bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Cane and Leaf Rust on Rubus fruticosus Caused by Kuehneola uredinis in Korea
Authors: Cheon W. , Kim Y. S. , Lee S. G. , Jeon Y. H.
Published: April 2013

In September 2011, we observed a rust disease affecting about 90% of the leaves of several Rubus fruticosus L. plants at Andong (36°32′12.4″ N, 128°47′20.1″ E), Korea. Pustule formation occurred on cane surfaces and on the undersurfaces of leaves, with yellowing, reddening, and necrosis on the corresponding upper leaf surface. Leaf distortion and senescence also occurred. For light and scanning electron microscopy, uredinia were detached from leaf lesions using a razor blade and then mounted in water without staining. Leaves with lesions were prepared by gold sputtering and then observed by SEM (Hitachi S-2500C microscope, Japan). We observed the development of uredinial colonies with abundant sporulation. The echinulate urediniospores, which were 16.3 to 19.8 × 17.5 to 25.3 μm, were yellowish or occasionally pale brown, with a globose or subglobose shape (2). Telia were a floccose and pale yellowish-buff or almost white. Teliospores were four- to seven-celled. Cells were trapezoid-cylindric, 15 to 40 × 14 to 24 μm, with hyaline walls. Cell wall surface was smooth but often bearing coronate projections or bumps at the top (in apical cells) or upper rim (in intercalary cells). Cell wall thickness was about 0.5 μm at the sides and 2 to 4 μm at the apex; apical pores occurred on short cell-wall projections. Teliospore pedicels were short (0.17 to 1.34 × 0.78 to 1.45 μm), hyaline, and fragile (3). The pathogen was identified as Kuehneola uredinis L. on the basis of morphology (3), and this identification was confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis. ITS rDNA of the fungus was amplified using the ITS1 and ITS4 primer set (ITS1: 5′-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3′, ITS4: 5′-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3′). BLAST analysis of the PCR product showed that the sequence shared 99% identity with the published nucleotide sequences for K. uredinis (Accession No. EU14069). The D1/D2 domain of 28S rDNA was amplified by PCR using the primer pair 5′-ACCCGCTGAAYTTAAGCATAT-3′ and 5′-CTTCCTTGGTCCGTGTTTCAAGACGG-3′ (1). Phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA sequences identified the causal fungus as K. uredinis. The identity of the fungus was confirmed as K. uredinis by DNA sequencing; the sequence was 99% similar to that of other K. uredinis (AF426218, AY745696, DQ354551, and GU058013). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of cane and leaf rust on Rubus fruticosus Linné caused by K. uredinis in Korea.

References: (1) V. der Auwera et al. FEBS Microbiol. Lett. 338:133, 1994. (2) D. E. Gardner. Plant Dis. 67:963, 1983. (3) G. F. Laundon and A. F. Rainbow. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria 202:1, 1969.
First Report of a Natural Occurrence of Tomato yellow fruit ring virus on Pepper in Iran
Authors: Golnaraghi A. R. , Hamedi A. , Yazdani-Khameneh S. , Khosroshahi T. S.
Published: April 2013

Tospoviruses are considered one of the most devastating viruses in different crops and ornamentals worldwide. There have been increasing records of the natural occurrence of Tomato yellow fruit ring virus (TYFRV) in Iran (e.g., 1,2,3), a recently proposed species in the genus Tospovirus (4). During the growing seasons 2010 to 2011, surveys were conducted in pepper fields (Capsicum annum) in Tehran province, one of the main vegetable producing areas of Iran, to detect the presence of tospovirus species infecting this crop, including Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), TYFRV, and Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV). Overall, 14 fields were surveyed and 119 pepper leaf samples from plants showing tospovirus-like symptoms of yellow mosaic, chlorosis, and necrosis were collected. Each leaf sample was tested by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA using specific antisera (Bioreba, Reinach, Switzerland; Loewe, Sauerlach, Germany; DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany) for the presence of the aforementioned tospoviruses. Based on the results, TYFRV were found in 21 samples (17.6%) collected from five fields surveyed. None of the samples had a positive reaction in ELISA to GRSV, INSV, IYSV, TCSV, TSWV, and WSMoV. To confirm testing, six leaf samples that were found positive for TYFRV in ELISA tests were mechanically inoculated on Petunia × hybrid and Nicotiana rustica; for all the samples studied, the inoculated plants showed typical necrotic local lesions of tospoviruses, and chlorotic or necrotic spots followed by systemic infection, respectively; their infection was subsequently confirmed by ELISA. Four out of the six samples also were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR technique using previously described specific primers (2). The PCR reaction, in agreement with ELISA tests, resulted in the specifically amplification of a ~1.2-kb fragment of TYFRV RNAs. Using the PCR amplification primers mentioned above, the nucleotide sequences of nucleoprotein (N) genes of two isolates, namely TY-PepT43 and TY-PepT74, were determined (GenBank Accession Nos. KC354692 and KC354693, respectively); BLAST search results confirmed the presence of TYFRV and showed high nucleotide identities (99.0%) to TY-PF36 isolate of the virus. The virus has been previously reported on potato, tomato, ornamental plants, and some weed species in Tehran Province (1,3,4). This coupled with the presence of TYFRV vector, i.e., Thrips tabaci, in the same region (1), may have resulted in the occurrence of the virus on pepper plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of TYFRV from pepper plants in Iran.

