bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of pre‐invasive lung adenocarcinoma lesions on thin‐section computerized tomography
Authors: Xing Yanfen , Li Zhen , Jiang Sen , Xiang Wenjing , Sun Xiwen
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed a potential relationship between the presence of ground glass opacity (GGO) on regular computerized tomography (CT) and adenocarcinomas.

Objectives

To investigate features of pre‐invasive lung adenocarcinoma lesions on thin‐section CT.

Methods

We evaluated 59 cases of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) and 35 cases of adenoma in situ (AIS) confirmed by histopathology. Comparison of thin‐section CT features, such as size, shape, margin, internal characteristics, and adjacent structures of pre‐invasive lesions were analyzed. Lesions were further classified to pure ground glass opacity (pGGO) and mixed ground glass opacity (mGGO). Differences were analyzed using Chi‐square or Fisher tests.

Results

There were significant differences in lobulation, spiculation, and bubble lucency between pGGO and mGGO (P < 0.05), while no differences in air bronchogram, pleural indentation, or vascular morphological changes were identified (P > 0.05). In the group of pGGO, AAH and AIS lesions did not differ significantly in size (P > 0.05), while significant differences were found with respect to lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and vascular morphological changes (P < 0.05). In the group of mGGO, AAH and AIS lesions were significantly different with respect to size (P < 0.05), while no differences were found in lobulation, spiculation, bubble lucency, air bronchogram, or pleural indentation (P > 0.05). Only vascular morphological changes were significantly different between AAH and AIS lesions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The features of thin‐slice CT of AAH and AIS reflected the corresponding morphological changes from AAH progressing to AIS or adenocarcinoma.
Imbalance of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Huaying , Ying Huajuan , Wang Shi , Gu Xiao , Weng Yuesong , Peng Weidong , Xia Dajing , Yu Wanjun
Published: April 2014

Background

Autoimmune responses mediated by cluster of differentiation 4+ T cells may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the frequency of peripheral blood Th17 cells and of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Chinese patients with COPD. This study is aimed at determining the frequency of circulating Th17 and Tregs in patients with moderate and severe COPD, heavy smokers and healthy controls (HC).

Method

The percentages of circulating T‐helper type (Th)17 cells and Tregs were determined by flow cytometry in 32 patients with moderate COPD, 33 patients with severe COPD, 35 smokers, and 31 HC. The concentrations of serum Th17‐ and Treg‐related cytokines were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of retinoic acid orphan receptor (ROR)‐γt and Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) mRNA transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The potential correlation between the percentages of Th17 Tregs, serum cytokines and lung function was evaluated.

Results

In comparison with that in the smokers and HC, significantly higher frequencies of Th17 cells and higher levels of ROR‐γt mRNA transcripts and serum interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐22 and IL‐23, but lower frequency of Tregs and lower levels of Foxp3 and serum IL‐10 were detected in patients with moderate and severe COPD. The increased ratios of Th17 to Tregs were negatively correlated with the values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC.

Conclusions

An imbalance of circulating Th17 cells and Tregs is associated with the deterioration of pulmonary function in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
Words, shape, visual search and visual working memory in 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Vales Catarina , Smith Linda B.
Published: April 2014

Do words cue children's visual attention, and if so, what are the relevant mechanisms? Across four experiments, 3‐year‐old children (N = 163) were tested in visual search tasks in which targets were cued with only a visual preview versus a visual preview and a spoken name. The experiments were designed to determine whether labels facilitated search times and to examine one route through which labels could have their effect: By influencing the visual working memory representation of the target. The targets and distractors were pictures of instances of basic‐level known categories and the labels were the common name for the target category. We predicted that the label would enhance the visual working memory representation of the target object, guiding attention to objects that better matched the target representation. Experiments 1 and 2 used conjunctive search tasks, and Experiment 3 varied shape discriminability between targets and distractors. Experiment 4 compared the effects of labels to repeated presentations of the visual target, which should also influence the working memory representation of the target. The overall pattern fits contemporary theories of how the contents of visual working memory interact with visual search and attention, and shows that even in very young children heard words affect the processing of visual information.
Parasitoids update the habitat profitability by adjusting the kairomone responsiveness to their oviposition experience
Authors: LOUÂPRE PHILIPPE , PIERRE JEAN‐SEBASTIEN
Published: April 2014

Coping with unpredictability is crucial for insect parasitoids whose fitness depends on their ability to find hosts. One way to optimise their foraging behaviour is to glean information and to update the estimation of the habitat profitability through experience. Kairomone responsiveness (also called ‘motivation to stay’) is usually seen as a biological variable that reflects the initial estimate of patch quality.

In the present study, an experiment was performed to test if the kairomone responsiveness of Asobara tabida Nees females (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) at arrival in a patch is specifically influenced by the number of hosts previously encountered in a series of patches of different qualities, thus highlighting their ability to estimate habitat profitability.

