bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow structure on a rotating wing: effect of radius of gyration
Authors: Wolfinger M. , Rockwell D.
Published: August 2014

The flow structure on a rotating wing (flat plate) is characterized over a range of Rossby number$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Ro} = r_g/C$, in which$r_g$and$C$are the radius of gyration and chord of the wing, as well as travel distance$\mathit{Ro} = r_g \Phi /C$, where$\Phi $is the angle of rotation. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) is employed to determine the flow patterns on defined planes, and by means of reconstruction, throughout entire volumes. Images of the$Q$-criterion and spanwise vorticity, velocity and vorticity flux are employed to represent the flow structure. At low Rossby number, the leading-edge, tip and root vortices are highly coherent with large dimensionless values of$Q$in the interior regions of all vortices and large downwash between these components of the vortex system. For increasing Rossby number, however, the vortex system rapidly degrades, accompanied by loss of large$Q$within its interior and downstream displacement of the region of large downwash. These trends are accompanied by increased deflection of the leading-edge vorticity layer away from the surface of the wing, and decreased spanwise velocity and vorticity flux in the trailing region of the wing, which are associated with the degree of deflection of the tip vortex across the wake region. Combinations of large Rossby number$\mathit{Ro} =r_g/C$and travel distance$r_g \Phi /C$lead to separated flow patterns similar to those observed on rectilinear translating wings at high angle of attack$\alpha $. In the extreme case where the wing travels a distance corresponding to a number of revolutions, the highly coherent flow structure is generally preserved if the Rossby number is small; it degrades substantially, however, at larger Rossby number.
Drawing of micro-structured fibres: circular and non-circular tubes
Authors: Stokes Yvonne M. , Buchak Peter , Crowdy Darren G. , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike
Published: August 2014

A general mathematical framework is presented for modelling the pulling of optical glass fibres in a draw tower. The only modelling assumption is that the fibres are slender; cross-sections along the fibre can have general shape, including the possibility of multiple holes or channels. A key result is to demonstrate how a so-called reduced time variable $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\tau $ serves as a natural parameter in describing how an axial-stretching problem interacts with the evolution of a general surface-tension-driven transverse flow via a single important function of $\tau $, herein denoted by $H(\tau )$, derived from the total rescaled cross-plane perimeter. For any given preform geometry, this function $H(\tau )$ may be used to calculate the tension required to produce a given fibre geometry, assuming only that the surface tension is known. Of principal practical interest in applications is the ‘inverse problem’ of determining the initial cross-sectional geometry, and experimental draw parameters, necessary to draw a desired final cross-section. Two case studies involving annular tubes are presented in detail: one involves a cross-section comprising an annular concatenation of sintering near-circular discs, the cross-section of the other is a concentric annulus. These two examples allow us to exemplify and explore two features of the general inverse problem. One is the question of the uniqueness of solutions for a given set of experimental parameters, the other concerns the inherent ill-posedness of the inverse problem. Based on these examples we also give an experimental validation of the general model and discuss some experimental matters, such as buckling and stability. The ramifications for modelling the drawing of fibres with more complicated geometries, and multiple channels, are discussed.
The BNP Paribas Experience in Oral History Sources
Authors: de Longuemar Pierre
Published: August 2014

In this Research Note, Pierre de Longuemar, founder of the Paribas Historical Archives Department, describes the building of their oral history program. Shortly after the Historical Archives Department was begun in 1990, Paribas decided to publish a book on its European roots. Interviews were conducted that proved an effective way of identifying Paribas's main strategic thrust during its postwar modernization. Oral histories were also collected to provide source material on the context of the merger between BNP and Paribas in 2000.
Presence of a plant-like proton-translocating pyrophosphatase in a scuticociliate parasite and its role as a possible drug target
Authors: MALLO NATALIA , LAMAS JESÚS , PIAZZON CARLA , LEIRO JOSÉ M.
Published: August 2014

The proton-translocating inorganic pyrophosphatases (H+-PPases) are primary electrogenic H+pumps that derive energy from the hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). They are widely distributed among most land plants and have also been found in several species of protozoan parasites. Here we describe, for the first time, the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a gene encoding an H+-pyrophosphatase in the protozoan scuticociliate parasitePhilasterides dicentrarchi, which infects turbot. The predictedP. dicentrarchiPPase (PdPPase) consists of 587 amino acids of molecular mass 61·7 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5·0. Several motifs characteristic of plant vacuolar H+-PPases (V–H+-PPases) were also found in the PdPPase, which contains all the sequence motifs of the prototypical type I V–H+-PPase fromArabidopsis thalianavacuolar pyrophosphatase type I (AVP1) plant. The PdPPase has a characteristic residue that determines strict K+-dependence, but unlike AVP1, PdPPase contains an N-terminal signal peptide (SP) sequence. Antibodies generated by vaccination of mice with a genetic or recombinant protein containing a partial sequence of the PdPPase and a common motif with the polyclonal antibody PABHKspecific to AVP1 recognized a single band of about 62 kDa in western blots. These antibodies specifically stained both vacuole and the alveolar membranes of trophozoites ofP. dicentrarchi. H+transport was partially inhibited by the bisphosphonate pamidronate (PAM) and completely inhibited by NaF. The bisphosphonate PAM inhibited both H+-translocation and gene expression. PdPPase and PAM also inhibitedin vitrogrowth of the ciliates. The apparent lack of V–H+-PPases in vertebrates and the parasite sensitivity to PPI analogues may provide a molecular target for developing new drugs to control scuticociliatosis.
Unexpected metal ion-assisted transformations leading to unexplored bridging ligands in NiII coordination chemistry: the case of PO3F2− group
Authors: Dermitzaki Despina , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Escuer Albert , Perlepes Spyros P. , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: August 2014

