bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study Design of the Man and Machine Trial: A Prospective International Controlled Noninferiority Trial Comparing Manual with Robotic Catheter Ablation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: RILLIG ANDREAS , SCHMIDT BORIS , STEVEN DANIEL , MEYERFELDT UDO , DI BIASE LUIGI , WISSNER ERIK , BECKER RÜDIGER , THOMAS DIERK , WOHLMUTH PETER , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , SCHOLZ EBERHARDT , JUNG WERNER , WILLEMS STEFAN , NATALE ANDREA , OUYANG FEIFAN , KUCK KARL HEINZ , TILZ ROLAND
Published: July 2012

Study Design of the Man and Machine Trial. Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the cornerstone procedure for the treatment of symptomatic drug‐resistant atrial fibrillation (AF). At the present time, circumferential PVI (CPVI) using irrigated radiofrequency (RF) is the mostly used ablation technique. However, for CPVI, precise catheter navigation and excellent catheter stability is crucial thereby requiring experienced operators. Robotic navigation systems have been introduced to facilitate catheter navigation and to improve catheter stability, therefore potentially increasing procedural success and making CPVI accessible to less experienced operators. To date, no prospective randomized trial has evaluated the efficacy and safety of CPVI using RNS compared to manually performed ablation.

Methods:
In this prospective international multicenter noninferiority trial, 258 patients with either paroxysmal or short‐standing persistent AF will be randomized for comparison of PVI using either manual or robotic ablation. In all patients, CPVI will be performed using irrigated RF ablation in combination with a 3D mapping system. The primary endpoint of the trial is the absence of AF or atrial tachycardia without antiarrhythmic drug therapy during 12‐month follow‐up. Secondary endpoints will be evaluation of periprocedural complications and procedural data such as procedure time, fluoroscopy time, as well as the incidence of esophageal injury assessed by endoscopy within 48 hours after the procedure.

Conclusion:
The “Man and Machine Trial” is the first prospective international randomized controlled multicenter noninferiority trial to compare manually performed CPVI with robotically navigated CPVI, evaluating both the safety and efficacy of the 2 techniques during a 12‐month follow‐up period. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 40‐46, January 2013)
Long‐Term Results of Transcatheter Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: ANSELMINO MATTEO , GROSSI STEFANO , SCAGLIONE MARCO , CASTAGNO DAVIDE , BIANCHI FRANCESCA , SENATORE GAETANO , MATTA MARIO , CASOLATI DARIO , FERRARIS FEDERICO , CRISTOFORETTI YVONNE , NEGRO ALESSANDRO , GAITA FIORENZO
Published: July 2012

AF Ablation and Impaired Left Ventricular Function. Introduction: Long‐term outcome of AF ablation in patients with impaired LVEF is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance, clinical status, and echocardiographic parameters over a long‐term period following atrial fibrillation (AF) transcatheter ablation in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%.

Methods and Results: A total of 196 patients (87.2% males, age 60.5 ± 10.2 years) with LVEF <50% underwent radiofrequency transcatheter ablation for paroxysmal (22.4%) or persistent (77.6%) AF. Patients were followed up for 46.2 (16.4–63.5) months regarding AF recurrences, functional class, and echocardiographic parameters. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation, while 167 (85.2%) required additional atrial lesions. Eleven (5.6%) patients suffered procedural complications. During follow‐up, 58 (29.6%) patients required repeated ablations. At the follow‐up end, 15 (7.7%) patients died, while 74 (37.8%) documented at least one episode of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial ectopic tachycardia. Eighty‐three (47.2%) patients maintained antiarrhythmic drugs. During follow‐up, NYHA class improved by at least one class more frequently among patients maintaining SR compared to those experiencing relapses (70.6% vs 47.9%, P = 0.003). LVEF showed a broader relative increase in patients maintaining SR (32.7% vs 21.4%; P = 0.047) and mitral regurgitation grading significantly decreased (P <0.001) only within these patients. At multivariable analysis SR maintenance emerged as an independent predictor (odds ratio 4.26, 95% CI 1.69–10.74, P = 0.002) of long‐term clinical improvement (reduction in NYHA class ≥1 and relative increase in LVEF ≥10%).

Conclusions: Although not substantially worse than in patients with preserved LVEF, AF ablation in patients with impaired LVEF is affected by high long‐term recurrence rate. Among these patients SR maintenance is associated with greater clinical improvement. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 24‐32, January 2013)
Progenitor Cell Homing in the Postischemic Myocardium: Just an Unmotivated Pitstop in the Microcirculation?
Authors: Tuche Fabio , Menger Michael D. , Körbel Christina , Nickels Ruth M. , Bouskela Eliete , Schramm René
Published: July 2012

Objective

We developed a model for direct assessment of BMC sequestration in the postischemic murine myocardium after direct antegrade intracoronary injection.

Methods

Modified syngeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was used as a basic model for global myocardial I/R injury in a total of n = 29 animals. IVM was employed to analyze the right ventricular subepicardial coronary microcirculation and for tracking fluorescently labeled BMCs.

