bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cleopatra
Authors: Roller Duane W.
Published: May 2014

Cleopatra (Kleopatra) VII is arguably the most famous woman from classical antiquity, and one of the most familiar personalities in human history. She is best known through the extensive art and literature that was generated after her death. The information from Greek and Roman sources about Cleopatra herself is surprisingly sparse and generally misinterpreted. She is familiar today largely through her representation by Shakespeare and in modern film, as a seductress who ruined the men in her life and destroyed her kingdom, an erroneous depiction that is in large part the result of extremely eloquent opponents and male-dominated historiography. More accurately, she was a capable administrator and military commander, a linguist who knew a dozen languages, and a published scholarly author. Yet she was also the last ruler of her kingdom, and her defeat by the Romans led to the destruction of her reputation. She ruled for twenty-one years, from 51 to 30 bce, and skillfully attempted to salvage her dying kingdom in the face of growing Roman power and involvement in the affairs of the eastern Mediterranean. Best remembered for her liaisons with Julius Caesar, and Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), she in fact carefully chose her partners in order to produce heirs who could carry on the kingdom. But her own plans became caught up in the ongoing civil war at Rome, beginning with the assassination of Caesar in 44 bce. Her original relations with Antonius were a matter of stabilizing her kingdom and creating a mutually beneficial relationship between Egypt and Rome, but the personal involvement between the two eventually hampered these plans, and allowed Octavian (the future emperor Augustus), in power in Rome, to marginalize Antonius (who was his brother-in-law) and to claim that he was being destroyed by an eastern seductress. Matters quickly moved out of control in the 30s bce, and eventually a Roman invasion of Greece was mounted. Cleopatra attempted to disassociate herself from Antonius in order to salvage her kingdom, but would not give it over to Octavian, and was driven to suicide in August of 30 bce at the age of thirty-nine. Her son Kaisarion ruled for a few weeks, but soon the Romans took over the kingdom. Although the Roman literary machine turned her into a dangerous monster who almost destroyed Rome, within Egypt she was honored for centuries.
Blocking
Authors: Rainer Franz
Published: May 2014

“Blocking” is a phenomenon that is characteristic of human language in general, but its precise nature and scope are still controversial. As will become apparent, theoretical accounts of the phenomenon also differ widely. In order to gain some initial understanding of what blocking is about, let us vaguely define it with Mark Aronoff’s Word Formation in Generative Grammar (Aronoff 1976, cited under Overviews) as “the nonoccurrence of one form due to the simple existence of another” (p. 43). The most typical instantiations occur in inflection and derivation, where went blocks *goed, and thief blocks* stealer. Most linguists also allow for blocking to operate across the morphology-syntax boundary. The staple example here is the English comparative, where adjectives suffixed with -er are said to block the corresponding phrases consisting of more + adjective (e.g., bigger blocking *more big). The absence of regular semantic extensions is also sometimes attributed to blocking, e.g., the oddness of *(I don’t eat) pig “pig meat,” blocked by pork, or *(I like) cow “cow meat,” blocked by beef. Occasionally, blocking is claimed to operate syntax-internally, as when the ill-formedness of the French sentence type *J’ai vu lui (“I have seen him”) is attributed to the existence of the sentence type “Je l’ai vu” (literally “I him have seen”). Still more exceptionally, syntax is claimed to block morphology: the oddness of incorporated verbs such as to truck-drive, for example, has been attributed to the corresponding syntactic constructions of the type to drive trucks. In all these examples, the blocking and the blocked forms are synonyms. Some scholars, however, believe that a form can also be blocked by a homonym, as in *to spring/fall in France vs. to summer/autumn/winter in France.
Impact of Pratylenchus penetrans on Established Red Raspberry Productivity
Authors: Han Ziduan , Walters Thomas W. , Zasada Inga A.
Published: May 2014

The plant-parasitic nematode Pratylenchus penetrans is a major constraint to the production of red raspberry. To determine whether several popular raspberry cultivars in Washington State differ in susceptibility to P. penetrans and whether post-plant nematicides treatments are warranted, five independent, multiyear trials were conducted. Trials in existing plantings of ‘Cascade Bounty’, ‘Chemainus’, ‘Meeker’ (two trials), and ‘Saanich’ raspberry were established in northwest Washington. Treated plots were protected from P. penetrans by applying nematicides over a 3-year period, while nontreated plots received no nematicides. P. penetrans population densities in soil and root samples were assessed spring and fall of each year. In addition, impact of P. penetrans on raspberry yield, fruit composition, cane production, and root biomass was measured several times in each cultivar during the 3-year study. P. penetrans root population densities in nematicide-treated plots were consistently lower than those in nontreated plots at all the samplings. There were few consistent treatment differences in fine root biomass, the preferred feeding sites for P. penetrans. However, a complete root system sampling of one of the cultivars did show greater fine root biomass in treated plants compared with nontreated plants. When differences were observed aboveground, treated plants yielded less than corresponding nontreated plants, indicating that the nematicides may have been phytotoxic to some of the cultivars. This study suggests that post-plant nematicide applications are of limited benefit because, at least during the 3-year time period of this study, there were few observable benefits of protecting these raspberry cultivars from P. penetrans.
Eliciting antibiotics active against the ESKAPE pathogens in a collection of actinomycetes isolated from mountain soils
Authors: Zhu Hua , Swierstra Jasper , Wu Changsheng , Girard Geneviève , Choi Young Hae , van Wamel Willem , Sandiford Stephanie K. , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: May 2014