Asobara tabida females keep trace of the number of hosts previously encountered in prior patches and adjust their foraging behaviour in the next, regardless of the kairomone level perceived in these patches. First, these results demonstrate the ability of parasitoids to estimate the relative patch quality on the basis of the number of hosts previously encountered. Second, they provide new insight into how parasitoids handle information from patch to patch. This ability is discussed in an evolutionary context.
Pain and bleeding associated with trephine biopsy
Authors: Valebjørg Therese , Spahic Boris , Bremtun Fredrik , Kahrs Johannes , Hammerstrøm Jens , Brudevold Robert , Kolflaath Jan , Ghanima Waleed
Published: April 2014

The study objectives were to determine the intensity and duration of pain, factors that may influence pain experience during and after trephine biopsy, and to assess bleeding and infectious complications related to the procedure. Patients scheduled for trephine biopsy were recruited to the study. Local anesthesia was applied in all patients. Pain intensity was recorded twice daily by the patients using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Bleeding was graded into four grades. Median age of 184 patients was 63 yr. Maximum NRS level was measured at time of biopsy (T0); 167 (91%) patients experienced pain at T0. Median (Q1 : Q3) NRS was 3 (1; 5). Median duration of pain was 36 h. Fourteen patients reported pain for more than 7 d. Significant inverse correlation was found between NRS at T0 and age. Pain duration at rest correlated with NRS at T0 and age, while pain duration in activity correlated with NRS at T0, age, and with body mass index (BMI). Mild and moderate bleeding at T0 occurred in 97 (54%) and 18 (10%) patients, respectively; no severe bleeding or infectious complications were registered. Secondary bleeding occurred in two patients; both required hospitalization. In conclusion, the study shows that despite the application of local anesthetic, more than 50% of the patients experienced pain of ≥3 points. Procedure‐related bleeding is mild to moderate and managed by local pressure only.
How Hannibal conquered geology
Authors: SHEPHERD ROBERT
Published: April 2014

During his crossing of the Alps, Hannibal is said to have cleared a large rockfall with the aid of fire and ‘vinegar’. Would such a treatment have worked? Modern research suggests that it would.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Drug Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia Related to Cocaine Use: A Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy Study
Authors: LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA , KANMANTHAREDDY ARUN , BIRIA MAZDA , MADHU REDDY YERUVA , PILLARISETTI JAYASREE , MAHAPATRA SRIJOY , BERENBOM LOREN , CHINITZ LARRY , ATKINS DONITA , BOMMANA SUDHARANI , TUNG RODERICK , DI BIASE LUIGI , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , NATALE ANDREA
Published: April 2014

RF Ablation of VT in Chronic Cocaine Users

Background

Cocaine use is a known but rare cause of cardiac arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias related to cocaine may not respond to antiarrhythmic drugs and may need treatment with radiofrequency ablation.

Objectives

We describe the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of cocaine‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT) from a multicenter registry.

Methods

Subjects presenting with VT related to cocaine use and being considered for radiofrequency ablation have been included in the study. Patients who were refractory to maximal medical therapy underwent radiofrequency ablation of the VT. Clinical, procedural variables, efficacy, and safety outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 14 subjects met study criteria (age 44 ± 13, range 18‐ to 68‐year‐old with 79% male, 71% Caucasian). MRI showed evidence of scar only in 43% of patients (6/14). The mechanism of VT was focal in 50% (n = 7) and scar related reentry in 50% (n = 7) based on 3D mapping. The mean VT cycle length was 429 ± 96 milliseconds. The site of origin was epicardial in 16% (3/18) of VTs. Most clinical VTs were hemodynamically stable (75%). Mean ejection fraction at the time of admission was 44 ± 14%. Duration of procedure was 289 ± 50 minutes. One subject developed pericardial tamponade requiring drainage. At 18 ± 11 months follow‐up, freedom from arrhythmia was seen in 86% (1 case lost to follow‐up and 2 died).

Conclusion

Radiofrequency ablation is not only feasible but also safe and effective in patients who have drug refractory VT related to chronic cocaine use.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in blood in children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Janas Roman M , Ochocińska Agnieszka , Śnitko Rafał , Dudka Dorota , Kierkuś Jarosław , Teisseyre Mikołaj , Najberg Ewa
Published: April 2014

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25 kDa glycoprotein present in the bodily fluids and tissues. It is secreted by neutrophils, epithelial cells, hepatocytes and adipocytes, and its expression is highly increased in response to cellular stress. The role of NGAL in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in children has thus far not been studied.

Methods

The following groups of children were included: (i) inflammatory bowel disease group, n = 36, aged from 1 to 18 years with Crohn's disease (n = 19) and ulcerative colitis (n = 17); (ii) control group, n = 126; and (iii) disease control group, n = 27, without inflammatory bowel disease, with a food and/or inhalant allergy.

