bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No viremia of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was demonstrated in blood donors who had donated blood during the probable incubation period
Authors: Sobata Rieko , Matsumoto Chieko , Igarashi Masashi , Uchida Shigeharu , Momose Shunya , Hino Satoru , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2009, the novel swine‐origin influenza A (pandemic [H1N1] 2009) virus emerged and spread globally. Although no established cases of transfusion‐transmitted influenza have been reported, the widespread outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 caused serious concern regarding the safety of blood products. The Japanese Red Cross Blood Centers have intercepted blood products with accompanying postdonation information indicating possible pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection. To study the risk of transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 by blood transfusion, we searched for the viral genome in such products using nucleic acid amplification technology.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Between June and December 2009, blood components were collected from 579 blood donors who were diagnosed as or strongly suspected of having pandemic (H1N1) 2009 within 7 days after donation. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma and red blood cell (RBC) products, and RNA samples were subjected to real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction of the hemagglutinin and matrix genes of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.

RESULTS: A total of 565 plasma and 413 RBC products from the 579 blood donors were available. No viral RNA of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was detected in any of the blood samples from the 579 blood donors.

CONCLUSION: No viremia of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was demonstrated in any of the 579 blood donors who had most likely donated blood during the incubation period. It is considered that the risk of transmitting pandemic (H1N1) 2009 by blood transfusion is extremely low.
Social Capital and Communities of Place1
Authors: Flora Jan L.
Published: March 2011

Abstract This paper develops a framework for examining the questions: Does social capital make a difference for well being in communities of place? How might rural sociologists utilize social capital to further well being in communities? The author reviews social capital literature, contrasting rational choice and embeddedness perspectives. Opting for a marriage between embeddedness and conflict theory, he introduces entrepreneurial social infrastructure (ESI) as an alternative to social capital. ESI adds to social capital the notions of equality, inclusion, and agency. Research results are presented which support the embeddedness approach: community‐level action (the community field) is not simply an aggregation of individual or organizational actions within the community; social capital and ESI contribute jointly and independently to community action. Examining economic development as a form of collective action, the author concludes�the following: a) ESI contributes to economic development, and b) inclusiveness (internal solidarity) is more closely related to community self‐development while industrial recruitment is better predicted by strong external ties.
Is There a Forest Transition? Deforestation, Reforestation, and Development1
Authors: Rudel Thomas K.
Published: March 2011

Abstract Environmental social scientists have recently begun to use the term 'forest transition' to describe how forest cover changes as economic development occurs in nations. The hypothesized transition occurs as follows. An initial surge in economic activity in impoverished societies spurs deforestation, but as economic activity continues to intensify and cities grow larger, a 'turnaround' occurs, and deforestation gives way to reforestation. This paper uses cross‐national data from five successive surveys of world forest resources to assess this empirical claim. A turnaround in forest cover trends does occur in a significant number of nations. The paper also evaluates two explanations for the turnaround, a wood scarcity hypothesis derived from microeconomic theory and an industrialization hypothesis linked to central place theory. It finds period specific support for the industrialization hypothesis. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of these findings for proposals to alleviate the biodiversity crisis through programs of reforestation.
Social Capital in Rural and Urban Communities1
Authors: Hofferth Sandra L. , Iceland John
Published: March 2011

Abstract Conventional wisdom says that social capital is more common among families in rural communities than urban communities. Using data from the 1988 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we compare the prevalence, type, and extent of social exchanges in these places. Results indicate that families living in rural areas are more likely to exchange exclusively with kin than are families living in urban areas. In particular, families living in rural areas are more likely to receive money help from kin than families in urban areas. Results on patterns of giving are more complex, with rural origin families with younger household heads more likely to give support to kin, and rural origin families with older heads less likely to provide such support, as compared to otherwise similar families of urban origin. Finally, only modest urban‐rural differences in amounts exchanged (in dollars) are found among otherwise similar families. Overall, some of the urban‐rural differences in patterns of exchange are explained by different family characteristics; however, key urban‐rural differences remain, probably reflecting differences in norms and the availability of institutional support services in different areas.
Large Plastic Deformation in High‐Capacity Lithium‐Ion Batteries Caused by Charge and Discharge
Authors: Zhao Kejie , Pharr Matt , Cai Shengqiang , Vlassak Joost J. , Suo Zhigang
Published: March 2011

Evidence has accumulated recently that a high‐capacity electrode of a lithium‐ion battery may not recover its initial shape after a cycle of charge and discharge. Such a plastic behavior is studied here by formulating a theory that couples large amounts of lithiation and deformation. The homogeneous lithiation and deformation in a small element of an electrode under stresses is analyzed within nonequilibrium thermodynamics, permitting a discussion of equilibrium with respect to some processes, but not others. The element is assumed to undergo plastic deformation when the stresses reach a yield condition. The theory is combined with a diffusion equation to analyze a spherical particle of an electrode being charged and discharged at a constant rate. When the charging rate is low, the distribution of lithium in the particle is nearly homogeneous, the stress in the particle is low, and no plastic deformation occurs. When the charging rate is high, the distribution of lithium in the particle is inhomogeneous, and the stress in the particle is high, possibly leading to fracture and cavitation.
Effects of resource availability and social aggregation on the species richness of raccoon endoparasite infracommunities
Authors: Monello Ryan J. , Gompper Matthew E.
Published: March 2011