The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens poses a major threat for human health. In recent years, genome sequencing has unveiled many poorly expressed antibiotic clusters in actinomycetes. Here, we report a well-defined ecological collection of >800 actinomycetes obtained from sites in the Himalaya and Qinling mountains, and we used these in a concept study to see how efficiently antibiotics can be elicited against MDR pathogens isolated recently from the clinic. Using 40 different growth conditions, 96 actinomycetes were identified – predominantlyStreptomyces– that produced antibiotics with efficacy against the MDR clinical isolates referred to as ESKAPE pathogens:Enterococcus faecium,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosaand/orEnterobacter cloacae. Antimicrobial activities that fluctuated strongly with growth conditions were correlated with specific compounds, including borrelidin, resistomycin, carbomethoxy-phenazine, and 6,7,8- and 5,6,8-trimethoxy-3-methylisocoumarin, of which the latter was not described previously. Our work provided insights into the potential of actinomycetes as producers of drugs with efficacy against clinical isolates that have emerged recently and also underlined the importance of targeting a specific pathogen.
Identification and characterization of an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 that shows preference towards medium to long chain length fatty acids
Authors: Guzik Maciej W. , Narancic Tanja , Ilic-Tomic Tatjana , Vojnovic Sandra , Kenny Shane T. , Casey William T. , Duane Gearoid F. , Casey Eoin , Woods Trevor , Babu Ramesh Padamati , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , O’Connor Kevin E.
Published: May 2014

Diverse and elaborate pathways for nutrient utilization, as well as mechanisms to combat unfavourable nutrient conditions makePseudomonas putidaKT2440 a versatile micro-organism able to occupy a range of ecological niches. The fatty acid degradation pathway ofP. putidais complex and correlated with biopolymer medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) biosynthesis. Little is known about the second step of fatty acid degradation (β-oxidation) in this strain.In silicoanalysis of its genome sequence revealed 21 putative acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs), four of which were functionally characterized through mutagenesis studies. Four mutants with insertionally inactivated ACADs (PP_1893, PP_2039, PP_2048 and PP_2437) grew and accumulated mcl-PHA on a range of fatty acids as the sole source of carbon and energy. Their ability to grow and accumulate biopolymer was differentially negatively affected on various fatty acids, in comparison to the wild-type strain. Inactive PP_2437 exhibited a pattern of reduced growth and PHA accumulation when fatty acids with lengths of 10 to 14 carbon chains were used as substrates. Recombinant expression and biochemical characterization of the purified protein allowed functional annotation inP. putidaKT2440 as an ACAD showing clear preference for dodecanoyl-CoA ester as a substrate and optimum activity at 30 °C and pH 6.5–7.
Impact of maraviroc-resistant and low-CCR5-adapted mutations induced by in vitro passage on sensitivity to anti-envelope neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Harada Shigeyoshi , Boonchawalit Samatchaya , Kawanami Yoko , Matsushita Shuzo
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to generate maraviroc (MVC)-resistant viruses in vitro using a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype B clinical isolate (HIV-1KP-5) to understand the mechanism(s) of resistance to MVC. To select HIV-1 variants resistant to MVC in vitro, we exposed high-chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5)-expressing PM1/CCR5 cells to HIV-1KP-5 followed by serial passage in the presence of MVC. We also passaged HIV-1KP-5 in PM1 cells, which were low CCR5 expressing to determine low-CCR5-adapted substitutions and compared the Env sequences of the MVC-selected variants. Following 48 passages with MVC (10 µM), HIV-1KP-5 acquired a resistant phenotype [maximal per cent inhibition (MPI) 24 %], whilst the low-CCR5-adapted variant had low sensitivity to MVC (IC50 ~200 nM), but not reduction of the MPI. The common substitutions observed in both the MVC-selected and low-CCR5-adapted variants were selected from the quasi-species, in V1, V3 and V5. After 14 passages, the MVC-selected variants harboured substitutions around the CCR5 N-terminal-binding site and V3 (V200I, T297I, K305R and M434I). The low-CCR5-adapted infectious clone became sensitive to anti-CD4bs and CD4i mAbs, but not to anti-V3 mAb and autologous plasma IgGs. Conversely, the MVC-selected clone became highly sensitive to the anti-envelope (Env) mAbs tested and the autologous plasma IgGs. These findings suggest that the four MVC-resistant mutations required for entry using MVC-bound CCR5 result in a conformational change of Env that is associated with a phenotype sensitive to anti-Env neutralizing antibodies.
Characteristics of marine algae extracts using subcritical water extract method
Authors: Na Hwan Sik , Kim Jin Young , Park Jong Soo , Choi Gyeong Cheol , Yang Soo In , Lee Ji Heon , Cho Jeong Young , Ma Seung Jin
Published: May 2014