Results

IVM allowed monitoring all segments of the coronary microcirculation including feeding arterioles, nutritive capillaries, and postcapillary venules. WI and generalized atherosclerosis induced profound reperfusion failure, particularly in nutritive myocardial capillaries. BMCs were found to exclusively sequester in myocardial capillaries, but not in coronary arterioles or postcapillary venules. The sequestration of BMCs in coronary capillaries occurred independent of WI, generalized atherosclerosis, or adhesion molecule function.

Conclusions

This is the first study allowing direct assessment of BMC homing to the postischemic myocardium. Heterotopic heart transplantation and IVM are proper means to study the myocardial sequestration of BMCs after direct antegrade intracoronary injection in vivo. We show for the first time that intracoronarily injected BMCs sequester exclusively in nutritive myocardial capillaries.
Inbreeding, immune defence and ectoparasite load in different mockingbird populations and species in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Hoeck Paquita E. A. , Keller Lukas F.
Published: July 2012

Inbreeding may impair an individual's immune system, render it more susceptible to disease and hence contribute to the extinction risk of small and isolated populations, as often found on islands. So far, surprisingly few studies have assessed the effects of inbreeding on immunocompetence in wild populations. Using 26 microsatellite loci and genetic data from museum specimens and contemporary samples, we calculated short‐term and long‐term inbreeding in 13 different mockingbird populations covering the range of all 4 species in the Galápagos Islands and compared them with three different measures of innate immunity and ectoparasite load. We found no significant effect of either measure of inbreeding on natural antibody or complement enzyme titres, heterophil‐lymphocyte ratio or feather louse abundance. Hence, our results do not support a link between inbreeding and immunocompetence. However, overall statistical power and repeatabilities of antibody and complement enzyme titres were low. Nevertheless, generally, natural antibody titres were high suggesting that the mockingbirds may be equipped with a strong first line of defence, as found in other island species.
The influence of identity elements on the aminoacylation of tRNAArg by plant and Escherichia coli arginyl‐tRNA synthetases
Authors: Aldinger Carolin A. , Leisinger Anne‐Katrin , Igloi Gabor L.
Published: July 2012

Identity elements determine the accurate recognition between tRNAs and aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases. The arginine system from yeast and Escherichia coli has been studied extensively in the past. However, information about the enzymes from higher eukaryotes is limited and plant aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases have been largely ignored in this respect. We have designed in vitro tRNA transcripts, based on the soybean tRNAArg primary structure, aiming to investigate its specific aminoacylation by two recombinant plant arginyl‐tRNA synthetases and to compare this with the enzyme from E. coli. Identity elements at positions 20 and 35 in plants parallel those previously established for bacteria. Cryptic identity elements in the plant system that are not revealed within a tRNAArg consensus sequence compiled from isodecoders corresponding to nine distinct cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and plastid isoaccepting sequences are located in the acceptor stem. Additionally, it has been shown that U20a and A38 are essential for a fully efficient cognate E. coli arginylation, whereas, for the plant arginyl‐tRNA synthetases, these bases can be replaced by G20a and C38 with full retention of activity. G10, a constituent of the 10 : 25 : 45 tertiary interaction, is essential for both plant and E. coli activity. Amino acid recognition in terms of discriminating between arginine and canavanine by the arginyl‐tRNA synthetase from both kingdoms may be manipulated by changes at different sites within the tRNA structure.
The management of urogynaecological problems in pregnancy and the early postpartum period
Authors: Asali Fida , Mahfouz Ismaiel , Phillips Christian
Published: July 2012

Key content

Lower urinary tract infection is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity.

There is an association between pelvic organ prolapse and increasing parity and vaginal deliveries.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but often resolve.

Special consideration is needed regarding the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with an emphasis on conservative management.

Learning objectives

To know how to manage lower urinary tract infection in pregnancy.

To understand the epidemiology and management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in pregnancy.

To be aware of the epidemiology and management of pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Should pregnant women be prescribed antimuscarinic drugs when adverse effects on the fetus have been shown in animal studies?

Should women who have not completed their families be offered surgery for pelvic organ prolapse?

Should elective caesarean section be offered to women who have had previous successful incontinence surgery?
The role of anti‐müllerian hormone as a predictor of ovarian function
Authors: Bhide Priya , Shah Amit , Gudi Anil , Homburg Roy
Published: July 2012

Key content

Levels of anti‐müllerian hormone (AMH), which is secreted by the granulosa cells of the ovary, indicate the size of the antral follicle pool.

Along with other predictors, AMH levels can predict the quantitative response to treatment in women undergoing assisted reproductive therapy.

The aim of AMH testing in assisted reproductive therapy is mainly to individualise treatment protocols with a view to achieving the optimal ovarian response and oocyte yield.

AMH has not shown sufficient predictive value for pregnancy outcome to be used in routine practice for either spontaneous pregnancy or following assisted reproductive therapy.

AMH serves a diagnostic and prognostic role in the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Learning objectives

To understand the physiology of AMH and its role in reproductive function.

To identify the role of AMH as a predictor of fertility and ovarian reserve.

To understand the role of AMH in assisted reproductive therapy.

Ethical issues

Is it ethical to make decisions about refusing treatment based on AMH levels?