The bridging potency of the O-rich PO3F2− group in NiII/oximate chemistry has been studied leading to interesting coordination compounds and revealing an unprecedented PO3F2− to P2O5F22−in situ transformation.
Nitroxide-labeled pyrimidines for non-covalent spin-labeling of abasic sites in DNA and RNA duplexes
Authors: Shelke Sandip A. , Sandholt Gunnar B. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th.
Published: August 2014

Of ten new pyrimidine-derived nitroxide spin labels, an N1-ethylamino triazole-linked uracil derivative binds fully to both DNA and RNA duplexes containing an abasic site, as determined by CW-EPR.
Adaptable synthesis of C-lactosyl glycoclusters and their binding properties with galectin-3
Authors: Yao Wang , Xia Meng-jie , Meng Xiang-bao , Li Qing , Li Zhong-jun
Published: August 2014

The synthesis of mono- to tetravalent C-β-lactosyl glycoclusters has been achieved in good yield. The KD values of glycoclusters against galectin-3 were tested by SPR assay, and the structure–activity relationship has been summarized in detail.
Optimal experimental design for the detection of light atoms from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images
Authors: Gonnissen J. , De Backer A. , den Dekker A. J. , Martinez G. T. , Rosenauer A. , Sijbers J. , Van Aert S.
Published: August 2014

We report an innovative method to explore the optimal experimental settings to detect light atoms from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. Since light elements play a key role in many technologically important materials, such as lithium-battery devices or hydrogen storage applications, much effort has been made to optimize the STEM technique in order to detect light elements. Therefore, classical performance criteria, such as contrast or signal-to-noise ratio, are often discussed hereby aiming at improvements of the direct visual interpretability. However, when images are interpreted quantitatively, one needs an alternative criterion, which we derive based on statistical detection theory. Using realistic simulations of technologically important materials, we demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method and compare the results with existing approaches.
Modified Korteweg–de Vries equation in a negative ion rich hot adiabatic dusty plasma with non-thermal ion and trapped electron
Authors: Adhikary N. C. , Deka M. K. , Dev A. N. , Sarmah J.
Published: August 2014

In this report, the investigation of the properties of dust acoustic (DA) solitary wave propagation in an adiabatic dusty plasma including the effect of the non-thermal ions and trapped electrons is presented. The reductive perturbation method has been employed to derive the modified Korteweg–de Vries (mK-dV) equation for dust acoustic solitary waves in a homogeneous, unmagnetized, and collisionless plasma whose constituents are electrons, singly charged positive ions, singly charged negative ions, and massive charged dust particles. The stationary analytical solution of the mK-dV equation is numerically analyzed and where the effect of various dusty plasma constituents DA solitary wave propagation is taken into account. It is observed that both the ions in dusty plasma play as a key role for the formation of both rarefactive as well as the compressive DA solitary waves and also the ion concentration controls the transformation of negative to positive potentials of the waves.
Resistive switching and conductance quantization in Ag/SiO2/indium tin oxide resistive memories
Authors: Gao S. , Chen C. , Zhai Z. , Liu H. Y. , Lin Y. S. , Li S. Z. , Lu S. H. , Wang G. Y. , Song C. , Zeng F. , Pan F.
Published: August 2014

The Ag/SiO2/indium tin oxide (ITO) devices exhibit bipolar resistive switching with a large memory window of ∼102, satisfactory endurance of >500 cycles, good retention property of >2000 s, and fast operation speed of <100 ns, thus being a type of promising resistive memory. Under slow voltage sweep measurements, conductance plateaus with a conductance value of integer or half-integer multiples of single atomic point contact have been observed, which agree well with the physical phenomenon of conductance quantization. More importantly, the Ag/SiO2/ITO devices exhibit more distinct quantized conductance plateaus under pulse measurements, thereby showing the potential for realizing ultra-high storage density.
Adjuvant Gemcitabine and Gemcitabine-based Chemoradiotherapy Versus Gemcitabine Alone After Pancreatic Cancer Resection
Authors: Khawaja Muhammad R. , Kleyman Svetlana , Yu Zhangsheng , Howard Thomas , Burns Matthew , Nakeeb Attila , Loehrer Patrick J. , Cardenes Higinia R. , Chiorean Elena Gabriela
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Adjuvant therapy after surgical resection is the current standard for pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, the role of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains unclear. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy outcomes with adjuvant gemcitabine and gemcitabine-based CRT (CT-CRT) versus gemcitabine chemotherapy (CT) alone after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods:

Among 165 patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic cancer at Indiana University Medical Center between 2004 and 2008, we retrospectively identified 53 consecutive patients who received adjuvant therapy (CT-CRT=34 patients; CT=19 patients) and had adequate follow-up medical records. The median follow-up was 19.1 months. Median disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Kaplan-Meier method, and a Cox-regression model was used to compare survival outcomes after adjusting for age, status of resection margins, and lymph node involvement.

