bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prices of Prescription Eyeglasses Under Advertising Restraints
Authors: MACKINTOSH DOUGLAS R. , FREY SUSAN
Published: February 2011

State occupational licensing laws have restricted advertising of prices for certain goods and services. Litigation is removing these restraints. Price surveys, including one for prescription eyeglasses that is presented in this paper, provide a benchmark for comparisons of price variation under conditions with and without advertising restraints.
Store‐Distributed Surveys as a Source of Consumer Feedback on Pharmacy Services
Authors: GAGNON JEAN PAUL
Published: February 2011

A self‐administered questionnaire designed to obtain consumer perception of pharmacy services and pharmacy patronage motives is described together with summary results from its implementation by a panel of community pharmacies. Analyses indicated significant differences exist between consumers and pharmacists on the importance of a number of pharmacy services. Remarkable differences of opinion were noted with two services—24 hour coverage of pharmacy services and the posting of prescription prices. Pharmacists rated these services significantly less important than did consumers. There were also differences of opinion on pharmacy patronage motives. The methodology and study results revealed that consumer questionnaires can provide valuable information to pharmacists on their performance.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.‘s Experience with Consumer Participation in Television Safety Standard Development
Authors: HOFFMAN S. DAVID
Published: February 2011

One of the obligations of offerors in the preparation of proposed standards for the Consumer Product Safety Commission is to include consumer representatives on the standards‐writing committee. This report describes Underwriters Laboratories Inc.'s problems in identifying consumer representatives and its experience with consumer representation on the committee preparing a proposed television receiver safety standard.
Potential pathophysiological mechanisms in osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Landesberg Regina , Woo Victoria , Cremers Serge , Cozin Matthew , Marolt Darja , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Kousteni Stavroula , Raghavan Srikala
Published: February 2011

Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy, skeletal complications associated with metastastic bone disease, Paget's disease, and osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a recently described clinical condition that has been associated with the use of nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates. Reports describing this entity first appeared in the literature in 2003. While there have been significant numbers of case reports and a limited number of retrospective and prospective studies examining risk factors associated with ONJ, the pathophysiology of this condition remains elusive. In this review, we explore proposed mechanisms underlying ONJ development and identify potential areas for future investigation.
Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw: proceedings of an international conference
Authors: Bilezikian John P. , Grbic J. T.
Published: February 2011

There has been an upsurge of multidisciplinary research since the adoption of a standardized definition of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and the first bisphosphenate‐related ONJ conference in 2007 held at the New York Academy of Sciences. This series of papers revisits topics presented at the conference in addition to covering recent advances in the history, mechanisms, clinical management, and prevention of bisphosphonate‐related ONJ.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Bacterial Inactivation by Ultrasound Waves and Sonoprotective Effect of Milk Components
Authors: Gera N. , Doores S.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes were investigated in buffer and milk upon treatment with ultrasound waves (USW). In addition, sonoprotective effect of milk components and ultrasound‐induced changes in bacterial cells were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacterial cells were added to phosphate buffer, whole milk, skim milk, or simulated milk ultrafiltrate (SMUF). To determine the sonoprotective effect of milk components, lactose (5%), casein (3%), or β lactoglobulin (0.3%) was added to SMUF. Samples were sonicated with 24 kHz pulse USW while maintaining the system temperature between 30 to 35 °C. Aliquots were drawn at set times during sonication and bacteria were enumerated by surface plating appropriate dilutions on selective and nonselective media plates. Escherichia coli exhibited significantly higher D values in whole (2.43 min) and skim milk (2.41 min) than phosphate buffer (2.19 min). Listeria monocytogenes also showed higher D values in whole (9.31 min) and skim milk (8.61 min) compared to phosphate buffer (7.63 min). Data suggest that milk exerts a sonoprotective effect on these bacteria. Escherichia coli exhibited a log‐linear inactivation kinetics followed by tailing whereas L. monocytogenes showed 1st‐order kinetics throughout. Among the milk components tested, presence of lactose in SMUF resulted in significantly higher D values than SMUF for both organisms suggesting that lactose was exerting a protective effect on bacteria. SEM images showed that USW caused mechanical damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of bacteria leading to their inactivation.
Evaluation of Microstructural Properties of Coffee Beans by Synchrotron X‐Ray Microtomography: A Methodological Approach
Authors: Pittia Paola , Sacchetti Giampiero , Mancini Lucia , Voltolini Marco , Sodini Nicola , Tromba Giuliana , Zanini Franco
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Synchrotron radiation microtomography was used as a nondestructive imaging technique to investigate the microstructural properties of green and roasted coffee beans. After image acquisition, 2D images have been reconstructed and 3D images of the beans have been then obtained. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the images allow to fully characterize the morphological and structural features of the coffee beans. Roasting causes meaningful changes in the microstructure of the coffee bean tissue with the development in the entire bean of a porous structure with pores of different shape and size depending on the zone of the bean and cracks occurring mainly in the more external regions and between parenchyma and mucilage. The highly contrasted X‐ray images have been analyzed to determine the pore size and its distribution in different regions of the coffee beans by selecting Volume‐of‐Interest (VoI). The use of phase‐contrast hard X‐rays imaging techniques represents an interesting tool of investigation of the internal structure, morphology, as well as the quality of whole coffee beans. Moreover, the high potentiality of 3D X‐ray imaging and the approach used in this study could be applied in understanding the effects of roasting process conditions on the evolution of microstructural properties of the bean that may affect the stability as well the grinding and brewing performances.

