bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships within Siphini (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea: Chaitophorinae) in light of molecular and morphological research
Authors: WIECZOREK KARINA , KAJTOCH ŁUKASZ
Published: November 2010

The aim of this paper was to further explore the phylogeny of Siphini by analysing molecular data (two mitochondrial genes and two nuclear markers), together with morphological (29) and ecological (two) characters, for comprehensive analyses concerning the evolution of Siphini, relationships within the tribe, and between Siphini and other Chaitophorinae. Nine Siphini species, which represent all the genera of this tribe, as well as 12 out‐group species (mainly Chaitophorini representatives of the genera Chaitophorus and Periphyllus), were used in the analyses. Molecular phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by the Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analysis and maximum parsimony (MP) criterion. The cladistic analysis was performed using nona. The monophyly of Siphini was confirmed. Species belonging to subgenera Sipha and Rungsia were clustered together, and this clade was a sister with reference to a clade including the genera Atheroides and Chaetosiphella. Monophyly of Atheroides was confirmed by the molecular data; however, in cladistic analysis Atheroides seemed to be paraphyletic because Atheroides hirtellus was placed as sister to Atheroides serrulatus and Chaetosiphella. The monotypic genera Caricosipha and Laingia formed separate lineages, and Laingia was sister to all other Siphini. Chaitophorini was not retrieved by the molecular and combined data: Periphyllus was sister to a clade containing Chaitophorus and Siphini.
Escaping to and being active in neighbourhood parks: park use in a post‐disaster setting
Authors: Rung Ariane L. , Broyles Stephanie T. , Mowen Andrew J. , Gustat Jeanette , Sothern Melinda S.
Published: November 2010

Neighbourhood parks may serve as a coping resource in post‐disaster communities, yet little is known about the impact of large‐scale disasters on park use. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of Hurricane Katrina (August 2005) on park use by visitors from flooded areas of New Orleans, Louisiana, compared to visitors from non‐flooded areas. In 2006 and 2007, following Hurricane Katrina, 201 adults who visited 27 New Orleans parks were interviewed. Visitors from flooded neighbourhoods used their parks less often and were less likely to engage in animal interaction than visitors from non‐flooded neighbourhoods. They placed more importance on escape and physically‐active motivations than visitors from non‐flooded areas. Social reasons were also more important to visitors from flooded areas, but these differences disappeared after adjusting for race. Neighbourhood parks are a community asset that may play a role in the post‐disaster recovery process by providing opportunities for escape and physical activity.
How Exposure to the Confederate Flag Affects Willingness to Vote for Barack Obama
Authors: Ehrlinger Joyce , Plant E. Ashby , Eibach Richard P. , Columb Corey J. , Goplen Joanna L. , Kunstman Jonathan W. , Butz David A.
Published: November 2010

Leading up to the 2008 U.S. election, pundits wondered whether Whites, particularly in Southern states, were ready to vote for a Black president. The present paper explores how a common Southern symbol—the Confederate flag—impacted willingness to vote for Barack Obama. We predicted that exposure to the Confederate flag would activate negativity toward Blacks and result in lowered willingness to vote for Obama. As predicted, participants primed with the Confederate flag reported less willingness to vote for Obama than those primed with a neutral symbol. The flag did not affect willingness to vote for White candidates. In a second study, participants primed with the Confederate flag evaluated a hypothetical Black target more negatively than controls. These results suggest that exposure to the Confederate flag results in more negative judgments of Black targets. As such, the prevalence of this flag in the South may have contributed to a reticence for some to vote for Obama because of his race.
Using a Trust Inference Model for Flexible and Controlled Information Sharing During Crises
Authors: Yang Qian , Yao Danfeng , Garnett James , Muller Kaitlyn
Published: November 2010

The fluid, urgent nature of crises requires flexible, responsive information sharing. Recent studies show, however, that in business catastrophes and other kinds of crises conventional access control mechanisms favor security over flexibility. Our work addresses these seemingly contradictory needs for security and flexibility and designs a trust inference model based on fuzzy logic, a model that can be used with pervasive computing technologies using sensors and mobile devices. Drawing upon research on trust, we design a trust inference model using attributes of affiliation, task performance, and urgency; apply the model to a known crisis; discuss implementation issues; and explore issues for further research.

This article is dedicated to Alan Jarman, a founding influence in the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management who died in Canberra 15 July 2010. Alan's quantitative, engineering background and his long standing commitment to improving crisis decision making prompted him to encourage our applying fuzzy logic to crisis information sharing. We are grateful for Alan's encouragement and advice.
Assessment of referrals to the hospital eye service by optometrists and GPs in Bradford and Airedale
Authors: Davey Christopher J , Green Clare , Elliott David B
Published: November 2010

Citation information: Davey CJ, Green C & Elliott DB. Assessment of referrals to the hospital eye service by optometrists and GPs in Bradford and Airedale. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 23–28. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00797.x

Purpose:  To investigate the content of referrals to a hospital eye department and describe differences between referring clinician (optometrist or GP) and referral formats.

Methods:  A random sample of 433 new referrals to Bradford Royal Infirmary hospital eye service (HES) during 2007 and 2008 were retrospectively analysed.

