bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptional analysis of three human ligaments with distinct biomechanical properties
Authors: Lorda‐Diez Carlos I. , Canga‐Villegas Ana , Cerezal Luis , Plaza Santiago , Hurlé Juan M. , García‐Porrero Juan A. , Montero Juan A.
Published: October 2013

One major aim of regenerative medicine targeting the musculoskeletal system is to provide complementary and/or alternative therapeutic approaches to current surgical therapies, often involving the removal and prosthetic substitution of damaged tissues such as ligaments. For these approaches to be successful, detailed information regarding the cellular and molecular composition of different musculoskeletal tissues is required. Ligaments have often been considered homogeneous tissues with common biomechanical properties. However, advances in tissue engineering research have highlighted the functional relevance of the organisational and compositional differences between ligament types, especially in those with higher risks of injury. The aim of this study was to provide information concerning the relative expression levels of a subset of key genes (including extracellular matrix components, transcription factors and growth factors) that confer functional identity to ligaments. We compared the transcriptomes of three representative human ligaments subjected to different biomechanical demands: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); the ligamentum teres of the hip (LT); and the iliofemoral ligament (IL). We revealed significant differences in the expression of type I collagen, elastin, fibromodulin, biglycan, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth interacting factor 1, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha and transforming growth factor β‐induced gene between theILand the other two ligaments. Thus, considerable molecular heterogeneity can exist between anatomically distinct ligaments with differing biomechanical demands. However, theLTandACLwere found to show remarkable molecular homology, suggesting common functional properties. This finding provides experimental support for the proposed role of theLTas a hip joint stabiliser in humans.
A Statistical Agreement‐Based Approach for Difference Testing
Authors: Calle‐Alonso F. , Pérez C.J.
Published: October 2013

A statistical approach based on measures of agreement is proposed for use in a sensory analysis context. This approach considers the idea of using statistical agreement to provide information on the homogeneity of the raters' responses, so that this information can then be used to discriminate between products. It can also be used to measure the expertise level of raters. Although the prime focus is on difference testing by the triangle test (ISO 4120:2008), the proposed methodology can also be applied in other contexts such as the paired comparison test (ISO 5495:2009) or the duo‐trio test (ISO 10399:2010), among others. The proposed approach is not a substitute for binomial statistical analysis, but rather it can be used as a complement. It is especially useful when few panelists are available and replications are needed. An experiment that evaluates two types of Iberian dry‐cured pork loins through the triangle test is performed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.

Practical Applications

The proposed methodology is very helpful for users of sensory analysis techniques, and especially for those focused on differentiation tests. It can complement the classical methodologies on this topic. It is especially useful when there are few raters and replications must be performed. It can also be applied to evaluate the accuracy of panelists being trained by an expert.
Comparison of Temporal–Sensory Methods for Beer Flavor Evaluation
Authors: Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Parker Debbie , Woods Eleanor
Published: October 2013

Different studies that determine the evolution of single sensory attributes in beer have been conducted during recent years. Although results of these works are valuable, brewers need to know which technique is the most appropriate for obtaining a real‐time flavor profile of their products. Three different techniques that consider the evolution of flavors were used in the present study: time intensity (TI), temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and drinking profile (DP). Four main flavor attributes of three commercial beers were evaluated to determine the main differences in the obtained results. TI technique provided useful information to study the kinetics of particular attributes, and showed the main differences in the beer profiles. However, TI proved very time consuming, and because of the differences in the panelists' “signatures,” data were difficult to process. TDS and DP provided useful information when used as complementary techniques, but DP was also very time consuming.

Practical Applications

Results of the present study provide essential information to brewers, who try to carefully select the best raw materials for making a beer with a specific flavor intensity and length. Some of the most important attributes in beer flavor were studied in different beer styles, providing: (1) a model of the “real‐time” drinking flavor profile that customers are experiencing; and (2) useful information about the utility of three different sensory methods.
Microneedle-mediated intrascleral delivery of in situ forming thermoresponsive implants for sustained ocular drug delivery
Authors: Thakur Raghu Raj Singh , Fallows Steven J , McMillan Hannah L , Donnelly Ryan F , Jones David S
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This paper describes use of minimally invasive hollow microneedle (HMN) to deliver in situ forming thermoresponsive poloxamer-based implants into the scleral tissue to provide sustained drug delivery.

Methods

In situ forming poloxamer formulations were prepared and investigated for their rheological properties. HMN devices 400, 500 and 600 μm in height were fabricated from hypodermic needles (i.e. 27, 29 and 30 G) and tested for depth of penetration into rabbit sclera. Maximum force and work required to expel different volumes of poloxamer formulations was also investigated. Release of fluorescein sodium (FS) from intrasclerally injected implants was also investigated. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to examine implant localisation and scleral pore-closure.

