bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Mg2TiO4 Ceramics Synthesized by Mechanical Method
Authors: Bhuyan Ranjan K. , Kumar Thatikonda S. , Pamu Dobbidi , James Ajit R.
Published: April 2013

Low loss Mg2TiO4 (MTO) ceramics have been synthesized by mechanical synthesis method. The effect of processing parameters, on initial particle size, microstructure, relative density, and microwave dielectric properties of MTO ceramics are investigated. The maximum relative density was obtained 97.75%, and uniform microstructure is observed for the sample sintered at 1325°C for 3 h. The driving force for the sintering can be attributed to the surface energy of fine powders and their defect energy. There is not much variation in dielectric constant (εr) where as Q × fo is affected and the values of Q × fo are in the range of 99,500–155,500.
Structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose reduces glycated hemoglobin in insulin‐treated diabetes
Authors: Kato Noriko , Cui Jinyan , Kato Mitsutoshi
Published: April 2013

The aim of the preset study was to investigate the effectiveness of structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in insufficiently controlled insulin‐treated diabetes. A total of 86 insulin‐treated patients were randomized to a routine testing group (RTG; n = 43) and a structured testing group (STG; n = 43). The STG used a chart to record seven‐point blood glucose (BG) profile on three consecutive days per month. The primary end‐point was the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 3 months and 6 months. There were no significant differences of HbA1c between the RTG and STG at 3 months. However, the STG had significantly improved HbA1c at 6‐month follow‐up compared with the RTG (P = 0.002). In the STG, HbA1c decreased by 0.5% from 7.9 (SD 0.5) to 7.4 (0.7)%, whereas it decreased by 0.1% in the RTG from 7.9 (0.5) to 7.8 (0.7)%. In the STG, 55% of the patients were willing to continue structured SMBG and they achieved a 0.7% decrease of HbA1c. The present findings suggest that structured SMBG significantly improves glycemic control.
Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation and manual dynamic irrigation on smear layer removal from root canals in a closed apex in vitro model
Authors: Andrabi Syed Mukhtar‐Un‐Nisar , Kumar Ashok , Zia Afaf , Iftekhar Huma , Alam Sharique , Siddiqui Shiraz
Published: April 2013

Aim

To compare the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation with manual dynamic irrigation on smear layer removal from root canals using a closed apex in vitro model.

Methods

The root canals of 45 freshly‐extracted human single‐rooted mandibular premolar teeth were prepared by the Pro‐Taper rotary system to an apical preparation of F4 size. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into three groups; two experimental groups and one control group (n = 15) on the basis of the type of activation of final irrigation as follows: (a) Group A, 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), no activation received; (b) Group B, 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, ultrasonic activation with a small file; and (c) Group C, 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, manual activation with a master gutta‐percha point. The prepared teeth were decoronated and split into two halves longitudinally, and observed under a scanning electron microscope to assess the removal of the smear layer.

Results

In the apical‐third region, the mean smear scores for groups B and C were significantly less than those of Group A (control group) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both activation techniques are important adjuncts in removing the smear layer, with manual dynamic activation being a simpler, safer, and more cost‐effective technique.
The Union Effect on Wages in Chile: A Two‐Stage Approach Using Panel Data
Authors: Landerretche Oscar , Lillo Nicolás , Puentes Esteban
Published: April 2013

We estimate the union effect on wages in Chile to be between 18 and 24 per cent. We follow a two‐stage procedure that allows us to correct the endogeneity of union status and to separate true from spurious dependence, by exploiting the union history of individuals using panel data. We find evidence of comparative‐advantage sorting in union status, strong true state dependence and a re‐distributional effect of union membership (i.e. wage gains from unionization are larger for lower‐wage earners).
A facies of Kophobelemnon (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) from Santa Maria di Leuca coral province (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mastrototaro Francesco , Maiorano Porzia , Vertino Agostina , Battista Daniela , Indennidate Antonella , Savini Alessandra , Tursi Angelo , D'Onghia Gianfranco
Published: April 2013

During a research cruise carried out in April 2010, aimed at updating the knowledge on the biodiversity of the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) cold‐water coral province (Mediterranean Sea), a facies of the sea pen Kophobelemnon stelliferum (Muller, 1776) was found on mud‐dominated bottoms. This finding represents a new species and a new habitat record from the SML coral province as well as a new bathyal facies in the whole Central Mediterranean Sea. The colonies were collected using an epi‐benthic sledge, at depths between 400 and 470 m. A significant positive relationship between polyp number and colony length was detected. Density of the colonies ranged from 0.003 to 0.038 N·m−2. Differences and affinities between Mediterranean and Atlantic occurrences of K. stelliferum are discussed.
Empirical Innovation of Computational Dual‐Loop Models for Identifying Vehicle Classifications against Varied Traffic Conditions
Authors: Wei Heng , Liu Hao , Ai Qingyi , Li Zhixia , Xiong Hui , Coifman Benjamin
Published: April 2013