Results:  Three hundred and eleven referrals (72%) were from optometric practice and 122 (28%) from general practice. Optometric referrals were mainly for cataract and posterior capsular opacification (27%), glaucoma or suspect glaucoma (20%) and diabetic retinopathy (10%).

Conclusions:  The proportion of referrals to the hospital eye service from optometrists appears to be increasing (1988: 39%, 1999: 48%, present study 72%). GPs mainly refer patients with anterior segment disorders, particularly lid lesions, based on direct observation and symptoms. Optometrists refer patients with a wide range of ocular diseases and include fundus observations and visual acuity measurements in their referrals. There is a need to inform optometrists of what content is required in a referral to the HES from GOS sight tests, at least for the common referral conditions such as age‐related cataract and suspect open‐angle glaucoma. Referral forms specifically designed for these commonly referred conditions are likely to improve referral quality.
How important is plant litter to the regulation of mineral‐N leaching to streams in winter? An observations‐led experimental approach
Authors: Riaz M. , Mian I. A. , Cresser M. S.
Published: November 2010

Ammonium‐N concentrations were frequently observed to exceed nitrate‐N concentrations in an intermittently flowing stream draining acid grassland in North Yorkshire. This prompted the design of a soil microcosm experiment to investigate the role of litter in the leaching of ammonium and nitrate from soil profiles during winter. Drainage water was analysed weekly for N species, pH, mineral acid anions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for a period of 11 weeks, while extractable mineral‐N was determined after 5 and 11 weeks. The results demonstrate that litter plays an important role in reducing mineral‐N leaching in winter months. They also suggest that DOC from the litter participates in mineral‐N retention in the soil profiles in winter. Ammonium‐N and nitrate‐N concentrations measured in the microcosm drainage water are similar to those of the stream.
Does the Degree of Preoperative Subluxation or Soft Tissue Tension Affect the Incidence of Postoperative Luxation in Dogs after Total Hip Replacement?
Authors: Hayes Graham M. , Ramirez Juan , Langley Hobbs Sorrel J.
Published: November 2010

Objective:To investigate whether preexisting coxofemoral subluxation/luxation predisposes to postoperative total hip replacement (THR) luxation.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Dogs (n=100) that had cemented THR (n=109); 23 normal controls.

Methods:A preliminary study was performed to validate our methods of assessing luxation and laxity by comparing dogs with severe hip dysplasia with a control population of normal dogs. For the main study, the records and radiographs of all dogs that had primary THR were reviewed. Measurements taken from preoperative radiographs to quantify hip subluxation/laxity included the Norberg angle, subluxation index, and 2 new measures: acetabular depth ratio (ADR) and dorsal acetabular rim ratio (DARR). Differences between groups that had luxation within 8 weeks and those that did not were investigated.

Results:Postoperative luxation occurred in 13 dogs (12%) within 8 weeks of surgery. Luxation was significantly associated with various measurements (including Norberg angle, ADR, DARR) thought to reflect degree of subluxation/soft tissue tension.

Conclusion:Luxation after canine THR is a multifactorial problem but preexisting subluxation/soft tissue laxity is a significant risk factor for this complication.
Health Care Provider Perceptions of Pain Treatment in Hispanic Patients
Authors: Chiauzzi Emil , Black Ryan A. , Frayjo Kezia , Reznikova Margarita , Grimes Serrano Jill M. , Zacharoff Kevin , Wood Mollie
Published: November 2010

Despite increasing numbers of Hispanic patients in the United States, this group continues to face disparities in access and quality of pain treatment. Although previous surveys have examined treatment disparities experienced by minority patients, none have provided a provider‐centric perspective on issues and concerns surrounding pain relief among pain patients of Hispanic/Latino origin. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between provider characteristics (ie, Spanish fluency, Hispanic caseload size, and experience with Hispanic pain patients) and their perceptions of pain treatment in these patients. One hundred eighty‐seven health professionals completed an online survey. The major findings indicated that: (1) less than 20% of health professionals treating Hispanic pain patients reported Spanish proficiency at an advanced level; (2) surveyed health professionals were involved treating a significant proportion of Hispanic patients in their caseloads, but reported a lack of cultural competence training; (3) Spanish fluency and experience with Hispanic pain patients exerts a strong effect on the use of established pain treatment practices; (4) providers with greater Spanish fluency report a significantly greater effect of patients' cultural beliefs and attitudes on treatment; and (5) providers did not regard cultural or language barriers as significantly impacting opioid prescribing or patient compliance.
Kosher medicine and medicalized halacha: An exploration of triadic relations among Israeli rabbis, doctors, and infertility patients
Authors: IVRY TSIPY
Published: November 2010

Drawing on my ethnography of rabbinically mediated fertility treatments for observant Jewish couples in Israel, I illuminate two simultaneous processes: the koshering of medical care and the medicalization of rabbinic law. My findings show how hands‐on rabbinic interventions transform doctor–patient relations into rabbi–doctor–patient relations and introduce a network of power relations into clinical practice, at times empowering and at times disempowering patients. This case prompts a reconsideration of scholars’ tendency to view biomedicine in hegemonic terms.
Thermal variability alters climatic stress resistance and plastic responses in a globally invasive pest, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata)
Authors: Terblanche John S. , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Kleynhans Elsje
Published: November 2010

