bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial meningitis after radiofrequency diathermy for adenoid hypertrophy
Authors: Nagasaki Azusa , Sato Atsuo , Shiro Hiroyuki
Published: June 2014

A 6‐year‐old otherwise healthy girl who underwent radiofrequency diathermy for adenoid hypertrophy presented with fever on the same day and was diagnosed as having bacterial meningitis 2 days later. Culture of cerebrospinal fluid indicated that the pathogens were penicillin‐sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The serotype of the causative pneumococcus, 11A, was not covered by the 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine the patient had been inoculated with. Although not previously reported, radiofrequency diathermy for adenoid hypertrophy can be considered a risk factor for bacteremia and meningitis.
Thyroglossal duct cyst accompanied by laryngomalacia and pulmonary sequestration
Authors: Yagasaki Hideaki , Makino Koichi , Goto Yusuke , Suzuki Takeyuki , Oyachi Noboru , Obana Kazuko , Ko Junichi , Komai Takayuki
Published: June 2014

A 2‐month‐old full‐term female infant developed nasal stridor, which progressed to respiratory distress and poor sucking ability. Direct pharyngoscopy showed laryngomalacia and a midline cystic mass in the lingual region. The mass pressed on the epiglottis, causing dyspnea. Computed tomography incidentally revealed extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Direct deroofing of the lingual cyst and plication of the epiglottis were performed at 3 months of age, and the patient recovered from the respiratory distress. Histopathology of the cystic mass showed a thyroglossal duct cyst. Thoracoscopic resection of the pulmonary sequestration was then done at 17 months of age. Thyroglossal duct cysts in the lingual region may cause destabilization of the epiglottis and laryngomalacia, resulting in acquired respiratory obstruction. The combination of thyroglossal duct cyst, laryngomalacia, and pulmonary sequestration is rare; therefore, reports must be accumulated in order to explore the embryological origins of such cases.
Challenging diagnosis between intussusception and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
Authors: Taşkınlar Hakan , Gündoğdu Gökhan , Çelik Yalçın , Avlan Dinçer , Naycı Ali
Published: June 2014

Although necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a frequently encountered entity in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, intussusception is extremely rare. Abdominal distension, bilious/non‐bilious gastric residuals and bloody stool are the common clinical findings of both entities. Here we present three cases of intussusception misdiagnosed as NEC, two of which were complicated with intestinal perforation. Similar clinical findings of NEC and intussusception leads to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment, particularly in premature infants with intussusception.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation (UVA+UVB) on Young Gametophytes ofGelidium floridanum: Growth Rate, Photosynthetic Pigments, Carotenoids, Photosynthetic Performance, and Ultrastructure
Authors: Simioni Carmen , C. Schmidt Éder , Felix Marthiellen R. de L. , Polo Luz Karime , Rover Ticiane , Kreusch Marianne , Pereira Debora T. , Chow Fungyi , Ramlov Fernanda , Maraschin Marcelo , Bouzon Zenilda L.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the effects of radiation (PAR+UVA+UVB) on the development and growth rates (GRs) of young gametophytes ofGelidium floridanum. In addition, photosynthetic pigments were quantified, carotenoids identified, and photosynthetic performance assessed. Over a period of 3 days, young gametophytes were cultivated under laboratory conditions and exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 80 μmol photons m−2 s−1andPAR+UVA(0.70 W m−2)+UVB(0.35 W m−2) for 3 h per day. The samples were processed for light and electron microscopy to analyze the ultrastructure features, as well as carry out metabolic studies ofGRs, quantify the content of photosynthetic pigments, identify carotenoids and assess photosynthetic performance.PAR+UVA+UVBpromoted increase in cell wall thickness, accumulation of floridean starch grains in the cytoplasm and disruption of chloroplast internal organization. Algae exposed toPAR+UVA+UVBalso showed a reduction inGRof 97%. Photosynthetic pigments, in particular, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin contents, decreased significantly fromUVradiation exposure. This result agrees with the decrease in photosynthetic performance observed after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as measured by a decrease in the electron transport rate (ETR), where values ofETRmax declined approximately 44.71%. It can be concluded that radiation is a factor that affects the young gametophytes ofG. floridanumat this stage of development.
Influence of Dye Content on the Conduction Band Edge of Titania in the Steam‐treated Dye‐dispersing Titania Electrodes
Authors: Setiawan Rudi Agus , Nishikiori Hiromasa , Tanaka Nobuaki , Fujii Tsuneo
Published: June 2014