Clarifying traffic flow phases is a primary requisite for applying length‐based vehicle classifications with dual‐loop data under various traffic conditions. One challenge lies in identifying traffic phases using variables that could be directly calculated from the dual‐loop data. This article presents an innovative approach and associated algorithm for identifying traffic phases through a hybrid method that incorporates level of service method and K‐means clustering method. The “phase representative variables” are identified to represent traffic characteristics in the traffic flow phase identification algorithm. The traffic factors influencing the vehicle classification accuracy under non‐free traffic conditions are successfully identified using video‐based vehicular trajectory data, and the innovative length‐based vehicle classification models are then developed. The result of the concept‐of‐evidence test with use of sample data indicates that compared with the existing model, the accuracy of the estimated vehicle lengths is increased from 42% to 92% under synchronized and stop‐and‐go conditions. The results also foster a better understanding of the traffic stream characteristics and associated theories to lay out a good foundation for further development of relevant microscopic simulation models with other sensing traffic data sources.
Genetics of human gastrointestinal sensation
Authors: Camilleri M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The objective was to review the genetics of human visceral pain with particular emphasis on pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background

The biomarkers most commonly employed in identifying visceral hypersensitivity are sensation ratings and thresholds or brain imaging during viscus (e.g., rectal) distension. Genetic studies suggest that variation in the control of candidate genes involved in ion channel function, neurotransmitter synthesis, reuptake or receptor functions, and inflammatory disease susceptibility loci may impact variations in prevalence of the symptom phenotype of abdominal pain or IBS, or quantitative traits (intermediate phenotypes) of rectal sensation. The candidate genes include SLC6A4, CNR1, and TNFSF15 reflecting serotonin reuptake, cannabinoid receptors, and inflammatory‐barrier functions. However, other than TNFSF15, the other candidate genes are only univariately associated with pain, IBS symptom complex, or quantitative traits of sensation. These data have generated hypotheses and present opportunities for study of mechanisms and treatment of visceral pain in humans, which remains an unmet clinical need in patients with IBS and functional abdominal pain.
Esophageal motor disease and reflux patterns in patients with advanced pulmonary disease undergoing lung transplant evaluation
Authors: Seccombe J. , Mirza F. , Hachem R. , Gyawali C. P.
Published: April 2013

Background

Advanced pulmonary disorders are linked to esophageal hypomotility and reflux disease. However, characterization of esophageal function using high resolution manometry (HRM) and ambulatory pH monitoring, segregation by pulmonary pathology, and comparison to traditional reflux disease are all limited in the literature.

Methods

Over a 4 year period, 73 patients (55.2 ± 1.3 years, 44F) were identified who underwent esophageal function testing as part of lung transplant evaluation for advanced pulmonary disease (interstitial lung disease, ILD = 47, obstructive lung disease, OLD = 24, other = 2). Proportions of patients with motor dysfunction (≥80% failed sequences = severe hypomotility) and/or abnormal reflux parameters (acid exposure time, AET ≥ 4%) were determined, and compared to a cohort of 1081 patients (48.4 ± 0.4 years, 613F) referred for esophageal function testing prior to antireflux surgery (ARS).

Key Results

The proportion of esophageal body hypomotility was significantly higher within advanced pulmonary disease categories (35.6%), particularly ILD (44.7%), compared to ARS patients (12.1%, P < 0.0001). Abnormal AET was noted in 56.5%, and was similar between ILD and OLD, but less frequent than in the ARS group (P = 0.04). Post‐transplant chronic rejection trended towards association with pretransplant elevated AET in OLD (P = 0.08) but not ILD. Mortality was not predicted by esophageal motor pattern or reflux evidence.

Conclusions & Inferences

Interstitial lung disease has a highly significant association with esophageal body hypomotility. Consequently, prevalence of abnormal esophageal acid exposure is high, but implications for post lung transplant chronic rejection remain unclear.
Leaf venation: structure, function, development, evolution, ecology and applications in the past, present and future
Authors: Sack Lawren , Scoffoni Christine
Published: April 2013

The design and function of leaf venation are important to plant performance, with key implications for the distribution and productivity of ecosystems, and applications in paleobiology, agriculture and technology. We synthesize classical concepts and the recent literature on a wide range of aspects of leaf venation. We describe 10 major structural features that contribute to multiple key functions, and scale up to leaf and plant performance. We describe the development and plasticity of leaf venation and its adaptation across environments globally, and a new global data compilation indicating trends relating vein length per unit area to climate, growth form and habitat worldwide. We synthesize the evolution of vein traits in the major plant lineages throughout paleohistory, highlighting the multiple origins of individual traits. We summarize the strikingly diverse current applications of leaf vein research in multiple fields of science and industry. A unified core understanding will enable an increasing range of plant biologists to incorporate leaf venation into their research.