Practical Application:  Synchrotron radiation microtomography is an elegant nondestructive imaging technique to investigate the microstructural properties of porous cellular matrices like the green and roasted coffee beans. The quantitative analysis of the resulting 2D and 3D images allows a more comprehensive and objective characterization of the sample under investigation as a whole or of extracted Volumes‐of‐Interest in the bean. This imaging technique could have a major role in understanding the effects of roasting process conditions on the microstructural properties of the bean.
Oral health of a Brazilian population on renal dialysis
Authors: Cunha Fernanda L. , Tagliaferro Elaine P. S. , Pereira Antonio C. , Meneghim Marcelo C. , Hebling Eduardo
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing hemodialysis in Brazil. A dentist examined 160 subjects aged 40 to 85 years of age.

Data was collected on dental caries, use of and need for dentures, oral mucosa, periodontal disease and temporomandibular joint status. All subjects were interviewed about their socioeconomic status, dental and medical history, and oral hygiene habits.

Most subjects had hypertension (49.4%); used the public service for their medical care (69.4%); had a middle school educational level (83.1%); and did not complain of xerostomia (60.0%). The majority used private oral healthcare services and used a toothbrush only for oral hygiene. The mean DMFT was 26.0 (standard deviation 7.7). Moat individuals did not wear dentures, but needed some type of prosthesis. Lesions of the oral mucosa (3.1 %), signs (2.5%) and symptoms (3.8%) of temporomandibular dysfunction could be observed in only a few patients.

The oral health of the subjects examined was poor. These persons needed their oral condition monitored by a dentist and their oral disease treated as well as receiving instruction on oral hygiene.
Special care dentistry: A new specialty in Brazil
Authors: Mugayar Leda , Hebling Eduardo , Dias Paula Vendramini
Published: February 2011

In 2001, the Brazilian Dental Council established a new specialty: Special Care Dentistry (SCD). This decision was based on the increase of both the number of people with disabilities and their demand for dental treatment. The aim of this study was to present the currant status of SCD in Brazil. Data was obtained through online searches from the Brazilian Dental Council and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. There are 11 SCD training programs which have the potential to produce 132 new specialists every 18 months. There are currently 292 specialists in SCD unevenly distributed throughout the country. The ratio of specialists to the number of people with disabilities was 1:82,247. At the undergraduate level, this new specialty was not included in most dental schools in Brazil. Special Care Dentistry should be included in the undergraduate curriculum of dental schools in Brazil. Master's and PhD postgraduate degree courses should be developed to produce more teachers, consultants, and researchers in this field.
Disseminated histoplasmosis with oral manifestation
Authors: Epifanio Rodolfo N. , Brannon Robert B. , Muzyka Brian C.
Published: February 2011

Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease that affects humans and is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. The presentation of the infection may be acute, chronic, or disseminated. The disseminated form has extrapulmonary manifestations which may include oral manifestation a. A patient with AIDS sought treatment and he had disseminated histoplasmosis with oral manifestations.

The purpose of this case report and literature review is to emphasize the role the dental team has in the diagnosis of disseminated disease when a patient presents with oral manifestations associated with the disease.

This case report is clinically relevant because it is not uncommon for oral manifestations to be one of the first signs of systemic disease.
LACK OF AWARENESS OF KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS DESPITE FAMILIARITY WITH DIABETES: A MULTI‐ETHNIC QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Wilkinson Emma , Randhawa Gurch , Farrington Ken , Greenwood Roger , Feehally John , Choi Peter , Lightstone Liz
Published: February 2011

Background: Comparing South Asians with White Europeans and examining the cultural context of any observed differences is a necessary step in achieving culturally competent services and in helping to reduce inequalities which exist in outcomes for South Asian patients with End Stage Renal Disease.

Methods: Newly referred South Asian and White adult patients with diabetes were recruited from nephrology outpatient clinics in three UK centres—Luton, West London and Leicester. A semi‐structured qualitative interview was conducted with 48 patients and a thematic analysis of the data produced is reported.

Results: Access to knowledge about renal complications of diabetes, was related to referral to renal services and recent monitoring and not to previous medical encounters. South Asian patients were aware of the high prevalence of diabetes within South Asian communities and a small number reported experience of kidney problems in other family members although any connection with diabetes was not made.

