bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effect of Expressing a Quantitative Goal on Consumer Savings
Authors: LOIBL CÄZILIA , SCHARFF ROBERT L.
Published: March 2010

We examine the effectiveness of implementation intention plans for achieving regular savings with small‐scale, exploratory field research. A series of surveys required participants in a community‐based savings campaign to form implementation intentions concerning timing, mode, amount, and source of income for savings during the next month. Baseline and two follow‐up responses from treatment and control groups showed implementation plans that require individuals to express discretionary quantitative savings goals are less effective than those that require a generalized, nonquantitative commitment to save. This result has implications for savings programs, many of which consider an expressed quantitative goal to be crucial for success.
Colston E. Warne Lecture: Is It Time for Another Round of Consumer Protection? The Lessons of Twentieth‐Century U.S. History
Authors: COHEN LIZABETH
Published: March 2010

The first year of Barack Obama's presidency has returned consumer issues to center stage, with several contentious struggles over consumer protection. This moment can be viewed as a fourth wave of the twentieth‐century consumer movement, and a comparison with the first three waves (during the Progressive Era, the New Deal, and the 1960s–1970s) offers instructive insights. In particular, the contemporary battle over the Consumer Financial Protection Agency bears striking similarities to the failed campaign for a Consumer Protection Agency in the 1970s.
Race‐specific WBC and neutrophil count reference intervals
Authors: LIM E.‐M. , CEMBROWSKI G. , CEMBROWSKI M. , CLARKE G.
Published: March 2010

Healthy African Americans are known to have reduced white blood cell counts (WBC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) compared with European Americans, with little agreement about the levels in reference intervals. The objective is to establish race‐specific reference intervals for WBC and ANC using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2000–2003. A total of 14 184 civilian noninstitutionalized US citizens participated in NHANES 2000–2003 had complete blood count, red cell distribution width, platelet count and automated WBC differential determined on a Coulter MAXM. The exclusion criteria were used: ferritin <12 ng/ml, pregnancy, body mass index >30, diastolic blood pressure >100 mm Hg, creatinine >2.5 mg/dl, glucose >126 mg/dl. Data were separated into six sex/race categories: female non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black (NHBF)], Mexican American; male non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black (NHBM), Mexican American and two age groupings (12–18 and >18 years). NHB 2.5–97.5 percentile WBC and (ANC) limits follow (units: × 109/l): NHBM, ages 12–18: 3.2–9.3 (1.0–6.2); NHBF, ages 12–18: 3.7–10.1 (1.2–6.6); adult NHBM: 3.1–9.9 (1.3–6.6); adult NHBF: 3.4–11 (1.4–7.5). NHB limits are significantly lower than the NHW and MA limits. In most US healthcare organizations, insufficient agreement exists because of large differences in reference intervals for different ethnicities. In areas with peoples of African descent (>10‐–20%), race‐specific WBC and ANC reference intervals must be provided for proper diagnosis and clinical research.
Uric Acid as Prognostic Marker in Advanced Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Comparison With N‐Terminal Pro B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Level
Authors: Kim Hyungseop , Shin Hong‐Won , Son Jihyun , Yoon Hyuck‐Jun , Park Hyoung‐Seob , Cho Yun‐Kyeong , Han Choon‐Duk , Nam Chang‐Wook , Hur Seung‐Ho , Kim Yoon‐Nyun , Kim Kwon‐Bae
Published: March 2010

Although uric acid (UA) level has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, it is unclear whether UA can provide greater prognostic information than N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in advanced heart failure with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). UA and NT‐proBNP values were obtained from a total of 122 DCM patients. Development of clinical events during follow‐up was defined as the composite of cardiac death and readmission for heart failure. During follow‐up, there were 18 cardiac events. UA and NT‐proBNP values were significantly higher in patients with events. The receiver operating characteristics curve showed the area under the curve for UA was greater than that for NT‐proBNP. On multivariate analysis, UA remained the only independent predictor of prognosis. UA concentrations ≥8.7 mg/dL rather than NT‐proBNP ≥3800 pg/mL were associated with significantly decreased event‐free survival. The authors' findings demonstrated that UA value could be an informative predictor in nonischemic DCM. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:153–158. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Student and intern awareness of ionising radiation exposure from common diagnostic imaging procedures
Authors: Zhou GZ , Wong DD , Nguyen LK , Mendelson RM
Published: March 2010

This study aims to evaluate medical student and intern awareness of ionising radiation exposure from common diagnostic imaging procedures and to suggest how education could be improved. Fourth to sixth year medical students enrolled at a Western Australian university and interns from three teaching hospitals in Perth were recruited. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions on their background, knowledge of ionising radiation doses and learning preferences for future teaching on this subject. A total of 331 completed questionnaires were received (95.9%). Of the 17 questions assessing knowledge of ionising radiation, a mean score of 6.0 was obtained by respondents (95% CI 5.8–6.2). Up to 54.8% of respondents underestimated the radiation dose from commonly requested radiological procedures. Respondents (11.3 and 25.5%) incorrectly believed that ultrasound and MRI emit ionising radiation, respectively. Of the four subgroups of respondents, the intern doctor subgroup performed significantly better (mean score 6.9, P < 0.0001, 95% CI 6.5–7.3) than each of the three medical student subgroups. When asked for the preferred method of teaching for future radiation awareness, a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops was preferred. This study has clearly shown that awareness of ionising radiation from diagnostic imaging is lacking among senior medical students and interns. The results highlight the need for improved education to minimise unnecessary exposure of patients and the community to radiation. Further studies are required to determine the most effective form of education.
Deficits in Psychological Well‐Being and Quality‐of‐Life in Minor Depression: Implications for DSM‐V
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A. , Rapaport Mark Hyman , Schettler Pamela J. , Howland Robert H. , Smith Juliana A. , Edwards Deidre , Schneider Trisha , Mischoulon David
Published: March 2010

