bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T Cell Receptor Expression by Dendritic Epidermal T Cells
Authors: Shimada Shinji
Published: April 2015

Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) in murine epidermis express the γδ T cell receptor (TCR). The major population of DETC utilize Vγ5 and Vδ1 without any junctional diversity, corresponding to the earliest fetal thymocytes which express TCRγδ. Using PCR, we recently found another population of DETC which express VγI‐Vδ6 with junctional diversity in addition to Vγ5‐Vδ1, although they exist in small numbers in normal mice. In athymic nude mice, Vγ1+ cells also exist. Therefore, this subset of γδ T cells is the product of an extrathymic pathway. These Vγ1 + cells may recognize mycobacterium antigen or heat shock protein (HSP), thus playing an important role in the first defense of the skin.

In contrast to normal mice, in nude mice, we could not detect any DETC using anti CD3ε antibody (2C11). In order to solve this puzzle, we examined the components of TCR complex utilizing immunoprecipitation and northern blot analysis. TCR is composed of either αβ or γδ chains associated with CD3γ, δ, ε and ζ‐ζ chains. By immunoprecipitation of 125I labelled DETC cell lines using anti‐CD3ε antibody, we detected γδ chains and CD3γ and CD3ε chains, but not CD3δ or CD3ζ chains. Northern blot analysis showed that these cells express CD3γ, ε, and ζ chains, but not the CD3δ chain. We concluded that the lack of the CD3δ chain and/or CD3ζ protein may change the configuration of the TCR complex, leading to the lack of staining by anti‐CD3ε antibody in the DETC of nude mice. This defect of TCR in nude DETC may explain functional abnormalities such as poor response to mitogens and diminished killing activity. Moreover, in ζ‐chain deficient mice, full expression of TCR was observed. This fact suggested that DETC may utilize the FcεRIγ chain instead of the ζ chain for cell surface expression or signal transduction of TCR.
Molecular Control of Melanogenesis in Malignant Melanoma: Functional Assessment of Tyrosinase and Lamp Gene Families by UV Exposure and Gene Co‐Transfection, and Cloning of a cDNA Encoding Calnexin, A Possible Melanogenesis “Chaperone”
Authors: Jimbow Kowichi , Hara Hiroyuki , Vinayagamoorthy Thuraiayah , Luo Dong , Dakour Jamal , Yamada Koji , Dixon Walter , Chen Hua
Published: April 2015

Melanogenesis is a cascade of events significantly controlled by regulatory genes which are associated with the melanosomal membrane. This report introduces our current research efforts dealing with (a) the gene and protein expressions of tyrosinase and Lamp (lysosome‐associated membrane protein) families by human melanoma cells after repeated exposures to UV light, (b) the coordinated alterations in the expression of the Lamp family gene and its encoding product after transfection of two genes of the tyrosinase family in human melanoma cells and (c) cloning and sequencing of a Ca2+‐binding phosphoprotein, calnexin, which could be a candidate as a chaperone for sorting and maturation of tyrosinase and Lamp family glycoproteins in melanogenesis cascade. Our UV exposure study, as well as gene transfection and antisense hybridization experiments, has clearly indicated a marked and coordinated interaction of the Lamp‐1 gene with the tyrosinase and TRP‐1 genes in this process. We propose that melanogenesis is controlled at least by two major gene family products, i.e., (a) the tyrosinase family of tyrosinase, TRP‐1 and TRP‐2, and the Lamp family of Lamp‐1, Lamp‐2 and Lamp‐3. These two gene families probably derived from primordial melanogenesis‐associated genes which are common or closely related to each other.
Tres hipótesis sobre el futuro de las relaciones laborales en Europa
Authors: HYMAN Richard
Published: April 2015

Se esbozan tres hipótesis sobre el futuro de las relaciones laborales en Europa. La primera, quizás la más realista, contempla el deterioro persistente de los sistemas nacionales y de las condiciones de trabajo, siguiendo la tendencia actual. La segunda imagina una reforma de élite que reinventaría las relaciones laborales y protegería a los trabajadores siguiendo una política social ideal (improbable dada la prioridad otorgada a las consideraciones financieras y a la competencia mundial). La tercera apuesta por una oposición desde las bases que confrontaría a los sindicatos con el gran desafío de movilizar a los descontentos fuera de sus filas.
Negociación colectiva en declive y desigualdad en aumento. Análisis comparado de cinco países de la UE
Authors: BOSCH Gerhard
Published: April 2015

Las instituciones de fijación salarial pueden ser cruciales frente a la desigualdad de ingresos y sus efectos socioeconómicos desestabilizadores. Distinguiendo entre normas protectoras y de participación, el autor examina sus efectos respectivos en la incidencia del empleo de baja remuneración y en la desigualdad de ingresos en Alemania, Bélgica, Francia, Reino Unido y Suecia. Su análisis comparado de los efectos combinados del salario mínimo y la negociación colectiva muestra que esta es más eficaz que el primero para reducir la desigualdad, pero ambos requieren intervención estatal, sobre todo mediante normas de participación que frenen el desgaste de las instituciones de relaciones laborales.
Just a hypothesis: a reply to Hanski
Authors: Fahrig Lenore
Published: April 2015

