bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of flow cytometry to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of silver‐containing wound dressings against planktonic Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Percival Steven L. , Slone Will , Linton Sara , Okel Tyler , Corum Linda , Thomas John G.
Published: April 2011

Silver‐impregnated wound dressings continue to be routinely used for the management of infected wounds, or wounds that are at risk of becoming infected. The ability of antimicrobials that have been incorporated into wound dressings to kill microorganisms within the dressing requires appropriate evaluation using in vitro models. In vitro models that have been exploited for this purpose have included the corrected zone of inhibition and the log reduction assay. However, these and other related culturable‐based assays are purported to have poor correlation with the overall microbicidal barrier activity of an antimicrobial wound dressing. This is because culturable‐based methods only retrospectively indicate bacterial cell death and do not take into account viable but nonculturable states of microorganisms. Consequently, it was the purpose of this study to show that the use of flow cytometry, in conjunction with Syto® 9 and propidium iodide, could be used as a method for accurately evaluating and comparing the antimicrobial barrier efficacy of a silver alginate and a silver carboxymethyl cellulose dressing on individual bacterial cells without the need for the use of culturable assays. When a comparison of antimicrobial barrier efficacy on individual planktonic Staphylococcus aureus cells in a simulated wound fluid assay was made between each dressing, enhanced antimicrobial efficacy (as showed by the percentage of dead to alive bacterial cells) of the silver alginate dressing was shown. When Pseudomonas aeruginosa was exposed to both silver‐containing dressings, equivalent kill rates were showed for up to 4 days. This result was not significantly different (p<0.05). By utilizing the use of flow cytometric assays, the antimicrobial barrier efficacy of wound dressings can be accurately evaluated enabling differentiation to be achieved between individual dead and live bacteria. The flow cytometric assay is considered a significant advancement to the traditionally used culturable‐based methods that are presently used for antimicrobial barrier efficacy testing on planktonic microorganisms.
Stromal‐derived factor‐1 delivered via hydrogel drug‐delivery vehicle accelerates wound healing in vivo
Authors: Henderson Peter W. , Singh Sunil P. , Krijgh David D. , Yamamoto Masaya , Rafii Daniel C. , Sung Josephine J. , Rafii Shahin , Rabbany Sina Y. , Spector Jason A.
Published: April 2011

Topical treatment of superficial wounds has many advantages including decreased cost and increased ease of application compared with systemic treatments. Many of the advantages, however, are lost when it is necessary for repeated doses of topical medications to be given over an extended period of time. Therefore, a drug‐delivery vehicle that delivers biologically appropriate doses in a sustained fashion would prove valuable. In this study, an alginate hydrogel scaffold impregnated with the angiogenic chemokine stromal‐derived factor‐1 was used to provide targeted, though short‐term, delivery directly into the wound bed. Wounds were created on the dorsum of mice, and either a stromal‐derived factor‐1‐impregnated or a saline‐impregnated scaffold was applied. Wounds were explanted after 1, 3, 7 days, wound area was measured, and histology and immunohistochemistry for endothelial markers were performed. The remaining wound area in stromal‐derived factor‐1‐treated wounds vs. controls was not significant 1 day after wounding (96.7±0.1 vs. 97.5±1.1%, p=0.317), but was significant after 3 days postwounding (46.7±0.1 vs. 82.3±2.4%, p=0.046) and 7 days postwounding (2.3±1.3 vs. 32.0±4.0%, p=0.049). Immunohistochemistry revealed a greater degree of endothelial cell invasion into the wound bed infiltration compared with controls. The results of this study suggest significant clinical promise for our hydrogel‐delivery vehicle in the treatment of wounds.
New Product Team Decision Making: Regulatory Focus Effects on Number, Type, and Timing Decisions*
Authors: Spanjol Jelena , Tam Leona , Qualls William J. , Bohlmann Jonathan D.
Published: April 2011

Company executives rely on new product development teams to carry out their directives and make decisions according to management's goals. However, team members bring their own motivational perspectives to strategic decisions. This research examines how individual and leadership motivations influence a dyadic team's new product decisions. Specifically, this article investigates how matching vs. mismatched motivations between team members affect new product number, type, and timing decisions. In addition, this study asks how effective leadership‐provided motivations are in guiding teams' new product decisions. A set of hypotheses is developed using regulatory focus theory, which identifies basic motivational differences in individuals (i.e., promotion vs. prevention focus) and their effects on decision making. The hypotheses examine the effects of regulatory focus match vs. mismatch within teams on the likelihood to introduce new products, the timing of new product introductions, and the types of new products introduced. To test the hypotheses, a controlled, yet realistic product management simulation is employed. A total of 124 undergraduate seniors (83 women and 41 men) at a large public university enrolled in a marketing management capstone course participated in this study for partial course credit. Utilizing two‐person teams engaged in a business simulation ensured an appropriate level of controlled complexity in the decision making task, while allowing the phenomena of interest to be isolated and tested. Results show that when dyads share the same motivational approach (regulatory focus match), leadership‐prescribed goal pursuit strategies are largely ineffective. Only dyads that do not share the same motivational approach to decision making (regulatory focus mismatch) make new product decisions consistent with leadership‐prescribed goal pursuit strategies. For regulatory focus match dyads, the results demonstrate that a promotion focus (when compared to a prevention focus) leads to greater numbers of new products introduced, faster new product introductions, and more novel new product introductions. For new product managers, these results carry important implications. Which new product opportunities to invest in and which to forgo is presumably determined by the strategic direction given to teams by top management. Results suggest that when team members share the same motivational approach, this not only influences new product decisions, but also diminishes or eliminates the influence top management can exert on new product decisions. Such “isolation” from leadership influences does not have to be detrimental. For example, companies that seek to insulate new product development teams from influences from the top, such as is the case in many new venture incubations, would be well served to staff those teams ensuring a promotion focus match.
A Strategic Deviance Perspective on the Franchise Form of Organizing
Authors: Kidwell Roland E. , Nygaard Arne
Published: April 2011

