bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Wastage of Inhalation Anesthetics Using Real-time Decision Support to Notify of Excessive Fresh Gas Flow
Authors: Nair Bala G. , Peterson Gene N. , Neradilek Moni B. , Newman Shu Fang , Huang Elaine Y. , Schwid Howard A.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Reduced consumption of inhalation anesthetics can be safely achieved by reducing excess fresh gas flow (FGF). In this study the authors describe the use of a real-time decision support tool to reduce excess FGF to lower, less wasteful levels.

Method:

The authors applied a decision support tool called the Smart Anesthesia Manager™ (University of Washington, Seattle, WA) that analyzes real-time data from an Anesthesia Information Management System to notify the anesthesia team if FGF exceeds 1 l/min. If sevoflurane consumption reached 2 minimum alveolar concentration-hour under low flow anesthesia (FGF < 2 l/min), a second message was generated to increase FGF to 2 l/min, to comply with Food and Drug Administration guidelines. To evaluate the tool, mean FGF between surgical incision and the end of procedure was compared in four phases: (1) a baseline period before instituting decision rules, (2) Intervention-1 when decision support to reduce FGF was applied, (3) Intervention-2 when the decision rule to reduce flow was deliberately inactivated, and (4) Intervention-3 when decision rules were reactivated.

Results:

The mean ± SD FGF reduced from 2.10 ± 1.12 l/min (n = 1,714) during baseline to 1.60 ± 1.01 l/min (n = 2,232) when decision rules were instituted (P < 0.001). When the decision rule to reduce flow was inactivated, mean FGF increased to 1.87 ± 1.15 l/min (n = 1,732) (P < 0.001), with an increasing trend in FGF of 0.1 l/min/month (P = 0.02). On reactivating the decision rules, the mean FGF came down to 1.59 ± 1.02 l/min (n = 1,845). Through the Smart Anesthesia Messenger™ system, the authors saved 9.5 l of sevoflurane, 6.0 l of desflurane, and 0.8 l isoflurane per month, translating to an annual savings of $104,916.

Conclusions:

Real-time notification is an effective way to reduce inhalation agent usage through decreased excess FGFs.
Epigenetic regulation of memory formation and maintenance
Authors: Zovkic Iva B. , Guzman-Karlsson Mikael C. , Sweatt J. David
Published: January 2013

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of memories is a central goal of the neuroscience community. It is well regarded that an organism's ability to lastingly adapt its behavior in response to a transient environmental stimulus relies on the central nervous system's capability for structural and functional plasticity. This plasticity is dependent on a well-regulated program of neurotransmitter release, post-synaptic receptor activation, intracellular signaling cascades, gene transcription, and subsequent protein synthesis. In the last decade, epigenetic markers like DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails have emerged as important regulators of the memory process. Their ability to regulate gene transcription dynamically in response to neuronal activation supports the consolidation of long-term memory. Furthermore, the persistent and self-propagating nature of these mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, suggests a molecular mechanism for memory maintenance. In this review, we will examine the evidence that supports a role of epigenetic mechanisms in learning and memory. In doing so, we hope to emphasize (1) the widespread involvement of these mechanisms across different behavioral paradigms and distinct brain regions, (2) the temporal and genetic specificity of these mechanisms in response to upstream signaling cascades, and (3) the functional outcome these mechanisms may have on structural and functional plasticity. Finally, we consider the future directions of neuroepigenetic research as it relates to neuronal storage of information.
Optimization of apparatus design and behavioral measures for the assessment of visuo-spatial learning and memory of mice on the Barnes maze
Authors: O'Leary Timothy P. , Brown Richard E.
Published: January 2013

We have previously shown that apparatus design can affect visual–spatial cue use and memory performance of mice on the Barnes maze. The present experiment extends these findings by determining the optimal behavioral measures and test procedure for analyzing visuo-spatial learning and memory in three different Barnes maze designs. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were trained with a stable or random escape hole location and the sensitivities (statistical power) of four commonly used measures of learning and three measures of memory to detect differences between these training procedures were compared on each maze design. A maze design with a large diameter and no wall was optimal, because mice showed a reliable use of extra-maze visual cues, visuo-spatial search strategies, and spatial memory. A maze design with a small diameter, surrounding wall, and intra-maze visual cues was the least sensitive for determining visuo-spatial learning and memory, because mice showed little evidence of extra-maze cue use. Errors, distance traveled, and hole deviation scores were more sensitive measures of learning than latency to find the escape hole. Measures based on locating the escape hole (primary measures) were more sensitive than measures based on entering the escape hole (total measures). Measures of memory had similar levels of sensitivity on each maze. This experiment demonstrates that both apparatus design and the behavioral measures used as indicators of learning and memory can influence the ability of the Barnes maze to detect visuo-spatial learning and memory impairments in mice.
p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity is required for newly acquired and reactivated fear memories in the lateral amygdala
Authors: Maddox Stephanie A. , Watts Casey S. , Schafe Glenn E.
Published: January 2013