Hanski's critique of the habitat amount hypothesis (Hanski, 2015, Journal of Biogeography, 42, 989–993) does not actually constitute a test of the hypothesis, but rather a series of arguments for why he suspects that it is not correct. But the habitat amount hypothesis is exactly that – a hypothesis. It will remain ‘just’ a hypothesis until it has been rigorously tested against empirical data. To facilitate such testing, in Fahrig (2013, Journal of Biogeography, 40, 1649–1663) I presented specific, testable predictions of the hypothesis. Here, I reiterate the main tests needed, in the hope that some readers will be encouraged to carry them out. I appreciate this opportunity to emphasize that the habitat amount hypothesis needs to be tested against empirical data, and I look forward to seeing the results of such tests.
Distinct effects of climate warming on populations of silver fir (Abies alba) across Europe
Authors: Gazol Antonio , Camarero J. Julio , Gutiérrez Emilia , Popa Ionel , Andreu‐Hayles Laia , Motta Renzo , Nola Paola , Ribas Montserrat , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Urbinati Carlo , Carrer Marco
Published: April 2015

Aim

Climate change is expected to modify growth trends of forests around the world. However, this modification may vary in strength and intensity across a species' biogeographical range. Here, we study European populations of silver fir (Abies alba) across its southern distribution limits in Spain, Italy and Romania. We hypothesized that growth trends of silver fir will differ across its distribution range, with a marked decline in growth in drought‐prone regions near the species' southernmost biogeographical limits.

Location

Europe (Spain, Italy, Romania).

Methods

We collected tree‐ring data from at least 1300 silver fir trees located in 111 sites. The dataset was used to assess and model growth trends, quantified as changes in basal area increment, and to determine how growth responds to climate.

Results

We found contrasting patterns of basal area increments among countries and sites. Populations of silver fir located outside the Mediterranean area (e.g. northern Italy, Romania) have shown a clear increase in growth over the last two decades, whereas most populations in Spain and southern Italy have displayed a marked decline in growth since the 1980s. The growth of silver fir forests at the south‐western distribution limit is severely constrained by low spring–summer water availability, whereas growth of silver fir forests in non‐Mediterranean areas is limited by cold conditions in late winter to early spring.

Main conclusions

Climate warming is distinctly modifying growth patterns and responses to climate in silver fir across most of the species' European distribution area. In south‐western Europe the reduction in growth of many populations is related to an observed increase in aridity, whereas in more temperate areas warming is enhancing growth. Our results confirm a decline in the growth of silver fir at its south‐western distribution limits as a consequence of climate warming.
Persistence of external signs in Pacific herring Clupea pallasii Valenciennes with ichthyophoniasis
Authors: Hart L M , Conway C M , Elliott D G , Hershberger P K
Published: April 2015

The progression of external signs of Ichthyophonus infection in Pacific herring Clupea pallasii Valenciennes was highly variable and asynchronous after intraperitoneal injection with pure parasite preparations; however, external signs generally persisted through the end of the study (429 days post‐exposure). Observed signs included papules, erosions and ulcers. The prevalence of external signs plateaued 35 days post‐exposure and persisted in 73–79% of exposed individuals through the end of the first experiment (147 days post‐exposure). Among a second group of infected herring, external signs completely resolved in only 10% of the fish after 429 days. The onset of mortality preceded the appearance of external signs. Histological examination of infected skin and skeletal muscle tissues indicated an apparent affinity of the parasite for host red muscle. Host responses consisted primarily of granulomatous inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis in the skeletal muscle and other tissues. The persistence and asynchrony of external signs and host response indicated that they were neither a precursor to host mortality nor did they provide reliable metrics for hindcasting on the date of exposure. However, the long‐term persistence of clinical signs in Pacific herring may be useful in ascertaining the population‐level impacts of ichthyophoniasis in regularly observed populations.
Exogenous arachidonic acid mediates permeability of human brain microvessel endothelial cells through prostaglandin E2 activation of EP3 and EP4 receptors
Authors: Dalvi Siddhartha , Nguyen Hieu H. , On Ngoc , Mitchell Ryan W. , Aukema Harold M. , Miller Donald W. , Hatch Grant M.
Published: April 2015

The blood–brain barrier, formed by microvessel endothelial cells, is the restrictive barrier between the brain parenchyma and the circulating blood. Arachidonic acid (ARA; 5,8,11,14‐cis‐eicosatetraenoic acid) is a conditionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acid [20:4(n − 6)] and is a major constituent of brain lipids. The current study examined the transport processes for ARA in confluent monolayers of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Addition of radioactive ARA to the apical compartment of HBMEC cultured on Transwell® inserts resulted in rapid incorporation of radioactivity into the basolateral medium. Knock down of fatty acid transport proteins did not alter ARA passage into the basolateral medium as a result of the rapid generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an eicosanoid known to facilitate opening of the blood–brain barrier. Permeability following ARA or PGE2 exposure was confirmed by an increased movement of fluorescein‐labeled dextran from apical to basolateral medium. ARA‐mediated permeability was attenuated by specific cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors. EP3 and EP4 receptor antagonists attenuated the ARA‐mediated permeability of HBMEC. The results indicate that ARA increases permeability of HBMEC monolayers likely via increased production of PGE2 which acts upon EP3 and EP4 receptors to mediate permeability. These observations may explain the rapid influx of ARA into the brain previously observed upon plasma infusion with ARA.