Can women be reassured that they can delay childbearing on the basis of their AMH levels?
Current issues in ovulation induction
Authors: Gorthi Srilatha , Balen Adam H , Tang Thomas
Published: July 2012

Key content

Anovulation contributes to infertility in up to one‐quarter of couples attending infertility clinics.

Polycystic ovary syndrome accounts for almost 90% of cases of anovulatory infertility.

Careful monitoring is needed to minimise the complications of ovulation induction treatment such as multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Lifestyle has a very significant impact on ovarian function.

Learning objectives

To be able to identify causes of anovulation.

To understand appropriate patient selection and to be able to address lifestyle issues and individualise treatment.

To recognise the significance of ovulation and cumulative conception rates.

Ethical issues

Should fertility treatment be offered to overweight and obese women?

Counselling should be made available for couples undergoing fertility treatments, including ovulation induction.
Influence of Ethanol Amount During Washing on Deagglomeration of Co‐Precipitated Calcined Nanocrystalline 3YSZ Powders
Authors: Patil Sharanabasappa B. , Jena Ajay Kumar , Bhargava Parag
Published: July 2012

Influence of ethanol treatment of co‐precipitated yttrium–zirconium hydroxide on deagglomeration of calcined nano 3
YSZ
powder was studied. Results indicated that the amount of ethanol used in washing the zirconium hydroxide precipitate had a significant impact on the calcined powder characteristics. Different ratios of ethanol to the water contained within the precipitate were used during washing and the calcined nano 3
YSZ
powders were characterized in terms of BET specific surface area, tap density, pressure‐displacement behavior during powder compaction, nanoindentation of green compacts, green and sintered body microstructures. The results indicated that a minimum ethanol amount of 2–3 times that of water in the precipitate was required to achieve superior deagglomeration of the calcined nano
YSZ
powders. The powders obtained by washing with optimum ethanol amount resulted in high green density and sintered density of compacts.
Radio‐Frequency Atmospheric‐Pressure Plasma Synthesis of Ultrafine ZrC Powders
Authors: Bai Liuyang , Zhang Haibao , Jin Huacheng , Yuan Fangli , Huang Shulan , Li Jinlin
Published: July 2012

A radio‐frequency atmospheric‐pressure plasma process has been applied to the synthesis of ultrafine ZrC powders using ZrCl4 and CH4 as precursors. Both thermodynamic analysis and experiments were conducted and the as‐prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and laser scattering. Results showed that ZrC powders with particle size <100 nm and surface area of 36.56 M2/g could be obtained. The addition of excess H2 contributed to the increase in conversion rate. The conversion rate was about 65% when the carrier gas ratio (H2/CH4) was set at 4.0 and added axially through the injection probe.
Using Hardness Tests to Quantify Bulk Plasticity and Predict Transition Velocities in SiC Materials
Authors: Hilton Corydon D. , McCauley James W. , Swab Jeffrey J. , Shanholtz Eugene R. , Chen Ming W.
Published: July 2012

It has long been known that a relation exists between a material's hardness and its gross impact performance; however, the nature of this relationship has not been understood to a degree useful in materials development. Many studies have shown that harder ceramics tend to display better ballistic performance. In addition, some research has suggested that a material's potential for inelastic deformation (or its “quasi‐plasticity” – a bulk property) may also play an important role in its resistance to penetration. Methods of quantifying the bulk plasticity of a ceramic material are, however, extremely limited. The current study continues an investigation into a recently proposed technique to (1) quantify bulk quasi‐plasticity in SiC materials, and (2) use the “plasticity” value along with a hardness value to predict the transition velocity of potential armor ceramics. The transition velocity values predicted by this approach generally show excellent agreement (within 5% in most cases) with experimentally determined velocities. In addition, the robustness of this predictive technique is demonstrated through the use of multiple operators and multiple hardness testing units.
On the evolution of the snow line in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Martin Rebecca G. , Livio Mario
Published: July 2012

We model the evolution of the snow line in a protoplanetary disc. If the magnetorotational instability (MRI) drives turbulence throughout the disc, there is a unique snow line outside of which the disc is icy. The snow line moves closer to the star as the infall accretion rate drops. Because the snow line moves inside the radius of the Earth's orbit, the formation of our water-devoid planet is difficult with this model. However, protoplanetary discs are not likely to be sufficiently ionized to be fully turbulent. A dead zone at the mid-plane slows the flow of material through the disc and a steady state cannot be achieved. We therefore model the evolution of the snow line also in a time-dependent disc with a dead zone. As the mass is accumulating, the outer parts of the dead zone become self-gravitating, heat the massive disc and thus the outer snow line does not come inside the radius of the Earth's orbit, contrary to the fully turbulent disc model. There is a second, inner icy region, within the dead zone, that moves inwards of the Earth's orbit after a time of about 106 yr. With this model there is sufficient time and mass in the disc for the Earth to form from water-devoid planetesimals at a radius of 1 au. Furthermore, the additional inner icy region predicted by this model may allow for the formation of giant planets close to their host star without the need for much migration.
What brain signals are suitable for feedback control of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Little Simon , Brown Peter
Published: July 2012

