bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Mouth Rinses on the Color Stability of Resin‐Based Restorative Materials
Authors: ElEmbaby Abeer El‐Sayed
Published: July 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the color stability of three direct resin‐based restorative materials: IPS Empress Direct (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Nano‐filled composite (Filtek Z 350 XT, 3 M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), and Nano‐hybrid composite (Tetric Evo Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) upon immersion into the following three mouth rinses: Antiseptol (Kahira Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries Co. Cairo‐Egypt), Flucal (Alexandria Co. Pharmaceuticals Alexandria, Egypt), and Listerine (Johnson & Johnson, UK).

Materials and Methods

Ninety disc‐shaped, 12 mm × 1 mm specimens were divided into three groups according to the type of direct resin‐based restorative material used. The specimens were randomly subdivided into three different subgroups (N = 10) in terms of immersion medium.

Color change was evaluated prior to and after immersion into the mouth rinses for 24 hours by spectrophotometry (Shimadzu, UV‐3101 PC Shimadzu Corporation. Kyoto, Japan).

Results

Data were statistically analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the color stability of the restorative materials. The post hoc Scheffe's test was applied to clarify pair‐wise statistical significance. Results with p‐values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. IPS Empress Direct (ΔE = 1.48) exhibited more favorable stability than the other tested composite resins, Filtek Z 350 X (ΔE = 3.05) and Tetric Evo Ceram (ΔE = 10.35). The immersion media elicited a significant effect on the color stability of the tested, resin‐based restorative materials, where Flucal elicited the most significant color change, followed by Listerine and Antiseptol, which elicited the least significant color change.

Conclusions

Within the limitation of this laboratory study, the following conclusions could be drawn: (1) The composite structure, namely the resin formulation, which includes the filler size and type of photo‐initiator, has a direct impact on its susceptibility to stain by external agents; (2) Mouth rinses can be considered stainable solutions; (3) The chemical formulation of individual mouth rinses can significantly control their ability to stain.

Clinical Significance

Patient use of mouth rinses should be subject to dental supervision to control their adverse effects on the aesthetic quality of the restoration. Knowing the composition of the restorative material is important, as is its polymerization cycle and the promotion of adequate surface texture in order to select the appropriate material for each clinical application, and to use it in an effective way to promote its best properties.
Temporal and spatial patterns in tumour prevalence in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus (Lesueur) in the tidal Potomac River watershed (USA)
Authors: Pinkney A E , Harshbarger J C , Rutter M A
Published: July 2014

For two decades, fish tumour surveys have been used to monitor habitat quality in the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed. Tributaries with sediments contaminated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known to cause liver neoplasia, were frequently targeted. Here, we compare surveys in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus conducted in 2009–2011 in the tidal Potomac River watershed (including the Anacostia River) with previous surveys. Using logistic regression, we identified length and sex as covariates for liver and skin tumours. We reported a statistically significant decrease in liver tumour probabilities for standardized 280 mm Anacostia bullheads between the 1996 and 2001 samplings (merged collections: female–77.5%, male–43.0%) and 2009–2011 (female–42.2%, male–13.6%). However, liver tumour prevalence in bullheads from the Anacostia, Potomac River (Washington, DC) and Piscataway Creek (17 km downriver) was significantly higher than that for Chesapeake Bay watershed reference locations. The causes of skin tumours in bullheads are uncertain, requiring further research. The similar liver tumour prevalence in these three locations suggests that the problem is regional rather than restricted to the Anacostia. To monitor habitat quality and the success of pollution control actions, we recommend conducting tumour surveys on a 5‐year cycle coordinated with sediment chemistry analyses.
Anatomo‐functional study of the temporo‐parieto‐occipital region: dissection, tractographic and brain mapping evidence from a neurosurgical perspective
Authors: De Benedictis Alessandro , Duffau Hugues , Paradiso Beatrice , Grandi Enrico , Balbi Sergio , Granieri Enrico , Colarusso Enzo , Chioffi Franco , Marras Carlo Efisio , Sarubbo Silvio
Published: July 2014