Objective: To examine deficits in psychological well‐being (PWB) and quality‐of‐life (QOL) in minor depressive disorder (Min D).

Method: Ninety‐three subjects entering a treatment study for Min D were assessed using the QOL, Enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire (Q‐LES‐Q), and the Psychological Well‐Being Scale (PWBS). Scores were compared with major depressive disorder (MDD) and normative community samples.

Results: Even though subjects had mild depressive severity, Q‐LES‐Q total scores for the Min D sample averaged nearly two standard deviations below the community norm. Almost 40% of Min D cases had Q‐LES‐Q scores in the lowest 1% of the population. Responses to most Q‐LES‐Q items were closer to subjects with MDD than to community norms. Mean standardized PWB scores were extremely low for subscales of Environmental Mastery and Self‐Acceptance, low for Purpose in Life and Positive Relations with others, but within the normal range for Personal Growth and Autonomy. QOL and PWB measures had low correlations with depressive symptom severity, and scores were similar in the presence or absence of a prior history of MDD.

Conclusions: Mild depressive symptoms with Min D are associated with major deficits in QOL and PWB measures of environmental mastery and poor self‐acceptance. Our findings suggest that diminished QOL and PWB may be intrinsic cognitive aspects of Min D with or without a history of MDD. It may be unnecessary in the DSM IV‐TR to exclude the diagnosis of Min D if a subject has had a past episode of MDD.

• Minor depression exists along a continuum of depression.

• Deficits in psychological well‐being and quality‐of‐life in minor depression are severe.

• No difference in these measures if minor depression existed with or without a history of major depression.
Soil nitrous oxide and methane fluxes are low from a bioenergy crop (canola) grown in a semi‐arid climate
Authors: BARTON LOUISE , MURPHY DANIEL V. , KIESE RALF , BUTTERBACH‐BAHL KLAUS
Published: March 2010

Understanding nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes from agricultural soils in semi‐arid climates is necessary to fully assess greenhouse gas emissions from bioenergy cropping systems, and to improve our knowledge of global terrestrial gaseous exchange. Canola is grown globally as a feedstock for biodiesel production, however, resulting soil greenhouse gas fluxes are rarely reported for semi‐arid climates. We measured soil N2O and CH4 fluxes from a rain‐fed canola crop in a semi‐arid region of south‐western Australia for 1 year on a subdaily basis. The site included N fertilized (75 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and nonfertilized plots. Daily N2O fluxes were low (−1.5 to 4.7 g N2O‐N ha−1 day−1) and culminated in an annual loss of 128 g N2O‐N ha−1 (standard error, 12 g N2O‐N ha−1) from N fertilized soil and 80 g N2O‐N ha−1 (standard error, 11 g N2O‐N ha−1) from nonfertilized soil. Daily CH4 fluxes were also low (−10.3 to 11.9 g CH4‐C ha−1 day−1), and did not differ with treatments, with an average annual net emission of 6.7 g CH4–C ha−1 (standard error, 20 g CH4–C ha−1). Greatest daily N2O fluxes occurred when the soil was fallow, and following a series of summer rainfall events. Summer rainfall increased soil water contents and available N, and occurred when soil temperatures were >25 °C, and when there was no active plant growth to compete with soil microorganisms for mineralized N; conditions known to promote N2O production. The proportion of N fertilizer emitted as N2O, after correction for emissions from the no N fertilizer treatment, was 0.06%; 17 times lower than IPCC default value for the application of synthetic N fertilizers to land (1.0%). Soil greenhouse gas fluxes from bioenergy crop production in semi‐arid regions are likely to have less influence on the net global warming potential of biofuel production than in temperate climates.
Insulin resistance raises the risk for recurrence of stage I hepatocellular carcinoma after curative radiofrequency ablation in hepatitis C virus‐positive patients: A prospective, case series study
Authors: Imai Kenji , Takai Koji , Nishigaki Yoichi , Shimizu Shogo , Naiki Takafumi , Hayashi Hideki , Uematsu Takahiro , Sugihara Junichi , Tomita Eiichi , Shimizu Masahito , Nagaki Masahito , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Several studies have reported that insulin resistance raises the risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a prospective, case series study to test the impact of insulin resistance on the recurrence after curative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of stage I HCC in HCV‐positive patients.

Methods:  From January 2006 to December 2007, 226 consecutive patients underwent treatment for primary HCC at our institutions, including 37 stage I cases. Among them, 33 were HCV‐positive, and three, six and 24 received curative surgery, transarterial chemoembolization or RFA, respectively. In the 24 patients treated with RFA, recurrence‐free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The factors contributing to recurrence of HCC were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model. Insulin resistance was estimated by the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR).