References: (1) T. Ghotbi et al. Plant Dis. 89:425, 2005. (2) A. R. Golnaraghi et al. Plant Dis. 92:1280, 2008. (3) R. Pourrahim et al. Plant Dis. 91:609, 2007. (4) S. Winter et al. Plant Pathol. 55:287, 2006.
Characterization of Sour Cherry Isolates of Plum pox virus from the Volga Basin in Russia Reveals a New Cherry Strain of the Virus
Authors: Glasa Miroslav , Prikhodko Yuri , Predajňa Lukáš , Nagyová Alžbeta , Shneyder Yuri , Zhivaeva Tatiana , Šubr Zdeno , Cambra Mariano , Candresse Thierry
Published: April 2013

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the causal agent of sharka, the most detrimental virus disease of stone fruit trees worldwide. PPV isolates have been assigned into seven distinct strains, of which PPV-C regroups the genetically distinct isolates detected in several European countries on cherry hosts. Here, three complete and several partial genomic sequences of PPV isolates from sour cherry trees in the Volga River basin of Russia have been determined. The comparison of complete genome sequences has shown that the nucleotide identity values with other PPV isolates reached only 77.5 to 83.5%. Phylogenetic analyses clearly assigned the RU-17sc, RU-18sc, and RU-30sc isolates from cherry to a distinct cluster, most closely related to PPV-C and, to a lesser extent, PPV-W. Based on their natural infection of sour cherry trees and genomic characterization, the PPV isolates reported here represent a new strain of PPV, for which the name PPV-CR (Cherry Russia) is proposed. The unique amino acids conserved among PPV-CR and PPV-C cherry-infecting isolates (75 in total) are mostly distributed within the central part of P1, NIa, and the N terminus of the coat protein (CP), making them potential candidates for genetic determinants of the ability to infect cherry species or of adaptation to these hosts. The variability observed within 14 PPV-CR isolates analyzed in this study (0 to 2.6% nucleotide divergence in partial CP sequences) and the identification of these isolates in different localities and cultivation conditions suggest the efficient establishment and competitiveness of the PPV-CR in the environment. A specific primer pair has been developed, allowing the specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction detection of PPV-CR isolates.
Isolation of Clostridium difficile from faecal specimens – a comparison of chromID C. difficile agar and cycloserine-cefoxitin-fructose agar
Authors: Carson Kerry C. , Boseiwaqa Lusiana V. , Thean Sara K. , Foster Niki F. , Riley Thomas V.
Published: April 2013

The culture of toxigenicClostridium difficilefrom stool specimens is still seen as the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis ofC. difficileinfection (CDI). bioMérieux have released ChromID Cdiff chromogenic agar (CDIF) for the isolation and identification ofC. difficilein 24 h. In this study, we compared CDIF to pre-reduced cycloserine-cefoxitin-fructose agar with sodium taurocholate (TCCFA) in the examination of glutamate dehydrogenase-positive faecal specimens that were either GeneOhm positive or negative, using direct culture or culture following alcohol shock. Direct culture on CDIF had a sensitivity of 100 % and recovery of 94 % while for TCCFA these were 87 % and 82 %, respectively. For GeneOhm-positive alcohol-shocked faecal samples, sensitivity and recovery on CDIF was similar to direct culture while on TCCFA they were about 10 % higher. For direct culture, there was a significant difference between growth on CDIF at 24 h and TCCFA at 48 h(P = 0.001) and between the two media at 48 h (P<0.001). A total of 142 strains ofC. difficilewere recovered in pure culture from all GeneOhm-positive samples used in this study and 11 (7.7 %) of these were A−B−CDT−and may represent mixed infections of toxigenic and non-toxigenicC. difficile. The most dominant ribotype was UK 014 (14.7 %) followed by 002 (11.9 %) and 020 (11.9 %), and 36 % of toxigenic isolates, including an A−B+CDT−strain, could not be assigned a UK ribotype. CDIF outperformed pre-reduced TCCFA by negating the need for alcohol shock treatment and by giving a time saving of 24 h in the isolation ofC. difficile. CDIF plates were also more selective than TCCFA andC. difficilecolonies were easy to identify and subculture prior to strain typing.
Specificity of human rhinovirus 2Apro is determined by combined spatial properties of four cleavage site residues
Authors: Neubauer David , Aumayr Martina , Gösler Irene , Skern Tim
Published: April 2013