The temporo‐parieto‐occipital (TPO) junction is a complex brain territory heavily involved in several high‐level neurological functions, such as language, visuo‐spatial recognition, writing, reading, symbol processing, calculation, self‐processing, working memory, musical memory, and face and object recognition. Recent studies indicate that this area is covered by a thick network of white matter (WM) connections, which provide efficient and multimodal integration of information between both local and distant cortical nodes. It is important for neurosurgeons to have good knowledge of the three‐dimensional subcortical organisation of this highly connected region to minimise post‐operative permanent deficits. The aim of this dissection study was to highlight the subcortical functional anatomy from a topographical surgical perspective. Eight human hemispheres (four left, four right) obtained from four human cadavers were dissected according to Klingler's technique. Proceeding latero‐medially, the authors describe the anatomical courses of and the relationships between the main pathways crossing the TPO. The results obtained from dissection were first integrated with diffusion tensor imaging reconstructions and subsequently with functional data obtained from three surgical cases, all resection of infiltrating glial tumours using direct electrical mapping in awake patients. The subcortical limits for performing safe lesionectomies within the TPO region are as follows: within the parietal region, the anterior horizontal part of the superior longitudinal fasciculus and, more deeply, the arcuate fasciculus; dorsally, the vertical projective thalamo‐cortical fibres. For lesions located within the temporal and occipital lobes, the resection should be tailored according to the orientation of the horizontal associative pathways (the inferior fronto‐occipital fascicle, inferior longitudinal fascicle and optic radiation). The relationships between the WM tracts and the ventricle system were also examined. These results indicate that a detailed anatomo‐functional awareness of the WM architecture within the TPO area is mandatory when approaching intrinsic brain lesions to optimise surgical results and to minimise post‐operative morbidity.
PSI Mehler reaction is the main alternative photosynthetic electron pathway in Symbiodinium sp., symbiotic dinoflagellates of cnidarians
Authors: Roberty Stéphane , Bailleul Benjamin , Berne Nicolas , Franck Fabrice , Cardol Pierre
Published: July 2014

Photosynthetic organisms have developed various photoprotective mechanisms to cope with exposure to high light intensities. In photosynthetic dinoflagellates that live in symbiosis with cnidarians, the nature and relative amplitude of these regulatory mechanisms are a matter of debate. In our study, the amplitude of photosynthetic alternative electron flows (AEF) to oxygen (chlororespiration, Mehler reaction), the mitochondrial respiration and the Photosystem I (PSI) cyclic electron flow were investigated in strains belonging to three clades (A1, B1 and F1) of Symbiodinium.

Cultured Symbiodinium strains were maintained under identical environmental conditions, and measurements of oxygen evolution, fluorescence emission and absorption changes at specific wavelengths were used to evaluate PSI and PSII electron transfer rates (ETR).

A light‐ and O2‐dependent ETR was observed in all strains. This electron transfer chain involves PSII and PSI and is insensitive to inhibitors of mitochondrial activity and carbon fixation.

We demonstrate that in all strains, the Mehler reaction responsible for photoreduction of oxygen by the PSI under high light, is the main AEF at the onset and at the steady state of photosynthesis. This sustained photosynthetic AEF under high light intensities acts as a photoprotective mechanism and leads to an increase of the ATP/NADPH ratio.
Environmental nutrient supply alters prevalence and weakens competitive interactions among coinfecting viruses
Authors: Lacroix Christelle , Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2014

The rates and ratios of environmental nutrient supplies can determine plant community composition. However, the effect of nutrient supplies on within‐host microbial interactions is poorly understood. Resource competition is a promising theory for understanding microbial interactions, because microparasites require nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for synthesis of macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins.

To better understand the effects of nutrient supplies to hosts on pathogen interactions, we singly inoculated and coinoculated Avena sativa with two virus species, barley yellow dwarf virus‐PAV (BYDV‐PAV) and cereal yellow dwarf virus‐RPV (CYDV‐RPV). Host plants were grown across a factorial combination of N and P supply rates that created a gradient of N : P supply ratios, one being replicated at low and high nutrient supply.

Nutrient supply affected prevalence and the interaction strength among viruses. P addition lowered CYDV‐RPV prevalence. The two viruses had a distinct competitive hierarchy: the coinoculation of BYDV‐PAV lowered CYDV‐RPV infection rate, but the reverse was not true. This antagonistic interaction occurred at low nutrient supply rates and disappeared at high N supply rate.

Given the global scale of human alterations of N and P cycles, these results suggest that elevated nutrient supply will increase risks of virus coinfection with likely effects on virus epidemiology, virulence and evolution.
Indirect positive effects of a parasitic plant on host pollination and seed dispersal
Authors: Candia Alina B. , Medel Rodrigo , Fontúrbel Francisco E.
Published: July 2014

Parasitic plants often have a strong fitness‐impact on their plant hosts through increased host mortality and reduced or complete suppression of reproduction. Tristerix corymbosus (Loranthaceae) is a hemiparasitic mistletoe that infects a wide range of host species along its distribution range. Among such species, Rhaphithamnus spinosus (Verbenaceae) is a frequent host with a flowering and fruiting season partially synchronized with mistletoe reproductive phenology. As parasitized hosts have, in principle, a larger flower display and fruit crop size than non‐parasitized hosts, we examined whether host and parasite reproductive synchrony make infected hosts more attractive for pollinators and seed dispersers than uninfected hosts. Our results showed that pollinator visit rates did not differ between parasitized and non‐parasitized hosts. Conversely, seed rain was higher in parasitized than non‐parasitized individuals. The number of seeds fallen under non‐parasitized plants was spatially associated with crop size, while parasitized plants did not show such association. Finally, the number of seedlings of R. spinosus was significantly larger near parasitized than non‐parasitized hosts. Our results suggest that the presence of the mistletoe might be responsible of the higher reproductive success showed by the parasitized fraction of R. spinosus. This effect, however, seems to be related to seed dispersal processes rather than pollination effects.
Familial psychological factors are associated with encopresis
Authors: Akdemir Devrim , Çengel Kültür S Ebru , Saltık Temizel İnci Nur , Zeki Ayşe , Şenses Dinç Gülser
Published: July 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to assess maternal psychiatric symptoms, family functioning and parenting styles in children with encopresis.

