bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison Study of Student Retention of Foreign Language Video: Declarative versus Interrogative Advance Organizer
Authors: HERRON CAROL , YORK HOLLY , COLE STEVEN P. , LINDEN PAUL
Published: October 2011

The present study compared student retention of information in foreign language (FL) videos in 2 advance organizer conditions. The participants were 67 college students enrolled in 5 sections (4 experimental sections and 1 control section) of a beginning‐level French course. In the advance organizer declarative (AO.) condition, the teacher read aloud 6 sentences that summarized, in chronological order, major scenes in the upcoming video. In the advance organizer interrogative (AO?) condition, the teacher began by reading aloud the same 6 sentences, but this time each declarative sentence had been transformed into a question. For each question, the teacher suggested 3 possible answers, making no indication as to which one was correct. The control condition consisted of a group of students who watched the same videos as in the AO. and the AO? conditions, but had no advance organizer before the video viewings. Student performance with 10 videos introduced in each of these 3 ways was examined on tests of information in the videos. Results indicated that although there were no significant differences in scores between the two AO experimental groups, students in both the AO. and the AO? conditions scored significantly higher on the tests than did the control group. The researchers interpreted these findings as supporting the premise that it is significantly better to incorporate an advance organizer with video than not, and as indicating that both declarative and interrogative AOs can facilitate extensive listening in the FL classroom.
The Effects of Amount and Type of Exposure on Adult Learners' L2 Development in SLA
Authors: LEOW RONALD P.
Published: October 2011

This study investigates under a cognitive attentional framework whether amount (single vs. multiple) and type (teacher‐centered vs. learner‐centered) of exposure to the same morphological information has positive effects on first‐semester adult learners' second or foreign language (L2) development of morphological forms after 1 semester, and whether there is any differential performance due to type of postexposure task (recognition vs. production). The performances of four groups of learners receiving different amounts and types of exposure over a period of 1 semester were compared on both a recognition and written production task. Repeated measures analyses of variance, performed on the raw scores obtained on both tasks comprising a pretest and three posttests, revealed significant main effects for amount of exposure, type of exposure, task, and time. They also revealed significant interactions between time and amount of exposure and time and type of exposure. Results suggest beneficial effects of both multiple and learner‐centered exposures to morphological forms and differential performances based on type of postexposure assessment task. Implications for the classroom and future research are also discussed.
The Economic Utility of Foreign Language Study
Authors: GROSSE CHRISTINE UBER , TUMAN WALTER VLADIMIR , CRITZ MARY ANNE
Published: October 2011

This study applies economic utility theory to the question of why students choose to learn a specific foreign language (FL). Economic utility, a basic theory of economics, explains the preference of a consumer for a given product. To measure utility, we surveyed 84 graduate business students about their reasons for studying 1 of the 8 languages offered at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. We compared their responses with economic indicators such as the gross domestic product (GDP), population, GDP per capita, corporate job opportunities, direction of trade statistics, and most active big emerging markets. According to the indicator, different languages assume economic importance. The study, although limited in scope by sample size, yields insight into the real and perceived costs and benefits of learning a FL.
Chicano Spanish: The Problem of the “Underdeveloped” Code in Bilingual Repertoires
Authors: VALDÉS GUADALUPE , GEOFFRION‐VINCI MICHELLE
Published: October 2011

Little research has been carried out on Mexican‐American university students that focuses on the characteristics of the different levels and styles of language found in the repertoires of bilingual speakers or about the awareness that they may have about the existence of different registers or levels of language. This article explores one dimension of this issue by describing the characteristics of oral texts produced by second‐ and third‐generation bilingual Chicano speakers when they were required to carry out a set of functions in only one of their available codes. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of planned, noninteractive spoken language produced in Spanish by university‐level Chicano students in a classroom setting as compared with Spanish monolinguals of comparable age, education and social background. Results of the analysis suggest that although the bilingual students' lexical production appears to be “less rich” than that of their monolingual counterparts, both bilingual and monolingual subjects appear to use an “approximative” academic register that is still clearly in a state of development.
Videoconferencing as Access to Spoken French
Authors: KINGINGER CELESTE
Published: October 2011

This article analyzes a classroom interaction taking place between language learners in the U.S. and France via international videoconferencing. The videoconferencing event is described in its technical and discursive dimensions; its pedagogical value is evaluated in terms of the American learners' putative Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Much of the language use that took place during the conference was beyond these learners' capability, due in part to heightened language classroom anxiety, and in part to differences between the variety of French learned in American schools and the French spoken by educated native speakers (NSs). A return to the learners' ZPD was achieved by using the videotaped record of the conference to provide access to a corpus of the spoken language as it is used in contemporary France. The aim of this exercise was observation and awareness of the morphosyntactic and discourse difficulties experienced by American second language learners interacting with NSs of French.
Evaluation of cortical bone thickness and root proximity at maxillary interradicular sites for mini‐implant placement
Authors: Sawada Kosaku , Nakahara Ken , Matsunaga Satoru , Abe Shinichi , Ide Yoshinobu
Published: October 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interradicular cortical bone thickness, alveolar process width and root proximity for planning mini‐implant placement in the maxillary alveolar process.