Key findings

Poloxamer formulations showed Newtonian behaviour at 20°C and pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behaviour at 37°C. Maximum force and work required to expel different volumes of poloxamer formulations with different needles ranged from 0.158 to 2.021 N and 0.173 to 6.000 N, respectively. OCT showed intrascleral localisation of implants and scleral pore-closure occurred within 2–3 h. Sustain release of FS was noticed over 24 h and varied with depth of implant delivery.

Conclusions

This study shows that the minimally invasive HMN device can localise in situ forming implants in the scleral tissue and provide sustained drug delivery.
How do tablet properties influence swallowing behaviours?
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Taniguchi Hiroshige , Hayashi Hirokazu , Hori Kazuhiro , Tsujimura Takanori , Nakamura Yuki , Sato Hideaki , Inoue Makoto
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Behavioural performance of tablet swallowing was evaluated with different tablet conditions in terms of size, number and surface coating.

Methods

Four different types of tablets were prepared: small or large, and with or without a surface coating. Fourteen normal male adults were instructed to swallow the prepared tablets with 15 ml of water. The number of tablets in one trial was changed from one to three. To evaluate swallowing and tablet transport, electromyographic activity was recorded in the left suprahyoid muscles, and videofluorographic images were examined.

Key findings

All tablet conditions (size, number and surface coating) affected the swallowing performance in terms of total number of swallows, electromyographic burst patterns and location of remaining tablets. Increases in the size and number of tablets increased the number of swallows and electromyographic burst area and duration. In addition, all of these parameters increased while swallowing tablets without a coating compared with tablets with a coating. Location of the remaining tablets was mainly within the mouth.

Conclusions

This study only clarified the normal pattern of tablet swallowing under several conditions in healthy subjects, but the results may facilitate comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning in terms of administering medication to dysphagic patients.
Patterns of nest reuse in forest raptors and their effects on reproductive output
Authors: Jiménez‐Franco M. V. , Martínez J. E. , Calvo J. F.
Published: October 2013

