bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of race/ethnicity on laryngeal cancer in patients treated at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Sandulache Vlad C. , Kubik Mark W. , Skinner Heath D. , Malsky Joseph A. , Gelbard Alexander H. , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Black patients generally present with advanced head and neck cancer resulting in decreased survival. The objective of this study was to determine whether equal access to laryngeal cancer care in a tertiary care Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center would result in similar survival for white and black patients.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Patient and tumor characteristics, compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, and survival outcomes were collected for 205 male patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated between 2000 and 2012 at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Results

Black patients constituted 33% of the entire cohort, were older (mean age, 65.1 vs. 62.1 years), and consumed less tobacco (46.6 vs. 65.8 mean pack‐years) than white patients. Disease stage and compliance with NCCN guidelines were not affected by race. Mean follow up time was 3.6 years. A higher recurrence rate was noted among white patients (24% vs. 15%, P < .05). Neither disease‐free survival (DFS) nor overall survival (OS) was significantly different between black and white patients (DFS 69% vs. 68%, P = .7; OS 68% vs. 77%, P = .1).

Conclusions

Utilization of a multidisciplinary approach to laryngeal cancer care at the VA medical center allows for high compliance with NCCN guidelines and excellent oncologic outcomes. Ethnicity did not impact stage at presentation, treatment selection, or treatment intensity in this patient cohort. Our data suggest that cancer care at a VA medical center results in clinical outcomes that do not significantly vary based on patient race.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2170–2175, 2013
Investigations into the Mass Spectrometric Method for the Determination of the Mode of Termination in Radical Polymerization
Authors: Alghamdi Majed M. , Russell Gregory T.
Published: May 2013

The fraction of termination by disproportionation, λ, in radical polymerization may be determined by a mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of the resulting polymer. It is subjected to an array of stringent consistency checks, working with polymerizations of methyl methacrylate at 85 °C in three different solvents and with four different initiators. λ is shown to be unaffected by the choice of initiator, initiator concentration, or isoviscous solvent. These findings serve to allay any fears about the method being undermined by effects such as primary radical termination or chain transfer to solvent, thereby establishing its robustness. At the same time, direct evidence for the occurrence of chain transfer to the solvent methyl isobutyrate is uncovered, and the importance of knowing other rate‐parameter values accurately, if λ is to be determined accurately, is illustrated. By carrying out MS analyses, it is concluded that electrospray ionization with time‐of‐flight detection gives the best results for the present purpose.

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Grafting of Chitosan with Styrene and Maleic Anhydride via Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: García‐Valdez Omar , Ramírez‐Wong Diana Guadalupe , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Luna‐Bárcenas Gabriel
Published: May 2013

A novel synthesis route is used to produce chitosan‐graft‐poly(styrene‐maleic anhydride)‐OH‐TEMPO (CTS‐g‐PSMA‐T). A three‐step reaction scheme is proposed: 1) bromine 4‐OH‐TEMPO oxoammonium salt is synthesized. 2) Hydroxyl‐targeted groups in the CTS molecule are reacted with the synthesized salt in aqueous acid solution. A functionalization of 18.9% is achieved. 3) Graft copolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride is done via NMRP by a unimolecular initiation system. The reaction is run in a dispersion in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) in the presence of camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) to avoid autopolymerization. A modified CTS with a graft content of 68% in weight is obtained.

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Quantitative trait locus linkage analysis in a large Amish pedigree identifies novel candidate loci for erythrocyte traits
Authors: Hinckley Jesse D. , Abbott Diana , Burns Trudy L. , Heiman Meadow , Shapiro Amy D. , Wang Kai , Paola Jorge Di
Published: May 2013

We characterized a large Amish pedigree and, in 384 pedigree members, analyzed the genetic variance components with covariate screen as well as genome‐wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) linkage analysis of red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell count (WBC) using SOLAR. Age and gender were found to be significant covariates in many CBC traits. We obtained significant heritability estimates for RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, and WBC. We report four candidate loci with Logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores above 2.0: 6q25 (MCH), 9q33 (WBC), 10p12 (RDW), and 20q13 (MCV). We also report eleven candidate loci with LOD scores between 1.5 and <2.0. Bivariate linkage analysis of MCV and MCH on chromosome 20 resulted in a higher maximum LOD score of 3.14. Linkage signals on chromosomes 4q28, 6p22, 6q25, and 20q13 are concomitant with previously reported QTL. All other linkage signals reported herein represent novel evidence of candidate QTL. Interestingly rs1800562, the most common causal variant of hereditary hemochromatosis in HFE (6p22) was associated with MCH and MCHC in this family. Linkage studies like the one presented here will allow investigators to focus the search for rare variants amidst the noise encountered in the large amounts of data generated by whole‐genome sequencing.
Optimal control problem of a generalized Ginzburg–Landau model equation in population problems
Authors: Zhao Xiaopeng , Duan Ning , Liu Bo
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we consider the problem for distributed optimal control of the generalized Ginzburg–Landu model equation in population. The optimal control under boundary condition is given, the existence of optimal solution to the equation is proved, and the optimality system is established. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer‐generated lactic acid: a regulatory, immunosuppressive metabolite?
Authors: Choi Stephen Yiu Chuen , Collins Colin C , Gout Peter W , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: May 2013