Methods

Forty‐one children with encopresis were compared to 29 children without any psychiatric disorder.

Results

Higher maternal psychiatric symptoms were found in children with encopresis. The general family functioning and strictness/supervision in parenting were significant predictors of encopresis.

Conclusions

Family functioning may be screened in children with encopresis, especially when standard interventions have had limited success. Identification and treatment of familial factors may enhance the treatment efficacy in encopresis.
Effect of muscle weakness distribution on balance in neuromuscular disease
Authors: Kaya Pınar , Alemdaroğlu İpek , Yılmaz Öznur , Karaduman Ayşe , Topaloğlu Haluk
Published: July 2014

Background

To assess balance and identify the effects of muscle weakness distribution on balance in children with different neuromuscular diseases.

Methods

Forty ambulant, pediatric patients with neuromuscular disease were enrolled in the study. Patients were separated into two groups according to muscle weakness distribution as group 1 (proximal) and group 2 (distal). Demographic data were recorded. Functional level (Brooke lower extremity functional classification), muscular strength (manual muscle testing), balance (pediatric functional reach test [PFRT], timed up‐and‐go test [TUGT], stabilometric platform) and functional performance (6 min walk test [6MWT]) were assessed.

Results

Group 1 consisted of 20 Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, and group 2, of 20 neuropathy patients. The total lower, upper limbs and trunk muscles muscle strength (P < 0.05); forward and right side reach subsections of the sitting position, and PFRT total score (P < 0.01) were significantly different between the groups. TUGT results were 7.79 ± 1.54 s and 10.13 ± 2.63 s, respectively, in group 1 and 2 (z = −2950; P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference between groups in any performance parameters of the 6MWT was found (P ≥ 0.05). Anterior body balance was found to be dominant in group 1, while posterior body balance was dominant in group 2 (P ≤ 0.05) measured by stabilometric platform.

Conclusions

The distal group was particularly affected regarding dynamic balance, and the proximal group regarding static balance. Muscle strength was important for providing dynamic stability in the distal group, and for maintaining proximal stabilization during dynamic activities in the proximal group.
A trial of plerixafor adjunctive therapy in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with minimal conditioning for severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Dvorak Christopher C. , Horn Biljana N. , Puck Jennifer M. , Czechowicz Agnieszka , Shizuru Judy A. , Ko Rose M. , Cowan Morton J.
Published: July 2014

For infants with SCID, the ideal conditioning regimen before allogeneic HCT would omit cytotoxic chemotherapy to minimize short‐ and long‐term complications. We performed a prospective pilot trial with G‐CSF plus plerixafor given to the host to mobilize HSC from their niches. We enrolled six patients who received CD34‐selected haploidentical cells and one who received T‐replete matched unrelated BM. All patients receiving G‐CSF and plerixafor had generally poor CD34+ cell and Lin‐CD34+CD38−CD90+CD45RA− HSC mobilization, and developed donor T cells, but no donor myeloid or B‐cell engraftment. Although well tolerated, G‐CSF plus plerixafor alone failed to overcome physical barriers to donor engraftment.
A trial of alemtuzumab adjunctive therapy in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with minimal conditioning for severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Dvorak Christopher C. , Horn Biljana N. , Puck Jennifer M. , Adams Stuart , Veys Paul , Czechowicz Agnieszka , Cowan Morton J.
Published: July 2014

For infants with SCID the ideal conditioning regimen before allogeneic HCT would omit cytotoxic chemotherapy to minimize short‐ and long‐term complications. We performed a prospective pilot trial with alemtuzumab monotherapy to overcome NK‐cell mediated immunologic barriers to engraftment. We enrolled four patients who received CD34‐selected haploidentical cells, two of whom failed to engraft donor T cells. The two patients who engrafted had delayed T‐cell reconstitution, despite rapid clearance of circulating alemtuzumab. Although well‐tolerated, alemtuzumab failed to overcome immunologic barriers to donor engraftment. Furthermore, alemtuzumab may slow T‐cell development in patients with SCID in the setting of a T‐cell depleted graft.
‘An Earthquake Shocked Up the Land!’ Children's Communication During Play With Siblings and Friends
Authors: Leach Jamie , Howe Nina , Dehart Ganie
Published: July 2014