This study was performed in order to investigate the functional components of 5 kinds of marine algae. We have collected 5 samples of marine algae, such as the sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida), sea tangle (Laminaria iaponice), sea weed fusiforme (Hizikia fusiforme), green laver (Entetomotpha), laver (Phophyratenera), which have been harvested in Jeollanam-do. In order to examine the functional effects, 5 kinds of marine algae were extracted with hot water (80°C, 4 hr), ethanol and methanol (R.T., 4 hr), and subcritical water extract (SWE, 3 MPa, 90°C, 150°C, 210°C). A higher yield of extract was obtained through SWE method (3 MPa, 210°C) in all of the samples obtained. The highest total sugar content was 427.4 mg/g in green laver extracted with SWE (3 MPa, 210°C). The content of the SWE total phenolic compounds was higher than that of the water and solvent (methanol, ethanol) extracts. The anti-oxidative activities of the extracts from 5 kinds of marine algae were examined through the DPPH radical scavenging activity test. The SWE (3 MPa, 150°C and 210°C) of the marine algae was the highest among all of the extracts. As per the results, the SWE of the marine algae contained more functional components and it had a higher antioxidant activity than those of the other extracts. The IC50 value of tyrosinase in seaweed fusiforme and laver were higher than those of the other samples. These results strongly support the possible use of marine algae as functional materials.
Interaction of clopidogrel and statins in secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia – a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy crossover study
Authors: Siepmann Timo , Heinke Denise , Kepplinger Jessica , Barlinn Kristian , Gehrisch Siegmund , Grählert Xina , Schwanebeck Uta , Reichmann Heinz , Puetz Volker , Bodechtel Ulf , Gahn Georg
Published: May 2014

Aims

Variability in responsiveness to clopidogrel is a clinical problem in secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia which has been suggested to be linked to competitive metabolization of clopidogrel and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4‐oxidated statins such as simvastatin. We assessed the hypothesis that simvastatin, in contrast to CYP 2C9‐metabolized fluvastatin, reduces clopidogrel‐mediated platelet inhibition.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, two period crossover study in 13 patients with cerebral ischaemia (8F, 5 M), aged 64.1 ± 8.0 years (mean ± SD). After a 14 day period in which all patients received 75 mg clopidogrel day−1, patients additionally received either 20 mg simvastatin day−1 or 80 mg fluvastatin day−1 for 14 days. Regimens were crossed over after a 14 day wash‐out period and switched regimens were continued for another 14 days. Platelet aggregation, clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) plasma concentrations and routine laboratory parameters including prothrombin time (PT) Quick percent value were assessed at baseline and following each treatment phase.

Results

Clopidogrel reduced platelet aggregation in all patients as expected. Platelet aggregation and CAM plasma concentrations were unaltered when simvastatin or fluvastatin was added to clopidogrel. Simvastatin decreased PT Quick percent value (decrease from 109 ± 10.5% to 103 ± 11%, P < 0.05) when combined with clopidogrel but there was no such change following treatment with fluvastatin and clopidogrel.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that treatment with CYP 3A4‐metabolized simvastatin does not jeopardize clopidogrel‐mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation. After co‐administration of simvastatin and clopidogrel we observed a decrease in the PT Quick percent value which could be due to simvastatin‐induced reduction of activity of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2.
Real‐time transrectal ultrasonography‐guided hands‐free technique for focal cryoablation of the prostate
Authors: de Castro Abreu Andre Luis , Bahn Duke , Chopra Sameer , Leslie Scott , Matsugasumi Toru , Gill Inderbir S. , Ukimura Osamu
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To describe, step‐by‐step, our hands‐free technique for focal cryoablation of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

After detailed discussion of its limitations and benefits, consent was obtained to perform focal cryoablation in patients with biopsy‐proven unilateral low‐ to intermediate‐risk prostate cancer. The procedure was performed transperineally, using a hands‐free technique (without an external grid template) under real‐time bi‐plane transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guidance, using an argon/helium‐gas‐based third generation cryoablation system. Follow‐up consisted of validated questionnaires, physical examination, PSA measures, multiparametric TRUS and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mandatory biopsy.

Results

The important steps for achieving safety, satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes included: patient selection, including TRUS/MRI fusion target biopsy; thermocouple and cryoprobe placement with a hands‐free technique, allowing delivery in unrestricted angulations according to the prostatic contour, the course of the neurovascular bundle and the rectal wall angle; and hands‐free bi‐plane TRUS probe manipulation to facilitate real‐time monitoring of anatomical landmarks at the ideal angle of the image plane. To achieve a lethal temperature in the known cancer area, while preserving the urinary sphincter, neurovascular bundle, urethra and rectal wall, continuous intraoperative control of the thermocouple temperatures was necessary, as were real‐time TRUS monitoring of ice‐ball size, control of the energy delivered and the use of a warming urethral catheter.