The common preference of cancers for lactic acid‐generating metabolic energy pathways has led to proposals that their reprogrammed metabolism confers growth advantages such as decreased susceptibility to hypoxic stress. Recent observations, however, suggest that it generates a novel way for cancer survival. There is increasing evidence that cancers can escape immune destruction by suppressing the anti‐cancer immune response through maintaining a relatively low pH in their micro‐environment. Tumours achieve this by regulating lactic acid secretion via modification of glucose/glutamine metabolisms. We propose that the maintenance by cancers of a relatively low pH in their micro‐environment, via regulation of their lactic acid secretion through selective modification of their energy metabolism, is another major mechanism by which cancers can suppress the anti‐cancer immune response. Cancer‐generated lactic acid could thus be viewed as a critical, immunosuppressive metabolite in the tumour micro-environment rather than a ‘waste product’. This paradigm shift can have major impact on therapeutic strategy development. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terahertz‐induced effects on excitons in magnetic field
Authors: Böttge C. N. , Breddermann B. , Schneebeli L. , Kira M. , W. Koch S. , Bhattacharyya J. , Schneider H. , Helm M.
Published: May 2013

Terahertz‐induced intra‐exciton transitions are studied in semiconductor quantum‐well systems under the influence of a constant magnetic field. A systematic description is developed to include carrier–carrier interactions, terahertz transitions, and magnetic‐field effects to the exciton‐correlation dynamics.

When a magnetic field is present, the exciton states and energies are changed directly and parametrically via the center‐of‐mass momentum of excitons. The numerical results show that both effects influence the terahertz spectroscopy. Especially, the transition between 1s‐ and 2p‐exciton states is shown to depend strongly on both magnetic field and center‐of‐mass momentum. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Screening calmodulin‐binding ligands using intensity‐fading matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Zhaofu , Liu Shu , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

Calmodulin (CaM) plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. CaM antagonists are a class of drugs that can bind to CaM and modulate the interactions between CaM and their target biological processes. Screening new calmodulin antagonists and developing novel methods for detecting calmodulin ligands are important for developing novel anti‐cancer drugs that bind specifically to CaM.

METHODS

An intensity‐fading matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (IF‐MALDI‐MS) method for screening calmodulin ligands was established, with the non‐binding drug propranolol as the internal control. The experimental sample was prepared by mixing the positive ligand trifluoperazine (or chlorpromazine), propranolol and Ca2+‐CaM. The control sample was treated in the same way without the addition of CaM. The experimental and control samples were both analyzed by MALDI‐MS. Based on the relative intensity fading (IF) of the ligand to propranolol, the MS conditions were optimized and then used to study the binding of eight alkaloids and calmodulin. Competitive experiments were performed in a similar way by adding two drugs to compare their binding affinities with calmodulin.

RESULTS

The matrix 2,6‐dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) was suitable for detecting calmodulin ligands. Compared with propranolol, the relative intensities of six free drugs (berbamine, tetrandrine, papaverine, reserpine, brucine and tetrahydropalmatine) clearly faded after the addition of calmodulin, indicating that they can bind with CaM. The other two alkaloids (strychnine and piperine) had no or weak interaction with the target protein. Based on the data from the competitive binding experiments, the binding affinities of five drugs to calmodulin were obtained in the order: tetrandrine > trifluoperazine > berbamine > chlorpromazine > imipramine.

CONCLUSIONS

The IF‐MALDI‐MS method was successfully applied to screen novel calmodulin agents at both qualitative and semiquantitative levels. The new ligands may be novel leads for CaM antagonists. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput determination of cortisol, cortisone, and melatonin in oral fluid by on‐line turbulent flow liquid chromatography interfaced with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fustinoni Silvia , Polledri Elisa , Mercadante Rosa
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

Cortisol, cortisone, and melatonin (CORTol, CORTone, and MELA, respectively) are hormones related to stress and sleep disorders. Their detection is relevant to epidemiological studies aimed at investigating the effects of circadian cycle disruption. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a high‐throughput assay for the detection of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA concentrations in non‐invasively collected oral fluid samples.