Contents

Summary
983

I.
Introduction
983

II.
Overall structure of the leaf venation
983

III.
Function of leaf venation traits: a ‘Rosetta Stone’
984

IV.
Development of the leaf vein system
990

V.
Function of the coordinated vein system and scaling up
992

VI.
Plasticity, evolution and assembly of leaf vein traits across growth forms, environments and biomes
992

VII.
Evolution of the leaf vascular system across plant lineages, paleohistory and biogeography
993

VIII.
Applications of leaf venation architecture
995

IX.
Conclusions
996

Acknowledgements
996

References
996
Putting mechanisms into crop production models
Authors: BOOTE KENNETH J. , JONES JAMES W. , WHITE JEFFREY W. , ASSENG SENTHOLD , LIZASO JON I.
Published: April 2013

Crop growth models dynamically simulate processes of C, N and water balance on daily or hourly time‐steps to predict crop growth and development and at season‐end, final yield. Their ability to integrate effects of genetics, environment and crop management have led to applications ranging from understanding gene function to predicting potential impacts of climate change. The history of crop models is reviewed briefly, and their level of mechanistic detail for assimilation and respiration, ranging from hourly leaf‐to‐canopy assimilation to daily radiation‐use efficiency is discussed. Crop models have improved steadily over the past 30–40 years, but much work remains. Improvements are needed for the prediction of transpiration response to elevated CO2 and high temperature effects on phenology and reproductive fertility, and simulation of root growth and nutrient uptake under stressful edaphic conditions. Mechanistic improvements are needed to better connect crop growth to genetics and to soil fertility, soil waterlogging and pest damage. Because crop models integrate multiple processes and consider impacts of environment and management, they have excellent potential for linking research from genomics and allied disciplines to crop responses at the field scale, thus providing a valuable tool for deciphering genotype by environment by management effects.
Perceiving low self‐esteem in close others impedes capitalization and undermines the relationship
Authors: MACGREGOR JENNIFER C. D. , FITZSIMONS GRÁINNE M. , HOLMES JOHN G.
Published: April 2013

Disclosing positive experiences to others (i.e., “capitalization”) is associated with personal and interpersonal benefits (Gable & Reis, 2010). Unfortunately, people who perceive low self‐esteem (LSE) in close others are reluctant to capitalize, holding back from those they expect will be unsupportive (MacGregor & Holmes, 2011). In Study 1, we extend previous findings by demonstrating the importance of the type of experience disclosed; participants capitalized less positively with an (ostensibly) LSE friend when disclosing an accomplishment, not a positive experience attributed to happenstance. In Study 2, we demonstrate the external validity of the phenomenon by examining real discussions between romantic partners. Participants capitalized less positively with their LSE partner, behavior associated with lower relationship satisfaction 6 weeks later (particularly for women).
Effects of ablation of the pars intercerebralis on ecdysteroid quantities and yolk protein expression in the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae
Authors: TANAKA AYAKO , KUGA YOSHIYUKI , TANAKA YOSHIAKI , GOTO SHIN G. , NUMATA HIDEHARU , SHIGA SAKIKO
Published: April 2013

Quantities of ecdysteroid are compared in the haemolymph and ovaries of the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae Robineau‐Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) under reproductive (LD 18 : 6 h at 25 °C) and diapause (LD 12 : 12 h at 20 °C) conditions. The effects of ablation of the pars intercerebralis or ovaries on ecdysteroid quantities and of ablation of the pars intercerebralis on yolk protein expression are examined. Under reproductive conditions, the levels of ecdysteroid in vitellogenic females are high, although the levels in previtellogenic females and females with mature ovaries are low. Under diapause conditions, there are low quantities of ecdysteroid in both the haemolymph and ovaries. Ecdysteroid titres in the haemolymph are not significantly affected by the removal of the ovaries, suggesting that tissues other than the ovaries are also involved in the production of ecdysteroids. Reproductive females in which the pars intercerebralis of the brain is experimentally ablated have ecdysteroid levels that are not significantly different from sham‐operated or intact females. However, yolk protein expression in the fat body is suppressed after removal of the pars intercerebralis. These results suggest that the suppression of ecdysteroid levels in the haemolymph and ovaries is associated with reproductive diapause, and that the pars intercerebralis could play a role in yolk protein synthesis without mediating ecdysteroid production.
Sensitivity to pH and ability to modify ambient pH of the take‐all fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici
Authors: Lebreton L. , Daval S. , Guillerm‐Erckelboudt A.‐Y. , Gracianne C. , Gazengel K. , Sarniguet A.
Published: April 2013

pH is one of the major ambient factors affecting life history traits of soilborne phytopathogenic fungi. The diversity of phenotypic responses to pH changes has not been extensively explored within fungal populations. To investigate this question, the ability of 82 strains of a worldwide collection of the take‐all agent Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) to grow in controlled pH conditions, reflecting their pH sensitivity, was measured. Of these 82 strains, 37 belonged to the G1 type and 45 to the G2 type, the two main genetic groups identified in Ggt populations. The experiments were conducted in Petri dishes on Fahraeus solid media buffered at pH 4·6, 6·0 or 7·0 with citrate–disodium phosphate solutions. The 82 strains exhibited a wide range of hyphal growth rates at the three pH levels. Ten statistically different pH profiles were described. The G2 strains grew significantly better than the G1 on the slightly acidic (pH 6·0) and the neutral (pH 7·0) buffered media. The ability of three strains to change ambient pH was also measured on unbuffered Fahraeus solid media initially adjusted to pH 5·6 or 8·0. All three strains were able to alkalinize the acidic medium. However, important variations between strains in the intensity, range and persistence of this alkalinization were measured. These results provide the first evidence of intraspecific variability in pH sensitivity within soilborne fungal species.
Evidence of long-wave-infrared excited state transition at high temperature (200 K) in 35-layer In0.50Ga0.50As/GaAs quantum dot infrared photodetector
Authors: Adhikary Sourav , Chakrabarti Subhananda
Published: April 2013

