bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood–brain barrier: A novel therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kuwahara Hiroya , Nishina Kazutaka , Yokota Takanori
Published: April 2015

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, and the entrance of pathogenic lymphocytes from blood circulation into the brain across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is accepted as the initial step of pathogenesis. The migration of lymphocytes across the BBB is mediated by their sequential interactions with the brain microvascular endothelial cells, the central component of the BBB, including rolling (loose attachment), adhesion (firm attachment), crawling and transmigration. There are a variety of cell adhesion molecules that are expressed on brain microvascular endothelial cells and are involved in this process. The selectins are assumed to be associated with the rolling of lymphocytes. Vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 contributes to the adhesion of lymphocytes by binding to very late antigen‐4 on their surface after the stimulation by cytokines. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 acts for the adhesion as well and the subsequent crawling of lymphocytes by binding to leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 on their surface. Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, melanoma cell adhesion molecule, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1, nerve injury‐induced protein‐1 and vascular adhesion protein‐1 are also considered to influence the migratory process of lymphocytes across the BBB, although the detailed mechanisms are not elucidated. Here we review the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis at the BBB to present a possible molecular targeted therapy in the future, especially focused on the molecules expressing at the brain microvascular endothelial cells.
Use of information and communication technology amongst New Zealand dental students
Authors: Cox S. , Pollock D. , Rountree J. , Murray C. M.
Published: April 2015

Although international studies have shown an increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) amongst dental students, there are no published studies specific to New Zealand (NZ). The aim of this research was to identify device ownership and academic utilisation patterns amongst New Zealand dental students, including preferences and perceptions, and barriers to use. All currently enrolled dental students (322) were invited to complete a 15‐item questionnaire. Data were statistically analysed in SPSS version 20.0. Qualitative data were analysed using a general inductive technique. The participation rate was 78.6% (N = 253 of 322). The majority of respondents personally owned laptop computers (98%) and smartphones (80.2%). A total of 10.8% of participants used a desktop computer everyday for academic purposes, whilst 78.7% used a laptop computer daily, and 54.7% a smartphone. New Zealand dental students demonstrated a high usage of ICT for their coursework with varied use of different online resources. The most frequently used online resources were search engines, social networking sites and lecture slides provided on Blackboard®. A high perceived value was placed on both audio podcasts and video podcasts despite the high value also placed on the traditional lectures. Although most participants (84.5%) felt that their ICT knowledge was adequate to meet academic requirements, a small number (1.6%) did not agree.
‘The Treasure Within’ and ‘Learning Through Life’: A Review and Prospectus
Authors: Schuller Tom , Watson David
Published: April 2015

In this article, Tom Schuller and David Watson, who were responsible for a major review of lifelong learning in the UK published in 2009, describe the main proposals from that review and compare them with the 1996 UNESCO report, The Treasure Within. They find many points of similarity, as well as clear differences. Apart from specific differences of analysis or emphasis, their 2009 ‘Learning Through Life’ (LTL) report focused particularly on adults and dealt prominently with workplace and community‐based opportunities compared with the full life‐cycle but largely formal education focus of the Delors report. They discuss the LTL 4‐lifestage model, the lifecycle distribution of resources, and entitlements to learning. They draw out key issues related to ‘learning to be’. They provide a stocktake of the progress that has been made in the UK since the publication of their report in 2009 and find little grounds for encouragement that their suggested directions for change have been put into practice. They reflect on rationales and developments to offer a prospectus for lifelong learning that has general application, not only in the UK.
Predictive soil mapping with limited sample data
Authors: Zhu A. X. , Liu J. , Du F. , Zhang S. J. , Qin C. Z. , Burt J. , Behrens T. , Scholten T.
Published: April 2015

Existing predictive soil mapping (PSM) methods often require soil sample data to be sufficient to represent soil–environment relationships throughout the study area. However, in many parts of the world with only a limited quantity of soil sample data to represent the study area, this is still an issue for PSM application. This paper presents a method, named ‘individual predictive soil mapping’ (iPSM), which can make use of limited soil sample data for PSM. With the assumption that similar environmental conditions have similar soils, iPSM uses the soil–environment relationship at each individual soil sample location to predict soil properties at unvisited locations and estimate prediction uncertainty. Specifically, the environmental similarities of an unvisited location to a set of soil sample locations are used in a weighted average method to integrate the soil–environment relationships at sample locations for prediction and uncertainty estimation. As a case study, iPSM was applied to map soil organic matter (SOM) content (%) in the topsoil layer using two sets of soil samples. Compared with multiple linear regression (MLR), iPSM produced a more accurate SOM map (root mean squared error (RMSE) 1.43, mean absolute error (MAE) 1.16) than MLR (RMSE 8.54, MAE 7.34) the ability of the sample set to represent the study area is limited and achieved a comparable accuracy (RMSE 1.10, MAE 0.69) with MLR (RMSE 1.01, MAE 0.73) when the sample set could represent the study area better. In addition, the prediction uncertainty estimated by iPSM was positively related to prediction residuals in both scenarios. This study demonstrates that iPSM is an effective alternative when existing soil samples are limited in their ability to represent the study area and the prediction uncertainty in iPSM can be used as an indicator of its prediction accuracy.
Presence of bacteria reduced phosphate adsorption on goethite
Authors: Hong Z. N. , Li J. Y. , Jiang J. , Liu Z. D. , Xu R. K.
Published: April 2015