Conclusion: Ongoing renal care information should be provided to people with diabetes and the cultural context of any information exchange needs to be addressed.
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND DIETARY ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH END‐STAGE RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Khalil Amani A. , Frazier Susan K. , Lennie Terry A. , Sawaya B. Peter
Published: February 2011

Depressive symptoms may be associated with fluid and dietary non adherence which could lead to poorer outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and fluid and dietary adherence in 100 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving haemodialysis. A descriptive, cross‐sectional design with a convenience sample of 100 patients with ESRD receiving maintenance haemodialysis completed instruments that measured self‐reported depressive symptoms and perceived fluid and dietary adherence. Demographic and clinical data and objective indicators of fluid and diet adherence were extracted from medical records. As many as two‐third of these subjects exhibited depressive symptoms and half were non adherent to fluid and diet prescriptions. After controlling for known covariates, patients determined to have moderate to severe depressive symptoms were more likely to report non adherence to fluid and diet restrictions. Depressive symptoms in patients with ESRD are common and may contribute to dietary and fluid non adherence. Early identification and appropriate interventions may potentially lead to improvement in adherence of these patients.
DIETARY EGG WHITES FOR PHOSPHORUS CONTROL IN MAINTENANCE HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Taylor Lynn M. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Markewich Theodore , Colman Sara , Benner Debbie , Sim John J. , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: February 2011

Background: High dietary protein intake is associated with greater survival in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. High‐protein foods may increase dietary phosphorus burden, which is associated with increased mortality in these patients. Hypothesis is: an egg white based diet with low phosphorus to protein ratio (<1.4 mg/g) will lower serum phosphorus without deteriorating the nutritional status in MHD patients.

Objective: We assessed serum phosphorus and albumin levels in MHD patients who agreed to ingest one meal per day with pasteurised liquid egg whites without phosphorus additives, as principal protein source.

Methods: Thirteen otherwise stable MHD patients with serum phosphorus >4.0 mg/dl agreed to consume eight ounces (225 g) of pasteurised liquid egg whites one meal per day for six weeks. Recipes were suggested to improve diet variety.

Results: Thirteen participating patients included seven women, three African Americans and five diabetics. Twelve patients exhibited drop in serum phosphorus. Mean population fall in serum phosphorus was 0.94 mg/dl, i.e. from 5.58 ± 1.34 (mean ± SD) to 4.63 ± 1.18 (p = 0.003). Serum albumin showed an increase by 0.19 g/dl, i.e. from 4.02 ± 0.29 to 4.21 ± 0.36 g/dl (p = 0.014). Changes in phosphorus pill count were not statistically significant (p = 0.88). The egg white diet was well tolerated, and recipe variety appreciated.

Conclusion: Pasteurised liquid egg whites may be an effective diet component lowering serum phosphorus without risking malnutrition. Controlled trials are indicated to examine egg white based dietary interventions in MHD patients at home or during haemodialysis treatment.
Subconjunctival mycetoma caused byScedosporium apiospermuminfection in a horse
Authors: Berzina Inese , Trumble Nicole Scotty , Novicki Thomas , Sharkey Leslie C.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:An 11‐year‐old American Saddlebred gelding was presented for evaluation of a nonpainful subconjunctival mass involving the lateral canthus of the left eye. Other findings included a central corneal scar and a small central cataract of the lens in the left eye. Fine‐needle aspiration of the mass was performed and cytologic examination revealed marked pyogranulomatous inflammation with intralesional fungal hyphae, consistent with mycetoma. The fungal structures were elongated and characterized by nonstaining walls; several bulbous yeast‐like structures were also observed. The mycetoma was surgically removed and submitted for histopathologic examination and fungal culture. The histopathologic diagnosis was subconjunctival phaeohyphomycosis.Scedosporium apiospermumwas identified based on macroscopic and microscopic features of the organism in culture.Scedosporiumspp. have been reported as causes of mycetomatous and nonmycetomatous infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent people and animals.S. apiospermumandPseudallescheria boydii, which is its teleomorphic counterpart, have been implicated as potentially emerging human and veterinary pathogens. Timely diagnosis is essential as the organism is often resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs. This report provides a detailed cytologic description of the organism and recent information on the taxonomy of this fungus and the diagnostic peculiarities of this particular infection.
Social cognition is not reducible to theory of mind: When children use deontic rules to predict the behaviour of others
Authors: Clément Fabrice , Bernard Stéphane , Kaufmann Laurence
Published: February 2011

The objective of this paper is to discuss whether children have a capacity for deontic reasoning that is irreducible to mentalizing. The results of two experiments point to the existence of such non‐mentalistic understanding and prediction of the behaviour of others. In Study 1, young children (3‐ and 4‐year‐olds) were told different versions of classic false‐belief tasks, some of which were modified by the introduction of a rule or a regularity. When the task (a standard change of location task) included a rule, the performance of 3‐year‐olds, who fail traditional false‐belief tasks, significantly improved. In Study 2, 3‐year‐olds proved to be able to infer a rule from a social situation and to use it in order to predict the behaviour of a character involved in a modified version of the false‐belief task. These studies suggest that rules play a central role in the social cognition of young children and that deontic reasoning might not necessarily involve mind reading.
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer and Bubble Dynamics Over Plain and Enhanced Microchannels
Authors: Cooke Dwight , Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: February 2011