Modifications in chromatin structure have been widely implicated in memory and cognition, most notably using hippocampal-dependent memory paradigms including object recognition, spatial memory, and contextual fear memory. Relatively little is known, however, about the role of chromatin-modifying enzymes in amygdala-dependent memory formation. Here, we use a combination of biochemical, behavioral, and neurophysiological methods to systematically examine the role of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in the consolidation and reconsolidation of auditory Pavlovian fear memories. We show that local infusions of c646, a selective pharmacological inhibitor of p300/CBP activity, shortly following either fear conditioning or fear memory retrieval impair training and retrieval-related regulation of histone acetylation in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA). Furthermore, we show that intra-LA infusion of c646 significantly impairs fear memory consolidation, reconsolidation, and associated neural plasticity in the LA. Our findings collectively suggest that p300/CBP HAT activity is critical for the consolidation and reconsolidation of amygdala-dependent Pavlovian fear memories.
3′′-(2-Fluorobenzylidene)-4′-(2-fluorophenyl)-1′-methyldispiro[acenaphthylene-1,2′-pyrrolidine-3′,1′′-cyclopentane]-2,2′′-dione
Authors: Chen Gao-Zhi , Wei Xiao-Yan , Wang Yi , Ren Lu-Qing , Li Xiao-Kun
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C33H25F2NO2, the acenaphthene ring system forms dihedral angles of 50.93 (14) and 36.89 (14)° with the benzene rings. The pyrrolidine and cyclopentanone rings adopt envelope (with the N atom as the flap) and twisted conformations, respectively. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...F interactions link the molecules.
Poly[diaqua(μ4-carboxylatomethylphosphonato)(μ4-carboxymethylphosphonato)pentadecamethylpentatin(IV)]
Authors: Boye Mouhamadou Sembene , Diasse-Sarr Aminata , Grosjean Arnaud , Guionneau Philippe
Published: January 2013

The central SnIVatom of the pentanuclear title complex, {[Sn(CH3)3]3O2C(CH2)PO3[Sn(CH3)3(H2O)]2HO2C(CH2)PO3}, is located on a twofold rotation axis; due to symmetry, the H atom of the carboxyl group of the anion is disordered with a site occupancy of 0.5. The central SnIVatom is bonded to three methyl groups (one of which is disordered about the twofold rotation axis) and is symmetricallytranscoordinated by two phosphonate groups with Sn—O = 2.2665 (12) Å while the other SnMe3residues are asymmetricallytranscoordinated with Sn—O = 2.1587 (12) and 2.3756 (13) Å for one residue and Sn—O = 2.1522 (12) and 2.4335 (12) Å for the other; the Sn–O distances involving two O atomstransto carboxylate are longer than thosetransto phosphonate groups. The Sn—C distances lie in a very narrow range [2.112 (2)–2.133 (3) Å]. The oxyanion behaves as a tetra-coordinating ligand. The bridging mode of the latter leads to the formation of layers parallel to (001) that are interconnected by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
4-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1-[(2E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl]piperazin-1-ium 3-carboxypropanoate
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Narayana Badiadka , Gerber Thomas , van Brecht Benjamin , Betz Richard
Published: January 2013

In the title salt, C26H27F2N2+·C4H5O4−, the piperazine N atom bearing the vinylic substituent is protonated. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. In ther crystal, the succinate monoanions are connectedviashort O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the carboxylic acid and carboxylate groups into undulating chains extending along [001] and the flunarizinium monocations are attached to these chainsviaN+—H...O−hydrogen bonds. C—H...O interactions connect these chains into a three-dimensional network. The shortest centroid–centroid distance of 3.7256 (10) Å was found between one of the fluorinated benzene rings and the non-fluorinated phenyl ring in the neighbouring molecule related by a glide plane.
2-(Acetoxymethyl)benzoic acid
Authors: Gainsford Graeme J. , Schwörer Ralf
Published: January 2013

The title compound, C10H10O4, crystallizes with the well-known carboxylic acid dimer-formingR22(8) hydrogen-bond motif. Chains approximately parallel to (-1-12) are then built through C(methylene,phenyl)–H...O(carbonyl) interactions [C(6) andC(8) motifs] with one (methyl)C—H...π interaction providing interplanar binding. The weakness of the latter interaction is consistent with the difficulty experienced in obtaining suitable single crystals.
Pirquitasite, Ag2ZnSnS4
Authors: Schumer Benjamin N. , Downs Robert T. , Domanik Kenneth J. , Andrade Marcelo B , Origlieri Marcus J.
Published: January 2013