Material and methods

Eighty maxillae (right and left sides) of 40 Japanese adult skulls were examined. The samples were imaged and measured using a micro‐CT system.

Buccal and palatal interradicular cortical bone thickness, alveolar process width, and root proximity were measured in six interradicular sites from distal of central incisor to mesial of second molar. Buccal and palatal interradicular cortical bone thickness and alveolar process width were measured at 10 different vertical levels. Root proximity was measured at four different vertical levels.

Results

Buccal and palatal interradicular cortical bone thickness and alveolar process width tended to increase from crest to base of alveolar process. The buccal interradicular cortical bone thickness between canine and first premolar or between first premolar and second premolar was the greatest, and between central incisor and lateral incisor was the least. The palatal interradicular cortical bone was significantly thicker than the buccal. The root proximity between second premolar and first molar or first premolar and second premolar was the widest and between central incisor and lateral incisor it was the narrowest.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that recommendations when low dose 3D multislice CT or low dose cone beam imaging is not available, the results of this research may be useful in providing indicators for selecting the design of the placement site.
Gingival changes during pregnancy: III. Impact of clinical, microbiological, immunological and socio‐demographic factors on gingival inflammation
Authors: Carrillo‐de‐Albornoz Ana , Figuero Elena , Herrera David , Cuesta Pedro , Bascones‐Martínez Antonio
Published: October 2011

Aims

To identify predictor variables involved in exacerbated gingival inflammation associated with pregnancy.

Material and Methods

In this cohort study, 48 pregnant and 28 non‐pregnant women without periodontitis were included. The pregnant women were evaluated in the first, second and third trimester and at 3 months postpartum, whilst the non‐pregnant women were evaluated twice, with a 6‐month interval. At each visit, clinical [plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI)], hormonal (salivary progesterone and estradiol), immunological [gingival crevicular fluid interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and prostaglandin‐E2] and microbiological (periodontal pathogens culture) evaluations were performed. Statistical analysis was undertaken using exhaustive chi‐square automatic interaction detection (exhaustive CHAID) to analyse the predictive value of the independent outcomes to develop pregnancy GI.

Results

PlI was the strongest predictor implicated in the GI throughout pregnancy and after delivery. During the second and third trimesters the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly contributed to the worsening of gingival inflammation. When compared with the non‐pregnant group, significant differences were found in TNF‐α amounts and concentrations and in the third trimester site‐specific GI.

Conclusions

Bacterial challenge to the gingival tissues, both quantitatively (PlI) and qualitatively (harbouring P. gingivalis) appears to affect the level of gingival inflammation observed during pregnancy.
The effect of cyclic mechanical strain on the expression of adhesion‐related genes by periodontal ligament cells in two‐dimensional culture
Authors: Saminathan A. , Vinoth K. J. , Wescott D. C. , Pinkerton M. N. , Milne T. J. , Cao T. , Meikle M. C.
Published: October 2011

Saminathan A, Vinoth KJ, Wescott DC, Pinkerton MN, Milne TJ, Cao T, Meikle MC. The effect of cyclic mechanical strain on the expression of adhesion‐related genes by periodontal ligament cells in two‐dimensional culture. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 212–221. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Cell adhesion plays important roles in maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissues and sensing changes in the biomechanical environment of cells. The objective of the present investigation was to extend our understanding of the effect of cyclic mechanical strain on the expression of adhesion‐related genes by human periodontal ligament cells.

Material and Methods:  Cultured periodontal ligament cells were subjected to a cyclic in‐plane tensile deformation of 12% for 5 s (0.2 Hz) every 90 s for 6–24 h in a Flexercell FX‐4000 Strain Unit. The following parameters were measured: (i) cell viability by the MTT assay; (ii) caspase‐3 and ‐7 activity; and (iii) the expression of 84 genes encoding adhesion‐related molecules using real‐time RT‐PCR microarrays.

Results:  Mechanical stress reduced the metabolic activity of deformed cells at 6 h, and caspase‐3 and ‐7 activity at 6 and 12 h. Seventy‐three genes were detected at critical threshold values < 35. Fifteen showed a significant change in relative expression: five cell adhesion molecules (ICAM1, ITGA3, ITGA6, ITGA8 and NCAM1), three collagen α‐chains (COL6A1, COL8A1 and COL11A1), four MMPs (ADAMTS1, MMP8, MMP11 and MMP15), plus CTGF, SPP1 and VTN. Four genes were upregulated (ADAMTS1, CTGF, ICAM1 and SPP1) and 11 downregulated, with the range extending from a 1.76‐fold induction of SPP1 at 12 h to a 2.49‐fold downregulation of COL11A1 at 24 h.