Results

Healthy children aged from 1 to 8 years exhibited lower NGAL level than those of 9 to 18 years old (39.0; 18.1–83.7 ng/mL vs 57.6; 28.7–107 ng/mL, P = 0.001). In the younger, but not in the older children, the serum NGAL level correlated with their age, r = 0.334, P = 0.001. In children with inflammatory bowel disease, serum NGAL level was higher (108; 37.3–245 ng/mL) than in healthy (42.0; 18.1–107 ng/mL) and allergic, noninflammatory bowel disease children (49.3; 19.3–107 ng/mL), P = 0.001. Serum NGAL levels in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis children did not correlate with age, gender, disease activity, and indices of the inflammation.

Conclusion

Serum NAGL levels are highly elevated in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in children compared to the healthy control group. Systematic studies are needed to explain the role of this protein in the inflammatory bowel disease.
Usefulness and safety of endoscopic treatment for nonampullary duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Hong Su Jin , Han Jae Pil , Jang Hee Yoon , Myung Yu Sik , Kim Cheol , Lee Yun Nah , Ko Bong Min
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

Safety and efficacy data on endoscopic treatment of duodenal neoplasm are limited. We suggest the technical feasibility of endoscopic procedures by evaluating the results of endoscopic treatment for nonampullary duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Forty‐five patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for nonampullary duodenal adenoma with or without malignant transformation between September 2003 and March 2012 were included. Endoscopic polypectomy of duodenal polyp (DPP), duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection (DEMR), and duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (DESD) were selected as endoscopic treatments for each lesion.

Results

Mean lesion size was 9.1 mm, and most lesions were located in the second portion of the duodenum. There were 40 adenomas and five early‐stage adenocarcinomas arising from adenomas. Of the 45 duodenal neoplasms, five patients were treated with DPP, 33 with DEMR, and seven patients with a large duodenal lesion underwent DESD. Minimum of 1‐year follow‐up endoscopies were performed in 42 patients, excepting three patients treated after October 2011. Median follow‐up was 24.8 months. Of the 45 patients, en bloc resection was performed in 43 (95.6%). A complete resection was performed in 41 patients (91.1%). No significant bleeding events occurred. Perforations occurred in three patients who underwent DESD. All perforations were noticed during the procedures and completely closed by endoscopic clipping. There was one recurrence at 6 months after DPP.

Conclusion

Endoscopic treatment is minimally invasive management for duodenal adenomas and superficial adenocarcinomas. It would be helpful for medical doctors in the management of duodenal neoplasms.
The Trade‐off Between Environmental Impacts in Water Recycling Systems Using Industrial Effluent
Authors: O'Connor Matthew , Garnier Gil , Batchelor Warren
Published: April 2014

A life cycle assessment was conducted on three industrial effluent water recycling options using a one‐, two‐, and three‐stage effluent treatment plant composed of clarification, aerobic treatment, and ultrafiltration processes. The impact categories dominated by energy use and the category of freshwater use were then further investigated and compared between each recycling system. A dual functional unit of recycled water delivered and effluent treated was identified to make the recycling options functionally equivalent. Three‐stage water recycling was the environmentally preferred option, with all three water recycling options investigated producing similar environmental impacts in most impact categories, with the exception of freshwater use, where the one‐ and two‐stage treatment options performed significantly worse than the three‐stage treatment. It was found that the impact categories of global warming potential and nonrenewable energy demand did not directly correlate with each other as a result of direct greenhouse gas emissions from sludge disposal.

The construction of the equivalent systems shows that external systems required for functional equivalence are important in water recycling comparisons, and considering dual functional units is important for comparing water recycling options. With the increasing prevalence of industries utilizing biomass and other renewable fuels, it is becoming more apparent that measuring energy usage is not sufficient, and the specific impacts and damages associated with energy consumption need to be evaluated. This study provides a framework to identify opportunities in industrial wastewater management, which can be particularly important in industries with large effluent flows and high organic loadings.
Reproductive health in women with serious mental illnesses
Authors: Özcan Neslihan Keser , Boyacıoğlu Nur E , Enginkaya Semra , Dinç Hüsniye , Bilgin Hülya
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectives

To determine what problems female psychiatric patients have in terms of reproductive health.

Background

The reproductive health problems faced by female psychiatric patients are matters that have been neglected in the areas of both psychiatry and women's health. This study aims to make a contribution from Turkey to the literature in this neglected field.

Design

The study is descriptive and was conducted with 292 female patients treated in an acute inpatient psychiatric ward.

Methods

Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews and a questionnaire based on the literature and prepared by the researchers which was designed to determine the kinds of reproductive health issues the patients were experiencing.

Results

It was found that compared with healthy women, the distinctive features of the participants in terms of sexuality were more negative; in particular, patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to have been forced by their partners to have sex, they had suffered from rape or sexually transmitted diseases, the majority of those who had previous sexual experience had tried to use contraceptives but had been unable to continue using them, they were most likely to choose the method of withdrawal for contraception, their rates of pregnancy and abortion were high, they received less antenatal care, and they were more likely to have smoked during pregnancy.