Climatic means with different degrees of variability (δ) may change in the future and could significantly impact ectotherm species fitness. Thus, there is an increased interest in understanding the effects of changes in means and variances of temperature on traits of climatic stress resistance. Here, we examined short‐term (within‐generation) variation in mean temperature (23, 25, and 27 °C) at three levels of diel thermal fluctuations (δ = 1, 3, or 5 °C) on an invasive pest insect, the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Using the adult flies, we address the hypothesis that temperature variability may affect the climatic stress resistance over and above changes in mean temperature at constant variability levels. We scored the traits of high‐ and low‐thermal tolerance, high‐ and low‐temperature acute hardening ability, water balance, and egg production under benign conditions after exposure to each of the nine experimental scenarios. Most importantly, results showed that temperature variance may have significant effects in addition to the changes in mean temperature for most traits scored. Although typical acclimation responses were detected for most of the traits under low variance conditions, high variance scenarios dramatically altered the outcomes, with poorer climatic stress resistance detected in some, but not all, traits. These results suggest that large temperature fluctuations might limit plastic responses which in turn could reduce the insect fitness. Increased mean temperatures in conjunction with increased temperature variability may therefore have stronger negative effects on this agricultural pest than elevated temperatures alone. The results of this study therefore have significant implications for understanding insect responses to climate change and suggest that analyses or simulations of only mean temperature variation may be inappropriate for predicting population‐level responses under future climate change scenarios despite their widespread use.
Geography, topography, and history affect realized‐to‐potential tree species richness patterns in Europe
Authors: Svenning Jens‐Christian , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Normand Signe , Graham Catherine H. , Pearman Peter B. , Iverson Louis R. , Skov Flemming
Published: November 2010

Environmental conditions and biotic interactions are generally thought to influence local species richness. However, immigration and the evolutionary and historical factors that shape regional species pools should also contribute to determining local species richness because local communities arise by assembly from regional species pools. Using the European tree flora as our study system, we implemented a novel approach to assess the relative importance of local and regional mechanisms that control local species richness. We first identified species pools that tolerate particular local environments and quantified the proportion of the pool that is present locally, i.e. the realized/potential (R/P) richness ratio. Because no consensus exists on how to estimate potential richness, we estimated it using three different approaches. Using these three estimates separately and in a combined ensemble estimate, we then analyzed the effects of potential drivers on R/P richness ratios. We predicted that the R/P richness ratio would 1) increase with decreasing distance from glacial refugia (accessibility), 2) and be generally low in geographically fragmented southern Europe because of dispersal limitation; 3) increase with actual evapotranspiration because greater availability of water and energy promotes local population persistence; and 4) increase with topographic heterogeneity because it promotes local species coexistence and facilitates long‐term species survival. There was considerable variation among the three R/P richness ratio estimates, but we found consistent support for a negative effect of regional geographic fragmentation and a positive topographic effect. We also identified fairly broad support for the predicted effect of accessibility. We conclude that local tree assemblages in Europe often fail to realize a large proportion of the potential richness held in the regional species pool, partially reflecting their geographical, historical, and environmental circumstances. The dispersal‐related effects of geographic fragmentation and accessibility exemplify regional controls that combine with local ecological sorting to determine local species richness.
Life and death decisions for incompetent patients: determining best interests – the Irish perspective
Authors: Armstrong K , Ryan CA , Hawkes CP , Janvier A , Dempsey EM
Published: November 2010

Aims:  To determine whether healthcare providers apply the best interest principle equally to different resuscitation decisions.

Methods:  An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to consultants, trainees in neonatology, paediatrics, obstetrics and 4th medical students. It examined resuscitation scenarios of critically ill patients all needing immediate resuscitation. Outcomes were described including survival and potential long‐term sequelae. Respondents were asked whether they would intubate, whether resuscitation was in the patients best interest, would they accept surrogate refusal to initiate resuscitation and in what order they would resuscitate.

Results:  The response rate was 74%. The majority would wish resuscitation for all except the 80‐year‐old. It was in the best interest of the 2‐month‐old and the 7‐year‐old to be resuscitated compared to the remaining scenarios (p value <0.05 for each comparison). Approximately one quarter who believed it was in a patient best interests to be resuscitated would nonetheless accept the family refusing resuscitation. Medical students were statistically more likely to advocate resuscitation in each category.

Conclusion:  These results suggest resuscitation is not solely related to survival or long‐term outcome and the best interest principle is applied differently, more so at the beginning of life.
Thin newborns are more insulin resistant at 10 years of age
Authors: Larnkjær A , Ingstrup H K , Schack‐Nielsen L , Mølgaard C , Michaelsen KF
Published: November 2010

Aims:  To investigate the relation between ponderal index or birth weight and insulin resistance in late childhood.

Methods:  An observational study of 92‐term appropriate‐for‐gestational age infants was carried out. Weight and length were measured at birth and at 9 months and duration of breast feeding was noted at 9 months. Follow‐up examinations at 10 years of age included measurement of weight, height, pubertal status, fasting insulin and glucose concentrations.