Pirquitasite, ideally Ag2ZnSnS4(disilver zinc tin tetrasulfide), exhibits tetragonal symmetry and is a member of the stannite group that has the general formulaA2BCX4, withA= Ag, Cu;B= Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu, Hg;C= Sn, Ge, Sb, As; andX= S, Se. In this study, single-crystal X-ray diffraction data are used to determine the structure of pirquitasite from a twinned crystal from the type locality, the Pirquitas deposit, Jujuy Province, Argentina, with anisotropic displacement parameters for all atoms, and a measured composition of (Ag1.87Cu0.13)(Zn0.61Fe0.36Cd0.03)SnS4. One Ag atom is located on Wyckoff site Wyckoff 2a(symmetry -4..), the other Ag atom is statistically disordered with minor amounts of Cu and is located on 2c(-4..), the (Zn, Fe, Cd) site on 2d(-4..), Sn on 2b(-4..), and S on general site 8g. This is the first determination of the crystal structure of pirquitasite, and our data indicate that the space group of pirquitasite isI-4, rather thanI-42mas previously suggested. The structure was refined under consideration of twinning by inversion [twin ratio of the components 0.91 (6):0.09 (6)].
5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-cyclopropyl-2-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-phenylpentane-1,5-dione
Authors: Srinivasan Thothadri , Senthilkumar Govindaraj , Manikandan Haridoss , Neelakandan Kaliaperumal , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C26H22ClFO2, the cyclopropane ring makes dihedral angles of 45.7 (2), 49.0 (2) and 65.2 (2)° with the fluoro-substituted phenyl ring, the benzene ring and the chloro-substituted phenyl ring, respectively. The F and Cl atoms deviate by 0.0307 (11) and 0.0652 (6) Å, respectively, from the planes of the phenyl rings to which they are attached. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...F hydrogen bonds, forming chains along thebaxis.
5′′-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-1′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1′′-methyl-1′,2′,3′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-octahydrodispiro[acenaphthylene-1,3′-indolizine-2′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′(1H)-dione
Authors: Suresh J. , Nagalakshmi R. A. , Sivakumar S. , Kumar R. Ranjith , Lakshman P. L. Nilantha
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C39H38N2O4, the pyridinone ring adopts a twisted half-chair conformation with the N atom deviating by 0.3304 (1) and with the methylene C atom adjacent to the octahydroindolizine unit deviating by 0.444 (3) Å from the mean plane defined by the other four atoms. In the octahydroindolizine system, the pyrrolidine ring exhibits an envelope conformation, with the fused methyne C atom deviating by 0.6315 (1) Å from the mean plane defined by the other four atoms, and the piperidine ring exhibits a distorted chair conformation, as reflected in the puckering parametersQ= 0.568 (4) Å, θ = 1.5 (4) and ϕ = 161 (16)°. In the crystal pairs of weak C—H...O interactions form centrosymmetric dimers, which are further connected by C—H...π interactions. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, with a domain ratio of 0.91:0.09.
Diaqua(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato-κ4N)magnesium–18-crown-6 (1/1)
Authors: Ezzayani Khaireddine , Nasri Soumaya , Belkhiria Mohamed Salah , Daran Jean-Claude , Nasri Habib
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, [Mg(C44H28N4)(H2O)2]·C12H24O6, the MgIIcation lies on an inversion center and is octahedrally coordinated by the four N atoms of the deprotonated tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) ligand and by two water molecules. The asymmetric unit contains one half of the [Mg(TPP)(H2O)2] complex and one half of an 18-crown-6 molecule. The average equatorial magnesium–pyrrole N atom distance (Mg—Np) is 2.071 (1) Å and the axial Mg—O(H2O) bond length is 2.213 (1) Å. The crystal packing is stabilized by two O—H...O hydrogen bonds between coordinating water molecules and adjacent 18-crown-6 molecules, and exhibits a one-dimensional supramolecular structure along theaaxis. The supramolecular architecture is futher stabilized by weak C—H...π interactions. The 18-crown-6 molecule is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.8:0.2.
2-[4-(Trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-benzimidazole
Authors: Fathima Nikhath , Krishnamurthy M. S. , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C14H9F3N2O, the best planes of the benzimidazole group and benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 26.68 (3)°. In the crystal, N—H...N hydrogen bonds link the molecules into infinite chains parallel to thecaxis. Stacking interactions between the benzimidazole groups [centroid–centroid distance = 3.594 (5) Å] assemble the molecules into layers parallel to (100). The trifluoromethyl group is disordered over three sets of sites with site-occupancy factors of 0.787 (4), 0.107 (7) and 0.106 (7).
cis-Dichlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κS)(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylguanidine-κN′′)platinum(II)
Authors: Eliseev Ivan I. , Bokach Nadezhda A. , Haukka Matti , Golenya Irina A.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound,cis-[PtCl2(C5H13N3)(C2H6OS)], the four-coordinate PtIIatom is bonded to one N atom of theN,N,N′,N′-tetramethylguanidine ligand, one dimethyl sulfoxide S atom and two chloride ligands, forming acis-square-planar geometry. The bond lengths and angles of the N—Pt—Cl functionality are typical for imine dichloridoplatinum(II) complexes. The H atom of the imino group is oriented towards the O atom of the sulfoxide group of a neighboring molecule and forms an N—H...O hydrogen bond.
Redetermination of dipotassium trichloridostannate(II) chloride monohydrate
Authors: Ye Fei , Reuter Hans
Published: January 2013

The title compound, K2[SnCl3]Cl·H2O, is the prototype of some isostructural compounds of compositionM2[SnX3]X·H2O (M= large monovalent cation;X= halogen). In comparison with a previous study based on photographic data [Kamenar & Grdenić (1962).J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem.24, 1039–1045], its crystal structure has now been redetermined using CCD-based data in order to gain more accurate values for bond lengths and angles within the [SnCl3]−anion and to locate the H atoms. The [SnCl3]−anion has a trigonal–pyramidal shape and exhibits crystallographic mirror symmetry. With the exception of the K+ion which is located on a general position, all other atoms are situated on crystallographic mirror planes. The coordination polyhedron of the cation may be described by means of nine atoms in the form of a monocapped square antiprism with seven typical K—Cl/O distances and two additional atoms at considerably longer distances. The positions of the H atoms of the water molecule (also lying on a crystallographic mirror plane) could be determined and confirm the existence of a bifurcated O—H...Cl hydrogen bond to neighbouring Cl atoms.
(Acetonitrile){2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl-κ2N)amino-κN]-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide-κO}(perchlorato-κO)zinc (acetonitrile){2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl-κ2N)amino-κN]-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide-κO}zinc tris(perchlorate)
Authors: Åstrand Ove Alexander Høgmoen , Görbitz Carl Henrik , Kristoffersen Kenneth Aase , Rongved Pål
Published: January 2013