The titania and dye‐dispersing titania electrodes were prepared by a nitric acid‐catalyzed sol‐gel process. The dye‐dispersing titania contains the dye molecules dispersed on the surface of the individual nanosized titania particles. The photo‐cyclic voltammetry (Photo‐CV) and photoelectric measurements of the dye‐dispersing titania electrodes were conducted to clarify the factors changing the conduction band edge of the titania and the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of the electrodes. The remaining nitrate ions caused a negative shift of conduction band edge of the titania of the dye‐dispersing titania. The conduction band edge of the titania was shifted in a negative direction in the electrode containing a greater amount of the dye. These results are due to the adsorption of nitrate ions and the dye‐titania complex formation on the titania particle surface. The effect of the dye‐titania complex formation on the shift in the titania conduction band edge was greater than that of the adsorption of nitrate ions due to strong interaction between the dye and titania through the carboxylate and quinone‐like groups of the dye. The shift in the titania conduction band edge corresponded to the change in the Voc value.
Real‐time quantitative PCR assays for the rapid detection and quantification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli in Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) seeds
Authors: de Sousa M. V. , Machado J. da C. , Simmons H. E. , Munkvold G. P.
Published: June 2014

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (Fop) is a devastating pathogen that can cause significant economic losses and can be introduced into fields through infested Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) seeds. Efficient seed health testing methods can aid in preventing long‐distance dissemination of this pathogen by contaminated seeds. In order to improve detection of Fop in seed, a rapid, accurate and sensitive real‐time PCR assay (qPCR) protocol was developed for detection of Fop in common bean seeds. Seed lots of seven cultivars with infection incidence ranging from 0·25 to 20% were prepared by mixing known amounts of Fop‐infected seeds with Fop‐free seeds. Direct comparisons between SYBR Green and TaqMan qPCR methods were performed using primers based on the Fop virulence factor ftf1. The primers developed in this study produced a 63 bp product for highly virulent strains of Fop but did not produce an amplicon for nonpathogenic or weakly pathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum from P. vulgaris or other hosts. Under optimized conditions, both qPCR assays detected Fop infection at low levels (0·25%); however, the results suggest the TaqMan assay was more reliable at quantification than the SYBR Green assay. Linear regression models were fitted to the relationships between results of qPCR assays and infection incidence, but the models differed among cultivars. Fungal biomass per seed differed among cultivars and was related to seed size. The results indicate that the TaqMan assay developed in this study is a useful tool for the detection and quantification of Fop in bean seeds.
Monitoring of therapy in atopic dermatitis – observations with the use of high‐frequency ultrasonography
Authors: Polańska A. , Silny W. , Jenerowicz D. , Knioła K. , Molińska‐Glura M. , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska A.
Published: June 2014

Background

In reactive and proactive therapy of atopic dermatitis a well established agent is tacrolimus, a member of calcineurin inhibitors' family. The clinical safety and efficacy of this drug were evaluated previously in randomized multicenter trials. However, so far in clinical studies the assessment of its action on the skin has been made only on the basis of different scores and scales. We present the 6‐month observations of tacrolimus therapy in atopic dermatitis patients monitored with the use of noninvasive techniques like high‐frequency ultrasonography and evaporimetry.

Methods

The study consisted of 39 patients withADand their mean age was 26.3 ± 12.8 years. The study lasted 6 months and every 4 weeks patient visited the outpatient clinic (totally 7 visits). The evaluation of disease severity within right antecubital fossa was obtained on the basis of Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score. During every control visit noninvasive measurements were carried in the form ofHF‐USG(with determination of subepidermal low echogenic band,SLEB) and evaporimetry.

Results

39 patients started the study and 22 of them (54.6%) finished it. Out of 39 patients, 31 (79.5%) received at least 4 week long proactive treatment. We observed statistically significant change ofIGA, meanSLEBvalue andTEWLduring underwent therapy. There were also statistically significant differences in meanSLEBandTEWLvalues between lesional and nonlesional measures.

Conclusions

This report shows the usefulness ofHF‐USGin monitoring tacrolimus therapy in atopic dermatitis. It is worth emphasizing, that this tool is easily reproducible and allows clinicians to visualize pathologic changes of all skinin vivo. As a noninvasive and independent of subjective judgment method,HF‐USGshould be included in overall evaluation of atopic dermatitis disease severity together with common scores or scales, especially in the era of evidence based medicine.
Critical Evaluation of Frequency-Domain Approach for Fatigue Damage Estimation
Authors: Vidic Gašper , Nagode Marko
Published: June 2014