Results:

The OS for the CT-CRT group was significantly higher compared with the CT group (median, 20.4 vs. 16.6 mo; hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.17-5.01). The median DFS for the CT-CRT group was 13.7 versus 11.1 months for the CT group (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.37-6.06). On subgroup analyses, significantly superior OS and DFS were observed among patients younger than 65 years, T3/T4 tumor stage, negative resection margins, and positive lymph node involvement.

Conclusion:

Gemcitabine plus gemcitabine-based CRT compared with gemcitabine alone leads to superior DFS and OS for patients with resected pancreatic cancer.
Sulfitobacter geojensis sp. nov., Sulfitobacter noctilucae sp. nov., and Sulfitobacter
noctilucicola sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Kwak Min-Jung , Lee Jung-Sook , Lee Keun Chul , Kim Kwang Kyu , Eom Mi Kyung , Kim Byung Kwon , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: August 2014

Four Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterial strains, MM-124, MM-126, NB-68 and NB-77, were isolated from the coastal seawater or a region with a bloom of sea sparkle around Geoje island in Korea. The sequence similarity values of the 16S rRNA gene between the isolates and

Sulfitobacter mediterraneus

DSM 12244T ranged from 97.7 to 98.2 %, and phylogenetic relationships suggested that they belong to a phylogenetic branch that includes the genera

Sulfitobacter

and

Roseobacter

. The isoprenoid quinone of all three novel strains was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acid was cis-vaccenic acid, as in other species of the genus

Sulfitobacter

. However, there were several differences in the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics among the four strains and the reference species of the genus

Sulfitobacter

. Moreover, the average nucleotide identity values between the three sequenced isolates and the reference strains were below 76.33, indicating that genomic variation exists between the isolates and reference strains. Chemotaxonomic characteristics together with phylogenetic affiliations and genomic distances illustrate that strains MM-124, NB-68 and NB-77 represent novel species of the genus

Sulfitobacter

, for which the names Sulfitobacter geojensis sp. nov. (type strain MM-124T = KCTC 32124T = JCM 18835T), Sulfitobacter noctilucae sp. nov. (type strain NB-68T = KCTC 32122T = JCM 18833T) and Sulfitobacter noctilucicola sp. nov. (type strain NB-77T = KCTC 32123T = JCM 18834T) are proposed.
The Impact of Herbicide-Resistant Rice Technology on Phenotypic Diversity and Population Structure of United States Weedy Rice
Authors: Burgos Nilda Roma , Singh Vijay , Tseng Te Ming , Black Howard , Young Nelson D. , Huang Zhongyun , Hyma Katie E. , Gealy David R. , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: August 2014

The use of herbicide-resistant (HR) Clearfield rice (Oryza sativa) to control weedy rice has increased in the past 12 years to constitute about 60% of rice acreage in Arkansas, where most U.S. rice is grown. To assess the impact of HR cultivated rice on the herbicide resistance and population structure of weedy rice, weedy samples were collected from commercial fields with a history of Clearfield rice. Panicles from each weedy type were harvested and tested for resistance to imazethapyr. The majority of plants sampled had at least 20% resistant offspring. These resistant weeds were 97 to 199 cm tall and initiated flowering from 78 to 128 d, generally later than recorded for accessions collected prior to the widespread use of Clearfield rice (i.e. historical accessions). Whereas the majority (70%) of historical accessions had straw-colored hulls, only 30% of contemporary HR weedy rice had straw-colored hulls. Analysis of genotyping-by-sequencing data showed that HR weeds were not genetically structured according to hull color, whereas historical weedy rice was separated into straw-hull and black-hull populations. A significant portion of the local rice crop genome was introgressed into HR weedy rice, which was rare in historical weedy accessions. Admixture analyses showed that HR weeds tend to possess crop haplotypes in the portion of chromosome 2 containing the ACETOLACTATE SYNTHASE gene, which confers herbicide resistance to Clearfield rice. Thus, U.S. HR weedy rice is a distinct population relative to historical weedy rice and shows modifications in morphology and phenology that are relevant to weed management.
Some not‐so‐hidden injuries of class: Autoethnographies of U.S. social mobility
Authors: HANDLER RICHARD
Published: August 2014

Shamus Khan's Privilege and Christine Walley's Exit Zero are autobiographically grounded analyses of social class in the United States. Drawing on memory, personal documents, the telling ethnographic incident, and relevant social theory, each brings to light some of the ways that current neoliberal socioeconomic policies constrict people's life chances.
Haemolytic anaemia associated with Theileria sp. in an orphaned platypus
Authors: Kessell AE , Boulton JG , Dutton GJ , Woodgate R , Shamsi S , Peters A , Connolly JH
Published: August 2014

Case report

The clinical and laboratory findings in an orphaned juvenile female platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) that presented with a severe anaemia and tick infestation are reported. The animal developed a terminal septicaemia and died. Antemortem clinical pathology, postmortem histopathology and 18S rDNA sequencing supported a diagnosis of extravascular haemolytic anaemia secondary to Theileria ornithorhynchi infection.