Despite extensive studies, the information obtained from pure iron and aluminum (hydr)oxides cannot fully explain phosphate fixation in natural soils because of the ubiquitous interactions between (hydr)oxides and bacteria in soil. The effect of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis subsp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens) on phosphate adsorption on goethite (α‐FeOOH) was systematically examined under varying reaction times, phosphate concentrations, pH, ionic strength and bacteria dosage. Batch experiments in all cases showed significantly less adsorption on bacteria–goethite complexes than on pure goethite, demonstrating an inhibitory effect of bacteria. The inhibition of phosphate adsorption increased with bacterial loading, and showed a significant, non‐linear correlation with the decrease in the goethite positive charge induced by the bacteria. Moreover, in both the desorption experiment and in situ, the attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectra suggested a competition of bacteria surface groups (phosphate and carboxyl) with solution phosphate for hydroxyl on goethite. Therefore, the negative influences of bacteria on phosphate adsorption on goethite were probably caused by the surface charge modification and the competitive adsorption induced by the bacteria. Under most conditions, the effects of B. subtilis subsp. were conspicuous, while only slight influences were found for P. fluorescens. This difference between the two bacteria species was explained by differences in their surface charge, group content and chemical interaction with goethite. These findings uncover an important role of bacteria in phosphate phyto‐availability and mobility in natural environments.
Is there an impact of climate change on soil carbon contents in England and Wales?
Authors: Barraclough D. , Smith P. , Worrall F. , Black H. I. J. , Bhogal A.
Published: April 2015

It is not yet clear how soils are responding to a warming climate. A major study using the National Soil Inventory (NSI) of England and Wales reported large declines in soil carbon concentration across 11 land uses between 1978 and 2003 and concluded there was a link to climate change. However, a second, almost contemporary study, recorded no significant changes, raising the possibility that the reported declines were caused by changes in land use and management rather than by climate change. We have used ‘space‐for‐time’ substitution on the data from the initial NSI study, combined with changes in rainfall and temperature over the survey period, to determine the extent to which the declines in soil carbon observed in the second NSI study could be predicted from changes in climate. For organo‐mineral and mineral soils, little (0–5%) of the observed decline in carbon concentration can be predicted from changes in climate. In contrast, 9–22% of the changes reported for organic soils in semi‐natural habitats are consistent with changes in temperature and rainfall between the two NSI surveys. We also found that carbon concentration in organic soils in semi‐natural habitats declines as temperatures exceed 7°C, mirroring independent observations for the decline in bog and dense shrub moor vegetation as temperatures rise above 7°C, and raising the possibility that climate change may influence soil carbon indirectly by changing vegetation cover, and hence litter quality.
Interrater reliability in interpretation of electrocorticographic seizure detections of the responsive neurostimulator
Authors: Quigg Mark , Sun Felice , Fountain Nathan B. , Jobst Barbara C. , Wong Victoria S. S. , Mirro Emily , Brown Sarah , Spencer David C.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings from patients with medically intractable partial‐onset seizures treated with a responsive neurostimulator system (the RNS System) that detects and stores physician‐specified ECoG events provide a new data resource. Interpretation of these recordings has not yet been validated. The purpose was to evaluate the interrater interpretation of chronic ambulatory ECoG recordings obtained by the RNS System.

Methods

Five pairs of five experts independently classified 7,221 ECoG recordings obtained from 128 patients with medically intractable partial seizures who participated in a randomized controlled trial of the safety and efficacy of the RNS System. ECoG detections—“long episodes” or “saturations”—were classified as “seizures” or “not seizures” based on a reference definition. Interrater agreement rates and kappa score reliabilities were calculated between rater pairs from the ECoG sample as a whole and within individual patients who had more than the median number of individual ECoG recordings.

Results

The overall interrater agreement was 79%, with a reliability κ = 0.57 (moderate agreement). Agreement between pairs of reviewers ranged from 0.69 to 0.85. Agreement rates were 94% or better for 50% of patients. Only 25% of patients had ECoG recordings agreement rates worse than 75%. ECoGs with mixed interpretations (one reviewer “seizure”/the other—“not seizure”) consisted of periods of low amplitude activity that evolved in amplitude or periodic discharges near 2 Hz.