In the title salt, [Zn(C22H24N4O)(CH3CN)][Zn(ClO4)(C22H24N4O)(CH3CN)](ClO4)3, two differently coordinated zinc cations occur. In the first complex, the metal ion is coordinated by theN,N′,N′′,O-tetradentate acetamide ligand and an acetonitrile N atom, generating an approximate trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry, with the O atom in an equatorial site and the acetonitrile N atom in an axial site. In the second complex ion, a perchlorate ion is also bonded to the zinc ion, generating a distortedtrans-ZnO2N4octahedron. Of the uncoordinating perchlorate ions, one lies on a crystallographic twofold axis and one lies close to a twofold axis and has a site occupancy of 0.5. N—H...O and N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds are observed in the crystal. Disordered solvent molecules occupy about 11% of the unit-cell volume; their contribution to the scattering was removed with the SQUEEZE routine of thePLATONprogram [Spek (2009).Acta Cryst.D65, 148–155.].
trans-Dibromidobis(3-methylpyridine-κN)copper(II)
Authors: Awwadi Firas F.
Published: January 2013

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [CuBr2(C6H7N)2], contains one half-molecule, the whole molecule being generated by inversion through a center located at the CuIIatom. The geometry around the CuIIatom is square planar. Semicoordinate Cu...Br bonds [3.269 (1) Å] and nonclassical C—H...Br hydrogen bonds connect the molecules, forming chains running parallel to theaaxis. These chains are further linkedviaadditional C—H...Br hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.
(2S,4R)-2-[(1R)-1-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-nitroethyl]-4-ethylcyclohexanone
Authors: Zhang Chi-Xiao , Zhang Yan-Peng , Xia Ai-Bao
Published: January 2013

The crystal structure of the title compound, C16H20BrNO3, contains three chiral centers in the configuration 1R,2S,6R. The cyclohexane ring is in a chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O interactions, forming chains along thea-axis direction.
Reinvestigation of trilithium divanadium(III) tris(orthophosphate), Li3V2(PO4)3, based on single-crystal X-ray data
Authors: Kee Yongho , Yun Hoseop
Published: January 2013

The structure of Li3V2(PO4)3has been reinvestigated from single-crystal X-ray data. Although the results of the previous studies (all based on powder diffraction data) are comparable with our redetermination, all atoms were refined with anisotropic displacement parameters in the current study, and the resulting bond lengths are more accurate than those determined from powder diffraction data. The title compound adopts the Li3Fe2(PO4)3structure type. The structure is composed of VO6octahedra and PO4tetrahedra by sharing O atoms to form the three-dimensional anionic framework∞3[V2(PO4)3]3−. The positions of the Li+ions in the empty channels can vary depending on the synthetic conditions. Bond-valence-sum calculations showed structures that are similar to the results of the present study seem to be more stable compared with others. The classical charge balance of the title compound can be represented as [Li+]3[V3+]2[P5+]3[O2−]12.
Data-Aided Noise Reduction for Long-Range Fading Prediction in Adaptive Modulation Systems
Authors: Jia Tao , Duel-Hallen Alexandra , Hallen Hans
Published: January 2013

The long-range prediction (LRP) of fading signals enables adaptive transmission methods for rapidly varying mobile radio channels encountered in vehicular communications, but its performance is severely degraded by the additive noise and interference. A data-aided noise reduction (DANR) method is proposed to enhance the accuracy of fading prediction and to improve the spectral efficiency of adaptive modulation systems enabled by the LRP. The DANR includes an adaptive pilot transmission mechanism, robust noise reduction (NR), and decision-directed channel estimation. Due to improved prediction accuracy and low pilot rates, the DANR results in higher spectral efficiency than previously proposed NR techniques, which rely on oversampled pilots. It is also demonstrated that DANR-aided LRP increases the coding gain of adaptive trellis-coded modulation (ATCM). Finally, for low-to-medium signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, we show that LRP-enabled adaptive modulation performs better for realistic reflector configurations than for the conventional Jakes model (JM) data set.
Comparative metagenomic and rRNA microbial diversity characterization using archaeal and bacterial synthetic communities
Authors: Shakya Migun , Quince Christopher , Campbell James H. , Yang Zamin K. , Schadt Christopher W. , Podar Mircea
Published: January 2013

Next‐generation sequencing has dramatically changed the landscape of microbial ecology, large‐scale and in‐depth diversity studies being now widely accessible. However, determining the accuracy of taxonomic and quantitative inferences and comparing results obtained with different approaches are complicated by incongruence of experimental and computational data types and also by lack of knowledge of the true ecological diversity. Here we used highly diverse bacterial and archaeal synthetic communities assembled from pure genomic DNAs to compare inferences from metagenomic and SSU rRNA amplicon sequencing. Both Illumina and 454 metagenomic data outperformed amplicon sequencing in quantifying the community composition, but the outcome was dependent on analysis parameters and platform. New approaches in processing and classifying amplicons can reconstruct the taxonomic composition of the community with high reproducibility within primer sets, but all tested primers sets lead to significant taxon‐specific biases. Controlled synthetic communities assembled to broadly mimic the phylogenetic richness in target environments can provide important validation for fine‐tuning experimental and computational parameters used to characterize natural communities.
High temporal variability in commensal Escherichia coli strain communities of a herbivorous marsupial
Authors: Blyton Michaela D. J. , Banks Sam C. , Peakall Rod , Gordon David M.
Published: January 2013