Frequency-domain approach for fatigue damage estimation and lifetime prediction of mechanical components is often used for its computational efficiency and the capability to give a synthetic representation of a random process. The problem with the approach is that the input data, the stress power spectral density (PSD), may not include the information about potential small amount of high amplitude cycles which can substantially increase the accumulated fatigue damage. The paper investigates the scatter of the accumulated damage in generated random stress histories and compares them to the results obtained by a frequency-domain approach—the Dirlik method. The results show a possibility of a severe underestimation of accumulated damage when using frequency-domain approach. In case a typical stress, history of a certain mechanical component includes sporadic high amplitude cycles their effect shoud be taken into consideration when using frequency-domain approach.
Nonlinear Modeling and Analysis of Direct Acting Solenoid Valves for Clutch Control
Authors: Walker Paul D. , Zhu Bo , Zhang Nong
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive nonlinear model of a typical direct acting solenoid valves utilized for clutch control in wet dual clutch transmissions. To do so, mathematical models of the integrated electrohydraulic solenoid valve and wet clutch piston assembly are developed in the Simulink environment of Matlab. Through simulation the operating characteristics of the control valve are analyzed, demonstrating that the valve achieves dual functionalities of high flow and accurate pressure control depending on demands. This is realized through the designed force balancing of the valve spool. The dependency of the system to system variables on input pressure and the influence of air content on dynamic response of the valve are investigated. The resilience of output pressure is demonstrated to these variables, indicating strong system reliability. Finally, the model is then validated using in situ experimental testing on a powertrain test rig. The comparison of experimental and simulated results for steady state pressure as well as step and ramp input responses demonstrate good agreement.
Design of Cross-Sectional Layout of Steel Tube Umbilical
Authors: Lu Qingzhen , Yang Zhixun , Yan Jun , Yue Qianjin
Published: June 2014

A design method is presented, which aims at the optimal cross-sectional layout of the multilayer steel tube umbilical. The merit of the method is to improve the tension stiffness and the fatigue life of umbilical. An optimization model is developed for arranging each component layer of the layout by considering the symmetry of mechanical performances of components. Finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out to check the contact force and the radial deformation of different layout types and to confirm the optimal layout design.
Free Vibration of a Fluid Loaded Ring-Stiffened Conical Shell With Variable Thickness
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Jun , Cheng Yuansheng
Published: June 2014

An analytical method is presented for the free vibration of a fluid loaded (submerged) ring-stiffened conical shell with variable thickness in the low frequency range. Based on the Flügge theory and equivalent method of ring-stiffeners, the governing equations of vibration of a ring-stiffened conical shell are developed in the form of a coupled set of the first order differential equations. Fluid loading is taken into account by dividing the shell into narrow strips which are considered to be locally cylindrical. Analytical solutions are presented by using the transfer matrix method, which is suitable for structures broken into a sequence of subsystems that interact only with adjacent subsystems. By comparing the results from the present method and the finite element model, good agreement are obtained. The effects of the spacing of the stiffeners, the shell thickness, the shell thickness ratio, the ring's height, and the boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of the fluid loaded ring-stiffened conical shell with variable thickness are discussed.
Substrate Heating in the Planar-Flow Melt Spinning of Metals
Authors: Altieri Anthony L. , Steen Paul H.
Published: June 2014

Planar-flow spin casting is a rapid solidification process used in the manufacture of thin, metallic ribbon, and foil. Liquid metal is solidified against a cool, rotating wheel which absorbs the super heat and latent heat of the metal. Industry typically implements an actively cooled wheel. However, validation of unsteady models requires observations from unsteady experiments. Experiments from our laboratory with an uncooled wheel show different temperature–time traces at different positions. Given a specified heat loading, a full conduction model predicts temperature fields within the wheel as they evolve with time. In this paper, we obtain reduced-order conduction models which take account of the various relevant length- and time-scales, with guidelines as to their validity. Model validation compares against measured temperatures from our casting machine. Finally, the model is modified to include internal cooling of the wheel to predict steady state behaviors. Spin casting can freeze molten metal sufficiently rapidly to achieve metallic glasses for a number of alloys whose properties in that state enable ultra-efficient energy conversion devices, alloys of increasing importance to energy conservation/harvesting.
A Review of Planetary and Epicyclic Gear Dynamics and Vibrations Research
Authors: Cooley Christopher G. , Parker Robert G.
Published: June 2014

This article summarizes published journal articles on planetary and epicyclic gear dynamics and vibration. Research in this field has increased dramatically over the past two decades. The wide range of research topics demonstrates the technical challenges of understanding and predicting planetary gear dynamics and vibration. The research in this review includes mathematical models, vibration mode properties, dynamic response predictions including nonlinearities and time-varying mesh stiffness fluctuations, the effects of elastic compliance, and gyroscopic effects, among other topics. Practical aspects are also included, for example, planet load sharing, planet phasing, tooth surface modifications, and characteristics of measured vibration response.
Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation of Airfoil Stall Flows Using High-Order Schemes
Authors: Im Hong-Sik , Zha Ge-Cheng
Published: June 2014