The construction of shared meanings strategies (e.g., introductions, extensions) and use of internal state language (e.g., references to mental states) during play were examined across two relationship contexts (siblings and friends) in 65 focal kindergarten‐aged children (M age = 56.4 months; SD = 5.71 months). Strategies to construct shared meanings were associated with play session; specifically focal children employed introductions more often with their siblings whereas positive/neutral responses and prosocial strategies were used more frequently with their friends. Findings regarding birth order position indicated that older focal children were more likely to engage in non‐maintenance (e.g., negative) behaviors and explanations with their siblings whereas younger focal children employed extensions of play ideas more often with their siblings than friends. Associations between shared meaning strategies and internal state language were positively correlated across both relationship contexts, with more significant associations found in the sibling play session. Findings highlight the high level of sophisticated play interaction among children during play; these interactions were rich and varied and are discussed in light of recent research and theory.
Can the storage effect hypothesis explain weed co‐existence on the Broadbalk long‐term fertiliser experiment?
Authors: García De León D , Storkey J , Moss S R , González‐Andújar J L
Published: July 2014

Understanding how plant species with similar resource requirements co‐exist has been a long‐standing ecological question with several theoretical explanations. One potential mechanism is the storage effect hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, species co‐exist because they differ in when they are most actively using resource and, therefore, respond differently to environmental perturbation. The hypothesis is based on two main assumptions: (i) two competitors have different responses to climate and (ii) the responses to climate are mediated by changes in the relative importance of intra‐ and interspecific competition. The hypothesis could provide useful insights into the role of climate in maintaining weed species diversity and potential shifts in dominant species under climate change. This study tested the basic principles of the storage effect hypothesis on weed communities using data from the Broadbalk long‐term fertiliser experiment. Relative abundance of weeds in 10 plots with contrasting fertility but no herbicides was assessed for 21 years. Multivariate analyses and generalised additive mixed models were used to analyse the data. The following pairs of species were found to be adapted to similar fertiliser levels, but diverged in their response to climate: (i) Papaver rhoeas–Tripleurospermum inodorum, (ii) Medicago lupulina–Vicia sativa and (iii) Scandix pecten‐veneris–Ranunculus arvensis. Contrasting responses to spring temperature within these species pairs modified the competition balance providing evidence for the storage effect hypothesis and helping to explain weed co‐existence in the Broadbalk experiment.
Molecular Epidemiology of NDM-1-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Pakistan
Authors: Sartor Anna L. , Raza Muhammad W. , Abbasi Shahid A. , Day Kathryn M. , Perry John D. , Paterson David L. , Sidjabat Hanna E.
Published: July 2014

The molecular epidemiology of 66 NDM-producing isolates from 2 Pakistani hospitals was investigated, with their genetic relatedness determined using repetitive sequence-based PCR (Rep-PCR). PCR-based replicon typing and screening for antibiotic resistance genes encoding carbapenemases, other β-lactamases, and 16S methylases were also performed. Rep-PCR suggested a clonal spread of
Enterobacter cloacae
and
Escherichia coli
. A number of plasmid replicon types were identified, with the incompatibility A/C group (IncA/C) being the most common (78%). 16S methylase-encoding genes were coharbored in 81% of NDM-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
.
Colistin Heteroresistance in Enterobacter cloacae Is Associated with Cross-Resistance to the Host Antimicrobial Lysozyme
Authors: Napier Brooke A. , Band Victor , Burd Eileen M. , Weiss David S.
Published: July 2014

Here, we describe the first identification of colistin-heteroresistant
Enterobacter cloacae
in the United States. Treatment of this isolate with colistin increased the frequency of the resistant subpopulation and induced cross-resistance to the host antimicrobial lysozyme. This is the first description of heteroresistance conferring cross-resistance to a host antimicrobial and suggests that clinical treatment with colistin may inadvertently select for bacteria that are resistant to components of the host innate immune system.
Preliminary Study of Colistin versus Colistin plus Fosfomycin for Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections
Authors: Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Thamlikitkul Visanu
Published: July 2014

Ninety-four patients infected with carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
were randomized to receive colistin alone or colistin plus fosfomycin for 7 to 14 days. The patients who received combination therapy had a significantly more favorable microbiological response and a trend toward more favorable clinical outcomes and lower mortality than those who received colistin alone. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01297894.)
Using Pharmacokinetic and Viral Kinetic Modeling To Estimate the Antiviral Effectiveness of Telaprevir, Boceprevir, and Pegylated Interferon during Triple Therapy in Treatment-Experienced Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Laouénan Cédric , Marcellin Patrick , Lapalus Martine , Khelifa-Mouri Feryel , Boyer Nathalie , Zoulim Fabien , Serfaty Lawrence , Bronowicki Jean-Pierre , Martinot-Peignoux Michelle , Lada Olivier , Asselah Tarik , Dorival Céline , Hézode Christophe , Carrat Fabrice , Nicot Florence , Peytavin Gilles , Mentré France , Guedj Jeremie
Published: July 2014