Results:  Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the recurrence‐free survival was lower in patients with higher HOMA‐IR (>2.3, P = 0.0252) or with lower serum albumin level (<3.3 g/dL, P = 0.0004). In the univariate analysis, HOMA‐IR (P = 0.0420) and albumin (P = 0.0036) were significantly associated with recurrence of HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed albumin (odds ratio = 0.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.0002–0.015, P = 0.0001) and HOMA‐IR (odds ratio = 3.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.57–14.2, P = 0.0015) to be independent predictors for recurrence of HCC.

Conclusion:  Serum albumin level and HOMA‐IR were independent risk factors for recurrence of stage I HCC after curative RFA in HCV‐positive patients. Patients with these factors require closer surveillance.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultrasound for hepatic fat quantification
Authors: Mehta Sanjeev R. , Louise Thomas Elizabeth , Patel Nayna , Crofton Mary E. , McCarthy John , Eliahoo Joseph , Morin Stanislas X. , Fitzpatrick Julie , Durighel Giuliana , Goldstone Anthony P. , Johnston Desmond G. , Bell Jimmy D. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D.
Published: March 2010

Aim:  The increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease requires routine assessment methods. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) is increasingly used for steatosis measurement, but due to cost, is unlikely to become a widely‐used screening tool. Ultrasound is cheaper and more widely available, although subject to observer variability. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound against 1H MRS, using MRS as a gold standard, for the detection and quantification of hepatic fat content.

Methods:  Fifty adults participated (43 men, seven women) in this study. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by ultrasound and 1H MRS. Images were graded by two independent radiologists to classify severity and distribution of liver fat.

Results:  Ultrasound detected liver fat infiltration in 82% of cases measurable by 1H MRS, while liver fat was detectable in 44% of cases graded absent by ultrasound. Ultrasound grading was subjective, with the radiologists in agreement in 53% of cases (κ = 0.39, P = 0.002). Considerable overlap in intrahepatocellular lipid content was observed between different grades: absent (0.0–1.58%), mild (2.2–16.2%), moderate (4.9–26.7%) and severe (8.1–76.8%) steatosis. Ultrasound could not detect liver fat levels below 2% as measured by 1H MRS

Conclusion:  Ultrasound is less sensitive than 1H MRS in detecting very low levels of liver fat content, but is sensitive to fatty infiltration greater than 2%. There is a tendency of higher ultrasound grades to correlate with higher degrees of fatty infiltration, although some overlap exists. Our findings are still consistent with ultrasound being useful as a low cost screening tool.
Advance Selling by a Newsvendor Retailer
Authors: Prasad Ashutosh , Stecke Kathryn E. , Zhao Xuying
Published: March 2010

Retailers often face a newsvendor problem. Advance selling helps retailers to reduce demand uncertainty. Consumers, however, may prefer not to purchase in advance unless given a discount because they are uncertain about their valuation for the product in advance. It is then unclear whether or when advance selling to pass some uncertainty risk to consumers is optimal for the retailer. This paper examines the advance selling price and inventory decisions in a two‐period setting, where the first period is the advance selling period and the second is the selling (and consumption) period. We find that an advance selling strategy is not always optimal, but is contingent on parameters of the market (e.g., market potential and uncertainty) and the consumers (e.g., valuation, risk aversion, and heterogeneity). For example, we find that retailers should sell in advance if the consumers' expected valuation exceeds consumers' expected surplus when not buying early by a certain threshold. This threshold increases with the degree of risk aversion but decreases with stock out risk. If the degree of risk aversion varies across consumers, then a retailer should sell in advance if the probability for a consumer to spot buy is less than a critical fractile.
Oxidative stress: A cause and therapeutic target of diabetic complications
Authors: Araki Eiichi , Nishikawa Takeshi
Published: March 2010

Oxidative stress is defined as excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of diminished anti‐oxidant substances. Increased oxidative stress could be one of the common pathogenic factors of diabetic complications. However, the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the impact of mitochondrial derived ROS (mtROS) on diabetic complications and suggest potential therapeutic approaches to suppress mtROS. It has been shown that hyperglycemia increases ROS production from mitochondrial electron transport chain and normalizing mitochondrial ROS ameliorates major pathways of hyperglycemic damage, such as activation of polyol pathway, activation of PKC and accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGE). Additionally, in subjects with type 2 diabetes, we found a positive correlation between HbA1c and urinary excretion of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), which reflects mitochondrial oxidative damage, and further reported that 8‐OHdG was elevated in subjects with diabetic micro‐ and macro‐ vascular complications. We recently created vascular endothelial cell‐specific manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) transgenic mice, and clarified that overexpression of MnSOD in endothelium could prevent diabetic retinopathy in vivo. Furthermore, we found that metformin and pioglitazone, both of which have the ability to reduce diabetic vascular complications, could ameliorate hyperglycemia‐induced mtROS production by the induction of PPARγ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) and MnSOD and/or activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). We also found that metformin and pioglitazone promote mitochondrial biogenesis through the same AMPK–PGC‐1α pathway. Taking these results, mtROS could be the key initiator of and a therapeutic target for diabetic vascular complications. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00013.x, 2010)
Effect of source/drain-extension dopant species on device performance of embedded SiGe strained p-metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors using millisecond annealing
Authors: Illgen Ralf , Flachowsky Stefan , Herrmann Tom , Klix Wilfried , Stenzel Roland , Feudel Thomas , Höntschel Jan , Horstmann Manfred
Published: March 2010