Although Escherichia coli is an important model organism for bacterial research, few studies have explored the nature of temporal variation in E. coli strains within the intestinal tracts of host individuals. In this study the E. coli strains of 54 mountain brushtail possums were sampled on four occasions during a year. This allowed temporal changes to be quantified both at the host population level and within individuals. Escherichia coli strains were identified using a combination of rep‐PCR profiles from two primers (CGG and ERIC) and phylogenetic group assigned by quadruplex PCR. The study revealed considerable changes in community structure within individuals among all time periods. In fact, temporal variation within individuals accounted for more of the variation in E. coli community structure than differences between animals. In contrast to the within‐host dynamics, there were no significant differences among the time periods at the host population level. It was also found that there was no effect of host age or sex on strain community structure within host individuals. These findings highlight the importance of temporal variation in the ecology of E. coli, while the methods applied in this study may serve as a foundation for further work in this area.
Randomised trial of cervical cerclage, with and without occlusion, for the prevention of preterm birth in women suspected for cervical insufficiency
Authors: Brix N , Secher NJ , McCormack CD , Helmig RB , Hein M , Weber T , Mittal S , Kurdi W , Palacio M , Henriksen TB ,   the CERVO group
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effect of cerclage, with and without cervical occlusion.

Design

Multicentre, stratified, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Hospital‐based multicentre study with 18 tertiary centres from nine countries.

Population

Women with a history of cervical insufficiency (prophylactic trial) and women with a short cervix (therapeutic trial) were recruited from August 2006 to August 2011.

Methods

A centralised telephone randomisation service with a computer system was used to randomise women to cervical cerclage with or without cervical occlusion. Only the analyst performing the interim analyses was blinded.

Main outcome measures

The take‐home baby rate (number of infants discharged alive from the hospital), gestational age at delivery, and the number of days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Results

Women (n = 309) were stratified into the prophylactic trial (n = 213) or the therapeutic trial (n = 96). The trial stopped early due to slow recruitment and an interim analysis showing no benefit of occlusion. Final analysis comprised 197 women in the prophylactic trial and 87 women in the therapeutic trial. No added effect of cervical occlusion was found in terms of the take‐home baby rate in the prophylactic trial (92 versus 90%, RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.12) or in the therapeutic trial (81 versus 85%, RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79–1.16). No effect of cervical occlusion was found in terms of gestational age at delivery and number of days the neonate spent in the NICU. Cervical occlusion was associated with no harm.

Conclusions

Cervical occlusion with cerclage had no significant additional effect.
Do Farmers Internalise Environmental Spillovers of Pesticides in Production?
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Stefanou Spiro E. , Lansink Alfons Oude
Published: January 2013

Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from pests and diseases, with indiscriminate pesticide use having several adverse effects on the environment and human health. An important question is whether the environmental spillovers of pesticides also affect the farmers’ production environment. We use a model of optimal pesticide use that explicitly incorporates the symmetric and asymmetric effect of pesticides’ environmental spillovers on crop production. The application focuses on panel data from Dutch cash crop producers. We show that pesticides have a positive direct impact on output and a negative indirect impact through their effects on the production environment.
Occurrence and diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in cultivated and uncultivated soils in Pakistan
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Ghazanfar M. Usman , Riasat Tahira , Kwon Young Jung , Qayyum Mirza Abdul , Yasin Muhammad
Published: January 2013

The distribution of entomopathogenic fungi in various geographical areas of Punjab, Pakistan, is poorly understood. The present study was planned to explore the occurrence and diversity of entomopathogenic fungi from soils collected from cultivated and non‐cultivated habitats. The detailed survey of different habitats (crop fields, fruits, vegetables, forests) was conducted to collect soil samples and the associated fungi were isolated using Galleria bait method. Among 210 soil samples, 168 fungal isolates were recovered and identified, with 98 from forests, 32 from vegetables, 30 from field crops and 8 from fruits. The major entomopathogenic fungi recovered from these samples were Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, B. brongniartii, P. chlamydosporia and Lecanicillium attenuatum. The diversity of entomopathogenic fungi was greater in soil samples from forests compared to crop fields, vegetables and fruits, respectively. The geographical attributes (altitude, longitude, latitude) greatly influenced the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi with the highest number of isolates found from >600 m altitude, 33°–34′N latitude, and 73°74′E longitude from soil samples. The results of the surveys clearly indicated that the entomopathogenic fungi are distributed in the soils which may be used in successful IPM programs in future.
Insecticidal activity of the chitinase from the Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Wang Yong , Choi Jae Young , Roh Jong Yul , Tao Xue Ying , Liu Qin , Lee Joo Hyun , Kim Jae Su , Kim Woo Jin , Je Yeon Ho
Published: January 2013

