bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l
-Arginine Modifies the Exopolysaccharide Matrix and Thwarts Streptococcus mutans Outgrowth within Mixed-Species Oral Biofilms
Authors: He Jinzhi , Hwang Geelsu , Liu Yuan , Gao Lizeng , Kilpatrick-Liverman LaTonya , Santarpia Peter , Zhou Xuedong , Koo Hyun
Published: May 2016

l
-Arginine, a ubiquitous amino acid in human saliva, serves as a substrate for alkali production by arginolytic bacteria. Recently, exogenous
l
-arginine has been shown to enhance the alkalinogenic potential of oral biofilm and destabilize its microbial community, which might help control dental caries. However,
l
-arginine exposure may inflict additional changes in the biofilm milieu when bacteria are growing under cariogenic conditions. Here, we investigated how exogenous
l
-arginine modulates biofilm development using a mixed-species model containing both cariogenic (
Streptococcus mutans
) and arginolytic (
Streptococcus gordonii
) bacteria in the presence of sucrose. We observed that 1.5% (wt/vol)
l
-arginine (also a clinically effective concentration) exposure suppressed the outgrowth of
S. mutans
, favored
S. gordonii
dominance, and maintained
Actinomyces naeslundii
growth within biofilms (versus vehicle control). In parallel, topical
l
-arginine treatments substantially reduced the amounts of insoluble exopolysaccharides (EPS) by >3-fold, which significantly altered the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the biofilm. Intriguingly,
l
-arginine repressed
S. mutans
genes associated with insoluble EPS (
gtfB
) and bacteriocin (
SMU.150
) production, while
spxB
expression (H
2
O
2
production) by
S. gordonii
increased sharply during biofilm development, which resulted in higher H
2
O
2
levels in arginine-treated biofilms. These modifications resulted in a markedly defective EPS matrix and areas devoid of any bacterial clusters (microcolonies) on the apatitic surface, while the
in situ
pH values at the biofilm-apatite interface were nearly one unit higher in arginine-treated biofilms (versus the vehicle control). Our data reveal new biological properties of
l
-arginine that impact biofilm matrix assembly and the dynamic microbial interactions associated with pathogenic biofilm development, indicating the multiaction potency of this promising biofilm disruptor.

IMPORTANCE
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent and costly infectious diseases worldwide, caused by a biofilm formed on tooth surfaces. Novel strategies that compromise the ability of virulent species to assemble and maintain pathogenic biofilms could be an effective alternative to conventional antimicrobials that indiscriminately kill other oral species, including commensal bacteria.
l
-Arginine at 1.5% has been shown to be clinically effective in modulating cariogenic biofilms via alkali production by arginolytic bacteria. Using a mixed-species ecological model, we show new mechanisms by which
l
-arginine disrupts the process of biofilm matrix assembly and the dynamic microbial interactions that are associated with cariogenic biofilm development, without impacting the bacterial viability. These results may aid in the development of enhanced methods to control biofilms using
l
-arginine.
The UbiI (VisC) Aerobic Ubiquinone Synthase Is Required for Expression of Type 1 Pili, Biofilm Formation, and Pathogenesis in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Floyd Kyle A. , Mitchell Courtney A. , Eberly Allison R. , Colling Spencer J. , Zhang Ellisa W. , DePas William , Chapman Matthew R. , Conover Matthew , Rogers Bridget R. , Hultgren Scott J. , Hadjifrangiskou Maria
Published: May 2016

UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC), which causes the majority of urinary tract infections (UTI), uses pilus-mediated adherence to initiate biofilm formation in the urinary tract. Oxygen gradients withinE. colibiofilms regulate expression and localization of adhesive type 1 pili. A transposon mutant screen for strains defective in biofilm formation identified theubiI(formerlyvisC) aerobic ubiquinone synthase gene as critical for UPEC biofilm formation. In this study, we characterized a nonpolarubiIdeletion mutant and compared its behavior to that of wild-type bacteria grown under aerobic and anoxic conditions. Consistent with its function as an aerobic ubiquinone-8 synthase, deletion ofubiIin UPEC resulted in reduced membrane potential, diminished motility, and reduced expression of chaperone-usher pathway pili. Loss of aerobic respiration was previously shown to negatively impact expression of type 1 pili. To determine whether this reduction in type 1 pili was due to an energy deficit, wild-type UPEC and theubiImutant were compared for energy-dependent phenotypes under anoxic conditions, in which quinone synthesis is undertaken by anaerobic quinone synthases. Under anoxic conditions, the two strains exhibited wild-type levels of motility but produced diminished numbers of type 1 pili, suggesting that the reduction of type 1 pilus expression in the absence of oxygen is not due to a cellular energy deficit. Acute- and chronic-infection studies in a mouse model of UTI revealed a significant virulence deficit in theubiImutant, indicating that UPEC encounters enough oxygen in the bladder to induce aerobic ubiquinone synthesis during infection.