image

The blood–brain barrier, formed by microvessel endothelial cells, is a restrictive barrier between the brain parenchyma and the circulating blood. Radiolabeled arachidonic acid (ARA) movement across, and monolayer permeability in the presence of ARA, was examined in confluent monolayers of primary human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs) cultured on Transwell® plates. Incubation of HBMECs with ARA resulted in a rapid increase in HBMEC monolayer permeability. The mechanism was mediated, in part, through increased prostaglandin E2 production from ARA which acted upon EP3 and EP4 receptors to increase HBMEC monolayer permeability.
Effect of high dietary zinc oxide on the caecal and faecal short‐chain fatty acids and tissue zinc and copper concentration in pigs is reversible after withdrawal of the high zinc oxide from the diet
Authors: Janczyk P. , Büsing K. , Dobenecker B. , Nöckler K. , Zeyner A.
Published: April 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) used in high (‘pharmacological’) levels to prevent diarrhoea in pigs is assumed to reduce copper (Cu) in tissues and inhibits large intestinal microbial fermentation. To test it, German Landrace pigs were weaned on d28 of age and fed diets containing either 100 (LowZinc, LZn, n = 10) or 3100 mg ZnO/kg (HighZinc, HZn, n = 10). The mixed feed (13.0 MJ ME, 18.5% crude protein) was based on wheat, barley, soya bean meal and maize. After 4 weeks, the HZn group was further fed 100 mg ZnO/kg for another 2 weeks. Caecal contents, faeces and tissues were collected after 4 weeks (n = 5 and n = 10 respectively) and 6 weeks (n = 5 and n = 5 respectively). Faeces and caecal content were analysed for dry matter (DM), pH, ammonia, lactic acid (LA) and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) on native water basis. anova was performed to elucidate significant differences at p < 0.05. No diarrhoea occurred. After 4 weeks, the caecal contents’ pH increased (p < 0.001) and butyric (p < 0.05) and valeric acid (p < 0.01) decreased in the HZn group in comparison with LZn. In faeces, a decrease of acetic (p = 0.009), butyric (p = 0.007) and valeric acid (p = 0.046), as well as reduced acetic:propionic acid (A:P) ratio (p = 0.025) was observed in the HZn group in comparison with LZn. Faecal ammonia decreased in HZn (p = 0.018). No differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in caecal contents after 6 weeks. In faeces, acetic acid remained lower in the HZn group in comparison with LZn (p = 0.006), as did the A:P ratio (p = 0.004). Zn concentration in liver, kidneys and ribs, and Cu concentrations in kidneys increased in HZn. Withdrawal of ZnO resulted in reversibility of the changes. The effect on butyric acid should be discussed critically regarding the energetic support for the enterocytes. High Zn and Cu tissue concentrations should be considered by pet food producers.
Evaluation of the use of esterified fatty acid oils enriched in medium‐chain fatty acids in weight loss diets for dogs
Authors: Fragua V. , Barroeta A. C. , Manzanilla E. G. , Codony R. , Villaverde C.
Published: April 2015

Esterified fatty acid oils (EAOs) are obtained from esterification of vegetable acid oils with glycerol. These fat sources have the same fatty acid (FA) composition as their respective native oils but new chemical properties. Several studies have confirmed the potential of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) to reduce fat mass (FM) in humans and rodents. This study investigates the use ofEAOs with differentMCFAproportions on food preferences, digestibility and weight loss management in dogs. A basal diet was supplemented with 8% of three different fat sources: C0: soya bean–canolaEAO, C20: soya bean–canola (80%) coconut (20%)EAOand C40: soya bean–canola (60%) coconut (40%)EAO. Food preference of theseEAOs was tested using a two‐pan preference test. Dogs presented a higher daily food intake of C20 and C40 compared to C0 (C20: 155 ± 18.6 g vs. C0: 17 ± 7.0 g, p < 0.001; C40: 117 ± 13.9 g vs. C0: 28 ± 10.5 g, p < 0.05 respectively). Also, the digestibility of the three experimental diets was tested. C20 and C40 showed higher ether extract, totalFAand saturatedFAdigestibilities (p < 0.05) than C0 diet. Lastly, the three diets were investigated in a 14‐week weight loss study, following 16 weeks ofad libitumfeeding to induce overweight condition. Body weight (BW) reduction was lower (C0: 20.1 ± 2.32%, C20: 14.6 ± 1.43% and C40: 15.7 ± 1.23%, p < 0.05) andFMwas higher (FM, 18.7 ± 3.42%, 27.9 ± 3.90% and 28.2 ± 2.88% for C0, C20 and C40, respectively, p < 0.05) for diets C20 and C40 than for C0. Feeding diets withMCFAat these inclusion levels to experimentally overweight dogs during 14 weeks do not result in faster weight loss compared to unsaturated long‐chainFA.
Epiphyte community development throughout tree ontogeny: an island ontogeny framework
Authors: Taylor Amanda , Burns Kevin
Published: April 2015

Aim

Epiphytes are a conspicuous feature of numerous forests, yet they are poorly understood compared with terrestrial plants. Theoretical frameworks have helped bridge this gap; however, important questions relating to epiphyte community development have yet to be answered. For example, at what point in tree ontogeny do epiphytes first establish? Do epiphyte communities develop uniformly, or is there variation among host trees?

