bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta diversity at multiple hierarchical levels: explaining the high diversity of scarab beetles in tropical montane forests
Authors: García‐López Alejandra , Micó Estefanía , Múrria Cesc , Galante Eduardo , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: June 2013

Aim

High gamma diversity in tropical montane forests may be ascribed to high geographical turnover of community composition, resulting from population isolation that leads to speciation. We studied the evolutionary processes responsible for diversity and turnover in assemblages of tropical scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) by assessing DNA sequence variation at multiple hierarchical levels.

Location

A 300‐km transect across six montane forests (900–1100 m) in Costa Rica.

Methods

Assemblages of Scarabaeidae (subfamilies Dynastinae, Rutelinae, Melolonthinae) including 118 morphospecies and > 500 individuals were sequenced for the cox1 gene to establish species limits with a mixed Yule–coalescent method. A species‐level phylogenetic tree was constructed from cox1 and rrnL genes. Total diversity and turnover among assemblages were then assessed at three hierarchical levels: haplotypes, species and higher clades.

Results

DNA‐based analyses showed high turnover among communities at all hierarchical levels. Turnover was highest at the haplotype level (community similarity 0.02–0.12) and decreased with each step of the hierarchy (species: 0.21–0.46; clades: 0.41–0.43). Both compositional and phylogenetic similarities of communities were geographically structured, but turnover was not correlated with distance among forests. When three major clades were investigated separately, communities of Dynastinae showed consistently higher alpha diversity, larger species ranges and lower turnover than Rutelinae and Melolonthinae.

Main conclusions

Scarab communities of montane forests show evidence of evolutionary persistence of communities in relative isolation, presumably tracking suitable habitats elevationally to accommodate climatic changes. Patterns of diversity on all hierarchical levels seem to be determined by restricted dispersal, and differences in Dynastinae could be explained by their greater dispersal ability. Community‐wide DNA sequencing across multiple lineages and hierarchical levels reveals the evolutionary processes that led to high beta diversity in tropical montane forests through time.
Phylogeography of Hipposideros armiger (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the Oriental Region: the contribution of multiple Pleistocene glacial refugia and intrinsic factors to contemporary population genetic structure
Authors: Lin Ai‐Qing , Csorba Gabor , Li Lin‐Feng , Jiang Ting‐Lei , Lu Guan‐Jun , Thong Vu Dinh , Soisook Pipat , Sun Ke‐Ping , Feng Jiang
Published: June 2013

Aim

The goals of our study were to assess the population history and genetic structure of the widespread bat Hipposideros armiger, and to evaluate the effect of palaeoclimatic changes and dispersal patterns on this species.

Location

South China, mainland Southeast Asia and the South Himalayas.

Methods

We amplified two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions (cyt b and D‐loop) and seven nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs) from 216 individuals of H. armiger. To examine the evolutionary history of this species, we constructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees based on the two mtDNA regions. From the mtDNA and/or nSSR data, we assessed population genetic structure using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and median‐joining network and structure analyses. We also estimated demographic history and gene flow using a Bayesian skyline plot and the program IMa2.

Results

Phylogenetic and median‐joining network analyses revealed that H. armiger comprises two distinct mtDNA clades divided into seven subclades. The results of AMOVA suggested strong population genetic structure based on mtDNA, but weak structure based on nSSRs. structure analysis identified three population clusters and also showed weak genetic structure at the nuclear level. Demographic analyses revealed two population expansion events c. 0.62 Ma and c. 0.25 Ma. The basic phylogeographical structure of H. armiger was established by 0.24 Ma. IMa2 analysis demonstrated that substantial gene flow has occurred between different regions since then. Additionally, non‐significant population structure and significant gene flow were detected between Taiwan and Hainan island populations and those from mainland China.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that divergence and population expansion of H. armiger occurred in association with Pleistocene climatic changes and that multiple refugia may have existed for this species. Post‐glacial male‐biased dispersal was likely to be the primary contributor to the contemporary genetic structure of H. armiger populations. Gene flow may have contributed greatly to the genetic structure of insular populations and populations from mainland China.
Genotyping of Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains isolated from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)
Authors: Costa F A A , Leal C A G , Leite R C , Figueiredo H C P
Published: June 2013

Streptococcus dysgalactiae is an emerging fish pathogen that is responsible for outbreaks of disease on fish farms around the world. Recently, this bacterium was associated with an outbreak at a Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), farm in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, best genotyping method and aspects of molecular epidemiology of S. dysgalactiae infections in Nile tilapia farms in Brazil. Twenty‐one isolates from four farms located in different Brazilian states were characterized genetically using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), ERIC‐PCR, REP‐PCR and sodA gene sequencing. The discriminatory power of the different typing methods was compared using Simpson's index of diversity. Identical sodA gene sequences were obtained from all isolates, and ERIC‐PCR and REP‐PCR were unable to discriminate among the isolates. PFGE typing detected three different genetic patterns between the 21 strains evaluated; thus, it was the best genotyping method for use with this pathogen. The strains from Ceará State were genetically divergent from those from Alagoas State. The S. dysgalactiae isolates analysed in this study constituted a genetically diverse population with a clear association between geographical origin and genotype.
Promoting dietary diversity to improve child growth in less‐resourced rural settings in Uganda
Authors: Kabahenda M. K. , Andress E. L. , Nickols S. Y. , Kabonesa C. , Mullis R. M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Analyses of global trends indicate that childhood undernutrition is more prevalent in rural areas, and also that maternal education and decision‐making power are among the key factors significantly associated with child growth.