Conclusion

Although T. ornithorhynchi infection is common in the platypus, this is the first case in which it has been shown to cause a haemolytic anaemia in this species and molecular characterisation of the organism has been described. A review of the previous literature concerning T. ornithorhynchi and possible treatment options for future cases are discussed.
Creation of reusable open textbooks: Insights from the Connexions repository
Authors: Rodriguez‐Solano Carlos , Sánchez‐Alonso Salvador , Sicilia Miguel‐Angel
Published: August 2014

Open textbook initiatives have appeared as an alternative to traditional publishing. These initiatives for the production of alternatively copyrighted educational resources provide a way of sharing materials through the Web.

While the open model of peer‐produced materials enables the global reuse of textbooks, the combination of fragments to produce new textbooks tailored to particular needs is not easy.

The heterogeneity of topics and target audiences, as well as the cultural and institutional differences of educational systems across the globe, raises the need for new compositional features, fostering—at the same time—the reuse of the newly produced combinations. This paper reviews the current models of reuse and sharing, and presents a quantitative analysis of the Connexions repository which provides evidence about the culture of reuse in open textbook initiatives.
Regional and Elevational Patterns in Vascular Epiphyte Richness on an East Asian Island
Authors: Hsu Rebecca C.‐C. , Wolf Jan H. D. , Tamis Wil L. M.
Published: August 2014

The distribution of species on mountains has been related to various predictor variables, especially temperature. Thermal specialization—presumed to be more pronounced on tropical mountains than on temperate mountains—accounts for the elevational pattern of species richness and varies between organisms and geographic areas. In this study, the elevational and regional distribution patterns of 331 epiphyte species in Taiwan were explored using 39,084 botanic collections, mostly from herbaria. Species richness showed a peak in elevation at 500–1500 m. This peak could not be explained by a null model, the mid‐domain effect, suggesting that environmental variables accounted mostly for the distribution of species on the mountains. Next, species distributions were modeled to assess epiphyte regional and elevational distribution patterns. The model results not only corroborated the position of the mid‐elevation peak in richness, but also identified two mountain areas on the island with exceptionally high species richness. These areas of high epiphyte diversity coincide with areas of high rainfall in relation to the direction of the prevailing winds. Moreover, a subsequent exploratory ordination analysis showed a varied thermal preference between epiphyte subcategories (hemiepiphytes, dicotyledons, orchids, and ferns). In contrast to predictions by the elevational Rapoport's rule, ordination analysis also showed that the degree of thermal specialization increased with elevation, suggesting that highland species may be especially vulnerable to global warming.
Differentiation of histoplasma and cryptococcus in cytology smears: a diagnostic dilemma in severely necrotic cases
Authors: Ranjan R. , Jain D. , Singh L. , Iyer V. K. , Sharma M. C. , Mathur S. R.
Published: August 2014

Objective

The correct identification of fungal organisms is important for the appropriate clinical management of patients. It becomes difficult in necrotic smears when the tissue response is not clearly discernible. It is difficult to distinguish between histoplasma and cryptococcus in severely necrotic cases, where both appear as variably sized clear refractile haloes.

Methods

Four cases of adrenal necrotic histoplasma infection were studied and the morphology was compared with that of non‐necrotic histoplasmosis and cases of cryptococcal infection. Eleven cases were analysed in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) stain was performed to exclude tuberculosis in necrotic smears. A clinical and serology correlation was performed where available.

Results

Necrotic cases of histoplasma infection revealed negative refractile clear haloes similar to those of cryptococcus. Histoplasma showed methylene blue‐stained organisms in ZN stains, whereas the cryptococcus cases were negative. Similar methylene blue‐stained organisms were seen in non‐necrotic histoplasma infection.

Conclusion

As a result of morphological overlap between cryptococcus and histoplasma, the distinction between the two fungi can be difficult in many cases. ZN staining appears to have a role in the differentiation of these fungi in severely necrotic cases. This observation needs to be validated on a larger number of cases with complete correlation with clinical, serology and treatment records.
Phytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticles as novel agent to enhance sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens
Authors: Borase H. P. , Patil C. D. , Salunkhe R. B. , Suryawanshi R. K. , Salunke B. K. , Patil S. V.
Published: August 2014

Synopsis

Objective

To study the potential of phytolatex (latex of Jatropha gossypifolia) fabricated gold nanoparticles as promising candidate in sunscreen formulations for enhancement in sun protection factor.