Methods

In this study, we build upon Darwin's geological theory of island ontogeny to explore changes in epiphyte species richness throughout the life span of their respective host trees. Based on the general features of island ontogeny, we predict that there are three stages of epiphyte community development: (i) an initial stage where host trees are devoid of epiphytes because they lack sufficient architectural and physiological characteristics suitable for epiphyte establishment, (ii) a second stage where trees acquire epiphytes as adults and continue to do so into maturity, and (iii) a final stage where epiphyte communities progress through a period of species decline following host tree mortality. To test our model predictions, we censused epiphyte communities on 371 host trees from six New Zealand tree species. We first assessed the relationship between epiphyte species richness and host tree diameter. We then tested whether relationships between epiphyte species richness and host tree diameter varied between host species.

Results and conclusion

Results were consistent with model predictions. Our investigation found variation in the ontogenetic stage at which host trees become favourable for epiphyte establishment. Moreover, the rate at which epiphyte species richness increased with host tree diameter varied among host species. Our findings indicate that an island ontogeny framework is useful for guiding investigations on epiphyte community development.
Primulina moi sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a limestone area in northern Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhou Shou‐Biao , Hong Xin , Wei Yi‐Gang , He Le‐Ping , Wen Fang
Published: April 2015

A new species of Primulina, P. moi, from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. lijiangensis in leaf shape, but can be distinguished by several characters, such as base of corolla tube constricted, lobes of adaxial lip ovate, abaxial lip 3‐lobed from base, lobes elliptic or oblong elliptic with cuspidate apex, yellow corolla and filaments, two non‐adhesive anthers when corolla is open, adnate only before anthesis and 2 stamnoides.
Diagnostic group differences in temporomandibular joint energy densities
Authors: Gallo L. M. , Iwasaki L. R. , Gonzalez Y. M. , Liu H. , Marx D. B. , Nickel J. C.
Published: April 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Cartilage fatigue, due to mechanical work, may account for precocious development of degenerative joint disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This study compared energy densities (mJ/mm³) in TMJs of three diagnostic groups.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixty‐eight subjects (44 women, 24 men) gave informed consent. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) and imaging were used to group subjects according to presence of jaw muscle or joint pain (+P) and bilateral disk displacement (+DD).

Material and Methods

Subjects (+P+DD, n = 16; –P+DD, n = 16; and –P–DD, n = 36) provided cone‐beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, and jaw‐tracking data. Numerical modeling was used to determine TMJ loads (Fnormal). Dynamic stereometry was used to characterize individual‐specific data of stress‐field dynamics during 10 symmetrical jaw‐closing cycles. These data were used to estimate tractional forces (Ftraction). Energy densities were then calculated as W/Q (W = work done or mechanical energy input=tractional force × distance of stress‐field translation, Q = volume of cartilage). anova and Tukey–Kramer post hoc analyses tested for intergroup differences.

Results

Mean ± standard error energy density for the +P+DD group was 12.7 ± 1.5 mJ/mm³ and significantly greater (all adjusted p < 0.04) when compared to –P+DD (7.4 ± 1.4 mJ/mm³) and –P–DD (5.8 ± 0.9 mJ/mm³) groups. Energy densities in –P+DD and –P–DD groups were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Diagnostic group differences in energy densities suggest that mechanical work may be a unique mechanism, which contributes to cartilage fatigue in subjects with pain and disk displacement.
Bone anchors – can you hitch up your wagon?
Authors: Huja S. S.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this review was to address and understand the current status of mini‐screw implants (MSI) that are used in orthodontics. Understanding the biologic adaptation of MSI to its adjacent bone is one of the critical factors to their success. The review explores factors that are associated with failure of MSI, with special focus on an understanding of osseointegration as it relates to MSI. The rationale and importance of measuring bone contact and dynamic bone remodeling in animal studies are outlined. The utility of microcomputed tomography (μCT) as a substitute for conventional histomorphometry is debated. Finally, alveolar physiology and rigidity of implants are explored to understand potential reasons for the high failure rate of MSI when compared to endosseous implants.
An Approach to Pain Management in End Stage Renal Disease: Considerations for General Management and Intradialytic Symptoms
Authors: Koncicki Holly M. , Brennan Frank , Vinen Katie , Davison Sara N.
Published: April 2015

The prevalence and severity of symptoms in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease is higher than those of the general population and comparable to those with other chronic and serious medical conditions. Despite the prevalence and severity in this population, symptoms continue to be under‐recognized and inadequately managed. The recognition of specific intradialytic pain syndromes such as pain related to arteriovenous access, headaches, muscle cramps or generalized pain by providers may aid in improving patient compliance and quality of life. The approach to pain management in end stage renal disease patients follows that of the general population with specific considerations regarding clearance and potential side effects guiding selection of agents. Overall, evidence is limited regarding the pharmacology of many medications in this population.
A Tale of “Two Souths”: White Voting Behavior in Contemporary Southern Elections*
Authors: McKee Seth C. , Springer Melanie J.
Published: April 2015

Objective

We empirically demonstrate that the long‐held political distinction between the Deep South and the Peripheral South persists to this day.