An advanced hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes/large eddy simulation (RANS/LES) turbulence model delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES) is conducted in thispaper to investigate the dynamic stall flows over 3D NACA0012 airfoil at 17 deg, 26 deg, 45 deg, and 60 deg angle of attack (AOA). The spatially filtered unsteady 3D Navier–Stokes equations are solved using a fifth-order weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) reconstruction with a low diffusion E-CUSP (LDE) scheme for the inviscid fluxes and a conservative fourth-order central differencing for the viscous terms. An implicit second-order time marching scheme with dual time stepping is employed to achieve high stability and convergency rate. A 3D flat plate is validated for the DDES model. For quantitative prediction of lift and drag of the stalled NACA0012 airfoil flows, the detached eddy simulation (DES) and DDES achieve much more accurate results than the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation. In addition to the quantitative difference, the DES/DDES and URANS also obtain qualitatively very different unsteady stalled flows of NACA0012 airfoil with different vortical structures and frequencies. This may bring a significantly different prediction if those methods are used for fluid–structural interaction. For comparison purpose, a third-order WENO scheme with a second-order central differencing is also employed for the DDES stalled NACA0012 airfoil flows. Both the third- and fifth-order WENO schemes predict the stalled flow similarly for lift and drag at AOA less than 45 deg, while at AOA of 60 deg, the fifth-order WENO scheme shows better agreement with the experiment than the third-order WENO scheme. The high-order scheme of WENO 5 also resolves more small scales of flow structures than the second-order scheme. The prediction of the stalled airfoil flow using DDES with both the high-order scheme and second-order scheme is overall significantly more accurate than the URANS simulation.
Strategies for Cardiac Regeneration and Repair
Authors: Lin Zhiqiang , Pu William T.
Published: June 2014

Regenerative medicine strategies that enhance heart repair are being pursued to face the growing heart disease epidemic.
Atherosclerosis—Multiple Pathways to Lesional Macrophages
Authors: Schulz Christian , Massberg Steffen
Published: June 2014

The origin and molecular regulation of macrophages may shape the development of effective treatments for atherosclerosis.
Genetic Polymorphisms Spill Their Guts
Authors: Round June L.
Published: June 2014

Dendritic cells isolated from patients with
ICOSLG
polymorphisms are unable to secrete appropriate levels of inflammatory cytokines, leading to increased disease.
An Asian Origin of Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila Responsible for Disease Epidemics in United States-Farmed Catfish
Authors: Hossain Mohammad J. , Sun Dawei , McGarey Donald J. , Wrenn Shannon , Alexander Laura M. , Martino Maria Elena , Xing Ye , Terhune Jeffery S. , Liles Mark R.
Published: June 2014

Since 2009, catfish farming in the southeastern United States has been severely impacted by a highly virulent and clonal population of
Aeromonas hydrophila
causing motile
Aeromonas
septicemia (MAS) in catfish. The possible origin of this newly emerged highly virulent
A. hydrophila
strain is unknown. In this study, we show using whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics that
A. hydrophila
isolates from diseased grass carp in China and catfish in the United States have highly similar genomes. Our phylogenomic analyses suggest that U.S. catfish isolates emerged from
A. hydrophila
populations of Asian origin. Furthermore, we identified an
A. hydrophila
strain isolated in 2004 from a diseased catfish in Mississippi, prior to the onset of the major epidemic outbreaks in Alabama starting in 2009, with genomic characteristics that are intermediate between those of the Asian and Alabama fish isolates. Investigation of
A. hydrophila
strain virulence demonstrated that the isolate from the U.S. catfish epidemic is significantly more virulent to both channel catfish and grass carp than is the Chinese carp isolate. This study implicates the importation of fish or fishery products into the United States as the source of highly virulent
A. hydrophila
that has caused severe epidemic outbreaks in United States-farmed catfish and further demonstrates the potential for invasive animal species to disseminate bacterial pathogens worldwide.

IMPORTANCE
Catfish aquaculture farming in the southeastern United States has been severely affected by the emergence of virulent
Aeromonas hydrophila
responsible for epidemic disease outbreaks, resulting in the death of over 10 million pounds of catfish. Because the origin of this newly emerged
A. hydrophila
strain is unknown, this study used a comparative genomics approach to conduct a phylogenomic analysis of
A. hydrophila
isolates obtained from the United States and Asia. Our results suggest that the virulent isolates from United States-farmed catfish have a recent common ancestor with
A. hydrophila
isolates from diseased Asian carp. We have also observed that an Asian carp isolate, like recent U.S. catfish isolates, is virulent in catfish. The results from this study suggest that the highly virulent U.S. epidemic isolates emerged from an Asian source and provide another example of the threat that invasive species pose in the dissemination of bacterial pathogens.
Human Genetic Variation and Yellow Fever Mortality during 19th Century U.S. Epidemics
Authors: Blake Lauren E. , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A.
Published: June 2014