IMPORTANCEThe majority of urinary tract infections are caused by uropathogenicE. coli, a bacterium that can respire in the presence and absence of oxygen. The bladder environment is hypoxic, with oxygen concentrations ranging from 4% to 7%, compared to 21% atmospheric oxygen. This work provides evidence that aerobic ubiquinone synthesis must be engaged during bladder infection, indicating that UPEC bacteria sense and use oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor in the bladder and that this ability drives infection potential despite the fact that UPEC is a facultative anaerobe.
Increasing Student Metacognition and Learning through Classroom-Based Learning Communities and Self-Assessment
Authors: Siegesmund Amy
Published: May 2016

Student overconfidence challenges success in introductory biology. This study examined the impact of classroom learning communities and self-assessment on student metacognition and subsequent impact on student epistemological beliefs, behaviors, and learning. Students wrote weekly self-assessments reflecting on the process of learning and received individual feedback. Students completed a learning strategies inventory focused on metacognition and study behaviors at the beginning and end of the semester and a Student Assessment of their Learning Gains (SALG) at the end of the semester. Results indicated significant changes in both metacognition and study behaviors over the course of the semester, with a positive impact on learning as determined by broad and singular measures. Self-assessments and SALG data demonstrated a change in student beliefs and behaviors. Taken together, these findings argue that classroom learning communities and self-assessment can increase student metacognition and change student epistemological beliefs and behaviors.
Professional Practices in Undergraduate Research Programs
Authors: Seeling Joni M. , Choudhary Madhusudan
Published: May 2016

The undergraduate research experience (URE) is an important avenue within a college trajectory in which students enhance their critical thinking, learn about the scientific process, and develop the knowledge and values that will guide their future scientific and professional careers. Individual institutions, programs, departments, and faculty administer undergraduate research differently, but each should adhere to a common set of guidelines which govern the research mentoring process. Adherence to standard practices will enhance the research experience for both students and mentors. This article examines standards and guidelines for professional practices involving undergraduate research and scholarship, and will discuss lapses and limitations that students and faculty frequently confront. The growth, support, and proper management of undergraduate research programs (URPs) at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) is important for maintaining a talented pool of young scientists, as students benefit greatly from direct interactions with faculty mentors that predominate at PUIs.
Pleistocene megaflood landscapes of the Channeled Scabland
Authors: Baker Victor R. , Bjornstad Bruce N. , Gaylord David R. , Smith Gary A. , Meyer Scott E. , Alho Petteri , Breckenridge Roy M. , Sweeney Mark R. , Zreda Marek
Published: May 2016

The Channeled Scabland of east-central Washington comprises a complex of anastomosing fluvial channels that were eroded by Pleistocene megaflooding into the basalt bedrock and overlying sediments of the Columbia Plateau and Columbia Basin regions of eastern Washington State, U.S.A. The cataclysmic flooding produced huge coulees (dry river courses), cataracts, streamlined loess hills, rock basins, butte-and-basin scabland, potholes, inner channels, broad gravel deposits, and immense gravel bars. Giant current ripples (fluvial dunes) developed in the coarse gravel bedload. In the 1920s, J Harlen Bretz established the cataclysmic flooding origin for the Channeled Scabland, and Joseph Thomas Pardee subsequently demonstrated that the megaflooding derived from the margins of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, notably from ice-dammed glacial Lake Missoula, which had formed in western Montana and northern Idaho. More recent research, to be discussed on this field trip, has revealed the complexity of megaflooding and the details of its history.

To understand the scabland one has to throw away textbook treatments of river work.

—J. Hoover Mackin, as quoted in Bretz et al. (1956, p. 960)
Mesozoic tectonics west of the accretionary boundary in west-central Idaho
Authors: Schmidt Keegan L. , Gray Keith D. , Lewis Reed S. , Steven Cody J. , Isakson Vince H.
Published: May 2016

The late Mesozoic accretionary boundary in west-central Idaho has played a critical role in tectonic models proposed for the northwestern U.S. Cordillera. From west-to-east, major elements include the Permian to Jurassic Wallowa island-arc terrane, a poorly understood transition zone consisting of the Riggins Group assemblage and deformation belt along the west side of the island arc-continent boundary, Late Jurassic to Cretaceous arc-continent boundary, and Precambrian North American margin intruded by the Cretaceous–Paleogene Idaho batholith. We focus on the transition zone in the area between White Bird and Riggins, Idaho, which includes a contractional belt in variously deformed and metamorphosed rocks of island-arc affinity. We propose that the rocks of the entire transition zone, including those originally defined as the Riggins Group, are likely of Wallowa terrane origin and/or related basinal assemblages. Ultramafic rocks in the transition zone are possibly related to a Jurassic or Cretaceous basinal assemblage that includes the Squaw Creek Schist of the Riggins Group. Our recent work addresses the kinematic history of structures in the contractional belt. The belt was reactivated in the Neogene to accommodate mostly brittle normal faulting that strongly influenced preservation of the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group at this location along the eastern margin of the flood basalt province. This field guide provides a road log for examining the geology between Moscow and New Meadows, Idaho, along U.S. Highway 95.
Recent advances in the management of infants born <1000 g
Authors: Berrington Janet , Ward Platt Martin
Published: May 2016