This article shows the importance of source/drain extension dopant species on the performance of embedded silicon-germanium strained silicon on insulator p-metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) devices, in which the activation was done using only high temperature ultrafast annealing technologies. BF2 and boron were investigated as source/drain extension dopant species. In contrast to unstrained silicon p-MOSFETs, boron source/drain extension implantations enhance device performance significantly compared to devices with BF2 source/drain extension implantations. Measurements show a 30% mobility enhancement and lower external resistance for the devices with boron source/drain extension implantations. The reason for this lies in the amorphization nature of BF2 implantations. Remaining defects after implant annealing affect the stress transfer from the embedded silicon-germanium and the overall hole mobility which leads to the observed performance degradation. Furthermore, TCAD simulations reveal that the mobility degradation with BF2 source/drain extension implantations is equivalent to almost 36% strain relaxation of the embedded silicon-germanium.
Exploring doping options and variability of trigate transistors using atomistic process and device simulations
Authors: Martin-Bragado Ignacio , Moroz Victor , Choi Munkang
Published: March 2010

This work explores several options for the channel-stop implant and source/drain doping for bulk trigate transistors using three-dimensional atomistic simulation. Considering tight silicon fin spacing and difficulty of using conventional ion implantation for the source/drain doping, the authors model both the implantation and plasma doping options. Considering the size of silicon fin and a handful of dopant atoms at play, the kinetic Monte Carlo approach offers a natural way of investigating atomistic effects and device variability. Atomistic device simulation provides an insight into the impact of different doping options on performance and variability of the trigate transistors. The provided insight is instrumental in selecting the best doping options and optimizing the tradeoff between performance and variability.
Effects of working pressure on physical properties of tungsten-oxide thin films sputtered from oxide target
Authors: Riech I. , Acosta M. , Peña J. L. , Bartolo-Pérez P.
Published: March 2010

Tungsten-oxide films were deposited on glass substrates from a metal-oxide target by nonreactive radio-frequency sputtering. The authors have studied the effect that changing Ar gas pressure has on the electrical, optical, and chemical composition in the thin films. Resistivity of WO3 changed ten orders of magnitude with working gas pressure values from 20 to 80 mTorr. Thin films deposited at 20 mTorr of Ar sputtering pressure showed lower resistivity and optical transmittance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed similar chemical composition for all samples irrespective of Ar pressure used. However, XPS analyses of the evolution of W 4f and O 1s peaks indicated a mixture of oxides dependent on the Ar pressure used during deposition.
Behavior and Energy Policy
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Mullainathan Sendhil
Published: March 2010

Investment in scalable, non–price-based behavioral interventions and research may prove valuable in improving energy efficiency.
Extensive Methane Venting to the Atmosphere from Sediments of the East Siberian Arctic Shelf
Authors: Shakhova Natalia , Semiletov Igor , Salyuk Anatoly , Yusupov Vladimir , Kosmach Denis , Gustafsson Örjan
Published: March 2010

Bubble, Bubble, Warming and Trouble

Vast quantities of methane are stored in ocean sediments, mostly in the form of clathrates, but methane is also trapped in submerged terrestrial permafrost that was flooded during the last deglaciation. There is thus concern that climate warming could warm ocean waters enough to release methane cryogenically trapped beneath the seabed, causing even more warming.

Shakova
et al.

(p.
1246
; see the Perspective by

Heimann

) report that more than 80% of the bottom water, and more than 50% of the surface water, over the East Siberian Arctic Shelf, is indeed supersaturated with methane that is being released from the sub-sea permafrost, and that the flux to the atmosphere now is as great as previous estimates of that from the entire world ocean.
Sestrin as a Feedback Inhibitor of TOR That Prevents Age-Related Pathologies
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Budanov Andrei V. , Park Eek Joong , Birse Ryan , Kim Teddy E. , Perkins Guy A. , Ocorr Karen , Ellisman Mark H. , Bodmer Rolf , Bier Ethan , Karin Michael
Published: March 2010

Sestrin and the Consequences of Aging

The protein kinase TOR (target of rapamycin) plays key roles in the control of fundamental biological processes, including growth, metabolism, aging, and immune function. Sestrin proteins show increased abundance in response to stress and have been implicated in control of TOR activity.

Lee
et al.