Significance

Although reliability as a whole was moderate, for the majority of patients, detections yielded highly reliably interpreted events of either electrographic seizures or nonictal epileptiform activity.
Development of a nutritional profile predicting tool for fresh and processed tomato‐based products
Authors: Ayari Asma , Achir Nawel , Servent Adrien , Ricci Julien , Brat Pierre
Published: April 2015

This study was aimed at developing a tool to represent the evolution of nutritional profile of food during processing with input data mined from previous published papers or database on composition and reactivity of nutrients, and from minimal experimentations. Tomato‐based products, that is tomato sauce, concentrate and paste, were chosen to evaluate the developed model. The SAIN‐LIM system was used to assess the nutritional profile of the tomato products throughout the process steps, including seven constituents: five basic nutrients (i.e. proteins, fibres, vitamin C, calcium and iron) and two microconstituents found in tomato: β‐carotene and lycopene. The SAIN‐LIM nutritional profiles obtained with this model were compared to that calculated from experimental data. Calculated and experimental nutritional scores showed that process steps involved in tomato‐based products did not affect substantially their nutritional quality. Observed differences were mainly attributed to the kinetic parameter selection and raw product variability. The conclusion offers suggestions to extend the model to other product/process combinations.
Influence of SNP*SNP interaction on BMI in European American adolescents: findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: Young K. L. , Graff M. , North K. E. , Richardson A. S. , Bradfield J. P. , Grant S. F. A. , Lange L. A. , Lange E. M. , Harris K. M. , Gordon‐Larsen P.
Published: April 2015

Background

Adolescent obesity is predictive of future weight gain, obesity and adult onset severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg m−2). Despite successful efforts to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing BMI, <5% of the 40–80% heritability of the phenotype has been explained. Identification of gene–gene (G‐G) interactions between known variants can help explain this hidden heritability as well as identify potential biological mechanisms affecting weight gain during this critical developmental period.

Objective

We have recently shown distinct genetic effects on BMI across the life course, and thus it is important to examine the evidence for epistasis in adolescence.

Methods

In adolescent participants of European descent from wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health, n = 5072, ages 12–21, 52.5% female), we tested 34 established BMI‐related SNPs for G‐G interaction effects on BMI z‐score. We used mixed‐effects regression, assuming multiplicative interaction models adjusting for age, sex and geographic region, with random effects for family and school.

Results

For 28 G‐G interactions that were nominally significant (P < 0.05), we attempted to replicate our results in an adolescent sample from the Childhood European American Cohort from Philadelphia. In the replication study, one interaction (PRKD1‐FTO) was significant after correction for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Our results are suggestive of epistatic effects on BMI during adolescence and point to potentially interactive effects between genes in biological pathways important in obesity.
Incontinence care in nursing homes: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mandl Manuela , Halfens Ruud J.G. , Lohrmann Christa
Published: April 2015

Aims

To describe the quality of incontinence care in nursing homes. Main outcome measures were: (1) availability of structural quality indicators on ward and institutional levels; (2) use of nursing interventions as quality indicators on a process level; (3) prevalence of incontinence as an outcome indicator.

Background

Incontinence in older people is a major problem in nursing care that presents a high workload for nurses, increases costs and places a high burden on affected individuals. The availability of structural indicators, and the use of nursing interventions, is recommended to improve the quality of care. Only limited amounts of reliable and valid data are available regarding the quality of incontinence care in nursing homes.

Design

A cross‐sectional multicentre study in 16 nursing homes (N = 1302) in 2013.

Methods

A standardized and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Each resident was assessed by two trained nurses.

Results/findings

The primary outcome of the study indicated that structural indicators, such as the availability of information brochures, are limited in nursing homes. On a process level, the provision of body worn pads or underlay pads to protect beds or chairs were most frequently used and training interventions were only delivered to a small proportion of residents with incontinence. The prevalence of all types of incontinence, particularly double incontinence, was high (69·2%).

Conclusion

Due to the high prevalence of double incontinence and low rate of training interventions regarding this type of incontinence, ongoing efforts to improve the quality of incontinence care are warranted.
Transnational Self‐determination. Resetting Self‐Government in the Age of Interdependence
Authors: Innerarity Daniel
Published: April 2015

The world of Westphalia, in which the subjects of self‐government were well defined, is over. We are in a new constellation in which we seem to be governed by others, especially in Europe. This other‐determination is not a temporary situation but a democratic requirement when our decisions determine the future for other people. Is there any way to make just that which appears to be inevitable? Democratizing the side‐effects of our decisions requires the institutionalization of reciprocity. Democracy is not more possible in a single country – today less so than ever.
Color Matching Strategies for Non‐Vital Discolored Teeth: Part 2. In‐Vivo Bleaching Options for Discolored Teeth Preparations
Authors: Chu Stephen J. , Mieleszko Adam J.
Published: April 2015

The following is a case report exemplifying the esthetic restorative and correction of a discolored substrate of a non‐vital maxillary right lateral and central incisor tooth. Frequently, clinicians are presented with discolored teeth preparations after removal of a restoration and face difficult decision‐making strategies in regards to materials selection, tooth preparation depth, and design. Part 2 will discuss the diagnosis and clinical bleaching treatment options when restoring non‐vital discolored substrate preparations. The key is to know when such techniques should and can be applied with the associated esthetic clinical results.