Conclusion:  The study has identified several mechanoresponsive adhesion‐related genes, and shown that onset of mechanical stress was followed by a transient reduction in overall cellular activity, including the expression of two apoptosis ‘executioner’ caspases.
Rapid Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in Raw Milk with Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Chemosensor
Authors: Wang Deguo , Zhang Gaiping , Lu Chengping , Deng Ruiguang , Zhi Aimin , Guo Junqing , Zhao Dong , Xu Zhihong
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) allows a rapid amplification of nucleic acids under isothermal conditions. It can be combined with a rhodamine‐based dual chemosensor for much more efficient, field‐friendly detection of Listeria monocytogenes. In this report, LAMP was performed at 63 °C for 10 min, followed by a rapid reaction of DNA amplification and the byproduct, pyrophosphate ion, with a rhodamine‐based dual chemosensor and Cu2+ is visualized as a disappearance of red color. The detection limit of L. monocytogenes by the LAMP‐chemosensor was 8 to 10 cells per reaction tube, and the total assay time including 10 min for rapid DNA extraction was approximately 30 min. Data on naturally contaminated raw milk samples indicated that the LAMP method was highly specific and sensitive, giving 100% concordance with the ISO 10560 reference method. The results showed that the LAMP‐chemosensor method has the advantages of better sensitivity and speed and less dependence on equipment than the standard Polymerase Chain Reaction for specifically detecting low levels of L. monocytogenes DNA, and this can be useful in the field as a routine diagnostic tool.

Practical Application:  The LAMP‐chemosensor method reported here provided a powerful tool for detection of L. monocytogenes in raw milk samples due to its specificity, sensitivity, and rapidity.
Determination of Volatile Compounds in Apple Pomace by Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction and Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (SBSE‐GC‐MS)
Authors: Madrera Roberto Rodríguez , Valles Belén Suárez
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  A method based on stir bar sorptive extraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry detection (SBSE‐GC‐MS) has been optimized with the aim of applying it to the analysis of apple pomace. The method allowed the identification of 124 volatile compounds after 3 h of extraction with a precision (RSDs) ranging between 2% (linalool) and 11% (ethyl hexanoate). Its use in analyzing varietal apple pomace revealed the interest of this substrate as regards its content in aromas. From a semi‐quantitative point of view, the higher content in aldehydes and esters of the Blanquina variety is worth highlighting, as are the greater concentration of acids in the Clara variety and the higher content of terpenes and norisoprenoides in the Coloradona variety. In contrast, the Ernestina and Perico varieties presented the lowest levels of aromas.

Practical Application:  The analysis of varietal apple pomaces showed the importance of this type of waste in the food industry, both for its content in aromas such as for its use as substrate in biotechnological processes.
Whey Protein Film with Oxygen Scavenging Function by Incorporation of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Janjarasskul Theeranun , Tananuwong Kanitha , Krochta John M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Residual O2 in a package headspace can be removed by an O2‐absorbing sachet, which can be harmful if swallowed by the consumer, or by a chemically‐active plastic packaging film, which is difficult to recycle. An edible, O2‐absorbing film would avoid these disadvantages. The objective of our research was to assess the O2‐scavenging potential of an edible whey protein isolate (WPI) film incorporating ascorbic acid (AA). AA at 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 M was added to 5% (w/w) heat‐denatured WPI film‐forming solutions with WPI : glycerol (Gly) ratio of 1 : 1.00, 1 : 0.80, or 1 : 0.67. The pH of solutions was then adjusted to 3.5 (below pKa1 of AA), to stabilize AA against oxidation, before film casting. The mechanical properties, O2 permeabilities, and thermal transitions of films were measured. Activation of the O2‐scavenging function of the AA‐incorporated films was accomplished by adjustment of the films to pH ≥ 7. O2‐scavenging ability of AA‐incorporated WPI films was determined by measuring residual O2 in the headspace of a high‐barrier container. Incorporation of AA into WPI film decreased film tensile strength and further reduced O2 permeability at each WPI : Gly ratio. AA‐containing films adjusted to pH ≥ 7 demonstrated O2 absorption proportional to AA content, consistent with theoretical O2‐scavenging capacity. Thermal transition measurements indicated that AA was involved in WPI structural modification and decreased the degradation temperature of WPI‐based film. The demonstrated O2‐scavenging function, improved O2 barrier and acceptable mechanical properties of AA‐incorporated films indicate potential commercial usefulness.