METHODS

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method to measure levels of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA in oral fluid samples in the presence of deuterated analogs was optimized and validated. A 50 μL aliquot of oral fluid sample, obtained by centrifugation of a chewed swab, was purified using on‐line turbulent flow liquid chromatography. Analytes were then separated using C18 reversed‐phase chromatography, subjected to positive ionization using an electrospray source, then quantitated using a triple quadrupole mass detector in the selected reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS

Limits of quantification and linear dynamic ranges were found to be 0.55 nmol/L, 5.5 nmol/L, and 0.004 nmol/L, and up to 28 nmol/L, 277 nmol/L, and 0.43 nmol/L for CORTol, CORTone, and MELA, respectively. Inter‐ and intra‐run precisions as relative standard deviation values were <5%, and accuracies were within 95–106% of theoretical concentrations. An evaluation of matrix effects showed that the use of deuterated analogs controlled sources of bias. Furthermore, the total analysis time per sample was 13 min, resulting in a throughput of approximately 100 samples/day.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first automated, high‐throughput assay for the simultaneous quantification of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA in oral fluid specimens. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Light Out‐Coupling of OLEDs with Low Haze by Inserting Randomly Dispersed Nanopillar Arrays Formed by Lateral Phase Separation of Polymer Blends
Authors: Lee Cholho , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: May 2013

A simple and efficient method to fabricate light extraction layers is demonstrated by utilizing the phase separation of two polymer blends to enhance the light out‐coupling efficiency of OLEDs with low haze. Polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran are mixed and spin‐coated over ITO‐coated glass substrates. Nanopores and nanopillar arrays are formed through lateral phase separation of the polymer blend. The shape, size, and distribution of the patterns can be controlled through changes in the composition and thickness of the coated polymer blends. Phosphorescent OLEDs are fabricated using randomly dispersed nanopillar arrays as light extraction layers and they show a 24% enhancement in external quantum efficiency with a Lambertian emission pattern, no spectrum dependence on viewing angles, and only a small increment in the haze. With these advantages, this newly developed method can be adapted to be used for large‐area, flexible substrates for lighting and display applications.
Larval competition causes the difference in male ejaculate expenditure in Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Katsuki Masako , Toquenaga Yukihiko , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: May 2013

The seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus larvae exhibit two types of resource competition: scramble, in which a resource is shared, and contest, in which the resource is monopolized. This difference in larval behavior results in different adult densities. Under contest competition, adult density remains constant regardless of larval density, but under scramble competition, adult density increases with larval density. This in turn affects mating frequency during adulthood, and thus, the intensity of sexual selection operating on males. In this study, we examined the relationship between larval competition types and male reproductive investment in mating. We assessed the male ejaculate expenditure per mating across geographic strains of C. maculatus. The male investment (ejaculate expenditure) increased with the degree of scramble competition and decreased with the degree of contest competition. We therefore suggest that males experience different selective pressures depending on the type of larval competition: scramble type males are selected for increased reproductive investment.
Male‐biased dispersal promotes large scale gene flow in a subterranean army ant, Dorylus (Typhlopone) fulvus
Authors: Barth Matthias Benjamin , Moritz Robin Frederik Alexander , Pirk Christian Walter Werner , Kraus Frank Bernhard
Published: May 2013

Sex‐biased dispersal is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom, which strongly influences gene flow and population structure. Particularly army ants, important key‐stone predators in tropical ecosystems, are prone to population fragmentation and isolation due to their extraordinary mating system: queens are permanently wingless, propagate via colony fission, and only the males disperse in mating flights. Here we report on sex‐biased dispersal and the genetic population structure of an African subterranean army ant, Dorylus (Typhlopone) fulvus. Using maternally inherited mtDNA markers and bi‐parentally inherited nuclear microsatellites we found strong geographical structuring of mtDNA haplotypes, whereas the nuclear genetic population structure was less pronounced. Strong mtDNA (ΦST = 0.85), but significantly lower nuclear (FST = 0.23) genetic differentiation translated into a more than an order of magnitude larger male migration rate compared to that of queens, reflecting the low motility of queens and strong, promiscuous dispersal by males. Thus, the well flying D. fulvus males appear to be the sex to promote large scale gene flow, and D. fulvus is indeed a species in which sex specific dispersal patterns and the mating system profoundly affect the population structure and phylogeography.
Case Study of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter's Migration into the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Patrona-Aurand Rosanna , Schubert Leanne
Published: May 2013

An untoward event took place in Australia in 2011 involving a patient whose entire peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) migrated into his pulmonary artery. At this particular rural hospital, a small vascular access team was initially formed; however, the PICC insertion procedure was taken over by a physician intensivist and his medical residents, who learned the procedure from him during their 3-month rotations. The distal portion of the patient's PICC, attached initially to a distal catheter-stabilizing device, dislodged and was drawn into the vein. The patient's PICC, now in his pulmonary artery, was retrieved via interventional radiology and the patient experienced no serious side effects from this event. This case highlights the importance of using only highly trained personnel who are familiar with the medical supplies to insert PICCs.
The photograph album of Albert Henry Scott, the photographer son of George Gilbert Scott
Authors: Stamp Gavin
Published: May 2013

This paper describes the contents of an album of photographs taken in 1861–2 by the seventeen-year-old third son of the renowned architect George Gilbert Scott. The album is evidence of the growing popularity of photography as a hobby for amateurs in the 1850s and 1860s as a result of technical developments that made the equipment easier to transport and use in the field. Analysis of the subjects in the album reveals a pioneering interest in vernacular architecture; the album also contains rare and early photographs of railway subjects and the only known portrait of George Gilbert Scott's wife, Caroline Oldrid.
Effect of crop rotation on the root system morphology and productivity of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm)
Authors: GŁĄB T. , ŚCIGALSKA B. , ŁABUZ B.
Published: May 2013