Methods

The present study comprised a controlled longitudinal study aiming to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education with respect to improving growth patterns of young children of less‐literate, low income caregivers in a rural subsistence farming community. Caregivers in the intervention group (n = 52) attended a structured nutrition education programme, whereas the control group (n = 45) participated in sewing classes. Weights and lengths/heights were measured for children in the intervention and control groups every month for 1 year to assess changes in growth patterns. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to access differences between the two groups over time and across age groups. Variability in growth patterns of individual children and clustering of caregiver effects were controlled for during the statistical analysis.

Results

After 12 months, children in the intervention group had significant improvements in weight‐for‐age compared to the controls [mean (SD): 0.61 (0.15) versus −0.99 (0.16), P = 0.038]. Changes in height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐height and mid‐upper arm circumference‐for‐age showed a positive trend for children in the intervention group. Changes in weight‐for‐height were statistically significant across age groups and negatively related to caregiver's age.

Conclusions

Educating caregivers has the potential to improve young children's nutritional status and growth, especially among less literate populations where households subsist on what they produce.
Determinants of buildup of the toxic dopamine metabolite DOPAL in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patti , Holmes Courtney , Miller Gary W. , Alter Shawn , Strong Randy , Mash Deborah C. , Kopin Irwin J. , Sharabi Yehonatan
Published: June 2013

Intra‐neuronal metabolism of dopamine (DA) begins with production of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), which is toxic. According to the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ DOPAL destroys nigrostriatal DA terminals and contributes to the profound putamen DA deficiency that characterizes Parkinson's disease (PD). We tested the feasibility of using post‐mortem patterns of putamen tissue catechols to examine contributions of altered activities of the type 2 vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to the increased DOPAL levels found in PD. Theoretically, the DA : DOPA concentration ratio indicates vesicular uptake, and the 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid : DOPAL ratio indicates ALDH activity. We validated these indices in transgenic mice with very low vesicular uptake (VMAT2‐Lo) or with knockouts of the genes encoding ALDH1A1 and ALDH2 (ALDH1A1,2 KO), applied these indices in PD putamen, and estimated the percent decreases in vesicular uptake and ALDH activity in PD. VMAT2‐Lo mice had markedly decreased DA:DOPA (50 vs. 1377, p < 0.0001), and ALDH1A1,2 KO mice had decreased 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid:DOPAL (1.0 vs. 11.2, p < 0.0001). In PD putamen, vesicular uptake was estimated to be decreased by 89% and ALDH activity by 70%. Elevated DOPAL levels in PD putamen reflect a combination of decreased vesicular uptake of cytosolic DA and decreased DOPAL detoxification by ALDH.

image

According to the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ the toxic dopamine metabolite DOPAL contributes to loss of striatal dopaminergic innervation in Parkinson's disease. Here we provide post‐mortem neurochemical evidence that in Parkinson's disease patients, putamen DOPAL buildup reflects decreased vesicular sequestration of cytosolic dopamine and decreased DOPAL metabolism by aldehyde dehydrogenase. The results fit with an intra‐neuronal autotoxic mechanism of Parkinson's disease.
Genetic variation at the delta‐sarcoglycan (SGCD) locus elevates heritable sympathetic nerve activity in human twin pairs
Authors: Makena Hightower C. , Zhang Kuixing , Miramontes‐González José P. , Rao Fangwen , Wei Zhiyun , Schork Andrew J. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Biswas Nilima , Mahata Manjula , Elkelis Nina , Taupenot Laurent , Stridsberg Mats , Ziegler Michael G. , O'Connor Daniel T.
Published: June 2013

The Syrian Cardiomyopathic Hamster (BIO‐14.6/53.58 strains) model of cardiac failure, resulting from naturally occurring deletion at the SGCD (delta‐sarcoglycan) locus, displays widespread disturbances in catecholamine metabolism. Rare Mendelian myopathy disorders of human SGCD occur, although common naturally occurring SGCD genetic variation has not been evaluated for effects on human norepinephrine (NE) secretion. This study investigated the effect of SGCD genetic variation on control of NE secretion in healthy twin pairs. Genetic associations profiled SNPs across the SGCD locus. Trait heritability (h2) and genetic covariance (pleiotropy; shared h2) were evaluated. Sympathochromaffin exocytosis in vivo was probed in plasma by both catecholamines and Chromogranin B (CHGB). Plasma NE is substantially heritable (p = 3.19E‐16, at 65.2 ± 5.0% of trait variance), sharing significant (p < 0.05) genetic determination with circulating and urinary catecholamines, CHGB, eGFR, and several cardio‐metabolic traits. Participants with higher pNE showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in several traits, including increased BP and hypertension risk factors. Peak SGCD variant rs1835919 predicted elevated systemic vascular compliance, without changes in specifically myocardial traits. We used a chimeric‐regulated secretory pathway photoprotein (CHGA‐EAP) to evaluate the effect of SGCD on the exocytotic pathway in transfected PC12 cells; in transfected cells, expression of SGCD augmented CHGA trafficking into the exocytotic regulated secretory pathway. Thus, our investigation determined human NE secretion to be a highly heritable trait, influenced by common genetic variation within the SGCD locus. Circulating NE aggregates with BP and hypertension risk factors. In addition, coordinate NE and CHGB elevation by rs1835919 implicates exocytosis as the mechanism of release.
Differential Parenting of African American Adolescents as an Explanation for Gender Disparities in Achievement
Authors: Varner Fatima , Mandara Jelani
Published: June 2013