Fabricating quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) operable under high temperatures has remained a challenge. The authors report the performance of multispectrum 35-layer In0.50Ga0.50As/GaAs QDIP at high temperatures. Results showed three photoresponse peaks at ∼5.6, 7.4, and 11.5 μm. The third peak is observed only at 200 K, possibly because of transition of electrons from the second excited state of the quantum dot to GaAs barrier state. Peak responsivity value (∼140 mA/W) and maximum D* value (∼1.25 × 1010 cm·Hz1/2/W) is reached at 1.5 V. Responsivity is higher (210 mA/W) at 150 K than 77 K, possibly because of better transport of carriers at higher temperatures. The D* values are ∼4.33 × 108 cm·Hz1/2/W at 150 K and ∼3.3 × 106 cm·Hz1/2/W at 200 K at 1.0 V bias.
Teacherpreneurs: A Bold Brand of Teacher Leadership for 21st-Century Teaching and Learning
Authors: Berry Barnett
Published: April 2013

Challenges facing our public schools demand a bold brand of teacher leadership. Teacherpreneurs, effective teachers who teach students regularly but also incubate and execute the kinds of policies and pedagogies students deserve, represent a new culture of training and ingenuity. Teachers who lead outside the classroom but do not lose their connection to students are best positioned to develop and disseminate best policies and practices for 21st-century teaching and learning.
Understanding Neurocognitive Developmental Disorders Can Improve Education for All
Authors: Butterworth Brian , Kovas Yulia
Published: April 2013

Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are estimated to affect up to 10% of the population, and they co-occur far more often than would be expected, given their prevalences. We need to understand the complex etiology of SLDs and their co-occurrences in order to underpin the training of teachers, school psychologists, and clinicians, so that they can reliably recognize SLDs and optimize the learning contexts for individual learners.
Comment on “
Drosophila
Dosage Compensation Involves Enhanced Pol II Recruitment to Male X-Linked Promoters”
Authors: Ferrari F. , Jung Y. L. , Kharchenko P. V. , Plachetka A. , Alekseyenko A. A. , Kuroda M. I. , Park P. J.
Published: April 2013

Conrad
et al
. (Reports, 10 August 2012, p. 742) reported a doubling of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancy at X-linked promoters to support 5′ recruitment as the key mechanism for dosage compensation in
Drosophila
. However, they employed an erroneous data-processing step, overestimating Pol II differences. Reanalysis of the data fails to support the authors’ model for dosage compensation.
Comment on “
Drosophila
Dosage Compensation Involves Enhanced Pol II Recruitment to Male X-Linked Promoters”
Authors: Straub Tobias , Becker Peter B.
Published: April 2013

Conrad
et al
. (Reports, 10 August 2012, p. 742) reported that
Drosophila
dosage compensation might largely be due to increased recruitment of RNA polymerase II to promoters. A reassessment of the numerical operations revealed that the authors’ calculations are severely confounded by an inappropriate numerical procedure. A rectified analysis strongly suggests that the authors’ conclusions are not supported by their data.
A Neural Marker of Perceptual Consciousness in Infants
Authors: Kouider Sid , Stahlhut Carsten , Gelskov Sofie V. , Barbosa Leonardo S. , Dutat Michel , de Gardelle Vincent , Christophe Anne , Dehaene Stanislas , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine
Published: April 2013

Consciousness Arrives

Neurophysiological measures in human adults correspond to the transition between very brief, “unnoticeable,” and slightly longer-lived visual stimuli that penetrate deeply enough to leave a conscious imprint that subjects report they can “see.”

Kouider
et al.

(p.
376
) have performed parallel behavioral and neurophysiological studies in infants to identify a similar neural signal that appears to mark the development of visual consciousness.
3D Mapping in the Brain
Authors: Barry Caswell , Doeller Christian F.
Published: April 2013

Bats and rats use different neural maps to navigate in their natural spatial surroundings.

[Also see Reports by

Heys
et al.

and
Yartsev and Ulanovsky
]
Trachea Transplants Test the Limits
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: April 2013

More than a dozen ill people have received a bioengineered trachea seeded with stem cells during the past 5 years, but outcomes are mixed, and critics say the treatment may not do what its developers claim.
Chasing Ants—and Robots—to Understand How Societies Evolve
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2013

Laurent Keller's passions go far beyond ants as he taps genomics, robots, and other approaches to answer evolutionary questions.
Rapid Detection of Serum Antibody by Dual-Path Platform VetTB Assay in White-Tailed Deer Infected with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Lyashchenko Konstantin P. , Greenwald Rena , Esfandiari Javan , O'Brien Daniel J. , Schmitt Stephen M. , Palmer Mitchell V. , Waters W. Ray
Published: April 2013