Feedback control of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease has great potential to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, and decrease the cost of treatment. In this, the timing and intensity of stimulation are titrated according to biomarkers that capture current clinical state. Stimulation may be at standard high frequency or intelligently patterned to directly modify specific pathological rhythms. The search for and validation of appropriate feedback signals are therefore crucial. Signals recorded from the DBS electrode currently appear to be the most promising source of feedback. In particular, beta‐frequency band oscillations in the local field potential recorded at the stimulation target may capture variation in bradykinesia and rigidity across patients, but this remains to be confirmed within patients. Biomarkers that reliably reflect other impairments, such as tremor, also need to be established. Finally, whether brain signals are causally important needs to be established before stimulation can be specifically patterned rather than delivered at empirically defined high frequency.
Development and clinical evaluation of Prevnar 13, a 13‐valent pneumocococcal CRM197 conjugate vaccine
Authors: Gruber William C. , Scott Daniel A. , Emini Emilio A.
Published: July 2012

Pneumococcus is the leading cause of bacterial illness in children worldwide. The development, clinical evaluation, and postlicensure impact of the pneumococcal CRM197 protein conjugate vaccine, PCV13, (Prevnar 13®) builds upon the excellent safety and substantial effectiveness of PCV7 (Prevnar®) in preventing pneumococcal disease in children. PCV13 adds pneumococcal serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A to serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F in PCV7 to provide comprehensive coverage for over 85% of epidemiologically important pneumococcal serotypes in the United States and throughout the world. PCV13 development required demonstration of immunologic responses to the 13 serotypes contained in the vaccine that were noninferior to the responses elicited by PCV7, and demonstration of a satisfactory safety profile. Studies were also performed to demonstrate compatibility with other childhood vaccines. Now licensed in many countries worldwide, PCV13 shows significant promise for expanded protection against pneumococcal disease in children.
Effects of intra‐articular sodium pentosan polysulfate and glucosamine on the cytology, total protein concentration and viscosity of synovial fluid in horses
Authors: Kwan C , Bell R , Koenig T , Bischofberger A , Horadagoda N , Perkins NR , Jeffcott LB , Dart AJ
Published: July 2012

Objective

Evaluate synovial fluid cytology, total protein concentration and viscosity after intra‐articular administration of combined pentosan polysulfate and glucosamine in horses.

Design

Ten adult Standardbred horses had each carpal joint (n = 20) randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control (5 mL saline) or treated (pentosan polysulfate and glucosamine). All horses received an intra‐articular injection every 7 days for 3 weeks and synovial fluid samples were collected on days 1 (baseline), 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 and 21. Synovial fluid variables measured included total protein concentration, total nucleated cell count, red blood cell count, the neutrophil, lymphocyte, mononuclear cell and eosinophil percentages, and viscosity.

Results

Following injection, the total nucleated cell count increased in the synovial fluid samples from both groups. Values were significantly higher in treated joints on days 2, 3, 15 and 16. Red blood cell counts were low and no differences were seen between treated and control joints. Total protein concentrations and neutrophil percentages increased in both groups after injection, but decreased towards normal ranges within 7 days. Total protein concentration was significantly higher in treated joints on days 1, 3, 8, 9 and 15. Percentages of neutrophils were higher in treated joints on day 2, but significantly lower on days 8 and 15. Viscosity was significantly higher in treated joints on day 2 only.

Conclusions

Intra‐articular administration of combined pentosan polysulfate and glucosamine causes a mild inflammatory synovitis that is not substantially different to that elicited by injection of a similar volume of saline and so we conclude that these drugs are safe to use in the horse.
Prevalence of koala retrovirus in geographically diverse populations in Australia
Authors: Simmons GS , Young PR , Hanger JJ , Jones K , Clarke D , McKee JJ , Meers J
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine the prevalence of koala retrovirus (KoRV) in selected koala populations and to estimate proviral copy number in a subset of koalas.

Methods

Blood or tissue samples from 708 koalas in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia were tested for KoRV pol provirus gene using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR and real‐time PCR (qPCR).

Results

Prevalence of KoRV provirus‐positive koalas was 100% in four regions of Queensland and New South Wales, 72.2% in mainland Victoria, 26.6% on four Victorian islands and 14.8% on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Estimated proviral copy number per cell in four groups of koalas from Queensland and Victoria showed marked variation, ranging from a mean of 165 copies per cell in the Queensland group to 1.29 × 10−4 copies per cell in one group of Victorian koalas.

Conclusions

The higher prevalence of KoRV‐positive koalas in the north of Australia and high proviral loads in Queensland koalas may indicate KoRV entered and became endogenous in the north and is spreading southwards. It is also possible there are genetic differences between koalas in northern and southern Australia that affect susceptibility to KoRV infection or endogenisation, or that environmental factors affecting transmission in northern states are absent or uncommon in southern regions. Although further studies are required, the finding of proviral copy numbers orders of magnitude lower than what would be expected for the presence of a single copy in every cell for many Victorian animals suggests that KoRV is not endogenous in these animals and likely reflects ongoing exogenous infection.
Clinical evaluation of alfaxalone as an anaesthetic induction agent in dogs less than 12 weeks of age
Authors: O'Hagan BJ , Pasloske K , McKinnon C , Perkins NR , Whittem T
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess the efficacy of alfaxalone as an anaesthetic induction agent for dogs aged less than 12 weeks.