Differential parenting based on gender and birth order status was examined as an explanation for the achievement differences betweenAfricanAmerican males and females. In a sample of 796AfricanAmerican adolescents from theMADICSstudy, girls were found to have much higherGPAs and test scores compared with boys. Girls reported receiving more monitoring, communication, and rule enforcement, but less autonomy in decision making than later‐born boys. Mothers also reported higher expectations for girls than boys. A significant percent of theGPAand test score gap was accounted for by the parenting differences in both married and single mother–headed households. It was concluded that reducing differential parenting could help narrow gender differences in achievement amongAfricanAmerican adolescents.
Rapamycin-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and potential application in corneal transplantation
Authors: Zhang Zhaoliang , Xu Lu , Chen Hao , Li Xingyi
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Allograft rejection is the major cause of corneal graft failure. To inhibit corneal allograft rejection, rapamycin as a novel immunosuppressive agent has been discovered. However, the high water insolubility and low bioavailability of rapamycin has strongly hindered its application in the clinical setting. In this paper, we attempted to develop a novel rapamycin nano-formulation using poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCEC) nanoparticles as carrier by an emulsion evaporation method for potential application in corneal transplantation.

Methods

The solubility of rapamycin in the nano-formulation was determined and in-vitro release studies were performed. The developed rapamycin-loaded PCEC nanoparticles were further characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetery. Toxicity studies were performed in eye-related cell lines.

Key findings

The rapamycin in nano-formulation exhibited ∼103-fold increased solubility as compared with native rapamycin. According to the results of the in-vitro cytotoxicity assay, the developed PCEC nanoparticles did not exhibit any apparent cytotoxicity against various eye-related cell lines with PCEC nanoparticle concentrations in the range of 0.05–10 mg/ml. In-vitro release study showed that the release of rapamycin was sustained from PCEC nanoparticles over a period of 48 h.

Conclusions

All the results suggested that the developed rapamycin-loaded PCEC nanoparticles might be suitable for immunosuppression in corneal transplantation by instillation administration.
Imaging quality of multifocal intraocular lenses: automated assessment setup
Authors: Calatayud Arnau , Remón Laura , Martos Julio , Furlan Walter D , Monsoriu Juan A
Published: June 2013

Purpose

A new technique for the assessment of the optical quality of multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) under monochromatic and polychromatic illumination is presented.

Methods

The system provides, in a totally automated procedure, the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the lens under test for different axial positions of the object. The artificial eye admits different artificial corneas, to optimise the axial resolution in the sampling of the MTF of the MIOL under test, and different pupils, to test the dependence of the optical performance of the MIOL on the eye pupil diameter.

Results

The performance and sensitivity of the apparatus is tested with different commercial MIOLs. The through‐focus MTF for a refractive MIOL was measured at different moments during the process of hydration of a hydrophilic lens. Next, to show the performance of our proposal, two commercial refractive and diffractive MIOLs were evaluated.

Conclusions

We have designed a precise and robust optical method for testing MIOLs in vitro. The proposed method represents a valuable technical improvement to make the procedure of MIOL evaluation more versatile, efficient and trustworthy.
Retinal image quality during accommodation
Authors: López‐Gil Norberto , Martin Jesson , Liu Tao , Bradley Arthur , Díaz‐Muñoz David , Thibos Larry N
Published: June 2013

Purpose

We asked if retinal image quality is maximum during accommodation, or sub‐optimal due to accommodative error, when subjects perform an acuity task.

Methods

Subjects viewed a monochromatic (552 nm), high‐contrast letter target placed at various viewing distances. Wavefront aberrations of the accommodating eye were measured near the endpoint of an acuity staircase paradigm. Refractive state, defined as the optimum target vergence for maximising retinal image quality, was computed by through‐focus wavefront analysis to find the power of the virtual correcting lens that maximizes visual Strehl ratio.