Methods

Data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES) are employed in logistic regression models to assess differences in the likelihood of voting Republican among Deep and Peripheral South whites in gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential contests. Additionally, recent data on the partisan and racial composition of various elective offices document the sharp decline in Democratic officeholders.

Results

In contemporary Southern elections, Deep South whites, after controlling for several factors such as partisanship, ideology, religion, and income, are consistently and significantly more likely to vote Republican than their Peripheral South peers.

Conclusions

Race remains the most salient issue in Southern politics and it structures the alignment of whites and blacks into opposing parties. Because of this, whites are more Republican in their voting behavior in the more culturally conservative subregion where the proportion of African Americans is higher: the Deep South. Dixie is now dominated by the GOP, and especially in the Deep South, with grim representational implications for African Americans because they are no longer part of coalitional majorities at virtually every level of governance.
An extension to artifact‐free projection overlaps
Authors: Lin Jianyu
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

In multipinhole single photon emission computed tomography, the overlapping of projections has been used to increase sensitivity. Avoiding artifacts in the reconstructed image associated with projection overlaps (multiplexing) is a critical issue. In our previous report, two types of artifact‐free projection overlaps, i.e., projection overlaps that do not lead to artifacts in the reconstructed image, were formally defined and proved, and were validated via simulations. In this work, a new proposition is introduced to extend the previously defined type‐II artifact‐free projection overlaps so that a broader range of artifact‐free overlaps is accommodated. One practical purpose of the new extension is to design a baffle window multipinhole system with artifact‐free projection overlaps.

Methods:

First, the extended type‐II artifact‐free overlap was theoretically defined and proved. The new proposition accommodates the situation where the extended type‐II artifact‐free projection overlaps can be produced with incorrectly reconstructed portions in the reconstructed image. Next, to validate the theory, the extended‐type‐II artifact‐free overlaps were employed in designing the multiplexing multipinhole spiral orbit imaging systems with a baffle window. Numerical validations were performed via simulations, where the corresponding 1‐pinhole nonmultiplexing reconstruction results were used as the benchmark for artifact‐free reconstructions. The mean square error (MSE) was the metric used for comparisons of noise‐free reconstructed images. Noisy reconstructions were also performed as part of the validations.

Results:

Simulation results show that for noise‐free reconstructions, the MSEs of the reconstructed images of the artifact‐free multiplexing systems are very similar to those of the corresponding 1‐pinhole systems. No artifacts were observed in the reconstructed images. Therefore, the testing results for artifact‐free multiplexing systems designed using the extended type‐II artifact‐free overlaps numerically validated the developed theory.

Conclusions:

First, the extension itself is of theoretical importance because it broadens the selection range for optimizing multiplexing multipinhole designs. Second, the extension has an immediate application: using a baffle window to design a special spiral orbit multipinhole imaging system with projection overlaps in the orbit axial direction. Such an artifact‐free baffle window design makes it possible for us to image any axial portion of interest of a long object with projection overlaps to increase sensitivity.
Optical eye tracking system for real‐time noninvasive tumor localization in external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Via Riccardo , Fassi Aurora , Fattori Giovanni , Fontana Giulia , Pella Andrea , Tagaste Barbara , Riboldi Marco , Ciocca Mario , Orecchia Roberto , Baroni Guido
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

External beam radiotherapy currently represents an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of intraocular tumors. Accurate target localization and efficient compensation of involuntary eye movements are crucial to avoid deviations in dose distribution with respect to the treatment plan. This paper describes an eye tracking system (ETS) based on noninvasive infrared video imaging. The system was designed for capturing the tridimensional (3D) ocular motion and provides an on‐line estimation of intraocular lesions position based on a priori knowledge coming from volumetric imaging.

Methods:

Eye tracking is performed by localizing cornea and pupil centers on stereo images captured by two calibrated video cameras, exploiting eye reflections produced by infrared illumination. Additionally, torsional eye movements are detected by template matching in the iris region of eye images. This information allows estimating the 3D position and orientation of the eye by means of an eye local reference system. By combining ETS measurements with volumetric imaging for treatment planning [computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR)], one is able to map the position of the lesion to be treated in local eye coordinates, thus enabling real‐time tumor referencing during treatment setup and irradiation. Experimental tests on an eye phantom and seven healthy subjects were performed to assess ETS tracking accuracy.

Results:

Measurements on phantom showed an overall median accuracy within 0.16 mm and 0.40° for translations and rotations, respectively. Torsional movements were affected by 0.28° median uncertainty. On healthy subjects, the gaze direction error ranged between 0.19° and 0.82° at a median working distance of 29 cm. The median processing time of the eye tracking algorithm was 18.60 ms, thus allowing eye monitoring up to 50 Hz.