The 2A proteinase (2Apro) of human rhinoviruses cleaves the virally encoded polyprotein between the C terminus of VP1 and its own N terminus. Poor understanding of the 2Aprosubstrate specificity of this enzyme has hampered progress in developing inhibitors that may serve as antiviral agents. We show here that the 2Aproof human rhinovirus (HRV) 1A and 2 (rhinoviruses from genetic group A) cannot self-process at the HRV14 (a genetic group B rhinovirus) cleavage site. When the amino acids in the cleavage site of HRV2 2Apro(Ile-Ile-Thr-Thr-Ala*Gly-Pro-Ser-Asp) were singly or doubly replaced with the corresponding HRV14 residues (Asp-Ile-Lys-Ser-Tyr*Gly-Leu-Gly-Pro) at positions from P3 to P2′, HRV1A and HRV2 2Aprocleavage took place at WT levels. However, when three or more positions of the HRV1A or 2 2Aprowere substituted (e.g. at P2, P1 and P2′), cleavagein vitrowas essentially eliminated. Introduction of the full HRV14 cleavage site into a full-length clone of the HRV1A and transfection of HeLa cells with a transcribed RNA did not give rise to viable virus. In contrast, revertant viruses bearing cysteine at the P1 position or proline at P2′ were obtained when an RNA bearing the three inhibitory amino acids was transfected. Reversions in the enzyme affecting substrate specificity were not found in any of thein vivoexperiments. Modelling of oligopeptide substrates onto the structure of HRV2 2Aprorevealed no appreciable differences in residues of HRV2 and HRV14 in the respective substrate binding sites, suggesting that the overall shape of the substrate is important in determining binding efficiency.
Characterization of feline ASCT1 and ASCT2 as RD-114 virus receptor
Authors: Shimode Sayumi , Nakaoka Rie , Shogen Hiroko , Miyazawa Takayuki
Published: April 2013

RD-114 virus is a replication-competent feline endogenous retrovirus (ERV). RD-114 virus had been thought to be xenotropic; however, recent findings indicate that RD-114 virus is polytropic and can infect and grow efficiently in feline cells. Receptor(s) for RD-114 virus has not been identified and characterized in cats. In this study, we confirmed that two feline sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporters (ASCTs), fASCT1 and fASCT2, function as RD-114 virus receptors. By chimeric analyses of feline and murine ASCTs, we revealed that extracellular loop 2 of both fASCT1 and fASCT2 determines the susceptibility to RD-114 virus. Further, we revealed ubiquitous expression of these genes, consistent with the general metabolic role of the ASCT molecules. Our study indicates that RD-114 virus may reinfect tissues and cells in cats, once the virus is activated. Implications of the involvement of RD-114 virus in feline oncogenesis are also discussed.
Developmental programming: Variations in early growth and adult disease
Authors: Gallo Linda A , Tran Melanie , Moritz Karen M , Wlodek Mary E
Published: April 2013

Suboptimal conditions in utero are associated with the development of adult‐onset diseases in offspring. Uteroplacental insufficiency in rats is a well‐established animal model used to mimic and study the effects of developmental insults relevant to countries of abundant nutrient supply. However, wide‐ranging outcomes for the offspring are apparent between the different investigators that use this model and also between cohorts generated in our laboratory.

 We aimed to explore the reasons for variability in rat models of uteroplacental insufficiency between different investigators and also between our own animal cohorts. We suggest differences in growth and disease development reflect uniqueness in susceptibility and highlight the complexity of interactions between genetic potential and environmental exposures.

 The impact of adverse exposures in utero has been described as having far‐reaching effects that extend well beyond the first, directly exposed generation. However, the resulting phenotypes are not consistent between generations. This suggests that programmed effects are established de novo in each generation and challenges the prediction of disease.

 Characterization of growth and disease in the numerous rat models has led to our understanding of the impact of early life experiences on adult health. In order to drive the development of preventative and/or treatment strategies, future studies should focus on identifying the initial cause(s) of uteroplacental insufficiency, including genetic origins and the influence of poor diets.
Outcome following selective fetal reduction in monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies discordant for structural, chromosomal and genetic disorders
Authors: Nobili Elena , Paramasivam Gowrishankar , Kumar Sailesh
Published: April 2013

Background

To investigate the indications for offering selective fetal reduction in monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twins and to correlate obstetric outcome with the antenatal procedure.

Methods

All cases of MC and DC twins discordant for structural anomalies and for chromosomal/genetic abnormalities were included. Selective reductions performed for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome or growth restriction were excluded. For DC twins, feticide was achieved using intracardiac injection of potassium chloride (KCl). For MC twins, bipolar cord occlusion (BCO), interstitial laser or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used.

Results

There were 121 twin pregnancies discordant for structural and chromosomal abnormalities. Only 88 (56 were MC twins and 32 were DC twins) had selective reduction. For both MC and DC twins, the leading indication for selective reduction was structural anomalies with CNS malformations the most common. For all MC fetal reduction techniques, the overall pregnancy loss rate (<24 weeks) was 8.9% with RFA having the lowest procedure loss rate (7.7%). The preterm delivery rate was lowest with reduction in DC pregnancies. The live birth rates for MC twins were >87% and 100% for DC twins.