Conclusions

It was found that female patients with psychiatric disorders had more negative attributes with regard to marriage, sexuality, family planning, maternal characteristics and pregnancy, compared with a corresponding healthy population.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study may be useful for nurses in the clinical field for calling an attention and raising an awareness of the reproductive health problems of women with psychiatric disorders, taking the necessary preventive measures, and developing damage‐reducing strategies.
Personality Interacts With Implicit Affect to Predict Performance in Analytic Versus Holistic Processing
Authors: Kazén Miguel , Kuhl Julius , Quirin Markus
Published: April 2014

Both theoretical approaches and empirical evidence suggest that negative affect fosters analytic processing, whereas positive affect fosters holistic processing, but these effects are inconsistent. We aim to show that (a) differences in affect regulation abilities (“action orientation”) and (b) implicit more so than self‐reported affect assessment need to be considered to advance our understanding of these processes.

Forty participants were asked to verify whether a word was correctly or incorrectly spelled to measure analytic processing, as well as to intuitively assess whether sets of three words were coherent (remote associates task) to measure holistic processing. As expected, implicit but not explicit negative affect interacted with low action orientation (“state orientation”) to predict higher d' performance in word spelling, whereas implicit but not explicit positive affect interacted with high action orientation to predict higher d' performance in coherence judgments for word triads. Results are interpreted according to personality systems interaction theory. These findings suggest that affect and affect changes should be measured explicitly and implicitly to investigate affect‐cognition interactions. Moreover, they suggest that good affect regulators benefit from positive affect for holistic processing, whereas bad affect regulators benefit from negative affect for analytical processing.
Conflict Assessment in Energy Infrastructure Siting: Prospects for Consensus Building in the Northern Pass Transmission Line Project
Authors: Keir Laura S. , Ali Saleem H.
Published: April 2014

As energy demand grows rapidly worldwide, power line infrastructure will continue to be a major development planning challenge. This study considers the environmental conflict that has arisen over a transnational transmission line project between Canada and the United States. A qualitative conflict assessment is presented to define the parameters for consensus that could prevent protracted litigation between stakeholders. Proactively designing a process to encourage consensus building during the early development phase remains the most critical determinant of compromise. In this article, we argue that in this case a consensus‐building effort could be feasible if certain design requirements were met, including gaining the participation of key stakeholders, paying attention to trust, and focusing on the issues specific to this transmission line rather than to a larger energy discussion. The research shows that despite potential pitfalls, reaching more widely accepted and ecologically sensitive solutions to environmental conflicts through participatory and collaborative approaches is possible and worth the effort.
Obesity and the nutrition transition in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Steyn Nelia P. , Mchiza Zandile J.
Published: April 2014

This review illustrates the outcomes of the nutrition transition in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) and its association with overweight and obesity; the relationship with the double burden of malnutrition is also explored. We describe the increase in overweight in nearly all Sub‐Saharan African countries and present data on associated increased gross domestic product, and availability of energy, protein, fat, and sugar at country national levels. Predictors of overweight are described by means of various studies undertaken in SSA, and dietary intakes of numerous countries are presented. Overall, we show that socioeconomic status, gender, age, parity, physical inactivity, and increased energy, fat, and sugar intake are powerful predictors of overweight and/or obesity. The urgency for health interventions in countries in the early stages of the nutrition transition is emphasized, particularly in view of the fact that fat intake is still less than 30% of energy intake in nearly all Sub‐Saharan African countries.
Metal Temperature Correlations in Tilting Pad Journal Bearings
Authors: Thorat Manish R. , Pettinato Brian C. , De Choudhury Pranabesh
Published: April 2014

The predicted and measured bearing metal temperatures of tilting-pad journal bearings are examined. All bearings are a five-pad design with load-between-pad orientation. The two loaded pads in each bearing are instrumented with a resistance temperature detector (RTD). The bearing pad metal temperatures are measured as a part of the ISO 10439 (API 617) mechanical test requirement. Bearing pad metal temperatures are predicted using the thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis method. One particular bearing size 4 in. (101.6 mm) in diameter and 1.54 in. (39.12 mm) in the axial length is examined with respect to the tolerance range influence on the predicted pad metal temperatures including the effect of bearing assembled clearance and preloads. A range of loads and speeds are investigated. The temperature variation observed for this bearing size is compared against the variation in the measured temperature data for three other bearing sizes (bearing sizes are denoted by diameter × axial length) 2.95 in. (74.9 mm) × 1.02 in. (25.9 mm), 6 in. (152.4 mm) × 3 in. (76.2 mm), and 8 in. (203.2 mm) × 7 in. (177.8 mm).
University Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Education Teaching
Authors: Li Fengjuan , Chen Junjun , Baker Miles
Published: April 2014