Results:  Ponderal index at birth was negatively (B ± SE = −0.05 ± 0.02; p = 0.025) and current BMI was positively (B ± SE = 0.14 ± 0.02; p < 0.001) associated with insulin resistance measured as homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) at 10 years of age adjusted for gender and pubertal stage. Current BMI and ponderal index at birth were still significant after adjusting for weight at 9 months. Birth weight and weight at 9 months was not correlated with HOMA (p = 0.58) adjusted for current BMI, gender and pubertal stage. HOMA was higher in the tertile with the lowest ponderal index than in the two remaining tertiles (p = 0.024).

Conclusion:  Relative thinness at birth, but neither birth weight nor weight gain from 0–9 months, was associated with higher insulin resistance at 10 years of age in this cohort with a low prevalence of overweight at 10 years of age and normal birth weight.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS FOR HISTOLOGICALLY CONFIRMED INTRACRANIAL LESIONS IN DOGS
Authors: SUTHERLAND‐SMITH JAMES , KING RYAN , FAISSLER DOMINIK , RUTHAZER ROBIN , SATO AMY
Published: November 2010

Diffusion‐weighted imaging is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging technique that is well established in the diagnosis of nonhemorrhagic infarction in people. However, recent investigations into intracranial neoplastic and inflammatory disease in people have identified variable and overlapping results. In this retrospective study of 37 dogs with histologically confirmed intracranial disease, we investigated whether histogram analysis of quantitative apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) can differentiate specific disease processes. Disease categories included: meningiomas, glial cell tumors, choroid plexus tumors, pituitary tumors, inflammatory brain diseases, acute nonhemorrhagic infarcts, chronic nonhemorrhagic infarcts, and hemorrhagic infarcts. A wide range of ADC value distributions were identified within the disease groups, and there were overlapping ADC values between most groups. Low ADC values indicating restricted diffusion of water were identified in acute nonhemorrhagic infarcts as expected, but were also seen in meningiomas, glial cell tumors, and granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Based on this preliminary data it is unlikely that singular quantitative ADC values can be used to determine the histological type of canine intracranial disease.
Morniga G: A Plant Lectin as an Endocytic Ligand for Photosensitizer Molecule Targeting Toward Tumor‐Associated T/Tn Antigens
Authors: Poiroux Guillaume , Pitié Marguerite , Culerrier Raphaël , Ségui Bruno , Van Damme Els J.M. , Peumans Willy J. , Bernadou Jean , Levade Thierry , Rougé Pierre , Barre Annick , Benoist Hervé
Published: November 2010

Porphyrins are used as photosensitizer (PS) in photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the development of photochemotherapy in oncology remains limited, because of the low selectivity of PSs. In order to allow PS targeting toward tumor‐associated antigens, for the first time a white‐light activatable porphyrin, [5‐(4‐(5‐carboxy‐1‐butoxy)‐phenyl)‐10,15,20‐tris(4‐N‐methyl)‐pyridiniumyl)‐porphyrin] (TrMPyP) was covalently linked to Morniga G (MorG), a galactose‐specific binding plant lectin, known to recognize with high‐affinity tumor‐associated T/Tn antigen in cell‐free systems. Firstly, using fluorescein‐labeled MorG, the sugar‐dependent binding and uptake of lectin by Tn‐positive (Jurkat lymphoid leukemia) cells was demonstrated. Secondly, the TrMPyP–MorG conjugate was molecularly characterized. Cytometric and confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that PS covalent linking to MorG preserved sugar‐dependent specific binding and uptake of lectin by Jurkat leukemia lymphocytes. Thirdly, the conjugate (with a 1:1 PS:lectin ratio) that was bound and quickly (5 min) taken‐up, induced greater than 90% cytotoxicity upon irradiation at 10 nm concentration, whereas the free PS was absolutely nontoxic. On the contrary, normal lymphocytes strongly resisted to the conjugate‐mediated phototoxicity. Thus, owing to their binding and endocytosis capacities, plant lectins represent promising molecules for targeting of tumor glycan alteration and to enhance the efficiency of specific delivery of PSs to tumor cells.
Fetal cerebral blood flow, electrocorticographic activity, and oxygenation: responses to acute hypoxia
Authors: Lee Stephen J. , Hatran Douglas P. , Tomimatsu Takuji , Peña Jorge Pereyra , McAuley Grant , Longo Lawrence D.
Published: November 2010