The root and shoot characteristics of triticale grown in either a monoculture sequence of winter triticale (WT) and spring triticale or in rotation with sugar beet and faba bean (Norfolk rotation) were studied. Grain yield, root and shoot biomass as well as root morphometric parameters, were determined in a long-term field trial carried out in Poland. Spring triticale had lower root biomass and shorter root length than WT as observed at a soil depth of 5–20 cm and was related to the 0·1–0·5 mm root diameter fraction. Grain yields were affected by both crop rotation (Norfolk>monoculture) and the type of triticale grown (winter>spring). Straw yield was lower for the Norfolk rotation (7·16 t/ha) than for monoculture (8·47 t/ha). Consequently, the harvest index (HI) was higher in the Norfolk rotation (0·421 v. 0·324). In conclusion, when grown in monoculture, triticale showed lower biomass production and HI compared with triticale grown in a rotation with other non-cereal crops. These differences could be caused not only by deterioration in the physical, biological and/or chemical properties of the soil resulting from the use of a monoculture rotation, but also by the beneficial effects of the organic amendments applied and the legumes grown in the Norfolk rotation.
Faecal index to estimate intake and digestibility in grazing sheep
Authors: DAVID D. B. , POLI C. H. E. C. , SAVIAN J. V. , AMARAL G. A. , AZEVEDO E. B. , CARVALHO P. C. F. , MCMANUS C. M.
Published: May 2013

The current research was carried out to evaluate the use of crude protein and fibre components in faeces for estimating intake and digestibility in sheep fed with pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke). The equations were developed from four trials in metabolism cages with 16 sheep in each trial. Each animal received a different quantity of millet leaves in the diet: 0·015, 0·020 and 0·025 dry matter (DM) as a proportion of live weight (LW) and ad libitum with at least 0·2 of daily feed refusals. Organic matter intake (OMI, g/day) was measured, through the difference between offer and refusals; total faeces were collected for 5 days, which was used to determine faecal crude protein (CPf, g/day and g/kg of organic matter (OM)), faecal neutral detergent fibre (NDFf, g/day and g/kg OM), faecal acid detergent fibre (ADFf, g/day and g/kg OM) and OM digestibility (OMD). Linear regression equations were calculated to determine the relationship between OMI and CPf (P<0·001, R2=0·90, relative prediction error (RPE=14·02%). A multiple linear equation was generated for OMI including CPf and NDFf (P<0·001, R2=0·94; RPE=9·25%). Hyperbolic (single and multiple) and exponential models were tested to estimate OMD, where the hyperbolic multiple model including CPf and NDFf showed lower RPE (3·90%). These equations for estimating OMI and OMD were evaluated on sheep grazing P. americanum fertilized with increasing levels of nitrogen (N) (50, 100, 200 and 400 kg N/ha), comparing measured and estimated OMI. The intake estimated by multiple regression (CP and NDFf) showed a higher R2 (0·98) and lower RPE (5·25%) than the simple (CPf only) linear equation (R2=0·94; RPE=20·45%). The results demonstrated the feasibility of using the faecal index generated in metabolism cages for estimating intake and digestibility in sheep grazing P. americanum.
DIFFERENTIAL PERCEPTIONS OF BODY IMAGE AND BODY WEIGHT AMONG ADULTS OF DIFFERENT SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN A SUB-URBAN POPULATION
Authors: MARUF FATAI A. , AKINPELU ADERONKE O. , UDOJI NWANNEDIMMA V.
Published: May 2013

This study explored the association of socioeconomic status with individuals' perception of their body image (BI) and body weight (BW) among adults in a sub-urban Nigerian population. The cross-sectional sample comprised 1521 residents (775 males and 746 females) of the town of Nnewi. Perceived BI was assessed using figural representations of different sizes for males and females. Perceived BW was determined by presenting participants with BW category options to choose from. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from objectively measured BW and height using standardized procedures. Actual BW categories were derived from participants' BMIs using WHO criteria. Perceived BI and BW differed from actual BW among unskilled and non-tertiary males (p<0.001) and female (p<0.001 top<0.04) in all BW categories whereas these variables differed (p<0.001) among skilled and tertiary males and females in normal weight, overweight and obese categories. Perceived BW differed (p<0.001) from actual BW among unskilled and non-tertiary males in underweight, overweight and obese categories whereas these variables differed (p<0.001) among unskilled and non-tertiary females, skilled and tertiary males and females in overweight and obese categories. Underweight ‘unskilled’ and ‘non-tertiary’ males perceived their BI to be different from their actual BW (p<0.001). Overweight and obese ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’, and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’, males and females perceived their BI and BW to be different from their actual BW (p<0.001). Significant differences in perceived BI existed between ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ (p<0.001), and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’ (p=0.005), overweight males, and between ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ (p<0.001), and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’ (p=0.008), normal-weight females. The ‘skilled’ participants had a lower risk of perceiving a larger BI (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41–0.64;p<0.001) and larger BW (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.96;p=0.03) than the ‘unskilled’ participants. The ‘tertiary’ participants had a lower risk of perceiving a larger BI (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.40–0.63;p<0.001) and larger BW (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.95;p=0.02) than the ‘non-tertiary’ participants. After adjusting for possible confounders, all the risks became insignificant except for perception of BI by the ‘skilled’ participants (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.99;p=0.04). Individuals in the different occupational and educational categories perceived their BI differently but their BW similarly. Given the same BMI, age, perceived ideal BI and sex, only occupation is found to be associated with perception of BI.
Regulatory role of adrenergic neurotransmitters on the spontaneous muscular activity in the ruminant trematode Paramphistomum cervi (Paramphistomatidae)
Authors: Saikia B. , Barua C.C. , Hazarika S. , Lahon L.C. , Saikia D. , Borah R.S. , Verma P.K
Published: May 2013