Drawing on various theoretical perspectives, we propose that franchisors cannot assess and control opportunism absent comparative information provided by owning and operating some of their outlets and by franchising others. Moving beyond dyadic perspectives, we propose that the concept of strategic deviance suggests why franchisors accept deviant behavior resulting from vertical and horizontal agency problems in multiagent contracts. A plural form provides efficiency and quality benchmark information that curbs even greater levels of shirking and free–riding behaviors and enhances system performance. Opportunistic behaviors by company managers and franchisees are addressed through self–enforced social control and social comparison mechanisms.
The Structure of Decision Rights in Franchising Networks: A Property Rights Perspective
Authors: Mumdžiev Nada , Windsperger Josef
Published: April 2011

This paper explains the structure of decision rights in franchising networks using property rights theory. Property rights theory explains the allocation of decision rights based on the importance of intangible assets. We submit that franchisees’ fraction of decision rights varies positively with the contractibility of local market assets and negatively with contractibility of system–specific assets. Further, franchisees’ less contractible innovation assets impact decision rights allocations more than contractible operation assets. Hypotheses tested on data from German franchisors are largely supportive. We extend the franchise literature by arguing that the contractibility of local market assets impacts the allocation of decision rights, and that decision rights allocations change for decisions involving different areas of the value chain.
Is Franchising Entrepreneurship? Yes, No, and Maybe So
Authors: Ketchen David J. , Short Jeremy C. , Combs James G.
Published: April 2011

We report the results of a survey of key thought leaders within the entrepreneurship field centered on the relationship between franchising and entrepreneurship. Specifically, we asked members of the Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice editorial board whether they consider franchisors to be entrepreneurs, whether they consider franchisees to be entrepreneurs, whether they consider research on franchising to be entrepreneurship research, and how they view the quality of franchising research compared with the quality of entrepreneurship research in general. Their collective responses offer important implications for franchising research. One implication is that franchising research needs to become more theoretically robust. A second is that the concepts of opportunity recognition, risk, organizational size, stage of organizational development, and organizational autonomy need to be taken into account when studying franchising.
Commitment in Franchising: The Role of Collaborative Communication and a Franchisee's Propensity to Leave
Authors: Meek William R. , Davis–Sramek Beth , Baucus Melissa S. , Germain Richard N.
Published: April 2011

Social exchange theory provides the basis for developing a model where collaborative communication from the franchisor relates positively to commitment, and commitment relates negatively to franchisees’ propensity to leave the relationship. We analyze data from a unique dataset of 200 franchisees and find partial support for this model; franchisor communication positively relates to one dimension of franchisee commitment, and one dimension of commitment negatively relates to propensity to leave. The study expands franchising theory by examining the franchising relationship from a social exchange perspective and by empirically demonstrating the important role commitment plays in the franchising context.
Microfranchising in Base–of–the–Pyramid Markets: Institutional Challenges and Adaptations to the Franchise Model
Authors: Kistruck Geoffrey M. , Webb Justin W. , Sutter Christopher J. , Ireland R. Duane
Published: April 2011