The presence of old nest structures can be an influential resource in reuse patterns and reproductive output for some birds. We used 15‐year territorial occupancy data referring to the booted eagle Aquila pennata (a trans‐Saharan migrant) and the common buzzard Buteo buteo (a sedentary species in southeastern Spain) to analyse old nest effects in territorial settlement patterns (new territories, new establishments in old territories and reoccupancies), to describe the patterns of nest building versus nest reuse and to test whether nest building is costly in terms of current reproductive output. The results indicated that the rates of reoccupancy and new establishments in old territories were higher than the rates of creating new territories for both booted eagles (74.13, 23.35 and 2.52%, respectively) and common buzzards (58.25, 38.84 and 2.91%, respectively). When breeding pairs settled in old territories, we observed a noticeably lower pattern of nest building than nest reuse both in booted eagles (10.03 vs. 89.97%) and common buzzards (8.00 vs. 92.00%). The nest‐building rate by booted eagles was significantly lower in reoccupancies than in new establishments in old territories. Reproductive output for each species was not increased by nest reuse, although breeding success and productivity were significantly higher when newly established booted eagles constructed new nests than when reusing old nests. Our findings provides an interesting view on how forest raptors use old nests as important resources, probably taking them as location cues for nesting site selection and suggesting that unused nest sites should be left undisturbed since they could attract breeding raptor pairs in future years.
Development and validation of a set of standard area diagrams to aid in estimation of spot blotch severity on wheat leaves
Authors: Domiciano G. P. , Duarte H. S. S. , Moreira E. N. , Rodrigues F. A.
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram (SAD) set to quantify the severity of spot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, on wheat leaves. The proposed SAD set includes images of leaves with 11 distinct disease severities (0·1, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 83%). The SAD set was validated by 12 raters without experience in evaluating plant disease. Lin's concordance correlation analysis of estimated versus actual disease severity (based on image analysis) showed that precision and accuracy improved for all raters using the SAD set in contrast to assessments made without it. The SAD set improved accuracy (coefficient of bias, Cb = 0·88 and 0·99, without and with the SAD set, respectively) and agreement (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, ρc = 0·81 and 0·96 without and with the SAD set, respectively) of the estimates of severity. The severity estimates were also more reliable when using the SAD set (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0·76 unaided and R2 = 0·92 with the SAD set, and intra‐class correlation ρ = 0·79 without the SAD set and ρ = 0·95 using the SAD set). The SAD set proposed in this study will improve the accuracy and reliability of estimates of spot blotch severity on wheat leaves.
Epidemiological comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA‐B*27 carrier status of Chinese Ankylosing Spondylitis patients
Authors: Yang M. , Xu M. , Pan X. , Hu Z. , Li Q. , Wei Y. , Zhang Y. , Rong J. , Zhai J. , He P. , Hu S. , Song H. , Wu H. , Zhan F. , Liu S. , Gao G. , Liu Z. , Li Y. , Shen L. , Huang A. , Lin Z. , Liao Z. , Cao S. , Wei Q. , Li Q. , Lv Q. , Qi J. , Li T. , Jin O. , Pan Y. , Gu J.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the clinical manifestations between HLA‐B27+ and HLA‐B27− ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients in order to obtain knowledge of the impact of HLA‐B27 status on AS, and to inform clinical treatment. A nationwide epidemiological investigation was performed from November 2008 to October 2010. The demographic data and clinical characteristics, and the status of HLA‐B27 were collected using questionnaires and laboratory assay, respectively. A total of 2144 patients (78.5% males and 78.4% HLA‐B27+ AS patients) participated in this study. The percentages of males, patients with family history, and involvement of lumbar spine, thoracic spine and hip joints, were observed to be significantly higher in the HLA‐B27+ AS patients than in their HLA‐B27−AS peers.
Association of HLA‐G promoter and 14‐bp insertion–deletion variants with acute allograft rejection and end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Misra M. K. , Prakash S. , Kapoor R. , Pandey S. K. , Sharma R. K. , Agrawal S.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the HLA‐G 14‐bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism among end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, acute allograft rejection (AR) and overall survival after renal transplantation was investigated in 300 ESRD patients and 302 age, sex and ethnicity‐matched controls. Sequencing was performed to evaluate the impact of HLA‐G promoter region single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) whereas semi‐quantitative PCR method was used to determine the probable HLA‐G expression pattern among ESRD and AR cases. Further, soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G (sHLA‐G) expression levels were compared in AR vs non‐AR cases in the light of HLA‐G 14‐bp I/D polymorphism. Increased risk was found for 14‐bp D/D (deletion‐DD) genotype and 14‐bp D allele [DD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–2.06, P value = 0.0358; D: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03–1.62, P value = 0.0277], respectively for ESRD and CMV infection (DD: OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.45–5.05, P value = 0.0021; D: OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.22–3.08, P value = 0.0052). Nearly fourfold (OR = 3.62, 95%CI = 1.61‐8.14, p = 0.0039) risk was observed for 14‐bp I/I (insertion‐II) genotype for AR. Survival analysis showed increased overall survival (OS) (AR or death) for 14‐bp D/D genotype. HLA‐G promoter region sequencing was carried out among 60 ESRD patients and 100 normal controls which showed increased risk for −964 G>A, −725 C>G/T and −486 A>C SNPs. −964 G>A and −725 C>G/T SNPs showed risk association for AR patients. High level of HLA‐G transcripts was observed among non‐AR patients. Further soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) showed increased levels in ESRD patients (mean ± SEM; 62.16 ± 2.43 U/ml) as compared to controls (mean ± SEM; 21.06 ± 3.89 U/ml) (P = <0.0001). The 14‐bp I/I, 14‐bp I/D and 14‐bp D/D genotypes showed significantly higher levels of sHLA‐G among non‐AR as compared to AR patients.
Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells: a review of clinical applications and manufacturing practices
Authors: Sharma Ratti Ram , Pollock Kathryn , Hubel Allison , McKenna David
Published: October 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently generated great interest in the fields of regenerative medicine and immunotherapy due to their unique biologic properties. In this review we attempt to provide an overview of the current clinical status of MSC therapy, primarily focusing on immunomodulatory and regenerative or tissue repair applications of MSCs. In addition, current manufacturing is reviewed with attention to variation in practices (e.g., starting material, approach to culture and product testing). There is considerable variation among the 218 clinical trials assessed here; variations include proposed mechanisms of action, optimal dosing strategy, and route of administration. To ensure the greatest likelihood of success in clinical trials as the field progresses, attention must be given to the optimization of MSC culture.
Fresh‐frozen plasma transfusion did not reduce 30‐day mortality in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac surgery with excessive bleeding: the PLASMACARD multicenter cohort study
Authors: Doussau Adélaïde , Perez Paul , Puntous Maryse , Calderon Joachim , Jeanne Michel , Germain Christine , Rozec Bertrand , Rondeau Virginie , Chêne Geneviève , Ouattara Alexandre , Janvier Gérard ,   PLASMACARD Study Group
Published: October 2013

Background

During on‐pump cardiac surgery, hemorrhagic complications occur frequently. Fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) is widely transfused to provide coagulation factors. Yet, no randomized clinical trial has demonstrated its benefits on mortality. We assessed the relationship between therapeutic transfusion of FFP and 30‐day mortality in cardiac surgery patients suffering from excessive bleeding in a prospective cohort study.

Study Design and Methods

Adult patients who underwent on‐pump cardiac surgery and experienced excessive bleeding during the 48‐hour perioperative period were recruited from 15 French centers between February 2004 and January 2006. Patients who received a preventive FFP transfusion were excluded. The association between FFP transfusion and all cause 30‐day mortality was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounding. A propensity score (PS) sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results

Among 967 patients included in this study, 58.1% received FFP. The median dose was 11.3 mL/kg (interquartile range, 7.6‐19.5). The cumulative 30‐day mortality rate was 11.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5‐13.5). FFP transfusion was associated with a higher 30‐day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7‐6.1) in univariate analysis; however, after adjusting for prognostic factors, there was no longer any association (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.8‐3.0, p = 0.20). The results of the PS analysis were consistent with the adjusted analysis.