Pool boiling is of interest in high heat flux applications because of its potential for removing large amount of heat resulting from the latent heat of evaporation and little pressure drop penalty for circulating coolant through the system. However, the heat transfer performance of pool boiling systems is not adequate to match the cooling ability provided by enhanced microchannels operating under single-phase conditions. The objective of this work is to evaluate the pool boiling performance of structured surface features etched on a silicon chip. The performance is normalized with respect to a plain chip. This investigation also focuses on the bubble dynamics on plain and structured microchannel surfaces under various heat fluxes in an effort to understand the underlying heat transfer mechanism. It was determined that surface modifications to silicon chips can improve the heat transfer coefficient by a factor up to 3.4 times the performance of a plain chip. Surfaces with microchannels have shown to be efficient for boiling heat transfer by allowing liquid to flow through the open channels and wet the heat transfer surface while vapor is generated. This work is expected to lead to improved enhancement features for extending the pool boiling option to meet the high heat flux removal demands in electronic cooling applications.
Flow Boiling of R134a in Circular Microtubes—Part I: Study of Heat Transfer Characteristics
Authors: Basu Saptarshi , Ndao Sidy , Michna Gregory J. , Peles Yoav , Jensen Michael K.
Published: February 2011

An experimental study of two-phase heat transfer coefficients was carried out using R134a in uniformly heated horizontal circular microtubes with diameters from 0.50 mm to 1.60 mm over a range of mass fluxes, heat fluxes, saturation pressures, and vapor qualities. Heat transfer coefficients increased with increasing heat flux and saturation pressure but were independent of mass flux. The effects of vapor quality on heat transfer coefficients were less pronounced and varied depending on the quality. The data were compared with seven flow boiling correlations. None of the correlations predicted the experimental data very well, although they generally predicted the correct trends within limits of experimental error. A correlation was developed, which predicted the heat transfer coefficients with a mean average error of 29%. 80% of the data points were within the ±30% error limit.
On the Generalized Brinkman Number Definition and Its Importance for Bingham Fluids
Authors: Coelho P. M. , Faria J. C.
Published: February 2011

In this technical note we discuss the importance of using a generalized Brinkman number definition for laminar pipe flow of a Bingham fluid, when viscous dissipation effects are relevant. We show that adapting the Brinkman number definition commonly used for Newtonian fluids directly to the more general class of non-Newtonian fluids does not calculate correctly the ratio between heat generated by viscous dissipation and heat transfer at the wall and leads to a distortion of the graphical representation of the Nusselt number, Nu, rendering difficult, if not impossible, the comparisons of the Nu behavior between different Brinkman numbers. The use of the proposed generalized Brinkman number removes these problems and simultaneously it has the merit of being independent of any reference apparent viscosities.
Liquid Calcium Chloride Solar Storage: Concept and Analysis
Authors: Quinnell Josh A. , Davidson Jane H. , Burch Jay
Published: February 2011

Aqueous calcium chloride has a number of potential advantages as a compact and long-term solar storage medium compared with sensibly heated water. The combination of sensible and chemical binding energy of the liquid desiccant provides higher energy densities and lower thermal losses, as well as a temperature lift during discharge via an absorption heat pump. Calcium chloride is an excellent choice among desiccant materials because it is relatively inexpensive, nontoxic, and environmentally safe. This paper provides an overview of its application for solar storage and presents a novel concept for storing the liquid desiccant in a single storage vessel. The storage system uses an internal heat exchanger to add and discharge thermal energy and to help manage the mass, momentum, and energy transfer in the tank. The feasibility of the proposed concept is demonstrated via a computational fluid dynamic study of heat and mass transfer in the system over a range of Rayleigh, Lewis, Prandtl, and buoyancy ratio numbers expected in practice.
Modeling of Turbulent Atmospheric Flow Around Tubular and Lattice Meteorological Masts
Authors: Tusch Matthieu , Masson Christian , Héraud Pierre
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a numerical study of turbulent atmospheric flow around tubular and lattice meteorological masts and a wind speed and energy uncertainty calculation method based on the numerical results. The flow is described by the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations, complemented by the shear stress transport turbulence model, with modified constants and source terms added to maintain turbulence properties. ANSYS-CFX 11.0 is used to solve the computational model. The numerical results have been post-processed to account for the wind direction changes during the 10-min-measurement-period, and have been validated with mast data. From the numerical results, a wind speed and energy uncertainty calculation method that takes the wind rose into account is proposed. This technique provides a means to detect incorrectly mounted booms according to the local wind conditions. Most importantly, it produces uncertainty more conservatively than both the International Energy Agency (IEA) recommendations and the IEC-61400-121 (International Electrotechnical Commission) annex G norm. These differences stem from the use of a turbulence model in this paper, which predicts higher flow distortions due to the presence of the mast.
Design of a New 45 kWe High-Flux Solar Simulator for High-Temperature Solar Thermal and Thermochemical Research
Authors: Krueger K. R. , Davidson J. H. , Lipiński W.
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we present a systematic procedure to design a solar simulator for high-temperature concentrated solar thermal and thermochemical research. The 45 kWe simulator consists of seven identical radiation units of common focus, each comprised of a 6.5 kWe xenon arc lamp close-coupled to a precision reflector in the shape of a truncated ellipsoid. The size and shape of each reflector is optimized by a Monte Carlo ray tracing analysis to achieve multiple design objectives, including high transfer efficiency of radiation from the lamps to the common focal plane and desired flux distribution. Based on the numerical results, the final optimized design will deliver 7.5 kW over a 6 cm diameter circular disk located in the focal plane, with a peak flux approaching 3.7 MW/m2.
Gravity Balancing of a Human Leg Using an External Orthosis
Authors: Fattah Abbas , Hajizadeh Khatereh , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: February 2011