Microfranchising has attracted interest as a potential strategy for rapid scaling within base–of–the–pyramid (BOP) markets. However, our findings suggest that while microfranchising might provide a number of social benefits to microfranchisees and underserved communities, the institutional contexts that characterize BOP markets create a number of significant challenges to the economic sustainability of the microfranchisor and the overall microfranchising model. Simultaneously, our data also suggest several unique adaptations to the microfranchising model that might help mitigate the institutional challenges associated with agency concerns, resource scarcity, and branding/standardization within BOP markets.
Marine–Freshwater Colonizations of Haptophytes Inferred from Phylogeny of Environmental 18S rDNA Sequences
Authors: SHALCHIAN‐TABRIZI KAMRAN , REIER‐RØBERG KJETIL , REE DAN KRISTOFER , KLAVENESS DAG , BRÅTE JON
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT. The Haptophyta is a common algal group in many marine environments, but only a few species have been observed in freshwaters, with DNA sequences available from just a single species, Crysochromulina parva Lackey, 1939. Here we investigate the haptophyte diversity in a high mountain lake, Lake Finsevatn, Norway, targeting the variable V4 region of the 18S rDNA gene with PCR and 454 pyrosequencing. In addition, the freshwater diversity of Pavlovophyceae was investigated by lineage‐specific PCR‐primers and clone library sequencing from another Norwegian lake, Lake Sværsvann. We present new freshwater phylotypes belonging to the classes Prymnesiophyceae and Pavlovophyceae, as well as a distinct group here named HAP‐1. This is the first molecular evidence of a freshwater species belonging to the class Pavlovophyceae. The HAP‐1 and another recently detected marine group (i.e. HAP‐2) are separated from both Pavlovophyceae and Prymnesiophyceae and may constitute new higher order taxonomic lineages. As all obtained freshwater sequences of haptophytes are distantly related to the freshwater species C. parva, the phylogeny demonstrates that haptophytes colonized freshwater on multiple independent occasions. One of these colonizations, which gave rise to HAP‐1, took place very early in the history of haptophytes, before the radiation of the Prymnesiophyceae.
ER‐α agonist induces conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, while ER‐β agonist increases ECM production and wound tensile strength of healing skin wounds in ovariectomised rats
Authors: Novotný Martin , Vasilenko Tomáš , Varinská Lenka , Smetana Karel , Szabo Pavol , Šarišský Marek , Dvořánková Barbora , Mojžiš Ján , Bobrov Nikita , Toporcerová Silvia , Sabol Franitšek , Matthews Bryan J.O. , Gál Peter
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Oestrogen deprivation is one of the major factors responsible for many age‐related processes, including poor wound healing in women. Previously, it has been shown that oestrogens have a modulatory effect in different wound‐healing models. Therefore, in this study, the effect of selective oestrogen receptor (ER) agonists (PPT – ER‐α agonist, DPN – ER‐β agonist) on excisional and incisional wound‐healing models was compared in ovariectomised rats in vivo as well as on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. In the in vivo study, 4 months after either ovariectomy or sham ovariectomy, Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to two incisional and excisional wounds: (i) control – sham operated, vehicle‐treated; (ii) ovariectomised, vehicle‐treated; (iii) ovariectomised, PPT treated; (iv) ovariectomised, DPN treated. In the in vitro study, HDFs and HUVECs were used. After treatment with ER agonists, cells were processed for immunocytochemistry and gelatin zymography. Our study shows that stimulation of ER‐α leads to the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts both in vivo and in vitro. On the other hand, the formation of extracellular matrix was more prominent, and wound tensile strength (TS) was increased when ER‐β was stimulated. In contrast, stimulation of ER‐α led to a more prominent increase in the expression of MMP‐2 and decrease in wound TS. New information is presented in this investigation concerning oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in different wound‐healing models. This study demonstrates that the ERT should be both wound and receptor‐type specific.
Investigation of the influence of textiles and surface treatments on blistering using a novel simulant
Authors: Guerra C. , Schwartz C. J.
Published: April 2011

Background: Friction blisters occur when shear loading causes the separation of dermal layers. Consequences range from minor pain to life‐threatening infection. Past research in blister formation has focused on in vivo experiments, which complicate a mechanics‐based study of the phenomenon.

Methods: A Synthetic Skin Simulant Platform (3SP) approach was developed to investigate the effect of textile fabrics (t‐shirt knit and denim cottons) and surface treatments (dry and wet lubricants) on blister formation. 3SP samples consist of bonded elastomeric layers that are surrogates for various dermal layers. These layers display frictional and mechanical properties similar to their anatomical analogues. Blistering was assessed by the measurement of deboned area between layers.

Results: Denim caused greater blistering than did the t‐shirt knit cotton, and both lubricants significantly reduced blister area and surface damage. A triglyceride‐based lubricant had a more pronounced effect on blister reduction than corn starch. The triglyceride lubricant used with t‐shirt knit cotton resulted in no blisters being formed.

Conclusion: The performance of the 3SP approach follows previously reported frictional behavior of skin in vivo. The results of textile and surface treatment performance suggest that future 3SP iterations can be focused on specific anatomical sites based on application type.
The objective evaluation of the severity of psoriatic scales with desquamation collecting tapes and image analysis
Authors: Kim J. H. , Kim B. Y. , Choi J. W. , Kim S. O. , Lee H. S. , Park K. C. , Youn S. W.
Published: April 2011

Background: Assessment of psoriatic scales is important to determine the severity of psoriasis. However, there are very limited numbers of objective, quantitative and observer‐independent tools for measuring the severity of psoriasis.

Objective: To determine whether the bioengineering parameters of the psoriatic scale can be used to assess the severity of psoriasis instead of the psoriatic severity index of scales (PSIs) score.

Methods: Thirty‐four patients with psoriasis were included. A representative lesion from each patient was selected and bioengineering parameters were measured using the Corneofix®. Simultaneously, the severity of the scales was assessed by the PSIs score using clinical photographs of the lesions. In addition, skin color and elasticity parameters were also measured using the Colorimeter®, the Mexameter® and the Cutometer®.

Results: Statistical differences in the scale parameters were observed between the PSIs 2 and 3 scores. Among the scale parameters, the percent area and area in μm2 were negatively correlated with the PSIs score. In addition, the Colorimeter®a, b parameters and the Cutometer® R9 parameters were significantly correlated with the PSIs score.