Within populations the contact rate of hosts and infectious parasites is mediated by the interactions of resource availability, host density, and host behavior. Fluctuations in host density can result in the loss or extinction of a parasite population as contact rates between parasites and susceptible individuals drop below thresholds of parasite population persistence. Less understood is how changes in resources and the behavioral ecology of host populations affect parasites. We used food provisioning to experimentally assess the effects of resource availability and of inducing host aggregation on the endoparasite community of free‐ranging raccoons. Twelve independent raccoon populations were subjected to differential resource provisioning for two years: a clumped food distribution to aggregate hosts (n = 5 populations), a dispersed food distribution to add food without aggregating hosts (n = 3), and a no food treatment (n = 4). Remote cameras indicated that aggregation sizes were three to four times greater in aggregated versus non‐aggregated populations. We considered endoparasites with direct and indirect life cycles separately and determined the best‐fit models of parasite species richness in relation to host aggregation, food supplements, and host age and sex. Social aggregation had a negligible impact on the species richness of directly or indirectly transmitted parasites. However, food additions decreased the number of indirectly transmitted parasite species by 35% in the oldest age classes. These results suggest that while resource availability can influence the transmission of indirectly transmitted parasites, an examination of additional factors will be necessary to understand the role of host contact and factors that shape the community structure of endoparasites in natural environments.
The relative contribution of abundance and phylogeny to the structure of plant facilitation networks
Authors: Verdú Miguel , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso
Published: March 2011

The structure of the real ecological networks is determined by multiple factors including neutral processes, the relative abundances of species, and the phylogenetic relationships of the interacting species. Previous efforts directed to analyze the relative contribution of these factors to network structure have not been able to fully incorporate the phylogenetic relationships between the interacting species. This limitation stems from the difficulty of predicting interaction probabilities based on the independent phylogenies of interacting species (e.g. plants and animals). This is not the case for plant facilitation networks, where nurse and facilitated species evolve in a common phylogeny (e.g. spermatophyte phylogeny). Facilitation networks are characterized by both high nestedness and interactions tending to occur between distantly related nurse and facilitated species. We evaluate the relative contribution of phylogeny and species abundance to explain both the frequency of observed interactions as well as the network structure in a real plant facilitation network at Tehuacán Valley (central Mexico). Our results show that the combined effects of phylogeny and species abundance were, by far, the best predictors of both the frequency of the interactions observed in this community and the parameters (nestedness and connectance) defining the network structure. This finding indicates that species interact proportionally to both their phylogenetic distances and abundances simultaneously. In short, the phylogenetic history of species, acting together with other ecological factors, has a pervasive influence in the structure of ecological networks.
A nine‐test screening battery for athletes: a reliability study
Authors: Frohm A. , Heijne A. , Kowalski J. , Svensson P. , Myklebust G.
Published: March 2011

Studies have shown that reduced neuromuscular control or strength increases the risk of acute injuries. It is hypothesized that a non‐functional movement pattern can predispose for injuries. In the present paper a detailed description of a test battery consisting of nine different tests to screen athletic movement pattern is provided. The aim was to evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the test battery on a group of male elite soccer players. Twenty‐six healthy elite soccer players (17–28 years) were screened. Eighteen participated at a second occasion 7 days later. No significant difference (P=0.31) was found between test occasion 1 (LS means 18.3, 95% confidence interval 14.9–21.7) and test occasion 2 (18.0, 14.4–21.7) in the mean total score of the test battery. No significant difference in the inter‐rater reliability was found between the eight physiotherapists at the two test occasions. The intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.80 and 0.81, respectively. The test battery showed good inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability. The screening battery is easy to use for familiarized professionals and requires minimal equipment. However, further studies are needed to confirm the validity of the test battery in injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
Effect of resveratrol on bone formation in the expanded inter‐premaxillary suture: early bone changes
Authors: Uysal T , Gorgulu S , Yagci A , Karslioglu Y , Gunhan O , Sagdic D
Published: March 2011

To cite this article:
 Uysal T, Gorgulu S, Yagci A, Karslioglu Y, Gunhan O, Sagdic D:  Effect of resveratrol on bone formation in the expanded inter‐premaxillary suture: early bone changes  Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:80–87

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Uysal T, Gorgulu S, Yagci A, Karslioglu Y, Gunhan O, Sagdic D

Objective –  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local resveratrol (RSVL) administration on bone formation in response to expansion of the inter‐premaxillary suture, in rats.