The neuromuscular system of helminths is an important area for target identification and drug development. Many anthelmintics, namely ivermectin, levamisole, piperazine, pyrantel, praziquantel and organophosphates, produce paralysis of helminths by affecting their neuromuscular systems. The neuromuscular system of helminths is also an important area of research to identify some of the important differences between the neuromuscular physiology of helminths and mammals. The identification of differences would help in developing newer target-specific, safe and effective anthelmintics. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of different adrenergic neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, l-dopa) and their antagonists (propranolol and haloperidol) on the spontaneous muscular activity of isometrically mounted Paramphistomum cervi.
Species-specific PCR for the identification of Cooperia curticei (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in sheep
Authors: Amarante M.R.V. , Bassetto C.C. , Neves J.H. , Amarante A.F.T.
Published: May 2013

Agricultural ruminants usually harbour mixed infections of gastrointestinal nematodes. A specific diagnosis is important because distinct species can differ significantly in their fecundity and pathogenicity. Haemonchus spp. and Cooperia spp. are the most important gastrointestinal nematodes infecting ruminants in subtropical/tropical environments. In Brazil, C. punctata is more adapted to cattle than sheep. Additionally, C. spatulata appears to be more adapted to cattle, whereas C. curticei is more adapted to sheep. However, infection of sheep with C. punctata is common when cattle and sheep share the same pasture. Although morphological analyses have been widely used to identify nematodes, molecular methods can overcome technical limitations and help improve species-specific diagnoses. Genetic markers in the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2, respectively) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) have been used successfully to detect helminths. In the present study, the ITS-1 region was analysed and used to design a species-specific oligonucleotide primer pair to identify C. curticei. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was sequenced and showed 97% similarity to C. oncophora partial ITS-1 clones and 99% similarity to the C. curticei sequence JF680982. The specificity of this primer pair was corroborated by the analysis of 17 species of helminths, including C. curticei, C. punctata and C. spatulata. Species-specific diagnosis, which has implications for rapid and reliable identification, can support studies on the biology, ecology and epidemiology of trichostrongylid nematodes in a particular geographical location.
Is nasal steroid spray bottle contamination a potential issue in chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Tan N C-W , Drilling A J , Jardeleza C , Wormald P-J
Published: May 2013

Background:

Intranasal steroids are the first line of treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis. Although contamination of adjunctive devices (e.g. irrigation bottles) has been much investigated, little is known about nasal contamination of the metered-dose spray bottles used to deliver intranasal steroids, and the potential influence on disease chronicity.

Methods:

Twenty-five prospectively recruited patients with stable chronic rhinosinusitis underwent microbiological analysis of their nasal vestibule and middle meatus and also of their steroid bottle tip and contents. Additionally, bottle tips were inoculated in vitro with Staphylococcus aureus and various sterilisation techniques tested.

Results:

For 18 of the 25 (72 per cent) patients, both nasal and bottle tip swabs grew either Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative staphylococci. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from 7 of the 25 (28 per cent) patients, and 5 of these 7 had concomitant bacterial growth from both nose and steroid bottle. Thus, the cross-contamination rate was 71 per cent for Staphylococcus aureus infected patients and 20 per cent overall. Sterilisation was effective with boiling water, ethanol wipes and microwaving, but not with cold water or dishwashing liquid.