While there have been many studies into students’ attitudes toward Physical Education at the school level, far fewer studies have been conducted at the university level, especially in China. This study explored 949 students’ attitudes toward their university Physical Education experiences in four Chinese universities. An intercorrelated model of students’ attitudes toward Physical Education comprised of five dimensions, namely Physical Fitness, Self-Actualization and Social Development, Physical Education Curriculum, Physical Education Teachers, and Physical Education Teaching, was conceptually and empirically developed and tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The overall findings suggested that the students had moderately positive attitudes toward Physical Education. More specifically, the findings indicated that students’ attitudes had a significantly positive moderate association with their current participation, a small association with their intended lifelong participation in physical activity outside school, and a significantly positive moderate association with their Physical Education academic achievement. Implications for Physical Education teacher training and curriculum modifications are discussed.
The Children’s Perceived Locus of Causality Scale for Physical Education
Authors: Pannekoek Linda , Piek Jan P. , Hagger Martin S.
Published: April 2014

A mixed methods design was applied to evaluate the application of the Perceived Locus of Causality scale (PLOC) to preadolescent samples in physical education settings. Subsequent to minor item adaptations to accommodate the assessment of younger samples, qualitative pilot tests were performed (N = 15). Children’s reports indicated the need for further revisions to the items, resulting in the Children’s PLOC (C-PLOC). In a second study involving a larger sample of 9–12 year old children (N = 429), the questionnaire was evaluated using quantitative methods. The five factor structure hypothesized based on self-determination theory was confirmed. Discriminant validity and reliability of the subscales was largely supported, but require confirmation in future research. Age was not found to be significantly related to children’s motivational styles. Taken together, initial results provide support for the suitability of the C-PLOC for the assessment of motivation in 9–12 year old children in physical education.
Examination of Children’s Recess Physical Activity Patterns Using the Activities for Daily Living-Playground Participation (ADL-PP) Instrument
Authors: Stellino Megan Babkes , Sinclair Christina
Published: April 2014

Thorough assessment of children’s physical activity is essential to efficacious interventions to reduce childhood obesity prevalence. The purpose of this study was to examine children’s recess physical activity (RPA) patterns of behavior using the Activities of Daily Living –Playground Participation (ADL-PP: Watkinson et al., 2001) instrument. ADL-PP-based RPA data from 3rd-5th grade schoolchildren (N = 444: 51% male, 23.6% overweight/obese) were analyzed to determine the number and specific activity patterns overall as well as according to gender and weightstatus. Patterns of RPA findings showed girls participated in a higher number of activities compared with boys who participated in more sport-related activities. A wide variety in the specific activities in which children engaged was found according to gender and weight-status. Examination of RPA, with the ADL-PP, extends the literature by providing new data relative to the variety and specific types of activities in which children choose to engage during discretionary times, such as recess.
Neuronal Activity Promotes Oligodendrogenesis and Adaptive Myelination in the Mammalian Brain
Authors: Gibson Erin M. , Purger David , Mount Christopher W. , Goldstein Andrea K. , Lin Grant L. , Wood Lauren S. , Inema Ingrid , Miller Sarah E. , Bieri Gregor , Zuchero J. Bradley , Barres Ben A. , Woo Pamelyn J. , Vogel Hannes , Monje Michelle
Published: April 2014

On-Demand Activity

Oligodendroglia ensheath axons in the brain with myelin, which provides the insulation that speeds up transmission of neuronal electrical impulses. The process of myelination in the human brain goes on for decades, concurrent with all manner of brain development and cognitive activity.

Gibson
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1252304
, published online 10 April; see the Perspective by

Bechler and ffrench-Constant

) used optogenetics to study myelination in response to neural activity. Electrical activity in the motor cortex of the brain of awake mice led to proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes and consequently increased myelination and alterations in motor response.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Colletotrichum acutatum Sensu Lato
(
Colletotrichum fioriniae
)
Authors: Baroncelli Riccardo , Sreenivasaprasad Surapareddy , Sukno Serenella A. , Thon Michael R. , Holub Eric
Published: April 2014

In addition to its economic impact,
Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato
is an interesting model for molecular investigations due to the diversity of host-determined specialization and reproductive lifestyles within the species complex. The pathogen
Colletotrichum fioriniae
forms part of this species complex and causes anthracnose in a wide range of crops and wild plants worldwide. Some members of this species have also been reported to be entomopathogenic. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a heterothallic reference isolate of
C. fioriniae
(strain PJ7). This sequence provides a range of new resources that serve as a useful platform for further research in the field.
Complete Genome Sequences of Nitrofurantoin-Sensitive and -Resistant Escherichia coli ST540 and ST2747 Strains
Authors: Xavier Basil Britto , Vervoort Jascha , Stewardson Andrew , Adriaenssens Niels , Coenen Samuel , Harbarth Stephan , Goossens Herman , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi
Published: April 2014