In this review, we survey some significant advances in the medical care of babies <1000 g and we highlight the development of care pathways that ensure optimal antenatal care, which is a prerequisite for good neonatal outcomes. We also suggest that the long overdue development of family integrated care will in the end prove at least as important as the recent medical advances.
Conundrum in an asthma exacerbation
Authors: Isaac Barney Thomas Jesudason , McLellan Thomas , Samuel Johnson , Yung Bernard
Published: May 2016

A 66-year-old man, an asthmatic, presented with symptoms suggestive of an acute exacerbation of asthma. His arterial blood gas revealed type 1 respiratory failure (PaO2<8 kPa or 60 mm Hg with normal or low PaCO2) with a compensated lactic acidosis. He was treated for an asthma exacerbation and sepsis. Despite treatment, his respiratory rate remained elevated although his hypoxaemia improved. There was progressive worsening of the lactic acidosis. Treatment for sepsis was augmented. Peak flow measurements were not used to assess the severity of his exacerbation nor his response to treatment. An alternate diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome with acute pulmonary oedema was made and his asthma treatment was stopped. This coincided with a decline in his serum lactate. A diagnosis of salbutamol-induced lactic acidosis (SILA) was made. SILA is a relatively common complication of salbutamol therapy in moderate/severe asthma exacerbations. It is caused by a mechanism different from the lactataemia that is associated with septic shock and life-threatening asthma.
Differential diagnosis of lung lesion in breast carcinoma: a metachronous neoplasm or metastasis?
Authors: Maddala Raja Naga Mahesh , Udupa Karthik , Thomas Joseph , Pai Kanthilatha
Published: May 2016

A 34-year-old woman—a diagnosed case of pT1N1MO, stage IIa, estrogen and progesterone receptor positive (ER, PR) positive, Her2 negative carcinoma of the left breast—was managed with modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. While planning for radiotherapy, she was found to have a well-defined enhancing lesion with spiculated margins in the superior segment of the right lower lobe along with a heterogeneously enhancing right hilar lymph node on CT. Histopathological evaluation of the lesion was suggestive of adenocarcinoma. The lesion was negative for ER, PR receptors, mammoglobin and gross cystic disease fluid protein. Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) was positive, suggesting a primary lung adenocarcinoma rather than metastatic lesion from the breast. This case clearly signifies the importance of histopathological diagnosis of suspicious metastatic lesions in the setting of early breast cancer. We would also like to highlight the importance of TTF-1 in differentiating primary lung malignancy from metastasis.
Lamellar macular hole in X linked retinoschisis
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Goel Neha
Published: May 2016

X linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is the most common juvenile onset retinal degeneration. The disorder leads to poor vision in old age. Complications, however, can lead to earlier loss of vision in this condition. This report describes two patients of XLRS, who had presented with poor vision because of having had a lamellar macular hole at a young age. Lamellar macular holes are rare and have never been reported to cause early onset poor vision in XLRS.
Acute cerebellitis successfully managed with temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion using a long tunnel external ventricular drain: a long-term radiological follow-up of two cases
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Hadi Yousaf Bashir , Sheikh Sadaf , Shamim Shahzad M
Published: May 2016

Acute cerebellitis (AC) is a rare inflammatory childhood disorder. Although there is no consensus on standard treatment for cerebellitis, its outcome is usually favourable. We report two cases of AC in the paediatric age group, successfully managed with long tunnel external ventricular drain (EVD). The first patient was an 8-year-old boy with a history of fever and headache. Sequential MRI showed diffuse cerebellar swelling with tonsillar herniation and resulting hydrocephalus. The second patient was a 6-month-old boy who presented with high-grade fever associated with chills. CT scan of the head showed triventricular hydrocephalus with obliteration of cerebrospinal fluid spaces and cisterns. Both patients underwent immediate emergency right-sided long tunnel EVD insertion. The EVD was removed on the 9th day in the first patient and the 10th day in the second patient; the patients showed no neurological deficits at a follow-up of 2 years and 1 year, respectively.
Precursor B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting as periorbital swelling
Authors: Galway Niamh , Johnston Robert , Cairns Carole , Thompson Andrew James
Published: May 2016

An 11-year-old girl was admitted for further investigation as to the cause of her bilateral papilloedema and periorbital swelling. She had a 2-week history of headache and unilateral eyelid swelling, and a 2-day history of right-sided groin swelling. CT and MRI scans revealed soft tissue adjacent to the lateral orbital walls within the extraconal lateral aspects of both orbits, more on the right than the left. The scans also revealed extensive lymphadenopathy above and below the diaphragm. The patient underwent bone marrow studies and biopsy of the lymph node in her groin. The results revealed normal bone marrow with no evidence of malignancy. The lymph node histology confirmed malignant lymphoma in keeping with B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. The patient was started on the UKALL 2011 chemotherapy trial.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess treatment adherence for each individual drug taken by a patient
Authors: Sidorkiewicz Stéphanie , Tran Viet-Thi , Cousyn Cécile , Perrodeau Elodie , Ravaud Philippe
Published: May 2016

Objective

To develop and validate an instrument to assess adherence to each individual drug taken by patients undergoing long-term treatment.

Design

Multicentre prospective observational validation study.

Setting

Six general practitioners' clinics and 6 university hospitals in Paris, France.