Conclusion:

Nasal steroid spray bottle tips can become contaminated with sinonasal cavity bacteria. Simple sterilisation methods can eliminate this contamination. Patient education on this matter should be emphasised.
The planktonic ciliate community and its relationship with the environmental conditions and water quality in two bays of the Beagle Channel, Argentina
Authors: Barría de Cao M.S. , Abbate M.C. López , Pettigrosso R.E. , Hoffmeyer M.S.
Published: May 2013

The relationship between the ciliate community and the environmental variables in Ushuaia and Golondrina bays (54°79′S 68°22′W and 54°85′S 68°36′W, respectively) in the Beagle Channel, Argentina was investigated. The study was performed in three zones within the bays, previously delimited on the basis of their water quality. The most perturbed sites were located inshore. In order to analyse the contribution of each species to the similarity or dissimilarity between zones, similarity percentages analysis was undertaken using the Bray–Curtis similarity index. The variations in species composition and dominance in the selected zones were examined by the abundance–biomass comparison plot. We also studied the relationship between environmental and ciliates variability. The ciliate community comprised a total of 43 species belonging to 15 genera. Ciliate abundance and biomass varied temporally and spatially. A more diverse community dominated by small and opportunistic species tolerant to environmental changes was found in the most perturbed zone, while in the less stressed zone the community comprised bigger species, probably adapted to more stable environmental conditions. A community comprising species from both zones was found in a transitional area. We conclude that the structure of the community varied closely with environmental conditions.
Provenance of Chalk Tesserae from a Roman Town-House in Vine Street, Leicester
Authors: Tasker A. , Wilkinson I.P. , Williams M. , Morris M. , Cooper N.J. , Fulford M.G.
Published: May 2013

Fourth-centurya.d.chalk tesserae from Roman Leicester (Ratae Corieltavorum) yield rich microfossil assemblages that identify a biostratigraphical age of Cretaceous Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian. The nearest chalk outcrops to Leicester lie in Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and north Norfolk, indicating that the material for the tesserae must have been sourced remotely and transported toRatae.Superimposing the Roman road network onto a map of the relevant Chalk Group distribution provides a guide to possible sources. A process of evaluation identifies Baldock in Hertfordshire and Bridlington in Yorkshire as the most likely sources for the Leicester tesserae.
Generation of hemispherical fast electron waves in the presence of preplasma in ultraintense laser-matter interaction
Authors: Yang X. H. , Ma Y. Y. , Xu H. , Shao F. Q. , Yu M.Y. , Yin Y. , Zhuo H. B. , Borghesi M.
Published: May 2013

Hemispherical electron plasma waves generated from ultraintense laser interacting with a solid target having a subcritical preplasma is studied using particle-in-cell simulation. As the laser pulse propagates inside the preplasma, it becomes self-focused due to the response of the plasma electrons to the ponderomotive force. The electrons are mainly heated via betatron resonance absorption and their thermal energy can become higher than the ponderomotive energy. The hot electrons easily penetrate through the thin solid target and appear behind it as periodic hemispherical shell-like layers separated by the laser wavelength.
The Tunisian Revolution and the Dialectics of Theatre and Reality
Authors: ZAHROUNI RAFIKA
Published: May 2013

This article explores two plays, Khamsūn (Fifty/Bodies Hostages) and Yaḥia Yaïsh (Amnesia), by Jalila Baccar and Fadhel Jaïbi, and a street performance (‘Ben Ali Fled!’) by a Tunisian citizen who was filmed celebrating the defeat of Ben Ali. The article examines Khamsūn's expression of fear of Islamic fundamentalism. Yaḥia Yaïsh not only shows the figure of a government leader who abuses his power, but also foretells the imminent fall of this leader, followed by an attempt to run away from being brought to justice, remarkably predicting the real-life events that soon materialized during the Tunisian Revolution, with slight differences between the two falls. Finally, the article considers both plays as theatrical experiences that are not enclosed within a confined space, but were re-enacting events happening in the streets of Tunisia.
Tahrir Square as Spectacle: Some Exploratory Remarks on Place, Body and Power
Authors: EL-KHATIB MOHAMED SAMIR
Published: May 2013

This article treats the Egyptian 25 January revolution as a struggle over the right to produce signs within an Egyptian cultural landscape long plagued by the state's attempted monopoly over meaning. Like an actor onstage who acquires a new sense of agency through performance, the individual citizen in revolt performs an existential act aiming to reclaim the uninhibited, free body from the regime and its cognitive hold. The revolution thus lends itself to analysis via the tools of theatre and performance studies. This theatrical mode of knowledge can be achieved in at least two strategic ways. First, by regarding the revolution as a battle between two distinct powers, each deploying its own discursive and cognitive weaponry – the revolution, qua conflict of wills, can be analysed as an event with discernible dramatic dimensions. Second, by viewing the revolution which took place in a specific time and place as a theatrical event capable of transforming mundane bodies into creative ones, while also reconfiguring place into a theatrical space and thereby subverting oppressive state power.
From Tahrir to ‘Tahrir’: Some Theatrical Impulses toward the Egyptian Uprising
Authors: LITVIN MARGARET
Published: May 2013

In November 2011, on the brink of a new wave of conflict over Egypt's future, an obviously energized audience crowded into Cairo's Rawabet Theatre for The Tahrir Monologues, a documentary play celebrating the Eighteen Days leading to Hosni Mubarak's ouster. Apparently a premature celebration, the show turned out instead to be a self-conscious nostalgia exercise meant to register the decay of revolutionary ideals. This essay analyses The Tahrir Monologues and several other theatrical responses to the unfolding – not to say unravelling – situation in post-Mubarak Egypt. Amid the grotesque improvisations of power, I ask, what can scripted theatre still say? For an answer I turn to an American University in Cairo production of Sa'adallāh Wannūs's 1994 masterpiece Rituals of Signs and Transformations – one of three productions of this play worldwide in 2012–13. Why this play now? The answer lies in its ingenuity, its passion and, ultimately, I argue, its prophetic pessimism.
Characteristics of Patients Described as Sub-acute in an Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Elbourne Heather Fillmore , Hominick Kathryn , Mallery Laurie , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: May 2013