Material and Methods –  Twenty 50‐ to 60‐day‐old male Wistar rats were separated into two equal groups. Both groups were subjected to expansion, and 30 cN of force was applied to the maxillary incisors with helical‐spring. Twenty‐four hours after appliance placement, single‐dose 10 μmol/kg RSVL in the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was injected to the inter‐premaxillary suture in the experimental group. In the control group, the same amount of DMSO was injected to the suture of rats. Bone formation in the suture was evaluated histomorphometrically. The area of new bone (μm2), the perimeter around the new bone (μm), Feret’s diameter (μm), the percentage of new bone to non‐ossified tissue (%), and the number of osteoblast were measured and compared. Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for statistical evaluation at p < 0.05 level.

Results –  Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for all histomorphometric parameters. New bone area (p < 0.001), bone perimeter (p < 0.001), Feret’s diameter (p < 0.001), percentage of new bone (p < 0.001), and the number of osteoblast (p < 0.001) were significantly larger in the experimental group when compared with the control. Bone histomorphometric measurements revealed that bone architecture in the RSVL treated rats was improved.

Conclusions –  Local application of RSVL during the early stages to orthopedically expanded inter‐premaxillary suture area may stimulate bone formation and shorten the retention period, in rats.
Situational analysis of infant and young child nutrition policies and programmatic activities in Mali
Authors: Wuehler Sara E. , Coulibaly Mouctar
Published: March 2011

Progress towards reducing mortality and malnutrition among children <5 years of age has been less than needed to achieve related Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, several international agencies joined to ‘Reposition children's right to adequate nutrition in the Sahel’, starting with a situational analysis of current activities related to infant and young child nutrition (IYCN). The main objectives of the situational analysis are to compile, analyse and interpret available information on infant and young child feeding, and the nutrition situation of children <2 years of age in Mali, as one of the six targeted countries. Between June and September 2008, key informants responsible for conducting IYCN‐related activities in Mali were interviewed, and 117 documents were examined on the following themes: optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, prevention of micronutrient deficiencies, screening and management of acute malnutrition, prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV, food security, and hygienic practices. Most of the key IYCN topics were addressed in national policies, training materials, and programme documents. Information on the national coverage and impact of these programmes is generally not available. Exclusive breastfeeding (<6 months) has increased in Mali, but no studies identified the contributors to this increase. Despite improvements in breastfeeding practices, optimal infant, and young child feeding is still practiced among too few young children in Mali. Several research articles were identified, but few of these were linked to programme development. Some programme monitoring and evaluation reports were available, but few of these were rigorous enough to identify whether IYCN‐specific programme components were implemented as designed or were achieving desired outcomes. Therefore, we could not confirm which programmes contributed to reported improvements. Monitoring of programmes managing malnutrition identified gaps in human and institutional capacities to fully carry out intended interventions and the government has recognized the overall lack of adequate numbers of health care providers to carry out necessary programmes in Mali, of which nutrition programmes are a part. The policy and programme framework is well established for support of optimal IYCN practices, but greater resources and capacity building are needed to: (i) conduct necessary research to adapt training materials and programme protocols to programmatic needs; (ii) implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation that identify effective programme components; and (iii) apply these findings in developing, expanding, and improving effective programmes.
The Contemporary Presidency: Changing the Way Washington Works? Assessing President Obama's Battle with Lobbyists
Authors: THURBER JAMES A.
Published: March 2011

This article explores the causes, characteristics, and consequences of President Obama's attacks on lobbyists and his attempt to change the way the influence industry works in Washington. It concludes with a discussion of the barriers President Obama has faced in reforming pluralist democracy in Washington and an assessment of his successes and failures in his first two years in office.
Osseointegration surgery and implant stability in irradiated mandibles
Authors: Støre G. , Heyden A. , Walaas L.
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Bone healing is impaired after irradiation, and implant surgery in irradiated mandibles is associated with lower implant survival compared with normal bone. The aim of this study was to investigate irradiated mandibular bone and implant stability and osseointegration in such compromised tissues.

Materials and methods:  Thirty‐one patients irradiated for head and neck cancer had 125 implants, one‐stage with healing abutments installed as part of their oral rehabilitation. Bone biopsies were collected as part of the implant operation from 12 mandibles. All patients received adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy pre‐ and post‐operatively. Implant stability was measured during operation using a resonance frequency device, and for 16 patients, additional implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were recorded up to 20 weeks post‐operatively.

Results:  All bone biopsies showed radiation tissue injuries with focal necrosis and fibrosis. ISQ recorded at the time of operation showed values within normal range, with two thirds above 70. Sixteen implants (12.8%) were lost at an early stage (average of 3 months post‐operatively), despite good initial stability. Sixteen patients with 63 implants were followed post‐operatively for another 20 weeks. Thirty‐seven implants (58.7%) showed ISQ values above baseline, whereas 26 implants (41.3%) had lower values. Soft‐tissue problems with prolonged healing around the implants were observed in 12 patients, two of whom developed osteoradionecrosis.