Arterial blood gases are critical in regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for O2 (CMRO2). However, the relation of these variables to cortical tissue (t), and electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity (high voltage low frequency, HVLF, versus low voltage high frequency, LVHF), are not well defined. In the fetus, we tested the hypothesis that ECoG pattern is associated closely with cerebral oxygenation. In fetal sheep (n= 8) with laser Doppler flowmeter, fluorescent O2 probe and ECoG electrodes, we measured laser Doppler CBF (LD‐CBF), t, ECoG and spectral edge frequency‐90 (SEF90) in response to 40 min isocapnic hypoxia. In the normoxic fetus, LD‐CBF and CMRO2 correlated highly with ECoG state. With a shift from HVLF to LVHF, t decreased followed by increased LD‐CBF (18%) and CMRO2 (13%). With acute hypoxia (= 12 ± 1 Torr), t decreased to ∼3 Torr, LD‐CBF increased 48 ± 10%, ECoG shifted to chiefly the HVLF state, SEF90 decreased ∼15%, and CMRO2 decreased ∼20% (P < 0.05 for each). For the normoxic fetus, CBF was closely related to ECoG state, but this association was less evident during acute hypoxia. We speculate that, in the otherwise stressed fetus, acute hypoxia may further compromise cerebral oxygenation.
Structural and optical properties of self-assembled InAs quantum dot molecules on GaAs substrates
Authors: Tian Peng , Huang Lirong , Yu Yi , Huang Dexiu
Published: November 2010

Self-assembled laterally aligned InAs quantum dot molecules (QDMs) were grown on GaAs substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The effects of growth temperature and InAs coverage on the structural and optical properties of QDMs are investigated by using atomic force microscopy and photoluminescence. It is found that through appropriately selecting growth parameters, QDMs composed of two closely spaced InAs quantum dots (QDs) are formed, and the distance between the two QDs can be controlled. Moreover, a redshift of emission wavelength attributed to the formation of QDMs is observed.
Structure and Formation of the Lunar Farside Highlands
Authors: Garrick-Bethell Ian , Nimmo Francis , Wieczorek Mark A.
Published: November 2010

Liquid Rock Beginnings

It has long been known that the lunar farside highlands constitute the highest region on the Moon.

Garrick-Bethell
et al.

(p.
949
) show that the topography and crustal thickness variations of this elevated region obey a single, simple mathematical function that overall describes one-quarter of the Moon. The key to explaining this find may lie with a similarity between the hot, ancient Moon and one of the icy moons of Jupiter, Europa. Like today's Europa, the Moon's crust once floated on a subsurface ocean, except that it was made of liquid rock, not water. The same tidal effect that operates on Europa's crust, caused by Jupiter's gravitational force, would have also operated on the early Moon because of Earth's influence, and would have produced a pattern of crustal thickness variations similar to that observed in the farside highlands.
Next-Generation Assessments
Authors: Shepard Lorrie A.
Published: November 2010

Spurred by its poor performance on international tests, the United States is now embarked on a new round of education standards development. Common Core State Standards have been released in English language arts and mathematics, and a draft framework for science education standards from the U.S. National Research Council provides a complex conception of scientific reasoning practices that are integrated with principled understanding of science content. These ambitious standards aim at problem-solving and knowledge application and are urgently needed, but will fail if lessons from the past go unheeded. In the United States, tests—not standards—determine what gets taught, and these tests must change dramatically.
Flow Cytometry Sorting of Recombinant Mycobacterial Species Yields Bacterial Clones with Enhanced Insert Expression
Authors: Yu Jae-Sung , Whitesides John , Lee Sun-Hee , Taylor Natalie , Jacobs William R. , Letvin Norman L. , Haynes Barton F.
Published: November 2010

Recombinant mycobacteria hold promise as vectors for delivery of HIV-1 and other pathogen antigen inserts for inducing systemic and mucosal immune responses. In general, the immunogenicity of the recombinant mycobacterial insert is proportional to the level of insert expression. In this study, a novel flow cytometry-based assay has been developed to sort live recombinant mycobacterial mutants with high expression of foreign inserts and to enrich those sorted bacterial populations. Sorted recombinant mycobacterial clones expressed higher levels of the ovalbumin SIINFEKL epitope, and select sorted clones showed better immunogenicity than unsorted recombinant mycobacteria. Thus, flow cytometry-based sorting can isolate recombinant mycobacteria enriched for higher insert expression.
Geographic Variations in Species Distribution and Echinocandin and Azole Antifungal Resistance Rates among
Candida
Bloodstream Infection Isolates: Report from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (2008 to 2009)
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Moet Gary J. , Messer Shawn A. , Jones Ronald N. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: November 2010

Antifungal testing results from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (2008 to 2009) were analyzed for regional variations of invasive
Candida
species infections. Among 2,085 cases from the Asian-Pacific (APAC) (51 cases), Latin American (LAM) (348 cases), European (EU) (750 cases), and North American (NAM) (936 cases) regions,
Candida albicans
predominated (48.4%), followed by
C. glabrata
(18.0%),
C. parapsilosis
(17.2%),
C. tropicalis
(10.5%), and
C. krusei
(1.9%). Resistance to echinocandins (anidulafungin [2.4%] and micafungin [1.9%]) and azoles (3.5 to 5.6%) was most prevalent among
C. glabrata
isolates, as determined using recently established CLSI breakpoint criteria.
C. glabrata
isolates were more common in NAM (23.5%), and
C. albicans
isolates were more common in APAC (56.9%), with
C. parapsilosis
(25.6%) and
C. tropicalis
(17.0%) being more prominent in LAM. Emerging resistance patterns among
C. glabrata
cases in NAM require focused surveillance.
Vibrio vulnificus
DNA Load and Mortality
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Jung Sook-In , Jang Hee-Chang , Lee Chang Seop , Lee Sun Hee , Yun Na Ra , Neupane Ganesh Prasad , Park Kyung-Hwa
Published: November 2010