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the severity of psoriatic scales could be measured objectively using the Corneofix®.
Peroxisome Fission is Associated with Reorganization of Specific Membrane Proteins
Authors: Cepińska Małgorzata N. , Veenhuis Marten , van der Klei Ida J. , Nagotu Shirisha
Published: April 2011

Membrane remodeling is an important aspect in organelle biogenesis. We show that different peroxisome membrane proteins that play a role in organelle biogenesis and proliferation (Pex8, Pex10, Pex14, Pex25 and Pex11) are subject to spatiotemporal behavior during organelle development. Using fluorescence microscopy analysis of Hansenula polymorpha dnm1 cells that are blocked in the normal fission process, we show that green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of Pex8, Pex10, Pex14 and Pex25 show enhanced fluorescence at the organelle extensions that are formed in budding cells. In contrast, Pex11 fluorescence is enriched at the base of this extension on the mother organelle. A fusion protein of GFP with the transporter Pmp47, used as a control, did not show enhanced fluorescence at any specific region of the organelle. The concentration of specific peroxins at the peroxisome surface was lost upon deletion of PEX11 or the N‐terminal domain of Pex11 that is involved in membrane remodeling. Comparable distribution patterns as in dnm1 cells were observed in wild‐type cells where Pex8, Pex10, Pex14 and Pex25, but not Pex11, were especially present at newly formed organelles that migrated to the bud. We speculate that peroxin reorganization events result in enhanced levels of peroxins involved in peroxisome biogenesis in nascent organelles.
Proline‐Rich Regions and Motifs in Trafficking: From ESCRT Interaction to Viral Exploitation
Authors: Ren Xuefeng , Hurley James H.
Published: April 2011

Most membrane‐enveloped viruses bud from infected cells by hijacking the host ESCRT machinery. The ESCRTs are recruited to the budding sites by viral proteins that contain short proline (Pro)‐rich motifs (PRMs) known as late domains. The late domains probably evolved by co‐opting host PRMs involved in the normal functions of ESCRTs in endosomal sorting and cytokinesis. The solution and crystal structures of PRMs bound to their interaction partners explain the conserved roles of Pro and other residues that predominate in these sequences. PRMs are often grouped together in much larger Pro‐rich regions (PRRs) of as many as 150 residues. The PRR of the ESCRT‐associated protein, ALIX, autoregulates its conformation and activity. The robustness of different viral budding and host pathways to impairments in Pro‐based interactions varies considerably. The known biology of PRM recognition in the ESCRT pathway seems, in principle, compatible with antiviral development, given our increasingly nuanced understanding of the relative weakness and robustness of the host and viral processes.
Participation in leisure activities and sensory modulation deficiencies of children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Engel‐Yeger Batya , Shani‐Adir Ayelet , Kessel Aharon
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To examine whether the complexity of atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and the sensory modulation deficiencies (SMD) that accompany it may limit child’s preference to participate in leisure activities.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven children diagnosed with AD and 104 healthy peers aged 6–11 years participated in this study. Disease severity was assessed using SCORAD scores. Both groups were compared in regard to their sensory modulation abilities measured by the ‘Short Sensory Profile’ (SSP) and in regard to their activity preference measured by the ‘Preference for Activities of Children’ (PAC).

Results:  Children with AD showed lower preference to participate in leisure activities as compared with healthy peers (F = 4.63, p < 0.0001). Among children with AD, significant correlations were found between SMD in several modalities and preference to participate in specific leisure activities. No significant correlations were found between AD severity and the child’s preferred activities.

Conclusions:  Children with AD may show lower preference to participate in activities in comparison with their typical peers. This lower preference may be impacted by their SMD. Multidisciplinary intervention may be beneficial for children with AD. This intervention should refer to AD symptoms and considers the child’s sensory profile and participation in daily living.
Determinants of breastfeeding practices: An analysis of the Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006–2007
Authors: Senarath Upul , Siriwardena Indika , Godakandage Sanjeeva S.P. , Jayawickrama Hiranya , Fernando Dulitha N. , Dibley Michael J.
Published: April 2011

Identification of factors that predict a woman's infant feeding choice is important for breastfeeding promotion programmes. We analysed a subsample of children under 2 years of age from the most recent Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) to assess breastfeeding practices and factors associated with suboptimal practices. SLDHS 2006–2007 used a stratified two‐stage cluster sample of ever‐married women aged 15–49 years. Breastfeeding indicators were estimated for the last‐born children (n = 2735). Selected indicators were examined against independent variables through cross‐tabulations and multivariate analyses. Of the sample, 83.3% initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. Continuation rates declined from 92.6% in first year to 83.5% in second year. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate under 6 months of age was 75.8%, with median duration being 4.8 months. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding was associated with low birthweight [odds ratio (OR) = 2.24] and caesarean delivery (OR = 3.30), but less likely among female infants (OR = 0.75), mothers from ‘estate’ sector (OR = 0.61) or richer wealth quintile (OR = 0.60). Non‐EBF was associated with children from urban areas (OR = 1.72) and estate sector (OR = 4.48) and absence of post‐natal visits by a public health midwife (OR = 1.89). A child was at risk for not currently breastfeeding if born in a private hospital (OR = 3.73), delivered by caesarean section (OR = 1.46) or lived in urban areas (OR = 2.80) or estate sector (OR = 3.23). Those living in estates (OR = 11.4) and not receiving post‐natal home visits (OR = 2.62) were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding by 1 year. Breastfeeding indicators in Sri Lanka were higher compared with many countries and determined by socio‐economic and health care system factors.
Yin Yang: A New Perspective on Culture
Authors: Fang Tony
Published: April 2011