Conclusions

Selective reduction in MC pregnancies carries an increased procedure‐related and preterm delivery rate compared with DC pregnancies. The main indication for selective reduction was structural malformations, with a predominance of CNS anomalies.
Expression of Inflammation in Myocardial Tissue of Rabbits: Comparison of Two Miniaturized Heart‐Lung Machines
Authors: Schnoering Heike , Arens Jutta , Detering Sabine M. , Sachweh Joerg S. , Goetzenich Andreas , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Vazquez‐Jimenez Jaime F.
Published: April 2013

The majority of cases involving the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease require implementation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, neonates and infants are particularly prone to serious complications associated with CPB as a result of capillary leak due to cardiovascular failure. These complications are related to the transfusion of foreign blood, the disproportionately large area of contact between the patient's blood and foreign material, as well as the systemic inflammatory response induced by hemolysis. To attenuate these risks, we developed a novel, highly integrative, miniaturized heart‐lung machine (MiniHLM) with a static priming volume of only 102 mL. This prototype was tested in comparison with a conventional heart‐lung machine (static priming volume 213 mL) using a rabbit animal model. The animals were anesthetized, sternotomized, and connected to CBP via the aorta and right atrium. The aorta was cross‐clamped for 1 h. Blood samples for examination were taken at regular intervals. Biopsies of the right atrial appendage (RAA) were removed directly after initiation and after cessation of CPB. After gradual reduction of perfusion with the HLM, all rabbits were successfully weaned from CPB, and the sternum was closed. Foreign blood was not administered in all cases. After cryopreservation of the RAA tissue, de novo transcription of inflammatory cytokines was measured by means of real‐time polymerase chain reaction using the comparative CT method. No significant differences in the expression of the inflammatory parameters of the myocardial tissue samples were found between the study groups.
Changes in the concentrations of fumonisin, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in corn silage during ensilage
Authors: Uegaki Ryuichi , Tsukiboshi Takao , Tohno Masanori
Published: April 2013

We assessed the production of the mycotoxins fumonisin, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone during the ensiling of corn. Corn was harvested at yellow‐ripe or full‐ripe stage and separated into the stem and leaf parts and the ear parts, including bracts. Each material was ensiled under five conditions: (1) no fungus added, anaerobic conditions; (2) no fungus added, aerobic conditions; (3) mycotoxin‐producing fungus added, anaerobic conditions; (4) mycotoxin‐producing fungus added, aerobic conditions; and (5) mycotoxin‐producing fungus added to autoclaved material, aerobic conditions. After 40 days of ensilage, we analyzed the silage fermentative quality and mycotoxin concentration. The fermentative quality of all materials was good in treatments (1) and (3), because the pH < 4 increased the lactic acid content preventing mycotoxin levels from increasing. In treatments (2) and (4), fermentative quality of all materials was poor, and mycotoxin levels were slightly increased. In treatment (5), fermentative quality was poor, and mycotoxin levels were increased remarkably. These results indicate that mycotoxins are not produced under anaerobic conditions and are hardly produced under aerobic condition during the ensiling of corn. Our findings suggest that almost all mycotoxins in corn silage are produced pre‐harvest.
Is diameter‐axial‐polar scoring predictive of renal functional damage in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy? An evaluation using technetium Tc 99m (99Tcm) diethylene‐triamine‐penta‐acetic acid (DTPA) glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Wang Linhui , Li Mingmin , Chen Wei , Wu Zhenjie , Cai Chen , Xiang Chun , Sheng Jing , Liu Bing , Yang Qing , Sun Yinghao
Published: April 2013

Objective

To identify the effects of diameter‐axial‐polar (DAP) scoring and other clinical variables on renal functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN).

Material and Methods

A total of 59 patients with complete radiographic, clinical and follow‐up information were included for analysis.

Technetium Tc 99m (99Tcm)‐diethylene‐triamine‐penta‐acetic acid (DTPA) renal scintigraphy was used to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of both kidneys and each kidney individually.

All cross‐sectional images were reviewed by a single radiologist and a DAP score was assigned.

Results

The median decline in total GFR after PN was 13% at a median follow‐up of 12 months (from 86.8 to 76.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001).

The median GFR of the operated kidney showed a significant decrease peri‐operatively (42.4 to 27.1 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001). The function of the contralateral kidney showed a significant increase (43.5 to 48.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001).

On multivariate analysis, preoperative total GFR, ischaemia time and DAP sum score were independent predictors of absolute functional decline of the affected kidney (all P < 0.001), while only preoperative total GFR and DAP sum score were significantly associated with the total absolute GFR reduction (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative renal function status and DAP score of renal tumours are the primary determinants of long‐term functional outcomes after PN, but renal ischaemia damage to the operated kidney after PN is possibly masked by functional compensation of the contralateral healthy kidney if only overall renal function is assessed.
Impact of lymphovascular invasion on oncological outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Hurel Sophie , Rouprêt Morgan , Ouzzane Adil , Rozet François , Xylinas Evanguelos , Zerbib Marc , Berod Alexis Arvin , Ruffion Alain , Adam Emilie , Cussenot Olivier , Houlgatte Alain , Phé Véronique , Nouhaud François‐Xavier , Bensadoun Henri , Delage Francky , Guillotreau Julien , Guy Laurent , Karsenty Gilles , De La Taille Alexandre , Colin Pierre ,   French Collaborative National Database on UTUC
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To assess the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) in a multicentre study on cancer‐specific survival (CSS), recurrence‐free survival and metastasis‐free survival (MFS).