We determined the association between DNA load and mortality in patients with
Vibrio vulnificus
infection. Real-time PCR performed on sera of 27 culture-positive patients showed a significantly higher median DNA load in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Hence, real-time PCR can be used as an early prognostic factor in
V. vulnificus
septicemia.
Genomic Analysis Reveals Pre- and Postchallenge Differences in a Rhesus Macaque AIDS Vaccine Trial: Insights into Mechanisms of Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Palermo Robert E. , Patterson L. Jean , Aicher Lauri D. , Korth Marcus J. , Robert-Guroff Marjorie , Katze Michael G.
Published: November 2010

We have employed global transcriptional profiling of whole blood to identify biologically relevant changes in cellular gene expression in response to alternative AIDS vaccine strategies with subsequent viral challenge in a rhesus macaque vaccine model. Samples were taken at day 0 (prechallenge), day 14 (peak viremia), and week 12 (set point) from animals immunized with replicating adenovirus type 5 host range (Ad5hr) recombinant viruses expressing human immunodeficiency virus HIVenv89.6P, simian immunodeficiency virus SIVgag239, or SIVnef239alone or in combination with two intramuscular boosts with HIV89.6Pgp140ΔCFI protein (L. J. Patterson et al., Virology 374:322-337, 2008), and each treatment resulted in significant control of viremia following simian-human immunodeficiency virus SHIV89.6Pchallenge (six animals per group plus six controls). At day 0, 8 weeks after the last treatment, the microarray profiles revealed significant prechallenge differences between treatment groups; data from the best-protected animals led to identification of a network of genes related to B cell development and lymphocyte survival. At peak viremia, expression profiles of the immunized groups were extremely similar, and comparisons to control animals reflected immunological differences other than effector T cell functions. Suggested protective mechanisms for vaccinated animals included upregulation of interleukin-27, a cytokine known to inhibit lentivirus replication, and increased expression of complement components, which may synergize with vaccine-induced antibodies. Divergent expression profiles at set point for the immunized groups implied distinct immunological responses despite phenotypic similarities in viral load and CD4+T cell levels. Data for the gp140-boosted group provided evidence for antibody-dependent, cell-mediated viral control, whereas animals immunized with only the replicating Ad5hr recombinants exhibited a different evolution of the B cell compartment even at 3 months postchallenge. This study demonstrates the sensitivity and discrimination of gene expression profiling of whole blood as an analytical tool in AIDS vaccine trials, providing unique insights intoin vivomechanisms and potential correlates of protection.
Phosphorylation of RIG-I by Casein Kinase II Inhibits Its Antiviral Response
Authors: Sun Zhiguo , Ren Hongwei , Liu Yan , Teeling Jessica L. , Gu Jun
Published: November 2010

RIG-I is an intracellular RNA virus sensor that mediates a signaling pathway that triggers the alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) immune defenses. However, the mechanism for regulation of RIG-I activity remains largely unknown. Here we show that RIG-I activity is regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in its repressor domain (RD). Threonine at amino acid (aa) 770 and serine at aa 854 to 855 of RIG-I are phosphorylated by casein kinase II (CK2) in the resting state of the cell and dephosphorylated when cells are infected by RNA virus. Mutation at aa position 770 or 854 to 855 of RIG-I renders it constitutively active. Pharmacological inhibition of CK2 enhances virus-induced expression of IFN-β and suppresses virus proliferation, while inhibition of phosphatase reduces virus-induced expression of IFN-β. Overexpression of CK2 suppresses RIG-I-mediated signaling, while silencing of CK2 results in the increased suppression of virus proliferation. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of the regulation of RIG-I activity during RNA virus infection.
Ethics of modifying the mitochondrial genome
Authors: Bredenoord A L , Dondorp W , Pennings G , De Wert G
Published: November 2010

Recent preclinical studies have shown the feasibility of specific variants of nuclear transfer to prevent mitochondrial DNA disorders. Nuclear transfer could be a valuable reproductive option for carriers of mitochondrial mutations. A clinical application of nuclear transfer, however, would entail germ-line modification, more specifically a germ-line modification of the mitochondrial genome. One of the most prominent objections against germ-line modification is the fear that it would become possible to alter ‘essential characteristics’ of a future person, thereby possibly violating the child's right to an open future. As only the nuclear DNA would contain the ingredients for individual characteristics, modification of the mtDNA is often considered less controversial than modification of the nuclear DNA. This paper discusses the tenability of this dichotomy. After having clarified the concept of germ-line modification, it argues that modification of the mtDNA is not substantively different from modification of the nuclear DNA in terms of its effects on the identity of the future person. Subsequently the paper assesses how this conclusion affects the moral evaluation of nuclear transfer to prevent mtDNA disorders. It concludes that the moral acceptability of germ-line modification does not depend on whether it alters the identity of the future child—all germ-line modifications do—but on whether it safeguards the child's right to an open future. If nuclear transfer to prevent mtDNA disorders becomes safe and effective, then dismissing it because it involves germ-line modification is unjustified.
Ethical challenges in fetal surgery
Authors: Smajdor Anna
Published: November 2010