Clinical Significance

Esthetic restorative correction of discolored teeth preparations can be clinically managed with an understanding of non‐vital bleaching concepts and techniques along with the associated risks and rewards.
Transmission and Effect of Multiple Clusters of Seasonal Influenza in a Swiss Geriatric Hospital
Authors: Pagani Leonardo , Thomas Yves , Huttner Benedikt , Sauvan Valérie , Notaridis Grigorios , Kaiser Laurent , Iten Anne , Pittet Didier , Harbarth Stephan
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To investigate a nosocomial outbreak of influenza.

Design

Prospective outbreak investigation with active case finding and molecular typing.

Setting

A large academic geriatric hospital in Switzerland.

Participants

Elderly hospitalized adults.

Measurements

Based on syndromic surveillance, a nosocomial influenza outbreak was suspected in February 2012. All suspected cases were screened for respiratory viruses using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs. Infection control procedures (droplet precautions with single room isolation whenever possible) were implemented for all suspected or confirmed cases. Specimens positive for influenza viruses were processed and sequenced whenever possible to track transmission dynamics.

Results

Respiratory samples from 155 suspected cases were analyzed during the outbreak period, of which 69 (44%) were positive for influenza virus, 26 (17%) were positive for other respiratory viruses, and 60 (39%) were negative. Three other cases fulfilled clinical criteria for influenza infection but were not sampled, and one individual was admitted with an already positive test, resulting in a total of 73 influenza cases, of which 62 (85%) were classified as nosocomial. Five distinct clusters of nosocomial transmission were identified using viral sequencing, with epidemiologically unexpected in‐hospital transmission dynamics. Seven of 23 patients who experienced influenza complications died. Sixteen healthcare workers experienced an influenza‐like illness (overall vaccination rate, 36%).

Conclusion

Nosocomial influenza transmission caused more secondary cases than repeated community importation during this polyclonal outbreak. Molecular tools revealed complex transmission dynamics. Low healthcare worker vaccination rates and gaps in recommended infection control procedures are likely to have contributed to nosocomial spread of influenza, which remains a potentially life‐threatening disease in elderly adults.
Creating a Network of High‐Quality Skilled Nursing Facilities: Preliminary Data on the Postacute Care Quality Improvement Experiences of an Accountable Care Organization
Authors: Lage Daniel E. , Rusinak Donna , Carr Darcy , Grabowski David C. , Ackerly D. Clay
Published: April 2015

Postacute care (PAC) is an important source of cost growth and variation in the Medicare program and is critical to accountable care organization (ACO) and bundled payment efforts to improve quality and value in the Medicare program, but ACOs must often look outside their walls to identify high‐value external PAC partners, including skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). As a solution to this problem, the integrated health system, Partners HealthCare System (PHS) and its Pioneer ACO launched the PHS SNF Collaborative Network in October 2013 to identify and partner with high‐quality SNFs. This study details the method by which PHS selected SNFs using minimum criteria based on public scores and secondary criteria based on self‐reported measures, describes the characteristics of selected and nonselected SNFs, and reports SNF satisfaction with the collaborative. The selected SNFs (n = 47) had significantly higher CMS Five‐Star scores than the nonselected SNFs (n = 93) (4.6 vs 3.2, P < .001) and were more likely than nonselected SNFs that met the minimum criteria (n = 35) to have more than 5 days of clinical coverage (17.0% vs 2.9%, P = .02) and to have a physician see admitted individuals within 24 (38.3% vs 17.1%, P = .02) and 48 hours (93.6% vs 80.0%, P = .03). A survey sent to collaborative SNFs found high satisfaction with the process (average satisfaction, 4.6/5, with 1 = very dissatisfied and 5 = very satisfied, n = 19). Although the challenges of improving care in SNFs remain daunting, this approach can serve as a first step toward greater clinical collaboration between acute and postacute settings that will lead to better outcomes for frail older adults.
Dirty‐Appearing White Matter in the Brain is Associated with Altered Cerebrospinal Fluid Pulsatility and Hypertension in Individuals without Neurologic Disease
Authors: Beggs Clive B. , Magnano Christopher , Shepherd Simon J. , Belov Pavel , Ramasamy Deepa P. , Hagemeier Jesper , Zivadinov Robert
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aging of the healthy brain is characterized by focal or nonfocal white matter (WM) signal abnormality (SA) changes, which are typically detected as leukoaraiosis (LA). Hypertension is a risk factor for WM lesion formation. This study investigated whether LA might be associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility linked to arterial hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 101 individuals without neurologic diseases (53 females and 48 males) aged between 18 and 75 years underwent 3T brain MRI with cine phase contrast imaging for CSF flow estimation, after providing their informed consent. LA was defined as the presence of focal T2 WM SA changes and/or nonfocal uniform areas of signal increase termed dirty appearing white matter (DAWM). Relevant information relating to cardiovascular risk factors was also collected.