Conclusion

We have described step‐by‐step the focal cryoablation of prostate cancer using a hands‐free technique. This technique facilitates the effective delivery of cryoprobes and the intra‐operative real‐time quick manipulation of the TRUS probe.
The Contributions of Explanation and Exploration to Children's Scientific Reasoning
Authors: Legare Cristine H.
Published: May 2014

Both explanation and exploration can foster causal learning, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects are largely unknown, especially in early childhood. In this article, I provide an overview of research on the relation among explanation, exploration, and the development of scientific reasoning. I propose that explaining and exploring operate in tandem as hypothesis‐generating and hypothesis‐testing mechanisms. I review evidence that supports this claim by demonstrating that inconsistency with prior knowledge selectively motivates children to construct explanations, guides discovery‐oriented behavior, and drives the early‐developing capacity to reason scientifically. I conclude with a discussion of the educational applications of research on the development of children's scientific reasoning in informal learning settings.
Der allergologische Notfall – Management der Anaphylaxie
Authors: Werner‐Busse Alexandra , Zuberbier Torsten , Worm Margitta
Published: May 2014

Wenn eine Anaphylaxie auftritt, liegt ein allergologischer Notfall vor. Diese ist definiert durch das plötzliche Auftreten allergischer Symptome an zwei oder mehr Organsystemen. Aufgrund der Akuität der Symptome und der potenziellen Lebensbedrohung für den Patienten ergeben sich besondere Anforderungen an die medizinische Betreuung. Die Inzidenz der Anaphylaxie hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen. Die häufigsten Auslöser der mastzellvermittelten und zumeist histaminabhängigen Anaphylaxie sind Nahrungsmittel, Insektengifte und Medikamente. Der Schweregrad einer Anaphylaxie wird nach Ring und Messmer in vier klinische Stadien eingeteilt, wobei im Stadium I ausschließlich kutane Symptome auftreten, während im Stadium IV eine Schocksituation mit Herzkreislauf‐ und/oder Atemstillstand einsetzt.

Die adäquate Therapie der Anaphylaxie muss stadienorientiert erfolgen. Als medikamentöse Erstmaßnahme wird die intramuskuläre Applikation von Adrenalin in die Oberschenkelauflenseite für alle Reaktionen, die nicht nur Haut bzw. Schleimhaut, sondern auch das respiratorische und/oder das Herz‐Kreislauf‐System betreffen, empfohlen. Die weitere medikamentöse Therapie beinhaltet die idealerweise intravenöse Gabe von Antihistaminika und gewichtsadaptiert Kortikosteroiden, zur Selbstbehandlung im Notfall sollten die Präparate als Tabletten vorliegen.
Optimierungspotentiale der Qualitätssicherung in der Zusammenarbeit zwischen Unfallversicherungsträgern und berufsdermatologisch tätigen Ärzten
Authors: Elsner Peter , Aberer Werner , Bauer Andrea , Diepgen Thomas Ludwig , Drexler Hans , Fartasch Manigè , John Swen Malte , Schuhmacher‐Stock Uta , Wehrmann Wolfgang , Weisshaar Elke
Published: May 2014

Hintergrund

Qualitätssicherung ist Aufgabe der Ärzteschaft, aber auch der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (GUV). Daten zur Qualität der Interaktion zwischen berufsdermatologisch tätigen Ärzten und Unfallversicherungsträgern stehen nur begrenzt zur Verfügung.

Material und Methodik

Bei 854 Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Berufs‐ und Umweltdermatologie in Deutschland wurde im Oktober 2013 eine Online‐Umfrage durchgeführt. Erfasst wurden demographische Daten, die Beurteilung der Zusammenarbeit mit den Trägern der GUV, eine betriebswirtschaftliche Beurteilung der Vergütung berufsdermatologischer Leistungen sowie prioritär zu optimierende Fragestellung(en) in der Zusammenarbeit.

Ergebnisse

Die Beteiligung an der Umfrage lag bei 182 Teilnehmern (21,3 % der Befragten). Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Unfallversicherungsträgern beurteilten 10,8 % als „sehr gut“, 56,7 % als „gut“, 24,2 % als „befriedigend“, 7,0 % als „ausreichend“ und nur 1,3 % als „mangelhaft“. 93,4 % äußerten sich zu Problemen bzw. Verbesserungspotenzial in der Zusammenarbeit Ihrer Praxis/Klinik mit der GUV. An vorderer Stelle stehen Abrechnungsfragen (44,7 %), gefolgt von Eingriffen in die Behandlungsfreiheit (36,5 %) und dem Behandlungsauftrag im Hautarztverfahren (29,4 %).

Schlussfolgerungen

Optimierungspotenziale für die Zusammenarbeit zwischen berufsdermatologisch tätigen Ärzten und GUV bestehen in der Vergütung der dermatologischen Leistungen bezüglich der „sprechenden Medizin“, in der Ermöglichung leitliniengerechter Diagnostik und Therapie und in zeitnaher Erteilung von Behandlungsaufträgen im Hautarztverfahren zur Nutzung des therapeutischen Fensters in der Prävention von Berufsdermatosen.
A physiological approach to motor development within and across domains
Authors: Einspieler Christa , Marschik Peter B
Published: May 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Hitzert et al. on pages 869–876 of this issue.
Molecular and clinical characterization of glucokinase maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY) in Japanese patients
Authors: Kawakita R. , Hosokawa Y. , Fujimaru R. , Tamagawa N. , Urakami T. , Takasawa K. , Moriya K. , Mizuno H. , Maruo Y. , Takuwa M. , Nagasaka H. , Nishi Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Aizu K. , Yorifuji T.
Published: May 2014

Aims

To investigate the molecular and clinical characteristics of the largest series of Japanese patients with glucokinase maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY), and to find any features specific to Asian people.