To show the negative impact of LVI for patients with pN0/x disease and to stratify these patients into risk groups for metastatic relapse.

Patients and Methods

A multicentre retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between 1995 and 2010.

LVI status was evaluated as a prognostic factor for survival using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 551 patients were included and were divided into two groups: those without LVI (LVI−), n = 388 and those with LVI (LVI+), n = 163.

LVI+ status was associated with high stage and grade UTUC and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001).

The 5‐year CSS and MFS rates were significantly worse in the LVI+ group than in LVI− group (52.2 vs 84.5%, P < 0.001 and 43.8 vs 82.7%, P < 0.001, respectively).

In multivariate analysis, LVI+ status was an independent prognostic factor for CSS and MFS (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001). These findings were confirmed for the pN0/x patient subgroup (n = 504, P < 0.001).

In the pN0/x patient subgroup, we described a prognostic tool for MFS based on independent factors that permitted us to stratify patients into groups of high, intermediate or low risk of metastasis relapse.

Conclusions

The presence of LVI was a strong predictor of a poor outcome for UTUC.

When a lymphadenectomy has not been achieved, the report of LVI status is crucial to identfiy those patients at higher risk for metastatic relapse.
Synthesis, Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Prolyl‐Fluoropyrrolidine Derivatives as Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors
Authors: Sharma Mani , Gupta Monica , Singh Divya , Kumar Manoj , Kaur Punit
Published: April 2013

A series of prolyl‐fluoropyrrolidine derivatives were designed, synthesized and screened for in vitro inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The SAR study revealed the influence of substituted chemical modifications on dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity. Among all the compounds screened, compound 9 (IC50 = 0.83 μm) and 10 (IC50 = 0.43 μm) possessing aryl substituted piperazine with acetamide linker resulted as most potent dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors. Both the compounds 9 and 10 resulted significant reduction in glucose excursion during oral glucose tolerance test in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model at single dose of 10 mg/kg. Molecular docking studies were performed to illustrate the probable binding mode and interactions of prolyl‐fluoropyrrolidine nucleus and its derivatives at binding site of receptor. The fluoropyrrolidine moiety of prolyl‐fluoropyrrolidine derivatives occupied S1 pocket as observed in the crystal structure (PDB id: 2FJP). The compounds 9 and 10 were observed to occupy S2 binding pocket and were observed to have interaction with Arg125, Tyr547 and Ser630 acquired through hydrogen bond. The aryl moiety at piperazine ring was found to extend into the cavity and interacted with Arg358. The observed interactions signalled that occupancy of the highly hydrophobic S2 pocket is very crucial for dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity.
Measuring Beliefs in Centimeters: Private Knowledge Biases Preschoolers' and Adults' Representation of Others' Beliefs
Authors: Sommerville Jessica A. , Bernstein Daniel M. , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: April 2013

A novel task, using a continuous spatial layout, was created to investigate the degree to which (in centimeters) 3‐year‐old children's (N = 63), 5‐year‐old children's (N = 60), and adults' (N = 60) own privileged knowledge of the location of an object biased their representation of a protagonist's false belief about the object's location. At all ages, participants' knowledge of the object's actual location biased their search estimates, independent of the attentional or memory demands of the task. Children's degree of bias correlated with their performance on a classic change‐of‐location false belief task, controlling for age. This task is a novel tool for providing a quantitative measurement of the degree to which self‐knowledge can bias estimates of others' beliefs.
InK‐Compact: In‐Kernel Stream Compaction and Its Application to Multi‐Kernel Data Visualization on General‐Purpose GPUs
Authors: Hughes D. M. , Lim I. S. , Jones M. W. , Knoll A. , Spencer B.
Published: April 2013

Stream compaction is an important parallel computing primitive that produces a reduced (compacted) output stream consisting of only valid elements from an input stream containing both invalid and valid elements. Computing on this compacted stream rather than the mixed input stream leads to improvements in performance, load balancing and memory footprint. Stream compaction has numerous applications in a wide range of domains: e.g. deferred shading, isosurface extraction and surface voxelization in computer graphics and visualization. We present a novel In‐Kernel stream compaction method, where compaction is completed before leaving an operating kernel. This contrasts with conventional parallel compaction methods that require leaving the kernel and running a prefix sum kernel followed by a scatter kernel. We apply our compaction methods to ray‐tracing‐based visualization of volumetric data. We demonstrate that the proposed In‐Kernel compaction outperforms the standard out‐of‐kernel Thrust parallel‐scan method for performing stream compaction in this real‐world application. For the data visualization, we also propose a novel multi‐kernel ray‐tracing pipeline for increased thread coherency and show that it outperforms a conventional single‐kernel approach.
Routine computerised tomography in patients with acute supraglottitis for the diagnosis of epiglottic abscess: is it necessary? – a prospective, multicentre study
Authors: Lee Y.C. , Kim T.H. , Eun Y.G.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive factor of epiglottic abscess and to investigate whether routine computerised tomography (CT) in patients with acute supraglottitis are necessary.

Design

A prospective and multicentre study.

Settings

Tertiary care referral medical centre.