Triple therapy combining a protease inhibitor (PI) (telaprevir or boceprevir), pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN), and ribavirin (RBV) has dramatically increased the chance of eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the efficacy of this treatment remains suboptimal in cirrhotic treatment-experienced patients. Here, we aimed to better understand the origin of this impaired response by estimating the antiviral effectiveness of each drug. Fifteen HCV genotype 1-infected patients with compensated cirrhosis, who were nonresponders to prior PEG-IFN/RBV therapy, were enrolled in a nonrandomized study. HCV RNA and concentrations of PIs, PEG-IFN, and RBV were frequently assessed in the first 12 weeks of treatment and were analyzed using a pharmacokinetic/viral kinetic model. The two PIs achieved similar levels of molar concentrations (P= 0.5), but there was a significant difference in the 50% effective concentrations (EC50) (P= 0.008), leading to greater effectiveness for telaprevir than for boceprevir in blocking viral production (99.8% versus 99.0%, respectively,P= 0.002). In all patients, the antiviral effectiveness of PEG-IFN was modest (43.4%), and there was no significant contribution of RBV exposure to the total antiviral effectiveness. The second phase of viral decline, which is attributed to the loss rate of infected cells, was slow (0.19 day−1) and was higher in patients who subsequently eradicated HCV (P= 0.03). The two PIs achieved high levels of antiviral effectiveness. However, the suboptimal antiviral effectiveness of PEG-IFN/RBV and the low loss of infected cells suggest that a longer treatment duration might be needed in cirrhotic treatment-experienced patients and that a future IFN-free regimen may be particularly beneficial in these patients.
Monitoring of Trough Plasma Ganciclovir Levels and Peripheral Blood Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Specific CD8
+
T Cells To Predict CMV DNAemia Clearance in Preemptively Treated Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Giménez Estela , Solano Carlos , Azanza José Ramón , Amat Paula , Navarro David
Published: July 2014

It is uncertain whether monitoring plasma ganciclovir (GCV) levels is useful in predicting cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia clearance in preemptively treated allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. In this observational study, including 13 episodes of CMV DNAemia treated with intravenous (i.v.) GCV or oral valganciclovir, we showed that monitoring trough plasma GCV levels does not reliably predict response to therapy. Rather, immunological monitoring (pp65 and immediate-early [IE]-1-specific gamma interferon [IFN-γ]-producing CD8
+
T cells) appeared to perform better for this purpose.
Maternal Intravenous Treatment with either Azithromycin or Solithromycin Clears Ureaplasma parvum from the Amniotic Fluid in an Ovine Model of Intrauterine Infection
Authors: Miura Yuichiro , Payne Matthew S. , Keelan Jeffrey A. , Noe Andres , Carter Sean , Watts Rory , Spiller Owen B. , Jobe Alan H. , Kallapur Suhas G. , Saito Masatoshi , Stock Sarah J. , Newnham John P. , Kemp Matthew W.
Published: July 2014

Intrauterine infection with
Ureaplasma
spp. is strongly associated with preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. We assessed whether combined intraamniotic (IA) and maternal intravenous (IV) treatment with one of two candidate antibiotics, azithromycin (AZ) or solithromycin (SOLI), would eradicate intrauterine
Ureaplasma parvum
infection in a sheep model of pregnancy. Sheep with singleton pregnancies received an IA injection of
U. parvum
serovar 3 at 85 days of gestational age (GA). At 120 days of GA, animals (
n
= 5 to 8/group) received one of the following treatments: (i) maternal IV SOLI with a single IA injection of vehicle (IV SOLI only); (ii) maternal IV SOLI with a single IA injection of SOLI (IV+IA SOLI); (iii) maternal IV AZ and a single IA injection of vehicle (IV AZ only); (iv) maternal IV AZ and a single IA injection of AZ (IV+IA AZ); or (v) maternal IV and single IA injection of vehicle (control). Lambs were surgically delivered at 125 days of GA. Treatment efficacies were assessed by
U. parvum
culture, quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histopathology. Amniotic fluid (AF) from all control animals contained culturable
U. parvum
. AF, lung, and chorioamnion from all AZ- or SOLI-treated animals (IV only or IV plus IA) were negative for culturable
U. parvum
. Relative to the results for the control, the levels of expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP-2) in fetal skin were significantly decreased in the IV SOLI-only group, the MCP-1 protein concentration in the amniotic fluid was significantly increased in the IV+IA SOLI group, and there was no significant difference in the histological inflammation scoring of lung or chorioamnion among the five groups. In the present study, treatment with either AZ or SOLI (IV only or IV+IA) effectively eradicated macrolide-sensitive
U. parvum
from the AF. There was no discernible difference in antibiotic therapy efficacy between IV-only and IV+IA treatment regimens relative to the results for the control.
The AgrD N-Terminal Leader Peptide of Staphylococcus aureus Has Cytolytic and Amyloidogenic Properties
Authors: Schwartz Kelly , Sekedat Matthew D. , Syed Adnan K. , O'Hara Brendan , Payne David E. , Lamb Abigail , Boles Blaise R.
Published: July 2014