Conclusion

Among on‐pump cardiac surgery patients experiencing excessive perioperative bleeding, there is no evidence of a beneficial impact of FFP transfusion on mortality.
Defining a reference range for cold agglutinin titers
Authors: Bendix Brenda J. , Tauscher Craig D. , Bryant Sandra C. , Stubbs James R. , Jacob Eapen K.
Published: October 2013

Background

The cold agglutinin (CAGG) titer is offered at our institution to aid in diagnosing cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Our goal was to create a seasonally adjusted reference range using prospective samples and compare it to a reference range generated retrospectively.

Study Design and Methods

Prospective CAGG titer testing was performed on healthy blood donors. Retrospective electronic analysis was performed on patients in two groups defined by current and historical testing methods. Blood donor testing was performed in January and July to determine if seasonal variation existed. Retrospective patients with conditions associated with CAD were excluded from analysis. Additional prospective CAGG testing using reference range program volunteers was performed to verify blood donor and patient result differences.

Results

Titers from the blood donor and patient cohorts had no age association (p > 0.44). Titers from those same cohorts did not show winter/summer variation (p > 0.11). No sex association was found with titer reference ranges in the blood donor and historical patient cohort. A sex association was found with titers in the current method patient cohort (male 64 to 512 and female ≤64; p < 0.0001). Blood donor CAGG titer lower 95% reference range was not more than 4 while historical and current patient cohorts ranges were not more than 32 and not more than 64, respectively. Reference range volunteers confirmed the narrow reference range in healthy individuals when compared to patients and blood donors.

Conclusion

Prospective blood donor CAGG titers were lower than retrospective patient cohorts. This may be due to blood donors representing a healthier population than the patient cohorts.
Investigation of the effects of cell model and subcellular location of gold nanoparticles on nuclear dose enhancement factors using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Cai Zhongli , Pignol Jean‐Philippe , Chattopadhyay Niladri , Kwon Yongkyu Luke , Lechtman Eli , Reilly Raymond M.
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

The authors’ aims were to model how various factors influence radiation dose enhancement by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and to propose a new modeling approach to the dose enhancement factor (DEF).

Methods:

The authors used Monte Carlo N‐particle (MCNP 5) computer code to simulate photon and electron transport in cells. The authors modeled human breast cancer cells as a single cell, a monolayer, or a cluster of cells. Different numbers of 5, 30, or 50 nm AuNPs were placed in the extracellular space, on the cell surface, in the cytoplasm, or in the nucleus. Photon sources examined in the simulation included nine monoenergetic x‐rays (10–100 keV), an x‐ray beam (100 kVp), and125I and 103Pd brachytherapy seeds. Both nuclear and cellular dose enhancement factors (NDEFs, CDEFs) were calculated. The ability of these metrics to predict the experimental DEF based on the clonogenic survival of MDA‐MB‐361 human breast cancer cells exposed to AuNPs and x‐rays were compared.

Results:

NDEFs show a strong dependence on photon energies with peaks at 15, 30/40, and 90 keV. Cell model and subcellular location of AuNPs influence the peak position and value of NDEF. NDEFs decrease in the order of AuNPs in the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, and extracellular space. NDEFs also decrease in the order of AuNPs in a cell cluster, monolayer, and single cell if the photon energy is larger than 20 keV. NDEFs depend linearly on the number of AuNPs per cell. Similar trends were observed for CDEFs. NDEFs using the monolayer cell model were more predictive than either single cell or cluster cell models of the DEFs experimentally derived from the clonogenic survival of cells cultured as a monolayer. The amount of AuNPs required to double the prescribed dose in terms of mg Au/g tissue decreases as the size of AuNPs increases, especially when AuNPs are in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. For 40 keV x‐rays and a cluster of cells, to double the prescribed x‐ray dose (NDEF = 2) using 30 nm AuNPs, would require 5.1 ± 0.2, 9 ± 1, 10 ± 1, 10 ± 1 mg Au/g tissue in the nucleus, in the cytoplasm, on the cell surface, or in the extracellular space, respectively. Using 50 nm AuNPs, the required amount decreases to 3.1 ± 0.3, 8 ± 1, 9 ± 1, 9 ± 1 mg Au/g tissue, respectively.