Materials and methods

The study group comprised 25 juvenile dogs aged less than 12 weeks that were presented for surgical desexing. Dogs were aged by dentition, examined and weighed prior to premedication with acepromazine, atropine and morphine. At 20–30 min after premedication, animals were anaesthetised with intravenous alfaxalone administered to effect, using a target maximum expected dose of 2 mg/kg. Dogs were intubated and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen administered with a non‐rebreathing system. Subjective measures of anaesthetic quality and vital signs were recorded from enrolment to recovery. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyse and present collected data.

Results

The mean (± SD) dose of alfaxalone for induction was 1.7 (± 0.3) mg/kg body weight. Subjective measures of anaesthetic quality indicated acceptable induction, maintenance and recovery standards. Measured cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were well maintained.

Conclusion

Alfaxalone in 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (Alfaxan®) is a suitable injectable anaesthetic induction agent for dogs aged less than 12 weeks requiring anaesthesia.
The Radical Cationic Repair Pathway of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer: The Effect of Sugar‐Phosphate Backbone
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Habibi‐Khorassani Mostafa , Shahraki Asiyeh
Published: July 2012

Radical cationic repair process ofcis–synthymine dimer has been investigated when (1) sugar‐phosphate backbones were substituted by hydrogen atoms, (2) phosphate group was substituted by two hydrogen atoms each on a sugar ring and (3) sugar‐phosphate backbone was taken into account. The effect of the interactions between N1 and N1′ lone pairs and the C6‐C6′ antibonding orbital are the most important evidences for the cleavage of the C6‐C6′ bond in the first step of radical cationic repair mechanism in the absence of the sugar‐phosphate backbone. The impact of the N1 and N1′ lone pairs on the C6‐C6′ bond cleavage decreases and the energy barrier of the cleavage of that bond significantly increases in the presence of the deoxynucleoside sugars and the sugar‐phosphate backbone.
Spatial variability in the flood vulnerability of urban areas in the headwater basins of Slovakia
Authors: Solín Ľ.
Published: July 2012

In the new paradigm of flood defence, the control of flooding by technical means is supported by an emphasis on the reduction of vulnerability to flooding by economic, social and environmental means. The aim of the present work was to assess the vulnerability of basic urban units (BUUs) located in the headwater basins of Slovakia. Vulnerability was expressed in terms of proxy variables. Using a combination of these variables, specific indices were established. These indices represented the potential for susceptibility to damage, resistance to flooding and resilience after flooding of the social and economic systems in these BUUs. The assessment of vulnerability was based on an application of the multi‐atribute decision‐making approach. The overall vulnerability of a BUU was calculated via a summation of the specific vulnerability indices. Using visualisation in GIS, the BUUs were grouped into three classes, of low, medium and high vulnerability. Second, evaluation of BUUs from the point of view of expected negative consequences of flooding was done.
Multilocus Sequence Types of Environmental Campylobacter jejuni Isolates and their Similarities to those of Human, Poultry and Bovine C. jejuni Isolates
Authors: de Haan C. P. A. , Lampén K. , Corander J. , Hänninen M.‐L.
Published: July 2012

In this study, we investigated the multilocus sequence type (MLST) diversity and population genetics of Campylobacter jejuni isolates collected from the natural waters (n = 57), wild birds (n = 37) and zoo animals (n = 19) in southern Finland, the Helsinki area and the Helsinki Zoo, respectively. On average, we found C. jejuni in 20%, 10.4% or 11.5% of the samples collected from natural waters, wild birds and zoo animals, respectively. High ST diversity was detected in all three sources and 41.2% of the STs were novel, but the multi‐host adapted ST‐45 was the most common ST detected. The MLST data, supplemented with C. jejuni isolates from domestically acquired human infections (n = 454), poultry (n = 208) and bovines (n = 120), were utilized in a population structure study. The results indicate four groups of strains with varying ecological associations, demonstrating presence of genetically distinct lineages within each of the studied sources. We discovered that the greatest ST overlap occurs between human isolates and isolates from natural waters and poultry, which suggests that the latter two are the most important sources of C. jejuni among domestically acquired infections in Finland.
DERIVATIVES ON NONSTORABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCES: FISH FUTURES AND OPTIONS, NOT SO FISHY AFTER ALL
Authors: EWALD CHRISTIAN‐OLIVER
Published: July 2012

Abstract We study forwards and European call options, which are written on a nonstorable renewable resource. Examples of such derivatives in form of futures on fresh catch of wild salmon for the United States and the recently created Fish Pool market in Norway, where futures on a composite of wild catch and farmed salmon are traded, will be discussed. We approach the problem of pricing these contracts from first principles, starting off by modeling the dynamics of the resource reserves, and assuming that in approximation resource extraction is managed as open access. We derive formulas for the forward price of the renewable resource as well as European call options written on it.
Quivers of monoids with basic algebras
Authors: Margolis Stuart , Steinberg Benjamin
Published: July 2012

