be attributed to artificial heart systems.
Designing a trust evaluation model for open‐knowledge communities
Authors: Yang Xianmin , Qiu Qin , Yu Shengquan , Tahir Hasan
Published: July 2013

The openness of open‐knowledge communities (OKCs) leads to concerns about the knowledge quality and reliability of such communities. This confidence crisis has become a major factor limiting the healthy development of OKCs. Earlier studies on trust evaluation for Wikipedia considered disadvantages such as inadequate influencing factors and separated the treatment of trustworthiness for users and resources. A new trust evaluation model for OKCs—the two‐way interactive feedback model—is developed in this study. The model has two core components: resource trustworthiness (RT) and user trustworthiness (UT). The model is based on more interaction data, considers the interrelation between RT and UT, and better represents the features of interpersonal trust in reality. Experimental simulation and trial operation for the Learning Cell System, a novel open‐knowledge community developed for ubiquitous learning, show that the model accurately evaluates RT and UT in this example OKC environment.
A 5‐year clinical and computerized tomographic implant follow‐up in sinus‐lifted maxillae and native bone
Authors: Sbordone Carolina , Toti Paolo , Ramaglia Luca , Guidetti Franco , Sbordone Ludovico , Martuscelli Ranieri
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The present study analysed apical and marginal bone remodelling around dental implants placed in both maxillary (sinus elevated with particulated autogenous osseous graft) and corresponding native bone areas, with a follow‐up of 5 years. The clinical survival of implants was also observed.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective chart review, 27 patients were enrolled, with 55 dental implants inserted from 2000 to 2006, 26 of which were followed (one implant per patient); if required, patients were treated via sinus lift with autogenous bone and particulate technique. The internal controls were implants positioned in native areas beneath the sinus. Radiologic survey was assessed via computerized tomographic analysis measuring apical bone level (ABL) and marginal bone level (MBL), at 1‐ (T1), 3‐ (T2) and 5 years (T3), around implants (buccal, b; palatal, p; mesial, m; and distal sides, d). Clinical probing depth (CPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) for all the four peri‐implant aspects were measured. Cumulative survival rate (CSR) and survival rate (SR) of implants were calculated. Significances for paired and unpaired comparisons were searched for.

Results

A significant degree of apical resorption was recorded between T1 and T3 for the mesial particulate group; again, a significant difference was discovered between the native and particulate procedures for mABL. A further feature was discovered for the particulate procedure, for which ABLs resulted negative at least for three of the aspects. Regarding MBL measurements, similar behaviours were revealed using time‐comparison analysis for the two procedures at the buccal aspect. Comparisons among diameters, irrespective of the procedure, showed that resorption times for the bMBL were shorter as the diameter of the implant became wider. The implant CSR was 92% in native areas (two failures/25 implants) and 93.3% in sinuses lifted with particulate bone (two failures/30 implants).

Conclusions

The results suggest that a protrusion of the implant apices into augmented sinus lift occurred, whereas the bone remodelling of the coronal areas was not influenced by the events in the maxillary sinus. A diameter ranging from 4 to 5 mm might better guarantee a conservation of marginal peri‐implant bone level compared with implants with smaller diameters.
The Normal Impact of Age and Gender on Right Heart Structure and Function
Authors: Henein Michael , Waldenström Anders , Mörner Stellan , Lindqvist Per
Published: July 2013

Background

As the proportion of elderly population increases rapidly, it might be difficult to differentiate physiological changes in cardiac function due to age from the pathophysiological ones. In addition, cardiac function variations with gender are well established. The right ventricular (RV) plays an important role in the overall cardiac function, but reference values varying with age and gender are lacking.

Material and Methods

We studied 255 healthy individuals from a general population register, mean age of 58 ± 19 (range 22–89) years, 125 were females. We used 2D and M‐mode echocardiography to measure RV inflow tract (RVIT) and RV outflow tract (RVOT) dimensions and fractional shortening (fs). Spectral Doppler echocardiography was also used.

Results

We found a modest decrease in RVIT dimensions (P < 0.05), but increase in RVOT dimensions with advancing age (P < 0.05). A small decrease in RVOT fs with age was also found (P < 0.05). Estimated pulmonary pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance increased (P < 0.001) as did RVOT wall thickness (P < 0.001), but RV diastolic function was not altered (P < 0.001) with age. Despite correction for the BSA, males showed larger RVIT dimensions (P < 0.001 for both), but RVOT end‐diastolic dimension was larger in females (P < 0.05). RVIT and RVOT fractional shortening were increased in females (P < 0.01 for both).