Results

Despite changes in ocular aberrations and pupil size during binocular viewing, retinal image quality and visual acuity typically remain high for all target vergences. When accommodative errors lead to sub‐optimal retinal image quality, acuity and measured image quality both decline. However, the effect of accommodation errors of on visual acuity are mitigated by pupillary constriction associated with accommodation and binocular convergence and also to binocular summation of dissimilar retinal image blur. Under monocular viewing conditions some subjects displayed significant accommodative lag that reduced visual performance, an effect that was exacerbated by pharmacological dilation of the pupil.

Conclusions

Spurious measurement of accommodative error can be avoided when the image quality metric used to determine refractive state is compatible with the focusing criteria used by the visual system to control accommodation. Real focusing errors of the accommodating eye do not necessarily produce a reliably measurable loss of image quality or clinically significant loss of visual performance, probably because of increased depth‐of‐focus due to pupil constriction. When retinal image quality is close to maximum achievable (given the eye's higher‐order aberrations), acuity is also near maximum. A combination of accommodative lag, reduced image quality, and reduced visual function may be a useful sign for diagnosing functionally‐significant accommodative errors indicating the need for therapeutic intervention.
Evaluation of the Number of Binding Sites in Proteins from their Intrinsic Fluorescence: Limitations and Pitfalls
Authors: Lissi Eduardo , Calderón Cristian , Campos Ana
Published: June 2013

Changes in the intrinsic protein fluorescence with the additive concentration provide one of the most employed methodologies for the evaluation of the binding constant and the number of binding sites. In the last years, more than 175 studies have been published where the double logarithmic plot shown below is used toward determining the number of equivalent binding sites (n).Log [(F° − F)/F] = log K + nlog [Q0]. However, the value of n evaluated by this procedure is unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites; rather it represents the stoichiometry of the binding step. The confusion on the meaning of n arises upon assuming that the binding process is represented by the forward and backward elementary steps shown below, implying that binding of the n solutes takes place simultaneously,i.e.there are no intermediate species.nQ + P ⇆ QnP. The conclusion thatnis unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites is supported by the fact that in all the systems considered (99% of them) n values are close to one and much smaller than those obtained by ultrafiltration. It is then remarkable, the profusion of publications in peer‐reviewed, specialized journals including a conceptual error that confuses Hill′s coefficient and/or the stoichiometry of the binding step with the number of independent binding sites. Here, we discuss the origin of this common misconception and provide alternative methods to determine the number of binding sites.
Ages and Sources of Ore‐Related Porphyries at Yongping Cu–Mo Deposit in Jiangxi Province, Southeast China
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Watanabe Yasushi , Yi Xiankui
Published: June 2013

Whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes analyses were performed on ore‐related dacite porphyry and quartz porphyry at the Yongping Cu–Mo deposit in Southeast China. The geochemical results show that these porphyry stocks have similar REE patterns, and primitive mantle‐normalized spectra show LILE‐enrichment (Ba, Rb, K) and HFSE (Th, Nb, Ta, Ti) depletion. The zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronologic results show that the ore‐related porphyries were emplaced at 162–156 Ma. Hydrothermal muscovite of the quartz porphyry yields a plateau age of 162.1 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ). Two hydrothermal biotite samples of the dacite porphyry show plateau ages of 164 ± 1.3 and 163.8 ± 1.3 Ma. Two molybdenite samples from quartz+molybdenite veins contained in the quartz porphyry yield Re–Os ages of 156.7 ± 2.8 Ma and 155.7 ± 3.6 Ma. The ages of molybdenite coeval to zircon and biotite and muscovite ages of the porphyries within the errors suggest that the Mo mineralization was genetically related to the magmatic emplacement. The whole rocks Nd–Sr isotopic data obtained from both the dacite and quartz porphyries suggest partial melting of the Meso‐Proterozoic crust in contribution to the magma process. The zircon Hf isotopic data also indicate the crustal component is the dominated during the magma generation.
Geochronology of the Limu W–Sn–Nb–Ta‐Bearing Granite Pluton in South China
Authors: Feng Zuohai , Kang Zhiqiang , Yang Feng , Liao Jiafei , Wang Chunzeng
Published: June 2013

Limu W–Sn–Nb–Ta mining district is located in the Nanling Range W–Sn poly‐metallic mineralization belt in south China. The district includes a number of Sn–Nb–Ta and W–Sn ore occurrences; all of them are spatially associated with granite stocks of a largely‐unexposed pluton, the Limu granitic pluton. A granite sample collected from the Sn–Nb–Ta‐bearing Jinzhuyuan granite stock yields a zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of 218.3 ± 2.4 Ma, a muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 212.4 ± 1.4 Ma, and a muscovite 40Ar/39Ar isochron age of 213.2 ± 2.2 Ma. Another granite sample collected from the W–Sn‐bearing Sangehuangniu granite stock yields a zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of 214 ± 5 Ma. The geochronological data provide new constraints on the age of the Limu granite pluton and the timing of the associated W–Sn–Nb–Ta mineralization—at least it sets a reasonable upper age limit for the mineralization of the W–Sn–Nb–Ta ores. The reported ages suggest an active Late Triassic granitic magmatism in Limu area which is part of a regional magmatic event near the end of the Indosinian orogeny in south China.
U–Pb and Re–Os Ages of the Huaheitan Molybdenum Deposit, NW China
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Lü Xinbiao , Chen Chao , Cao Xiaofeng , Wu Chunming
Published: June 2013