Conclusions:

A noninvasive ETS prototype was designed to perform real‐time target localization and eye movement monitoring during ocular radiotherapy treatments. The device aims at improving state‐of‐the‐art invasive procedures based on surgical implantation of radiopaque clips and repeated acquisition of X‐ray images, with expected positive effects on treatment quality and patient outcome.
Solar and Temperature Treatments Affect the Ability of Human Rotavirus Wa To Bind to Host Cells and Synthesize Viral RNA
Authors: Romero-Maraccini Ofelia C. , Shisler Joanna L. , Nguyen Thanh H.
Published: April 2015

Rotavirus, the leading cause of diarrheal diseases in children under the age of five, is often resistant to conventional wastewater treatment and thus can remain infectious once released into the aquatic environment. Solar and heat treatments can inactivate rotavirus, but it is unknown how these treatments inactivate the virus on a molecular level. To answer this question, our approach was to correlate rotavirus inactivation with the inhibition of portions of the virus life cycle as a means to identify the mechanisms of solar or heat inactivation. Specifically, the integrity of the rotavirus NSP3 gene, virus-host cell interaction, and viral RNA synthesis were examined after heat (57°C) or solar treatment of rotavirus. Only the inhibition of viral RNA synthesis positively correlated with a loss of rotavirus infectivity; 57°C treatment of rotavirus resulted in a decrease of rotavirus RNA synthesis at the same rate as rotavirus infectivity. These data suggest that heat treatment neutralized rotaviruses primarily by targeting viral transcription functions. In contrast, when using solar disinfection, the decrease in RNA synthesis was responsible for approximately one-half of the decrease in infectivity, suggesting that other mechanisms, including posttranslational, contribute to inactivation. Nevertheless, both solar and heat inactivation of rotaviruses disrupted viral RNA synthesis as a mechanism for inactivation.
Symbiosis Island Shuffling with Abundant Insertion Sequences in the Genomes of Extra-Slow-Growing Strains of Soybean Bradyrhizobia
Authors: Iida Takayuki , Itakura Manabu , Anda Mizue , Sugawara Masayuki , Isawa Tsuyoshi , Okubo Takashi , Sato Shusei , Chiba-Kakizaki Kaori , Minamisawa Kiwamu
Published: April 2015

Extra-slow-growing bradyrhizobia from root nodules of field-grown soybeans harbor abundant insertion sequences (ISs) and are termed highly reiterated sequence-possessing (HRS) strains. We analyzed the genome organization of HRS strains with the focus on IS distribution and symbiosis island structure. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we consistently detected several plasmids (0.07 to 0.4 Mb) in the HRS strains (NK5, NK6, USDA135, 2281, USDA123, and T2), whereas no plasmids were detected in the non-HRS strain USDA110. The chromosomes of the six HRS strains (9.7 to 10.7 Mb) were larger than that of USDA110 (9.1 Mb). Using MiSeq sequences of 6 HRS and 17 non-HRS strains mapped to the USDA110 genome, we found that the copy numbers of ISRj1, ISRj2, ISFK1, IS
1632
, ISB27, ISBj8, and IS
1631
were markedly higher in HRS strains. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the HRS strain NK6 had four small plasmids (136 to 212 kb) and a large chromosome (9,780 kb). Strong colinearity was found between 7.4-Mb core regions of the NK6 and USDA110 chromosomes. USDA110 symbiosis islands corresponded mainly to five small regions (S1 to S5) within two variable regions, V1 (0.8 Mb) and V2 (1.6 Mb), of the NK6 chromosome. The USDA110
nif
gene cluster (
nifDKENXSBZHQW-fixBCX
) was split into two regions, S2 and S3, where ISRj1-mediated rearrangement occurred between
nifS
and
nifB
. ISs were also scattered in NK6 core regions, and ISRj1 insertion often disrupted some genes important for survival and environmental responses. These results suggest that HRS strains of soybean bradyrhizobia were subjected to IS-mediated symbiosis island shuffling and core genome degradation.
Long-Term Fungal Inhibition by Pisum sativum Flour Hydrolysate during Storage of Wheat Flour Bread
Authors: Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Lavecchia Anna , Gramaglia Valerio , Gobbetti Marco
Published: April 2015

In order to identify antifungal compounds from natural sources to be used as ingredients in the bakery industry, water/salt-soluble extracts (WSE) from different legume flour hydrolysates obtained by the use of a fungal protease were assayed againstPenicillium roquefortiDPPMAF1. The agar diffusion assays allowed the selection of the pea (Pisum sativum) hydrolysate as the most active. As shown by the hyphal radial growth rate, the WSE had inhibitory activity towards several fungi isolated from bakeries. The MIC of the WSE was 9.0 mg/ml. Fungal inhibition was slightly affected by heating and variations in pH. The antifungal activity was attributed to three native proteins (pea defensins 1 and 2 and a nonspecific lipid transfer protein [nsLTP]) and a mixture of peptides released during hydrolysis. The three proteins have been reported previously as components of the defense system of the plant. Five peptides were purified from WSE and were identified as sequences encrypted in leginsulin A, vicilin, provicilin, and the nsLTP. To confirm antifungal activity, the peptides were chemically synthesized and tested. Freeze-dried WSE were used as ingredients in leavened baked goods. In particular, breads made by the addition of 1.6% (wt/wt) of the extract and fermented by baker's yeast or sourdough were characterized for their main chemical, structural, and sensory features, packed in polyethylene bags, stored at room temperature, and compared to controls prepared without pea hydrolysate. Artificially inoculated slices of a bread containing the WSE did not show contamination by fungi until at least 21 days of storage and behaved like the bread prepared with calcium propionate (0.3%, wt/wt).
Can staff and patient perspectives on hospital safety predict harm-free care? An analysis of staff and patient survey data and routinely collected outcomes
Authors: Lawton Rebecca , O'Hara Jane Kathryn , Sheard Laura , Reynolds Caroline , Cocks Kim , Armitage Gerry , Wright John
Published: April 2015

Background

Patients have the potential to provide feedback on the safety of their care. Recently, tools have been developed that ask patients to provide feedback on those factors that are known to contribute to safety, therefore providing information that can be used proactively to manage safety in hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the safety information provided by patients is different from that provided by staff and whether it is related to safety outcomes.