Conclusion

In a cohort of normal individuals, age has significant impact on RV structure and function, inlet area falls and outflow tract dimensions increase and fractional shortening also increase in females. In addition, RVOT wall thickness significantly increases and Doppler markers of pulmonary vascular resistance show a consistent rise. The age‐related changes should carefully be considered when commenting on normality and when using absolute values.
Training innate immunity: the changing concept of immunological memory in innate host defence
Authors: Netea Mihai G.
Published: July 2013

The inability of innate immunity to build an immunological memory is considered a main difference with adaptive immunity. This concept has been challenged by studies in plants, invertebrates and mammals. Recently, a paradigm shift in our understanding host defence has been triggered by the mounting evidence for innate immune memory, leading to increased responses to secondary infections. Important differences between the cell populations and the molecular mechanisms exist between the adaptive traits of innate host defence on the one hand and immunological memory of adaptive immunity on the other hand. The lasting state of enhanced innate immunity termed ‘trained immunity’ is mediated by prototypical innate immune cells such as natural killer cells and monocytes/macrophages. It provides protection against reinfection in a T/B‐cell‐independent manner, with both specific mechanisms and nonspecific epigenetic reprogramming mediating these effects. This concept represents a paradigm change in immunity, and its putative role in resistance to reinfection may represent the next step in the design of future vaccines.
Transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services in the Republic of Ireland: an investigation of process and operational practice
Authors: McNamara Niamh , McNicholas Fiona , Ford Tamsin , Paul Moli , Gavin Blanaid , Coyne Imelda , Cullen Walter , O'Connor Karen , Ramperti Nicolas , Dooley Barbara , Barry Siobhan , Singh Swaran P.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Ensuring a seamless transition from child to adult mental health services poses challenges for services worldwide. This is an important process in the ongoing care of young people with mental illness; therefore, it is incumbent on all countries to probe their individual structures to assess the quality of mental health service delivery to this vulnerable cohort. To date, there have been no published studies on the transition from Child to Adult Mental Health Services in the Republic of Ireland. To this end, a nationwide survey of transition policies of community mental health teams in both services was conducted in order to compare best practice guidelines for transition with current process and experience in clinical practice.

Method

Structured interviews were conducted with 57 consultant psychiatrists (representing 32 CAMHS teams and 25 AMHS teams) to obtain information on annual transition numbers, existing transition policies and operational practice from the professional perspective.

Results

Numbers of young people considered suitable for transfer to adult services (M = 7.73, SD = 9.86, n = 25) were slightly higher than numbers who actually transferred (M = 4.50, SD = 3.33, n = 20). There is a lack of standardized practice nationwide regarding the service transition boundary, an absence of written transition policies and protocols, and minimal formal interaction between child and adult services.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that there are critical gaps between current operational practice and best practice guidelines. Future studies will investigate the impact this has on the transition experiences of young people, their carers and health‐care professionals.
Combinatorial molecular marker assays of WT1,survivin, and TERT at initial diagnosis of adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kim Hee‐Je , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Sohn Hyun‐Jung , Park So‐Hye , Min Woo‐Sung , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: July 2013

High levels of expression of Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1), survivin, or telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) genes are introduced as leukemia‐associated targets predicting clinical outcome. We prospectively investigated the leukemia‐associated gene transcripts by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction from 151 adult patients with AML associated with the patients' clinical characteristics. The maximum levels of each gene in bone marrow were 64.4‐, 8.1‐, and 3.9‐fold higher than those in the normal control, respectively. In contrast to the WT1 and TERT levels, survivin showed comparatively higher expression in the unfavorable cytogenetic group of patients. We found a significant difference in survivin levels between the CR and non‐CR groups (P = 0.0237). TERT expression levels were higher in patients who had a greater number of peripheral blood leukemic blasts at diagnosis (P = 0.0191). Non‐MRC subtypes and patients without specific mutations were the most powerful predictive factors for a better CR rate, by multivariate analyses. The lower levels of both WT1 and survivin co‐expression (P = 0.0129) and both survivin + TERT co‐expression (P = 0.0115) were significant factors for better OS. Besides lower initial levels of serum ferritin (P = 0.0401), lower levels of WT1 (P = 0.0438) and survivin (P = 0.0401), lower levels of both WT1 and survivin co‐expression (P = 0.0031), and the three‐gene combination of lower WT1 + survivin + TERT (P = 0.0454) were powerful predictive factors for better EFS. As our findings were based on a single disease entity, that is, adult AML, they suggest that the expression of these genes may be critical for the immunobiology of AML to influence the clinical outcome in various ways.
Sea Tracks and Trails: Indian Ocean Worlds as Method
Authors: Burton Antoinette , Kale Madhavi , Hofmeyr Isabel , Anderson Clare , Lee Christopher J. , Green Nile
Published: July 2013