Participants

Patients 18 years and older receiving at least one long-term treatment.

Methods

The instrument was developed from a literature search and interviews with experts. Clarity and wording were assessed during pilot testing with 51 patients. The tool was validated in a sample of consecutive patients. We assessed agreement between adherence measured with our tool and drug diaries and compared measurements from our instrument with (1) the Lu instrument; (2) the Adherence Estimator (AE); (3) patient's adherence assessed by physicians; (4) the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 items (MMAS-4); and (5) the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ). Reliability was assessed by a test–retest method.

Results

A total of 243 patients taking 961 drugs were recruited in 2014. We found good agreement between adherence measured by our tool and drug diaries (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.69, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.91) and a linear relationship between measurement with our tool and (1) the Lu instrument (p<0.01); (2) 2 items of the AE (perceived need for medication (p<0.01) and concerns about medication (p<0.01)); (3) patients' adherence assessed by their physicians (p<0.01); (4) the MMAS-4 (p<0.01) and (5) the TBQ (p<0.01). Reliability of the retest was good (ICC 0.67, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.85).

Conclusions

We developed an instrument with acceptable validity and reliability to assess adherence for each drug taken by patients, usable in hospital and primary care settings.
Environmental and social benefits of the targeted intraoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer: data from UK TARGIT-A trial centres and two UK NHS hospitals offering TARGIT IORT
Authors: Coombs Nathan J , Coombs Joel M , Vaidya Uma J , Singer Julian , Bulsara Max , Tobias Jeffrey S , Wenz Frederik , Joseph David J , Brown Douglas A , Rainsbury Richard , Davidson Tim , Adamson Douglas J A , Massarut Samuele , Morgan David , Potyka Ingrid , Corica Tammy , Falzon Mary , Williams Norman , Baum Michael , Vaidya Jayant S
Published: May 2016

Objective

To quantify the journeys and CO2emissions if women with breast cancer are treated with risk-adapted single-dose targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) rather than several weeks' course of external beam whole breast radiotherapy (EBRT) treatment.

Setting

(1) TARGIT-A randomised clinical trial (ISRCTN34086741) which compared TARGIT with traditional EBRT and found similar breast cancer control, particularly when TARGIT was given simultaneously with lumpectomy, (2) 2 additional UK centres offering TARGIT.

Participants

485 UK patients (249 TARGIT, 236 EBRT) in the prepathology stratum of TARGIT-A trial (where randomisation occurred before lumpectomy and TARGIT was delivered simultaneously with lumpectomy) for whom geographical data were available and 22 patients treated with TARGIT after completion of the TARGIT-A trial in 2 additional UK breast centres.

Outcome measures

The shortest total journey distance, time and CO2emissions from home to hospital to receive all the fractions of radiotherapy.

Methods

Distances, time and CO2emissions were calculated using Google Maps and assuming a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg. The groups were compared using the Student t test with unequal variance and the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test.

Results

TARGIT patients travelled significantly fewer miles: TARGIT 21 681, mean 87.1 (SE 19.1) versus EBRT 92 591, mean 392.3 (SE 30.2); had lower CO2emissions 24.7 kg (SE 5.4) vs 111 kg (SE 8.6) and spent less time travelling: 3 h (SE 0.53) vs 14 h (SE 0.76), all p<0.0001. Patients treated with TARGIT in 2 hospitals in semirural locations were spared much longer journeys (753 miles, 30 h, 215 kg CO2per patient).

Conclusions

The use of TARGIT intraoperative radiotherapy for eligible patients with breast cancer significantly reduces their journeys for treatment and has environmental benefits. If widely available, 5 million miles (8 000 000 km) of travel, 170 000 woman-hours and 1200 tonnes of CO2(a forest of 100 hectares) will be saved annually in the UK.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN34086741; Post-results.
Economic analysis of endovascular drug-eluting treatments for femoropopliteal artery disease in the UK
Authors: Katsanos Konstantinos , Geisler Benjamin P , Garner Abigail M , Zayed Hany , Cleveland Trevor , Pietzsch Jan B
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To estimate the clinical and economic impact of drug-eluting endovascular treatment strategies for femoropopliteal artery disease compared with current standard of care.

Design

Systematic literature search to pool target lesion revascularisations (TLR). Model-based per-patient cost impact and quasi-cost-effectiveness projection over 24 months based on pooled TLRs and current reimbursement.

Setting

The UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Participants

Patients presenting with symptomatic femoropopliteal disease eligible for endovascular treatment.

Interventions

Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline-recommended treatment with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) and bailout bare metal stenting (BMS) versus primary BMS placement, or drug-coated balloon (DCB), or drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

24-month per-patient cost impact to NHS (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes: pooled 24-month TLR rates; numbers needed to treat (NNTs); cost per TLR avoided and estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in £ per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

Results

N=28 studies were identified, reporting on 5167 femoropopliteal lesions. Over 24 months, DCB, DES and BMS reduced TLRs of de novo lesions from 36.2% to 17.6%, 19.4% and 26.9%, respectively, at an increased cost of £43, £44 and £112. NNTs to avoid 1 TLR in 24 months were 5.4, 6.0 and 10.8, resulting in cost per TLR avoided of £231, £264 and £1204. DCB was estimated to add 0.011 QALYs, DES 0.010 QALYs and BMS 0.005 QALYs, resulting in estimated ICERs of £3983, £4534 and £20 719 per QALY gained. A subset analysis revealed more favourable clinical and economic outcomes for a 3.5 µg/mm2DCB with urea excipient, compared with the rest of DCBs. A modest reduction of 10% in DCB and DES prices made drug-eluting treatments dominant.