(p.
1223
; see the Perspective by

Topisirovic and Sonenberg

) characterized
Drosophila
fruit flies lacking sestrins. Sestrins were implicated in a negative feedback loop in which the abundance of sestrins is controlled by TOR activity with sestrins concomitantly also inhibiting activity of TOR. Furthermore, flies lacking sestrins showed accumulation of fat, muscle degeneration, and heart abnormalities similar to those that plague aging humans with a sedentary life-style.
Response to Comment on “Movement Intention After Parietal Cortex Stimulation in Humans”
Authors: Sirigu Angela , Mottolese Carmine , Desmurget Michel
Published: March 2010

Karnath
et al
. argue that the behavioral effects observed in our study after direct parietal and premotor electrical stimulation (DES) could reflect a decrease of local cortical activity. If so, intention and awareness would not reflect the activity of the stimulated area but the recruitment of remote regions. Although tenable, this view does not seem to be the most plausible.
How Stable Is the Methane Cycle?
Authors: Heimann Martin
Published: March 2010

Ship and satellite data help to elucidate how methane emissions from sources such as wetlands may change in a warming climate.
Burn Out or Fade Away?
Authors: Topisirovic Ivan , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: March 2010

A protein whose expression is turned on by stress delays the onset of age-related pathologies.
Unwinding the Milky Way
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: March 2010

For a generation, researchers have sought clues to our galaxy's origins in the rare stars whose compositions most closely approach the purity of the primeval universe.
Cavitary Pulmonary Zygomycosis Caused by
Rhizopus homothallicus
Authors: Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Marak Rungmei S. K. , Shivaprakash M. R. , Gupta Sunita , Garg Rajiv , Sakhuja V. , Singhal Sanjay , Baghela Abhishek , Dixit Ajai , Garg M. K. , Padhye Arvind A.
Published: March 2010

We report the first two proven cases of cavitary pulmonary zygomycosis caused by
Rhizopus homothallicus
. The diagnosis in each case was based on histology, culture of the causal agent, and the nucleotide sequence of the D1/D2 region of the 28S ribosomal DNA.
Genome Rearrangements of Completely Sequenced Strains of
Yersinia pestis
Authors: Liang Ying , Hou Xuexin , Wang Yanhua , Cui Zhigang , Zhang Zhikai , Zhu Xiaoyu , Xia Lianxu , Shen Xiaona , Cai Hong , Wang Jian , Xu Donglei , Zhang Enmin , Zhang Huijuan , Wei Jianchun , He Jinrong , Song Zhizhong , Yu Xue-jie , Yu Dongzheng , Hai Rong
Published: March 2010

Yersinia pestis
has caused three worldwide plagues in human history that have led to innumerable deaths. We have completely sequenced the genomes of two strains (D106004 and D182038) of
Y. pestis
isolated from Yunnan Province of China. The most striking finding of our study is that large amounts of genome rearrangement events exist between the genomes of two Yunnan strains despite being isolated from two foci only 50 kilometers apart. When we compared the genome sequences of the Yunnan strains with six strains (CO92, KIM, 91001, Antiqua, Nepal516, and Pestoides F) of
Y. pestis
sequenced previously, we found that the genomes of
Y. pestis
were divided into 61 relatively independent segments. Pairwise comparisons of all 61 segments among eight strains showed that the Yunnan strains were most closely related to strain CO92. We concluded that
Y. pestis
genomes consist of segments that can change their positions and directions within the genomes caused by genome rearrangements, and our study confirmed the inference that the third plague pandemic originated in Yunnan since the genome sequences of Yunnan strains were closest to the strain CO92 isolated from the United States.
Clinical Evaluation of TRCRapid M.TB for Detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex in Respiratory and Nonrespiratory Specimens
Authors: Tanaka Haruka , Hirose Haruka , Kato Yuko , Kida Saori , Miyajima Eiji
Published: March 2010

The rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is crucial to providing optimal treatment and reducing the spread of infection. We evaluated respiratory and nonrespiratory clinical specimens using a new automated
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) rRNA detection kit (TRCRapid M.TB; Tosoh Bioscience, Tokyo, Japan), which is based on the transcription-reverse transcription concerted reaction (TRC). TRC enables the rapid and completely homogeneous real-time monitoring of isothermal RNA sequence amplification without any postamplification procedures. The results were compared with those obtained by
M. tuberculosis
culture. A total of 1,155 respiratory specimens and 420 nonrespiratory specimens collected from 1,282 patients were investigated. Of the 45 specimens culture positive for MTBC, 42 were TRC positive, and of the 1,530 specimens culture negative for MTBC, 1,523 were TRC negative. Compared to the results of culture, the overall sensitivity and specificity of TRC were 96.6% and 99.9%, respectively, for respiratory specimens and 87.5% and 98.5%, respectively, for nonrespiratory specimens. The sensitivities of TRC were 100% for smear-positive respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens, 88.9% for smear-negative respiratory specimens, and 80% for smear-negative nonrespiratory specimens. No significant differences in test performance between respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens were observed. The TRC method proved to be clinically useful for the rapid identification of MTBC in respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens and in both smear-positive and smear-negative samples.
Detection of Group B
Streptococcus
Bacteria in LIM Enrichment Broth by Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescent
In Situ
Hybridization (PNA FISH) and Rapid Cycle PCR
Authors: Wilson D. A. , Hall G. S. , Procop G. W.
Published: March 2010

The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values for the detection of group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) in 206 LIM enrichment broths by the use of subculture, GBS peptide nucleic acid fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (PNA FISH), and GBS PCR were 96.9%, 100%, 98.6%, and 100%; 98.4%, 100%, 99.3%, and 100%; and 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively.
Lactobacilli Are Prominent in the Initial Stages of Polymicrobial Infection of Dental Pulp
Authors: Nadkarni Mangala A. , Simonian Mary R. , Harty Derek W. S. , Zoellner Hans , Jacques Nicholas A. , Hunter Neil
Published: March 2010