Cluster Abstract

Though historians have long imagined it as a world both unto itself and integral to histories of global capital, nation‐building, imperial rivalry, and sustainability in many dimensions, the Indian Ocean and environs have become a preoccupation for scholars from a wide variety of locations, disciplinary, and institutional, in the last two decades. The essays in this cluster offer a thematic introduction to recent work in Indian Ocean World history and studies chiefly by focusing on the question of method. Drawing on research that takes transregional, comparative, and subaltern approaches to the field, contributors map the dynamic relationships between the “regional integration” that characterizes the IOW's histories of connection, interdependence, and flow and the striated, fractious history of imperial forces always in sight, in play, and in motion in these waters.
CD30 expression by bone marrow mast cells from different diagnostic variants of systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Morgado José M , Perbellini Omar , Johnson Ryan C , Teodósio Cristina , Matito Almudena , Álvarez‐Twose Iván , Bonadonna Patrizia , Zamò Alberto , Jara‐Acevedo Maria , Mayado Andrea , Garcia‐Montero Andrés , Mollejo Manuela , George Tracy I , Zanotti Roberta , Orfao Alberto , Escribano Luis , Sánchez‐Muñoz Laura
Published: July 2013

Aims

CD30 expression by bone marrow (BM) mast cells (MC) has been reported recently in systemic mastocytosis (SM) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of CD30 expression in SM as assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry.

Methods and results

A total of 163 consecutive BM samples corresponding to 142 SM patients and 21 non‐mastocytosis cases were studied. CD30 was positive in most SM patients (80%), but in only one non‐mastocytosis case (4.8%). When combined with CD25, CD30 contributed to an improved accuracy over that of CD25 alone (98% versus 93%) mainly because most (eight of nine) of the well‐differentiated SM (WDSM), who lacked CD25, were CD30+. Similar levels of expression of CD30 were observed among all different subgroups of SM except mast cell leukaemia; among indolent SM (ISM) patients, no significant association was observed between the levels of CD30 expression and other clinical and biological features of the disease.

Conclusions

The increased expression of CD30 associated with absence of CD25 contributes to the diagnosis of WDSM and its distinction from other subtypes of SM. By contrast, CD30 expression did not contribute either to prognostic stratification of ISM or to the differential diagnosis between ISM and aggressive SM cases.
SYMPTOM BURDEN IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE
Authors: Almutary Hayfa , Bonner Ann , Douglas Clint
Published: July 2013

Background

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience multiple symptoms due to both the disease and its treatment. However, these symptoms are often underrecognised. In addition, the majority of studies have focused on an individual symptom; however, these symptoms rarely occur in isolation and may instead occur in clusters.

Aim of Review

To investigate the total symptom burden in advanced CKD (Stages 4 and 5) and to identify the key instruments that are used to assess multiple symptoms.

Methods

A literature search from 2006 to 2012 was undertaken and a total of 19 articles were included.

Results

The most common CKD symptoms were fatigue or lack of energy, feeling drowsy, pain and pruritus. However, symptom assessment instruments varied between studies, often with inconsistent or inadequate symptom dimensions.

Conclusion

People with CKD experience a high symptom burden, although little is known about the burden for people with CKD Stage 4 and for those with CKD Stage 5 receiving peritoneal dialysis. This review recommends that a full range of symptoms be assessed for those at different stages of CKD. Improved understanding of the burden of symptoms can be used as the basis for treatment choices and for identifying priorities which are likely to contribute to a better quality of life and improve the quality of care.
Crocus yakarianus sp. nov. from eastern Turkey
Authors: Yıldırım Hasan , Erol Osman
Published: July 2013

Crocus yakarianus Yıldırım & O. Erol (Iridaceae) is described as a new species. Diagnostic morphological characteristics, descriptions and detailed illustrations are given on the basis of the type material. Crocus yakarianus is restricted to the province of Malatya in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. It is related to and compared with Crocus biflorus subsp. tauri (Maw) B. Mathew.
Social skills as predictors of communication, performance and quality of collaboration in project‐based learning
Authors: Notari M. , Baumgartner A. , Herzog W.
Published: July 2013

The assumption that social skills are necessary ingredients of collaborative learning is well established but rarely empirically tested. In addition, most theories on collaborative learning focus on social skills only at the personal level, while the social skill configurations within a learning group might be of equal importance. Using the integrative framework, this study investigates which social skills at the personal level and at the group level are predictive of task‐related e‐mail communication, satisfaction with performance and perceived quality of collaboration. Data collection took place in a technology‐enhanced long‐term project‐based learning setting for pre‐service teachers.