Practical Application:  Ascorbic acid‐incorporated whey protein film with oxygen scavenging function can be used to extend shelf lives of a wide variety of oxygen‐sensitive products by eliminating headspace oxygen as well as oxygen permeating through the packaging wall over time. Edible oxygen‐scavenger film has the advantages of avoiding both accidental consumption and nonrecyclability of conventional oxygen scavenger systems.
Nutrition‐Based Health: Cell‐Based Bioassays for Food Antioxidant Activity Evaluation
Authors: Cheli Federica , Baldi Antonella
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Food science has progressively evolved and now there are wide evidences that foods have biological activities that are beyond their classical nutritional value. In this field, the antioxidant activity of pure compounds, food, feed, and dietary supplements has been extensively studied and numerous analytical approaches and assay models have been developed, involving various systems from simple chemical assays to animal models and human studies. This article is an overview of different cell‐based models that have been used for testing the antioxidant properties of food, feed, and dietary supplements. Advantages, drawbacks, and technical problems to develop and validate suitable, robust, and high‐throughput cell‐based bioassays for screening food antioxidant activity will be discussed.
Foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT)
Authors: Husebekk A , Skogen B , Killie MK , Ahlen T , Tiller H , Eksteen M , Stuge T , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J
Published: October 2011

Thrombocytopenia is detected in around one percent of newborns. In otherwise healthy term newborns, thrombocytopenia is most often caused by alloantibodies transferred from the mother to the foetus. In the Caucasian populations human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a is the most immunogenic HPA. In Japan and China antibodies in the HPA‐4 system are the most frequent cause of FNAIT. The immune response against the HPA must be understood in order to avoid immunization or prevent induction of FNAIT where mothers are already immunized.
Quality systems management and overview Quality Management, 20 November 2011
Authors: Lam Sally
Published: October 2011

A generic definition of quality system describes the organizational structure, responsibilities, processes, procedures and resources required to maintain high quality products and/or services. In blood transfusion chain setting, a quality system provides a framework in a supply chain setting from a donor’s vein to a patient’s vein through the collection, processing, testing, distribution and administration of high quality, safe and effective blood and blood products.
What motivates regular blood donations?
Authors: Tan C. , Yong A.
Published: October 2011

Background In 2002, the medical benefits scheme given to blood donors who gave two donations a year was successfully removed. However, those who were already on the scheme continued to enjoy that benefit as long as they keep up with the two donations a year. About 30 000 donors were on the scheme in 2001, but less than 7000 were left on the scheme today. A study was conducted in 2010 to investigate what really motivates this group of blood donors.

Study Design and Methods A questionnaire, in the four official language of Singapore, was sent to all the blood donors on the scheme. A response rate of 41·6% yielded a sample of 2898.

Results Of the 89·9% who agreed blood donation is an act of pure goodwill, 19·2% said they will not donate blood for nothing. Interestingly, 18·5% of those who do not consider blood donation as an act of pure goodwill was willing to donate blood for nothing. Of those who said that they will continue to donate blood in the absence of all rewards or incentives, 70·6% gave more than one donation a year, with 72·7% giving three to four donations and 75·9% giving more than four donations.

Conclusion These findings suggested that regular blood donors are self‐motivated. The more they give, the more they value their contributions. This motivation is not related to their income or education levels, but reflected the sense of ‘upmanship’. This revelation can be used to strengthen retention strategies in better acknowledging the contributions of regular blood donors and in enhancing the quality of donor services and donor care, as delighted blood donors will make many happy returns.
Cord blood banking and transplantation
Authors: Hwang W. Y. K.
Published: October 2011

The availability of umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a source of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for transplantation has met an important niche in the field of HSC transplantation (HSCT) as patients unable to find a HLA‐matched sibling or unrelated donor have been able to receive less well‐matched UCB transplantation (UCBT) with equivalent outcomes. This has led to significant growth in this field resulting in more than 20 000 unrelated donor UCBTs performed to date with about 3000 more performed annually. Growth of UCBT has been further supported by the proliferation of public cord blood banks throughout the world which store UCB at no cost to the donor, making these available for patients all round the world through global search registries like the US National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), NetCord and the Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide (BMDW). International organizations like the World Marrow Donor Association have also helped to steer these efforts through the formulation and distribution of guidelines and protocols for these cord blood banks and bone marrow registries. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also stepped in to regulate publicly banked UCB as an Investigational New Drug (IND).

The key limiting factor in UCBT is in the limited number of cells for transplantation (about 10‐fold less than donated bone marrow) resulting in delayed engraftment and even non‐engraftment, particularly for adult patients for whom UCB cell doses may be insufficient relative to the patient’s body size. Efforts to overcome this barrier include the use of concurrent infusion of two differing cord blood units in order to raise the cumulative cell dose. Interestingly, this does not lead to mutual rejection of the CBUs, but appears to result in an additive effect on enhancing engraftment. Other efforts to overcome cell dose constraints of cord blood include direct bone marrow injection, use of homing molecules and ex vivo cord blood expansion.

Cell dose is also an important consideration for cord blood banking as donated UCB that is collected with cell count <800 million nucleated cells has very low chance of utilization by many transplant centres which demand the best cell doses for their patients. As such, not all UCB collected is banked, although many of the low volume cords can still be reassigned to research. Strategies to increase the number of cells collected from each delivery include the use of ex utero devices which apply suction, perfusion or pressure to delivered placenta and umbilical cord in order to maximize HSC collection. Devices which enhance cell recovery during cord blood processing also help to minimize cell loss. Other strategies which might influence obstetric practice are not advised.