Widespread multidrug resistance in
Escherichia coli
has necessitated the reintroduction of older antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin. However, mechanisms by which resistance to nitrofurantoin emerges in
E. coli
are not well elucidated. Toward this aim, we sequenced two nitrofurantoin-sensitive
E. coli
sequence types (ST540 and ST2747) and their four nitrofurantoin-resistant derivatives generated
in vitro
under aerobic and anaerobic growth conditions.
Complete Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa SQR-21, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium with Antifungal Activity and Rhizosphere Colonization Ability
Authors: Li Shuqing , Yang Dongqing , Qiu Meihua , Shao Jiahui , Guo Rong , Shen Biao , Yin Xihou , Zhang Ruifu , Zhang Nan , Shen Qirong
Published: April 2014

Here we report the complete genome sequence of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR),
Paenibacillus polymyxa
SQR-21, which consists of one circular chromosome of 5,828,438 bp with 5,024 coding sequences (CDS). The data presented highlight multiple sets of functional genes associated with its plant-beneficial characteristics.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium cosmeticum DSM 44829
Authors: Croce Olivier , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: April 2014

We announce the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium cosmeticum
strain DSM 44829, a nontuberculous species responsible for opportunistic infection. The genome described here is composed of 6,462,090 bp, with a G+C content of 68.24%. It contains 6,281 protein-coding genes and 75 predicted RNA genes.
Preventing childhood obesity, phase II feasibility study focusing on South Asians: BEACHeS
Authors: Adab Peymané , Pallan Miranda J , Cade Janet , Ekelund Ulf , Barrett Timothy , Daley Amanda , Deeks Jonathan , Duda Joan , Gill Paramjit , Parry Jayne , Bhopal Raj , Cheng K K
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess feasibility and acceptability of a multifaceted, culturally appropriate intervention for preventing obesity in South Asian children, and to obtain data to inform sample size for a definitive trial.

Design

Phase II feasibility study of a complex intervention.

Setting

8 primary schools in inner city Birmingham, UK, within populations that are predominantly South Asian.

Participants

1090 children aged 6–8 years took part in the intervention. 571 (85.9% from South Asian background) underwent baseline measures. 85.5% (n=488) were followed up 2 years later.

Interventions

The 1-year intervention consisted of school-based and family-based activities, targeting dietary and physical activity behaviours. The intervention was modified and refined throughout the period of delivery.

Main outcome measures

Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and of measurements required to assess outcomes in a definitive trial. The difference in body mass index (BMI) z-score between arms was used to inform sample size calculations for a definitive trial.

Results

Some intervention components (increasing school physical activity opportunities, family cooking skills workshops, signposting of local leisure facilities and attending day event at a football club) were feasible and acceptable. Other components were acceptable, but not feasible. Promoting walking groups was neither acceptable nor feasible. At follow-up, children in the intervention compared with the control group were less likely to be obese (OR 0.41; 0.19 to 0.89), and had lower adjusted BMI z-score (−0.15 kg/m2; 95% CI −0.27 to −0.03).

Conclusions

The feasibility study informed components for an intervention programme. The favourable direction of outcome for weight status in the intervention group supports the need for a definitive trial. A cluster randomised controlled trial is now underway to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN51016370.
Is long-term follow-up of adequately coil-occluded ruptured cerebral aneurysms always necessary? A single-center study of recurrences after endovascular treatment
Authors: Mortimer Alex M , Marsh Hannah , Klimczak Katherine , Joshi Dhiraj , Barton Helena , Nelson Richard J , Bradley Marcus D , Renowden Shelley A
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Aneurysm recurrence following coil occlusion is well recognized. However, there is controversy as to how long these patients should be followed up after coiling to detect reopening. We aimed to identify the rate of late reopening and the risk factors for reopening in a large single-center cohort of ruptured aneurysms that appeared adequately occluded at 6 months. We also aimed to assess whether rates of recurrence have altered over time with improving coil and angiographic technology.

Methods

Patients treated between 1996 and 2010 were assessed and those with both 6-month initial and subsequent long-term follow-up with either digital subtraction angiography or magnetic resonance angiography were included. Aneurysms were stratified by features such as size, neck width, anatomical location and time of treatment: 1996–2005 (cohort 1) and 2006–2010 (cohort 2). ORs for risk of recurrence were calculated for aneurysm features and rates of recurrence in each cohort were compared using a χ2test.