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cervids remains a significant problem affecting farmed herds and wild populations. Traditional skin testing has serious limitations in certain species, whereas emerging serological assays showed promising diagnostic performance. The recently developed immunochromatographic dual-path platform (DPP) VetTB assay has two antigen bands, T1 (MPB83 protein) and T2 (CFP10/ESAT-6 fusion protein), for antibody detection. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of this test by using serum samples collected from groups of white-tailed deer experimentally inoculated with
Mycobacterium bovis
,
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
, or
M. bovis
BCG Pasteur. In addition, we used serum samples from farmed white-tailed deer in herds with no history of TB, as well as from free-ranging white-tailed deer culled during field surveillance studies performed in Michigan known to have bovine TB in the wild deer population. The DPP VetTB assay detected antibody responses in 58.1% of experimentally infected animals within 8 to 16 weeks postinoculation and in 71.9% of naturally infected deer, resulting in an estimated test sensitivity of 65.1% and a specificity of 97.8%. The higher seroreactivity found in deer with naturally acquired
M. bovis
infection was associated with an increased frequency of antibody responses to the ESAT-6 and CFP10 proteins, resulting in a greater contribution of these antigens, in addition to MPB83, to the detection of seropositive animals, compared with experimental
M. bovis
infection. Deer experimentally inoculated with either
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
or
M. bovis
BCG Pasteur did not produce cross-reactive antibodies that could be detected by the DPP VetTB assay. The present findings demonstrate the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of the DPP VetTB test for white-tailed deer, especially in the detection of naturally infected animals.
Reduced Frequency of a CD14+CD16+Monocyte Subset with High Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in Cord Blood Compared to Adult Blood Contributes to Lipopolysaccharide Hyporesponsiveness in Newborns
Authors: Pedraza-Sánchez Sigifredo , Hise Amy G. , Ramachandra Lakshmi , Arechavaleta-Velasco Fabian , King Christopher L.
Published: April 2013

The human innate immune response to pathogens is not fully effective and mature until well into childhood, as exemplified by various responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists in newborns compared to adults. To better understand the mechanistic basis for this age-related difference in innate immunity, we compared tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production by monocytes from cord blood (CB) and adult blood (AB) in response to LAM (lipoarabinomannan fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, a TLR2 ligand) and LPS (lipopolysaccharide fromEscherichia coli, a TLR4 ligand). LPS or LAM-induced TNF-α production was 5 to 18 times higher in AB than in CB monocytes, whereas interleukin-1α (IL-1α) stimulated similar levels of TNF-α in both groups, suggesting that decreased responses to LPS or LAM in CB are unlikely to be due to differences in the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. This impaired signaling was attributable, in part, to lower functional TLR4 expression, especially on CD14+CD16+monocytes, which are the primary cell subset for LPS-induced TNF-α production. Importantly, the frequency of CD14+CD16+monocytes in CB was 2.5-fold lower than in AB (P< 0.01). CB from Kenyan newborns sensitized to parasite antigensin uterohad more CD14+CD16+monocytes (P= 0.02) and produced higher levels of TNF-α in response to LPS (P= 0.004) than CB from unsensitized Kenyan or North American newborns. Thus, a reduced CD14+CD16+activated/differentiated monocyte subset and a correspondingly lower level of functional TLR4 on monocytes contributes to the relatively low TNF-α response to LPS observed in immunologically naive newborns compared to the response in adults.
Validation of a Fluorescence
In Situ
Hybridization Method Using Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes for Detection of Helicobacter pylori Clarithromycin Resistance in Gastric Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Cerqueira Laura , Fernandes Ricardo M. , Ferreira Rui M. , Oleastro Mónica , Carneiro Fátima , Brandão Catarina , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Figueiredo Céu , Keevil Charles W. , Vieira Maria J. , Azevedo Nuno F.
Published: April 2013

Here, we evaluated a previously established peptide nucleic acid-fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (PNA-FISH) method as a new diagnostic test for
Helicobacter pylori
clarithromycin resistance detection in paraffin-embedded gastric biopsy specimens. Both a retrospective study and a prospective cohort study were conducted to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of a PNA-FISH method to determine
H. pylori
clarithromycin resistance. In the retrospective study (
n
= 30 patients), full agreement between PNA-FISH and PCR-sequencing was observed. Compared to the reference method (culture followed by Etest), the specificity and sensitivity of PNA-FISH were 90.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.1% to 99.5%) and 84.2% (95% CI, 59.5% to 95.8%), respectively. In the prospective cohort (
n
= 93 patients), 21 cases were positive by culture. For the patients harboring clarithromycin-resistant
H. pylori
, the method showed sensitivity of 80.0% (95% CI, 29.9% to 98.9%) and specificity of 93.8% (95% CI, 67.7% to 99.7%). These values likely represent underestimations, as some of the discrepant results corresponded to patients infected by more than one strain. PNA-FISH appears to be a simple, quick, and accurate method for detecting
H. pylori
clarithromycin resistance in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. It is also the only one of the methods assessed here that allows direct and specific visualization of this microorganism within the biopsy specimens, a characteristic that allowed the observation that cells of different
H. pylori
strains can subsist in very close proximity in the stomach.
Real-Time Optical Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Fredborg Marlene , Andersen Klaus R. , Jørgensen Erik , Droce Aida , Olesen Tom , Jensen Bent B. , Rosenvinge Flemming S. , Sondergaard Teis E.
Published: April 2013

Rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing is in high demand in health care fields as antimicrobial-resistant bacterial strains emerge and spread. Here, we describe an optical screening system (oCelloScope) which, based on time-lapse imaging of 96 bacteria-antibiotic combinations at a time, introduces real-time detection of bacterial growth and antimicrobial susceptibility with imaging material to support the automatically generated graphs. Automated antibiotic susceptibility tests of a monoculture showed statistically significant antibiotic effects within 6 min and within 30 min in complex samples from pigs suffering from catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The oCelloScope system provides a fast high-throughput screening method for detecting bacterial susceptibility that might entail an earlier diagnosis and introduction of appropriate targeted therapy and thus combat the threat from multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The oCelloScope system can be employed for a broad range of applications within bacteriology and might present new vistas as a point-of-care instrument in clinical and veterinary settings.
CDK9-Dependent Transcriptional Elongation in the Innate Interferon-Stimulated Gene Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tian Bing , Zhao Yingxin , Kalita Mridul , Edeh Chukwudi B. , Paessler Slobodan , Casola Antonella , Teng Michael N. , Garofalo Roberto P. , Brasier Allan R.
Published: April 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus responsible for lower respiratory tract infections. During infection, the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activates the interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) transcription factor, an event triggering expression of immediate early, IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). We examine the role of transcriptional elongation in control of IRF3-dependent ISG expression. RSV infection induces ISG54, ISG56, and CIG5 gene expression in an IRF3-dependent manner demonstrated by IRF3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing in both A549 epithelial cells and IRF3−/−MEFs. ISG expression was mediated by the recruitment of IRF3, CDK9, polymerase II (Pol II), and phospho-Ser2carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) Pol II to the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) binding sites of the IRF3-dependent ISG promoters in native chromatin. We find that RSV infection enhances the activated fraction of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) by promoting its association with bromodomain 4 (BRD4) and disrupting its association with the inhibitory 7SK small nuclear RNA. The requirement of CDK9 activity for ISG expression was shown by siRNA-mediated silencing of CDK9 and by a selective CDK9 inhibitor in A549 cells. In contrast, RSV-induced beta interferon (IFN-β) expression is not influenced by CDK9 inhibition. Using transcript-selective quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) assays for the ISG54 gene, we observed that RSV induces transition from short to fully spliced mRNA transcripts and that this transition is blocked by CDK9 inhibition in both A549 and primary human small airway epithelial cells. These data indicate that transcription elongation plays a major role in RSV-induced ISG expression and is mediated by IRF3-dependent recruitment of activated CDK9. CDK9 activity may be a target for immunomodulation in RSV-induced lung disease.
A novel technique for repairing a large diaphragmatic defect with no costal attachments
Authors: Tucker Adam , Parissis Harry
Published: April 2013

Chronically ruptured diaphragms are difficult to diagnose. Often they are asymptomatic but convey a high risk for incarceration, and therefore surgical repair is mandatory. In the following case report, we present an abnormal 10×12 cm diaphragmatic defect whereby there was no anterior edge to the defect. This posed a challenge as to how to repair. We present a novel technique that facilitates sound solution through a thoracotomy approach.
940 nm diode laser therapy in management of recurrent apthous ulcer
Authors: Misra Neeta , Maiti Debasmita , Misra Pradyumna , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: April 2013

Recurrent apthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral inflammatory diseases characterised by painful recurrent ulcerations of the orofacial region. The ulcers occur in three clinical forms: minor, major and herpetiform. Several therapies have been advocated to manage these lesions such as topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone acetonide, hydrocortisone acetate and clobetasol propionate), chlorhexidine mouth rinses, tetracycline oral rinses, thalidomide, fluocinonide, colchicines and the immune boosting agent levamosile, vitamin therapy and topical interferon α-2a. Laser therapy is used as an alternative method in treatment of RAS.

In this paper one patient with RAS was treated using a 940 nm diode laser for symptomatic relief of pain and burning sensation and healing of ulcer.
Molluscum contagiosum: report of one case with overview
Authors: Mohan Ravi Prakash Sasankoti , Verma Sankalp , Singh Amit Kumar , Singh Udita
Published: April 2013

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin and mucosal disease of viral origin, caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) virus of poxvirus family. With the eradication of smallpox, MCV is now the only member of the poxvirus family that causes substantial disease in humans. Though frequently reported, its unusual clinical presentation makes its diagnosis a challenging task. We discuss a case of molluscum contagiosum in a 30-year-old woman along with a review of aetiology, histopathology and different possible treatment modalities.
Pararenal sclerosing PEComa
Authors: Leão Ricardo R , Pereira Bruno Jorge , Grenha Vânia , Coelho Hugo
Published: April 2013

Small renal or pararenal masses and retroperitoneum lesions are extremely difficult to diagnose. Imaging technology is a precious diagnostic tool; however, it places physicians in a difficult position since many lesions are not precisely diagnosed. Clinical and radiological findings can guide suspicion towards the diagnosis; however, in our current practice most diagnoses are based on histological findings. We aim to present a pararenal sclerosing perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa), a rare entity, whose diagnosis is only possible through invasive approaches and histological analysis. This rare lesion not only is difficult to diagnose but also has an uncertain behaviour, which is of major importance concerning its follow-up and prognosis. This case report is an attempt to add more data that will help establish criteria for diagnosis and follow-up of this rare disease.
Efficacy of topical brimonidine-timolol for haemangioma of infancy and perils of off-label prescribing
Authors: Chu Melinda B , Searcy Garrett , Siegfried Elaine
Published: April 2013