Les patients frêles et âgés souffrent de multiples besoins complexes qui souvent passent non-traitées dans un établissement de soins actifs. Ne pas reconnaître les géants gériatriques au sein de ces aînés frêles provoque des erreurs de classement de cette population. Cette étude a examiné des aînés malades “sub-aiguë” hospitalisés dans un hôpital de soins tertiaires. Bien qu’ils aient été identifiés comme n’étant plus gravement malades, tous les participants avaient besoin des soins medicaux actifs et/ou de soins infirmiers. Lorsque l’acuité de leur maladie est passée inaperçue, les patients âgés et fragiles ont été classés par erreur comme sub-aiguë. La majorité des participants ont souhaité être soignés chez eux ou à proximité. L’absence, dans notre système de soins de santé, des soins post-aigus, ainsi que l’aversion au risque de la part du personnel de l’hôpital, a abouti aux hospitalisations prolongées ou/et les patients étaient rélégués* dans les services existants (maisons de soins infirmiers) contre leur désir de rentrer chez eux.
International Peace: One Hundred Years On
Authors: Hendrickson David C.
Published: May 2013

The bequest for the Church Peace Union—the predecessor of today's Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs (and the publisher of this journal)—was given by Andrew Carnegie in February 1914. The Church Peace Union subsequently sponsored the first worldwide gathering of religious leaders, which was held in Constance, Germany, on August 2, 1914. Convened under the shadow of an impending war, not all delegates made it to the gathering. Six months previously, Carnegie had stipulated that the Church Peace Union devote its funds to the deserving poor “after the arbitration of international disputes is established and war abolished, as it certainly will be some day.” This could happen, he noted, “sooner than expected, probably by the Teutonic nations, Germany, Britain, and the United States first deciding to act in unison, the others joining later.” The outbreak of war was a catastrophic blow to such hopes, as the very nations expected to be at the core of this civilized project descended into an orgy of destruction the likes of which the world had never seen.
Random and systematic set-up errors in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy – impact on planning target volume margins: the experience of the Radiation Oncology Centre of Sassari
Authors: Tamponi Matteo , Poggiu Angela , Dedola Maria F. , Madeddu Rossella , Carnevale Antonella , Manca Gianfranca , Tola Rossana , Bona Rossana , Carai Alessandro , Fundoni Carla , Naitana Alessandra , Giordani Nella , Aresu Leonora , Soddu Serena , Squintu Sara , Marini Piergiorgio , Conti Maurizio , Meloni Giovanni Battista
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Geometric uncertainties limit the accuracy of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy treatments. This study aims to evaluate typical random and systematic set-up errors and analyse the impact of no action level (NAL) correction protocol on systematic set-up errors and clinical target volume (CTV)–planning target volume (PTV) margins.

Materials and methods

A total 668 pairs of orthogonal electronic portal images were compared with digitally reconstructed radiographs from computed tomography planning scans for 100 patients consecutively treated during 2011. Patients were divided into groups depending on the treated anatomical region. Patient-specific and population random and systematic set-up errors were calculated. Impact of application of NAL correction protocol on systematic set-up errors and CTV–PTV expansions were evaluated.

Results

Population set-up errors resulted from about 1 mm in head and neck to 2–3 mm in prostate, rectum, lung, breast and gynaecological districts. Patient-specific systematic set-up errors were higher for breast and gynaecological districts and application of NAL correction protocol gave significant reductions, even higher than 30%. Calculated CTV–PTV margins ranged from 10 mm on left–right direction for prostate to 20 mm on superior–inferior direction for lung.

Conclusions

Set-up errors resulted reasonably controlled and application of NAL correction protocol could further improve the level of accuracy. However, the NAL application alone did not seem to add any substantial benefit on CTV–PTV total margins without the adoption of corrective strategies to reduce other important uncertainties limiting accuracy of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy.
Organic agriculture in the United States: A 30-year retrospective
Authors: Youngberg Garth , DeMuth Suzanne P.
Published: May 2013