Methods

In this study, plant latex was used as reducing and capping agent to synthesize gold nanoparticles. Latex fabricated gold nanoparticles were characterized by different analytical techniques such as UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Potential of sunscreen preparations containing gold nanoparticles to protect skin from UV radiation was investigated by in vitro sun protection factor analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and UV‐Vis spectroscopy techniques were used to get insight into mechanism by which AuNPs enhance sun protection factor of sunscreen.

Results

Monodisperse gold nanoparticles were synthesized using plant latex without need of hazardous chemical reducing and capping agents. Gold nanoparticles showed surface plasmon resonance peak at 550 nm in UV‐Vis spectroscopic study. Gold nanoparticles were spherical and triangular in shape with size range of 30–50 nm. The zeta potential of gold nanoparticles was found to be −9.39 ± 0.19 mV. XRD analysis confirmed face‐centred cubic (fcc) structure of gold nanoparticles. Incorporation of latex synthesized gold nanoparticles (2 and 4 [% w/w]) into commercial sunscreens increased the sun protection factor from 2.43 ± 0.74 to 24.11 ± 0.46% than sunscreen devoid of gold nanoparticles. From UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy and TEM analysis, it was observed that gold nanoparticles enhance the sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens due to reflection and scattering of UV radiation.

Conclusion

Phytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticle is novel agent to enhance sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens. Gold nanoparticles aggregation in commercial sunscreen was the main factor behind SPF enhancement. This study showed that gold nanoparticles are potent alternative to traditionally used hazardous titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen.
Attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention: a psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of theAPuPinstrument
Authors: Florin Jan , Bååth Carina , Gunningberg Lena , Mårtensson Gunilla
Published: August 2014

The primary aim was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument in a Swedish context. A further aim was to describe and compare attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and student nurses (SNs). In total, 415 RNs, ANs and SNs responded to the questionnaire. In addition to descriptive and comparative statistics, confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Because of a lack of support for the instrument structure, further explorative and consecutive confirmatory tests were conducted. Overall, positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention were identified for all three groups, but SNs reported lower attitude scores on three items and a higher score on one item compared to RNs and ANs. The findings indicated no support in this Swedish sample for the previously reported five‐factor model of APuP. Further explorative and confirmative factor analyses indicated that a four‐factor model was most interpretable: (i) Priority (five items), (ii) Competence (three items), (iii) Importance (three items) and (iv) Responsibility (two items). The five‐factor solution could not be confirmed. Further research is recommended to develop a valid and reliable tool to assess nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention working across different settings on an international level.
Five Un-Easy Pieces of Pharmaceutical Policy Reform
Authors: Rodwin Marc A.
Published: August 2014

The federal government indirectly subsidizes the pharmaceutical industry by funding basic research, various tax credits and deductions, patent rules, grants of market exclusivity, and other means, in order to spur drug development, promote public health, and improve medical care. But today, the pharmaceutical industry often neglects these goals and sometimes even undermines them, due to what Lawrence Lessig refers to as institutional corruption — that is, widespread or systemic practices, usually legal, that undermine an institution’s objectives or integrity. A key source of institutional corruption is improper dependence by the institution or its key actors on the actions of third parties that have fundamentally different interests. It is the health care system’s improper dependency on pharmaceutical firms that allows them to displace some public policy goals and to compromise the attainment of others.
Morphology of craters generated by hypervelocity impacts of micron‐sized polypyrrole‐coated olivine particles
Authors: Li Y. W. , Bugiel S. , Trieloff M. , Hillier Jon K. , Postberg F. , Price M. C. , Shu A. , Fiege K. , Fielding L. A. , Armes S. P. , Wu Y. Y. , Grün E. , Srama R.
Published: August 2014

To understand the process of cosmic dust particle impacts and translate crater morphology on smoothed metallic surfaces to dust properties, correct calibration of the experimental impact data is needed. This article presents the results of studies of crater morphology generated by impacts using micron‐sized polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated olivine particles. The particles were accelerated by an electrostatic dust accelerator to high speeds before they impacted onto polished aluminum targets. The projectile diameter and velocity ranges were 0.3–1.2 μm and 3–7 km s−1. After impact, stereopair images of the craters were taken using scanning electron microscope and 3‐D reconstructions made to provide diameter and depth measurements. In this study, not just the dimensions of crater diameters and depths, but also the shape and dimensions of crater lips were analyzed. The craters created by the coated olivine projectiles are shown to have complicated shapes believed to be due to the nonspherical shape of the projectiles.
Neurovascular disturbances after implant surgery
Authors: Jacobs Reinhilde , Quirynen Marc , Bornstein Michael M.
Published: August 2014