Methods

We enrolled 78 Japanese patients with GCK‐MODY from 41 families (55 probands diagnosed at the age of 0–14 years and their 23 adult family members). Mutations were identified by direct sequencing or multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification of all exons of the GCK gene. Detailed clinical and laboratory data were collected on the probands using questionnaires, which were sent to the treating physicians.　Data on current clinical status and HbA1c levels were also collected from adult patients.

Results

A total of 35 different mutations were identified, of which seven were novel. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels of the probands were ≤9.3 mmol/l and ≤56 mmol/mol (7.3%), respectively, and there was considerable variation in their BMI percentiles (0.4–96.2). In total, 25% of the probands had elevated homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance values, and 58.3% of these had evidence of concomitant Type 2 diabetes in their family. The HbA1c levels for adults were slightly higher, up to 61 mmol/mol (7.8%). The incidence of microvascular complications was low. Out of these 78 people with GCK‐MODY and 40 additional family members with hyperglycaemia whose genetic status was unknown, only one had diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusions

The molecular and clinical features of GCK‐MODY in Japanese people are similar to those of other ethnic populations; however, making a diagnosis of GCK‐MODY was more challenging in patients with signs of insulin resistance.
Current status of haematopoietic autologous stem cell transplantation in lymphoid malignancies: a European perspective
Authors: Hübel Kai , de la Rubia Javier , Azar Nabih , Corradini Paolo
Published: May 2014

The use of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has increased considerably in lymphoid malignancies in the last decade, and it is now considered as the standard of care in particular circumstances. This review aims to present an overview of the current situation with ASCT in lymphoid malignancies in Europe, in terms of both current use and issues. It will also look briefly at ASCT in rarer haematological malignancies and at the future. It is intended as a reflection of opinion from selected centres in Europe and as an aid to understanding for those who are new to the area. The review is based on a series of four preceptorship meetings held in Europe in 2013.
Feasibility and effectiveness of posaconazole prophylaxis in combination with micafungin bridging for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: A 6‐yr analysis from the cologne cohort for neutropenic patients
Authors: Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Tran Liliane , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Bangard Christopher , Cornely Oliver Andreas , Vehreschild Jörg Janne
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT).

Methods

To compare the effectiveness of two prophylactic antifungal regimens used as standard of care (SOC) in the setting of SCT during the periods of May 2006 – September 2009 (oral posaconazole, POS) and October 2009 – July 2011 (oral posaconazole with intravenous micafungin bridging, POS‐MIC), data from the Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients (CoCoNut) study were analyzed after nearest‐neighbor matching. Endpoints were occurrence of breakthrough probable/proven IFD under prophylaxis, incidence and duration of persistent febrile neutropenia, incidence of unspecific pneumonic infiltrates, possible IFD, positive galactomannan tests, as well as fungal‐free and overall survival.

Results

Of 291 patients with 307 SCTs observed during the study period, 212 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included into the analysis. Patients receiving POS‐MIC were less likely to develop a pneumonic infiltrate (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–1.00) or possible IFD (RR 0.36, 95% 0.15–0.87). They also demonstrated improved fungal‐free survival at day 100 (P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed for the incidence of probable or proven IFD, positive galactomannan tests, persistent febrile neutropenia, duration of hospitalization and overall mortality. There was no grade III or IV CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) toxicity related to antifungal prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that both prophylactic regimens, POS and POS‐MIC are feasible, safe and effective. Our data suggest that bridging with intravenous micafungin could indeed improve exposure to antifungal prophylaxis, which may explain the reduced incidence of pneumonia and IFD in the bridging group.
Infection control and biosecurity in equine disease control
Authors: Weese J. S.
Published: May 2014

Infectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in horses, along with economic costs and broader impacts associated with the loss of members of a species that generates income, acts as a working animal and is a companion. Endemic diseases continue to challenge, emerging diseases are an ever‐present threat and outbreaks can be both destructive and disruptive. While infectious diseases can never be completely prevented, measures can be introduced to restrict the entry of pathogens into a population or limit the implications of the presence of a pathogen. Objective research regarding infection control and biosecurity in horses is limited, yet a variety of practical infection prevention and control measures can be used. Unfortunately, infection control can be challenging, because of the nature of the equine industry (e.g. frequent horse movement) and endemic pathogens, but also because of lack of understanding or motivation to try to improve practices. Recognition of the basic concepts of infection control and biosecurity, and indeed the need for measures to control infectious diseases, is the foundation for successful infection prevention and control.
Primordial odontogenic tumour: clinicopathological analysis of six cases of a previously undescribed entity
Authors: Mosqueda‐Taylor Adalberto , Pires Fabio Ramoa , Aguirre‐Urízar José Manuel , Carlos‐Bregni Roman , de la Piedra‐Garza José Mario , Martínez‐Conde Rafael , Martínez‐Mata Guillermo , Carreño‐Álvarez Sergio J , da Silveira Henrique Martins , de Barros Dias Bruno Santos , de Almeida Oslei Paes
Published: May 2014

Aim

To describe the clinicopathological and immuno‐histochemical features of six tumours that do not fulfil the criteria of any of the currently classified odontogenic tumours.