The Huaheitan molybdenum deposit in the Beishan area of northwest China consists of quartz‐sulfide veins. Orebodies occur in the contact zone of the Huaniushan granite. LA‐ICPMS U–Pb zircon dating constrains the crystallization of the granite at 225.6 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 4.5). Re–Os dating of five molybdenite samples yield model ages ranging from 223.2 ± 3.5 Ma to 228.6 ± 3.4 Ma, with an average of 225.2 ± 2.4 Ma. The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are identical within the error, suggesting that the granite and related Huaheitan molybdenum deposit formed in the Late Triassic. Our new data, combined with published geochronological results from the other molybdenum deposits in this region, imply that intensive magmatism and Mo mineralization occurred during 240 Ma to 220 Ma throughout the Beishan area.
Are emotional intelligent workers also more empathic?
Authors: Martos Maria Pilar Berrios , Lopez‐Zafra Esther , Pulido‐Martos Manuel , Augusto José María
Published: June 2013

This paper analyzes whether emotional intelligence and self‐monitoring are related to empathy among a sample of workers in both the public and private employment sectors. Two hundred and forty‐two employees (42.5% men and 57.5% women) with a mean age of 35.21 years (SD = 10.07, range 18–61) completed a questionnaire that measured the variables of interest. The results showed that emotion regulation, a dimension of emotional intelligence, accounts for most of the variance of empathy, followed by the ability to understand emotions and the management of others' emotions. Furthermore, gender did not yield any moderator effect on the relations among emotional intelligence, self‐monitoring and empathy. We conclude that the intrapersonal aspects of emotional intelligence, in particular, emotion regulation, help explain the empathy of workers. The implications of these findings are discussed herein.
Prevalence and associated factors of poly‐victimization in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Dong Fanghong , Cao Fenglin , Cheng Peixia , Cui Naixue , Li Yang
Published: June 2013

Multiple types of victimization or poly‐victimization (PV) can occur simultaneously during childhood, resulting in outcomes that are detrimental and difficult to reverse. Very few studies have focused on PV in Chinese adolescents. The present study is based on information collected from a stratified cluster sample of 1,561 females and 1,594 males aged 12–18 years living in Shandong Province, China. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to assess background information, the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire was used to measure the extent of victimization and PV, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders was used to measure anxiety levels, and a Depression Self‐rating Scale for Children was used to ascertain depression. A majority of the study sample (66.2%) had experienced at least one form of victimization over the past year. Prevalence of PV was 16.9%, and was significantly higher among males (21.1%) than females (12.5%). Younger ages, one‐child families, and lower socioeconomic status were positively associated with PV. Logistic regression analysis indicated that smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to pornography, and anxiety‐ and depression‐like symptoms were risk factors of PV. Results of this study highlight the need for further exploration of factors related to the PV of Chinese adolescents.
Stochastic model for estimating the risk of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B in Vietnam
Authors: Viet L. , Husebekk A. , Husum H. , Skjerve E.
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

Transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may originate from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) false‐negative blood donors, HBsAg negative and anti‐HBc positive blood donors and blood donors with both tests negative. HBV DNA may be present in all these cases and blood may be infectious. The aim of the study was to estimate the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV in Vietnam using a stochastic Monte Carlo model.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of HBV prevalence in 1200 potential blood donors in rural Vietnam is used as basis for the Monte Carlo model together with expert panel estimates of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) prevalence in blood donors.

Results

With 1 000 000 blood donors running in the model, the potential OBI ranged from 658 to 747 blood units per million at 5 percentile and from 1342 to 2507 blood units per million at 95 percentile resulting in the risk of post‐transfusion hepatitis ranging from 66 to 250 blood units per million assuming that risk of post‐transfusion from potential OBI is 10%. Using the manufacturer's HBsAg sensitivity, the mean rate of blood units per million donations having false‐negative HBsAg results was 298 (5–95 percentile: 14–893). When the test sensitivity was set lower, false‐negative tests was observed at a mean of 1087 per million (5–95 percentile: 762–3220). The fraction of potential OBI donors increased with the increasing age in both genders.

Conclusion

Current HBsAg screening in Vietnam is insufficient in eliminating the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection. The major risk factors are HBsAg false‐negative results and OBI. Increased test sensitivity and locally validated HBsAg assays are recommended.
Bio-Inspired Segmented Flow: Effect of Particle Elongation on the Heat Transfer
Authors: Small Laura , Hassanipour Fatemeh
Published: June 2013