Gravity balancing is often used in industrial machines to decrease the required actuator efforts during motion. In this paper, we present a new design for gravity balancing of the human leg using an external orthosis. This external orthosis is connected to the human leg on the shank and its other end is fixed to a walking frame. The major issues addressed in this paper are as follows: (i) design for gravity balancing of the human leg and the orthosis, (ii) kinematic compatibility of the human leg and the external orthosis during walking, and (iii) comparison of the joint torque trajectories of the human leg with and without external orthosis. We illustrate feasible 2D and 3D designs of the external orthosis through computer simulations. Our results show that the 3D design has smaller inertia with respect to 2D design, which can be more helpful for typical stroke patients to walk in a balanced position.
Climate and Human Evolution
Authors: deMenocal Peter B.
Published: February 2011

Climate change and its effects on African ecosystems may have played a key role in human evolution.
A Parsimonious Model for Gene Regulation by miRNAs
Authors: Djuranovic Sergej , Nahvi Ali , Green Rachel
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) act with the Argonaute family of proteins to regulate target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) posttranscriptionally. SiRNAs typically induce endonucleolytic cleavage of mRNA with near-perfect complementarity. For targets with less complementarity, both translational repression and mRNA destabilization mechanisms have been implicated in miRNA-mediated gene repression, although the timing, coupling, and relative importance of these events have not been determined. Here, we review gene-specific and global approaches that probe miRNA function and mechanism, looking for a unifying model. More systematic analyses of the molecular specificities of the core components coupled with analysis of the relative timing of the different events will ultimately shed light on the mechanism of miRNA-mediated repression.
A Cryptic Subgroup of
Anopheles gambiae
Is Highly Susceptible to Human Malaria Parasites
Authors: Riehle Michelle M. , Guelbeogo Wamdaogo M. , Gneme Awa , Eiglmeier Karin , Holm Inge , Bischoff Emmanuel , Garnier Thierry , Snyder Gregory M. , Li Xuanzhong , Markianos Kyriacos , Sagnon N’Fale , Vernick Kenneth D.
Published: February 2011

Collecting mosquito larvae from West African ponds has revealed a previously unknown but highly abundant genotype.
Action-Potential Modulation During Axonal Conduction
Authors: Sasaki Takuya , Matsuki Norio , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: February 2011

The waveform of an action potential can be physiologically modified while it travels along the axon.
Seasonal Erosion and Restoration of Mars’ Northern Polar Dunes
Authors: Hansen C. J. , Bourke M. , Bridges N. T. , Byrne S. , Colon C. , Diniega S. , Dundas C. , Herkenhoff K. , McEwen A. , Mellon M. , Portyankina G. , Thomas N.
Published: February 2011

High-resolution images of Mars show active sand transport on northern polar dunes.
The Ecoresponsive Genome of
Daphnia pulex
Authors: Colbourne John K. , Pfrender Michael E. , Gilbert Donald , Thomas W. Kelley , Tucker Abraham , Oakley Todd H. , Tokishita Shinichi , Aerts Andrea , Arnold Georg J. , Basu Malay Kumar , Bauer Darren J. , Cáceres Carla E. , Carmel Liran , Casola Claudio , Choi Jeong-Hyeon , Detter John C. , Dong Qunfeng , Dusheyko Serge , Eads Brian D. , Fröhlich Thomas , Geiler-Samerotte Kerry A. , Gerlach Daniel , Hatcher Phil , Jogdeo Sanjuro , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Kriventseva Evgenia V. , Kültz Dietmar , Laforsch Christian , Lindquist Erika , Lopez Jacqueline , Manak J. Robert , Muller Jean , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Patwardhan Rupali P. , Pitluck Samuel , Pritham Ellen J. , Rechtsteiner Andreas , Rho Mina , Rogozin Igor B. , Sakarya Onur , Salamov Asaf , Schaack Sarah , Shapiro Harris , Shiga Yasuhiro , Skalitzky Courtney , Smith Zachary , Souvorov Alexander , Sung Way , Tang Zuojian , Tsuchiya Dai , Tu Hank , Vos Harmjan , Wang Mei , Wolf Yuri I. , Yamagata Hideo , Yamada Takuji , Ye Yuzhen , Shaw Joseph R. , Andrews Justen , Crease Teresa J. , Tang Haixu , Lucas Susan M. , Robertson Hugh M. , Bork Peer , Koonin Eugene V. , Zdobnov Evgeny M. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Lynch Michael , Boore Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2011

The
Daphnia
genome reveals a multitude of genes and shows adaptation through gene family expansions.
Protein Native-State Stabilization by Placing Aromatic Side Chains in N-Glycosylated Reverse Turns
Authors: Culyba Elizabeth K. , Price Joshua L. , Hanson Sarah R. , Dhar Apratim , Wong Chi-Huey , Gruebele Martin , Powers Evan T. , Kelly Jeffery W.
Published: February 2011