Conclusions:

NDEF is a new metric that can predict the radiation enhancement of AuNPs for various experimental conditions. Cell model, the subcellular location and size of AuNPs, and the number of AuNPs per cell, as well as the x‐ray photon energy all have effects on NDEFs. Larger AuNPs in the nucleus of cluster cells exposed to x‐rays of 15 or 40 keV maximize NDEFs.
International Workshop on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection in Medicine
Authors: Sienkiewicz Zenon
Published: October 2013

An international workshop brought together a range of stakeholders to consider protection from non‐ionizing radiation used in medicine, research and cosmetics. Presentations on specific topics were followed by a general discussion on possible improvements in protection. Participants considered that adherence to science‐based, harmonized exposure guidelines to limit exposures for clinical staff and other workers was a key prerequisite to safety in all situations. In addition, to engender an awareness of the risks involved to both the patient as well as the operator, equipment should be operated only by suitably qualified persons who have received appropriate training in the safe use of that device. This training should be carried out under the auspices of an accredited safety provider, and preferably offer a recognized qualification. Specific advice included the necessity for correct eye protection with higher power optical radiation sources, and avoiding the use of ultrasound for all exposures without medical benefit. Finally, the possibility of a harmonized approach to safety for both non‐ionizing and ionizing radiation was considered worthy of further discussion.
Distinct Temporal Patterns of T Cell Receptor Signaling During Positive Versus Negative Selection in Situ
Authors: Melichar Heather J. , Ross Jenny O. , Herzmark Paul , Hogquist Kristin A. , Robey Ellen A.
Published: October 2013

Thymocyte survival and maturation in the thymus depend on transient signaling and thymocyte migration.
Tumor-Specific Activation of an EGFR-Targeting Probody Enhances Therapeutic Index
Authors: Desnoyers Luc R. , Vasiljeva Olga , Richardson Jennifer H. , Yang Annie , Menendez Elizabeth E. M. , Liang Tony W. , Wong Chihunt , Bessette Paul H. , Kamath Kathy , Moore Stephen J. , Sagert Jason G. , Hostetter Daniel R. , Han Fei , Gee Jason , Flandez Jeanne , Markham Kate , Nguyen Margaret , Krimm Michael , Wong Kenneth R. , Liu Shouchun , Daugherty Patrick S. , West James W. , Lowman Henry B.
Published: October 2013

A proteolytically activatable EGFR Probody demonstrates antitumor efficacy while alleviating toxicity.
A Blood-Based Proteomic Classifier for the Molecular Characterization of Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Li Xiao-jun , Hayward Clive , Fong Pui-Yee , Dominguez Michel , Hunsucker Stephen W. , Lee Lik Wee , McLean Matthew , Law Scott , Butler Heather , Schirm Michael , Gingras Olivier , Lamontagne Julie , Allard Rene , Chelsky Daniel , Price Nathan D. , Lam Stephen , Massion Pierre P. , Pass Harvey , Rom William N. , Vachani Anil , Fang Kenneth C. , Hood Leroy , Kearney Paul
Published: October 2013

Systems biology and targeted mass spectrometry were combined to develop and validate a blood-based protein classifier for pulmonary nodules.
An Anti-Depressing Discovery for Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Oliver Trudy G.
Published: October 2013

A drug repurposing strategy identifies tricyclic antidepressants as FDA-approved compounds that combat the growth of small cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine tumors.
Origin, Evolution, and Genotyping of Emergent Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strains in the United States
Authors: Huang Yao-Wei , Dickerman Allan W. , Piñeyro Pablo , Li Long , Fang Li , Kiehne Ross , Opriessnig Tanja , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: October 2013

Coronaviruses are known to infect humans and other animals and cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Here we report the emergence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in the United States and determination of its origin, evolution, and genotypes based on temporal and geographical evidence. Histological lesions in small intestine sections of affected pigs and the complete genomic sequences of three emergent strains of PEDV isolated from outbreaks in Minnesota and Iowa were characterized. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of the three U.S. strains revealed a close relationship with Chinese PEDV strains and their likely Chinese origin. The U.S. PEDV strains underwent evolutionary divergence, which can be classified into two sublineages. The three emergent U.S. strains are most closely related to a strain isolated in 2012 from Anhui Province in China, which might be the result of multiple recombination events between different genetic lineages or sublineages of PEDV. Molecular clock analysis of the divergent time based on the complete genomic sequences is consistent with the actual time difference, approximately 2 to 3 years, of the PED outbreaks between China (December 2010) and the United States (May 2013). The finding that the emergent U.S. PEDV strains share unique genetic features at the 5′-untranslated region with a bat coronavirus provided further support of the evolutionary origin of PEDV from bats and potential cross-species transmission. The data from this study have important implications for understanding the ongoing PEDV outbreaks in the United States and will guide future efforts to develop effective preventive and control measures against PEDV.

IMPORTANCE
The sudden emergence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a coronavirus, for the first time in the United States causes significant economic and public health concerns. Since its recognition in May 2013, PEDV has rapidly spread across the United States, resulting in high mortality in piglets in more than 17 States now. The ongoing outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in humans from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula and the historical deadly nature of the 2002 outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus create further anxiety over the emergence of PEDV in the United States due to the lack of scientific information about the origin and evolution of this emerging coronavirus. Here we report the detailed genetic characterization, origin, and evolution of emergent PEDV strains in the United States. The results provide much needed information to devise effective preventive and control strategies against PEDV in the United States.
Toward Identification of the Genetic Risk Profile for Cryptococcal Disease in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Netea Mihai G.
Published: October 2013