We calculated the incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates for Caucasians and non-Caucasians during 19th century yellow fever (YF) epidemics in the United States and determined statistical significance for differences in the rates in different populations. We evaluated nongenetic host factors, including socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, demographic, and acquired immunity status that could have influenced these differences. While differences in incidence rates were not significant between Caucasians and non-Caucasians, differences in mortality and case fatality rates were statistically significant for all epidemics tested (P< 0.01). Caucasians diagnosed with YF were 6.8 times more likely to succumb than non-Caucasians with the disease. No other major causes of death during the 19th century demonstrated a similar mortality skew toward Caucasians. Nongenetic host factors were examined and could not explain these large differences. We propose that the remarkably lower case mortality rates for individuals of non-Caucasian ancestry is the result of human genetic variation in loci encoding innate immune mediators.

IMPORTANCEDifferent degrees of severity of yellow fever have been observed across diverse populations, but this study is the first to demonstrate a statistically significant association between ancestry and the outcome of yellow fever (YF). With the global burden of mosquito-borne flaviviral infections, such as YF and dengue, on the rise, identifying and characterizing host factors could prove pivotal in the prevention of epidemics and the development of effective treatments.
Chiari type 1 malformation in a pseudotumour cerebri patient: is it an acquired or congenital Chiari malformation?
Authors: Istek Şeref
Published: June 2014

Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is a developmental abnormality of the cerebellar tonsils. Patients with CM1 commonly present with headache. Papilloedema is rarely seen in CM1. However, a 52-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a headache and her ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral papilloedema. Her cranial MRI was compatible with borderline CM1. Bilateral papilloedema and headache suggested idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) as the preliminary diagnosis. IIH is a rare case in CM1. This article argues about this association and discusses as to whether it is an acquired or congenital Chiari malformation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIB: a 1-year follow-up
Authors: Mejía-Castrejón Jessica , Landa-Ramírez Edgar
Published: June 2014

This case report describes a 24-year-old man diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIB and major depression. Because cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven effective in the treatment of major depression in the general population and patients with cancer, we decided to adapt and use this therapy and evaluate its impact on major depression and the patient’s quality of life. The therapy was conducted individually in 15 sessions that were given over a span of 25 weeks. The data show that therapy was a useful treatment that reduced depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria and self-report instruments. CBT also helped improve the patient’s quality of life, and it was considered to be an acceptable intervention for the patient, with ongoing positive results 1 year after the last psychotherapy session. CBT is a potential option for treating depression in this population but further research is needed.
Acute psychosis with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and oppositional-defiant disorder comorbidities
Authors: Ding Jonathan , Gadit Amin Muhammad
Published: June 2014

This is a case of an 18-year-old boy who presented with his mother in the emergency room with a 1-week history of paranoia and bizarre behaviour. His comorbidities included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder and mild intellectual delay. At the emergency room he was incoherent, agitated and uncooperative. He was admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit and treated with low-dose risperidone. The patient's symptoms improved markedly over a few days, although he remained restless and had episodes of agitation. Nursing staff was concerned about his behaviour and found him difficult to manage. However, after speaking to the patient's family, this was felt to be his baseline. After 11 days the patient was discharged home in stable state.
Abdominal wall disruption with evisceration after blunt trauma
Authors: Cawich Shamir , Islam Shariful , Harnarayan Patrick , Young-Pong Curtis
Published: June 2014

Abdominal evisceration after blunt trauma is rare. We report a case in a 65-year-old man who was crushed by a lorry. Management of this uncommon condition is reviewed.
Haemolytic anaemia—PNH type II cells presenting a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Pande Nikhil , Bhat Rama , Singh Brij Mohan Kumar , Vivek Ganapathiraman
Published: June 2014

A 28-year-old man presented with a history of intermittent haematuria over the past 10 years usually following fever episodes and requiring blood transfusions during the episodes. History of any thrombotic complications, chest pain or erectile dysfunction was not forthcoming. Examination revealed severe pallor with mild icterus and mild splenomegaly. His blood picture showed pancytopenia with elevated reticulocytes and indirect hyperbilirubinaemia. Indirect Coombs test was positive but direct was negative, serum lactate dehydrogenase was elevated and agglutinins were found to be of IgG type. Bone marrow showed a hypercellular marrow with myeloid and megakaryocytes suppressed. Donath-Landsteiner antibodies were found to be negative ruling out paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria. Flow cytometry was performed with a suspicion of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and was shown to be partially negative for CD59 but positive for CD55, a pattern consistent with type II PNH.
Unreported neurological complications ofGemella bergeriaeinfective endocarditis
Authors: Hussain Kosar , Abubaker Jawed , Omar Al Deesi Zulfa , Ahmed Raees
Published: June 2014