As the worldwide experience in UCBT and UCB banking grows, patient outcomes have continued to improve such that UCBT now has a firm place in the HSCT spectrum of care with even greater potential for growth in the years to come. The challenge is for these advances to stay cost‐effective so that the majority of patients can still have access to them.
Polymorphism and uniqueness of Taiwanese in HLA and beyond
Authors: Yang K.‐L. , Lin P.‐Y.
Published: October 2011

HLA allelic polymorphism among different ethnic groups and racial populations is widely observed and the patterns of linkage disequilibrium among various alleles differ significantly among human populations have been shown in many studies. The population composition of Taiwanese comprises four major ethnic groups, namely, Minnan, Hakka, Aborigines and Chinese Mainlanders, and other minority ethnic groups. Thus, the database of our haematopoietic stem cell donor registry comprises volunteer donors bearing HLA alleles and haplotypes with its unique polymorphism and characteristics. In our donors, we have discovered new alleles, rare frequency alleles and Taiwanese conserved alleles and haplotypes. In addition, beyond the HLA system, we found genetic expression of Oriental restricted white blood cell antigen in Taiwanese population.
Granulocyte antibody detection – the role of MPHA
Authors: Tsuno N. H. , Matsuhashi M. , Takahashi K.
Published: October 2011

Human neutrophil antigens (HNA) are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of clinical conditions, such as neonatal immune neutropenia (NIN), refractoriness to granulocyte transfusions, alloimune neutropenia after bone marrow transplantation, febrile transfusion reactions, and transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). The accurate detection of granulocyte antibodies is essential for the diagnosis and prevention of the clinical conditions in which these antibodies are involved, especially TRALI. The international granulocyte immunology workshop recommends the use of granulocyte agglutination test (GAT) and granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT) for the screening of granulocyte antibody, and the use of monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of granulocyte antigen (MAIGA) assay for the determination of the antibody specificity. Presently, however, no single technique available is enough to detect all clinically relevant granulocyte antibodies. Here, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of the mixed‐passive hemagglutination (MPHA) assay in the general context of granulocyte serology.
Molecular genetic basis for I antigen expression
Authors: Yu L.‐C. , Lin M.
Published: October 2011

The rapid conversion of the i to the I phenotype on postnatal red blood cells (RBCs) reflects the elaborate functions of cell surface branched‐chain I antigenic structure. The adult i phenotype has been noted to be partially associated with congenital cataracts. These phenomena make the molecular genetics of the blood group I system and the regulation mechanism for I antigen expression in postnatal RBCs intriguing. It has been demonstrated that the human I locus expresses three IGnT forms, designated IGnTA, IGnTB, and IGnTC, which have different exon 1, but identical exons 2 and 3, coding regions. The uncommon molecular genetics of the I locus offers a new perspective of the formation and expression of the I antigen in different cells, and provides an insight into the questions derived from investigation of the adult i phenotype. The results obtained from molecular analysis of two adult i groups, with and without congenital cataracts, support the proposed molecular mechanism for the partial association of the two traits, namely that mutations that lead to the production of mutant IGnTC only, may result in an adult i phenotype but not congenital cataracts, whereas mutation events that occur in the common exon 2 or exon 3 regions, which result in the elimination of the activity of all three IGnT enzymes, would seem to lead to the development of both traits. This suggests that an I‐gene defect may lead directly to the development of congenital cataracts. However, the result of the gene knock‐out mouse model does not confirm this suggestion.

Analysis of the regulation for I antigen expression shows that i‐to‐I phenotypic transition during erythroid differentiation is regulated by the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), which enhances transcription of the IGnTC gene, consequently leading to the formation of the cell surface I antigen. Subsequent investigation further showed that phosphorylation of the Ser‐21 residue on C/EBPα blocks C/EBPα activity on IGnTC gene induction, while dephosphorylation of C/EBPα Ser‐21 occurs in both the granulopoietic and erythropoietic processes, leading to stimulation of IGnTC gene expression and consequently I antigen formation. These results demonstrate that the formation of I antigen during the development of erythrocytes, and also granulocytes, is determined by a mechanism that is known to be crucial to determining granulopoiesis, namely involvement of the transcription factor C/EBPα and Ser‐21 dephosphorylation of this protein.
Transfusion transmission risk of dengue viruses in an endemic area
Authors: Chiueh Tzong‐Shi
Published: October 2011

It is believed that dengue virus (DENV) is transfusion transmittable, only a few transfusion associated cases were reported so far in spite of at least 50 million dengue infections occur globally each year. The equation for calculating DENV transfusion transmission probability was proposed following the West Nile Virus model. In consideration of reported case number, population size in the region around the designated cases, symptomatic infection rate, blood donation rate, and mosquito biological characteristics together, a relative low rate of DENV transmittable donations was presumed in a low‐grade endemic area. Both the apparent clinical presentation and the relative short viremia period of DENV infection prevent dengue viruses from being a highly potential transfusion transmittable agent. The geographically based selection and donor deferral strategy seems to effectively mitigate the potential risk of DENV transfusion transmission. The costly minipooled nucleic acid test (NAT) is therefore not recommended unless for ensuring enough safe blood donations in the dengue epidemic area.
Appropriate blood component usage
Authors: Koh M. B. C. , Lee Y. S. , Chay J.
Published: October 2011