Methods and results

The patients were three males and three females, whose ages ranged from 3 years to 18 years (mean, 11.05 years). In all cases there were well‐defined radiolucencies associated with unerupted teeth apparently showing a pericoronal relationship. Microscopically, all tumours were composed of variably cellular loose fibrous tissue with areas similar to dental papilla, entirely surrounded by cuboidal to columnar epithelium resembling the internal epithelium of the enamel organ. Mesenchymal tissue was positive only for vimentin, and Ki67 expression was very low (<2%). The epithelium was positive for CK AE1/AE3, CK5, CK14, and CK19, but negative for CK18 and CK20. All cases showed clear demarcation from the surrounding bone, and were surgically removed, with no recurrences after follow‐up ranging from 6 months to 20 years.

Conclusions

These findings differ from those observed in other odontogenic lesions, such as ameloblastic fibroma, odontogenic myxoma, odontogenic fibroma, and hyperplastic dental follicles. The term primordial odontogenic tumour is proposed to describe this novel lesion.
Factors associated with financial independence of young adults
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Chatterjee Swarn , Kim Jinhee
Published: May 2014

Young adults are in an important transition period from financially depending on their parents to becoming financially independent. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with perceived financial independence among American young adults aged 18–23. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, we hypothesized that major contributing factors of young adults’ financial independence would include economic, psychological and family factors. Data were from two linked data sets, the 2009 Transition into Adulthood data set and its parental companion data set, the 2009 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative US sample. Results indicated that economic factors, such as young adults’ income, assets, work status and educational attainment were positively associated with financial independence. Several psychological factors such as economic self‐efficacy, money management ability and problem‐solving ability were also positively associated with financial independence. Family economic factors such as parental income, stock holding and financial assistance decreased the level of young adults’ financial independence. Additional analyses indicated that the level of financial independence of college graduates was higher than those who had never attended college or were currently in college but did not differ from those who had dropped out of college. Common and different factors associated with young adults’ financial independence were also identified among the four education groups. The findings of this study have implications for consumer educators to develop and implement targeted financial education programs for young adults aged 18–23 who differ by educational attainment.
The Occupational Cost of Being Illegal in the United States: Legal Status, Job Hazards, and Compensating Differentials
Authors: Hall Matthew , Greenman Emily
Published: May 2014

Considerable research and pervasive cultural narratives suggest that undocumented immigrant workers are concentrated in the most dangerous, hazardous, and otherwise unappealing jobs in U.S. labor markets. Yet, owing largely to data limitations, little empirical work has addressed this topic. Using data from the 2004 and 2008 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation, we impute legal status for Mexican and Central American immigrants and link their occupations to Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) data on occupational fatalities and occupational hazard data from the U.S. Department of Labor to explore racial and legal status differentials on several specific measures of occupational risk. Results indicate that undocumented workers face heightened exposure to numerous dimensions of occupational hazard – including higher levels of physical strain, exposure to heights, and repetitive motions – but are less exposed than native workers to some of the potentially most dangerous environments. We also show that undocumented workers are rewarded less for employment in hazardous settings, receiving low or no compensating differential for working in jobs with high fatality, toxic materials, or exposure to heights. Overall, this study suggests that legal status plays an important role in determining exposure to job hazard and in structuring the wage returns to risky work.
Has Opposition to Immigration Increased in the United States after the Economic Crisis? An Experimental Approach
Authors: Creighton Mathew J. , Jamal Amaney , Malancu Natalia C.
Published: May 2014

We employ two population-level experiments to accurately measure opposition to immigration before and after the economic crisis of 2008. Our design explicitly addresses social desirability bias, which is the tendency to give responses that are seen favorably by others and can lead to substantial underreporting of opposition to immigration. We find that overt opposition to immigration, expressed as support for a closed border, increases slightly after the crisis. However, once we account for social desirability bias, no significant increase remains. We conclude that the observed increase in anti-immigration sentiment in the post-crisis United States is attributable to greater expression of opposition rather than any underlying change in attitudes.
Adaptive compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: a clinically effective, patient‐centred approach
Authors: Harding Keith G , Vanscheidt Wolfgang , Partsch Hugo , Caprini Joseph A , Comerota Anthony J
Published: May 2014