We report the first case of native aortic and mitral valve endocarditis due toGemella bergeriaefrom the Middle East in a young patient with rheumatic heart disease. Our case illustrates a fulminant course of infection withG. bergeriaeendocarditis that was complicated by embolic stroke, as well as intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to rupture of a mycotic aneurysm in the right middle cerebral artery. This case highlights the dire, unreported neurological complications of infective endocarditis due to a rare causative organism—G. bergeriae.
Management of pregnancy in woman with suspected malignant deep infiltrating endometriosis fistulised to the uterine cervix
Authors: Richard Frederic , Canlorbe Geoffroy , Bazot Marc , Daraï Emile
Published: June 2014

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is a well-known cause of pelvic pain and infertility. Malignant transformation of DIE is rare but can be suggested by MRI. We report a case of a spontaneous pregnancy in a woman with suspicion of malignant transformation of DIE with fistulisation to the posterior uterine isthmus through to the cervical canal. The pregnancy was closely monitored and an uneventful caesarian section was performed at 34 weeks of gestation. This case raises the issue of the relevance of imaging techniques and management of pregnancy.
Herbal medicines for cancer cachexia: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Park Bongki , Jun Ji Hee , Jung Jeeyoun , You Sooseong , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: June 2014

Introduction

To assess the efficacy of herbal medicines as a treatment of cancer cachexia.

Methods and analysis

We will search the following 13 electronic databases from their inception. MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Journal Integration Platform (VIP) and six Korean Medical Databases (KoreaMed, the Korean Traditional knowledge Portal, OASIS, DBPIA, the Research Information Service System and the Korean Studies Information Service System) without restrictions on time or language. The data will be extracted independently by two authors using predefined criteria. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion between the authors. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Dissemination

The review will be published in a journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. An update of the review will be conducted to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO 2013:CRD42013006612.
Novel mono- and heterobimetallic chromium−nickel s-indacene complexes: synthesis, characterization, and DFT studies
Authors: Morales-Verdejo Cesar , Schott Eduardo , Zarate Ximena , Manriquez Juan Manuel
Published: June 2014

The preparation of a novel heterobimetallic chromium−nickel compound (3), including 2,6-diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-5-hydroindacenide (IcH′) as bridging ligand was successfully achieved and it was characterized by means of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Cyclic voltammetry studies were performed for complex 3 as well as for its respective mononuclear species. Theoretical calculations of this compound were carried out to gain further understanding of this novel molecular system.
A LOW-POWER DIGITAL CALIBRATION OF SAMPLING TIME MISMATCHES IN TIME-INTERLEAVED A/D CONVERTERS
Authors: NIABOLI-GUILANI MOHAMMAD , BAZRAFSHAN-JORSHARI AMIR , MESHKIN REZA
Published: June 2014

This paper presents, a novel digital foreground calibration technique in order to reduce the effects of timing-skew in time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The proposed technique implementation is simple and helps to achieve very low power consumption. This technique is based on the using of a simple reference comparator which is synchronized by one of sub-channels in each cycle of calibration. Also the detection and correction are implemented by a simple LMS loop that guarantee the convergence of algorithm. Finally, simulation results show that the new approach method can effectively correct timing errors for a specified input signal, and achieves a low power consumption, low computational complexity and high convergence speed and also verify theoretical equations for it.
Stability of a supersonic flow over a wedge containing a weak shock wave satisfying the Lopatinski condition
Authors: Blokhin A. M. , Tkachev D. L.
Published: June 2014

We study the stability problem for a stationary supersonic flow of inviscid non-heat-conducting gas in thermodynamical equilibrium moving onto a planar infinite wedge. As it is known, this problem has two solutions: a solution with a strong shock wave (when the velocity behind the front of the shock wave is subsonic) and a solution with a weak shock wave (when the velocity behind the front of the shock wave is supersonic). We consider the case of a weak shock wave and we prove that if the Lopatinski condition for the shock wave holds (in a weak sense), then the corresponding linearized initial boundary-value problem is well-posed. We thus find a classical solution to this problem. Unlike the case when the uniform Lopatinski condition holds, additional plane waves appear. For compactly supported initial data we show that the solution of the linearized problem converges to the zero solution as time tends to infinity. Therefore, for the case of a weak shock wave and when the Lopatinski condition holds in a weak sense, these results complete the proof of the well-known Courant–Friedrichs' conjecture that the strong shock wave solution is unstable whereas the weak shock wave solution is stable.
Stability of multi-solitons in the cubic NLS equation
Authors: Contreras Andres , Pelinovsky Dmitry
Published: June 2014