Conclusion:  Implant surgery in irradiated mandibles with poor bone quality is feasible but associated with increased soft‐tissue complications and implant losses. The risk of such complications, however, is outweighed by the benefits of implants to enhance the outcome of oral rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients. The dispersion of ISQ values makes implant loss in irradiated mandibles hard to predict from resonance frequency analysis alone.
Defining an Ontology of Cognitive Control Requires Attention to Component Interactions
Authors: Badre David
Published: March 2011

Cognitive control is not only componential, but those components may interact in complicated ways in the service of cognitive control tasks. This complexity poses a challenge for developing an ontological description, because the mapping may not be direct between our task descriptions and true component differences reflected in indicators. To illustrate this point, I discuss two examples: (a) the relationship between adaptive gating and working memory and (b) the recent evidence for a control hierarchy. From these examples, I argue that an ontological program must simultaneously seek to identify component processes and their interactions within a broader processing architecture.
Scaling Policy Preferences from Coded Political Texts
Authors: LOWE WILL , BENOIT KENNETH , MIKHAYLOV SLAVA , LAVER MICHAEL
Published: March 2011

Scholars estimating policy positions from political texts typically code words or sentences and then build left‐right policy scales based on the relative frequencies of text units coded into different categories. Here we reexamine such scales and propose a theoretically and linguistically superior alternative based on the logarithm of odds‐ratios. We contrast this scale with the current approach of the Comparative Manifesto Project (CMP), showing that our proposed logit scale avoids widely acknowledged flaws in previous approaches. We validate the new scale using independent expert surveys. Using existing CMP data, we show how to estimate more distinct policy dimensions, for more years, than has been possible before, and make this dataset publicly available. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the future design of coding schemes for political texts.
Student and Teacher Perspectives Across Mathematics and Science Classrooms: The Importance of Engaging Contexts
Authors: Appleton James J. , Lawrenz Frances
Published: March 2011

Substantial recent focus has been placed upon the competitiveness of American students in increasingly global economies and entrepreneurial enterprises. As concerns center on students’ educational preparedness and their efforts at continued learning, researchers acknowledge the importance of student engagement with school. In order to foster engaged learners, teachers must be able to determine and monitor their students’ levels of engagement. The current study examined the alignment of perceptions of engagement by students, teachers, and outside observers across middle and high school mathematics and science classrooms. Results indicated significant teacher‐student differences in perceptions of student cognitive engagement across mathematics and science classrooms with teachers consistently perceiving higher levels than students. Moreover, most effect sizes were moderate to large. A subsequent multi‐level analysis indicated that while teacher perceptions of student cognitive engagement were somewhat predictive of student reported cognitive engagement, academic engagement ratings by outside observers were not.
Role of TLR4 and MAPK in the local effect of LPS on intestinal contractility
Authors: Barona Inés , Fagundes Diego Santos , Gonzalo Sergio , Grasa Laura , Arruebo María Pilar , Plaza Miguel Ángel , Murillo María Divina
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to alter intestinal contractility. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), K+ channels and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been proposed to be involved in the mechanism of action of LPS. The aim of this study was to determine the role of TLR4, K+ channels and MAPKs (p38, JNK and MEK1/2) in the local effect of LPS on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rabbit small intestine in vitro.

Methods

Segments of rabbit duodenum were suspended in the direction of longitudinal or circular smooth muscle fibres in a thermostatically controlled organ bath.

Key findings

LPS (0.3 µg/ml) reduced the contractions induced by ACh (100 µm) in the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle of the duodenum after 90 min of incubation. Polymyxin (TLR4 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor) and U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) antagonized the effects of the LPS on ACh-induced contractions in duodenal smooth muscle. Incubation with the blockers of K+ channels, TEA, apamin, charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin, glibenclamide or quinine, did not reverse the effect of LPS on ACh-induced contractions.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the effect of LPS on ACh-induced contractions in the rabbit duodenum might be mediated by TLR4 and p38, JNK1/2 and MEK1/2 MAPKs.
Fretting Wear Modeling of Coated and Uncoated Surfaces Using the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method
Authors: Leonard Benjamin D. , Patil Pankaj , Slack Trevor S. , Sadeghi Farshid , Shinde Sachin , Mittelbach Marc
Published: March 2011

A new approach for modeling fretting wear in a Hertzian line contact is presented. The combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) in which multiple finite element bodies interact as distinct bodies is used to model a two-dimensional fretting contact with and without coatings. The normal force and sliding distance are used during each fretting cycle, and fretting wear is modeled by locally applying Archard’s wear equation to determine wear loss along the surface. The FDEM is validated by comparing the pressure and frictional shear stress results to the continuum mechanics solution for a Hertzian fretting contact. The dependence of the wear algorithm stability on the cycle increment of a fretting simulation is also investigated. The effects of friction coefficient, normal force, displacement amplitude, coating thickness, and coating modulus of elasticity on fretting wear are presented.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Dimensional Drops Suspended in Simple Shear Flow at Nonzero Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Mortazavi S. , Afshar Y. , Abbaspour H.
Published: March 2011