Since the early 1980s organic agriculture has undergone enormous growth and innovation in the US and throughout the world. Some observers have pointed to the US Department of Agriculture's 1980Report and Recommendations on Organic Farmingas having provided the catalyst for many of these developments. It is important, however, to understand how the evolving character of organic ideology during the 1960s and 1970s helped lay the foundation for moving organic agriculture onto the US governmental agenda in the early 1980s. We explore these and other contextual factors surrounding the USDA Report's release, including its methods, findings and recommendations, and both positive and negative reactions, as well as those factors that led to the Report's declining influence by the decade's end. The need for agricultural sustainability has played an important role in shaping, not only the path of organic agriculture in the US but also the overall politics of American agriculture. Legislative efforts to support organic agriculture have evolved along with this altered policy environment and are considered here within the broader context of the politics of sustainable agriculture. Next, we consider the organic industry's transition from a privately managed enterprise to the pivotal role now played by the federal government in the administration of the National Organic Program. Calls to move ‘beyond organic’ are also examined. Finally, we explore the impact of sustainable agriculture, agricultural research and farm structure upon the future of organic agriculture in the US. The politics within these three interrelated domains of public agricultural policy will likely bear heavily upon the future of organic farming and the organic industry as a whole.
Periconceptional undernutrition in sheep leads to decreased locomotor activity in a natural environment
Authors: Donovan E. L. , Hernandez C. E. , Matthews L. R. , Oliver M. H. , Jaquiery A. L. , Bloomfield F. H. , Harding J. E.
Published: May 2013

Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy increases offspring obesity and metabolic disease risk. We hypothesized that periconceptional undernutrition in sheep from 60 days before conception through to day 30 of gestation (UN) would decrease voluntary locomotor activity in adult offspring. Distance travelled was measured at 18 months of age for ∼48 h in the paddock. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis, with explanatory variables including sex, nutrition group, birth weight, average time between GPS measurements and percentage of time during the measurement period spent in daylight. Mean (±s.e.) distance walked (m/h) was greater for control (CON) than UN animals, and greater for females than males [110.2 (6.5), CON females; 110.7 (6.3), CON males; 105.1 (5.3), UN females and 95.5 (5.8), UN males; P = 0.02 for nutrition group effect and for sex effect]. Periconceptional undernutrition may lead to a significant decrease in voluntary physical activity in adult offspring.
Dendrimer‐amyloid Aggregates Morphology and Cell Toxicity
Authors: Appelhans D. , Benseny N. , Klementiveva O. , Bryszewska M. , Klajnert B. , Cladera J.
Published: May 2013

Dendrimers are branched polymeric structures that have been shown to have a promising antiamyloidogenic potential by interfering with the polymerization process leading to the formation of the amyloid aggregates related to conformational diseases, such as Alzheimer's and prion diseases. It has been established that there is a relationship between the morphology of the amyloid aggregates and the amyloid peptides or proteins toxicity: fibrillar structures present low or no toxicity, whereas oligomeric species and amorphous aggregates, the so called granular non‐fibrillar aggregates (GNAs), are toxic to cells. When interacting with the amyloid peptide associated to the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease, dendrimers can either accelerate the formation of fibrillar structures or inhibit it. Inhibition however may mean promoting the formation of amorphous aggregates. We summarize in the present chapter the experimental evidence showing that when used in a way that favors the formation and clumping of fibrils, dendrimers (glycodendrimers in particular) can reduce amyloid toxicity. However the same glycodendrimers used under different conditions can generate toxic GNAs, an aggregated form that could represent a general morphological signature for amyloid toxicity.
Dendrimer‐Based Hybrid Fibers as Potential Platform for 1D‐objects in Nanotechnology
Authors: Fahmi A. , Appelhans D. , Danani A. , Pavan G.M. , Voit B.
Published: May 2013

Nanofabrication via directed self‐assembly has emerged as a promising approach for novel functional materials with unique optical, magnetic, and electronic properties. This book chapter reviews recent progress in research on dendrimer‐based hybrid nanofibers as potential template for 1D‐objects in nanotechnology. Emphasis has been given to direct self‐assembly of organic‐inorganic nanomaterials to fabricate well‐defined hybrid nanofibers. These are based on amino terminated poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers in‐situ templating inorganic moieties. The chapter starts with brief overview of dendritic architectures as encapsulating, stabilizing and directing agents, followed by the presentation of a simple approach to fabricate high aspect ratio of µm‐lengths semiconductors nanofibers decorated with discrete Au nanoparticles. The generated nanoalloy fibers are exhibited unique optoelectronic properties with strong anisotropy essential to manufacture the next generations of miniaturised electronic, optoelectronic and biomedical devices.
Poly(amidoamine) (Pamam) Dendrimers as Non‐viral Vectors for the Delivery of RNA Therapeutics
Authors: Liu X. , Posocco P. , Liu C. , Yu T. , Wang Q. , Dal Col V. , Chen C. , Wang Y. , Rocchi P. , Pricl S. , Peng L.
Published: May 2013

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have attracted considerable attention as compelling therapeutics providing safe and competent delivery systems are available. Dendrimers are emerging as appealing siRNA delivery vectors thanks to their unique well‐defined architecture and the resulting cooperativity and multivalency confined within a nanostructure. The present chapter offers a brief overview of the structurally flexible triethanolamine‐core poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and amphiphilic dendrimers developed in our group as non‐viral vectors for siRNA delivery in the course of this COST action. Their excellent activity for delivering RNA therapeutics in various disease models in vitro and in vivo will be highlighted here.