Protein reverse turns that interact with a phenlyalanine group allow stable introduction of glycan groups at asparagine residues.
Directed Evolution of a Protein Container
Authors: Wörsdörfer Bigna , Woycechowsky Kenneth J. , Hilvert Donald
Published: February 2011

An engineered protein container protects its bacterial host by efficient and selective encapsulation of a toxic protease.
Bringing Galileo to Life

Galileo
by J. L. Heilbron

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010. 538 pp. $34.95, £20. ISBN 9780199583522.
Authors: Raphael Renée J.
Published: February 2011

Heilbron's rich biography portrays Galileo's work in the context of the social and cultural world of early modern Italy.
Exciton Quenching and Migration in Single Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Bardeen Christopher
Published: February 2011

Single-molecule spectroscopy helps reveal the electronic transport mechanisms in polymer chains.
A Genome for the Environment
Authors: Ebert Dieter
Published: February 2011

Gene duplication might explain the phenotypic adaptability of water fleas.
The Golden Age of Human Population Genetics
Authors: Przeworski Molly
Published: February 2011

Population genetics allows us to reconstruct human genealogical and mutational history.
Genomics and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Hudson Tom
Published: February 2011

Personalized genomics requires clinical resources, detailed clinical histories, and deep phenotyping.
Faces of the Genome
Authors: Collins Francis S.
Published: February 2011

Real faces are now appearing that demonstrate the medical value of comprehensive genome sequencing.
Bringing Genomics and Genetics Back Together
Authors: Gibbs Richard A.
Published: February 2011

New methods in genomics and genetics will add to our understanding of biology.
Obama Shifts Focus From Emissions to 'Clean' Energy
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: February 2011

Letting market forces help the United States reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by choosing "cleaner" sources of electricity has been a popular notion among some Republicans. Now the idea has a new advocate: President Barack Obama.
Waiting for the Revolution
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: February 2011

Having the complete human DNA sequence hasn't yet produced big advances in primary medicine, prompting some to ask what's delaying the genomic revolution in health care.
Human Genetics in the Clinic, One Click Away
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: February 2011

At Intermountain Healthcare network in Salt Lake City, geneticists are using digital tools to slip up-to-date education into the daily run of medicine in ways that doctors may find helpful.
A Celebration of the Genome, Part I
Authors: Jasny Barbara R. , Zahn Laura M.
Published: February 2011

The tenth anniversary of the first publications of the human genome sequence provides an opportunity for a set of diverse thinkers to reflect on what the achievement has meant for themselves and their communities, as well as future directions.
A Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Hardjo Vaccine Induces a Th1 Response, Activates NK Cells, and Reduces Renal Colonization
Authors: Zuerner Richard L. , Alt David P. , Palmer Mitchell V. , Thacker Tyler C. , Olsen Steven C.
Published: February 2011

Chronic infection of cattle withLeptospira borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo reduces animal production through reproductive failure and presents a persistent health threat to workers in the animal industry. Cattle are maintenance hosts for serovar Hardjo, and development of vaccines that establish long-term protective immunity has been problematic; induction of high titers of anti-serovar Hardjo antibody does not appear to be protective. Rather, development of an antigen-specific Th1 response appears to be critical for limiting renal colonization and urinary shedding of bacteria. In this study we compared two monovalent killed bacterial cell vaccines to assess long-term (12 months) protection against live serovar Hardjo challenge. Although neither vaccine prevented infection, renal colonization and urinary shedding of bacteria were reduced compared to those of control animals. Increased proliferation of CD4+, CD8+, and γδ T cells from vaccinated, but not control, animals was detected. In addition, NK cells from vaccinated animals and from all animals following infection, when exposed to antigenex vivo, demonstrated a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) recall response. We propose that programming NK cells to respond quickly toL. borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo infection may be an important step toward developing protective immunity.
Differential Toll-Like Receptor Recognition and Induction of Cytokine Profile by Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus Strains of Probiotics
Authors: Plantinga Theo S. , van Maren Wendy W. C. , van Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen , Hameetman Marjolijn , Nierkens Stefan , Jacobs Cor , de Jong Dirk J. , Joosten Leo A. B. , van't Land Belinda , Garssen Johan , Adema Gosse J. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: February 2011

The use of probiotics as a food supplement has gained tremendous interest in the last few years as beneficial effects were reported in gut homeostasis and nutrient absorption but also in immunocompromised patients, supporting protection from colonization or infection with pathogenic bacteria or fungi. As a treatment approach for inflammatory bowel diseases, a suitable probiotic strain would ideally be one with a low immunogenic potential. Insight into the immunogenicities and types of T-cell responses induced by potentially probiotic strains allows a more rational selection of a particular strain. In the present study, the bacterial strainsBifidobacterium breve(NumRes 204),Lactobacillus rhamnosus(NumRes1), andLactobacillus casei(DN-114 001) were compared concerning their capacity to induce inflammatory responses in terms of cytokine production by human and mouse primary immune cells. It was demonstrated that theB. brevestrain induced lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) than the testedL. rhamnosusandL. caseistrains. BothB. breveand lactobacilli induced cytokines in a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-dependent manner, while the lower inflammatory profile ofB. brevewas due to inhibitory effects of TLR2. No role for TLR4, NOD2, and C-type lectin receptors was apparent. In conclusion, TLR signaling is involved in the differentiation of inflammatory responses between probiotic strains used as food supplements.
Characterization of a Mutant Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Toxin, LT(R192G/L211A), as a Safe and Effective Oral Adjuvant
Authors: Norton Elizabeth B. , Lawson Louise B. , Freytag Lucy C. , Clements John D.
Published: February 2011