We address the stability of multi-solitons for the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation on the line. By using the dressing transformation and the inverse scattering transform methods, we establish the orbital stability of multi-solitons in the L2(ℝ) space when the initial data is in a weighted L2(ℝ) space.
On a quadratic functional for scalar conservation laws
Authors: Bianchini Stefano , Modena Stefano
Published: June 2014

We prove a quadratic interaction estimate for approximate solutions to scalar conservation laws obtained by the wavefront tracking approximation or the Glimm scheme. This quadratic estimate has been used in the literature to prove the convergence rate of the Glimm scheme. The proof is based on the introduction of a quadratic functional 𝔔(t), decreasing at every interaction, and such that its total variation in time is bounded. Differently from other interaction potentials present in the literature, the form of this functional is the natural extension of the original Glimm functional, and coincides with it in the genuinely nonlinear case.
CLONING, EXPRESSION AND PRELIMINARY ANTIGENICITY ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL PROTEINS OF A KOI HERPESVIRUS ISOLATE FROM KOI, CYPRINUS CARPIO IN TAIWAN
Authors: Tu Chien , Chiou Ruey-Yu , Chen Meei-Mei
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to clone and express the ORF72 and ORF92 genes of koi herpesvirus (KHV) in a prokaryotic system and to examine the antigenicity of recombinant proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both ORF72 and ORF92 had 100% homology with KHV-J, and 99% homology with those from KHV-U and KHV-I in nucleotides. This suggests that the KHV isolate in Taiwan is more closely related to the Japanese strain (Asian genotype). In the antigenicity analysis, the crude recombinant ORF72 and ORF92 capsid proteins reacted with the positive sera of the survival fish after a KHV outbreak, indicating that these recombinant capsid proteins might mimic antigens of the wild type KHV to induce an immunological response in the infected host. Our results demonstrated potential for general applicability to serological tests and vaccine development.
CASE REPORT: TREATMENT OF AN ELDERLY DOG WITH CONCURRENT HEART DISEASE AND ACUTE UREMIA BY HEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Chan Kun-Wei , Ping Tsung-Ying , Chou Shih-Jen , Zheng Zhi-Jia , Yang Wei-Cheng , Lai Jyh-Mirn , Lo Dan-Yuan , Chang Chih-Cheng , Wu Jui-Te
Published: June 2014

A 15-year-old mixed-breed dog that was presented with anorexia and lethargy for four months was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac disease. The patient was presented clinically in poor physical condition showing stupor and acute vomiting. Complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemical analysis showed severe anemia and blood urea nitrogen (BUN, 145 mg/dL), creatinine (3.9 mg/dL) and phosphorus (17.2 mmol/L) were also elevated. Hemodialysis was performed after fluid therapy did not improve the condition of the patient. Hemodialysis successfully treated the acute-phase CKD and improved the kidney compensation function.
Perfect numbers and Fibonacci primes (I)
Authors: Cai Tianxin , Chen Deyi , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we introduce the concept of F-perfect number, which is a positive integer n such that ∑d|n,d<n d2 = 3n. We prove that all the F-perfect numbers are of the form n = F2k-1 F2k+1, where both F2k-1 and F2k+1 are Fibonacci primes. Moreover, we obtain other interesting results and raise a new conjecture on perfect numbers.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Histone Proteoforms
Authors: Yuan Zuo-Fei , Arnaudo Anna M. , Garcia Benjamin A.
Published: June 2014

Histones play important roles in chromatin, in the forms of various posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and sequence variants, which are called histone proteoforms. Investigating modifications and variants is an ongoing challenge. Previous methods are based on antibodies, and because they usually detect only one modification at a time, they are not suitable for studying the various combinations of modifications on histones. Fortunately, mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a high-throughput technology for histone analysis and does not require prior knowledge about any modifications. From the data generated by mass spectrometers, both identification and quantification of modifications, as well as variants, can be obtained easily. On the basis of this information, the functions of histones in various cellular contexts can be revealed. Therefore, MS continues to play an important role in the study of histone proteoforms. In this review, we discuss the analysis strategies of MS, their applications on histones, and some key remaining challenges.
Short-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Berger Edo
Published: June 2014

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) display a bimodal duration distribution with a separation between the short- and long-duration bursts at about 2 s. The progenitors of long GRBs have been identified as massive stars based on their association with Type Ic core-collapse supernovae (SNe), their exclusive location in star-forming galaxies, and their strong correlation with bright UV regions within their host galaxies. Short GRBs have long been suspected on theoretical grounds to arise from compact object binary mergers (neutron star–neutron star or neutron star–black hole). The discovery of short GRB afterglows in 2005 provided the first insight into their energy scale and environments, as well as established a cosmological origin, a mix of host-galaxy types, and an absence of associated SNe. In this review, I summarize nearly a decade of short GRB afterglow and host-galaxy observations and use this information to shed light on the nature and properties of their progenitors, the energy scale and collimation of the relativistic outflow, and the properties of the circumburst environments. The preponderance of the evidence points to compact object binary progenitors, although some open questions remain. On the basis of this association, observations of short GRBs and their afterglows can shed light on the on- and off-axis electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources from the Advanced LIGO/Virgo experiments.
Microarcsecond Radio Astrometry
Authors: Reid M.J. , Honma M.
Published: June 2014