Results

437 patients with 458 adequately occluded aneurysms at 6 months had mean long-term follow-up of 31 months; 57 (12.4%) were large (≥10 mm) and 104 (22.7%) were wide-necked (>4 mm). Nine aneurysms (2%) showed significant late anatomical deterioration whereby retreatment was considered or undertaken. The risk was greater for large aneurysms (≥10 mm) (OR 15.61, 95% CI 3.79 to 64.33, p=0.0001) or wide-necked aneurysms (>4 mm) (OR 12.70, 95% CI 2.60 to 62.13, p=0.0017). The frequency of significant late anatomical deterioration and retreatment was also less common in those treated in cohort 2 (p<0.05). No completely occluded aneurysm at 6 months demonstrated significant late recurrence.

Conclusions

Most aneurysms adequately occluded at 6 months did not show evidence of late recurrence. Large and wide-neck aneurysms are, however, at greater risk of later recurrence.
Quantitative comparison of hemodynamic parameters from steady and transient CFD simulations in cerebral aneurysms with focus on the aneurysm ostium
Authors: Karmonik C , Diaz O , Klucznik R , Grossman R G , Zhang Y J , Britz G , Lv N , Huang Q
Published: April 2014

Objective

To quantitatively compare hemodynamics simulated with steady-state and transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in cerebral aneurysms with single inflow, with focus at the aneurysm ostium.

Methods

Transient and steady-state CFD simulations were performed in 10 cerebral aneurysms. Distributions and average values for pressure, helicity, vorticity, and velocity were qualitatively compared at proximal and distal parent artery locations, at the ostium plane, and in the aneurysm, and scaling factors between the two kinds of simulations were determined. Relative inflow and outflow areas at the ostium were compared, as were average inflow and outflow velocities. In addition, values for the pressure-loss coefficient (PLC), a recently introduced parameter to assess aneurysm rupture risk, were compared for both kinds of simulation.

Results

Distributions of hemodynamic parameters had a similar shape but were lower for transient than for steady-state simulations. Averaged scaling factors over cases and anatomical locations showed differences for hemodynamic parameters (0.485±0.01 for pressure, 0.33±0.02 for helicity, 0.58±0.06 for vorticity and 0.56±0.04 for velocity). Good agreement between ratios of inflow and outflow areas at the aneurysm ostium was obtained (Pearson correlation coefficient >0.97, p<0.001) and for the PLC (linear regression slope 0.73±0.14, R2=0.75).

Conclusions

Steady-state simulations are a quick alternative to transient simulation for visualizing and quantifying inflow and outflow areas at the aneurysm ostium, potentially of value when planning flow diverter treatment and for quantifying the PLC, a potential indicator of aneurysm rupture.
Has the Hudson River fish community recovered from the zebra mussel invasion along with its forage base?
Authors: Strayer David L. , Hattala Kathryn A. , Kahnle Andrew W. , Adams Robert D.
Published: April 2014

In the first decade after zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) appeared in the Hudson River, the biomass of zooplankton and deepwater macrobenthos fell by ∼50%, while the biomass of littoral macrobenthos rose by >10%. These changes in the forage base were associated with large, differential changes in the abundance, geographic distribution, and growth rates of openwater and littoral fish. In recent years, populations of zooplankton and deepwater macrobenthos have risen towards pre-invasion levels, while littoral macrobenthos remained unchanged. We therefore hypothesized that the abundance, distribution, and growth rates of openwater fish species would shift back towards pre-invasion levels, while littoral fish species would not change. Our analysis of large data sets for young-of-year fishes found no systematic change in the abundance or geographic distribution of either group of fish in the Hudson. We did find a marked increase in growth rates of openwater fish, but no change in growth rates of littoral fish, in support of our hypothesis. Our study shows that the ecological effects of a biological invasion may change over time.
INVESTIGATION OF THE GASOCHROMIC BEHAVIOR FOR NICKEL OXIDE THIN FILMS USING UV-VIS-NIR SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: SHANAK HUSSEIN
Published: April 2014

Thin films of nickel oxide were deposited with different thicknesses in a mixed atmosphere of O 2 and Ar gases from a high purity target of 99.99% nickel using the reactive DC-sputtering technique. The same amount of the Pt -catalyst was sputtered from a high purity target of 99.99% platinum in Ar atmosphere onto the top of nickel oxide films with different thicknesses. The gasochromic behavior of the films was investigated. The optical response was measured for the as-deposited and for the intercalated films with hydrogen ions. The change of the transmission resulting from the ion insertion in the films was calculated in the visible and the near infrared regions. The fundamental optical energy gap was determined and studied as a function of the film thickness and the time of ion intercalation.
IT Project Investments: An Analysis Based on a Sort and Rank Problem
Authors: Silva Lúcio Camara E. , Costa Ana Paula Cabral Seixas
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a multicriteria approach to the evaluation of information technology (IT) projects. In this paper, we present the steps of the model to evaluate IT project investments, including the identification of IT project investment, the construction of IT investment or IT project categories, the assessment of the importance of criteria and establishes final recommendations. The methodology proposes a framework, based on multicriteria analysis, that describes the importance of classifying and prioritizing IT projects investments before taking decisions. Decisions on IT investments should consider the different characteristics of each IT project and in each case evaluate the tangible and intangible benefits. However, measurements of intangible benefits are usually subjective and require a formal procedure to minimize the difficulty and consequence of this. Thus, the model enables us to handle this subjectiveness and it is exemplified with a numerical illustration, the data being drawn from a preview study.
Strongly Clean Matrices over Commutative Domains
Authors: Chen Huanyin
Published: April 2014