Fetal surgery has been practised for some decades now. However, it remains a highly complex area, both medically and ethically. This paper shows how the routine use of ultrasound has been a catalyst for fetal surgery, in creating new needs and new incentives for intervention. Some of the needs met by fetal surgery are those of parents and clinicians who experience stress while waiting for the birth of a fetus with known anomalies. The paper suggests that the role of technology and visualisation techniques in creating and meeting such new needs is ethically problematic. It then addresses the idea that fetal surgery should be restricted to interventions that are life-saving for the fetus, arguing that this restriction is unduly paternalistic. Fetal surgery poses challenges for an autonomy-based system of ethics. However, it is risky to circumvent these challenges by restricting the choices open to pregnant women, even when these choices appear excessively altruistic.
The two-stage clonal expansion model in occupational cancer epidemiology: results from three cohort studies
Authors: Zeka Ariana , Gore Rebecca , Kriebel David
Published: November 2010

Objectives

The objective of this work was to apply the two-stage clonal expansion model, with the intention to expand the literature on epidemiological applications of the model and demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating biologically based modelling methods into the widely used retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The authors fitted the two-stage clonal expansion model model to three occupational cohort studies: (1) a cohort of textile workers exposed to asbestos and followed for lung cancer mortality; (2) a cohort of diatomaceous earth workers exposed to silica and also followed for lung cancer mortality; and (3) a cohort of automotive manufacturing workers exposed to straight metalworking fluid (MWF) and followed for larynx cancer incidence. The model allowed the authors to estimate exposure effects in three stages: cancer initiation (early effects), promotion or malignant transformation (late effects).

Results

In the first cohort, the authors found strong evidence for an early effect of asbestos on lung cancer risk. Findings from analyses of the second cohort suggested early and less evidently late effects of silica on lung cancer risk. In the MWF (third) cohort, there was only weak evidence of straight MWF exposure effects on both early and late stages. The authors also observed a late birth cohort effect on larynx cancer risk.

Conclusions

The findings for asbestos and silica were essentially confirmatory, supporting evidence for their early effects on lung cancer from a large body of literature. The effect of straight MWF on larynx cancer was less clear.
Wood dust exposure and risk of lung cancer
Authors: Bhatti Parveen , Newcomer Laura , Onstad Lynn , Teschke Kay , Camp Janice , Morgan Michael , Vaughan Thomas L
Published: November 2010

Objectives

Despite the compelling association between wood dust and sinonasal cancer, there has been little systematic and rigorous study of the relationship between wood dust and lung cancer. We investigated whether a history of wood dust exposure through occupational and hobby-related activities was associated with increased lung cancer risk.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case-control study, with 440 cases and 845 age-matched controls. Using detailed work and personal histories, quantitative estimates of cumulative exposure to wood dust (thought to be primarily from softwood) were calculated for each participant. Using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and smoking status, risk of lung cancer was examined in relation to employment in wood-related occupations, working with wood as a hobby, as well as cumulative wood dust exposure that took into account both occupational and hobby-related sources.

Results

While we observed an increased risk of lung cancer associated with working in a sawmill (OR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1), we found no evidence of increased risks with other occupations, working with wood as a hobby or with estimated cumulative exposure to wood dust. Contrary to our hypothesis, we observed modest decreased risks with exposure to wood dust, although no dose-response relationship was apparent.

Conclusions

This study provided somewhat reassuring evidence that softwood dust does not increase the risk of lung cancer, but future studies should evaluate exposure to hardwood dusts. Suggestive evidence for an inverse association may be attributable to the presence of endotoxin in the wood dust, but the lack of a dose-response relationship suggests a non-causal relationship.
Survey of the current use of pharmacokinetic model‐driven drug delivery in small animal anaesthesia and analgesia in Italy
Authors: Novello L. , Carobbi B.
Published: November 2010

Veterinary surgeons in Italy were surveyed about their current practice with regard to the use of propofol and intravenous opioids during anaesthesia and for treatment of acute pain in small animals. Questionnaires were e‐mailed to all 171 members of the Italian Society of Veterinary Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. Information was requested on the type of practice the veterinarians worked in, the administration techniques used and the perceived benefit of pumps with target‐controlled infusion (TCI) capability implementing small animal pharmacokinetic models. A total of 168 responses were received (response rate 98.2 per cent). Of the respondents, 121 (72.0 per cent) worked in a first‐opinion private practice, 25 (14.9 per cent) worked in a 24/7 private practice, 11 (6.5 per cent) worked in a referral private practice, eight (4.8 per cent) worked in a university hospital, two (1.2 per cent) were not currently practising with small animals and one (0.6 per cent) had retired. Of the 130 (78.8 per cent) practising respondents who reported using a syringe pump, eight (4.8 per cent) used a TCI system, 31 (18.8 per cent) used manual TCI, 40 (24.2 per cent) used a bolus‐elimination‐transfer scheme and 51 (31 per cent) used a constant‐rate infusion. As a result, 79 of 165 (47.9 per cent) practising respondents used a pharmacokinetic model‐driven method of drug delivery. The majority of respondents (81.2 per cent) believed that the use of pumps with TCI capability would improve practice and patient care.
SNP discovery by amplicon sequencing and multiplex SNP genotyping in the allopolyploid species Brassica napusThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Durstewitz G. , Polley A. , Plieske J. , Luerssen H. , Graner E. M. , Wieseke R. , Ganal M. W.
Published: November 2010