Participants

A total of 202 patients with suspected acute supraglottitis were enrolled. All patients underwent CT to confirm the presence of abscess.

Main outcome measures

The patients' characteristics, symptoms at presentation, laryngoscopic findings of epiglottic swelling and arytenoid swelling by scope classification and initial laboratory finding were analysed.

Results

Of 202 patients, 158 (78%) had acute supraglottitis and 44 (22%) had epiglottic abscess. There was no significant difference in age between the acute supraglottitis group and the epiglottic abscess group. Men were significantly more frequent in the epiglottic abscess group than females (P = 0.042). When comparing the symptom at presentation, the patients with epiglottic abscess complained of voice change more frequently (P = 0.003). Moderate or severe epiglottic swelling in scope classification was significantly associated with epiglottic abscess (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, voice change [OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.29–5.40, P = 0.008] and moderate or severe epiglottic swelling in laryngoscopic findings [OR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.63–9.53, P = 0.002] were independent predictive factors for epiglottic abscess. The positive predictive values of voice change and moderate or severe epiglottic swelling were 33% and 30%, respectively. The negative predictive values of voice change and moderate or severe epiglottic swelling were 15% and 9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Routine CT might be suggested for diagnosis of epiglottic abscess in the patients with acute supraglottitis, because of the poor predictive values of symptoms and signs.
Acetazolamide improves oxygenation in patients with respiratory failure and metabolic alkalosis
Authors: Gulsvik Ragnhild , Skjørten Ingunn , Undhjem Kenneth , Holø Lars , Frostad Anne , Saure Eirunn Waatevik , Lejlic Vasvija , Humerfelt Sjur , Hansen Gunnar , Bruun Wyller Torgeir
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Coexistent respiratory failure and metabolic alkalosis is a common finding. Acidotic diuretics cause a fall in pH that may stimulate respiration.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of short‐term treatment with acetazolamide for combined respiratory failure and metabolic alkalosis.

Methods

A randomised, placebo‐controlled and double‐blind parallel group trial where oral acetazolamide 250 mg three times a day for 5 days were administered to patients hospitalised for respiratory failure because of a pulmonary disease (PaO2 ≤ 8 kPa and/or PaCO2 ≥ 7 kPa) who had concurrent metabolic alkalosis [base excess (BE) ≥8 mmol/L]. PaO2 after 5 days was the primary effect variable. Secondary effect variables were PaCO2, BE and pH on day 5, and the total number of days in hospital.

Results

Of 70 patients enrolled (35 in each group), data from 54 were analysed per protocol, while last observation carried forward was used for the remaining 16. During the 5‐day treatment, PaO2 increased on average 0.81 kPa in the placebo group and 1.41 kPa in the acetazolamide group. After adjustment for baseline skewness, the difference was statistically significant (adjusted mean difference 0.55 kPa, 95% confidence interval 0.03–1.06). PaCO2 decreased in both groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. As expected, pH and BE decreased markedly in the acetazolamide group.

Conclusion

Acetazolamide may constitute a useful adjuvant treatment mainly to be considered in selected patients with respiratory failure combined with prominent metabolic alkalosis or where non‐invasive ventilation is insufficient or infeasible.
Strategies to Improve the World Food Programme's Revenue Mobilisation and Procurement Practices
Authors: Ramachandran Vijaya , Leo Benjamin , McCarthy Owen
Published: April 2013

Currently, a vast majority of WFP food procurement is executed through spot markets, which exposes it to substantial commodity and transport price risk as well as significant delays in delivery. The WFP also has limited flexibility owing to unpredictable revenue mobilisation, partly driven by restricted donor contributions. However, a significant portion of its operations are fairly predictable – both in terms of countries and delivery volumes. There are several types of derivatives contracts available at commodities exchanges that can facilitate strategic hedging. Greater commitments of untied cash donations from the US and other major donors can give the WFP significant operational flexibility to execute prudent financial management operations without damaging local food markets.
The European Parliament and the Future of Comitology after Lisbon
Authors: Kaeding Michael , Hardacre Alan
Published: April 2013

The history of comitology—the system of implementation committees that control the Commission in the execution of delegated powers—has been characterised by institutional tensions. The crux of these tensions has often been the role of the European Parliament and its quest to be granted powers equal to those of the Council. This process came to a head with the 2006 Comitology reform and the introduction of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny (RPS). After just over three years of experience with the RPS procedure, the Treaty of Lisbon has made it redundant through the creation of Delegated Acts (Article 290 TFEU). This article aims to evaluate the practical implications that Delegated Acts will entail for the Parliament, principally by using the experience with the RPS to better understand the challenges ahead. This analysis will be of interest to those following the study of comitology, formal and informal inter‐institutional relations and also to practitioners who will have to work with Delegated Acts in the future.
Development of a real‐time PCR to detect Streptococcus equi subspecies equi
Authors: North S. E. , Wakeley P. R. , Mayo N. , Mayers J. , Sawyer J.
Published: April 2013

Reasons for performing study

Infection with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is endemic in the UK. A proportion of horses serve as long‐term carriers and act as a reservoir of infection. Detection of these persistently infected horses is difficult using standard culture techniques owing to a lack of sensitivity and overgrowth by contaminating bacteria. In addition, differentiation of this causative bacterium from the closely related S. equi zooepidemicus has made the development of reliable and accurate diagnostic tests difficult.