A prospective, randomised, 12‐week study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two compression methods for venous leg ulcers (VLUs); a new adaptive compression therapy (ACT) system, combining intermittent and sustained pneumatic compression (n = 38) and a conventional four‐layer bandage system (n = 52). Primary outcomes were ulcer healing and safety. Secondary outcomes were comfort, compliance, ulcer pain, patient‐perceived product performance and quality of life. Ulcer healing rate was similar (31·6% versus 42·3%, respectively, P = 0·30) between the treatments. Adverse events and patient‐rated comfort were also similar. Average daily usage for the dual system was 10·5 and 1·8 hours in the sustained and intermittent modes, respectively, representing its use during 71% of waking hours. Predicted final ulcer pain was also similar (P = 0·68). Performance was subjectively better for adaptive compression and significantly higher for exudate management (P = 0·04), skin protection (P < 0·001), removal ease (P = 0·0007), bathing (P < 0·0001) and sleep comfort (P = 0·0405). The adjusted final quality‐of‐life score was 0·1025 higher for adaptive compression (P = 0·0375). Subjects with healed ulcers attained higher final scores than unhealed subjects (P = 0·0004). This study provides evidence that ACT is comparably efficacious to successfully heal VLUs compared with four‐layer bandage management but is better accepted and achieves higher patient‐reported quality‐of‐life scores in these challenging patients.
Gun Law and Crime
Authors: Gius Mark
Published: May 2014

America seems obsessed as no other nation by guns. Mass shootings such as at Columbine and at Sandy Hook school in Connecticut bring calls for gun control laws. Opponents claim that such laws would only disarm the law-abiding and that the right to bear arms deters crime. It might perhaps seem obvious that a ban on the most lethal weapons would reduce murder rates, and that allowing concealed weapons to be carried would increase them. Mark Gius examines those conclusions to see whether the statistics back them up.
Deterrence and the Death Penalty: Why the Statistics should be Ignored
Authors: Nagin Daniel
Published: May 2014

Is the death penalty a deterrent? Does it dissuade potential murders from killing? Many studies say it does, many studies say it does not; but “all of the research about deterrence and the death penalty done in the past generation … should be ignored” said a recent headline summarising a report from the National Research Council. Daniel Nagin co-edited the report. He explains why the statistics are no guide.
Victorian Eyes: Literary, Statistical, and Artistic Perspectives on Victorian Novels – And Dickens's Unfinished Murder Mystery
Authors: DeRose Catherine , Roy Carrie , Boehm Fred
Published: May 2014

Visualisations are usually statistics made to look pretty. Here, the artists take over – but the statistics of read and unread novels are the inspiration. Catherine DeRose, Carrie Roy and Fred Boehm walk the blurry line between art and representing data.
Weak phylogenetic signal in physiological traits of methane‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Krause S. , van Bodegom P. M. , Cornwell W. K. , Bodelier P. L. E.
Published: May 2014

The presence of phylogenetic signal is assumed to be ubiquitous. However, for microorganisms, this may not be true given that they display high physiological flexibility and have fast regeneration. This may result in fundamentally different patterns of resemblance, that is, in variable strength of phylogenetic signal. However, in microbiological inferences, trait similarities and therewith microbial interactions with its environment are mostly assumed to follow evolutionary relatedness. Here, we tested whether indeed a straightforward relationship between relatedness and physiological traits exists for aerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB). We generated a comprehensive data set that included 30 MOB strains with quantitative physiological trait information. Phylogenetic trees were built from the 16S rRNA gene, a common phylogenetic marker, and the pmoA gene which encodes a subunit of the key enzyme involved in the first step of methane oxidation. We used a Blomberg's K from comparative biology to quantify the strength of phylogenetic signal of physiological traits. Phylogenetic signal was strongest for physiological traits associated with optimal growth pH and temperature indicating that adaptations to habitat are very strongly conserved in MOB. However, those physiological traits that are associated with kinetics of methane oxidation had only weak phylogenetic signals and were more pronounced with the pmoA than with the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. In conclusion, our results give evidence that approaches based solely on taxonomical information will not yield further advancement on microbial eco‐evolutionary interactions with its environment. This is a novel insight on the connection between function and phylogeny within microbes and adds new understanding on the evolution of physiological traits across microbes, plants and animals.
Nitrate induction triggers different transcriptional changes in a high and a low nitrogen use efficiency maize inbred line
Authors: Zamboni Anita , Astolfi Stefania , Zuchi Sabrina , Pii Youry , Guardini Katia , Tononi Paola , Varanini Zeno
Published: May 2014

In higher plants, NO3− can induce its own uptake and the magnitude of this induction is positively related to the external anion concentration. This phenomenon has been characterized in both herbaceous and woody plants. Here, different adaptation strategies of roots from two maize (Zea mays L., ZmAGOs) inbred lines differing in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and exhibiting different timing of induction were discussed by investigating NO3−‐induced changes in their transcriptome. Lo5 line (high NUE) showing the maximum rate of NO3− uptake 4 h after the provision of 200 μmol/L NO3− treatment modulated a higher number of transcripts relative to T250 (low NUE) that peaked after 12 h. The two inbred lines share only 368 transcripts that are modulated by the treatment with NO3− and behaved differently when transcripts involved in anion uptake and assimilation were analyzed. T250 line responded to the NO3− induction modulating this group of genes as reported for several plant species. On the contrary, the Lo5 line did not exhibit during the induction changes in this set of genes. Obtained data suggest the importance of exploring the physiological and molecular variations among different maize genotypes in response to environmental clues like NO3− provision, in order to understand mechanisms underlying NUE.
Diploid hybrid origin of Ostryopsis intermedia (Betulaceae) in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau triggered by Quaternary climate change
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Abbott Richard J. , Lu Zhiqiang , Tian Bin , Liu Jianquan
Published: May 2014