RESULTS

When controlled for age and hypertension, significant partial correlations were observed between: DAWM volume and: net negative flow (r = –.294, P = .014); net positive flow (NPF) (r = .406, P = .001); and peak positive velocity (r = .342, P = .004). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed DAWM volume to be significantly correlated with CSF NPF (P = .019) and hypertension (P = .007), whereas T2 WM SA volume was only significantly correlated with age (P = .002). Combined DAWM and T2 WM SA volumes were significantly related with age (P = .001) and CSF peak negative velocity (P = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

Rarefaction of WM leading to LA is a multifactorial process, in which formation of DAWM induced by hypertension and increased aqueductal CSF pulsatility, may play a contributory role. These two factors appear to act independently of each other in a process that is independent of age.
The amino acid and hydrocarbon contents of the Paris meteorite: Insights into the most primitive CM chondrite
Authors: Martins Zita , Modica Paola , Zanda Brigitte , d'Hendecourt Louis Le Sergeant
Published: April 2015

The Paris meteorite is one of the most primitive carbonaceous chondrites. It is reported to be the least aqueously altered CM chondrite, and to have experienced only weak thermal metamorphism. We have analyzed for the first time the amino acid and hydrocarbon contents of this pristine meteorite by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). When plotting the relative amino acids abundances of several CM chondrites according to the increasing hydrothermal scale (petrologic subtypes), from the CM2.7/2.8 Paris to the CM2.0 MET 01070, Paris has the lowest relative abundance of β‐alanine/glycine (0.15), which fits with the relative abundances of β‐alanine/glycine increasing with increasing aqueous alteration for CM chondrites. These results confirm the influence of aqueous alteration on the amino acid abundances and distribution. The amino acid analysis shows that the isovaline detected in this meteorite is racemic (d/l = 0.99 ± 0.08; l‐enantiomer excess = 0.35 ± 0.5%; corrected d/l = 1.03; corrected l‐enantiomer excess = −1.4 ± 2.6%). The identified hydrocarbons show that Paris has n‐alkanes ranging from C16 to C25 and 3‐ to 5‐ring nonalkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The lack of alkylated PAHs in Paris seems to be also related to this low degree of aqueous alteration on its parent body. The extraterrestrial hydrocarbon content, suggested by the absence of any biomarker, may well have a presolar origin. The chemistry of the Paris meteorite may thus be closely related to the early stages of the solar nebula with a contribution from interstellar (molecular cloud) precursors.
The Košice meteorite fall: Recovery and strewn field
Authors: Tóth Juraj , Svoreň Ján , Borovička Jiří , Spurný Pavel , Igaz Antal , Kornoš Leonard , Vereš Peter , Husárik Marek , Koza Július , Kučera Aleš , Zigo Pavel , Gajdoš Štefan , Világi Jozef , Čapek David , Krišandová Zuzana , Tomko Dušan , Šilha Jiří , Schunová Eva , Bodnárová Marcela , Búzová Diana , Krejčová Tereza
Published: April 2015

We provide the circumstances and details of the fireball observation, search expeditions, recovery, strewn field, and physical characteristics of the Košice meteorite that fell in Slovakia on February 28, 2010. The meteorite was only the 15th case of an observed bolide with a recovered mass and subsequent orbit determination. Despite multiple eyewitness reports of the bolide, only three videos from security cameras in Hungary were used for the strewn field determination and orbit computation. Multiple expeditions of professionals and individual searchers found 218 fragments with total weight of 11.3 kg. The strewn field with the size of 5 × 3 km is characterized with respect to the space distribution of the fragments, their mass and size‐frequency distribution. This work describes a catalog of 78 fragments, mass, size, volume, fusion crust, names of discoverers, geographic location, and time of discovery, which represents the most complex study of a fresh meteorite fall. From the analytical results, we classified the Košice meteorite as an ordinary H5 chondrite.
A genetic perspective on rapid evolution in cane toads (Rhinella marina)
Authors: Rollins Lee A. , Richardson Mark F. , Shine Richard
Published: April 2015

The process of biological invasion exposes a species to novel pressures, in terms of both the environments it encounters and the evolutionary consequences of range expansion. Several invaders have been shown to exhibit rapid evolutionary changes in response to those pressures, thus providing robust opportunities to clarify the processes at work during rapid phenotypic transitions. The accelerating pace of invasion of cane toads (Rhinella marina) in tropical Australia during its 80‐year history has been well characterized at the phenotypic level, including common‐garden experiments that demonstrate heritability of several dispersal‐relevant traits. Individuals from the invasion front (and their progeny) show distinctive changes in morphology, physiology and behaviour that, in combination, result in far more rapid dispersal than is true of conspecifics from long‐colonized areas. The extensive body of work on cane toad ecology enables us to place into context studies of the genetic basis of these traits. Our analyses of differential gene expression from toads from both ends of this invasion‐history transect reveal substantial upregulation of many genes, notably those involved in metabolism and cellular repair. Clearly, then, the dramatically rapid phenotypic evolution of cane toads in Australia has been accompanied by substantial shifts in gene expression, suggesting that this system is well suited to investigating the genetic underpinnings of invasiveness.
Two amino acids near the N‐terminus of Cucumber mosaic virus 2b play critical roles in the suppression of RNA silencing and viral infectivity
Authors: Dong Kai , Wang Ying , Zhang Zhen , Chai Long‐Xiang , Tong Xin , Xu Jin , Li Dawei , Wang Xian‐Bing
Published: April 2015