For data collection, two questionnaires were used, one at the beginning and one at the end of the learning cycle which lasted 3 months. During the project phase, the e‐mail communication between group members was captured as well. The investigation of 60 project groups (N = 155 for the questionnaires; group size: two or three students) and 33 groups for the e‐mail communication (N = 83) revealed that personal social skills played only a minor role compared to group level configurations of social skills in predicting satisfaction with performance, perceived quality of collaboration and communication behaviour. Members from groups that showed a high and/or homogeneous configuration of specific social skills (e.g., cooperation/compromising, leadership) usually were more satisfied and saw their group as more efficient than members from groups with a low and/or heterogeneous configuration of skills.
Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity in Fruits of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Cultivars “Valjevka” and “Mildora” as Influenced by Air Drying
Authors: Miletić Nemanja , Mitrović Olga , Popović Branko , Nedović Viktor , Zlatković Branislav , Kandić Miodrag
Published: July 2013

Polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of freshly harvested plums cvs. “Valjevka” and “Mildora,” and changes caused by drying were analyzed. Plum drying at 90C resulted in significant changes in anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolics content, and antioxidant capacity in both cultivars examined. Statistical analysis showed that antioxidant capacity of both fresh plums and prunes of “Valjevka” and “Mildora” is strongly influenced by the phenolic constituents of the fruit. The major phenolic compound in fresh plums and prunes is neochlorogenic acid, followed by caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. After drying, a significant decrease in neochlorogenic acid and an increase in caffeic acid was observed, while chlorogenic acid content decreased in prunes of “Valjevka,” and increased in prunes of “Mildora.” Rutin and protocatechuic acid contents were slightly decreased after drying, while gallic acid content was dramatically increased. A complete degradation of cyanidin was induced by drying.

Practical Applications

This study is intended to inform producers of dried fruits about changes induced by drying, as well as to highlight the supposition that dried fruits may be considered functional food due to the high level of polyphenolic compounds and increased antioxidant capacity. The scientific results relative to the nutritional profile of prunes, combined with their attractive appearance and favorable flavor, may serve as a commercial strategy, given the increased level of consumers' awareness on the importance of healthy food intake.
Exploration of the effects of gender and mild esophagitis on esophageal pain thresholds in the normal and sensitized state of asymptomatic young volunteers
Authors: Krarup A. L. , Gunnarsson J. , Brun J. , Poulakis A. , Edebo A. , Ringström G. , Drewes A. M. , Simrén M.
Published: July 2013

Background

Clinical data suggest gender differences in gastrointestinal pain, but very little experimental data exist. Esophageal painful thresholds to mechanical, thermal, electric, and chemical stimuli can be measured with the esophageal multimodal pain model. The aim was to measure the effect of gender and mild esophagitis on esophageal pain perception.

Methods

Thirty‐five healthy asymptomatic volunteers [19 men, median age 29 (22–56 years)] underwent upper GI endoscopy, 24 h pH/impedance measurement, and multimodal esophageal pain stimulation before and after sensitization with acid. Stimulus intensities at painful thresholds were recorded.

Key Results

Men had higher pain thresholds (PT) to mechanical stimulation (mean volume: men 20.9 ± 10 mL vs women 15.2 ± 6.8 mL, P = 0.02) and more men tolerated the maximum acid challenge (58% vs 20%, P = 0.03). There were no differences between genders for PT to 1 thermal stimulation [mean stimulation time (men, women): heat; 20 ± 5 s vs 21 ± 6 s or cold; 33.3 ± 20.1 s vs 20.7 ± 21.4 s, P > 0.2], 2 electrical current (mean current: men 17.6 ± 9.2 mA vs women 12.9 ± 3.7 mA, P = 0.11), or 3 acid volume [median volume: men 200 (20;200) mL vs women 133 (40;200) mL, P = 0.2]. Fifteen asymptomatic subjects had mild esophagitis (10 men, all Los Angeles A). There were no differences in esophageal PT between subjects with normal endoscopy or mild esophagitis (all P > 0.3).

Conclusions & Inferences

The effects of gender and mild esophagitis on esophageal multimodal pain perception have been measured in asymptomatic volunteers. The study suggests that gender, not mild esophagitis, tends to influence mechanical and chemical esophageal pain.
Efficacy and Safety of Catheter Ablation for Long‐Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Women
Authors: ZHANG XIAO‐DONG , TAN HONG‐WEI , GU JUN , JIANG WEI‐FENG , ZHAO LIANG , WANG YUAN‐LONG , LIU YU‐GANG , ZHOU LI , GU JIA‐NING , LIU XU
Published: July 2013

Objectives

It is uncertain whether gender affects the outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CA for long‐standing persistent AF in women.

Methods

Between January 2010 and May 2011, 220 consecutive patients (73 females, 33.2%), with long‐standing persistent AF who underwent CA were prospectively recruited. Gender‐related differences in clinical presentation, periprocedural complications, and outcomes were compared.

Results

Women were less likely to have lone AF than men (27.4% vs 47.6%; P = 0.004). The incidence of rheumatic heart disease was higher in women (19.2% in women vs 1.4% in men; P < 0.001). Women had a lower initial ablation success rate than men (35.6% vs 57.1%; P = 0.003). Hematomas occurred more often in women (6.8% in women vs 0.7% in men; P = 0.027). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated total duration of AF (per month, hazard ratio [HR] 1.003, confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.006; P = 0.006) and gender (HR 1.663, CI 1.114–2.485; P = 0.013) as the independent predictors for recurrence after the first CA.