Baculovirus chitinase gene (chiA) is a late gene essential for liquefying the host insect at a late stage of infection for its hydrolyzing chitin function. In a previous report, baculovirus ChiA has been shown to offer many interesting new opportunities for pest control. Recently, a putative chiA gene was identified in the Korean isolate of the Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedorvirus (SpliMNPV‐K1) genome. The open reading frame (ORF) contains 1692 nucelotides and encodes a protein of 563 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of about 62.6 kDa. To study the insecticidal activity of ChiA from SpliMNPV‐K1, we constructed a recombinant AcMNPV, Ap‐SlChiA, which is designed to express the ChiA under the control of a polyhedrin promoter. Western blot analysis indicated that ChiA was successfully expressed by this recombinant virus. Chitinase assay revealed that the chitobiosidase and endochitinase activity of the recombinant virus was 2.5‐ and 3.9‐flods higher than those of wild‐type AcMNPV, respectively. In addition, the recombinant virus showed higher evident insecticidal activity against 3rd instar larvae of Spodotera exigua than that of the AcMNPV. These results suggest that the chiA gene from SpliMNPV‐K1 could be successfully applied to improve pathogenicity of baculoviruses.
Effects of Vitamin D3‐Enriched Diet on Egg Yolk Vitamin D3 Content and Yolk Quality
Authors: Yao Linxing , Wang Tong , Persia Michael , Horst Ronald L. , Higgins Mallory
Published: January 2013

A 40‐wk experiment was conducted using Hy‐Line W‐36 laying hens (19‐wk old) to investigate the impact of feeding cholecalciferol‐enriched diets on egg yolk quality. Feeds were enriched with 4 cholecalciferol levels, 9700 (diet 2), 17200 (diet 3), 24700 (diet 4), and 102200 (diet 5) IU/kg feed. The control (diet 1) contained 2200 IU cholecalciferol/kg feed. Eggs from each replicate group of enriched diets were collected daily and the yolks were pooled into 2‐d period during the first 2 wk. During weeks 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40, pooled samples were generated by daily collection of 3 consecutive days of egg production. The cholecalciferol content of egg yolk from the enriched diets increased rapidly during the first 3 wk. The peak cholecalciferol concentrations in egg yolk that occurred at week 3 were 865, 1641, 2411, and 34815 IU/100 g egg yolk (wet basis) from diet 2 to 5. The average cholecalciferol concentration in yolk during weeks 3 to 40 and the deposition rate of cholecalciferol during the first 3 wk were both linearly increased with the dietary cholecalciferol level when the feed contained no more than 24700 IU/kg cholecalciferol. Egg yolk lipid profile (total lipid content, fatty acid composition, phospholipid composition, and unsaponifiables), physical and functional properties (yolk viscosity and emulsifying property), and sensory quality of hard‐boiled egg yolk were not affected by the cholecalciferol enrichment in the feed.

Practical Application:  A linear dose‐response relationship between dietary vitamin D3 level and egg yolk vitamin D3 content was established at relatively low enrichment levels. Such relationship can be used to formulate feed to achieve a target egg vitamin D level. High vitamin D yolk showed no difference from the conventional yolk in other compositional, functional, and sensory properties.
Oil Coating Affects Internal Quality and Sensory Acceptance of Selected Attributes of Raw Eggs during Storage
Authors: Nongtaodum Sinee , Jangchud Anuvat , Jangchud Kamolwan , Dhamvithee Pisit , No Hong Kyoon , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: January 2013

Four (coconut, palm, rice bran, and soybean) edible oils and glycerol were applied on eggshell. All noncoated and coated eggs were stored for 5 wk at 25 ± 2 °C and drawn weekly for quality evaluation. All oil coatings were more effective in preserving internal quality of eggs than was glycerol coating. As storage time increased, the preservative effects of edible oil coating on weight loss, and albumen and yolk quality were significantly noticed. Oil‐coated eggs had significantly lower weight loss (<0.43%) than did noncoated (3.87%) and glycerol‐coated (3.73%) eggs after 5 wk of storage. Based on the Haugh unit, oil‐coated eggs maintained AA grade up to 3 wk. After 5 wk of storage, noncoated, glycerol‐coated, and oil‐coated eggs changed from AA grade to below B, below B and A grade, respectively. The albumen pH of noncoated and glycerol‐coated eggs considerably increased from 8.23 to 9.51 and 9.42, respectively, while those of oil‐coated eggs either maintained or slightly increased to 8.32. The albumen viscosity of all eggs decreased with increased storage time. Consumers (N = 120) could differentiate surface glossiness of oil‐coated eggs from uncoated eggs (R‐index of 81.42% to 86.99%). All oil‐coated eggs were acceptable for surface glossiness (liking scores of 6.22 to 6.77) and surface odor (liking scores of 6.20 to 6.55) with overall liking scores of 6.34 to 7.03. Overall, this study demonstrated that edible oil (coconut, palm, rice bran, and soybean) coating could preserve internal quality of eggs (maintaining grade A) at least 4 wk longer than noncoated eggs.