Cryptococcus
spp. are important fungal pathogens that represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. Although cryptococcal disease is one of the major causes of death in HIV-infected patients, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, not all patients at risk with low CD4 counts develop the disease. It has been thus hypothesized that host genetic variation may represent an important susceptibility risk factor for this infection. In their recent study in
mBio
, Rohatgi et al. [S. Rohatgi et al., mBio 4(5):e00573-13, 2013, doi:10.1128/mBio.00573-13] present an important piece of evidence to support this hypothesis, by demonstrating that the
FCGR3A
158 F/V polymorphism has an important impact on susceptibility to cryptococcal disease in HIV-infected patients. The authors present both genetic evidence and immunological validation for the hypothesis that humoral immunity in general and
FCGR3A
-mediated uptake and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in particular play important roles in the pathogenesis of
Cryptococcus
infection. Their discovery that the 158V allele of this polymorphism can increase the risk of
Cryptococcus
infections up to 20-fold in homozygous individuals opens the possibility for risk stratification and personalized treatment of HIV-infected patients.
Phanerozoic basins of North America
Authors: Bally Albert W.
Published: October 2013

Much of North America, particularly most of its major population centers, is underlain by sedimentary basins. Within them, ground water and fossil fuel resources are concentrated. It is therefore not surprising that there is a great deal of interest in the history and evolution of the Phanerozoic basins of North America.

In the following I can only highlight but a few significant facets that concern the sedimentary basins of our continent. The main focus will be on the cratonic basin development of North America because many of the other basins are already treated separately in the different chapters of this volume. My aim will be to compare and contrast the many sedimentary basins and to focus somewhat on coeval subsidence patterns in North America.
Precambrian geology and tectonic history of North America
Authors: Hoffman Paul F.
Published: October 2013

North America is an old continent. Whereas South America and Africa were not assembled until 0.7 Ga, and the assembly of Eurasia began at 0.3 Ga, most of the North American craton has been coherent since 1.7 Ga. This craton, known as Laurentia, included Greenland and northwest Scotland until their partial separation in the Late Cretaceous. This chapter describes the constituents of Laurentia, their aggregation in the Early Proterozoic (Table 1), and subsequent adventures of the craton until the rifting events at the end of the Proterozoic, which gave the continent approximately its present shape.

Radiogenic isotopic data from the Precambrian shield, and from inliers and subsurface samples on the platform indicate that about 55 percent of the area of the craton separated from the mantle in the Archean and about 45 percent in the Proterozoic (Fig. 1). In this regard, the shield is not representative of the craton as a whole, being strongly biased in favor of Archean crust (Fig. 2). Conversely, most of the Proterozoic crust underlies the Phanerozoic sedimentary veneer of the southern interior platform.

The Archean protocraton of Laurentia is an aggregate of seven former microcontinents (Fig. 1): the familiar Superior, Wyoming, Slave, and Nain (North Atlantic) provinces, and the newly recognized Hearne, Rae, and Burwell provinces (formerly parts of the composite Churchill province). The Rae province includes northern, southwestern, and southeastern prongs. Each province is a Late Archean crustal aggregate and contains variable proportions of Early and/or Middle Archean crust. Early Proterozoic rifting and subsequent collisional deformation govern the dimensions of the provinces.
The Quaternary
Authors: Wright H. E.
Published: October 2013

In designing the contents of this chapter I adopted a personal view, for the subject is highly diversified and seems to be too large for a systematic or comprehensive review. I focus on facets of the subject that have stimulated my curiosity and sense of history and have reinforced my holistic view of environmental change, but I also deal with facets that have prompted specific questions by thoughtful students and colleagues—or, more directly, the more cynical question, “What’s so great about the Quaternary?”

Quaternary research involves in one way or another virtually all of the disciplines within the physical sciences, as well as certain aspects of biology, archaeology, and documentary history. Its vigor during the past two decades is illustrated by the introduction of four international journals—Quaternary Research (U.S.) in 1970, Boreas (Nordic countries) in 1972, Journal of Quaternary Science (Britain) in 1982, and Quaternary Science Reviews (London) in 1982—and by the organization of national associations in the United States, Canada, Britain, and several other countries, to say nothing of regional groups like the Friends of the Pleistocene.

But first the source of the strange term Quaternary should be clarified, and why it is spelled with only two r’s. In the early nineteenth century the hypothetical geologic time scale was subdivided into four parts, the Primary being represented by the primordial crystalline rocks of the Earth’s origin, the Secondary by fossiliferous marine rocks derived from the Primary and then consolidated and commonly deformed, the Tertiary by sediments derived from preexisting rocks and containing some extant fossil groups, and the Quaternary by materials derived from preexisting rocks but not consolidated.
North Atlantic Ocean basin; Aspects of geologic structure and evolution
Authors: Vogt Peter R. , Tucholke Brian E.
Published: October 2013

In creating Volume M, the Western North Atlantic region (Vogt and Tucholke, 1986a) for the Geology of North America series, we deemed it best from both oceanographic and plate-tectonic viewpoints to deal with the entire North Atlantic spreading system from the equator to the Arctic (Figs. 1 and 2), rather than limiting treatment to the western half of the ocean basin. Even so, the scope in some places had to be expanded. The Atlantic, like other ocean basins, did not evolve in isolation from global changes in tectonic regime, oceanic circulation, or climate patterns (Fig. 3). The development of plate-tectonic theory since the late 1960s clearly has emphasized the importance of these large-scale linkages.