Conclusions

Women and long AF duration were closely related to the recurrence of AF after the first ablation in patients with long‐standing persistent AF. Women also had a higher risk of vascular complications.
The Special Value of Epistemic Self‐Reliance
Authors: Byerly T. Ryan
Published: July 2013

Philosophers have long held that epistemic self‐reliance has a special value. But, this view has recently been challenged by prominent epistemologist Linda Zagzebski. Zagzebski argues that potential sources of support for the claim that epistemic self‐reliance has a special value fail. Here I provide a novel defense of the special value of epistemic self‐reliance. Self‐reliance has a special value because it is required for attaining certain valuable cognitive achievements. Further, practicing self‐reliance may be all‐things‐considered worthwhile even when doing so is a less reliable way of getting to the truth than relying on others and even when doing so is flatly unreliable in getting to the truth.
Factor Components of Inequality: A Cross‐Country Study
Authors: García‐Peñalosa Cecilia , Orgiazzi Elsa
Published: July 2013

This paper uses data from the Luxembourg Income Study to examine some of the forces that have driven changes in household income inequality over the last three decades of the twentieth century. We decompose inequality for six countries (Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S.) into the three sources of market income (earnings, property income, and income from self‐employment) and taxes and transfers. Our findings indicate that although changes in the distribution of earnings are an important force behind recent trends, they are not the only one. Greater earnings dispersion has in some cases been accompanied by a reduction in the share of earnings which dampened its impact on overall household income inequality. In some countries the contribution of self‐employment income to inequality has been on the rise, while in others, increases in inequality in capital income account for a substantial fraction of the observed distributional changes.
Application of digital soil mapping methods for identifying salinity management classes based on a study on coastal central China
Authors: Guo Y. , Shi Z. , Li H. Y. , Triantafilis J.
Published: July 2013

In coastal China, there is an urgent need to increase land for agriculture. One solution is land reclamation from coastal tidelands, but soil salinization poses a problem. Thus, there is need to map saline areas and identify appropriate management strategies. One approach is the use of digital soil mapping. At the first stage, auxiliary data such as remotely sensed multispectral imagery can be used to identify areas of low agricultural productivity due to salinity. Similarly, proximal sensing instruments can provide data on the distribution of soil salinity. In this study, we first used multispectral QuickBird imagery (Bands 1–4) to provide information about crop growth and then EM38 data to indicate relative salt content using measurements of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) in the horizontal (ECh) and vertical (ECv) modes of operation. Second, we used a fuzzy k‐means (FKM) algorithm to identify three salinity management zones using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ECh and ECv/ECh. The three identified classes were statistically different in terms of auxiliary and topsoil properties (e.g. soil organic matter) and more importantly in terms of the distribution of soil salinity (ECe) with depth. The resultant three classes were mapped to demonstrate that remote and proximally sensed auxiliary data can be used as surrogates for identifying soil salinity management zones.
Responses to “Sketching the Contours of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion”
Authors: Locklin Reid B. , Robinson Joanne Maguire , Pence Nadine S.
Published: July 2013

The three short essays collected in this manuscript respond to Patricia O'Connell Killen and Eugene V. Gallagher's “Sketching the Contours in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion,” published in issue 16, no. 2 of this journal (2013). See additional responses by Charles R. Foster, Stephen Brookfield, and Pat Hutchings published in Teaching Theology and Religion
Blocking porcine sialoadhesin improves extracorporeal porcine liver xenoperfusion with human blood
Authors: Waldman Joshua P. , Vogel Thomas , Burlak Christopher , Coussios Constantin , Dominguez Javier , Friend Peter , Rees Michael A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Patients in fulminant hepatic failure currently do not have a temporary means of support while awaiting liver transplantation. A potential therapeutic approach for such patients is the use of extracorporeal perfusion with porcine livers as a form of “liver dialysis”. During a 72‐h extracorporeal perfusion of porcine livers with human blood, porcine Kupffer cells bind to and phagocytose human red blood cells (hRBC) causing the hematocrit to decrease to 2.5% of the original value. Our laboratory has identified porcine sialoadhesin expressed on Kupffer cells as the lectin responsible for binding N‐acetylneuraminic acid on the surface of the hRBC. We evaluated whether blocking porcine sialoadhesin prevents the recognition and subsequent destruction of hRBCs seen during extracorporeal porcine liver xenoperfusion.

Methods

Ex vivo studies were performed using wild type pig livers perfused with isolated hRBCs for 72‐h in the presence of an anti‐porcine sialoadhesin antibody or isotype control.