Method

Data were collected from 33 hospital wards across 3 acute hospital Trusts in the UK. Staff on these wards were asked to complete the four outcome measures of the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture, while patients were asked to complete the Patient Measure of Safety and the friends and family test. We also collated publicly reported safety outcome data for ‘harm-free care’ on each ward. This patient safety thermometer measure is used in the UK NHS to record the percentage of patients on a single day of each month on every ward who have received harm-free care (ie, no pressure ulcers, falls, urinary tract infections and hospital acquired new venous thromboembolisms). These data were used to address questions about the relationship between measures and the extent to which patient and staff perceptions of safety predict safety outcomes.

Results

The friends and family test, a single item measure of patient experience was associated with patients’ perceptions of safety, but was not associated with safety outcomes. Staff responses to the patient safety culture survey were not significantly correlated with patient responses to the patient measure of safety, but both independently predicted safety outcomes. The regression models showed that staff perceptions (adjusted r2=0.39) and patient perceptions (adjusted r2=0.30) of safety independently predicted safety outcomes. When entered together both measures accounted for 49% of the variance in safety outcomes (adjusted r2=0.49), suggesting that there is overlap but some unique variance is also explained by these two measures. Based on responses to the Patient Measure of Safety it was also possible to identify differences between the acute Hospital Trusts.

Discussion

The findings suggest that although the views of patients and staff predict some overlapping variance in patient safety outcomes, both also offer a unique perspective on patient safety, contributing independently to the prediction of safety outcomes. These findings suggest that feedback from patients about the safety of the care that they receive can be used, in addition to data from staff to drive safety improvements in healthcare.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN07689702.
A retrospective study of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL): identification of in situ FL or FL-like B cells of uncertain significance in lymph nodes resected at the time of previous surgery for carcinomas
Authors: Morita Kohei , Nakamine Hirokazu , Nakai Tokiko , Takano Masato , Takeda Maiko , Enomoto Yasunori , Yoshii Yumi , Kanno Masatoshi , Ohbayashi Chiho
Published: April 2015

Background and aims

In situ follicular lymphoma (iFL)/intrafollicular neoplasia and follicular lymphoma (FL)-like B cells of uncertain significance represent proliferation of Bcl-2/t(14;18)-positive B cells solely in the germinal centres. The condition is interpreted as an early event in the multi-step lymphomagenesis of FL. The aim of this study is to examine the issue more specifically.

Methods

We reviewed medical history of FL patients in whom thoracoabdominal surgery with lymphadenectomy had been performed for management of carcinomas. These previously resected lymph nodes as well as the current FL nodes were analysed by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridisation, and PCR amplification with direct sequencing.

Results

We studied four such FL patients from a total of 150 patients with FL; all had iFL in the previously resected lymph nodes. Clonal relation was verified and suggested in one case each. The time from lymphadenectomy to the diagnosis of FL was 23–120 months. There appeared to be a reverse correlation between the rate of Bcl-2-positive follicle proliferation and the time from surgery to diagnosis of FL.

Conclusions

Although the rate for development of FL in individuals having iFL has been reported to be low from prospective studies, the present data indicate that follow-up studies for a longer period is necessary; the rate of Bcl-2-positive follicle proliferation could be a factor to predict development of FL in prospective studies. Such a retrospective study may contribute to elucidate mechanism(s) involved in lymphomagenesis of FL.
Angiotensin receptor blockers for prevention of cardiovascular disease: where does the evidence stand?
Authors: Fuchs Flávio Danni , DiNicolantonio James J
Published: April 2015

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the most commonly used among blood pressure-lowering drugs worldwide, despite the absence of sound evidence of effectiveness in large and unbiased clinical trials. Meta-analyses published in recent years and reviewed here have not given support to this preference, suggesting that ARBs may be ineffective in the prevention of all cause mortality and major cardiovascular events (particularly myocardial infarction). There is evidence that ARB can be harmful for the kidney, particularly in patients with diabetes and in the elderly. It may be time to call for a moratorium on the preference for ARB in the management of hypertension and in patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Identification and quantification of factors affecting neonatal immunological transfer in dairy calves in the UK
Authors: MacFarlane J. A. , Grove‐White D. H. , Royal M. D. , Smith R. F.
Published: April 2015