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) 2b suppresses RNA silencing primarily through the binding of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) of varying sizes. However, the biologically active form of 2b remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the single and double alanine substitution mutants in the N‐terminal 15th leucine and 18th methionine of CMV 2b exhibit drastically attenuated virulence in wild‐type plants, but are efficiently rescued in mutant plants defective in RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6) and Dicer‐like 4 (DCL4). Moreover, the transgenic plants of 2b, but not 2blm (L15A/M18A), rescue the high infectivity of CMV‐Δ2b through the suppression of antiviral silencing. L15A, M18A or both weaken 2b suppressor activity on local and systemic transgene silencing. In contrast with the high affinity of 2b to short and long dsRNAs, 2blm is significantly compromised in 21‐bp duplex small interfering RNA (siRNA) binding ability, but maintains a strong affinity for long dsRNAs. In cross‐linking assays, 2b can form dimers, tetramers and oligomers after treatment with glutaraldehyde, whereas 2blm only forms dimers, rather than tetramers and oligomers, in vitro. Together, these findings suggest that L15 and M18 of CMV 2b are required for high affinity to ds‐siRNAs and oligomerization activity, which are essential for the suppression activity of 2b on antiviral silencing.
Utilizing functional lumen imaging probe topography to evaluate esophageal contractility during volumetric distention: a pilot study
Authors: Carlson D. A. , Lin Z. , Rogers M. C. , Lin C. Y. , Kahrilas P. J. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: April 2015

Background

The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) measures luminal cross‐sectional area and pressure during volumetric distension. By applying novel customized software to produce FLIP topography plots, organized esophageal contractility can be visualized and analyzed. We aimed to describe the stimulus thresholds and contractile characteristics for distension‐induced esophageal body contractility using FLIP topography in normal controls.

Methods

Ten healthy controls were evaluated during endoscopy with FLIP. During stepwise bag distension, simultaneous intra‐bag pressure and luminal diameter measurements were obtained and exported to a MatLab program to generate FLIP topography plots. The distension volume, intra‐bag pressure, and maximum esophageal body diameters were measured for the onset and cessation of repetitive antegrade contractions (RACs). Contraction duration, interval, magnitude, and velocity were measured at 8 and 3‐cm proximal to the esophagogastric junction.

Key Results

Eight of ten subjects demonstrated RACs at a median onset volume of 29 mL (IQR: 25–38.8), median intra‐bag pressure of 10.7 mmHg (IQR: 8.6–15.9), and median maximum esophageal body diameter of 18.5 mm (IQR: 17.5–19.6). Cessation of RACs occurred prior to completion of the distension protocol in three of the eight subjects exhibiting RACs. Values of the RAC‐associated contractile metrics were also generated to characterize these events.

Conclusions & Inferences

Distension‐induced esophageal contractions can be assessed utilizing FLIP topography. RACs are a common finding in asymptomatic controls in response to volume distention and have similar characteristics to secondary peristalsis and repetitive rapid swallows.
Indoor Tanning Practices of Colorado High School Students
Authors: Karimkhani Chante , Jadotte Yuri T. , Townley Cate , Collins Nicole , Dellavalle Robert P.
Published: April 2015

For the first time, the 2013 Colorado Youth Risk Behavior Survey assessed indoor tanning practices of Colorado high school students. The survey revealed that girls are more likely to use indoor tanning devices than boys and that the majority of students who tan do so once or twice annually. Health care professionals and policymakers should focus on these groups in efforts to curtail indoor tanning and the associated risk of skin cancer in youth.
Congenital Plantar Angiofibroma‐Like Hamartoma
Authors: Burgess Elizabeth M. , Greyling Laura A. , Davis Loretta S.
Published: April 2015

A 2‐year‐old girl presented with a congenital, slow‐growing, exophytic nodule on the plantar surface of the foot. Histopathology revealed a hamartoma consisting of dermal angiofibroma features with overlying epidermal verruciform hyperplasia.
Multiple Pyogenic Granulomas After Burns: Response to Conservative Treatment in Five Children
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Zhao Huanjun , Zhang Cuiping , Fu Xiaobing
Published: April 2015

We describe five children with multiple pyogenic granulomas after burns that were healed effectively using conservative treatment consisting of 1% povidone‐iodine, silver nanoparticle dressing, and antibiotics. No relapse of the lesions was observed from 6 months to 2 years later.
Efficiency of pollination and satiation of predators determine reproductive output in Iberian Juniperus thurifera woodlands
Authors: Mezquida E. T. , Rodríguez‐García E. , Olano J. M.
Published: April 2015