In earlier studies we used molecular methods to identify the major bacterial consortia associated with advanced dentin caries. These consortia are dominated by bacteria from the families
Lactobacillaceae
,
Streptococcaceae
,
Veillonellaceae
(formerly
Acidaminococcaceae
),
Eubacteriaceae
, and
Lachnospiraceae
from the phylum
Firmicutes
;
Coriobacteriaceae
,
Bifidobacteriaceae
, and
Propionibacteriaceae
from the phylum
Actinobacteria
; and
Prevotellaceae
from the phylum
Bacteroidetes
, as well as fusobacteria. The phases of infection of vital pulp tissue by dentin microorganisms remain obscure. In the present study, fluorescence
in situ
hybridization was performed on sections of tissue embedded in resin. Probes for 16S rRNA corresponding to the major taxa of bacteria in carious dentin were used to provide information on the characteristics of pulp infection. Lactobacilli were prominent in 7 of 8 pulps determined to be at a limited stage of infection. Established infection (6 pulps) showed a more complex profile, with lactobacilli persisting in all of the lesions and with invasion of the necrotic regions of tissue by
Bacteroidetes
, fusobacteria,
Lachnospiraceae
, and
Coriobacteriaceae
in particular. Advanced infections (7 pulps) were characterized by mixed anaerobic species, with a strong representation by
Coriobacteriaceae
and
Lachnospiraceae
. Lactobacilli were not represented at this stage. Typically, groups of organisms were spatially isolated within the pulp tissue. Analysis indicated that lactobacilli could invade vital pulp tissue to achieve a very high biomass that was not associated with a detectable local inflammatory infiltrate. The findings establish that invasion of the dental pulp can be associated with a pronounced selection from the complex microbial populations within carious dentin, suggesting specific pathogenicity.
Association of Recurrent Furunculosis with Panton-Valentine Leukocidin and the Genetic Background of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Masiuk Helena , Kopron Katarzyna , Grumann Dorothee , Goerke Christiane , Kolata Julia , Jursa-Kulesza Joanna , Giedrys-Kalemba Stefania , Bröker Barbara M. , Holtfreter Silva
Published: March 2010

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections, such as furuncles, carbuncles, and abscesses, but it also frequently colonizes the human skin and mucosa without causing clinical symptoms. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a pore-forming toxin that has been associated with soft tissue infections and necrotizing pneumonia. We have compared the genotypes, virulence gene repertoires, and phage patterns of 74 furunculosis isolates with those of 108 control strains from healthy nasal carriers. The large majority of furunculosis strains were methicillin sensitive. Clonal cluster (CC) 121 (CC121) and CC22 accounted for 70% of the furunculosis strains but for only 8% of the nasal isolates. The PVL-encoding genes
luk-PV
were detected in 85% of furunculosis strains, while their prevalence among colonizing
S. aureus
strains was below 1%.
luk-PV
genes were distributed over several lineages (CCs 5, 8, 22, 30, and 121 and sequence type 59). Even within the same lineages,
luk-PV
-positive phages characterized furunculosis strains, while their
luk-PV
-negative variants were frequent among nasal strains. The very tight epidemiological linkage between
luk-PV
and furunculosis, which could be separated from the genetic background of the
S. aureus
strain as well as from the gene makeup of the
luk-PV
-transducing phage, lends support to the notion of an important role for PVL in human furunculosis. These results make a case for the determination of
luk-PV
in recurrent soft tissue infections with methicillin-sensitive as well as methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
.
Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus Origin of Plasmid Replication (OriP) by the S-Phase Checkpoint Kinase Chk2
Authors: Zhou Jing , Deng Zhong , Norseen Julie , Lieberman Paul M.
Published: March 2010

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) origin of plasmid replication (OriP) is required for episome stability during latent infection. Telomere repeat factor 2 (TRF2) binds directly to OriP and facilitates DNA replication and plasmid maintenance. Recent studies have found that TRF2 interacts with the DNA damage checkpoint protein Chk2. We show here that Chk2 plays an important role in regulating OriP plasmid stability, chromatin modifications, and replication timing. The depletion of Chk2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) leads to a reduction in DNA replication efficiency and a loss of OriP-dependent plasmid maintenance. This corresponds to a change in OriP replication timing and an increase in constitutive histone H3 acetylation. We show that Chk2 interacts with TRF2 in the early G
1
/S phase of the cell cycle. We also show that Chk2 can phosphorylate TRF2
in vitro
at a consensus acceptor site in the amino-terminal basic domain of TRF2. TRF2 mutants with a serine-to-aspartic acid phosphomimetic substitution mutation were reduced in their ability to recruit the origin recognition complex (ORC) and stimulate OriP replication. We suggest that the Chk2 phosphorylation of TRF2 is important for coordinating ORC binding with chromatin remodeling during the early S phase and that a failure to execute these events leads to replication defects and plasmid instability.
A Detrimental Effect of Interleukin-10 on Protective Pulmonary Humoral Immunity during Primary Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Sun Keer , Torres Luisa , Metzger Dennis W.
Published: March 2010