The object of the study was to quantify the prevalence of failure of passive transfer in UK dairy farms and to identify variables that had a significant impact on the rate of immunological transfer. In a six‐month study of 444 calvings from seven UK dairy farms, 26 per cent of calves failed to receive adequate immunoglobulin transfer as judged by a plasma total protein (pTP) concentration less than 5.6 g/dl. Colostrum immunoglobulin concentration, indirectly measured using Brix refractometry, showed wide variations with samples ranging from 10.3 to 34.7 Brix units. Thirty‐seven per cent of samples were below the suggested cut‐off Brix score for colostrum quality of 22 per cent. Potential associations between covariates and plasma protein concentration were investigated using multiple linear regression models. The covariate with the greatest impact on the pTP concentration was the farm on which the calf was born (P<0.05). A significant but small association was demonstrated between colostrum immunoglobulin concentration and calf pTP concentration (P<0.01). Multiple linear regression models suggested that the time of colostrum collection after calving, parity of the dam, and the individual farm were associated with the Brix measurements (P<0.05). This study suggested that veterinary review of colostrum protocols on farm with emphasis on prompt collection and dosing after calving remains a simple and effective measure to improve passive transfer and thus calf health on UK dairy farms.
Serological diagnosis of bovine neosporosis: a Bayesian evaluation of two antibody ELISA tests for in vivo diagnosis in purchased and abortion cattle
Authors: Roelandt S. , Van der Stede Y. , Czaplicki G. , Van Loo H. , Van Driessche E. , Dewulf J. , Hooyberghs J. , Faes C.
Published: April 2015

Currently, there are no perfect reference tests for the in vivo detection of Neospora caninum infection. Two commercial N caninum ELISA tests are currently used in Belgium for bovine sera (TEST A and TEST B). The goal of this study is to evaluate these tests used at their current cut‐offs, with a no gold standard approach, for the test purpose of (1) demonstration of freedom of infection at purchase and (2) diagnosis in aborting cattle. Sera of two study populations, Abortion population (n=196) and Purchase population (n=514), were selected and tested with both ELISA's. Test results were entered in a Bayesian model with informative priors on population prevalences only (Scenario 1). As sensitivity analysis, two more models were used: one with informative priors on test diagnostic accuracy (Scenario 2) and one with all priors uninformative (Scenario 3). The accuracy parameters were estimated from the first model: diagnostic sensitivity (Test A: 93.54 per cent–Test B: 86.99 per cent) and specificity (Test A: 90.22 per cent–Test B: 90.15 per cent) were high and comparable (Bayesian P values >0.05). Based on predictive values in the two study populations, both tests were fit for purpose, despite an expected false negative fraction of ±0.5 per cent in the Purchase population and ±5 per cent in the Abortion population. In addition, a false positive fraction of ±3 per cent in the overall Purchase population and ±4 per cent in the overall Abortion population was found.
Use of rumen–reticulum fill to examine nutrient transfer and factors influencing food intake in white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus)
Authors: Aiken Meredith R.E. , Wolcott Daniel M. , Duarte Adam , Luna Ryan S. , Starns Heath D. , Weckerly Floyd W.
Published: April 2015

Estimating relationships of gut fill in mammalian herbivores is useful to understanding digestive functions. Large animals might have more fluid in the gut to facilitate nutrient transfer between the gut lumen and the gut wall. Furthermore, relationships between concentrations of dietary refractory and indigestible fiber (CRIF) and gut fill might indicate whether chemostatic factors or physical distension of the gut affects food intake. We collected white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780); 122 males, 152 females) from three sites in central and south Texas that varied in diet quality as indexed by rumen–reticulum crude protein concentrations. Large animals did not have more fluid in their rumina–reticula than small animals because the scalar between body mass and wet mass of rumen–reticulum contents was not greater than the scalar estimated for dry mass of rumen–reticulum contents. We expected a positive or an inverse relationship when rates of forage comminution, digestion, and particle passage were high or low, respectively. At the site where deer had access to a high-quality pelleted diet, we detected a positive relationship between CRIF and dry mass. At sites with free-ranging deer and lower quality diets, relationships between CRIF and dry fill were inversely related. Food intake of deer was probably influenced by chemostatic factors at the site with a high-quality pelleted diet and by physical distension of the gut at the other two sites.
Mechanosignaling in the vasculature: emerging concepts in sensing, transduction and physiological responses
Authors: Chatterjee Shampa , Fujiwara Keigi , Pérez Néstor Gustavo , Ushio-Fukai Masuko , Fisher Aron B.
Published: April 2015

Cells are constantly exposed to mechanical forces that play a role in modulating cellular structure and function. The cardiovascular system experiences physical forces in the form of shear stress and stretch associated with blood flow and contraction, respectively. These forces are sensed by endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes and lead to responses that control vascular and cardiac homeostasis. This was highlighted at the Pan American Physiological Society meeting at Iguassu Falls, Brazil, in a symposium titled “Mechanosignaling in the Vasculature.” This symposium presented recent research that showed the existence of a vital link between mechanosensing and downstream redox sensitive signaling cascades. This link helps to transduce and transmit the physical force into an observable physiological response. The speakers showcased how mechanosensors such as ion channels, membrane receptor kinases, adhesion molecules, and other cellular components transduce the force via redox signals (such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide) to receptors (transcription factors, growth factors, etc.). Receptor activated pathways then lead to cellular responses including cellular proliferation, contraction, and remodeling. These responses have major relevance to the physiology and pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. Thus an understanding of the complex series of events, from the initial sensing through the final response, is essential for progress in this field. Overall, this symposium addressed some important emerging concepts in the field of mechanosignaling and the eventual pathophysiological responses.