Fruit production in animal‐dispersed plants has a strong influence on fitness because large crops increase the number of seeds dispersed by frugivores. Large crops are costly, and environmental control of plant resources is likely play a role in shaping temporal and spatial variations in seed production, particularly in fluctuating environments such as the Mediterranean. The number of fruits that start to develop and the proportion of viable seeds produced are also linked to the number of flowers formed and the efficiency of pollination in wind‐pollinated plants. Finally, large fruit displays also attract seed predators, having a negative effect on seed output. We assessed the relative impact of environmental conditions on fruit production, and their combined effect on seed production, abortion and seed loss through three predispersal predators in Juniperus thurifera L., sampling 14 populations across the Iberian Peninsula. Wetter than average conditions during flowering and early fruit development led to larger crop sizes; this effect was amplified at tree level, with the most productive trees during more favourable years yielding fruits with more viable seeds and less empty and aborted seeds. In addition, large crops satiated the less mobile seed predator. The other two predispersal predators responded to plant traits, the presence of other seed predators and environmental conditions, but did not show a satiation response to the current‐year crop. Our large‐scale study on a dioecious, wind‐pollinated Mediterranean juniper indicates that pollination efficiency and satiation of seed predators, mediated by environmental conditions, are important determinants of reproductive output in this juniper species.
Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
Authors: de Haas M. , Thurik F. F. , Koelewijn J.M. , van der Schoot C.E.
Published: April 2015

Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) is caused by maternal alloimmunization against red blood cell antigens. In severe cases, HDFN may lead to fetal anaemia with a risk for fetal death and to severe forms of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia with a risk for kernicterus. Most severe cases are caused by anti‐D, despite the introduction of antental and postnatal anti‐D immunoglobulin prophylaxis. In general, red blood cell antibody screening programmes are aimed to detect maternal alloimmunization early in pregnancy to facilitate the identification of high‐risk cases to timely start antenatal and postnatal treatment. In this review, an overview of the clinical relevance of red cell alloantibodies in relation to occurrence of HDFN and recent views on prevention, screening and treatment options of HDFN are provided.
Assessing the toxic effects of DMSO on cord blood to determine exposure time limits and the optimum concentration for cryopreservation
Authors: Fry L. J. , Querol S. , Gomez S. G. , McArdle S. , Rees R. , Madrigal J. A.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Advantages of using cord blood (CB) over other sources of haematopoietic progenitor cells, such as bone marrow, include the ability to cryopreserve and bank the samples until requested for a transplant. Cryopreservation requires the addition of a cryoprotectant to prevent the formation of intracellular ice during freezing. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is commonly used at a concentration of 10% (v/v); however, there is evidence to suggest this chemical is toxic to cells as well as to patients after infusion.

Materials and Methods

The toxic effects of DMSO were assessed through cell viability and in vitro functional assays in fresh and post‐thaw CB samples before determining the maximum exposure time and optimal concentration for cryopreservation.

Results

A dose‐dependent toxicity of DMSO was observed in fresh samples with 40% removing all viable and functional haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). In fresh and post‐thaw analysis, minimal toxic effect was observed when cryopreservation was delayed for up to 1 h after 10% DMSO addition. After thawing, DMSO washout was superior to dilution or unmanipulated when maintained for long periods (advantage observed 1 h after thawing). Finally, the optimum concentration for cryopreserving CB was found to be 7·5 to 10% with detrimental effects observed outside of this range.

Conclusion

These results support the use of 7·5–10% as the optimal DMSO concentration and the maximum exposure time should be limited to <1 h prior to freezing and 30 min post‐thaw.
Platelet transfusion in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Otrock Z. K. , Liu C. , Grossman B. J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Platelet (PLT) transfusion has been considered contraindicated in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, adverse clinical outcomes and death in patients with TTP after receiving PLT transfusion were based on case reports prior to routine use of plasma exchange (PEX) therapy. PLT transfusions are often required by the interventional radiologist before the insertion of a central venous catheter. In this study, we evaluate whether PLT transfusions are harmful in patients with TTP undergoing PEX.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with the clinical diagnosis of TTP who received PEX at our institution between January 2004 and September 2014. An adverse event was defined as any complication including seizures, cerebrovascular accident, bleeding, thrombosis, myocardial infarction or death for any reason within 30 days from the PLT transfusion. Analyses were performed on only patients with ADAMTS13 activity <10%.

Results

Our cohort included 110 patients with the clinical diagnosis of TTP. Fifty‐five patients had ADAMTS13‐deficient TTP, 23 of whom received PLT at some point during disease course. The patients who received PLT transfusion were not different from those who did not in terms of age, gender, race, haematocrit, PLT count, creatinine, LDH and complications. The three patients who received PLT and died had malignancy and complicated disease course. None of them died from a thrombotic event.

Conclusion

All deaths in the transfused group happened in very ill patients that had alternative causes of death. PLT transfusions in patients with TTP do not appear harmful in regard to thrombotic complications.
Quantifying morphological heterogeneity: a study of more than 1 000 000 individual stored red blood cells
Authors: Piety N. Z. , Gifford S. C. , Yang X. , Shevkoplyas S. S.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

The morphology of red blood cells (RBCs) deteriorates progressively during hypothermic storage. The degree of deterioration varies between individual cells, resulting in a highly heterogeneous population of cells contained within each RBC unit. Current techniques capable of categorizing the morphology of individual stored RBCs are manual, laborious and error‐prone procedures that limit the number of cells that can be studied. Our objective was to create a simple, automated system for high‐throughput RBC morphology classification.