In this article I propose a Yin Yang perspective to understand culture. Based on the indigenous Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang, I conceptualize culture as possessing inherently paradoxical value orientations, thereby enabling it to embrace opposite traits of any given cultural dimension. I posit that potential paradoxical values coexist in any culture; they give rise to, exist within, reinforce, and complement each other to shape the holistic, dynamic, and dialectical nature of culture. Seen from the Yin Yang perspective, all cultures share the same potential in value orientations, but at the same time they are also different from each other because each culture is a unique dynamic portfolio of self-selected globally available value orientations as a consequence of that culture's all-dimensional learning over time.
Oral hygiene care status of elderly with dementia and in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Philip Philcy , Rogers Clive , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00472.x
 
Oral hygiene care status of elderly with dementia and in residential aged care facilities

Objective:  To explore the effectiveness of oral hygiene care on plaque and gingival status of residents with dementia.

Background:  Oral hygiene and oral hygiene care has been reported to be poor among the institutionalised elderly with dementia. The severity of oral diseases has been shown to increase with the severity of physical and cognitive impairment related with dementia. Little research has been carried out on plaque and gingival status of elderly with dementia and the impact of disability related with dementia on oral health in residential aged care facilities (RACF).

Materials and methods:  A cross‐sectional study of 205 elderly residing in RACF in Perth.

Results:  Forty‐one percent of the residents in RACF had dementia. Sixty percent of the residents with dementia and 75% of the residents with an Activities of Daily Living Oral Health score of D were assisted with oral care. Mean plaques scores and extent of gingival inflammation were higher for residents in the DD and D subgroups and resident with dementia. Residents assisted with brushing had higher mean plaque score and more moderate gingival inflammation.

Conclusion:  Oral hygiene care status in residents with dementia was poor despite the fact that oral care assistance was being provided.
Methanotrophic bacteria associated to rice roots: the cultivar effect assessed by T‐RFLP and microarray analysis
Authors: Lüke Claudia , Bodrossy Levente , Lupotto Elisabetta , Frenzel Peter
Published: April 2011

Rice plants play a key role in regulating methane emissions from paddy fields by affecting both underlying processes: methane production and oxidation. Specific differences were reported for methane oxidation rates; however, studies on the bacterial communities involved are rare. Here, we analysed the methanotrophic community on the roots of 18 different rice cultivars by pmoA‐based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and microarray analysis. Both techniques showed comparable and consistent results revealing a high diversity dominated by type II and type Ib methanotrophs. pmoA microarrays have been successfully used to study methane‐oxidizing bacteria in various environments. However, the microarray's full potential resolving community structure has not been exploited yet. Here, we provide an example on how to include this information into multivariate statistics. The analysis revealed a rice cultivar effect on the methanotroph community composition that could be affiliated to the plant genotype. This effect became only significant by including the specific phylogenetic resolution provided by the microarray into the statistical analysis.
Collective self and individual choice: The effects of inter‐group comparative context on environmental values and behaviour
Authors: Rabinovich Anna , Morton Thomas A. , Postmes Tom , Verplanken Bas
Published: April 2011

Self‐categorization theory suggests that inter‐group comparisons inform individual behaviour by affecting perceived in‐group stereotypes that are internalized by group members. The present paper provides evidence for this chain of effects in the domain of environmental behaviour. In two studies, inter‐group comparative context was manipulated. Study 1 found that the perceived in‐group stereotype, self‐stereotype (as represented by the reported value centrality), and behavioural intentions shifted away from a comparison out‐group (irrespective of whether this was an upward or downward comparison). Study 1 also revealed that the effect of comparative context on individual environmental intentions was mediated by the perceived in‐group stereotype and by changes in personal values. Study 2 extrapolated the observed effect on actual behavioural choices. The findings demonstrate the utility of a self‐categorization approach to individual behaviour change.
Effect of Turning Vane Configurations on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in a Ribbed Internal Cooling System
Authors: Chen Wei , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde
Published: April 2011