The present chapter continues this philosophy, summarizing the geology of the North Atlantic but noting linkages to areas outside this ocean basin. The synthesis is based largely on material presented in Volume M. The citation or lack of citation of Volume Μ references here, however, reflects only the thematic fabric of the present synthesis, not the scientific merit of the chapters. We refer the reader to original sources in Volume Μ for more complete treatment. We begin this chapter by noting ties between Volume Μ and several other Geology of North America volumes, and we continue with some “vital statistics” that describe three basic components of the Atlantic in space and time: igneous crust, sediments, and ocean waters. This is followed by a discussion of scales of spatial and temporal variability, with emphasis on the latter. The chapter concludes with a summary of some of the important advances that have occurred in the three years since Volume Μ was published.
North American fossil fuels
Authors: Bird Kenneth J.
Published: October 2013

Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal, uranium, and thorium) are found in considerable abundance in widely distributed sedimentary basins on North America (Bally, this volume, Fig. 1); uranium and thorium occur in hardrock, nonbasin areas as well. For the past 100 years, North America’s energy requirements have been met primarily by fossil fuels, and this will probably be true well into the next century. Although one or more of the fossil fuels have predominated at various times, the trend is toward the fuels with greater concentrations of energy per unit volume. This chapter provides an overview of North America’s fossil fuels, including their geographic and geologic distribution, resource volumes, associated problems, and future research related to solving these problems. Various aspects of these fuels are covered in greater detail in other volumes of this series.

Fossil fuel volumes are described in this chapter as identified resources, reserves, and undiscovered resources. Identified resources are those whose location, characteristics, and quantity are known from specific geologic evidence. This category includes resources that could be economically extracted—reserves—and those that are currently uneconomic to extract. Undiscovered resources are those postulated to exist separate from identified resources. The interrelations of these terms are illustrated on Figure 1, a simplified version of the classification and nomenclature scheme designed for all minerals, developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey (1980). Unconventional resources, a separate resource category not included in Figure 1, but of possible future importance, require extraction techniques different from conventional extraction techniques.
Mineral resources of North America
Authors: Skinner Brian J.
Published: October 2013

The number of mineral deposits, large and small, discovered in North America over the last half millennium has not been tallied, but it must be in the hundreds of thousands. Most discoveries are small and of no more than local importance, but some are giants. As a result, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and the United States have at one time or another each been the world′s leading producer of one or more mineral resources. The complex diversity and the remarkable plenty of the deposits played a vital role in the development of North America′s vibrant societies. From the time of the first European settlers to the present, our use of, and dependence on, mineral resources has grown steadily larger.

Mineral consumption in North America has now reached enormous proportions. For the region as a whole, the mass of mineral resources used directly or indirectly in 1988, by every man, woman, and child, weighed 14 metric tons. There are ap-proximately 360 million people in the region. In Canada and the United States, annual per capita consumption is approximately 16 metric tons; in Mexico and the Caribbean, per capita consumption is lower—closer to 10 metric tons—but still considerable. Nonmetallic resources, such as crushed stone, sand, gravel, clay, cement, and plaster, account for a significant fraction of the consumed mass. Such materials tend to be locally produced, and the sources are so large and widespread that there does not seem to be any reason to suspect that supply limitations lie ahead. But even though supply problems may not be cause for concern, continued massive use of mineral resources does raise environmental concerns. The magnitude of mineral products mined each year now exceeds the magnitude of the sediment transported annually to the sea by streams. Inevitably, use of mineral resources is changing the global environment.
Evolution of the northern Gulf of Mexico, with emphasis on Cenozoic growth faulting and the role of salt
Authors: Worrall D. M. , Snelson S.
Published: October 2013

The northern Gulf of Mexico Basin, although one of the most intensely studied and explored regions in North America, is also one of the most structurally complex (Figs. 1 and 2). Cenozoic depocenters contain abundant growth faults of a variety of shapes, orientations, sizes, and complexities. In addition, salt domes, flows, and massifs combine to form a complex near-surface pattern that tends to mask the origins of many structures. Not surprisingly, a number of contrasting hypotheses have been proposed to explain the growth faults of this region, among them theories invoking shale diapirism, shale compaction, gravity gliding, salt diapirism, and salt flow. Clearly, the best way to understand the various origins of these features is to observe their structural underpinnings at depth; unfortunately, most of the large growth fault systems of the Texas and Louisiana shelf project below the bottoms of seismic lines of 6- or 7-sec record length. However, as will be discussed in this chapter, deep seismic data now available from the Louisiana slope greatly illuminate the spectacular structural development of this province. In addition, palinspastic reconstructions are useful for analyzing the structural development of these features, and for constraining hypotheses on their origins.