Blood transfusion (which includes FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate and any other blood‐derived product) remains an important modality of treatment across all clinical disciplines. A blood transfusion is deemed appropriate when used in an evidence‐based fashion and where the effects of the transfusion are felt to outweigh any potential risks and complications that may arise from the transfusion. In certain cases, it may be the best treatment option available, for example plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, blood transfusion can result in acute or delayed complications, as well as the risk of transmission of infectious agents. The inappropriate use of blood and blood products increases the risk of transfusion‐related complications and adverse events to recipients. It also contributes to shortages of blood products and the possibility of it not being available when required for other patients in an appropriate setting. It is therefore necessary to reduce the unnecessary transfusions through the appropriate clinical use of blood, avoiding unnecessary transfusions, and use of alternatives to transfusion.
Musumecia gen. nov. in the Tricholomatoid clade (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) related to Pseudoclitocybe
Authors: Vizzini A. , Contu M. , Ercole E.
Published: October 2011

Musumecia, a new genus of Agaricales, is described to accommodate the new species Musumecia bettlachensis. Based on a combined ITS– and LSU–rDNA Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony analysis, Musumecia clearly clusters within the Tricholomatoid clade, where it is sister to Pseudoclitocybe. Musumecia is distinguished from allied genera by a unique combination of macro‐ and micromorphological characters, including basidiomes with a clitocyboid/hygrophoroid habit, emerging from a fleshy pseudosclerotial mass (pseudosclerotium), decurrent and thick lamellae, a brown darkening of both lamellae and stipe, whitish‐cream spore print, elongated non‐siderophilous basidia, smooth, acyanophilous and inamyloid basidiospores, and the absence of both cystidia and clamp‐connections.
Scatter correction for full‐fan volumetric CT using a stationary beam blocker in a single full scan
Authors: Niu Tianye , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

Applications of volumetric CT (VCT) are hampered by shading and streaking artifacts in the reconstructed images. These artifacts are mainly due to strong x‐ray scatter signals accompanied with the large illumination area within one projection, which lead to CT number inaccuracy, image contrast loss and spatial nonuniformity. Although different scatter correction algorithms have been proposed in literature, a standard solution still remains unclear. Measurement‐based methods use a beam blocker to acquire scatter samples. These techniques have unrivaled advantages over other existing algorithms in that they are simple and efficient, and achieve high scatter estimation accuracy without prior knowledge of the imaged object. Nevertheless, primary signal loss is inevitable in the scatter measurement, and multiple scans or moving the beam blocker during data acquisition are typically employed to compensate for the missing primary data. In this paper, we propose a new measurement‐based scatter correction algorithm without primary compensation for full‐fan VCT. An accurate reconstruction is obtained with one single‐scan and a stationary x‐ray beam blocker, two seemingly incompatible features which enable simple and efficient scatter correction without increase of scan time or patient dose.

Methods:

Based on the CT reconstruction theory, we distribute the blocked data over the projection area where primary signals are considered approximately redundant in a full scan, such that the CT image quality is not degraded even with primary loss. Scatter is then accurately estimated by interpolation and scatter‐corrected CT images are obtained using an FDK‐based reconstruction algorithm.

Results:

The proposed method is evaluated using two phantom studies on a tabletop CBCT system. On the Catphan©600 phantom, our approach reduces the reconstruction error from 207 Hounsfield unit (HU) to 9 HU in the selected region of interest, and improves the image contrast by a factor of 2.0 in the high‐contrast regions. On an anthropomorphic head phantom, the reconstruction error is reduced from 97 HU to 6 HU in the soft tissue region and image spatial nonuniformity decreases from 27% to 5% after correction.

Conclusions:

Our method inherits the main advantages of measurement‐based methods while avoiding their shortcomings. It has the potential to become a practical scatter correction solution widely implementable on different VCT systems.
Comment on “How Cats Lap: Water Uptake by
Felis catus
”
Authors: Nauenberg Michael
Published: October 2011

Reis
et al
. (Reports, 26 November 2010, p. 1231) reported on the mechanism by which cats lap and gave a theoretical and experimental analysis of their observations. Their explanation for the cat’s lapping frequency, however, is based on an incorrect application of the principles of fluid dynamics. The revised analysis given here agrees with their observations and predicts a similar lapping frequency for cats and dogs.
Response to Comment on “How Cats Lap: Water Uptake by
Felis catus
”
Authors: Stocker Roman , Aristoff Jeffrey M. , Jung Sunghwan , Reis Pedro M.
Published: October 2011