We get criteria of strong cleanness for several classes of 2 × 2 matrices over integers. For commutative local domains, we establish ones in terms of solvability of quadratic equations. Strongly clean matrices over power series are also studied.
Cyclic Division Algebras with Non-norm Elements
Authors: Li Chengju , Yue Qin , Bae Sunghan
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we construct some cyclic division algebras (K/F, σ, γ). We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition of a non-norm element γ provided that F = ℚ and K is a subfield of a cyclotomic field ℚ(ζpu), where p is a prime and ζpu is a puth primitive root of unity. As an application for space time block codes, we also construct cyclic division algebras (K/F, σ, γ), where F = ℚ(i), [Formula: see text], K is a subfield of ℚ(ζ4pu) or [Formula: see text], and γ = 1+i. Moreover, we describe all cyclic division algebras (K/F,σ,γ) such that F= ℚ(i), K is a subfield of [Formula: see text] and γ=1+i, where [Formula: see text], d = 2 or 4, φ is the Euler totient function, and p1, p2 ≤ 100 are distinct odd primes.
Induced Morphisms Between Localization Genera of Groups
Authors: Mba J. C. , Witbooi P. J.
Published: April 2014

For a certain class of groups under a given finite group F, we define and compute genus groups, which coincide with the known genus groups in the case that F is the trivial group. We prove the existence of various induced homomorphisms between genus groups. We discover an induced morphism arising from factoring out a finite normal subgroup.
Classification of Indecomposable Modules of the Intermediate Series over Deformative Schrödinger-Virasoro Lie Algebras
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Ying , You Taijie
Published: April 2014

A classification of indecomposable modules of the intermediate series over the deformative Schrödinger-Virasoro Lie algebras is obtained.
Artinianness and Attached Primes of Formal Local Cohomology Modules
Authors: Bijan-Zadeh Mohammad Hasan , Rezaei Shahram
Published: April 2014

Let 𝔞 be an ideal of a local ring (R, 𝔪) and M a finitely generated R-module. In this paper we study the Artinianness properties of formal local cohomology modules and we obtain the lower and upper bounds for Artinianness of formal local cohomology modules. Additionally, we determine the set [Formula: see text] and we show that the set of all non-isomorphic formal local cohomology modules [Formula: see text] is finite.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLICATIONS OF ZnO NANOWIRES IN DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS VIA WATER BATH METHOD
Authors: SALEEM MUHAMMAD , FANG L. , ASHFAQ AHMAD M. , RAZA RIZWAN , WU F. , LI W. J. , XU C. L. , HU L. , XUE S. J.
Published: April 2014

Zinc oxide ( ZnO ) nanowire (NW) films were synthesized at low temperature (95°C) through amine-assisted solution process and used as photoanode for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). It was found that with the addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and ammonium hydroxide ( NH 4 OH ) in growth solution, the NWs were smaller in diameter and longer in length by prolonging the growth time without refreshing the growth solution. A reasonable overall conversion efficiency of 1.25% was achieved with photoanode based on ZnO NWs containing PEI and NH 4 OH . However, DSSC fabricated with ZnO NWs not containing PEI and NH 4 OH showed low conversion efficiency of 0.58%. All the DSSCs exhibited almost similar values of open circuit voltage (V OC ) and fill factor (FF). Interestingly, DSSC based on ZnO NWs with PEI and NH 4 OH obtained two times higher short circuit current density (J SC ) compared to ZnO NWs photoanode without PEI and NH 4 OH . The increase in efficiency and J SC with the length of NWs is attributed to the increase in internal surface area for sufficient dye loading and light harvesting.
Outside the LMS Box: An interview with Ashley Tan
Authors: Tracey Ryan
Published: April 2014

Dr. Ashley Tan leads the Centre for e-Learning at Singapore's National Institute of Education, which is the only institute in the country responsible for preteacher education. In this interview, Dr. Tan discusses the movement of instructors away from the institutional LMS toward open social platforms.
Malignant Solitary Fibrous Kidney Tumor with Peritoneal Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Rodríguez Cruz Maria Isabel , Hernández Sánchez Jose Emilio , Segovia Blázquez Beatriz , Prieto Nogal Sara Belen , Gómez Tejeda Luis Miguel
Published: April 2014

We report a case of a large malignant solitary fibrous kidney tumor. A complete surgical resection of the primary tumor and peritoneal disease was carried out, and a histological examination confirmed the initial diagnosis. We describe and discuss the characteristics of this rare kidney neoplasm.