Objective

To develop and validate a sensitive and specific real‐time PCR assay to detect S. equi and to compare the results with traditional culture techniques.

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The assay was validated using a panel of 92 samples from suspected clinical cases of strangles. These were cultured using microbial techniques and tested using the S. equi real‐time PCR. The results of the 2 methods were compared, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the real‐time PCR were calculated. The real‐time PCR was tested for cross‐reactivity with horse commensal bacteria, and the efficiencies and limits of detection were established.

Results

The assay had a diagnostic sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 86%. No cross‐reactivity was observed with any of the bacterial species tested, including S. equi zooepidemicus. The assay detected as few as 3 gene copies.

Conclusion

The assay is fast, sensitive and specific and will detect S. equi DNA directly from a crude extract of clinical material on a swab.

Potential relevance

This assay could aid in the rapid detection of subclinical shedders of S. equi, enabling quicker treatment and helping to limit the spread of strangles in equine populations.
Voting with Their Feet: In Which Journals Do the Most Prolific Finance Researchers Publish?
Authors: Danielson Morris G. , Heck Jean L.
Published: April 2013

The financial economics literature has experienced rapid growth over the past 40 years, triggering a dramatic increase in the number of journals. We employ a new method to analyze the current pecking order of finance journals. Specifically, we analyze the publication records of prolific authors to provide evidence regarding the perceived quality of a set of 23 high‐impact finance journals. Assuming these scholars target the “best” research outlets, their publication records can reveal information about their subjective rankings of the next‐best alternatives to the traditional elite finance journals. The results suggest that prolific authors are most likely to target outlets that have raised their profile in recent years (e.g., Financial Management and Financial Analysts Journal) and new specialized finance journals (e.g., Journal of Financial Markets, Journal of Corporate Finance, and Journal of Financial Intermediation) when publishing outside the set of elite journals.
Land use change from C3 grassland to C4 Miscanthus: effects on soil carbon content and estimated mitigation benefit after six years
Authors: Zatta Alessandro , Clifton‐Brown John , Robson Paul , Hastings Astley , Monti Andrea
Published: April 2013

To date, most Miscanthus trials and commercial fields have been planted on arable land. Energy crops will need to be grown more on lower grade lands unsuitable for arable crops. Grasslands represent a major land resource for energy crops. In grasslands, where soil organic carbon (SOC) levels can be high, there have been concerns that the carbon mitigation benefits of bioenergy from Miscanthus could be offset by losses in SOC associated with land use change. At a site in Wales (UK), we quantified the relatively short‐term impacts (6 years) of four novel Miscanthus hybrids and Miscanthus × giganteus on SOC in improved grassland. After 6 years, using stable carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C), the amount of Miscanthus derived C (C4) in total SOC was considerable (ca. 12%) and positively correlated to belowground biomass of different hybrids. Nevertheless, significant changes in SOC stocks (0–30 cm) were not detected as C4 Miscanthus carbon replaced the initial C3 grassland carbon; however, initial SOC decreased more in the presence of higher belowground biomass. We ascribed this apparently contradictory result to the rhizosphere priming effect triggered by easily available C sources. Observed changes in SOC partitioning were modelled using the RothC soil carbon turnover model and projected for 20 years showing that there is no significant change in SOC throughout the anticipated life of a Miscanthus crop. We interpret our observations to mean that the new labile C from Miscanthus has replaced the labile C from the grassland and, therefore, planting Miscanthus causes an insignificant change in soil organic carbon. The overall C mitigation benefit is therefore not decreased by depletion of soil C and is due to substitution of fossil fuel by the aboveground biomass, in this instance 73–108 Mg C ha−1 for the lowest and highest yielding hybrids, respectively, after 6 years.
Implications of land class and environmental factors on life cycle GHG emissions of Miscanthus as a bioenergy feedstock
Authors: Sanscartier David , Deen Bill , Dias Goretty , MacLean Heather L. , Dadfar Humaira , McDonald Ian , Kludze Hilla
Published: April 2013

Replacement of fossil fuels with sustainably produced biomass crops for energy purposes has the potential to make progress in addressing climate change concerns, nonrenewable resource use, and energy security. The perennial grass Miscanthus is a dedicated energy crop candidate being field tested in Ontario, Canada, and elsewhere. Miscanthus could potentially be grown in areas of the province that differ substantially in terms of agricultural land class, environmental factors and current land use. These differences could significantly affect Miscanthus yields, input requirements, production practices, and the types of crops being displaced by Miscanthus establishment. This study assesses implications on life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of these differences through evaluating five Miscanthus production scenarios within the Ontario context. Emissions associated with electricity generation with Miscanthus pellets in a hypothetically retrofitted coal generating station are examined. Indirect land use change impacts are not quantified but are discussed. The net life cycle emissions for Miscanthus production varied greatly among scenarios (−90–170 kg CO2eq per oven dry tonne of Miscanthus bales at the farm gate). In some cases, the carbon stock dynamics of the agricultural system offset the combined emissions of all other life cycle stages (i.e., production, harvest, transport, and processing of biomass). Yield and soil C of the displaced agricultural systems are key parameters affecting emissions. The systems with the highest potential to provide reductions in GHG emissions are those with high yields, or systems established on land with low soil carbon. All scenarios have substantially lower life cycle emissions (−20–190 g CO2eq kWh−1) compared with coal‐generated electricity (1130 g CO2eq kWh−1). Policy development should consider the implication of land class, environmental factors, and current land use on Miscanthus production.
Grassland and globalization – challenges for north‐west European grass and forage research
Authors: Taube F. , Gierus M. , Hermann A. , Loges R. , Schönbach P.
Published: April 2013