The ribbed serpentine blade cooling system is a typical configuration in the modern gas turbine airfoil. In this study, experimental and the numerical efforts were carried out to investigate the local heat transfer and pressure drop distribution of a ribbed blade cooling system with different configurations in the turn region. A test rig containing a ribbed rectangular U-duct with a 180 deg round turn was built in Tsinghua University for this study. The transient liquid crystal method was applied to get the heat transfer distribution. Nine test cases with three turn configurations under three Reynolds numbers were carried out in the experiment. Pressure was measured along the duct in order to determine the influence of turning vane configurations on pressure drop. The test cases were also analyzed numerically based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) with three different turbulence models: the k-ε model, the SST reattachment model, and the Omega Reynolds stress (ORS) turbulence model. Both the experimental and numerical results showed a significant influence of the turning vane configuration on the heat transfer and pressure drop in the convective cooling channel. Among the three configurations, the loss coefficient of turn in configuration 2 was lowest due to the introduction of turning vane. Even the ribs were added in the turn region of configuration 3, the loss coefficient and friction factor are reduced by 23% and 17.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the heat transfer in baseline configuration is still the highest. As the introduction of turning vane, the heat transfer in the region after turn was reduced by 35%. In configuration 3, the heat transfer in the turn region was enhanced by 15% as the ribs installed in the turn region. In the before turn region, the pressure drop and heat transfer was not influenced by the turn configuration. All the turbulence models captured the trend of heat transfer and pressure drop distribution of three test sections correctly, but all provide overpredicted heat transfer results. Among the models, the ORS turbulence model provided the best prediction. While aiming at high heat transfer level and low pressure drop, it is suggested that a suitable turn configuration, especially with the turning vane and/or the ribs, is a promising way to meet the conflicted requirements of the heat transfer and pressure drop in the convective cooling system.
DNA Synthesis Generates Terminal Duplications That Seal End-to-End Chromosome Fusions
Authors: Lowden Mia Rochelle , Flibotte Stephane , Moerman Donald G. , Ahmed Shawn
Published: April 2011

The fate of chromosomes that become catastrophically fused at their ends is revealed in the nematode worm.
Highly Regioselective Amination of Unactivated Alkanes by Hypervalent Sulfonylimino-λ
3
-Bromane
Authors: Ochiai Masahito , Miyamoto Kazunori , Kaneaki Takao , Hayashi Satoko , Nakanishi Waro
Published: April 2011

A highly reactive bromine-based reagent can add nitrogen to hydrocarbons without the need for metal catalysts.
Real-Time Observation of Transcription Initiation and Elongation on an Endogenous Yeast Gene
Authors: Larson Daniel R. , Zenklusen Daniel , Wu Bin , Chao Jeffrey A. , Singer Robert H.
Published: April 2011

In yeast, the initiation of gene expression is stochastic and is controlled by transcription factor search times.
Time-Lapse Transcription
Authors: Nair Gautham , Raj Arjun
Published: April 2011

RNA transcription rates can randomly vary in a single cell over time.
Kinetics and Magnitude of Antibody Responses against the Conserved 47-Kilodalton Antigen and the Variable 56-Kilodalton Antigen in Scrub Typhus Patients
Authors: Chen Hua-Wei , Zhang Zhiwen , Huber Erin , Mutumanje Elissa , Chao Chien-Chung , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: April 2011

Western blot analysis ofOrientia tsutsugamushiwhole-cell lysates with scrub typhus patient sera has identified at least five protein antigens ofO. tsutsugamushiwith molecular sizes of 22 kDa, 47 kDa, 56 kDa, 58 kDa, and 110 kDa. In this study, sera from serial bleedings of 108 patients were used to study the kinetics and the magnitude of specific antibody responses against the 47-kDa and 56-kDa antigens. Recombinant protein of the conserved 47-kDa antigen (r47b) or a mixture of truncated 56-kDa antigen (r56s) from three prototype strains was used as the antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results showed that 76% and 93% of these patients had elevated IgM and IgG against r47b, respectively, and 98% and 100% had elevated IgM and IgG against r56s, respectively. The kinetics of antibody responses against r47b and r56s can be grouped into three patterns. In the first type of response, IgM and IgG against r47b and r56s appeared about the same time. The IgM and IgG titers against r56s were much higher than those against r47b. In the second type of response, induction of IgM appeared to be similar to that in the first type. The major difference to the first type is that the IgG titers against r47b were induced at least 1 week later than those against the r56s. The third type showed strong IgG responses against both r47b and r56s, and low or no IgM responses indicated a secondary infection. This is the first systematic investigation of antibody response kinetics against the conserved 47-kDa antigen versus the variable 56-kDa antigen in scrub typhus patients.
Serological Evaluation of Suspected West Nile Virus Human Cases following Its Introduction during a Dengue Outbreak in Puerto Rico in 2007
Authors: Hunsperger Elizabeth , Beltran Manuela , Acosta Luz Nereida , Jordan-Munoz Jorge , Torres Jomil , Luce Richard , Tomashek Kay M.
Published: April 2011

A laboratory testing algorithm was evaluated to confirm West Nile virus (WNV) infection in human serum following the introduction of the virus in Puerto Rico in 2007. This testing algorithm used two standard diagnostic assays, the IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC ELISA) and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), along with two nonconventional assays, the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) ELISA and a 90%-plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) with IgG depletion for dengue virus (DENV) and WNV. A total of 2,321 serum samples from suspected WNV human cases were submitted for testing. Approximately one-third (867, 37%) were cross-reactive for DENV and WNV by MAC ELISA and had negative RT-PCR results for both viruses. Of a subset of 43 samples tested, 31 (72%) of these cases were identified as positive for DENV in the PRNT90with IgG depletion and 8 (19%) were positive in the DENV NS1 antigen ELISA. These two assays combined differentiated 36 (84%) of the samples that could not be diagnosed using the standard diagnostic testing methods.
Characterization of Neisseria meningitidis Isolates That Do Not Express the Virulence Factor and Vaccine Antigen Factor H Binding Protein
Authors: Lucidarme Jay , Tan Lionel , Exley Rachel M. , Findlow Jamie , Borrow Ray , Tang Christoph M.
Published: April 2011