Results

The addition of an anti‐porcine sialoadhesin antibody to an extracorporeal porcine liver xenoperfusion model reduces the loss of hRBC over a 72‐h period. Sustained liver function was demonstrated throughout the perfusion.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the role of sialoadhesin in mediating the destruction of hRBCs in an extracorporeal porcine liver xenoperfusion model.
Verifying a Software System for Designing Custom Hip Stems Based on X-Ray Films
Authors: Ma Ruyu , Ding Hua , Wei Jianhe , Yang Deyong
Published: July 2013

If a custom hip stem could be designed according to X-ray films, the cost of the hip stem would be reduced, and a simpler designing method could be provided than using computer tomography images. In addition, the problem, which is that hip stems cannot be designed for some revision operations because of metal artifacts in computer tomography images, could be solved. A software system for designing custom hip stems based on X-ray films was developed. In order to verify whether the software system could be used, eleven femurs were used for this study. Hip stems for these eleven femurs were designed by using the software system. Ten of these femurs were taken computer tomography scans directly. According to the data collected from the computer tomography images, models of these ten femurs were rebuilt. Ten hip stem models, designed for these ten femurs, were simulated to be inserted into corresponding femur models. Results show each of the ten hip stems matches its corresponding femur. The hip stem designed for the remaining femur was manufactured and inserted in the remaining femur. Cancellous bone, retained in the matching area, was about 1–1.5 mm thick. From the above verifications, it could be concluded that the software system for designing custom hip stems based on X-ray films could be used to design custom hip stems.
Parametric Resonances of a Spinning Cyclic Symmetric Rotor Assembled to a Flexible Stationary Housing Via Multiple Bearings
Authors: Tai W. C. , Shen I. Y.
Published: July 2013

This paper is meant to model free vibration of a coupled rotor-bearing-housing system. In particular, the rotor is cyclic symmetric and spins at constant speed while the housing is stationary and flexible. The rotor and housing are assembled via multiple, linear, elastic bearings. A set of equations of motion is derived using component mode synthesis, in which the rotor and the housing each are treated as a component. The equations of motion take the form of ordinary differential equations with periodic coefficients. Analyses of the equations of motion indicate that instabilities could appear at certain spin speed in the form of combination resonances of the sum type. To demonstrate the validity of the formulation, two numerical examples are studied. For the first example, the spinning rotor is an axisymmetric disk, and the housing is a square plate with a central shaft. The rotor and the housing are connected via two linear elastic bearings. For the second example, the rotor is cyclic symmetric in the form of a disk with four evenly spaced radial slots. The housing and bearings remain the same. In both examples, instability appears as a combination resonance of the sum type between a rotor mode and an elastic housing mode. The cyclic symmetric rotor, however, has more instability zones. Finally, effects of damping are studied. Damping of the housing widens the instability zones, whereas the damping of the rotor does the opposite.
Somatic Mutation, Genomic Variation, and Neurological Disease
Authors: Poduri Annapurna , Evrony Gilad D. , Cai Xuyu , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: July 2013

Genetic Mosaicism in Brain Development

With the increased power now available in sequencing and genomic technologies has come the realization that within an organism, individual cellular genomes can diverge from one another.

Poduri
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1237758
) review how de novo mutations, which arise in the parental germ line, or during development of the child, are the cause of a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prevalence of 10 Human Polyomaviruses in Fecal Samples from Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Ke , Guo Junhua , Zhao Rong , Xue Ying , Chen Lihong , Yang Jian , Peng Junping , Jin Qi
Published: July 2013

We conducted a case-control study to explore the prevalence of 10 human polyomaviruses in fecal specimens from hospitalized children with diarrhea and asymptomatic control subjects by using multiplex PCR detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. The differences between cases and controls were not statistically significant.
Capsular Gene Sequences and Genotypes of “Serotype 6E” Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Ko Kwan Soo , Baek Jin Yang , Song Jae-Hoon
Published: July 2013

To characterize
Streptococcus pneumoniae
“serotype 6E,” complete
cps
loci were sequenced. The capsular genes of “serotype 6E” isolates differed much from those of serotypes 6A and 6B. We identified 10 additional “serotype 6E” isolates, which are not confined to a restricted geographic locality. Most of these “serotype 6E” isolates belonged to sequence type 90 and its single-locus variants. The homogeneity of their genetic background and
cps
loci suggests a recent origin of the “serotype 6E” isolates.
Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin Trimerization Completes Monomer Folding and Antigenicity
Authors: Magadán Javier G. , Khurana Surender , Das Suman R. , Frank Gregory M. , Stevens James , Golding Hana , Bennink Jack R. , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: July 2013