Prior to discussing the Cenozoic tectonic development of the northern Gulf of Mexico—the main focus of this chapter—we will briefly review the pre-Cenozoic framework and basic Cenozoic depositional patterns of the Gulf of Mexico Basin, both of which influenced Cenozoic structural styles.

The Gulf of Mexico Basin (Fig. 1) was initiated in the late Middle to early Late Jurassic as a result of crustal attenuation and sea-floor spreading associated with the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea.
Isolated paroxysmal dysarthria caused by a single demyelinating midbrain lesion
Authors: Codeluppi Luca , Bigliardi Guido , Chiari Annalisa , Meletti Stefano
Published: October 2013

Paroxysmal dysarthria is an unusual condition characterised by brief episodes of dysarthria with the sudden onset and frequent recurrence. It has been mainly reported in multiple sclerosis and an association with midbrain lesions has been claimed; however, most of the reported patients had multiple brain alterations so it was difficult to associate this symptom with a specific lesion site. We illustrate the cases of two patients with an isolated demyelinating midbrain lesion presenting paroxysmal dysarthria as the only symptom; both participants had oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid and an unremarkable follow-up. Both patients had benefit from carbamazepine treatment, similarly to previously reported cases. Our report confirms that a demyelinating midbrain lesion is sufficient to provoke paroxysmal dysarthria. It is noteworthy that an erroneous diagnosis of psychogenic disorders was initially made in both cases, highlighting the importance not to underestimate isolated paroxysmal symptoms in clinical practice.
Informing the ‘early years’ agenda in Scotland: understanding infant feeding patterns using linked datasets
Authors: Ajetunmobi Omotomilola , Whyte Bruce , Chalmers James , Fleming Michael , Stockton Diane , Wood Rachel
Published: October 2013

Background

Providing infants with the ‘best possible start in life’ is a priority for the Scottish Government. This is reflected in policy and health promotion strategies to increase breast feeding, which gives the best source of nutrients for healthy infant growth and development. However, the rate of breast feeding in Scotland remains one of the lowest in Europe. Information is needed to provide a better understanding of infant feeding and its impact on child health. This paper describes the development of a unique population-wide resource created to explore infant feeding and child health in Scotland.

Methods

Descriptive and multivariate analyses of linked routine/administrative maternal and infant health records for 731 595 infants born in Scotland between 1997 and 2009.

Results

A linked dataset was created containing a wide range of background, parental, maternal, birth and health service characteristics for a representative sample of infants born in Scotland over the study period. There was high coverage and completeness of infant feeding and other demographic, maternal and infant records. The results confirmed the importance of an enabling environment—cultural, family, health service and other maternal and infant health-related factors—in increasing the likelihood to breast feed.

Conclusions

Using the linked dataset, it was possible to investigate the determinants of breast feeding for a representative sample of Scottish infants born between 1997 and 2009. The linked dataset is an important resource that has potential uses in research, policy design and targeting intervention programmes.
Synthesis of novel ([oligomethylene]alkane-α,ω-diyl) bis(diallylcarbamodithioates); monomers as precursors for RAFT photoplastic polymer networks
Authors: Moorhoff Cornelis M. , Cook Wayne D. , Braybrook Carl
Published: October 2013

An efficient three-component coupling reaction of N,N-diallylamine, carbon disulfide, and bis(allyl chlorides) of the type β,ω-bis(chloromethyl)poly(glycolyl)-α,ω-dienes and other such compounds, in the presence of excess triethylamine in chloroform, has been established. The resulting mixtures gave after aqueous workup novel ([oligomethylene]alkane-α,ω-diyl) bis(diallylcarbamodithioates) that may also function as useful monomers for RAFT-based photoplastic polymer networks.
Response of a floodplain fish community to river-floodplain connectivity: natural versus managed reconnection
Authors: Stoffels R.J. , Clarke K.R. , Rehwinkel R.A. , McCarthy B.J.
Published: October 2013

To restore lateral connectivity in highly regulated river-floodplain systems, it has become necessary to implement localized, “managed” connection flows, made possible using floodplain irrigation infrastructure. These managed flows contrast with “natural”, large-scale, overbank flood pulses. We compared the effects of a managed and a natural connection event on (i) the composition of the large-bodied fish community and (ii) the structure of an endangered catfish population of a large floodplain lake. The change in community composition following the managed connection was not greater than that exhibited between seasons or years during disconnection. By contrast, the change in fish community structure following the natural connection was much larger than that attributed to background, within- and between-year variability during disconnection. Catfish population structure only changed significantly following the natural flood. While the natural flood increased various population rates of native fishes, it also increased those of non-native carp, a pest species. To have a positive influence on native biodiversity, environmental flows may need to be delivered to floodplains in a way that simulates the properties of natural flood pulses. A challenge, however, will be managing river-floodplain connectivity to benefit native more than non-native species.