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important anti-inflammatory molecule that can cause immunosuppression and long-term pathogen persistence during chronic infection of mice with viruses such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. However, its specific role in immunity to acute viral infections is not fully understood. We found that IL-10 plays a detrimental role in host responses to acute influenza A virus since IL-10
−/−
mice had improved viral clearance and survival after infection compared to wild-type mice. Enhanced viral clearance in IL-10
−/−
mice was not correlated with increased CD4
+
or CD8
+
T-cell recruitment into the lung but was correlated with increased pulmonary anti-influenza virus antibody titers, and this was dependent upon the presence of T cells, primarily CD4
+
T cells. In addition, virus-specific antibody produced during the early stages of infection in the respiratory tract of IL-10
−/−
but not wild-type mice was sufficient to mediate passive protection against viral challenge of naïve mice. Complement was necessary for this antibody-mediated passive protection, but FcγR or neutrophil deficiency did not significantly influence viral clearance. Our results show that an absence of IL-10 at the time of primary infection leads to enhanced local virus-specific antibody production and, thus, increased protection against influenza A virus infection.
Innate Immune Responses and Permissiveness to Ranavirus Infection of Peritoneal Leukocytes in the FrogXenopus laevis
Authors: Morales Heidi D. , Abramowitz Lara , Gertz Jacqueline , Sowa Jessica , Vogel Ashley , Robert Jacques
Published: March 2010

Ranaviruses such as frog virus 3 ([FV3] familyIridoviridae) are increasingly prevalent pathogens that infect reptiles, amphibians, and fish worldwide. Whereas studies in the frogXenopus laevishave revealed the critical involvement of CD8 T-cell and antibody responses in host resistance to FV3, little is known about the role played by innate immunity to infection with this virus. We have investigated the occurrence, composition, activation status, and permissiveness to infection of peritoneal leukocytes (PLs) inXenopusadults during FV3 infection by microscopy, flow cytometry, and reverse transcription-PCR. The total number of PLs and the relative fraction of activated mononucleated macrophage-like cells significantly increase as early as 1 day postinfection (dpi), followed by NK cells at 3 dpi, before the peak of the T-cell response at 6 dpi. FV3 infection also induces a rapid upregulation of proinflammatory genes including arginase 1, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Although PLs are susceptible to FV3 infection, as evidenced by apoptotic cells, active FV3 transcription, and the detection of viral particles by electron microscopy, the infection is weaker (fewer infectious particles), more transitory, and involves a smaller fraction (less than 1%) of PLs than the kidney, the main site of infection. However, viral DNA remains detectable in PLs for at least 3 weeks postinfection, past the point of viral clearance observed in the kidneys. This suggests that although PLs are actively involved in anti-FV3 immune responses, some of these cells can be permissive and harbor quiescent, asymptomatic FV3.
Binding Site on the Transferrin Receptor for the Parvovirus Capsid and Effects of Altered Affinity on Cell Uptake and Infection
Authors: Goodman Laura B. , Lyi Sangbom M. , Johnson Natalie C. , Cifuente Javier O. , Hafenstein Susan L. , Parrish Colin R.
Published: March 2010

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and its relative feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) bind the transferrin receptor type 1 (TfR) to infect their host cells but show differences in the interactions with the feline and canine TfRs that determine viral host range and tissue tropism. We changed apical and protease-like domain residues by introducing point mutations and adding or removing glycosylation signals, and we then examined the interactions of those mutant TfRs with the capsids. Most substitutions had little effect on virus binding and uptake. However, mutations of several sites in the apical domain of the receptor either prevented binding to the capsids or reduced the affinity of receptor binding to various degrees. Glycans within the virus binding face of the apical domain also controlled capsid binding. CPV, but not the related feline parvovirus, could use receptors containing a canine TfR-specific glycosylation to mediate efficient infection, while addition of other N-linked glycosylation sites into the virus binding face of the feline apical domain reduced or eliminated both binding and infection. Replacement of critical feline TfR residue 221 with every amino acid had effects on binding and infection which were significantly associated with the biochemical properties of the residue replaced. Receptors with reduced affinities mostly showed proportional changes in their ability to mediate infection. Testing feline TfR variants for their binding and uptake patterns in cells showed that low-affinity versions bound fewer capsids and also differed in attachment to the cell surface and filopodia, but transport to the perinuclear endosome was similar.
The First Complete Papillomavirus Genome Characterized from a Marsupial Host: a Novel Isolate from
Bettongia penicillata
Authors: Bennett Mark D. , Reiss Andrea , Stevens Hans , Heylen Elisabeth , Van Ranst Marc , Wayne Adrian , Slaven Michael , Mills Jennifer N. , Warren Kristin S. , O'Hara Amanda J. , Nicholls Philip K.
Published: March 2010