Conclusions

Widespread adoption of drug-eluting endovascular therapies for femoropopliteal disease would add meaningful clinical benefit at reasonable additional costs to the NHS. Based on currently available data, DCBs offer the highest clinical and economic value.
Cold Ischemic Organ Preservation: Lessons from Natural Systems
Authors: Storey Kenneth B.
Published: May 2016

Mammalian hibernators offer natural models for investigating solutions to the metabolic injuries that accrue during cold ischemic storage of human organs removed for transplant. Knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms that regulate and stabilize metabolism to ensure long-term viability in the hypometabolic, hypothermic state of hibernation could lead to applied treatments that could increase the time that excised organs can be maintained in cold storage and/or improve recovery of function after implantation. New research has documented the widespread role of reversible protein phosphorylation control of metabolism in achieving the coordinated suppression of metabolic rate that greatly extends viability during torpor. Analysis of hibernation-induced gene expression is proving to be of crucial importance for identifying the genes and proteins that are up-regulated to address organ-specific concerns during torpor. In particular, the power of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) array screening is identifying families of proteins that are up-regulated during hibernation (eg, serpins, heat shock proteins, antioxidants, membrane transporters) and highlighting previously unrecognized areas of cellular metabolism as contributing to the hibernation phenotype. These offer new targets for innovative applied treatments that could enhance cytoprotection and cold ischemia survival of organ explants.
Effects of Poloxamer 188 Treatment on Sickle Cell Vaso-occlusive Crisis: Computer-Assisted Intravital Microscopy Study
Authors: Cheung Anthony T. W. , Chan Matthew S. , Ramanujam Sahana , Rangaswami Arun , Curl Kris , Franklin Patricia , Wun Ted
Published: May 2016

Nine patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were hospitalized at UC Davis Medical Center for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) were studied as part of a randomized double-blind phase III clinical trial to investigate the real-time effects of poloxamer 188 on VOC. All patients showed significant microvascular changes from normal (steady-state) values during VOC (diminished venular diameter and red cell velocity). The patients were randomly assigned to be treated with poloxamer 188 or placebo. Poloxamer 188 (n = 4) but not placebo (n = 5) significantly reversed these microvascular changes ˜ 2 hours postinitiation of loading infusion (100 mg/kg in 1 hour). Further significant improvement induced by poloxamer 188 but not placebo was observed ≥ 7 hours postinfusion, resulting in a significant reversal of the microvascular changes to steady-state values.
Angle-dependent strong-field ionization of triple bonded systems calculated by time-dependent configuration interaction with an absorbing potential
Authors: Liao Qing , Li Wen , Schlegel H. Bernhard
Published: May 2016

The angle dependence of strong field ionization has been studied for a set of molecules containing triple bonds: HCCH, HCN, HCC–CN, H2N–CCH, H2N–CN, and H2N–CC–CN. Time-dependent configuration interaction (TDCI) with a complex absorbing potential was used to model strong field ionization by a linearly polarized seven-cycle 800 nm cosine squared pulse. The ionization yields have been calculated as a function of the laser intensity and polarization direction and plotted as three-dimensional surfaces. At low field strengths, the angular dependence can be understood in terms of ionization from the highest occupied orbitals. At higher laser intensities, ionization occurs from lower lying orbitals as well as from the highest occupied orbitals, as indicated by changes in the angular dependence of the ionization yield and by variations in the population analysis of the TDCI wavefunction with the intensity of the laser field. The ionization yield for directions parallel to the molecular axis increases more rapidly than perpendicular to the axis as the conjugation length is increased. NH2 substitution substantially increases the ionization yield along the molecular axis but has only a small effect for perpendicular directions.
Pore water physicochemical constraints on the endangered clubshell mussel (Pleurobema clava)
Authors: Roley Sarah S. , Tank Jennifer L.
Published: May 2016

Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, but it remains challenging to link specific stressors to mussel declines. The clubshell mussel (Pleurobema clava) is a federally endangered species that spends most of its life completely buried beneath stream sediments. We tested the hypothesis that clubshell’s decline stems, in part, from low pore water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations and toxic ammonia (NH3) levels, resulting from sedimentation of interstitial pore spaces. We measured pore water DO, NH3, interstitial sedimentation rates, and sediment organic matter content in the Tippecanoe River (Indiana, USA) at sites that spanned a range of clubshell populations, including two sites devoid of clubshell. We found little evidence for pore water NH3stress, but pore water DO generally declined with clubshell population and dipped below stress thresholds more frequently at non-clubshell sites than at sites with clubshell. In addition, interstitial sedimentation rates generally increased as clubshell populations declined, suggesting that the low DO concentrations were the result of decreased pore water – surface water exchange. As a result, we conclude that maintaining or improving habitat for clubshell mussels will require the reduction of riverine sediment loading.
Profile of bacteria colonizing the exposed bone of patients with anti-osteoclastic drug-related osteonecrosis of the jaws
Authors: Jabbour Zaher , do Nascimento Cássio , El-Hakim Michel , Henderson Janet E. , de Albuquerque Rubens F.
Published: May 2016