We return to the physics of cat lapping to show that our proposed scaling analysis predicts the functional dependencies revealed by the experimental data more accurately than a recently proposed alternative description by Nauenberg. Experimental verification of functional dependencies, rather than single numerical values, represents the appropriate test for any scaling argument.
Antenna-Guided Light
Authors: Engheta Nader
Published: October 2011

Compact arrays of gold nanoantennas can be used to create optical structures that bend the path of light in unusual ways.
Every Bit Counts
Authors: Thomas Peter J.
Published: October 2011

Information theory is applied to cell biology to determine the processing properties of signaling pathways and the consequences of noise.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Authors: Caldwell Kathy
Published: October 2011

As the U.S. congress grapples for solutions to the economic crisis, it is critical to recognize that rebuilding and modernizing infrastructure will be a key driver of economic growth. Recent reports issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),
*
the Urban Land Institute,
†
and Building America's Future
‡
have described the deterioration of the nation's energy, water, and transportation infrastructure. This week, ASCE convenes its annual meeting, gathering international scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and educators to share sustainable solutions across a broad spectrum of concerns in the natural and built environment. Key among the discussions will be the role of scientists and engineers in developing effective public policy, helping to produce an infrastructure that incorporates new materials, technologies, and strategies to improve environmental and social well-being.
Pre-Clovis Mastodon Hunters Make a Point
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: October 2011

In this week's issue of
Science
, researchers use DNA and radiocarbon dating to demonstrate that a bone spear point came from a mastodon bone shaped into a weapon by humans and used a startling 13,800 years ago.
The Sterile Neutrino: Fertile Concept or Dead End?
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: October 2011

Dozens of physicists gathered recently to debate whether the phantom particle exists and if it's worth hunting it.
Serological Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, in 2010
Authors: Wex Thomas , Venerito Marino , Kreutzer Juliane , Götze Tobias , Kandulski Arne , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: October 2011

Epidemiological studies from different countries have shown a steady decline of the prevalence of
Helicobacter pylori
infection. In order to investigate the current seroprevalence of
H. pylori
infection in the area of Magdeburg, a city of the former East Germany,
H. pylori
antibodies of patients presenting in our emergency wards were analyzed. In total, 2,318 patients (1,181 males and 1,137 females) enrolled between September 2009 and August 2010 were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) against
H. pylori
and anti-CagA antibodies by specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Patients with either anti-
H. pylori
IgG or anti-CagA antibodies were classified as
H. pylori
positive, whereas the lack of both antibodies led to the assignment of an
H. pylori-
negative status. The overall seroprevalence of
H. pylori
infection was 44.4% (
n
= 1,029 out of 2,318) and did not differ in relation to sex. The proportion of CagA-positive samples was 43.3% of all
H. pylori
-positive individuals (446 out of 1,029). The seroprevalence showed a birth cohort effect (0 to 20 years of age, 14.6%; 21 to 30 years, 22.4%; 31 to 40 years, 40.6%; 41 to 50 years, 45.5%; 51 to 60 years, 50.8%) up to the age of 60, while it remained between 40.7% and 50.5% for the following decades. Patients younger than 30 years were significantly less
H. pylori
positive (21.1%) than those older than 30 years of age (47.7%;
P
< 0.01), whereas CagA status was similar (44.3 versus 43.3%). Notably, young women (<30 years old) had significantly higher CagA positivity (59.3%) than corresponding men (32.5%;
P
= 0.016). Taken together, seroprevalence of
H. pylori
infection shows a significant drop in subjects born after 1980 in Saxony-Anhalt but still remains in the range of 40 to 50% in subjects born earlier.
PCR Diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia: a Bivariate Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Yuan , Ling Guoya , Qiang Chenyi , Ming Qinshou , Wu Cong , Wang Ke , Ying Zouxiao
Published: October 2011

We undertook a bivariate meta-analysis to assess the overall accuracy of respiratory specimen PCR assays for diagnosing
Pneumocystis
pneumonia. The summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.00) and 0.90 (0.87 to 0.93). Subgroup analyses showed that quantitative PCR analysis and the major surface glycoprotein gene target had the highest specificity value (0.93). Respiratory specimen PCR results are sufficient to confirm or exclude the disease for at-risk patients suspected of having
Pneumocystis
pneumonia.
Defining the Roles of
cis
-Acting RNA Elements in Tombusvirus Replicase Assembly
In Vitro
Authors: Pathak Kunj B. , Pogany Judit , Xu Kai , White K. Andrew , Nagy Peter D.
Published: October 2011