Practical Application:  Freshness is a major contribution to the egg quality. The internal quality of eggs begins to deteriorate after they have been laid due to loss of moisture and carbon dioxide via the eggshell pores. Refrigeration is very effective in preserving egg quality. Surface coating is an alternative method to preserve egg quality, although it is much less effective than refrigeration. This study demonstrated that coconut, rice bran, soybean, and palm oils, which are abundant and commonly consumed in many parts of the world, could preserve the internal quality and reduce weight loss of oil‐coated eggs during room temperature storage.
Analysis of Starch in Food Systems by High‐Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Ovando‐Martínez Maribel , Whitney Kristin , Simsek Senay
Published: January 2013

Starch has unique physicochemical characteristics among food carbohydrates. Starch contributes to the physicochemical attributes of food products made from roots, legumes, cereals, and fruits. It occurs naturally as distinct particles, called granules. Most starch granules are a mixture of 2 sugar polymers: a highly branched polysaccharide named amylopectin and a basically linear polysaccharide named amylose. The starch contained in food products undergoes changes during processing, which causes changes in the starch molecular weight and amylose to amylopectin ratio. The objective of this study was to develop a new, simple, 1‐step, and accurate method for simultaneous determination of amylose and amylopectin ratio as well as weight‐averaged molecular weights of starch in food products. Starch from bread flour, canned peas, corn flake cereal, snack crackers, canned kidney beans, pasta, potato chips, and white bread was extracted by dissolving in KOH, urea, and precipitation with ethanol. Starch samples were solubilized and analyzed on a high‐performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) system. To verify the identity of the peaks, fractions were collected and soluble starch and beta‐glucan assays were performed additional to gas chromatography analysis. We found that all the fractions contain only glucose and soluble starch assay is correlated to the HPSEC fractionation. This new method can be used to determine amylose amylopectin ratio and weight‐averaged molecular weight of starch from various food products using as low as 25 mg dry samples.
IgG4‐related disease in Singapore: a description of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Fong Warren Weng Seng , Thumboo Julian , Azhar Rafay , Yoong Jon Kah Choun
Published: January 2013

We describe a 42‐year‐old man who presented with painless obstructive jaundice, organomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the ampulla of Vater revealed the presence of increased populations of plasma cells which stained positively for immunoglobulin G4. He was treated with prednisolone and demonstrated significant clinical improvement 1 month later. A further case is described and a review of the literature is also provided.
Prevalence and risk factors for chloroquine maculopathy and role of plasma chloroquine and desethylchloroquine concentrations in predicting chloroquine maculopathy
Authors: Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena , Nilganuwong Surasak , Srinonprasert Varalak , Boonprasert Rasada , Chandranipapongse Weerawadee , Chatsiricharoenkul Somruedee , Katchamart Wanruchada , Pongnarin Piyapat , Danwiriyakul Wimonrat , Koolvisoot Ajchara , Arromdee Emvalee , Ruangvaravate Ngamkae
Published: January 2013

Aim

To determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of chloroquine maculopathy (CM), and to evaluate the association of plasma chloroquine (CQ) and desethylchloroquine (DCQ) levels and CM.

Methods

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who had taken CQ for at least 6 months and stable CQ dosage for at least 2 months were included. CM was diagnosed by dilated ocular examination and automated visual field. Plasma CQ and DCQ levels were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Logistic regression was used to explore risk factors associated with CM.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐three patients were included with median CQ duration (range) of 50.2 months (6.0–269.8) and cumulative dose of 137.4 g (16.4–1226.5). The prevalence of CM was 13.5%. Factors associated with CM identified from univariate analysis were age > 60 years, and creatinine clearance with odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) of 5.79 (2.42, 13.84), and 0.98 (0.96, 1.00). In multivariate analysis, older age, usage > 5 years, and current dose from 2.5 mg/kg ideal body weight [IBW]/day were the factors significantly associated with CM with OR of 5.89 (2.38, 14.57), 2.94 (1.10, 7.83), and 3.32 (1.04, 10.60), respectively, while plasma CQ and DCQ showed no association with CM.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CM was 13.5% among RA patients taking CQ for at least 6 months. Age > 60 years, duration of CQ usage > 5 years and current CQ dose ≥2.5 mg/kg IBW/day were the risk factors for CM. The plasma CQ or DCQ levels demonstrated no correlation in developing CM.
Farm dams facilitate amphibian invasion: Extra‐limital range expansion of the painted reed frog in South Africa
Authors: Davies Sarah J. , Clusella‐Trullas Susana , Hui Cang , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: January 2013

Driven by the mobility of organisms and novel habitats created by anthropogenic changes of landscape structure and climate, range expansion can modify the functioning of recipient ecosystems by altering ecosystem processes such as intra‐ and cross‐trophic biotic interactions. We explain the spatial and temporal dynamics of the recent range expansion of painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus Rapp) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We identify the geographical and temporal origin of expansion, quantify extent of occurrence, internal range structure and habitat characteristics of occupied sites. The painted reed frog was introduced into its novel range during 1997 or early 1998, and is now widespread. Highly variable annual spread rates suggest both diffusion‐based and human‐mediated jump dispersal as drivers of the range expansion. Spatial structure is evident at the scale of the entire novel range, with two distinct populations separated by at least 100 km of unoccupied terrain. Models show that occupancy is limited by summer aridity, low winter temperatures and the absence of fringing vegetation around water bodies. The range structure and the presence of breeding populations in 26% of water bodies surveyed imply that there are further opportunities for range expansion across the network of artificial water bodies available. We infer that, facilitated by human‐mediated jump dispersal and the dense distribution of perennial farm dams, painted reed frogs have colonized the winter rainfall region of south‐western South Africa and fit the description of ‘urban exploiters’. Unspecialized habitat requirements, rapid spread and high local population sizes further suggest that they could compete with co‐occurring endemic frogs and hamper the conservation of these range‐restricted amphibians.
Appropriators not Position Takers: The Distorting Effects of Electoral Incentives on Congressional Representation
Authors: Grimmer Justin
Published: January 2013