The motion of deformable drops suspended in a linear shear flow at nonzero Reynolds numbers is studied by numerical simulations in two dimensions. It is found that a deformable drop migrates toward the center of the channel in agreement with experimental findings at small Reynolds numbers. However, at relatively high Reynolds numbers (Re=80) and small deformation, the drop migrates to an equilibrium position off the centerline. Suspension of drops at a moderate areal fraction (φ=0.44) is studied by simulations of 36 drops. The flow is studied as a function of the Reynolds number and a shear thinning behavior is observed. The results for the normal stress difference show oscillations around a mean value at small Reynolds numbers, and it increases as the Reynolds number is raised. Simulations of drops at high areal fraction (φ=0.66) show that if the Capillary number is kept constant, the effective viscosity does not change in the range of considered Reynolds numbers (0.8–80). The normal stress difference is also a weak function of the Reynolds number. It is also found that similar to flows of granular materials, suspension of drops at finite Reynolds numbers shows the same trend for the density and fluctuation energy distribution across the channel.
Seal and encapsulate cavities for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor microelectromechanical system thermoelectric power generators
Authors: Xie Jin , Lee Chengkuo , Wang Ming-Fang , Feng Hanhua
Published: March 2011

This article presents a method for fabricating thermoelectric power generators (TPGs) using wafer-level vacuum sealing and encapsulation at low temperature with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible processes and materials. A novel TPG design with thermal legs embedded in top and bottom vacuum cavities is proposed. Simulation results validate that the two cavities can maximize the temperature difference between the hot and cold junctions of thermocouples. Process flows for wafer-level sealing and encapsulating cavities are presented and a thermoelectric power generator is developed based on heavily p- and n-doped polysilicon. A power generation factor of 0.052 μW cm−2 K−2 was achieved using this TPG.
Development of a vacuum transistor using hafnium nitride field emitter arrays
Authors: Ikeda Keita , Ohue Wataru , Endo Keisuke , Gotoh Yasuhito , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: March 2011

A vacuum transistor using field emitter arrays was developed to study potential applications as a signal amplifier. We fabricated gated 39 460-tip hafnium nitride field emitter arrays (HfN-FEAs) and evaluated their suitability for use in active devices. The vacuum transistor had a triode structure with a gated HfN-FEA and collector electrode. The device exhibited a collector current of 1.1 mA at an emitter voltage of −58 V, a transconductance of 0.27 mS, and a collector resistance of 2.8 MΩ (yielding a voltage amplification factor of 750). An amplifying circuit based on the present vacuum transistor was designed, and the performance of amplification of an ac signal was evaluated. A voltage gain of 29 dB was obtained with a load resistance of 100 kΩ. A gain bandwidth product of 1 MHz was also obtained.
Living Inspired
Bulletproof Feathers
How Science Uses Nature's Secrets to Design Cutting-Edge Technology

Robert Allen, Ed.

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2010. 192 pp. $35, £22. ISBN 9780226014708.
Authors: Lavine Marc
Published: March 2011

The authors' profusely illustrated essays highlight state-of-the-art research into using materials and strategies from the world of nature as a source of technological innovation.
β-Arrestin Deficiency Protects Against Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice and Prevents Fibroblast Invasion of Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Lovgren Alysia Kern , Kovacs Jeffrey J. , Xie Ting , Potts Erin N. , Li Yuejuan , Foster W. Michael , Liang Jiurong , Meltzer Eric B. , Jiang Dianhua , Lefkowitz Robert J. , Noble Paul W.
Published: March 2011

The signaling molecule β-arrestin is required for the fibroblast invasion of extracellular matrix and thus for the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Cleaning Up the Clutter
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: March 2011

Nanocarriers targeting the delivery of enzyme replacement therapy to endothelial cells are expected to improve therapy for Fabry disease.
Utility of Urine, Vaginal, Cervical, and Rectal Specimens for Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in Women
Authors: Lillis Rebecca A. , Nsuami M. Jacques , Myers Leann , Martin David H.
Published: March 2011

This study assessed the utility of urine, vaginal, cervical, and rectal specimens for the detection of
Mycoplasma genitalium
in women by using our laboratory-developed PCR assay. The relative sensitivity was 85.7% for the vaginal swab specimen, 74.3% for the endocervical swab specimen, 61.4% for the urine specimen, and 24.3% for the rectal swab specimen.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Rapid and Reliable Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Nagdev Khushboo J. , Kashyap Rajpal S. , Parida Manmohan M. , Kapgate Rajkumar C. , Purohit Hemant J. , Taori Girdhar M. , Daginawala Hatim F.
Published: March 2011

Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is often difficult. A reliable, simple, and rapid diagnostic test that can be performed in any standard laboratory could be helpful in TBM diagnosis. In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) was evaluated to rapidly detect and diagnose TBM infection and was compared to the performance of nested PCR. Six specific primers were used to recognize the IS6110genomic sequence fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, which included one forward outer primer, one reverse outer primer, two respective inner primers, and two loop primers. The optimum reaction temperature and time were 63°C and 60 min, respectively. Nested PCR was performed targeting the IS6110region fromM. tuberculosisusing a commercial kit. The LAMP method yielded a sensitivity of 88.23% and a specificity of 80%, compared to the nested-PCR assay, which yielded a sensitivity of 52.9% and a specificity of 90% for TBM diagnosis. Comparative experiments showed that the LAMP assay is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method to detect TBM infection and that it is superior to the nested-PCR assay. LAMP is very simple, and it can be performed in any laboratory and in rural settings.
Identification of Mycobacteria in Solid-Culture Media by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Saleeb Paul G. , Drake Steven K. , Murray Patrick R. , Zelazny Adrian M.
Published: March 2011

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been introduced into the clinical microbiology laboratory as a rapid and accurate method to identify bacteria and yeasts. In this paper we describe our work on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of mycobacterial isolates. We developed a protocol for protein extraction from mycobacteria and utilized it to construct a database containing 42 clinically relevant type and reference strains of mycobacteria. The database was used to identify 104 clinical isolates of mycobacteria. All members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex were identified accurately at the complex level but could not be separated at the species level. All other organisms were identified at the species level, with the exception of one strain of
M. kansasii
(accurately identified but with a low spectral score) and three pairs of closely related strains:
M. abscessus
and
M. massiliense
,
M. mucogenicum
and
M. phocaicum
, and
M. chimaera
and
M. intracellulare
. These pairs of organisms can currently be identified only by multilocus gene sequence analysis. We conclude that MALDI-TOF MS analysis can be incorporated into the work flow of the microbiology laboratory for rapid and accurate identification of most strains of mycobacteria isolated from solid growth media.
Multilocus Sequence Typing Implicates Rodents as the Main Reservoir Host of Human-Pathogenic Borrelia garinii in Japan
Authors: Takano Ai , Nakao Minoru , Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Takada Nobuhiro , Yano Yasuhiro , Ishiguro Fubito , Fujita Hiromi , Ito Takuya , Ma Xiaohang , Oikawa Yozaburo , Kawamori Fumihiko , Kumagai Kunihiko , Mikami Toshiyuki , Hanaoka Nozomu , Ando Shuji , Honda Naoko , Taylor Kyle , Tsubota Toshio , Konnai Satoru , Watanabe Haruo , Ohnishi Makoto , Kawabata Hiroki
Published: March 2011

Multilocus sequence typing ofBorrelia gariniiisolates from humans and comparison with rodent and tick isolates were performed. Fifty-nine isolates were divided into two phylogenetic groups, and an association was detected between clinical and rodent isolates, suggesting that, in Japan, human-pathogenicB. gariniicomes from rodents via ticks.
Phenotypic Suppression of a Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP27 Mutation by Enhanced Transcription of the Mutant Gene
Authors: Strain Anna K. , Rice Stephen A.
Published: March 2011

ICP27 is an essential herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) regulatory protein that enhances viral gene expression. Although it is predominantly nuclear, it shuttles to the cytoplasm during infection using an N-terminal nuclear export signal (NES). We previously engineered an NES-negative ICP27 mutant, dLeu, that replicates poorly in cultured cells. In this study, we isolated dLeuR, a growth-competent revertant of dLeu. We show that dLeuR possesses one or more extragenic mutations that enhance ICP27 transcription, leading to overexpression of the mutant protein and restoration of viral growth. This work provides evidence of a novel pathway regulating transcription of the ICP27 gene.
Interplay between Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara and Dendritic Cells: Phenotypic and Functional Maturation of Bystander Dendritic Cells
Authors: Pascutti María F. , Rodríguez Ana M. , Falivene Juliana , Giavedoni Luis , Drexler Ingo , Gherardi M. Magdalena
Published: March 2011

Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is an attenuated poxvirus strain, currently under evaluation as a vaccine vector in various clinical settings. It has been reported that human dendritic cells (DCs) mature after infection with MVA, but reports on the functionality of DCs have so far been controversial. In this work, we studied the phenotype and functionality of MVA-infected DCs. As previously reported, we found that human monocyte-derived DCs upregulated CD86 and HLA-DR in response to MVA infection. Moreover, infected DCs produced a broad array of chemokines and cytokines and were able to activate and induce gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production both in CD4+and in CD8+allogeneic T cells and in specific autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Analysis of DC maturation following infection with a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing MVA revealed that upregulation of CD86 expression was mainly observed in GFPneg(bystander) cells. While GFPpos(infected) DCs produced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), they were unable to produce CXCL10 and were less efficient at inducing IFN-γ production in CEF-specific autologous PBLs. Maturation of bystander DCs could be achieved by incubation with supernatant from infected cultures or with apoptotic infected cells. Type I IFNs were partially responsible for the induction of CXCL10 on bystander DCs. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that, in MVA-infected DC cultures, the leading role with respect to functionality and maturation characteristics is achieved by the bystander DCs.
The Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor MIV-150 in Carrageenan Gel Prevents Rectal Transmission of Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Macaques
Authors: Singer R. , Derby N. , Rodriguez A. , Kizima L. , Kenney J. , Aravantinou M. , Chudolij A. , Gettie A. , Blanchard J. , Lifson J. D. , Piatak M. , Fernández-Romero J. A. , Zydowsky T. M. , Robbiani M.
Published: March 2011

Development of a microbicide that prevents rectal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a vital component in reducing HIV spread. We recently demonstrated that a formulation of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) MIV-150 in carrageenan reduced vaginal infection of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 with HIV-1
HxB2
reverse transcriptase (SHIV-RT). Herein, we performed the first testing of MIV-150–carrageenan against rectal infection. Rhesus macaques were treated rectally with MIV-150–carrageenan or methyl cellulose (MC) placebo gel up to 4 h prior to rectal challenge with 10
3
or 10
4
50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID
50
) of SHIV-RT. Infection was assessed by measuring plasma virus RNA as well as T and B cell responses. MIV-150–carrageenan protected all animals challenged with 10
3
TCID
50
when gel was applied either 30 min or 4 h prior to challenge, while 100% of the MC-treated animals became infected (
n
= 4 each;
P
< 0.03). Partial protection (2 of 4 animals) by MIV-150–carrageenan was observed for rectal challenge with 10-fold more virus applied 4 h after the gel. Sequencing of the RT gene from plasma virus RNA isolated at peak viremia confirmed that both of these animals (like infected MC controls) were infected with wild-type virus. Infection correlated with the development of SIV-specific T and B cell responses. MIV-150 was detected in the rectal fluids and tissues 4 h after gel application but was not detected in the blood at any time (0.5 to 24 h). These data are promising for the development of NNRTI-containing gels to prevent rectal HIV transmission.
Efficient Gene Transfer in Bacterial Cell Chains
Authors: Babic Ana , Berkmen Melanie B. , Lee Catherine A. , Grossman Alan D.
Published: March 2011

Horizontal gene transfer contributes to evolution and the acquisition of new traits. In bacteria, horizontal gene transfer is often mediated by conjugative genetic elements that transfer directly from cell to cell. Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs; also known as conjugative transposons) are mobile genetic elements that reside within a host genome but can excise to form a circle and transfer by conjugation to recipient cells. ICEs contribute to the spread of genes involved in pathogenesis, symbiosis, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance. Despite its importance, little is known about the mechanisms of conjugation in Gram-positive bacteria or how quickly or frequently transconjugants become donors. We visualized the transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1from aBacillus subtilisdonor to recipient cells in real time using fluorescence microscopy. We found that transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient appeared to occur at a cell pole or along the lateral cell surface of either cell. Most importantly, we found that when acquired by 1 cell in a chain, ICEBs1spread rapidly from cell to cell within the chain by additional sequential conjugation events. This intrachain conjugation is inherently more efficient than conjugation that is due to chance encounters between individual cells. Many bacterial species, including pathogenic, commensal, symbiotic, and nitrogen-fixing organisms, harbor ICEs and grow in chains, often as parts of microbial communities. It is likely that efficient intrachain spreading is a general feature of conjugative DNA transfer and serves to amplify the number of cells that acquire conjugative mobile genetic elements.

IMPORTANCEConjugative elements contribute to horizontal gene transfer and the acquisition of new traits. They are largely responsible for spreading antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities. To study the cell biology of conjugation, we visualized conjugative DNA transfer betweenBacillus subtiliscells in real time using fluorescence microscopy. In contrast to previous predictions that transfer would occur preferentially from the donor cell pole, we found that transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient appeared to occur at a cell pole or along the lateral cell surface of either cell. Most importantly, we found that when acquired by 1 cell in a chain, the conjugative DNA spread rapidly from cell to cell within the chain through sequential conjugation events. Since many bacterial species grow naturally in chains, this intrachain transfer is likely a common mechanism for accelerating the spread of conjugative elements within microbial communities.
REPRESENTATIONS OF SURFACE GROUPS IN THE PROJECTIVE GENERAL LINEAR GROUP
Authors: OLIVEIRA ANDRÉ GAMA
Published: March 2011

Given a closed, oriented surface X of genus g ≥ 2, and a semisimple Lie group G, let [Formula: see text] be the moduli space of reductive representations of π1X in G. We determine the number of connected components of [Formula: see text], for n ≥ 4 even. In order to have a first division of connected components, we first classify real projective bundles over such a surface. Then we achieve our goal, using holomorphic methods through the theory of Higgs bundles over compact Riemann surfaces. We also show that the complement of the Hitchin component in [Formula: see text] is homotopically equivalent to [Formula: see text].
NONABELIAN BUNDLE 2-GERBES
Authors: JURČO BRANISLAV
Published: March 2011