Despite the well‐known effects that Quaternary climate oscillations had on shaping intraspecific diversity, their role in driving homoploid hybrid speciation is less clear. Here, we examine their importance in the putative homoploid hybrid origin and evolution of Ostryopsis intermedia, a diploid species occurring in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), a biodiversity hotspot. We investigated interspecific relationships between this species and its only other congeners, O. davidiana and O. nobilis, based on four sets of nuclear and chloroplast population genetic data and tested alternative speciation hypotheses. All nuclear data distinguished the three species clearly and supported a close relationship between O. intermedia and the disjunctly distributed O. davidiana. Chloroplast DNA sequence variation identified two tentative lineages, which distinguished O. intermedia from O. davidiana; however, both were present in O. nobilis. Admixture analyses of genetic polymorphisms at 20 SSR loci and sequence variation at 11 nuclear loci and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) tests supported the hypothesis that O. intermedia originated by homoploid hybrid speciation from O. davidiana and O. nobilis. We further estimated that O. davidiana and O. nobilis diverged 6–11 Ma, while O. intermedia originated 0.5–1.2 Ma when O. davidiana is believed to have migrated southward, contacted and hybridized with O. nobilis possibly during the largest Quaternary glaciation that occurred in this region. Our findings highlight the importance of Quaternary climate change in the QTP in causing hybrid speciation in this important biodiversity hotspot.
Ethnic differences in microvascular function in apparently healthy South African men and women
Authors: Pienaar P. R. , Micklesfield L. K. , Gill J. M. R. , Shore A. C. , Gooding K. M. , Levitt N. S. , Lambert E. V.
Published: May 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

It is well recognized that there are disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes between ethnic groups. Are there ethnic differences in microvascular function between healthy, young men and women of different ethnicities? This study used laser Doppler imagery and iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside to compare microvascular function between different ethnic groups and to understand the role of skin resistance in this methodology.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Endothelium‐independent microvascular function remained attenuated after correcting for skin resistance in the Black African and mixed ancestry groups, suggesting that differences in smooth muscle function may be an important factor contributing to ethnic differences in disease risk.

Microvascular dysfunction precedes the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Given the ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in microvascular endothelial function in a group of young (18–33 years old), apparently healthy individuals (n = 33, nine Black African, 12 mixed ancestry and 12 Caucasian). Microvascular endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent function was assessed by laser Doppler imagery and iontophoresis of ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, adjusting for skin resistance. Microvascular reactivity was expressed as maximum absolute perfusion, percentage change from baseline and area under the curve (AUC). Skin resistance was significantly lower in the Caucasian group in response to ACh (Caucasian, mean 0.16 ± 0.03 Ω versus Black, 0.21 ± 0.04 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.20 ± 0.02 Ω, P < 0.01) and SNP (Caucasian, 0.08 ± 0.01 Ω versus Black, 0.11 ± 0.02 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.12 ± 0.01 Ω, P < 0.01). Microvascular function in response to ACh was significantly higher in the Caucasian group compared with the other two groups; however, after adjusting for skin resistance these differences were no longer significant. Conversely, the microvascular SNP response remained significantly higher in the Caucasian group, even after adjusting for skin resistance (P < 0.01). Diastolic blood pressure was inversely associated with the AUC of ACh (r = −0.4) and all SNP responses (r = −0.3 to −0.6). Skin resistance was inversely associated with AUC and maximum absolute ACh response (r = −0.59 and −0.64, respectively) and all SNP responses (r = −0.37 to −0.79). Ethnic differences in endothelium‐independent microvascular function may contribute to ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease. Moreover, skin resistance plays a significant role in the interpretation of the microvascular response to outcomes of iontophoresis in a multiethnic group.
A Generalized Critical Heat Flux Correlation for Submerged and Free Surface Jet Impingement Boiling
Authors: Cardenas Ruander , Narayanan Vinod
Published: May 2014

A critical heat flux (CHF) correlation is developed for jet impingement boiling of a single round jet on a flat circular surface. The correlation is valid for submerged jets as well as for free surface jets with Reynolds numbers (Re) between 4000 and 60,000. Data for the correlation are obtained from an extensive experimental study of submerged jet impingement boiling performed by the authors with water at subatmospheric pressures and with FC-72 at atmospheric pressure. Additional experimental data from a free surface jet study are also incorporated to include the effect of variation in surface diameter relative to a fixed nozzle diameter, additional working fluids (water and R-113 both at atmospheric pressure), and jet configuration. The range of parameters considered include Re from 0 (pool boiling) to 60,000, jet diameter to capillary length scale ratios (dj/Lc) ranging from 0.44 to 5.50, surface diameter to capillary length scale ratios (ds/Lc) ranging from 4.47 to 38.42, and liquid-to-vapor density ratios from 119 to 8502. The proposed correlation is built on the framework of a forced convective CHF model. Using this correlation, 95% of the experimental CHF jet impingement data can be predicted within ±22% error. The corresponding average absolute error and the maximum absolute error are 8% and 36%, respectively, over the range of parameters considered.