Microbial etiology for anti-osteoclastic drug-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) was suggested. This study investigates any link between bacteria colonizing ARONJ sites and other oral cavity sites. Microbiota samples of 10 ARONJ patients were collected from the exposed bone, adjacent teeth, contralateral teeth, and tongue. DNA checkerboard hybridization was used for microbiota analysis with 43 genomic DNA probes prepared from human oral bacterial (38) and candida (5) species, using Socransky’s bacterial complexes as a guide. The frequency and the mean proportion of each bacterial species were used. Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus constellatus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were dominant in the ARONJ sites and detected in most teeth samples. Staphylococcus aureus was also dominant in the ARONJ sites and tongue. Significant correlations were found between the mean proportions of bacterial species colonizing adjacent teeth, contralateral teeth, and tongue (p < 0.001, R2 > 0.69). No significant correlation (p > 0.05, R2 < 0.025) was found between bacteria colonizing ARONJ sites and other evaluated sites. Within the study limitations, it was concluded that the primary sources of microorganisms colonizing ARONJ sites could be other sites such as teeth and tongue. The microbial profile of the necrotic bone is predominantly colonized with bacteria from Socransky’s green and orange complexes, as well as with species associated with bone infections.
Thermoluminescence curves simulation using genetic algorithm with factorial design
Authors: Popko E. A. , Weinstein I. A.
Published: May 2016

The evolutionary approach is an effective optimization tool for numeric analysis of thermoluminescence (TL) processes to assess the microparameters of kinetic models and to determine its effects on the shape of TL peaks. In this paper, the procedure for tuning of genetic algorithm (GA) is presented. This approach is based on multifactorial experiment and allows choosing intrinsic mechanisms of evolutionary operators which provide the most efficient algorithm performance. The proposed method is tested by considering the “one trap–one recombination center” (OTOR) model as an example and advantages for approximation of experimental TL curves are shown.
Citrate complexing sol–gel process of lead-free (K,Na)NbO3 ferroelectric films
Authors: Yao Linlin , Zhu Kongjun
Published: May 2016

The citrate complexing sol–gel process to fabricate lead-free (K,[Formula: see text]Na)NbO3 ferroelectric thin films was studied. Soluble niobium source of niobium–citric acid (Nb–CA) solution was utilized as a raw material to synthesize (K,[Formula: see text]Na)NbO3 thin films, by pyrolyzing at 450–550[Formula: see text]C and annealing at 650[Formula: see text]C. The film pyrolyzed at 450[Formula: see text]C shows poor crystallization with porous morphology, whereas the film pyrolyzed at 550[Formula: see text]C appear to be well-crystallized and denser, and the ferroelectricity was also proved by the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] hysteresis loop measurement.
A Sensor-Fusing System for Spatial Circle and Trunk Parameter Estimation
Authors: Dang Quoc Khanh , Suh Young Soo
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a fusing system consisting of a camera, a line laser, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for spatial circle and trunk parameter estimation. The line laser provides a stripe on the object surface that is captured by the camera. When using the system to scan an object, the 3D coordinate points on the surface of the scanned object are calculated with respect to a world coordinate frame by fusing the system movement and laser point coordinates, where the system movement is estimated from the IMU data by solving a smoothing optimization problem. Based on the information from the scanning process, algorithms are derived for detecting the spatial circle’s diameter and the trunk’s parameters. We also performed experiments to verify the feasibility of the system in real applications.
The conserved active site histidine-glutamate pair of ferrochelatase coordinately catalyzes porphyrin metalation
Authors: Hunter Gregory A. , Vankayala Sai Lakshmana , Gillam Mallory E. , Kearns Fiona L. , Lee Woodcock H. , Ferreira Gloria C.
Published: May 2016

Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to generate heme. Despite recent research on the reaction mechanism of ferrochelatase, the precise roles and localization of individual active site residues in catalysis, particularly those involved in the insertion of the ferrous iron into the protoporphyrin IX substrate, remain controversial. One outstanding question is from which side of the macrocycle of the bound porphyin substrate is the ferrous iron substrate inserted. Pre-steady state kinetic experiments done under single-turnover conditions conclusively demonstrate that metal ion insertion is pH-dependent, and that the conserved active site His-Glu pair coordinately catalyzes the metal ion insertion reaction. Further, p[Formula: see text] calculations and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that the active site His is deprotonated and the protonation state of the Glu relates to the conformational state of ferrochelatase. Specifically, the conserved Glu in the open conformation of ferrochelatase is deprotonated, while it remains protonated in the closed conformation. These findings support not only the role of the His-Glu pair in catalyzing metal ion insertion, as these residues need to be deprotonated to bind the incoming metal ion, but also the importance of the relationship between the protonation state of the Glu residue and the conformation of ferrochelatase. Finally, the results of this study are consistent with our previous proposal that the unwinding of the [Formula: see text]-helix, the major structural determinant of the closed to open conformational transition in ferrochelatase, is associated with the Glu residue binding the Fe[Formula: see text] substrate from a mitochondrial Fe[Formula: see text] donor.
Algorithm 960
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Peña Juan Manuel
Published: May 2016