With a steadily increasing impact of oral implant placement in daily practice, the number of reported surgical complications has also been growing. Recent studies reveal significant variation in the occurrence and morphology of neurovascular canal structures in the jaw bone. All those structures contain a neurovascular bundle, the diameter of which may be large enough to cause clinically significant damage. Therefore, it has become obvious that presurgical radiographic planning of jaw‐bone surgery should pay attention to the neurovascular structures and their likely variations, in addition to examining many other factors, such as jaw‐bone morphology and volume, bone trabecular structure and the absence of bone or tooth pathology. A critical review is accomplished to explore the potential risks for neurovascular complications after implant placement, with evidence derived from histologic, anatomic, clinical and radiologic studies. In this respect, cross‐sectional imaging can often be advocated, as it is obvious that the inherent three‐dimensional nature of jaw‐bone anatomy may clearly benefit from a detailed spatial image analysis. Although this could initially be realized by conventional computed tomography, in current practice, dentomaxillofacial cone beam computed tomography might be used, as it offers high‐quality images at low radiation dose levels and costs.
Cytometric Analysis of Surface Molecules of Leucocytes and Phagocytic Activity of Granulocytes and Monocytes/Macrophages in Cows with Pyometra
Authors: Brodzki P , Kostro K , Brodzki A , Niemczuk K , Lisiecka U
Published: August 2014

Contents

Pyometra is a serious problem in dairy cow herds, causing large economic losses due to infertility. The development of pyometra depends mainly on the immunological status of the cow. The aim of the study was a comparative evaluation of selected indicators involving non‐specific and specific immunity in cows with pyometra and in cows without inflammation of the uterus. The study was performed in 20 cows, which were divided into two groups: pyometra group and healthy group, each comprising 10 cows, based on the results of cytological and ultrasonographic tests. A flow cytometric analysis was performed for the surface molecules CD4, CD8, CD14, CD21, CD25 and CD4+CD25+ on leucocytes, and the phagocytic activity was determined from granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in the peripheral blood and uterine washings, respectively. It was demonstrated that the percentage of phagocytic granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in both the peripheral blood and uterine washings was significantly lower in cows with pyometra compared with the healthy group (p < 0.001). Significantly (p ≤ 0.001) lower percentage of CD4+, CD14+, CD25+ and CD4+CD25+ phenotype leucocytes was also observed in the peripheral blood of cows from the pyometra group, along with a significantly higher (p < 0.001) percentage of CD8+ and CD21+ lymphocytes as compared to the healthy group. The results of work indicate that disfunction of cell immunity coexisting with pyometra may be caused by a bacterial infection and the presence of blocking agents (IL‐10), released by the increasing number of CD8+ lymphocytes what leads to the advanced inflammation of uterus.
Technology's limited role in resolving debates over digital surveillance
Authors: Lin Herbert
Published: August 2014

Teasing apart technical issues from social and political issues
Mupirocin-Induced Mutations in
ileS
in Various Genetic Backgrounds of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Andie S. , Gizard Yann , Empel Joanna , Bonetti Eve-Julie , Harbarth Stephan , François Patrice
Published: August 2014

Topical mupirocin is widely used for the decolonization of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) carriers. We evaluated the capacity of various MRSA clonotypes to develop mutations in the
ileS
gene associated with low-level mupirocin resistance. Twenty-four mupirocin-sensitive MRSA isolates from a variety of genotypes (determined by a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat assay) were selected. Mupirocin MICs were determined by Etest. The isolates were then incubated in subinhibitory concentrations of mupirocin for 7 to 14 days. Repeat MIC determinations and sequencing of the
ileS
gene were then performed. Doubling times of isolates exposed to mupirocin and of unexposed isolates were compared. We found that exposure to mupirocin led to rapid induction of low-level resistance (MICs of 8 to 24 μg/ml) in 11 of 24 (46%) MRSA isolates. This phenomenon was observed in strains with diverse genetic backgrounds. Various mutations were detected in 18 of 24 (75%) MRSA isolates. Acquisition of mutations appeared to be a stepwise process during prolonged incubation with the drug. Among the five isolates exhibiting low-level resistance and the highest MICs, four tested sensitive after incubation in the absence of mupirocin but there was no reversion to the susceptible wild-type primary sequence. Resistance was not associated with significant fitness cost, suggesting that MRSA strains with low-level mupirocin resistance may have a selective advantage in facilities where mupirocin is commonly used. Our findings emphasize the importance of the judicious use of this topical agent and the need to closely monitor for the emergence of resistance.
Generation of Calves Persistently Infected with HoBi-Like Pestivirus and Comparison of Methods for Detection of These Persistent Infections
Authors: Bauermann F. V. , Falkenberg S. M. , Vander Ley B. , Decaro N. , Brodersen B. W. , Harmon A. , Hessman B. , Flores E. F. , Ridpath J. F.
Published: August 2014