This study presents numerical simulations of forced convection heat transfer with parachute-shaped segmented flow. The particles are encapsulated phase-change material flowing with water through a square cross-section duct with iso-flux boundaries. The system is inspired by the gas exchange process in the alveolar capillaries between red blood cells and lung tissue. A numerical model is developed for the motion of elongated encapsulated phase-change particles along a channel in a particulate flow where particle diameters are comparable with the channel height. The heat transfer enhancement for the parachute-shaped particles is compared with that of the spherical particles. Results reveal that the snug movement of the particles has the key role in heat transfer efficiency. The parachute-shaped geometry produces small changes in the heat transfer coefficient compared to a spherical geometry. However, the parachute-shaped particle flow is more robust to changes in particle concentration inside the channel.
Cloud computing in medical imaging
Authors: Kagadis George C. , Kloukinas Christos , Moore Kevin , Philbin Jim , Papadimitroulas Panagiotis , Alexakos Christos , Nagy Paul G. , Visvikis Dimitris , Hendee William R.
Published: June 2013

Over the past century technology has played a decisive role in defining, driving, and reinventing procedures, devices, and pharmaceuticals in healthcare. Cloud computing has been introduced only recently but is already one of the major topics of discussion in research and clinical settings. The provision of extensive, easily accessible, and reconfigurable resources such as virtual systems, platforms, and applications with low service cost has caught the attention of many researchers and clinicians. Healthcare researchers are moving their efforts to the cloud, because they need adequate resources to process, store, exchange, and use large quantities of medical data. This Vision 20/20 paper addresses major questions related to the applicability of advanced cloud computing in medical imaging. The paper also considers security and ethical issues that accompany cloud computing.
Sept4/
ARTS Regulates Stem Cell Apoptosis and Skin Regeneration
Authors: Fuchs Yaron , Brown Samara , Gorenc Travis , Rodriguez Joe , Fuchs Elaine , Steller Hermann
Published: June 2013

Stem Cells in Wound Healing

Although excessive numbers of stem cells (SCs) may increase the risk of cancer, elevated SC numbers may be desirable, at least transiently, for the promotion of tissue repair and regeneration.

Fuchs
et al.

(p.
286
, published online 20 June) found that mice deficient for the proapoptotic
Sept4
/ARTS gene have elevated numbers of apoptosis-resistant hair follicle SCs and display dramatic improvement in wound healing and regeneration. Inactivation of the caspase inhibitor XIAP, a direct target for the proapoptotic activity of ARTS, abrogated these phenotypes and impaired wound healing.
Bright Hot Impacts by Erupted Fragments Falling Back on the Sun: A Template for Stellar Accretion
Authors: Reale Fabio , Orlando Salvatore , Testa Paola , Peres Giovanni , Landi Enrico , Schrijver Carolus J.
Published: June 2013

Accretion Analog

Mass flow from a circumstellar disk onto a young star's surface plays an important role in the final stages of star formation but the details of this complex process are not well understood.

Reale
et al.

(p.
251
, published online 20 June) analyzed a solar flare that led to bright impacts of plasma onto the solar surface. Numerical simulations suggest that these events can be seen as analogs to accretion of matter onto stars and can thus be used to understand stellar accretion.
100 Years of Atomic Theory
Authors: Clary David C.
Published: June 2013

One hundred years ago, Niels Bohr's pioneering paper on the electronic structure of the hydrogen atom revolutionized atomic theory.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pediocin-Encoding Biopreservative and Biocontrol Strain Pediococcus acidilactici D3
Authors: Sturino Joseph M. , Rajendran Mahitha , Altermann Eric
Published: June 2013

We describe a draft genome sequence for
Pediococcus acidilactici
strain D3, a component of multistrain commercial cultures with biopreservative and biocontrol properties in food-based applications. Strain D3 encodes at least one antimicrobial peptide, pediocin AMPd3. The AMPd3-encoding operon exhibits high sequence similarity to the archetype pediocin, PA-1, encoded by
P. acidilactici
PAC 1.0.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus atrophaeus UCMB-5137, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium
Authors: Chan Wai Yin , Dietel Kristin , Lapa Svitlana V. , Avdeeva Lilija V. , Borriss Rainer , Reva Oleg N.
Published: June 2013

Bacillus atrophaeus
UCMB-5137 shows an extraordinary activity in root colonization and plant and crop protection. Its draft genome sequence comprises 21 contigs of 4.11 Mb, harboring 4,167 coding sequences (CDS). The genome carries several genes encoding antimicrobial lipopeptides and polyketides. Multiple horizontally acquired genes of possible importance for plant colonization were also found.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus V110, Isolated from Shrimp in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Sheng
Published: June 2013

We report the whole-genome sequence of a
tdh
- and
trh
-negative
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
strain, V110, from shrimp. The major difference of V110 from clinical strains was its lack of the type III secretion system T3SS2, a key component of virulence. Further sequence comparison can shed light on the pathogenesis of
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus rhodnii Strain LMG5362, a Symbiont of
Rhodnius prolixus
(Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), the Principle Vector of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Pachebat Justin A. , van Keulen Geertje , Whitten Miranda M. A. , Girdwood Susan , Del Sol Ricardo , Dyson Paul J. , Facey Paul D.
Published: June 2013