The design and implementation of a Matlab object-oriented software library for working with polynomials is presented. The construction and evaluation of polynomials in Bernstein form are motivated and justified. Efficient constructions for the coefficients of a polynomial in Bernstein form when the polynomial is not given with this representation are provided. The presented adaptive evaluation algorithm uses the VS (Volk and Schumaker) algorithm, the de Casteljau algorithm, and a compensated VS algorithm. In addition, we have completed the library with other algorithms to perform other usual operations with polynomials in Bernstein form.
An Efficient Hybrid Algorithm for the Separable Convex Quadratic Knapsack Problem
Authors: Davis Timothy A. , Hager William W. , Hungerford James T.
Published: May 2016

This article considers the problem of minimizing a convex, separable quadratic function subject to a knapsack constraint and a box constraint. An algorithm called NAPHEAP has been developed to solve this problem. The algorithm solves the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker system using a starting guess to the optimal Lagrange multiplier and updating the guess monotonically in the direction of the solution. The starting guess is computed using the variable fixing method or is supplied by the user. A key innovation in our algorithm is the implementation of a heap data structure for storing the break points of the dual function and computing the solution of the dual problem. Also, a new version of the variable fixing algorithm is developed that is convergent even when the objective Hessian is not strictly positive definite. The hybrid algorithm NAPHEAP that uses a Newton-type method (variable fixing method, secant method, or Newton's method) to bracket a root, followed by a heap-based monotone break point search, can be faster than a Newton-type method by itself, as demonstrated in the numerical experiments.
Mechanisms of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Peloquin Joanna M. , Goel Gautam , Villablanca Eduardo J. , Xavier Ramnik J.
Published: May 2016

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation due to a complex interaction of genetic determinants, disruption of mucosal barriers, aberrant inflammatory signals, loss of tolerance, and environmental triggers. Importantly, the incidence of pediatric IBD is rising, particularly in children younger than 10 years. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation of these patients and highlight environmental exposures that may affect disease risk, particularly among people with a background genetic risk. With regard to both children and adults, we review advancements in understanding the intestinal epithelium, the mucosal immune system, and the resident microbiota, describing how dysfunction at any level can lead to diseases like IBD. We conclude with future directions for applying advances in IBD genetics to better understand pathogenesis and develop therapeutics targeting key pathogenic nodes.
The Eurozone and Political Economic Institutions
Authors: Iversen Torben , Soskice David , Hope David
Published: May 2016

This review sets out a recently developed comparative political economy literature on the Eurozone, which has a basis in both varieties of capitalism and modern macroeconomics. It contrasts the export-oriented, northern European, skill-intensive, coordinated market economies with coordinated wage-bargaining, on the one hand, with the southern European, demand-driven economies with strong public sector unions, on the other. It analyzes the Eurozone as an ongoing grouping of sovereign democratic states, each with strong concerns to remain within the Eurozone but in principle with an exit option. It argues that the origins of the Eurozone and its trajectory primarily reflected national economic concerns and not a political drive toward European integration; and its deflationary preference has been the rational choice of the export-oriented members and their bargaining power in the Eurozone, not an irrational rejection of Keynesianism. The Eurozone functioned well (comparably to the advanced economies outside the Eurozone, though with major imbalances in both) during its “dual growth model” period from inception to the Eurocrisis. The absence of flexible core labor markets suggested by the optimum currency area literature has not impeded its effectiveness; and there has been little Eurozone-generated institution building, except very partially in banking. The only important development, Outright Monetary Transactions, has made the European Central Bank the de facto lender of last resort to fiscally stable member states.
Security Communities and the Unthinkabilities of War
Authors: Mitzen Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Scholarship on security communities often invokes a common goal: for war to become unthinkable. Unthinkable here means impossible, and states are considered to be most secure when war is unthinkable between them. Interestingly, the term unthinkable appears in policy discourse with nearly the opposite meaning, referring to wars that are eminently possible but horrifying to contemplate, such as war with a nuclear Iran. Taking this discrepancy as my starting point, I propose that the social phenomenon of unthinkability is not well understood and that a deeper understanding of it can point toward new directions for research on security communities. I conceptualize unthinkability along two dimensions, empirical availability and normative acceptability, combining these to create four distinct types of unthinkability. I then use this typology as a heuristic device to identify research directions on security communities and on the phenomenon of unthinkable war.
The Turn to Tradition in the Study of Jewish Politics
Authors: Cooper Julie E.
Published: May 2016