Staphylococcus aureusvirulence is coordinated through the Agr quorum-sensing system to produce an array of secreted molecules. One important class of secreted virulence factors is the phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs). PSMs are small-peptide toxins that have recently been characterized for their roles in infection, biofilm development, and subversion of the host immune system. In this work, we demonstrate that the signal peptide of theS. aureusquorum-sensing signal, AgrD, shares structural and functional similarities with the PSM family of toxins. The efficacy of this peptide (termed N-AgrD) beyond AgrD propeptide trafficking has never been described before. We observe that N-AgrD, like the PSMs, is found in the amyloid fibrils ofS. aureusbiofilms and is capable of forming and seeding amyloid fibrilsin vitro. N-AgrD displays cytolytic and proinflammatory properties that are abrogated after fibril formation. These data suggest that the N-AgrD leader peptide affectsS. aureusbiology in a manner similar to that described previously for the PSM peptide toxins. Taken together, our findings suggest that peptide cleavage products can affect cellular function beyond their canonical roles and may represent a class of virulence factors warranting further exploration.
Saving the critically injured trauma patient: a retrospective analysis of 1000 uses of intraosseous access
Authors: Lewis Philippa , Wright Chris
Published: July 2014

Objective

Intraosseous access (IO) is becoming increasingly accepted in adult populations as an alternative to peripheral vascular access; however, there is still insufficient evidence in large patient groups supporting its use.

Methods

Retrospective review. This paper reports on the use of IO devices over a 7-year period from August 2006 to August 2013 during combat operations in Afghanistan. A database search of the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) was carried out looking for all the incidences of IO access use during this time. Excel (Microsoft) was used to manage the dataset and perform descriptive statistics on the patient demographics, injuries, treatments and complications that were retrieved.

Results

1014 IO devices were used in 830 adult patients with no major complications. The rate of minor complications, the majority of which were device failure, was 1.38%. 5124 separate infusions of blood products or fluids occurred via IO access, with 36% being of packed red cells. On average, each casualty received 6.95 different infusions of blood products and fluids, and 3.28 separate infusions of drugs through IO access. 32 different drugs were infused to 367 patients via IO, the most frequent being anaesthetic agents. IO access was used in the prehospital environment, during tactical helicopter evacuation and within hospitals.

Conclusions

IO access can be used to administer a wide variety of life-saving medications quickly, easily and with low-complication rates. This highlights its valuable role as an alternative method of obtaining vascular access, vital when resuscitating the critically injured trauma patient.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with higher levels ofobjectivelymeasured sedentary behaviour and lower levels of physical activity than matched healthy controls
Authors: Hallsworth Kate , Thoma Christian , Moore Sarah , Ploetz Thomas , Anstee Quentin M , Taylor Roy , Day Christopher P , Trenell Michael I
Published: July 2014

Background and aims

Physical activity is a key determinant of metabolic control and is recommended for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), usually alongside weight loss and dietary change. To date, no studies have reported the relationship betweenobjectivelymeasured sedentary behaviour and physical activity, liver fat and metabolic control in people with NAFLD, limiting the potential to target sedentary behaviour in clinical practice. This study determined the level of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in people with NAFLD, and investigated links between physical activity, liver fat and glucose control.

Methods

Sedentary behaviour, physical activity and energy expenditure were assessed in 37 adults with NAFLD using a validated multisensor array over 7 days. Liver fat and glucose control were assessed, respectively, by1H-MRS and fasting blood samples. Patterns of sedentary behaviour were assessed by power law analyses of the lengths of sedentary bouts fitted from raw sedentary data. An age and sex-matched healthy control group wore the activity monitor for the same time period.

Results

People with NAFLD spent approximately half an hour extra a day being sedentary (1318±68 vs1289±60 mins/day; p<0.05) and walked 18% fewer steps (8483±2926 vs 10377±3529 steps/day; p<0.01). As a consequence, active energy expenditure was reduced by 40% (432±258 vs 732±345 kcal/day; p<0.01) and total energy expenditure was lower in NAFLD (2690±440 vs 2901±511 kcal/day; p<0.01). Power law analyses of the lengths of sedentary bouts demonstrated that patients with NAFLD also have a lower number of transitions from being sedentary to active compared with controls (13±0.03 vs15±0.03%; p<0.05).