We report three patients with superficial haemangiomas treated topically with Combigan ophthalmic solution (brimonidine 0.2%–timolol 0.5%), a combination selective α-2-adrenergic agonist and non-selective β-blocker Food and Drug Administration-approved for use in glaucoma. Topical brimonidine 0.2%-timolol 0.5% therapy improved the appearance of haemangiomas in all the cases. Two patients did not experience any adverse effects. One patient had hypothermic episodes which were initially thought to be because of brimonidine 0.2%-timolol 0.5% therapy. However, an episode occurred a few weeks after discontinuation and brimonidine 0.2%-timolol 0.5% therapy was ruled out as a cause. Despite the benefit, off-label use of brimonidine 0.2%-timolol 0.5% therapy served as a pitfall in the evaluation of an unusual constellation of worrisome symptoms. In conclusion, brimonidine 0.2%-timolol 0.5% therapy is a promising alternative in the topical treatment of haemangiomas. It may have synergistic effects and increased efficacy by targeting haemangiomas via two mechanisms (α-agonism and β-inhibition), but the risk of unforeseen adverse effects must always be considered when prescribing off-label treatment, especially in infants.
Pigmented villonodular synovitis: dedicated PET imaging findings
Authors: Amber Ian Blake , Clark Brian J , Greene Gary Stuart
Published: April 2013

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon entity, which has the potential to cause severe pain. The gold standard for evaluation is MRI, and previous PET findings associated with PVNS have only been documented in the setting of concurrent malignancy. In the setting of recurrent disease, PET is being used to evaluate prebiological and postbiological treatment responses. Recurrent PVNS demonstrates greater hypermetabolic activity than previously documented, supporting the case as a potential mimic of malignant/metastatic disease. Post-treatment evaluations demonstrate decreased metabolic activity, which suggests response to treatment. This behaviour further supports the contention that there is a neoplastic origin to PVNS.
Educational inequalities in mortality in northern, mid and southern Italy and the contribution of smoking
Authors: Federico Bruno , Mackenbach Johan P , Eikemo Terje A , Sebastiani Gabriella , Marinacci Chiara , Costa Giuseppe , Kunst Anton E
Published: April 2013

Background

Previous studies have shown that mortality inequalities are smaller in Italy than in most European countries. This may be due to the weak association between socioeconomic status and smoking in Italy. However, most published studies were based on data from a single city in northern Italy (Turin). In this study, we aimed to assess the size of mortality inequalities in Italy as a whole, their geographical pattern of variation within Italy, and the contribution of smoking to these inequalities.

Methods

Participants in the National Health Interview Survey 1999–2000 were followed up for mortality until 31 December 2007. Using Cox regression, we computed the age-adjusted relative index of inequality (RII) for all-cause mortality with and without controlling for smoking status and intensity. Education was used as an indicator of socioeconomic status.

Results

Among 72 762 individuals aged 30–74 years at baseline, 4092 died during the follow-up. The age-adjusted RII of mortality was 1.69 (95% CI 1.44 to 2.00) among men and 1.43 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.82) among women. Among men, inequalities were larger in both northern and southern regions than in the middle of the country, whereas among women they were larger in the south. After controlling for smoking RII decreased to 1.63 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.92) among men and increased to 1.54 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.96) among women. The geographical variation in mortality inequalities was not affected by smoking adjustment.

Conclusions

Mortality inequalities in Italy are smaller than in most European countries. This is due, among other factors, to the weak socioeconomic pattern of smoking over the past decades in Italy.
Koopmans’ multiconfigurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) Fukui functions and MCSCF perturbation theory
Authors: Gusarov Sergey , Dmitriev Yuri Yu. , Stoyanov Stanislav R. , Kovalenko Andriy
Published: April 2013

Prediction of chemical reactivity has become one of the highest priority tasks of computational chemistry since the development of the methods of modeling electronic structure. Despite the general simplicity of the physical concept of reactivity and the rapid development of modern density functional theory (DFT) methods, this task remains state-of-the-art for systems with wavefunctions that have a multiconfigurational character. In such cases, for the accurate description of reactivity one needs to use multiconfigurational approaches that are much heavier computationally then ordinary single-determinant DFT methods. Moreover, the complexity of the calculation of reactivity is increased by the necessity to calculate ionic and transition states. These computational challenges can be addressed by employing the concepts of Koopmans’ theorem and its extension to a multiconfigurational case. We present a simplified methodology for the calculation of Fukui functions, based on Koopmans’ approximation for multiconfigurational Green’s functions developed in our previous works. Also, an extension of this methodology based on perturbation theory has been developed to improve accuracy.
Paleobotany and paleoecology of Gao Mine, a late Paleocene fossil locality near Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Stockey Ruth A. , Hoffman Georgia L. , Rothwell Gar W.
Published: April 2013