This article traces the political, intellectual, and disciplinary motivations behind the establishment of the field of Jewish political thought, and pursues implications of the field's establishment for the dynamics of Jewish political debate. Jewish political thought is decisively marked by the experience of statelessness. Thus, to establish the possibility of a Jewish political tradition, scholars have had to abandon or relax the received view that sovereignty is the defining horizon for politics. Although the pervasiveness of politics is the field's animating conviction, scholars have yet to mount a sufficiently forceful challenge to sovereignty's conceptual and political priority. This review surveys the reasons why scholars have been reluctant to pursue alternative, diasporic conceptions of the political, focusing on their notions of what constitutes a tradition. The article contends that developing a more ambitious conception of the Jewish political tradition is a prerequisite for encouraging political debate about sovereignty's importance for Jewish political agency.
AP2-NR4A3 transgenic mice display reduced serum epinephrine because of increased catecholamine catabolism in adipose tissue
Authors: Walton R. Grace , Zhu Xiaolin , Tian Ling , Heywood Elizabeth B. , Liu Jian , Hill Helliner S. , Liu Jiarong , Bruemmer Dennis , Yang Qinglin , Fu Yuchang , Garvey W. Timothy
Published: May 2016

The NR4A orphan nuclear receptors function as early response genes to numerous stimuli. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that overexpression of NR4A3 (NOR-1, MINOR) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. To assess the in vivo effect of NR4A3 on adipocytes, we generated transgenic mice with NR4A3 overexpression driven by the adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AP2) promoter (AP2-NR4A3 mice). We hypothesized that AP2-NR4A3 mice would display enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. However, AP2-NR4A3 mice exhibit metabolic impairment, including increased fasting glucose and insulin, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, decreased serum free fatty acids, and increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. AP2-NR4A3 mice also display a significant reduction in serum epinephrine due to increased expression of catecholamine-catabolizing enzymes in adipose tissue, including monoamine oxidase-A. Furthermore, enhanced expression of monoamine oxidase-A is due to direct transcriptional activation by NR4A3. Finally, AP2-NR4A3 mice display cardiac and behavioral alterations consistent with chronically low circulating epinephrine levels. In conclusion, overexpression of NR4A3 in adipocytes produces a complex phenotype characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and low serum catecholamines due to enhanced degradation by adipose tissue.
An evaluation of the antioxidant protein α1-microglobulin as a renal tubular cytoprotectant
Authors: Zager Richard A. , Johnson Ali C. M. , Frostad Kirsten
Published: May 2016

α1-Microglobulin (A1M) is a low-molecular-weight heme-binding antioxidant protein that is readily filtered by the glomerulus and reabsorbed by proximal tubules. Given these properties, recombinant A1M (rA1M) has been proposed as a renal antioxidant and therapeutic agent. However, little direct evidence to support this hypothesis exists. Hence, we have sought “proof of concept” in this regard. Cultured proximal tubule (HK-2) cells or isolated mouse proximal tubule segments were challenged with a variety of prooxidant insults: 1) hemin, 2) myoglobin; 3) “catalytic” iron, 4) H2O2/Fenton reagents, 5) a Ca2+ ionophore, 6) antimycin A, or 7) hypoxia (with or without rA1M treatment). HK-2 injury was gauged by the percent lactate dehydrogenase release and 4,5-(dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide uptake. In vivo protection was sought in rA1M-treated mice subjected to 1) graded myohemoglobinura (2, 4, 8, or 9 ml/kg glycerol injection), 2) purified myoglobinemia/uria, or 3) endotoxemia. In vivo injury was assessed by blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and the expression of redox-sensitive genes (heme oxygenase-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNAs). Although rA1M totally blocked in vitro hemin toxicity, equimolar albumin (another heme binder) or 10% serum induced equal protection. rA1M failed to mitigate any nonhemin forms of either in vitro or in vivo injury. A1M appeared to be rapidly degraded within proximal tubules (by Western blot analysis). Surprisingly, rA1M exerted select injury-promoting effects (increased in vitro catalytic iron/antimycin toxicities and increased in vivo monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin mRNA expression after glycerol or endotoxin injection). We conclude that rA1M has questionable utility as a renal antioxidant/cytoprotective agent, particularly in the presence of larger amounts of competitive free heme (e.g., albumin) binders.
Role of Asthma Education in the Management of Adult Asthma
Authors: Côté Johanne
Published: May 2016

When a patient is newly diagnosed as having asthma, he or she is often prescribed new medication without getting much information on the disease and its treatment. This article emphasizes the need to educate asthmatics. Asthma treatment should begin with a proper adjustment of the medication, allowing asthmatics to lead a normal life. All asthmatics should be shown how to use their inhalation device properly. They should he knowledgeable about the basic aspects of asthma, airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, use or medication and early symptoms heralding an asthma attack. Environmental factors that may trigger an asthma attack should be explained. Patients should be able to self‐monitor asthma using either symptom severity or a peak flow meter. Because asthma is an unpredictable disease, patients should have a self‐action plan to implement when their asthma deteriorates.
Steroids: First Line Treatment in Pediatrics
Authors: Spier Sheldon
Published: May 2016

The benefits derived from the use or inhaled steroids in pediatric asthma are reviewed in relation to the age of the patient, the delivery system and the compliance versus frequency of administration of these medications. Side effects are discussed with regard to the age or the child and the following systems: the eyes, the skin, the oropharynx, the voice, the immune system, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism,
adrenal glands, bone metabolism and growth.