Conclusions

People with NAFLD spend more time sedentary and undertake less physical activity on a daily basis than healthy controls. High levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity represent a therapeutic target that may prevent progression of metabolic conditions and weight gain in people with NAFLD and should be considered in clinical care.
Beaver impact on stream fish life histories: the role of landscape and local attributes
Authors: Bylak Aneta , Kukuła Krzysztof , Mitka Józef
Published: July 2014

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) has been reintroduced into the Carpathian Mountains and has once again become an important factor for modifying streams. Forty-three sampling sites were compared with 10 reference sites in streams not settled by beavers. Models related to the impacts of beavers on various fish life history stages and a model presenting attributes influencing the ichthyofauna structure in streams with and without beavers were generated. Significant differences in the fish species composition were found between beaver ponds versus the running sections of streams. The changes associated with pond aging caused decrease of Siberian bullhead (Cottus poecilopus) density. For brown trout (Salmo trutta), beaver ponds were the only location where large individuals were found, while the upstream parts of the beaver complexes provided spawning habitat and an area for fry growth. Common minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) and stone loach (Barbatula barbatula) had higher density in ponds than in streams. The decisive factors for the ichthyofauna in the mountain streams settled by beavers were local attributes related to beaver activity. Our results illustrate interactions among beaver, landscape context, and fish life history in influencing the response of the stream fish assemblages to beaver recolonization. It also helps answer the question of how Eurasian beaver influence stream fish assemblages, at a much larger scale than previous studies.
Formation Detection with Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Paschalidis Ioannis Ch. , Dai Wuyang , Guo Dong
Published: July 2014

We consider the problem of detecting the formation of a set of wireless sensor nodes based on the pairwise measurements of signal strength corresponding to all transmitter/receiver pairs. We assume that formations take values in a discrete set and develop a composite hypothesis testing approach which uses a Generalized Likelihood Test (GLT) as the decision rule. The GLT distinguishes between a set of probability density function (pdf) families constructed using a custom pdf interpolation technique. The GLT is compared with the simple Likelihood Test (LT). We also adapt one prevalent supervised learning approach, Multiple Support Vector Machines (MSVMs), and compare it with our probabilistic methods. Due to the highly variant measurements from the wireless sensor nodes, and these methods' different adaptability to multiple observations, our analysis and experimental results suggest that GLT is more accurate and suitable for formation detection. The formation detection problem has interesting applications in posture detection with Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), which is extremely useful in health monitoring and rehabilitation. Another valuable application we explore concerns autonomous robot systems.
Multi-Application Network-on-Chip Design using Global Mapping and Local Reconfiguration
Authors: J. Soumya , Sharma Ashish , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: July 2014

This article proposes a reconfigurable Network-on-Chip (NoC) architecture based on mesh topology. It provides a local reconfiguration of cores to connect to any of the neighboring routers, depending upon the currently executing application. The area overhead for this local reconfiguration has been shown to be very small. We have also presented the strategy to map the cores of an application set onto this architecture. This has been achieved via a two-phase procedure. In the first phase, the cores of the combined application set are mapped tentatively to individual routers, minimizing the communication cost. In the second phase, for each application, positions of individual cores are finalized. A core gets attached to any neighbor of its tentative allocation. We have proposed Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation of both the phases. Since ILP takes large amount of CPU time, we have also formulated a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based solution for the two phases. A heuristic approach has also been developed for the reconfiguration. Comparison of communication cost, latency and network energy have been carried out for the applications, before and after reconfiguration. It shows significant improvement in performance via reconfiguration.
A Classification and Survey of Analysis Strategies for Software Product Lines
Authors: Thüm Thomas , Apel Sven , Kästner Christian , Schaefer Ina , Saake Gunter
Published: July 2014

Software-product-line engineering has gained considerable momentum in recent years, both in industry and in academia. A software product line is a family of software products that share a common set of features. Software product lines challenge traditional analysis techniques, such as type checking, model checking, and theorem proving, in their quest of ensuring correctness and reliability of software. Simply creating and analyzing all products of a product line is usually not feasible, due to the potentially exponential number of valid feature combinations. Recently, researchers began to develop analysis techniques that take the distinguishing properties of software product lines into account, for example, by checking feature-related code in isolation or by exploiting variability information during analysis. The emerging field of product-line analyses is both broad and diverse, so it is difficult for researchers and practitioners to understand their similarities and differences. We propose a classification of product-line analyses to enable systematic research and application. Based on our insights with classifying and comparing a corpus of 123 research articles, we develop a research agenda to guide future research on product-line analyses.
A Quality-Aware Voice Streaming System for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Liqun , Xing Guoliang , Sun Limin , Liu Yan
Published: July 2014

Recent years have witnessed the pilot deployments of audio or low-rate video wireless sensor networks for a class of mission-critical applications including search-and-rescue, security surveillance, and disaster management. In this article, we report the design and implementation of Quality-aware Voice Streaming (QVS) for wireless sensor networks. QVS is built upon SenEar, a new sensor hardware platform we developed for high-bandwidth wireless audio communication. QVS comprises several novel components, which include an empirical model for online voice-quality evaluation and control, dynamic voice compression/duplication adaptation for lossy wireless links, and distributed stream admission control that exploits network capacity for rate allocation. We have extensively tested QVS on a 20-node network deployment. Our experimental results show that QVS delivers satisfactory voice quality under a range of realistic settings while achieving high network capacity utilization.
IsoCam
Authors: Marton Fabio , Rodriguez Marcos Balsa , Bettio Fabio , Agus Marco , Villanueva Alberto Jaspe , Gobbetti Enrico
Published: July 2014