We report the 4,385,577-bp high-quality draft assembly of the bacterial symbiont
Rhodococcus rhodnii
strain LMG5362, isolated from the gut of
Rhodnius prolixus
(Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), the principle vector of the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This sequence might provide useful information for subsequent studies of the symbiotic relationship between
Rd. prolixus
and
Rc. rhodnii
, while also providing a starting point for the development of biotechnological applications for the control of
Rd. prolixus
.
Genome Sequence of the Pectobacterium atrosepticum Strain CFBP6276, Causing Blackleg and Soft Rot Diseases on Potato Plants and Tubers
Authors: Kwasiborski Anthony , Mondy Samuel , Beury-Cirou Amélie , Faure Denis
Published: June 2013

Pectobacterium atrosepticum
strain CFBP6276 is a pectinolytic enterobacterium causing blackleg and soft rot of the stem and tuber of
Solanum tuberosum
. Its virulence is under the control of quorum sensing, with
N
-acylhomoserine lactones as communication signals. Here, we report the genome sequence of
P
.
atrosepticum
strain CFBP6276.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas molluscorum Strain 848T
T
, Isolated from Bivalve Molluscs
Authors: Spataro Nino , Farfán Maribel , Albarral Vicenta , Sanglas Ariadna , Lorén J. Gaspar , Fusté M. Carmen , Bosch Elena
Published: June 2013

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Aeromonas molluscorum
848T, the type strain of this
Aeromonas
species, which was isolated from wedge shells (
Donax trunculus
) obtained from a retail market in Barcelona, Spain, in 1997.
Blind endovascular catheterization and direct access of an occluded superior ophthalmic vein for treatment of carotid cavernous fistula
Authors: Alaraj Ali , Kim Bobby , Oh Gerald , Aletich Victor
Published: June 2013

We describe a case of an elderly patient who presented with right-sided ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, chemosis, and increased intraocular pressure. An angiogram showed feeding vessels from the bilateral internal and external carotid arteries. Our initial attempt to blindly probe the inferior petrosal sinus was unsuccessful. This was followed by a right anterior orbitotomy exposing the superior ophthalmic vein which was directly cannulated with an 18 gauge angiocatheter. However, a proximal third of the superior ophthalmic vein within the orbit which was thrombosed was probed blindly. The thrombosed vein was cannulated with a microcatheter to obtain coil embolization of the carotid cavernous fistula. The implications of the procedure are discussed, given that, to our knowledge, such an endeavor has never been performed.
Simple concept that could have a massive impact
Authors: Shervell Kate
Published: June 2013

In September this year, volunteers with Mission Rabies will be aiming to vaccinate 50,000 dogs across India against rabies, to help reduce the number of people who die from the disease in India each year. Kate Shervell, the initiative's international director, explains why the project is so important
EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITION IN THE GHANAIAN BANKING INDUSTRY: A PANEL GRANGER CAUSALITY APPROACH
Authors: ADJEI-FRIMPONG KOFI , GAN CHRISTOPHER , HU BAIDING
Published: June 2013

This study examines the causal link between bank efficiency and bank competition. The study estimates bank competition with the Lerner index and bank cost efficiency with data envelopment analysis using annual data over the period 2001–2010. Using system generalized method of moments (system GMM) estimator, the results suggest that bank cost efficiency positively Granger-causes market power and hence causality negatively runs from bank cost efficiency to bank competition indicating that bank cost efficiency precedes bank competition. However, the reverse causality running from bank competition to bank cost efficiency is not supported.
Metamorphic zircon: tracking fluid pathways and the implications for the preservation of detrital zircon
Authors: Dempster Tim , Chung Peter
Published: June 2013

Zircon in greenschist-facies Dalradian metasedimentary rocks of Scotland is characterized by two types: large detrital grains and small euhedral metamorphic grains. The former are concentrated in psammites and contain abundant evidence of dissolution and reaction with metamorphic fluids. The smallest metamorphic microzircons (<9 µm
2
) represent >65% of zircon grains, are clustered within pelites and form in aligned arrays that cut across the bedding. The combination of textural characteristics with the spatial distribution shows that the growth of microzircon occurred in a small-scale crack network that developed after folding, reflecting precipitation from locally derived metamorphic fluids. Zircons within psammites in the hinge of an antiform show an enhanced metamorphic response suggesting focusing of fluids by the fold. Metamorphic zircon may be successfully used to map detailed fluid pathways, providing a unique approach to monitoring permeability structure in the crust. The scarcity of unmodified detrital zircon, which forms <7% of larger grains, indicates that major biases in the preservation potential of zircon are generated during metamorphism. These biases may feed through into the U–Pb ages of detrital zircons that are analysed from metamorphic rocks and hence into models of crustal evolution.