The concept of sustainable intensification has recently been developed to raise productivity (as distinct from increasing volume of production) while reducing environmental impacts. This means increasing yields per unit of inputs (including nutrients, water, energy capital and land) as well as per unit of undesirable outputs (such as greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution or loss of biodiversity). It is thus helpful to understand ‘intensification’ as referring to ‘environmental factor productivity’ or ‘eco‐efficiency’. Worldwide, grassland is the most important agroecosystem delivering ecosystem services ranging from feed supply for ruminants and soil carbon storage to habitats of biodiversity. However, worldwide, grassland is under threat due to intensified land use and land‐use changes from grass to arable. In this article, we (i) highlight ecosystem services of selected grassland biomes abroad of Europe, (ii) show evidence of sustainable as well as non‐sustainable intensification options in these grassland biomes linked to European agriculture by exports of agricultural commodities (e.g. soy) and (iii) derive research strategies for north‐west European grassland research and management to match sustainable intensification strategies for the grassland‐based dairy industry.
Liver transplantation for HIV/hepatitis C virus co‐infected patients
Authors: Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Soyama Akihiko , Eguchi Susumu
Published: April 2013

Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid‐1990s, AIDS‐related death has been dramatically reduced, and hepatitis‐C‐virus (HCV)‐related liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma has currently become the leading cause of death in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients. Liver transplantation may be one of the treatments of choices in such cases, but the indications for transplantation, perioperative management including both HIV and HCV treatments, immunosuppression and the prevention/treatment of infectious complications are all still topics of debate. With the improved understanding of the viral behaviors of both HIV and HCV and the development of novel strategies, especially to avoid drug interactions between ART and immunosuppression, liver transplantation has become a realistic treatment for HIV/HCV co‐infected patients.
Presence of C11orf95–MKL2 fusion is a consistent finding in chondroid lipomas: a study of eight cases
Authors: Flucke Uta , Tops Bastiaan B J , de Saint Aubain Somerhausen Nicolas , Bras Johannes , Creytens David H , Küsters Benno , Groenen Patricia J T A , Verdijk Marian A J , Suurmeijer Albert J H , Mentzel Thomas
Published: April 2013

Aims

Chondroid lipomas are benign adipose tissue tumours. Their rarity and peculiar morphology can lead to misinterpretation, especially in small biopsies. Based on a recurrent translocation t(11;16)(q13;p13), the C11orf95–MKL2 fusion gene has been found in a few cases. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to look for this fusion gene in a larger cohort.

Methods and results

We describe eight further cases from four females and four males with an age range of 21–81 years (median 49 years). The tumours were situated in the lower arm (three), lower leg (two), thigh (one), back (one) and head (one); seven lesions were deep‐seated and one was located subcutaneously. Sizes ranged from 3 to 12 cm (median 6.3 cm). All patients were treated by simple excision, and follow‐up, available for six patients (range 2 months–12 years; median 15 months), demonstrated recurrence in one case. Histologically, the circumscribed and lobulated tumours showed a variable composition of adipocytes, lipoblasts, hibernoma‐like cells and chondroblast‐like cells embedded in a chondroid matrix. Immunohistochemistry, performed in four cases, revealed positivity for S‐100 and pancytokeratin in two of three neoplasms stained for each marker. A C11orf95–MKL2 fusion gene was shown by RT‐PCR analysis in seven of the eight cases.

Conclusions

Molecular analysis can be used to support the diagnosis of chondroid lipoma, especially in small samples. This may be helpful in planning treatment when the differential diagnosis includes malignant lesions.
Music intervention study in abdominal surgery patients: Challenges of an intervention study in clinical practice
Authors: Vaajoki Anne , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Kankkunen Päivi , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: April 2013

Evidence‐based nursing requires carefully designed interventions. This paper discusses methodological issues and explores practical solutions in the use of music intervention in pain management among adults after major abdominal surgery. There is a need to study nursing interventions that develop and test the effects of interventions to advanced clinical nursing knowledge and practice. There are challenges in carrying out intervention studies in clinical settings because of several interacting components and the length and complexity of the causal chains linking intervention with outcome. Intervention study is time‐consuming and requires both researchers and participants' commitment to the study. Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional collaboration is also paramount. In this study, patients were allocated into the music group, in which patients listened to music 30 minutes at a time, or the control group, in which patients did not listen to any music during the same period.