We define 2-crossed module bundle 2-gerbes related to general Lie 2-crossed modules and discuss their properties. If (L → M → N) is a Lie 2-crossed module and Y → X is a surjective submersion then an (L → M → N)-bundle 2-gerbe over X is defined in terms of a so-called (L → M → N)-bundle gerbe over the fiber product Y[2]= Y ×XY, which is an (L → M)-bundle gerbe over Y[2]equipped with a trivialization under the change of its structure crossed module from L → M to 1 → N, and which is subjected to further conditions on higher fiber products Y[3], Y[4]and Y[5]. String structures can be described and classified using 2-crossed module bundle 2-gerbes.
GAUGE-NATURAL NOETHER CURRENTS AND CONNECTION FIELDS
Authors: FERRARIS MARCO , FRANCAVIGLIA MAURO , PALESE MARCELLA , WINTERROTH EKKEHART
Published: March 2011

We study geometric aspects concerned with symmetries and conserved quantities in gauge-natural invariant variational problems and investigate implications of the existence of a reductive split structure associated with canonical Lagrangian conserved quantities on gauge-natural bundles. In particular, we characterize the existence of covariant conserved quantities in terms of principal Cartan connections on gauge-natural prolongations.
ANALYTICAL AND FINITE ELEMENT MODELING AND SIMULATION OF BUCKLING AND POSTBUCKLING OF DELAMINATED ORTHOTROPIC PLATES
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY LALITHA , MURTHY S. SRIDHARA
Published: March 2011

Delamination is one of the most common failure modes of laminated composite materials, and can be caused by manufacturing defects or impact loading. Under compression, a delaminated composite plate may buckle and tend to enlarge the delaminated area, which can lead to loss of global structural stability. This paper presents the elastic buckling and postbuckling analysis of an axially loaded beam-plate with an across-the-width delamination, located at a given depth below the upper surface of the plate. The analysis is done by considering a layered orthotropic plate containing through-width delamination, subjected to in-plane compression. The problem is analyzed by two approaches: (i) A simple analytical model for determining strain energy release rate is obtained using integral transform approach; (ii) A finite element representation of the problem is modeled and analyzed using MSC/NASTRAN and the buckling load is calculated.
Quality evolution track at QUATIC 2010
Authors: Wermelinger Michel , Ferreira Hugo Sereno
Published: March 2011

The 7th International Conference on Quality in Information and Communication Technologies (QUATIC) took place at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, in Portugal, from 29 September to 1 October 2010. The first day was dedicated to several parallel thematic tracks, each exploring one aspect of quality. This short report summarizes the paper presentations in the 'Quality Evolution in ICT' track and the ensuing discussion. The QUATIC proceedings, which include all thematic track papers, are published by IEEE.
Endothelial progenitor cells functionally express inward rectifier potassium channels
Authors: Jang Sung-Soo , Park Jonghanne , Hur Sung Won , Hong Yun Hwa , Hur Jin , Chae Jong Hee , Kim Seung Ki , Kim Jun , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kim Sang Jeong
Published: March 2011

Since the first isolation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from human peripheral blood in 1997, many researchers have conducted studies to understand the characteristics and therapeutic effects of EPCs in vascular disease models. Nevertheless, the electrophysiological properties of EPCs have yet to be clearly elucidated. The inward rectifier potassium channel (Kir) performs a major role in controlling the membrane potential and cellular events. Here, via the whole cell patch-clamp technique, we found inwardly rectifying currents in EPCs and that these currents were inhibited by Ba2+ (100 μM) and Cs+ (1 mM), known as Kir blockers, in a dose-dependent manner (Ba2+, 91.2 ± 1.4% at −140 mV and Cs+, 76.1 ± 6.9% at −140 mV, respectively). Next, using DiBAC3, a fluorescence indicator of membrane potential, we verified that Ba2+ induced an increase of fluorescence in EPCs (10 μM, 123 ± 2.8%), implying the depolarization of EPCs. At the mRNA and protein levels, we confirmed the existence of several Kir subtypes, including Kir2.x, 3.x, 4.x, and 6.x. In a functional experiment, we observed that, in the presence of Ba2+, the number of tubes on Matrigel formed by EPCs was dose-dependently reduced (10 μM, 62.3 ± 6.5%). In addition, the proliferation of EPCs was increased in a dose-dependent fashion (10 μM, 157.9 ± 17.4%), and specific inhibition of Kir2.1 by small interfering RNA also increased the proliferation of EPCs (116.2 ± 2.5%). Our results demonstrate that EPCs express several types of Kir which may modulate the endothelial function and proliferation of EPCs.