Neisseria meningitidis
remains a leading cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis. Complement is a key component of natural immunity against this important human pathogen, which has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade complement-mediated lysis. One approach adopted by the meningococcus is to recruit a human negative regulator of the complement system, factor H (fH), to its surface via a lipoprotein, factor H binding protein (fHbp). Additionally, fHbp is a key antigen in vaccines currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Here we characterize strains of
N. meningitidis
from several distinct clonal complexes which do not express fHbp; all strains were recovered from patients with disseminated meningococcal disease. We demonstrate that these strains have either a frameshift mutation in the
fHbp
open reading frame or have entirely lost
fHbp
and some flanking sequences. No fH binding was detected to other ligands among the
fHbp
-negative strains. The implications of these findings for meningococcal pathogenesis and prevention are discussed.
Antibodies Recognizing Protective Pertussis Toxin Epitopes Are Preferentially Elicited by Natural Infection versus Acellular Immunization
Authors: Sutherland Jamie N. , Chang Christine , Yoder Sandra M. , Rock Michael T. , Maynard Jennifer A.
Published: April 2011

Despite more than 50 years of vaccination, disease caused by the bacteriumBordetella pertussispersists, with rates increasing in industrialized countries over the past decade. This rise may be attributed to several factors, including increased surveillance, emergence of vaccine escape variants, waning immunity in adults, and the introduction of acellular subunit vaccines, which include chemically detoxified pertussis toxin (PTd). Two potently protective epitopes on pertussis toxin (PTx) are recognized by the monoclonal antibodies 1B7 and 11E6, which inhibit catalytic and cell-binding activities, respectively. In order to determine whether the PTx exposure route affects antibody responses to these epitopes, we analyzed sera from 30 adults with confirmed pertussis exposure and from 30 recently vaccinated adults for specific anti-PTx antibody responses andin vitroCHO cell neutralization titers. While overall titers against PTx and the genetically detoxified variant, PTg, containing the R9K and E129G substitutions, were similar in the two groups, titers against specific epitopes depended on the exposure route. Natural infection resulted in significantly higher titers of anti-PTx-subunit 1, 1B7-like, and 11E6-like antibodies, while acellular vaccination resulted in significantly higher titers of antibodies recognizing PTd. We also observed a correlation betweenin vitroprotection and the presence of 1B7-like and 11E6-like antibodies. Notably, chemical detoxification, as opposed to genetic inactivation, alters the PTx tertiary and quaternary structure, thereby affecting conformational epitopes and recognition of PTx by 1B7 and 11E6. The lower levels of serum antibodies recognizing clinically relevant epitopes after vaccination with PTd support inclusion of PTg in future vaccines.
Molecular Methods To Improve Diagnosis and Identification of Mucormycosis
Authors: Hammond Sarah P. , Bialek Ralf , Milner Danny A. , Petschnigg Eva M. , Baden Lindsey R. , Marty Francisco M.
Published: April 2011

Mucormycosis is difficult to diagnose. Samples from suspected cases often fail to grow Mucorales in microbiologic cultures. We identified all hematologic malignancy and stem cell transplant patients diagnosed with proven mucormycosis between 2001 and 2009 at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Seminested PCR targeting Mucorales 18S ribosomal DNA and sequencing were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Of 29 cases of mucormycosis, 27 had tissue samples available for PCR and sequencing. Mucorales PCR was positive in 22. Among 12 culture-positive cases, 10 were PCR positive and sequencing was concordant with culture results to the genus level in 9. Among 15 culture-negative cases, PCR was positive and sequencing allowed genus identification in 12. Mucorales PCR is useful for confirmation of the diagnosis of mucormycosis and for further characterization of the infection in cases where cultures are negative.
Evaluation and Clinical Validation of an Alcohol-Based Transport Medium for Preservation and Inactivation of Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Luinstra Kathy , Petrich Astrid , Castriciano Santina , Ackerman Mona , Chong Sylvia , Carruthers Susan , Ammons Brenna , Mahony James B. , Smieja Marek
Published: April 2011