Despite the fact that the adjuvant properties of the heat-labile enterotoxins ofEscherichia coli(LT) andVibrio cholerae(CT) have been known for more than 20 years, there are no available oral vaccines containing these molecules as adjuvants, primarily because they are both very potent enterotoxins. A number of attempts with various degrees of success have been made to reduce or eliminate the enterotoxicity of LT and CT so they can safely be used as oral adjuvants or immunogens. In this report we characterize the structural, enzymatic, enterotoxic, and adjuvant properties of a novel mutant of LT, designated LT(R192G/L211A), or dmLT. dmLT was not sensitive to trypsin activation, had reduced enzymatic activity for induction of cyclic AMP in Caco-2 cells, and exhibited no enterotoxicity in the patent mouse assay. Importantly, dmLT retained the ability to function as an oral adjuvant for a coadministered antigen (tetanus toxoid) and to elicit anti-LT antibodies.In vitroandin vivodata suggest that the reduced enterotoxicity of this molecule compared to native LT or the single mutant, LT(R192G), is a consequence of increased sensitivity to proteolysis and rapid intracellular degradation in mammalian cells. In conclusion, dmLT is a safe and powerful detoxified enterotoxin with the potential to function as a mucosal adjuvant for coadministered antigens and to elicit anti-LT antibodies without undesirable side effects.
Detection of the
glmM
Gene in Helicobacter pylori Isolates with a Novel Primer by PCR
Authors: Córdova Espinoza Maria Guadalupe , González Vazquez Rosa , Morales Mendez Iyari , Ruelas Vargas Consuelo , Giono Cerezo Silvia
Published: February 2011

A novel reverse primer (GLM MR1) was designed for detection of the
glmM
gene in
Helicobacter pylori
by PCR. The percentage of amplification in clinical isolates using GLM MR1 was 100% for detection of the
glmM
gene and 86.36% for the
ureA
gene. The primer designed is useful for the identification of
H. pylori
.
First Report of Atopobium vaginae Bacteremia with Fetal Loss after Chorionic Villus Sampling
Authors: Knoester Marjolein , Lashley Lisa E. E. L. O. , Wessels Els , Oepkes Dick , Kuijper Ed J.
Published: February 2011

Infectious complications after chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are rare (<0.1%) but can lead to maternal sepsis and spontaneous abortion. We report the first bacteremia with
Atopobium vaginae
and suggest
A. vaginae
to be a pathogenic microorganism that can lead to intrauterine infection and fetal death following CVS.
Evaluation of Twelve Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Primer-Probe Sets for Detection of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 Virus
Authors: Yang Yaowu , Huang Fang , Gonzalez Richard , Wang Wei , Lu Guilan , Li Yongjun , Vernet Guy , Jin Qi , Wang Jianwei
Published: February 2011

Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) assays have greatly contributed to the detection, control, and prevention of the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus. To improve the rRT-PCR assays for detection of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and performance of 12 rRT-PCR primer-probe sets [SW (a) to SW (l)] using a panel of virus strains and clinical specimens. These primer-probe sets were derived from published work and designed for detecting the hemagglutinin (HA) or the neuraminidase (NA) gene of the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus. A primer-probe set, SW (CDC), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) to target the HA gene of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus, was used as a referee method. Our results demonstrated that although all primer-probe sets in this study had as high as 98.4 to 100%
in silico
coverage, some of the primer-probe sets had better specificity, sensitivity, and amplification efficiency than others. Two primer-probe sets, SW (h) and SW (l), which target the NA gene of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus, were highly sensitive (10
4
copies/reaction), had high detection rates (56/60,
P
= 0.134, and 59/60,
P
= 1.000), and showed ideal specificity compared with SW (CDC). In addition, a cocktail of primer-probe sets targeted to the HA and NA genes displayed higher detection sensitivity than primer-probe sets targeting HA or NA alone, indicating that for practical applications, a combination of primer-probes targeting HA and NA genes is the best option for the detection of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus.
Rapid Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria with and without CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase from Positive Blood Culture Bottles by PCR Followed by Microchip Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Fujita Shin-ichi , Yosizaki Kentaro , Ogushi Thikako , Uechi Kouhei , Takemori Yukiko , Senda Yasuko
Published: February 2011