We compute the quiver of any finite monoid that has a basic algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. More generally, we reduce the computation of the quiver over a splitting field of a class of monoids that we term rectangular monoids (in the semigroup theory literature the class is known asDO) to representation-theoretic computations for group algebras of maximal subgroups. Hence in good characteristic for the maximal subgroups, this gives an essentially complete computation. Since groups are examples of rectangular monoids, we cannot hope to do better than this. For the subclass of ℛ-trivial monoids, we also provide a semigroup-theoretic description of the projective indecomposable modules and compute the Cartan matrix.
Complexity for modules over the classical Lie superalgebra
Authors: Boe Brian D. , Kujawa Jonathan R. , Nakano Daniel K.
Published: July 2012

Let ${\Xmathfrak g}={\Xmathfrak g}_{\zerox }\oplus {\Xmathfrak g}_{\onex }$ be a classical Lie superalgebra and let ℱ be the category of finite-dimensional ${\Xmathfrak g}$-supermodules which are completely reducible over the reductive Lie algebra ${\Xmathfrak g}_{\zerox }$. In [B. D. Boe, J. R. Kujawa and D. K. Nakano, Complexity and module varieties for classical Lie superalgebras, Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN (2011), 696–724], we demonstrated that for any module M in ℱ the rate of growth of the minimal projective resolution (i.e. the complexity of M) is bounded by the dimension of ${\Xmathfrak g}_{\onex }$. In this paper we compute the complexity of the simple modules and the Kac modules for the Lie superalgebra $\Xmathfrak {gl}(m|n)$. In both cases we show that the complexity is related to the atypicality of the block containing the module.
Analytical Study of Two Pin-Loaded Holes in Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Mahdi Attar Mohammad
Published: July 2012

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of geometrical parameters such as the edge distance-to-hole diameter ratio {e/d}, plate width-to-hole diameter ratio {w/d}, and the distance between two holes-to-hole diameter ratio {l/d} on stress distribution in a unidirectional composite laminate with two serial pin-loaded holes, analytically and numerically. It is assumed that all short and long fibers lie in one direction while loaded by a force po at infinity. To derive differential equations based on a shear lag model, a hexagonal fiber-array model is considered. The resulting pin loads on composite plate are modeled through a series of spring elements accounting for pin elasticity. The analytical solutions are, moreover, compared with the detailed 3D finite element values. A close match is observed between the two methods. The presence of the pins on shear stress distribution in the laminate is also examined for various pin diameters.
Stress Relaxation Near the Tip of a Stationary Mode I Crack in a Poroelastic Solid
Authors: Hui Chung-Yuen , Long Rong , Ning Jing
Published: July 2012

We study the short time transient stress and pore pressure fields near the tip of a stationary crack when a sudden load is applied to a poroelastic solid. These fields are determined using a small scale “yielding” (SSY) analysis where the stress relaxation due to fluid flow is confined to a small region near the crack tip. They are found to exhibit the usual inverse square root singularity characteristic of cracks in linear elastic solids. Analysis shows that these fields are self-similar; the region of stress relaxation that propagates outward from the crack tip is proportional to Dct, where Dc is the cooperative diffusion coefficient and t is time. The pore pressure at the crack tip vanishes immediately after loading. The stress intensity factor at the crack tip is found to be reduced by a factor of 1/[2(1-v)], where v is the Poisson's ratio of the drained solid. Closed form approximations are found for the pore pressure and the trace of the effective stress. These approximate analytical solutions compare well with finite element results.
LOGISTIC FUNCTION PROFILE FIT: A least-squares program for fitting interface profiles to an extended logistic function
Authors: Kirchhoff William H.
Published: July 2012

The extended logistic function provides a physically reasonable description of interfaces such as depth profiles or line scans of surface topological or compositional features. It describes these interfaces with the minimum number of parameters, namely, position, width, and asymmetry. Logistic Function Profile Fit (LFPF) is a robust, least-squares fitting program in which the nonlinear extended logistic function is linearized by a Taylor series expansion (equivalent to a Newton–Raphson approach) with no apparent introduction of bias in the analysis. The program provides reliable confidence limits for the parameters when systematic errors are minimal and provides a display of the residuals from the fit for the detection of systematic errors. The program will aid researchers in applying ASTM E1636-10, “Standard practice for analytically describing sputter-depth-profile and linescan-profile data by an extended logistic function,” and may also prove useful in applying ISO 18516: 2006, “Surface chemical analysis—Auger electron spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy—determination of lateral resolution.” Examples are given of LFPF fits to a secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profile, an Auger surface line scan, and synthetic data generated to exhibit known systematic errors for examining the significance of such errors to the extrapolation of partial profiles.
Effect of the cathode on the 3D plume distribution of a Hall thruster
Authors: Liqiu Wei , Wei Liang , Jinrui Fan , Chaohai Zhang , Yequan Zhao , Daren Yu
Published: July 2012