The identification and elimination of persistently infected (PI) cattle are the most effective measures for controlling bovine pestiviruses, including bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and the emerging HoBi-like viruses. Here, colostrum-deprived calves persistently infected with HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBi-like PI calves) were generated and sampled (serum, buffy coat, and ear notches) on the day of birth (DOB) and weekly for 5 consecutive weeks. The samples were subjected to diagnostic tests for BVDV—two reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays, two commercial real-time RT quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), two antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ACE), and immunohistochemistry (IHC)—and to HoBi-like virus-specific RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays. The rate of false negatives varied among the calves. The HoBi-like virus-specific RT-PCR detected HoBi-like virus in 83%, 75%, and 87% of the serum, buffy coat, and ear notch samples, respectively, while the HoBi-like RT-qPCR detected the virus in 83%, 96%, and 62%, respectively. In comparison, the BVDV RT-PCR test had a higher rate of false negatives in all tissue types, especially for the ear notch samples (missing detection in at least 68% of the samples). The commercial BVDV RT-qPCRs and IHC detected 100% of the ear notch samples as positive. While ACE based on the BVDV glycoprotein Ernsdetected infection in at least 87% of ear notches, no infections were detected using NS3-based ACE. The BVDV RT-qPCR, ACE, and IHC yielded higher levels of detection than the HoBi-like virus-specific assays, although the lack of differentiation between BVDV and HoBi-like viruses would make these tests of limited use for the control and/or surveillance of persistent HoBi-like virus infection. An improvement in HoBi-like virus tests is required before a reliable HoBi-like PI surveillance program can be designed.
Comparison of Flocked and Aptima Swabs and Two Specimen Transport Media in the Aptima Combo 2 Assay
Authors: Li Jenny , Jang Dan , Gilchrist Jodi , Smieja Marek , Ewert Ruth , MacRitchie Cindy , Chernesky Max
Published: August 2014

Self-collected vaginal Aptima swabs and flocked swabs in Aptima specimen transport medium and ESwabs in ESwab medium detected all 37
Chlamydia trachomatis
-infected patients from 287 women tested by the Aptima Combo assay. Prevalence rates of
C. trachomatis
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, and dual infection were 12.8%, 3.1%, and 2.4%, respectively.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients Who Test Positive for Clostridium difficile by Repeat PCR
Authors: Green Daniel A. , Stotler Brie , Jackman Dana , Whittier Susan , Della-Latta Phyllis
Published: August 2014

The high sensitivity of PCR assays for diagnosing
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) has greatly reduced the need for repeat testing after a negative result. Nevertheless, a small subset of patients do test positive within 7 days of a negative test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of these patients to determine when repeat testing may be appropriate. The results of all Xpert
C. difficile
PCR (Cepheid, Sunnyvale CA) tests performed in the clinical microbiology laboratory at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center (NYPH/CUMC) from 1 May 2011 through 6 September 2013, were reviewed. A retrospective case-control study was performed, comparing patients who tested positive within 7 days of a negative test result to a random selection of 50 controls who tested negative within 7 days of a negative test result. During the study period, a total of 14,875 tests were performed, of which 1,066 were repeat tests (7.2%). Eleven of these repeat tests results were positive (1.0%). The only risk factor independently associated with repeat testing positive was history of a prior CDI (odds ratio [OR], 19.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.0 to 19.5],
P
< 0.001). We found that patients who test positive for
C. difficile
by PCR within 7 days of a negative test are more likely to have a history of CDI than are patients who test negative with repeat PCR. This finding may be due to the high rate of disease relapse or the increased likelihood of empirical therapy leading to false-negative results in these patients.
Counteracting Effects of Cellular Notch and Epstein-Barr Virus EBNA2: Implications for Stromal Effects on Virus-Host Interactions
Authors: Rowe Martin , Raithatha Sweta , Shannon-Lowe Claire
Published: August 2014

A number of diverse environmental cues have been linked to B lymphocyte differentiation and activation. One such cue, Notch-2, may be particularly relevant to the biology of infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which colonizes the B cell compartment. Activated Notch and EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) both function as transcriptional activators by virtue of their interactions with the transcription factor RBP-Jκ. Although EBNA2 and activated Notch appear to have partially overlapping functions, we now report that activated Notch counteracts a crucial EBNA2 function both in newly infected primary B cells and in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). EBNA2 is directly responsible for the initiation of transcription of the majority of EBV proteins associated with type III latency, leading to the outgrowth of LCLs. One of the key proteins driving this outgrowth is latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is regulated by an EBNA2-responsive element within its ED-L1 promoter. Activation of Notch-2 via Delta-like ligand 1 inhibits EBNA2-mediated initiation of LMP1 transcription. Furthermore, ligated Notch-2 also efficiently turns off LMP1 expression from the ED-L1 promoter in LCLs already expressing LMP1. Modulation of EBV gene expression by Notch was not confined to EBNA2-dependent events. Activated Notch-2 also inhibited EBV entry into the lytic cycle in a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma line by upregulating the cellular transcription factor Zeb2, which represses the transcription of BZLF1. These results support the concept thatin vivo, cumulative signals from the microenvironment downregulate EBV gene expression in B cells to the latency 0 gene expression profile observed in B cells entering the peripheral blood.