In addition to having a rich assemblage of mammalian fossils, the Gao Mine locality in the Paskapoo Formation of south-central Alberta has yielded numerous plant specimens of late Paleocene (late Tiffanian or Ti5) age. The plant fossils are preserved in siltstones and fine-grained sandstones interpreted as overbank sediments that were deposited on an aggrading floodplain. The assemblage is dominated by the cupressaceous conifer Metasequoia foxii and the cercidiphyllaceous dicot Joffrea speirsiae, including their well-preserved seedlings. The flora also contains foliage of the ferns Onoclea and Speirseopteris and the woody dicots Palaeocarpinus, Aphananthe/Celtis, Aesculus, Beringiaphyllum, ?Trochodendron, and Wardiaphyllum, as well as seedlings of unknown dicotyledonous angiosperms. Metasequoia foxii and Speirseopteris are unique to the floras of Gao Mine and the nearby Munce’s Hill site (Tiffanian Ti4). The remainder of the taxa are common in late Paleocene floras of North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, all USA. The floras of the nearby Joffre Bridge Roadcut and Blindman River sites (both Tiffanian Ti3) are more diverse, but both of those sites encompass a wider range of depositional environments and may include higher percentages of allochthonous material. Most of the Gao Mine material is autochthonous. The seedlings were buried in place, along with the surrounding leaf litter, preserving a record of the local plant community.
Monandry and polyandry in three species of North American bumble bees (Bombus) determined using microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Owen Robin E. , Whidden Troy L.
Published: April 2013

Polyandry, or multiple mating by females, is widespread in insects, and generally females need to mate more than once to achieve maximum fertility and fecundity. However, although monandry by queens (mating with a single male) is the general rule in the eusocial Hymenoptera, polyandry does occur in many species. Since there are associated costs, numerous hypotheses have been proposed to account for its evolution. Two hypotheses are particularly applicable to bumble bees: the genetic load (cost of diploid male production) hypothesis, which predicts monandry in bumble bees, and the resistance to disease hypothesis, which predicts polyandry. We used four DNA microsatellite markers to determine mating frequencies of queens of three species of North American bumble bees: Bombus (Pyrobombus) perplexus Cresson, 1863, Bombus (Bombus s. str.) occidentalis Greene, 1858, and Bombus (Bombus s. str.) terricola Kirby, 1837. No multiply-mated queens were found in either B. terricola (n = 21 colonies) or B. occidentalis (n = 23 colonies). However, 2 out of the 24 B. perplexus colonies were found to have twice-mated queens. This is consistent with other studies which indicate that bumble bees are mostly monoandrous, but that species of the subgenus Pyrobombus Dalla Torre, 1880 are likely to show some degree of polyandry.
New multituberculate mammal from the Early Cretaceous of eastern North America
Authors: Cifelli Richard L. , Gordon Cynthia L. , Lipka Thomas R.
Published: April 2013

Multituberculates, though among the most commonly encountered mammalian fossils of the Mesozoic, are poorly known from the North American Early Cretaceous, with only one taxon named to date. Herein we describe Argillomys marylandensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cretaceous of Maryland, based on an isolated M2. Argillomys represents the second mammal known from the Arundel Clay facies of the Patuxent Formation (Lower Cretaceous: Aptian). Though distinctive in its combination of characters (e.g., enamel ornamentation consisting of ribs and grooves only, cusp formula 2:4, presence of distinct cusp on anterobuccal ridge, enlargement of second cusp on buccal row, central position of ultimate cusp in lingual row, great relative length), the broader affinities of Argillomys cannot be established because of non-representation of the antemolar dentition. Based on lack of apomorphies commonly seen among Cimolodonta (e.g., three or more cusps present in buccal row, fusion of cusps in lingual row, cusps strongly pyramidal and separated by narrow grooves), we provisionally regard Argillomys as a multituberculate of “plagiaulacidan” grade. Intriguingly, it is comparable in certain respects to some unnamed Paulchoffatiidae, a family otherwise known from the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous of the Iberian Peninsula.
Gondwanatheria and ?Multituberculata (Mammalia) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar
Authors: Krause David W.
Published: April 2013

In addition to four isolated mammalian teeth from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of Madagascar described previously and allocated to Gondwanatheria, Marsupialia, and Mammalia incertae sedis, here I put on record five more specimens. Four of these, a virtually complete lower molariform cheek tooth, two fragmentary cheek teeth, and a fragmentary lower incisor, are referred to the Sudamericidae (Gondwanatheria). The internal structure of the hypsodont cheek teeth, as revealed by micro-computed tomography scans to simulate different stages of wear, is highly variable. Limited knowledge of intra-individual morphological and size variability in the dentition of sudamericids, which are known almost exclusively from isolated teeth, precludes a conclusive assessment of whether some or all of the new specimens belong to Lavanify miolaka, the only previously described sudamericid from Madagascar, or to a new taxon. Conservatively, therefore, pending the recovery of better material, all four specimens are referred to Sudamericidae gen. et sp. indet. The fifth specimen, a molar fragment, is tentatively allocated to the Multituberculata, thereby adding to the controversial specimens that comprise the very sparse and questionable record of this clade on the southern supercontinent Gondwana. The new specimens do not provide any profound insight into the origins of the highly endemic and imbalanced extant mammalian fauna on Madagascar; rather, they provide only more negative evidence. Like those previously described, they do not represent the basal stocks of any of the five mammalian clades that live on the island today and therefore further support the growing consensus that representatives of the extant clades arrived in the Cenozoic.