A Hall thruster usually has a symmetric cylindrical structure with the cathode placed on the outlet along a particular radial direction. In order to evaluate the effect of the nonaxisymmetric location of the cathode on the plume distribution, the 3D ion current density distribution was measured and the plume deflection angles were defined. Experimental results show that high electron density near the cathode would cause plume deflection angles along a radial direction toward the cathode. The effect of the cathode’s nonaxisymmetric location upon the discharge’s axisymmetric characteristics is an important physical problem, which deserves emphasizing.
Effect of jaw size in megavoltage CT on image quality and dose
Authors: Jung Jae Hong , Cho Kwang Hwan , Kim Yong Ho , Moon Seong Kwon , Min Chul Kee , Kim Woo Chul , Kim Eun Seog , Chang Ah Ram , Kim Tae Ho , Yoon Jai‐Woong , Suh Tae‐Suk , Huh Hyun Do
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Recently, the jaw size for the TomoTherapy Hi‐Art II® (TomoTherapy Inc., Madison, WI) was reduced from 4 mm (J4) to 1 mm (J1) to improve the longitudinal (IEC‐Y) resolution in megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images. This study evaluated the effect of jaw size on the image quality and dose, as well as the dose delivered to the lens of the eye, which is a highly radiosensitive tissue.

Methods:

MVCT image quality (image noise, uniformity, contrast linearity, high‐contrast resolution, and full width at half‐maximum) and multiple scan average dose (MSAD) were measured at different jaw sizes. A head phantom and photoluminescence glass dosimeters (PLDs) were used to measure the exposed lens dose (cGy). Different MVCT scan modes (pitch = 1, 2, and 3) and scan lengths (108 mm, 156 mm, and 204 mm) were applied in the MSAD and PLDs measurements.

Results:

The change in jaw size from J4 to J1 produced no change or only a slight improvement in image noise, uniformity, contrast linearity, and high‐contrast resolution. However, the full‐width at half‐maximum reduced from approximately 7.2 at J4 to 4.5 mm at J1, which represents an enhancement in the longitudinal resolution. The MSAD at the center point changed from approximately 0.69–2.32 cGy (peripheral: 0.83–2.49 cGy) at J4 to 0.85–2.81 cGy (peripheral: 1.05–2.86 cGy) at J1. The measured lens dose increased from 0.92–3.36 cGy at J4 to 1.06–3.91 cGy at J1.

Conclusions:

The change in jaw size improved longitudinal resolution. The MVCT imaging dose of approximately 3.86 cGy, 1.92 cGy, and 1.22 cGy was delivered at a pitch of 1, 2, and 3, respectively, per fraction in the head and neck treatment plans. Therefore, allowance for an approximately 15% increase in lens dose over that with J4 should be provided with J1.
External respiratory motion: Shape analysis and custom realistic respiratory trace generation
Authors: Quirk Sarah , Becker Nathan , Smith Wendy
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

The authors developed a realistic respiratory trace generating (RTG) tool for use with phantom and simulation studies.

Methods:

The authors analyzed the extent of abdominal wall motion from a real‐time position management system database comprised of 125 lung, liver, and abdominal patients to determine the shape and extent of motion. Using Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the authors compared different model types to find the optimal realistic model of respiratory motion.

Results:

The authors compared a family of sigmoid curves and determined a four parameter sigmoid fit was optimal for over 98% patient inhale and exhale traces. This fit was also better than sin 2(x) for 98% of patient exhale and 70% of patient inhale traces and better than sin (x) for 100% of both patient inhale and exhale traces. This analysis also shows that sin 2(x) is better than sin (x) for over 95% of patient inhale and exhale traces. With results from shape and extent of motion analysis, we developed a realistic respiratory trace generating (RTG) software tool. The software can be run in two modes: population and user defined. In population mode, the RTG draws entirely from the population data including inter‐ and intra fraction amplitude and period variability and baseline drift. In user‐defined mode, the user customizes the respiratory parameters by inputting the peak‐to‐peak amplitude, period, end exhale position, as well as controls variability in these parameters and baseline drift.

Conclusions:

This work provides a method of generating custom respiratory data that can be used for initial implementation and testing of new technologies.
Rapamycin Reverses Elevated mTORC1 Signaling in Lamin A/C–Deficient Mice, Rescues Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function, and Extends Survival
Authors: Ramos Fresnida J. , Chen Steven C. , Garelick Michael G. , Dai Dao-Fu , Liao Chen-Yu , Schreiber Katherine H. , MacKay Vivian L. , An Elroy H. , Strong Randy , Ladiges Warren C. , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Kaeberlein Matt , Kennedy Brian K.
Published: July 2012

Rapamycin treatment of a mouse model for a human laminopathy improves cardiac and
muscle function, suggesting a therapy for human patients.
MHC-Resident Variation Affects Risks After Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Petersdorf Effie W. , Malkki Mari , Gooley Theodore A. , Spellman Stephen R. , Haagenson Michael D. , Horowitz Mary M. , Wang Tao
Published: July 2012

The success of HLA-matched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation depends on non-HLA MHC region genetic variation.
Circulating Tumor Cells Bad News in Breast Cancer
Authors: Bettegowda Chetan
Published: July 2012