Influenza A virus (IAV) remains an important human pathogen largely because of antigenic drift, the rapid emergence of antibody escape mutants that precludes durable vaccination. The most potent neutralizing antibodies interact with cognate epitopes in the globular “head” domain of hemagglutinin (HA), a homotrimeric glycoprotein. The H1 HA possesses five distinct regions defined by a large number of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), i.e., Ca1, Ca2, Cb, Sa, and Sb. Ca1-Ca2 sites require HA trimerization to attain full antigenicity, consistent with their locations on opposite sides of the trimer interface. Here, we show that full antigenicity of Cb and Sa sites also requires HA trimerization, as revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy of IAV-infected cells and biochemically by pulse-chase radiolabeling experiments. Surprisingly, epitope antigenicity acquired by HA trimerization persists following acid triggering of the globular domains dissociation and even after proteolytic release of monomeric heads from acid-treated HA. Thus, the requirement for HA trimerization by trimer-specific MAbs mapping to the Ca, Cb, and Sa sites is not dependent upon the bridging of adjacent monomers in the native HA trimer. Rather, complete antigenicity of HA (and, by inference, immunogenicity) requires a final folding step that accompanies its trimerization. Once this conformational change occurs, HA trimers themselves would not necessarily be required to induce a highly diverse neutralizing response to epitopes in the globular domain.
High-Throughput Profiling of Alpha Interferon- and Interleukin-28B-Regulated MicroRNAs and Identification of let-7s with Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Activity by Targeting IGF2BP1
Authors: Cheng Min , Si Youhui , Niu Yuqiang , Liu Xiuying , Li Xiang , Zhao Jin , Jin Qi , Yang Wei
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of severe liver disease. Interferon (IFN)/ribavirin treatment remains the standard therapeutic regimen for HCV infection in most countries. IFN-stimulated genes are believed to contribute to antiviral effects. However, emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of noncoding small RNAs, are involved in the control of viral infection. Here, we systematically profiled the hepatocyte expression of a set of 750 miRNAs in response to alpha interferon (IFN-α) and interleukin-28B (IL-28B) treatments. The anti-HCV activity of differentially expressed miRNAs was evaluated using cell culture-derived HCV
in vitro
. The results demonstrate that let-7b had a significant anti-HCV effect by inhibiting HCV replication and viral protein translation in human hepatoma cells. In particular, we show that the inhibition of let-7b attenuated the anti-HCV effects of IFN-α and IL-28B. Furthermore, we show that the host factor insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is a target of let-7b. IGF2BP1 was required for HCV replication, and its expression was downregulated by IFN-α and IL-28B. Deletion of the wild-type seed region of let-7b abolished its antiviral activity. Finally, we demonstrate that other let-7 family miRNAs were able to inhibit HCV and to suppress IGF2BP1 expression. In conclusion, we provide an example of a host miRNA regulated by type I and type III IFNs that inhibits HCV replication and infectivity by targeting host targets. These results highlight the important role of miRNAs in the host antiviral immune response and provide a novel candidate for anti-HCV therapy.
Identification of a Receptor-Binding Domain in the S Protein of the Novel Human Coronavirus Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus as an Essential Target for Vaccine Development
Authors: Du Lanying , Zhao Guangyu , Kou Zhihua , Ma Cuiqing , Sun Shihui , Poon Vincent K. M. , Lu Lu , Wang Lili , Debnath Asim K. , Zheng Bo-Jian , Zhou Yusen , Jiang Shibo
Published: July 2013

A novel human Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like illness with a high mortality rate, raising concerns of its pandemic potential. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) was recently identified as its receptor. Here we showed that residues 377 to 662 in the S protein of MERS-CoV specifically bound to DPP4-expressing cells and soluble DPP4 protein and induced significant neutralizing antibody responses, suggesting that this region contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD), which has a potential to be developed as a MERS-CoV vaccine.
Peptide Aptamers That Bind to Geminivirus Replication Proteins Confer a Resistance Phenotype to
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
and
Tomato Mottle Virus
Infection in Tomato
Authors: Reyes Maria Ines , Nash Tara E. , Dallas Mary M. , Ascencio-Ibáñez J. Trinidad , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: July 2013

Geminiviruses constitute a large family of single-stranded DNA viruses that cause serious losses in important crops worldwide. They often exist in disease complexes and have high recombination and mutation rates, allowing them to adapt rapidly to new hosts and environments. Thus, an effective resistance strategy must be general in character and able to target multiple viruses. The geminivirus replication protein (Rep) is a good target for broad-based disease control because it is highly conserved and required for viral replication. In an earlier study, we identified a set of peptide aptamers that bind to Rep and reduce viral replication in cultured plant cells. In this study, we selected 16 of the peptide aptamers for further analysis in yeast two-hybrid assays. The results of these experiments showed that all 16 peptide aptamers interact with all or most of the Rep proteins from nine viruses representing the three major
Geminiviridae
genera and identified two peptide aptamers (A22 and A64) that interact strongly with different regions in the Rep N terminus. Transgenic tomato lines expressing A22 or A64 and inoculated with
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
or
Tomato mottle virus
exhibited delayed viral DNA accumulation and often contained lower levels of viral DNA. Strikingly, the effect on symptoms was stronger, with many of the plants showing no symptoms or strongly attenuated symptoms. Together, these results established the efficacy of using Rep-binding peptide aptamers to develop crops that are resistant to diverse geminiviruses.
Functional and Structural Analysis of Influenza Virus Neuraminidase N3 Offers Further Insight into the Mechanisms of Oseltamivir Resistance
Authors: Li Qing , Qi Jianxun , Wu Yan , Kiyota Hiromasa , Tanaka Kosuke , Suhara Yoshitomo , Ohrui Hiroshi , Suzuki Yasuo , Vavricka Christopher J. , Gao George F.
Published: July 2013