In addition to its central role as a template for replication and translation, the viral plus-strand RNA genome also has nontemplate functions, such as recruitment to the site of replication and assembly of the viral replicase, activities that are mediated by
cis
-acting RNA elements within viral genomes. Two noncontiguous RNA elements, RII(+)-SL (located internally in the tombusvirus genome) and RIV (located at the 3′-terminus), are involved in template recruitment into replication and replicase assembly; however, the importance of each of these RNA elements for these two distinct functions is not fully elucidated. We used an
in vitro
replicase assembly assay based on yeast cell extract and purified recombinant tombusvirus replication proteins to show that RII(+)-SL, in addition to its known requirement for recruitment of the plus-strand RNA into replication, is also necessary for assembly of an active viral replicase complex. Additional studies using a novel two-component RNA system revealed that the recruitment function of RII(+)-SL can be provided in
trans
by a separate RNA and that the replication silencer element, located within RIV, defines the template that is used for initiation of minus-strand synthesis. Collectively, this work has revealed new functions for tombusvirus
cis
-acting RNA elements and provided insights into the pioneering round of minus-strand synthesis.
p53 Degradation Activity, Expression, and Subcellular Localization of E6 Proteins from 29 Human Papillomavirus Genotypes
Authors: Mesplède Thibault , Gagnon David , Bergeron-Labrecque Fanny , Azar Ibrahim , Sénéchal Hélène , Coutlée François , Archambault Jacques
Published: October 2011

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer and other human malignancies. HPVs are classified into high- and low-risk genotypes according to their association with cancer. Host cell transformation by high-risk HPVs relies in part on the ability of the viral E6 protein to induce the degradation of p53. We report the development of a cellular assay that accurately quantifies the p53 degradation activity of E6
in vivo
, based on the fusion of p53 to
Renilla
luciferase (RLuc-p53). This assay was used to measure the p53 degradation activities of E6 proteins from 29 prevalent HPV types and variants of HPV type 16 (HPV16) and HPV33 by determining the amount of E6 expression vector required to reduce by half the levels of RLuc-p53 (50% effective concentration [EC
50
]). These studies revealed an unexpected variability in the p53 degradation activities of different E6 proteins, even among active types whose EC
50
s span more than 2 log units. Differences in activity were greater between types than between variants and did not correlate with differences in the intracellular localization of E6, with most being predominantly nuclear. Protein and mRNA expression of the 29 E6 proteins was also examined. For 16 high-risk types, spliced transcripts that encode shorter E6*I proteins of variable sizes and abundances were detected. Mutation of the splice donor site in five different E6 proteins increased their p53 degradation activity, suggesting that mRNA splicing can limit the activity of some high-risk E6 types. The quantification of p53 degradation
in vivo
represents a novel tool to systematically compare the oncogenic potentials of E6 proteins from different HPV types and variants.
Epstein-Barr Virus Isolates Retain Their Capacity To Evade T Cell Immunity through BNLF2a despite Extensive Sequence Variation
Authors: Horst Daniëlle , Burrows Scott R. , Gatherer Derek , van Wilgenburg Bonnie , Bell Melissa J. , Boer Ingrid G. J. , Ressing Maaike E. , Wiertz Emmanuel J. H. J.
Published: October 2011

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded immune evasion protein BNLF2a inhibits the
t
ransporter associated with
a
ntigen
p
rocessing (TAP), thereby downregulating HLA class I expression at the cell surface. As a consequence, recognition of EBV-infected cells by cytotoxic T cells is impaired. Here, we show that sequence polymorphism of the BNLF2a protein is observed with natural EBV isolates, with evidence for positive selection. Despite these mutations, the BNLF2a variants efficiently reduce cell surface HLA class I levels. This conservation of BNLF2a function during evolution of EBV implies an important role for the viral TAP inhibitor in preventing T cell recognition during viral infection.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Local Pandemic H1N1/2009 Influenza Virus Lineages Revealed by Whole-Genome Analysis
Authors: Baillie Gregory J. , Galiano Monica , Agapow Paul-Michael , Myers Richard , Chiam Rachael , Gall Astrid , Palser Anne L. , Watson Simon J. , Hedge Jessica , Underwood Anthony , Platt Steven , McLean Estelle , Pebody Richard G. , Rambaut Andrew , Green Jonathan , Daniels Rod , Pybus Oliver G. , Kellam Paul , Zambon Maria
Published: October 2011

Virus gene sequencing and phylogenetics can be used to study the epidemiological dynamics of rapidly evolving viruses. With complete genome data, it becomes possible to identify and trace individual transmission chains of viruses such as influenza virus during the course of an epidemic. Here we sequenced 153 pandemic influenza H1N1/09 virus genomes from United Kingdom isolates from the first (127 isolates) and second (26 isolates) waves of the 2009 pandemic and used their sequences, dates of isolation, and geographical locations to infer the genetic epidemiology of the epidemic in the United Kingdom. We demonstrate that the epidemic in the United Kingdom was composed of many cocirculating lineages, among which at least 13 were exclusively or predominantly United Kingdom clusters. The estimated divergence times of two of the clusters predate the detection of pandemic H1N1/09 virus in the United Kingdom, suggesting that the pandemic H1N1/09 virus was already circulating in the United Kingdom before the first clinical case. Crucially, three clusters contain isolates from the second wave of infections in the United Kingdom, two of which represent chains of transmission that appear to have persisted within the United Kingdom between the first and second waves. This demonstrates that whole-genome analysis can track in fine detail the behavior of individual influenza virus lineages during the course of a single epidemic or pandemic.