Supplementary material:

The location data (
x
,
y
coordinates), sizes and shape descriptors for the zircon grains are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18605
.
Raman spectroscopy in heavy-mineral studies
Authors: Andò Sergio , Garzanti Eduardo
Published: June 2013

Raman spectroscopy is an innovative tool with tremendous potential, serving as a fundamental complement to a variety of provenance methods including heavy-mineral analysis and detrital geochronology. Because of its accuracy, efficiency and versatility, the results of the Raman technique are indispensable for fully reliable identification of heavy minerals in grain mounts or thin sections. Thorny long-standing problems that cannot be solved confidently with a polarizing microscope alone, such as the determination of opaque and altered heavy minerals, of detrital grains as small as a few microns, or of colourless crystals with uncertain orientation and rounded morphology, can finally be addressed. Although the method can be highly automatized, the full ability and experience of the operator is required to combine Raman data with the optical information obtained under the microscope on the same grains, which is essential for the efficient application of the method in provenance studies. This article provides exemplary Raman spectra useful for the comparison and determination of over 70 different opaque and transparent heavy-mineral species commonly found in sediments, conveying specific information on the genesis of their source rocks, and thus is particularly useful in provenance diagnoses and palaeotectonic reconstructions.

Supplementary material:

Detailed information on the lasers used and the origin of the analysed minerals is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18615
.
An imbalance between VEGF and endostatin underlies impaired angiogenesis in gastric mucosa of aging rats
Authors: Ahluwalia Amrita , Jones Michael K. , Deng Xiaoming , Sandor Zsusanna , Szabo Sandor , Tarnawski Andrzej S.
Published: June 2013

Gastric mucosa of aging individuals exhibits increased susceptibility to injury and delayed healing. Our previous studies in young rats showed that healing of mucosal injury depends on and is critically dependent on VEGF and angiogenesis. Since angiogenesis in aging gastric mucosa has not been examined before, in this study we examined the extent to which angiogenesis is impaired in gastric mucosa of aging vs. young rats and determined the underlying mechanisms with a focus on mucosal expression of VEGF (proangiogenic factor) and endostatin (antiangiogenic factor). Aging rats had significantly impaired gastric angiogenesis by ∼12-fold, 5-fold, 4-fold, and 3-fold, respectively (vs. young rats; all P < 0.001) at 24, 48, 72, and 120 h following ethanol-induced gastric injury and reduced and delayed healing of mucosal erosions. In gastric mucosa of aging (vs. young) rats at baseline, VEGF expression was significantly reduced, whereas endostatin levels were significantly increased ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In contrast to young rats, gastric mucosal VEGF levels did not increase following ethanol-induced injury in aging rats. MMP-9 enzyme activity was significantly higher in gastric mucosa of aging vs. young rats both at baseline (2.7-fold) and 24 h (3.8-fold) after ethanol injury (both P < 0.001). Since endostatin is generated from collagen XVIII by MMP-9, this finding can explain the mechanism of increased endostatin expression in aging gastric mucosa. The above findings demonstrate that reduced VEGF and increased endostatin result in the impaired angiogenesis and delayed injury healing in gastric mucosa of aging rats.
Redox regulation of insulin sensitivity due to enhanced fatty acid utilization in the mitochondria
Authors: Rindler Paul M. , Crewe Clair L. , Fernandes Jolyn , Kinter Michael , Szweda Luke I.
Published: June 2013

Obesity enhances the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Loss in insulin sensitivity and diminished ability of muscle to take up and use glucose are characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, regulatory mechanisms that promote utilization of fatty acids appear to initiate diet-induced insulin insensitivity. In this review, we discuss recent findings implicating increased mitochondrial production of the prooxidant H2O2 due to enhanced utilization of fatty acids, as a signal to diminish reliance on glucose and its metabolites for energy. In the short term, the ability to preferentially use fatty acids may be beneficial, promoting a metabolic shift that ensures use of available fat by skeletal muscle and heart while preventing intracellular glucose accumulation and toxicity. However, with prolonged consumption of high dietary fat and ensuing obesity, the near exclusive dependence on fatty acid oxidation for production of energy by the mitochondria drives insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial and lipid droplet content assessed with standardized grid sizes for stereology
Authors: Broskey Nicholas T. , Daraspe Jean , Humbel Bruno M. , Amati Francesca
Published: June 2013

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial (Mito) and lipid droplet (Lipid) content are often measured in human translational studies. Stereological point counting allows computing Mito and Lipid volume density (Vd) from micrographs taken with transmission electron microscopes. Former studies are not specific as to the size of individual squares that make up the grids, making reproducibility difficult, particularly when different magnifications are used. Our objective was to determine which size grid would be best at predicting fractional volume efficiently without sacrificing reliability and to test a novel method to reduce sampling bias. Methods: ten subjects underwent vastus lateralis biopsies. Samples were fixed, embedded, and cut longitudinally in ultrathin sections of 60 nm. Twenty micrographs from the intramyofibrillar region were taken per subject at ×33,000 magnification. Different grid sizes were superimposed on each micrograph: 1,000 × 1,000 nm, 500 × 500 nm, and 250 × 250 nm. Results: mean Mito and Lipid Vd were not statistically different across grids. Variability was greater when going from 1,000 × 1,000 to 500 × 500 nm grid than from 500 × 500 to 250 × 250 nm grid. Discussion: this study is the first to attempt to standardize grid size while keeping with the conventional stereology principles. This is all in hopes of producing replicable assessments that can be obtained universally across different studies looking at human skeletal muscle mitochondrial and lipid droplet content.