The influenza virus neuraminidase H274Y substitution is a highly prevalent amino acid substitution associated with resistance to the most heavily used influenza drug, oseltamivir. Previous structural studies suggest that the group specific 252 residue (Y252 in group 1 and T252 in group 2) might be a key factor underlying H274Y resistance. However, H274Y has only been reported in N1 subtypes, which indicates that there must be additional key residues that determine H274Y resistance. Furthermore, we found that members of NA serotype N3 also possess Y252, raising the key question as to whether or not H274Y resistance may also be possible for some group 2 NAs. Here, we demonstrate that the H274Y substitution results in mild oseltamivir resistance for N3. Comparative structural analysis of N3, N1, and their 274Y variants indicates that the interaction of residue 296 (H in N1 and nonaromatic for other serotypes) with conserved W295 is another important determinant of oseltamivir resistance.
Zebrafish ISG15 Exerts a Strong Antiviral Activity against RNA and DNA Viruses and Regulates the Interferon Response
Authors: Langevin C. , van der Aa L. M. , Houel A. , Torhy C. , Briolat V. , Lunazzi A. , Harmache A. , Bremont M. , Levraud J.-P. , Boudinot P.
Published: July 2013

ISG15, a 15-kDa interferon-induced protein that participates in antiviral defenses of mammals, is highly conserved among vertebrates. In fish, as in mammals, viral infection and interferon treatment induceisg15expression. The two ubiquitin-like domains of ISG15 and the presence of a consensus LRLRGG sequence in the C-terminal region, which is required for the covalent conjugation to a substrate protein, are also conserved in fish. Our data demonstrate that overexpression of zebrafish ISG15 (zf-ISG15) in EPC cells is sufficient to inhibit viral infection by RNA viruses belonging to the generaNovirhabdovirusandBirnavirusand by DNA viruses of the genusIridovirus. In coexpression experiments with IHNV proteins, we demonstrate specific ISGylation of phosphoprotein and nonvirion protein. Mutation of the glycine residues in the consensus LRLRGG motif abolishes zf-ISG15 conjugation to these proteins and the cellular protection against viral infection, thus connecting ISGylation and ISG15-dependent viral restriction. Additionally, zf-ISG15 overexpression triggers induction of therig-Iandviperingenes as well as, to a lesser extent, the IFN gene. Overall, our data demonstrate the antiviral effect of a fish ISG15 protein, revealing the conservation among vertebrates of an ISGylation mechanism likely directed against viruses. Furthermore, our findings indicate that zf-ISG15 affects the IFN system at several levels, and its study shall shed further light on the evolution of the complex regulation of the innate antiviral response in vertebrate cells.
Ebolavirus VP35 Coats the Backbone of Double-Stranded RNA for Interferon Antagonism
Authors: Bale Shridhar , Julien Jean-Philippe , Bornholdt Zachary A. , Krois Alexander S. , Wilson Ian A. , Saphire Erica Ollmann
Published: July 2013

Recognition of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activates interferon production and immune signaling in host cells. Crystal structures of ebolavirus VP35 show that it caps dsRNA ends to prevent sensing by pattern recognition receptors such as RIG-I. In contrast, structures of marburgvirus VP35 show that it primarily coats the dsRNA backbone. Here, we demonstrate that ebolavirus VP35 also coats the dsRNA backbone in solution, although binding to the dsRNA ends probably constitutes the initial binding event.
Bilateral Entry and Release of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Induces Profound Apoptosis of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tao Xinrong , Hill Terence E. , Morimoto Chikao , Peters Clarence J. , Ksiazek Thomas G. , Tseng Chien-Te K.
Published: July 2013

The newly emerged Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infects human bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells. Unlike severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV, which exclusively infects and releases through the apical route, this virus can do so through either side of polarized Calu-3 cells. Infection results in profound apoptosis within 24 h irrespective of its production of titers that are lower than those of SARS-CoV. Together, our results provide new insights into the dissemination and pathogenesis of MERS-CoV and may indicate that the virus differs markedly from SARS-CoV.