Oilseed rape ( Brassica napus ) is an allotetraploid species consisting of two genomes, derived from B. rapa (A genome) and B. oleracea (C genome). The presence of these two genomes makes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker identification and SNP analysis more challenging than in diploid species, as for a given locus usually two versions of a DNA sequence (based on the two ancestral genomes) have to be analyzed simultaneously during SNP identification and analysis. One hundred amplicons derived from expressed sequence tag (ESTs) were analyzed to identify SNPs in a panel of oilseed rape varieties and within two sister species representing the ancestral genomes. A total of 604 SNPs were identified, averaging one SNP in every 42 bp. It was possible to clearly discriminate SNPs that are polymorphic between different plant varieties from SNPs differentiating the two ancestral genomes. To validate the identified SNPs for their use in genetic analysis, we have developed Illumina GoldenGate assays for some of the identified SNPs. Through the analysis of a number of oilseed rape varieties and mapping populations with GoldenGate assays, we were able to identify a number of different segregation patterns in allotetraploid oilseed rape. The majority of the identified SNP markers can be readily used for genetic mapping, showing that amplicon sequencing and Illumina GoldenGate assays can be used to reliably identify SNP markers in tetraploid oilseed rape and to convert them into successful SNP assays that can be used for genetic analysis.
Two-layer hydraulic exchange flow through the Burlington Ship Canal
Authors: Jalili A. , Li S. S.
Published: November 2010

The exchange flow through the Burlington Ship Canal connecting Hamilton Harbour with Lake Ontario is investigated, using a two-layer internal hydraulics model. The summer exchange features an upper layer of polluted Harbour Water flowing from the harbour into the lake, whereas a lower layer of fresh Lake Ontario Water flowing from the lake into the harbour. We predict this exchange, taking into account the effects of both friction and barotropic forcing of multiple frequencies. Predictions of density interface and volume flux compare well with experimental and field data. The interface varies non-linearly with distance along the canal, with and without barotropic forcing. Our results indicate that the exchange flow is highly frictional. The barotropic forcing comprises oscillation modes of different frequency; these individual forcing modes cause the interface and layer velocities to fluctuate significantly in time, but their influence on the time average flows through the canal is minimal.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ruminal or fecal contents incubated with corn or wheat dried distillers’ grains with solubles
Authors: Yang H.E. , Yang W.Z. , McKinnon J.J. , Alexander T.W. , Li Y.L. , McAllister T.A.
Published: November 2010

Dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS) is a by-product of ethanol production, and its use as cattle feed has increased as a result of the expansion of the fuel ethanol industry. However, the inclusion of corn DDGS into feedlot diets may increase the shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7. This study investigated whether corn or wheat DDGS at 2 concentrations (20% or 40% vs. 100% barley grain) affected the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in incubations of ruminal digesta and feces. Neither the type nor the level of DDGS had any effect on fermentation or the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in ruminal digesta. However, there was a time by DDGS interaction (p < 0.05), where the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 in feces did not differ after 4 or 12 h of incubation but were greater after 24 h in both 40% wheat and 40% corn DDGS as compared with other treatments. Additionally, after 24 h, the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 were greater in fecal incubations with corn DDGS than with wheat DDGS (p < 0.05). The differences in the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 were not attributable to changes in pH or in concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the media. These results suggest that the inclusion of high levels of corn or wheat DDGS in feedlot diets of cattle may encourage the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in feces.
CONJUGATE PAIRS OF SUBFACTORS AND ENTROPY FOR AUTOMORPHISMS
Authors: CHODA MARIE
Published: November 2010

Based on the fact that, for a subfactor N of a II1factor M, the first nontrivial Jones index is two and then M is decomposed as the crossed product of N by an outer action of ℤ2, we study pairs {N, uNu*} from the view-point of entropy for two subalgebras of M in connection with the entropy for automorphisms, where the inclusion of II1factors N ⊂ M is given with M being the crossed product of N by a finite group of outer automorphisms and u is a unitary in M.
DECENTRALIZED DELAYED FEEDBACK CONTROL OF COUPLED MAP LATTICES ON IRREGULAR NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Authors: KONISHI KEIJI
Published: November 2010

This paper proposes decentralized delayed feedback control for coupled map lattices on irregular network topologies. Linear stability analysis provides a systematic procedure for designing controllers that does not depend on the number of sites or network topology. To reduce the long waiting time for stabilization, we demonstrate two techniques by numerical simulations: delayed feedback destabilization and time-varying coupling-strength. Furthermore, the robustness of the controlled state against external disturbances is investigated.
C1-ROBUSTLY MINIMAL IFS WITH THREE GENERATORS
Authors: GHANE F. H. , SALEH M.
Published: November 2010

We provide an iterated function system on any compact connected m-dimensional manifold with just three diffeomorphisms which are C1-robustly minimal. This improves the main result of [Ghane et al., 2010].