We evaluated the usefulness of PCR analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) followed by microchip gel electrophoresis (MGE) for direct identification and CTX-M detection of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from positive blood culture bottles. Of 251 GNB isolated from blood cultures containing a single bacterium, 225 (90%) were correctly identified at the species level directly from positive blood culture bottles by comparing the ITS-PCR patterns of the sample strain with those of the control strains. There were no cases of incorrect identification. Limitations encountered included the inability to detect mixed cultures (four bottles) as well as some species (
Enterobacter
species and
Klebsiella oxytoca
) demonstrating identical ITS-PCR patterns. A total of 109 ESBL-producing isolates from various clinical materials obtained between January 2005 and December 2008 were examined for
bla
CTX-M
,
bla
SHV
, and
bla
TEM
genes by PCR and sequences of PCR products. CTX-M ESBL was detected in 105 isolates, and SHV ESBL was detected in two isolates. The remaining two isolates (
K. oxytoca
) were shown to harbor
bla
OXY.
Twenty (19%) of 104
Escherichia coli
isolates from blood cultures were suspected to produce ESBL by the combination disk method, and these isolates were shown to harbor CTX-M ESBL by PCR-MGE. The results were obtained within 1.5 h at a calculated cost of $6.50 per specimen. In conclusion, simultaneous detection of ITS length polymorphisms and
bla
CTX
-
M
by single PCR followed by MGE is useful for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable species-level identification of CTX-M ESBL-producing GNB responsible for bloodstream infections.
Evaluation of the Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for Direct Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Respiratory Specimens
Authors: Marlowe Elizabeth M. , Novak-Weekley Susan M. , Cumpio Joven , Sharp Susan E. , Momeny Michelle A. , Babst Anna , Carlson Jonathan S. , Kawamura Masae , Pandori Mark
Published: February 2011

A total of 217 specimens submitted for routine smear and culture from three different sites within the western United States were used to evaluate the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay (for research use only) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Overall agreement compared to culture was 89% (98% for smear positives and 72% for smear negatives) for detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Detection of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria in Routine Cultures of Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Esther Charles R. , Hoberman Steven , Fine Jason , Allen Sonia , Culbreath Karissa , Rodino Kyle , Kerr Alan , Gilligan Peter
Published: February 2011

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but detection generally requires specialized cultures for acid-fast bacilli (AFB; AFB cultures). We determined that RGM could be recovered from routine cultures of samples from patients with CF by extending incubation of the
Burkholderia cepacia
selective agar (BCSA) from 5 to 14 days. To explore the impact of this modification, we compared results from routine and AFB cultures of samples from CF patients for 2 years before (4,212 samples by routine culture, 1,810 samples by AFB culture, 670 patients) and 2 years after (4,720 samples by routine culture, 2,179 samples by AFB culture, 695 patients) the change. Clinical relevance was assessed with samples from a subgroup of 340 patients followed regularly throughout both periods. Extending incubation of BCSA enhanced RGM recovery from routine cultures (0.7% before, 2.8% after;
P
< 0.001); recovery from AFB cultures was unchanged (5.5% before, 5.7% after). Estimates of RGM detection sensitivity by culture or patient-based methods ranged from ∼65 to 75% for routine cultures (nonsignificantly lower than the ∼80 to 85% for AFB cultures) and were adversely affected by coculture with mold or nonpseudomonal, nonfermenting Gram-negative rods. In the after period, 16 CF patients met the criteria for RGM infection by routine culture, including 4 who did not meet the criteria for RGM infection by AFB culture. We conclude that a simple methodological change enhanced recovery of RGM from routine cultures. The modified culture method could be utilized to improve screening for RGM in CF patients or as a simpler method to follow patients with known RGM infection. However, this method should be used cautiously in patients with certain coinfections.
Cultivable Anaerobic Microbiota of Severe Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Tanner A. C. R. , Mathney J. M. J. , Kent R. L. , Chalmers N. I. , Hughes C. V. , Loo C. Y. , Pradhan N. , Kanasi E. , Hwang J. , Dahlan M. A. , Papadopolou E. , Dewhirst F. E.
Published: February 2011

Severe early childhood caries (ECC), while strongly associated with
Streptococcus mutans
using selective detection (culture, PCR), has also been associated with a widely diverse microbiota using molecular cloning approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiota of severe ECC using anaerobic culture. The microbial composition of dental plaque from 42 severe ECC children was compared with that of 40 caries-free children. Bacterial samples were cultured anaerobically on blood and acid (pH 5) agars. Isolates were purified, and partial sequences for the 16S rRNA gene were obtained from 5,608 isolates. Sequence-based analysis of the 16S rRNA isolate libraries from blood and acid agars of severe ECC and caries-free children had >90% population coverage, with greater diversity occurring in the blood isolate library. Isolate sequences were compared with taxon sequences in the Human Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD), and 198 HOMD taxa were identified, including 45 previously uncultivated taxa, 29 extended HOMD taxa, and 45 potential novel groups. The major species associated with severe ECC included
Streptococcus mutans
,
Scardovia wiggsiae
,
Veillonella parvula
,
Streptococcus cristatus
, and
Actinomyces gerensceriae. S. wiggsiae
was significantly associated with severe ECC children in the presence and absence of
S. mutans
detection. We conclude that anaerobic culture detected as wide a diversity of species in ECC as that observed using cloning approaches. Culture coupled with 16S rRNA identification identified over 74 isolates for human oral taxa without previously cultivated representatives. The major caries-associated species were
S. mutans
and
S. wiggsiae
, the latter of which is a candidate as a newly recognized caries pathogen.