Materials and Methods

A simple microfluidic device, designed to enable rapid, consistent acquisition of images of optimally oriented RBCs, was fabricated using soft lithography. A custom image analysis algorithm was developed to categorize the morphology of each individual RBC in the acquired images. The system was used to determine morphology of individual RBCs in several RBC units stored hypothermically for 6–8 weeks.

Results

The system was used to automatically determine the distribution of cell diameter within each morphological class for >1 000 000 individual stored RBCs (speed: >10 000 cells/h; accuracy: 91·9% low resolution, 75·3% high resolution). Diameter mean and standard deviation by morphology class were as follows: discocyte 7·80 ± 0·49 μm, echinocyte 1 7·61 ± 0·63 μm, echinocyte 2 7·02 ± 0·61 μm, echinocyte 3 6·47 ± 0·42 μm, sphero‐echinocyte 6·01 ± 0·26 μm, spherocyte 6·02 ± 0·27 μm, stomatocyte 1 6·95 ± 0·61 μm and stomatocyte 2 7·32 ± 0·47 μm.

Conclusions

The automated morphology classification procedure described in this study is significantly simpler, faster and less subjective than conventional manual procedures. The ability to evaluate the morphology of individual RBCs automatically, rapidly and in statistically significant numbers enabled us to perform the most extensive study of stored RBC morphology to date.
A Computational Study of the Mixture Preparation in a Direct–Injection Hydrogen Engine
Authors: Le Moine Jerome , Senecal P. K. , Kaiser Sebastian A. , Salazar Victor M. , Anders Jon W. , Svensson K. I. , Gehrke C. R.
Published: April 2015

This paper reports the validation of a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the mixture preparation in a direct-injection (DI) hydrogen-fueled engine. Computational results from the commercial code CONVERGE are compared to the experimental data obtained from an optically accessible engine. The geometry used in the simulation is a passenger-car sized, four-stroke, and spark-ignited engine. The simulation includes the geometry of the combustion chamber as well as the intake and exhaust ports. The hydrogen is supplied at 100 bar from a centrally located injector with a single-hole nozzle. The comparison between the simulation and experimental data is made on the central vertical plane. The fuel mole concentration and flow field are compared during the compression stroke at different crank angles (CA). The comparison shows good agreement between the numerical and experimental results during the early stage of the compression stroke. The penetration of the jet and the interaction with the cylinder walls are correctly predicted. The fuel spreading is under predicted which results in differences in flow field and fuel mixture during the injection between experimental and numerical results. At the end of the injection, the fuel distribution shows some disagreement which gradually increases during the rest of the simulation.
The American Turboliner
Authors: Pier J. R. , Foster J. L.
Published: April 2015

The background for selection of turbine trains for corridor service is examined and characteristics of the RTG Turbine Train power units described. Design criteria for future performance requirements are also developed.
Data Acquisition and Processing in the NGTE Altitude Test Facility
Authors: Dean G. W. , White S. W.
Published: April 2015

The Engine Test Facility of the National Gas Turbine Establishment has used computer-controlled instrumentation systems for on-line data acquisition and processing for over 15 yr. The development of the system is outlined and the current system described. To illustrate its present use typical results obtained during tests on a large turbofan engine are presented and discussed. The emphasis of this paper is on the use of the system to assess the accuracy and reliability of the test measurements before commencing qualification tests on the engine. The probable sources of error are described and placed into three categories, to assist handling and propagation through the calculation processes. The resultant uncertainty in measurement of Thrust and sfc at cruise (M = 0.85, 35,000 ft), is estimated to be 0.50 percent (one standard deviation) for a single performance curve.
Design and Operation of a 26-MW Stag Plant
Authors: Kindl F. H. , Haley J. L.
Published: April 2015

In the late 1960’s the City of Clarksdale, Mississippi, decided to add 25,000-KW of additional generation, using a combined steam and gas turbine cycle. This paper describes the principal machinery characteristics and some of the important economic factors leading to this choice of equipment. The unit has now had over 14,000 hr of successful operation and has in general exceeded original expectations with regard to first cost and efficiency.
Industrial Gas Turbine Materials and Some Service Experiences
Authors: Tyler J. R. , Comins H. E.
Published: April 2015

After discussion of the design and materials of construction of the RUSTON TA series gas turbines, information relating to applications and lifetimes is given. The main portion of the paper deals with a variety of interesting material problems and their solutions, that have arisen over the years. These have been reported under the headings of: Influence of atmosphere; influence of fuel; influence of temperature; influence of material; and influence of lubricating oil. Finally, reference is made to specific installations and their operating data in order to re-affirm the suitability of the industrial gas turbine as a power source in a very wide variety of demanding applications and environments.