Congressional districts create two levels of representation. Studies of representation focus on a disaggregated level: the electoral connection between representatives and constituents. But there is a collective level of representation—the result of aggregating across representatives. This article uses new measures of home styles to demonstrate that responsiveness to constituents can have negative consequences for collective representation. The electoral connection causes marginal representatives—legislators with districts composed of the other party's partisans—to emphasize appropriations in their home styles. But it causes aligned representatives—those with districts filled with copartisans—to build their home styles around position taking. Aggregated across representatives, this results in an artificial polarization in stated party positions: aligned representatives, who tend to be ideologically extreme, dominate policy debates. The logic and evidence in this article provide an explanation for the apparent rise in vitriolic debate, and the new measures facilitate a literature on home styles.
Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) induces wheal and flare skin reactions independent of mast cell degranulation
Authors: Krause K. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Martinez‐Escala E. , Farré‐Albadalejo M. , Abajian M. , Church M. K. , Maurer M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) causes wheal and flare responses which are abrogated by H1‐antihistamines giving rise to the hypothesis that PAF‐induced wheal development is secondary to histamine release from dermal mast cells. But is this hypothesis correct?

Methods

Wheal and flare responses were induced by intradermal injection of PAF, codeine and histamine in 14 healthy volunteers. Dermal histamine and PGD2 contractions were measured using microdialysis.

Results

PAF, unlike histamine and codeine, did not cause a statistically significant rise in mean histamine levels with ten persons showing negligible histamine release. Codeine caused a significant but variable histamine release, ranging from 29 to 282 ng/ml. Codeine, but not PAF or histamine, caused a small but statistically significant release of PGD2.

Conclusion

Wheal and flare reactions in human skin induced by PAF are not associated with histamine release and, therefore, appear to be independent of mast cell degranulation.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss): state of the art
Authors: Vaglio A. , Buzio C. , Zwerina J.
Published: January 2013

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss, EGPA) is a systemic small‐vessel vasculitis associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Histology of EGPA shows tissue eosinophilia, necrotizing vasculitis, and eosinophil‐rich granulomatous inflammation. EGPA commonly presents with upper airway tract and lung involvement, peripheral neuropathy, cardiac and skin lesions. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are positive in ∼40% of the cases and more often in patients with clinical manifestations due to small‐vessel vasculitis. The pathogenesis of EGPA is multifactorial: the disease can be triggered by exposure to allergens or drugs, but a genetic background has also been recognized, particularly an association with HLA‐DRB4. Th2 responses are prominent, with up‐regulation of IL‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐5; however, Th1 and Th17 responses are not negligible. Eosinophils are activated, have a prolonged lifespan and probably cause tissue damage by releasing their granule proteins; their tissue recruitment can be regulated by chemokines such as eotaxin‐3 and CCL17. Humoral immunity is also dysregulated, as demonstrated by prominent IgG4 and IgE responses. EGPA promptly responds to glucocorticoid therapy, although combinations of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide, azathioprine) are eventually required in most cases. Newer therapeutic options include the anti‐IL5 antibody mepolizumab, whose efficacy has been described in small clinical trials, and the B‐cell‐depleting agent rituximab, reported in several case series.
Aberrant dendritic cell function conditions Th2‐cell polarization in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Pilette C. , Jacobson M. R. , Ratajczak C. , Detry B. , Banfield G. , VanSnick J. , Durham S. R. , Nouri‐Aria K. T.
Published: January 2013

Background

Myeloid (m) and plasmacytoid (p) dendritic cells (DCs) regulate immune responses to allergens, whereas it remains unclear whether abnormal DC function characterizes patients with airway allergy and whether putative dysfunction exists only in target organs. To evaluate DC function from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), we assessed nasal, cutaneous as well as blood DCs after in vivo and in vitro allergen challenge, respectively.

Methods

DCs were immunostained in nasal and skin tissues, and cytokine expression was assessed by dual immunofluorescence. Cytokine production and regulation of cocultured peripheral CD4+ T cells were assayed by ELISA.

Results

In AR patients, local allergen challenge resulted in increases in pDC and mDC numbers at 8 h in the nasal mucosa and at 8–48 h in the skin. Defects in IL‐10 and IFN‐α were observed in both organs from AR. Blood mDCs from AR exhibited reduced IL‐10 and IL‐12 expression. The capacity of activated pDCs from AR to produce IFN‐α and to trigger IL‐10 by allogeneic CD4+ T cells was diminished, whereas mDCs from these patients supported Th2‐ and Th17‐cell differentiation.

Conclusion

In allergic rhinitis, DCs are altered not only locally but also in the systemic circulation. mDCs and pDCs increased in airway and skin tissues exposed to the allergen and displayed reduced production of IL‐10 and ‘type 1 signals’ (IL‐12, IFN‐α) both locally and in blood. Functional studies showed that this results in preferential Th2/Th17‐cell polarization and impaired generation by blood DCs of IL‐10+ T cells, linking systemic DC dysfunction and biased T‐cell responses.