The presence of circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients may decrease risk of survival.
Variation in Candida albicans
EFG1
Expression Enables Host-Dependent Changes in Colonizing Fungal Populations
Authors: Pierce Jessica V. , Kumamoto Carol A.
Published: July 2012

To understand differences in host-
Candida albicans
interactions that occur during colonization of healthy or compromised hosts, production of phenotypic variants and colonization of healthy or immunodeficient mice by
C. albicans
were studied. We showed that activity of the transcription factor Efg1p exhibited cell-to-cell variability and identified Efg1p as a major regulator of colonization. In
C. albicans
populations colonizing the murine gastrointestinal tract, average expression of
EFG1
differed depending on the immune status of the host. We propose that cellular heterogeneity in Efg1p activity allows the
C. albicans
colonizing population to differ depending on the immune status of the host, because selective pressure from a healthy host alters the composition of the population. These data are the first demonstration that differences in host immune status are associated with differences in gene expression in colonizing
C. albicans
cells. Altered gene expression in organisms colonizing immunocompromised hosts may begin the transition of
C. albicans
from a commensal to a pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
In healthy people, the fungus
Candida albicans
colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and other sites without producing obvious pathology. In an immunocompromised patient, the organism can cause serious disease. The demonstration that the expression and activity of the
C. albicans
transcription factor Efg1p differs during colonization of healthy or immunocompromised mice shows that the organism adjusts its physiology when colonizing different hosts. Further, the effects of a healthy host on a heterogeneous
C. albicans
population containing cells with different levels of Efg1p activity show that selective pressure in the host can change the makeup of the population, allowing the population to respond to host immune status. The ability to sense host status may be key to the ability of
C. albicans
to colonize as a harmless commensal in some hosts but become a deadly pathogen in others.
A Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (McKrae) Mutant Lacking the Glycoprotein K Gene Is Unable To Infect via Neuronal Axons and Egress from Neuronal Cell Bodies
Authors: David Andrew T. , Saied Ahmad , Charles Anu , Subramanian Ramesh , Chouljenko Vladimir N. , Kousoulas Konstantin G.
Published: July 2012

We have shown that the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) gK gene is essential for efficient replication and spread in the corneal epithelium and trigeminal ganglion neuroinvasion in mice (A. T. David, A. Baghian, T. P. Foster, V. N. Chouljenko, and K. G. Kousoulas, Curr. Eye Res. 33:455–467, 2008). To further investigate the role of gK in neuronal infection, we utilized a microfluidic chamber system separating neuronal cell bodies and axonal termini. HSV-1 (McKrae) engineered virus constitutively expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (GFP) was efficiently transmitted in both a retrograde and an anterograde manner. These results were corroborated by expression of virion structural proteins in either chamber, as well as detection of viral genomes and infectious viruses. In contrast, efficient infection of either chamber with a gK-null virus did not result in infection of the apposed chamber. These results show that gK is an important determinant in virion axonal infection. Moreover, the inability of the gK-null virus to be transmitted in an anterograde manner suggests that virions acquire cytoplasmic envelopes prior to entering axons.

IMPORTANCE
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) enters mucosal epithelial cells and neurons via fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes, mediated by viral glycoprotein B (gB) in cooperation with other viral glycoproteins. Retrograde transport of virions to neuronal cell bodies (somata) establishes lifelong latent infection in ganglionic neurons. We have previously reported that gK binds gB and is required for gB-mediated membrane fusion (Jambunatathan et al., J. Virol. 85:12910–12918, 2011; V. N. Chouljenko, A. V. Iyer, S. Chowdhury, J. Kim, and K. G. Kousoulas, J. Virol. 84:8596–8606, 2010). In the current study, we constructed a recombinant virus with the gK gene deleted in the highly virulent ocular HSV-1 strain McKrae. This recombinant virus failed to infect rat ganglionic neuronal axons alone or cocultured with Vero cells in microfluidic chambers. In addition, lack of gK expression prevented anterograde transmission of virions. These results suggest that gK is a critical determinant for neuronal infection and transmission.
Quantifying the RR of harm to self and others from substance misuse: results from a survey of clinical experts across Scotland
Authors: Taylor Mark , Mackay Kirsty , Murphy Jen , McIntosh Andrew , McIntosh Claire , Anderson Seonaid , Welch Killian
Published: July 2012

Objective

To produce an expert consensus hierarchy of harm to self and others from legal and illegal substance use.

Design

Structured questionnaire with nine scored categories of harm for 19 different commonly used substances.

Setting/participants

292 clinical experts from across Scotland.

Results

There was no stepped categorical distinction in harm between the different legal and illegal substances. Heroin was viewed as the most harmful, and cannabis the least harmful of the substances studied. Alcohol was ranked as the fourth most harmful substance, with alcohol, nicotine and volatile solvents being viewed as more harmful than some class A drugs.

Conclusions

The harm rankings of 19 commonly used substances did not match the A, B, C classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The legality of a substance of misuse is not correlated with its perceived harm. These results could inform any legal review of drug misuse and help shape public health policy and practice.