The clinical and public health importance of influenza and other respiratory viruses has accelerated the development of highly sensitive molecular diagnostics, but data are limited regarding preanalytical stages of diagnostic testing. We evaluated CyMol, an alcohol-based transport medium, for its ability to maintain specimen integrity for up to 21 days of storage at various temperatures; for its ability to inactivate virus; and for its compatibility with antigen- or nucleic acid-based diagnostics for respiratory viruses in clinical samples. In mock-infected samples, both universal transport medium (UTM-RT) and CyMol maintained equivalent viral quantities for at least 14 days at room temperature or colder, whereas a dry swab collection maintained viral quantities only if refrigerated or frozen. CyMol inactivated influenza virus within 5 min of sample immersion. UTM-RT- and CyMol-collected nasal swab specimens from 73 symptomatic students attending a campus health clinic were positive for a respiratory virus in 56.2% of subjects by multiplex PCR testing, including influenza A and B viruses, rhinovirus/enteroviruses, coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumovirus, and adenovirus. Detection by PCR was equivalent in UTM-RT- and CyMol-collected specimens and in self- and staff-collected swabs. Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing was substantially less sensitive (23.3%) than multiplex PCR, and DFA testing from UTM-RT-collected swabs was more sensitive than that from CyMol-collected swabs. These data indicate that an alcohol-based transport medium such as CyMol preserves respiratory virus integrity, rapidly inactivates viruses, and is compatible with PCR-based respiratory diagnostics.
Characterization of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Patients with Diarrhea in São Paulo, Brazil: Identification of Intermediate Virulence Factor Profiles by Multiplex PCR
Authors: Liebchen Ariane , Benz Inga , Mellmann Alexander , Karch Helge , Gomes Tânia A. T. , Yamamoto Denise , Hernandes Rodrigo T. , Sampaio Jorge , Sampaio Suely C. F. , Fruth Angelika , Schmidt M. Alexander
Published: April 2011

Intestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
is a major causative agent of severe diarrhea. In this study the prevalences of different pathotypes among 702
E. coli
isolates from Brazilian patients with diarrhea were determined by multiplex PCR. Interestingly, most strains were enteroaggregative
E. coli
(EAEC) strains, followed by atypical EPEC (ATEC) strains. Classical enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC) strains were not detected.
Fourteen-Genome Comparison Identifies DNA Markers for Severe-Disease-Associated Strains of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Forgetta Vincenzo , Oughton Matthew T. , Marquis Pascale , Brukner Ivan , Blanchette Ruth , Haub Kevin , Magrini Vince , Mardis Elaine R. , Gerding Dale N. , Loo Vivian G. , Miller Mark A. , Mulvey Michael R. , Rupnik Maja , Dascal Andre , Dewar Ken
Published: April 2011

Clostridium difficile
is a common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients. A severe and increased incidence of
C. difficile
infection (CDI) is associated predominantly with the NAP1 strain; however, the existence of other severe-disease-associated (SDA) strains and the extensive genetic diversity across
C. difficile
complicate reliable detection and diagnosis. Comparative genome analysis of 14 sequenced genomes, including those of a subset of NAP1 isolates, allowed the assessment of genetic diversity within and between strain types to identify DNA markers that are associated with severe disease. Comparative genome analysis of 14 isolates, including five publicly available strains, revealed that
C. difficile
has a core genome of 3.4 Mb, comprising ∼3,000 genes. Analysis of the core genome identified candidate DNA markers that were subsequently evaluated using a multistrain panel of 177 isolates, representing more than 50 pulsovars and 8 toxinotypes. A subset of 117 isolates from the panel had associated patient data that allowed assessment of an association between the DNA markers and severe CDI. We identified 20 candidate DNA markers for species-wide detection and 10,683 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the predominant SDA strain (NAP1). A species-wide detection candidate marker, the
sspA
gene, was found to be the same across 177 sequenced isolates and lacked significant similarity to those of other species. Candidate SNPs in genes CD1269 and CD1265 were found to associate more closely with disease severity than currently used diagnostic markers, as they were also present in the toxin A-negative and B-positive (A-B+) strain types. The genetic markers identified illustrate the potential of comparative genomics for the discovery of diagnostic DNA-based targets that are species specific or associated with multiple SDA strains.
Chronic Rhinofacial Mucormycosis Caused by Mucor irregularis (Rhizomucor variabilis) in India
Authors: Hemashettar B. M. , Patil R. N. , O'Donnell Kerry , Chaturvedi Vishnu , Ren Ping , Padhye Arvind A.
Published: April 2011

In this article, we describe a chronic case of rhinofacial mucormycosis caused by
Mucor irregularis
, formerly known as
Rhizomucor variabilis
var.
variabilis
, a rare mycotic agent in humans. The infection caused progressive destruction of the nasal septum and soft and hard palate, leading to collapse of the nose bridge and an ulcerative gaping hole. The mucoralean mold cultured from a nasal biopsy specimen was determined by multilocus DNA sequence data to be conspecific with
M. irregularis
.
Tetrofuranose nucleoside phosphonic acids: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Poláková Ivana , Buděšínský Miloš , Točík Zdeněk , Rosenberg Ivan
Published: April 2011

New isoelectronic, non-isosteric phosphonate analogues of nucleoside 5′-phosphates featuring the phosphorus moiety directly attached on the sugar ring in the C4′ position are described. The analogues were synthesised by a nucleosidation reaction from tetrofuranosyl phosphonate synthons and silylated nucleobases. The pyrimidine compounds with erythro and threo configuration in both D- and L-series were prepared, and the structures were assigned by NMR spectroscopy. The results of NMR conformational studies show that all calculated conformers have a maximum pucker in the range typical for nucleosides. In all compounds, the S-type conformer is preferred and is more significant in α-D-threo-compounds. Studies on inhibition of thymidine phosphorylase revealed that one of the prepared phosphonic acids was a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme (Ki = 4 μM).