The first fully sequenced papillomavirus (PV) of marsupials, tentatively named
Bettongia penicillata
papillomavirus type 1 (BpPV1), was detected in papillomas from a woylie (
Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi
). The circular, double-stranded DNA genome contains 7,737 bp and encodes 7 open reading frames (ORFs),
E6
,
E7
,
E1
,
E2
,
E4
,
L2
, and
L1
, in typical PV conformation. BpPV1 is a close-to-root PV with
L1
and
L2
ORFs most similar to European hedgehog PV and bandicoot papillomatosis carcinomatosis virus types 1 and 2 (BPCV1 and -2). It appears that the BPCVs arose by recombination between an ancient PV and an ancient polyomavirus more than 10 million years ago.
The nature of the bond-length change upon molecule complexation
Authors: Wang Weizhou , Zhang Yu , Ji Baoming
Published: March 2010

The nature of the bond-length change upon molecule complexation has been investigated at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. Our results have clearly shown that the X–Y bond-length change upon complex formation is determined mainly by the electrostatic attractive interaction and the charge-transfer interaction. In the case of strongly polar bond, the electrostatic interaction always causes bond elongation while in the case of weakly polar bond it causes bond contraction. The charge-transfer interaction generally results in the X–Y bond elongation; either it is a more polar bond or it is a less polar bond. Employing this simple “electrostatic interaction plus charge-transfer interaction” explanation, we explained and predicted many interesting phenomena related to the bond-length change upon molecule complexation. In addition, the difference between the origin of the bond-length change upon hydrogen-bonded complex formation and the origin of the bond-length change upon halogen-bonded complex formation was also discussed.
Out of the darkness and into the light: bright field in situ hybridisation for delineation ofERBB2(HER2) status in breast carcinoma
Authors: Gruver Aaron M , Peerwani Ziad , Tubbs Raymond R
Published: March 2010

Assessment ofERBB2(HER2)status in breast carcinomas has become critical in determining response to the humanised monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. The current joint College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for the evaluation ofHER2status in breast carcinoma involve testing by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). However, neither of these modalities is without limitations. Novel bright field in situ hybridisation techniques continue to provide viable alternatives to FISH testing. While these techniques are not limited to evaluation of theHER2gene, the extensive number of studies comparing bright field in situ techniques with other methods of assessingHER2status allow a robust evaluation of this approach. Analysis of the literature demonstrates that, when used to assessHER2gene status, bright field in situ hybridisation demonstrates excellent concordance with FISH results. The average percentage agreement in an informal analysis of studies comparingHER2amplification by chromogenic in situ hybridisation with FISH was 96% (SD 4%); κ coefficients ranged from 0.76 to 1.0. Although a much smaller number of studies are available for review, similar levels of concordance have been reported in studies comparingHER2amplification by methods employing metallography (silver in situ hybridisation) with FISH. A summary of the advancements in bright field in situ hybridisation, with focus on those techniques with clinical applications of interest to the practicing pathologist, is presented.
My approach to the immunogenetics of haematopoietic stem cell transplant matching: Figure 1
Authors: Sage Deborah
Published: March 2010

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is now viewed as an effective treatment modality for a wide and varied number of diseases including both malignant and non-malignant haematological diseases, bone marrow failures, inherited immunodeficiencies and congenital metabolic disorders. This review will discuss the immunogenetic factors that play an influential role in the successful outcome of HSCT, most importantly the human leucocyte antigens (HLAs). Advances in HLA typing techniques enabling the definition of HLA types at the allele level have made it possible to investigate the impact of mismatching at individual HLA loci on HSCT outcome. Such studies have informed the strategy used for selection of both related and unrelated donors. This strategy, including the histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory testing required, is discussed in the context of published data, guidelines and recommendations.
Prevalence ofTrichomonas vaginalisinfection in women attending a major gynaecological hospital in Greece: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Piperaki Evangelia-Theophano , Theodora Marianna , Mendris Michael , Barbitsa Louisa , Pitiriga Vassiliki , Antsaklis Aris , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: March 2010

Background

The prevalence ofTrichomonas vaginalisis not accurately estimated, since it is not a reportable disease.

Aims

To assess the prevalence ofT vaginalisinfection in women attending a Greek gynaecological hospital and to evaluate four diagnostic methods forT vaginalisinfection.

Methods

255 symptomatic and 247 asymptomatic women were included in the study during 2006–07; 372 were Greek and 130 were immigrants.T vaginaliswas detected in vaginal samples, using wet mount, culture in modified Diamond's medium, antigen detection and two PCR assays, targeting different regions ofT vaginalisgenome. Specimens were considered positive forT vaginalis, when tested positive either by culture or by both PCRs.

Results

23 women (4.6%) were positive forT vaginalis. Seven of the 23 positive samples (30.4%) were only PCR-positive. Infection was more prevalent in symptomatic women (6.7%) than in asymptomatic ones (2.4%).T vaginaliswas more frequently detected in immigrants (7.9%) than in Greek women (3.3%).Gardnerella vaginalisinfection was significantly more frequent in women infected withT vaginalis. PCR was the most sensitive method (100%), followed by culture (69.6%), wet mount (69.6%) and latex agglutination (54.6%). Agreement between PCR and culture as well as wet mount examination was very good (κ=0.79).

Conclusions

The study shows a relatively low percentage of trichomoniasis in the female population living in Athens. The infection was more prevalent among immigrants, and a proportion of the infected women was asymptomatic. The tested methods had good agreement and PCR was found to improve the diagnostic yield considerably.