We introduce a novel user interface and system for exploring extremely detailed 3D models in a museum setting. Three-dimensional models and associated information are presented on a large projection surface controlled by a touch-enabled surface placed at a suitable distance in front of it. Our indirect user interface, dubbed
IsoCam
, combines an object-aware interactive camera controller with an interactive point-of-interest selector and is implemented within a scalable implementation based on multiresolution structures shared between the rendering and user interaction subsystems. The collision-free camera controller automatically supports the smooth transition from orbiting to proximal navigation, by exploiting a distance-field representation of the 3D object. The point-of-interest selector exploits a specialized view similarity computation to propose a few nearby easily reachable interesting 3D views from a large database, move the camera to the user-selected point of interest, and provide extra information through overlaid annotations of the target view. The capabilities of our approach have been demonstrated in a public event attended by thousands of people, which were offered the possibility to explore submillimetric reconstructions of 38 stone statues of the Mont’e Prama Nuragic complex, depicting larger-than-life human figures, and small models of prehistoric Nuraghe (cone-shaped stone towers). A follow-up of this work, using 2.5m-high projection screens, is now included in permanent exhibitions at two Archeological Museums. Results of a thorough user evaluation, involving quantitative and subjective measurements, are discussed.
A Survey and Classification of Storage Deduplication Systems
Authors: Paulo João , Pereira José
Published: July 2014

The automatic elimination of duplicate data in a storage system, commonly known as deduplication, is increasingly accepted as an effective technique to reduce storage costs. Thus, it has been applied to different storage types, including archives and backups, primary storage, within solid-state drives, and even to random access memory. Although the general approach to deduplication is shared by all storage types, each poses specific challenges and leads to different trade-offs and solutions. This diversity is often misunderstood, thus underestimating the relevance of new research and development.

The first contribution of this article is a classification of deduplication systems according to six criteria that correspond to key design decisions: granularity, locality, timing, indexing, technique, and scope. This classification identifies and describes the different approaches used for each of them. As a second contribution, we describe which combinations of these design decisions have been proposed and found more useful for challenges in each storage type. Finally, outstanding research challenges and unexplored design points are identified and discussed.
Intelligent Management Systems for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Authors: De Paola Alessandra , Ortolani Marco , Lo Re Giuseppe , Anastasi Giuseppe , Das Sajal K.
Published: July 2014

In recent years, reduction of energy consumption in buildings has increasingly gained interest among researchers mainly due to practical reasons, such as economic advantages and long-term environmental sustainability. Many solutions have been proposed in the literature to address this important issue from complementary perspectives, which are often hard to capture in a comprehensive manner. This survey article aims at providing a structured and unifying treatment of the existing literature on intelligent energy management systems in buildings, with a distinct focus on available architectures and methodology supporting a vision transcending the well-established
smart home
vision, in favor of the novel Ambient Intelligence paradigm. Our exposition will cover the main architectural components of such systems, beginning with the basic sensory infrastructure, moving on to the data processing engine where energy-saving strategies may be enacted, to the user interaction interface subsystem, and finally to the actuation infrastructure necessary to transfer the planned modifications to the environment. For each component, we will analyze different solutions, and we will provide qualitative comparisons, also highlighting the impact that a single design choice can have on the rest of the system.
Family Rituals and the Potential for Interaction Design
Authors: Petrelli Daniela , Light Ann
Published: July 2014

Drawing on a field study with eight families in northern England, we explore the traditions and rituals carried out at Christmas, looking at the artifacts and processes that constitute family life at this time of year. In addition to individual differences, a common pattern emerges: an extended preparation is carried out by the hosting household over a few weeks to set up the celebration and build expectations; preparation gives way to a short but intense celebration shared with the family or intimate friends; then decorations are stored and there is a return to normal life. The celebration is across generations, and everyone takes part. We note examples of new and evolving rituals. Starting from the three identified phases, we discuss the theoretical and technical implications of our findings for the design of more sympathetic technology that holds potential for augmenting family rituals sensitively and possibly creating new ones.
Robots compete in disaster scenarios
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: July 2014

The DARPA Robotics Challenge pitted teams from around the world against each other in a series of disaster-themed tasks.
Watching TV on internet-connected devices
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: July 2014

The ABC vs. Aereo case has potentially far-reaching consequences.
The business of the state
Authors: Sako Mari
Published: July 2014

Considering the opportunities and challenges for commercial firms involved with government business process outsourcing.
That classroom 'magic'
Authors: Margolis Jane , Goode Joanna , Chapman Gail , Ryoo Jean J.
Published: July 2014

Effective teaching practices for broadening participation in computer science.
Who must you trust?
Authors: Wadlow Thomas
Published: July 2014

You must have some trust if you want to get anything done.