IMPORTANCEExperimental infection of resting B cells by Epstein-Barr virus leads to the growth transformation program of virus gene expression and the outgrowth of lymphoblastoid cell lines. Previous studies at the single-cell level revealed complex cellular and viral signaling networks regulating transcription of the viral genome. This study demonstrates that viral gene expression can also be radically altered by molecules expressed on stromal cells in the microenvironment of lymphoid tissue, specifically, Delta-like ligand 1 on stromal cells ligating Notch-2 on infected B cells. Activation of Notch interferes with the transactivation function of EBNA2, downregulates the expression of LMP1 and LMP2a, and inhibits the activation of lytic virus replication in a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma line by preventing expression of BZLF1. The significance of these observations is that they indicate new mechanisms whereby the microenvironment in normal lymphoid tissue may facilitate the repression of viral gene expression, enabling establishment of true latency in memory B cells.
IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED CORD COMPRESSION, CAN DIRECT REQUEST FOR MRI IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY?
Authors: Padfield Emma , Hall Sharon J , Keep Jeff , Fleming Graham
Published: August 2014

Objectives & Background

To determine whether the Emergency Department (ED) could effectively identify patients with suspected cauda equina or cord compression who warranted further investigation with MRI, and thus request MRI without prior review from neurosurgeons.

Methods

The ED proforma for management of patients with back pain was assessed with focus on the referral pathway from the ED to neurosurgeons (NS). Patients attending the ED during a 3 month period with a complaint of back pain and subsequent referral to the neurosurgeons were identified using the Symphony database. Electronic records and paper notes were used to assess the time between arrival in the ED and referral to neurosurgeons, and the time from referral to MRI. The MRI request and patient notes were used to assess the appropriateness of the referral.

Results

1055 patients attended with back pain during the three month period. 40 patients were referred to the neurosurgeons by an ED doctor. 34/40 were deemed to require an MRI by the neurosurgeons. In 4/6 who did not have an MRI the proforma had not been followed correctly. 1/6 did not have an MRI but was later found to have cauda equina when imaged as an outpatient. 1 patient was admitted under neurology. 7/34 had either cauda equina or severe canal stenosis requiring surgery. Median time to MRI from ED referral was 237 minutes with a wait time of 100 minutes for NS review prior to MRI. On 7 occasions when NS requested MRI without seeing the patient first, time to MRI was 108 minutes compared with 290 minutes if requested after review by NS. If MRI was requested by the ED it is estimated time to MRI could be reduced by 182 minutes.

Conclusion

There was good correlation between ED and NS opinion on the need for MRI. Detection rate for cauda equina/severe stenosis (20.6%) was in keeping with other studies in the literature. There is significant time delay in the current referral process which can delay emergency treatment and may adversely affect patient outcome, and one patient was missed despite the proforma recommending MRI. ED doctors should request MRIs directly in the case of suspected cauda equina/cord compression .

Patient outcomes at each stage.

Outcome of MRI including detection rate of cauda equina or severe spinal stenosis.

Times between being seen by ED doctor, NS referral and MRI in all patients and patients subsequently requiring an emergency operation.
IMAGING PAEDIATRIC FACIAL INJURIES IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Long Linzie , Trivedy Chet , Crossman Richard J , Flowers Ms Joanne , Cooke Matthew W
Published: August 2014

Objectives & Background

Facial injuries are a common presentation to the ED with data suggesting that this may be as high as 4%. There is little data on the epidemiology of paediatric facial injuries and how these are managed by the ED team. The exposure of structures such as the eyes, brain and thyroid to ionising radiation may be potentially harmful and at present there are no nationally agreed guidelines on which patients require imaging in the ED. The aim of this study was to look at the patterns of imaging in a cohort of paediatric facial injuries presenting to an ED in the West Midlands.

A comparison of the imaging requests for the paediatric and adult facial injuries

CT HeadCT FacePA MandibleOPGTMJOMOrbitChild8117404864Adult100241714022669411

Methods

A retrospective note review of all facial injuries presenting to any one of the three sites that make up the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in 2012 was conducted. Electronic records were examined to look for the mechanism of injury, disposal as well if any imaging had been performed during the initial presentation. Where imaging was performed the actual imaging as well as formal radiology reports were accessed to ascertain for the presence or absence of a facial fracture.

Results

Paediatric facial injuries made up 1131/3416 (33%) of the overall number of facial emergencies presenting to the ED in 2012. The mean age for the children was 6.9±4.3 years. 32% of the children were female as opposed to 68% who were male. 164/1131(14.5%) children were imaged and of these only 17/164 (10.4%) were confirmed to have a fracture. In contrast 47% of the adults were imaged and 26% of these were confirmed to have a facial fracture. Chi-squared tests demonstrated that the proportion of patients who had imaging requested was significantly lower in the paediatric cohort when compared to adults (P<0.005). Also the difference in the numbers of confirmed facial fractures in those who were imaged was significantly lower in children when compared to the adults (P<0.005). Occipitomental (OM) and orthopantomograms (OPG) were the commonest facial views requested for both the paediatric and adult facial injuries.

Conclusion

The study highlights that paediatric facial injuries are less common than adult facial injuries and that facial fractures make up only 1.5% of all paediatric facial injuries. Clinicians should consider this when requesting facial X-rays given the potential harm of ionising radiation to the head and neck region. Further studies are in progress to develop evidence based guidelines for imaging children with facial injuries within the ED.

The table refers to the total number of different imaging requests and not the number of patients imaged. Some patients had more than one type of imaging requested.