Astrometry provides the foundation for astrophysics. Accurate positions are required for the association of sources detected at different times or wavelengths, and distances are essential to estimate the size, luminosity, mass, and ages of most objects. Very long baseline interferometry at radio wavelengths, with diffraction-limited imaging at submilliarcsecond resolution, has long held the promise of microarcsecond astrometry. However, only in the past decade has this been routinely achieved. Currently, parallaxes for sources across the Milky Way are being measured with ∼10 μas accuracy, and proper motions of galaxies are being determined with accuracies of ∼1 μas year−1. The astrophysical applications of these measurements cover many fields, including star formation, evolved stars, stellar and supermassive black holes, Galactic structure, the history and fate of the Local Group, the Hubble constant, and tests of general relativity. This review summarizes the methods used and the astrophysical applications of microarcsecond radio astrometry.
Fidelity of Cotranslational Protein Targeting by the Signal Recognition Particle
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shan Shu-ou
Published: June 2014

Accurate folding, assembly, localization, and maturation of newly synthesized proteins are essential to all cells and require high fidelity in the protein biogenesis machineries that mediate these processes. Here, we review our current understanding of how high fidelity is achieved in one of these processes, the cotranslational targeting of nascent membrane and secretory proteins by the signal recognition particle (SRP). Recent biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies have elucidated how the correct substrates drive a series of elaborate conformational rearrangements in the SRP and SRP receptor GTPases; these rearrangements provide effective fidelity checkpoints to reject incorrect substrates and enhance the fidelity of this essential cellular pathway. The mechanisms used by SRP to ensure fidelity share important conceptual analogies with those used by cellular machineries involved in DNA replication, transcription, and translation, and these mechanisms likely represent general principles for other complex cellular pathways.
Structural Bioinformatics of the Interactome
Authors: Petrey Donald , Honig Barry
Published: June 2014

The past decade has seen a dramatic expansion in the number and range of techniques available to obtain genome-wide information and to analyze this information so as to infer both the functions of individual molecules and how they interact to modulate the behavior of biological systems. Here, we review these techniques, focusing on the construction of physical protein-protein interaction networks, and highlighting approaches that incorporate protein structure, which is becoming an increasingly important component of systems-level computational techniques. We also discuss how network analyses are being applied to enhance our basic understanding of biological systems and their disregulation, as well as how these networks are being used in drug development.
Mechanisms of Cellular Proteostasis: Insights from Single-Molecule Approaches
Authors: Bustamante Carlos J. , Kaiser Christian M. , Maillard Rodrigo A. , Goldman Daniel H. , Wilson Christian A.M.
Published: June 2014

Cells employ a variety of strategies to maintain proteome homeostasis. Beginning during protein biogenesis, the translation machinery and a number of molecular chaperones promote correct de novo folding of nascent proteins even before synthesis is complete. Another set of molecular chaperones helps to maintain proteins in their functional, native state. Polypeptides that are no longer needed or pose a threat to the cell, such as misfolded proteins and aggregates, are removed in an efficient and timely fashion by ATP-dependent proteases. In this review, we describe how applications of single-molecule manipulation methods, in particular optical tweezers, are shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms of quality control during the life cycles of proteins.
Computational Analysis of Conserved RNA Secondary Structure in Transcriptomes and Genomes
Authors: Eddy Sean R.
Published: June 2014

Transcriptomics experiments and computational predictions both enable systematic discovery of new functional RNAs. However, many putative noncoding transcripts arise instead from artifacts and biological noise, and current computational prediction methods have high false positive rates. I discuss prospects for improving computational methods for analyzing and identifying functional RNAs, with a focus on detecting signatures of conserved RNA secondary structure. An interesting new front is the application of chemical and enzymatic experiments that probe RNA structure on a transcriptome-wide scale. I review several proposed approaches for incorporating structure probing data into the computational prediction of RNA secondary structure. Using probabilistic inference formalisms, I show how all these approaches can be unified in a well-principled framework, which in turn allows RNA probing data to be easily integrated into a wide range of analyses that depend on RNA secondary structure inference. Such analyses include homology search and genome-wide detection of new structural RNAs.
Live Cell NMR
Authors: Freedberg Darón I. , Selenko Philipp
Published: June 2014

Ever since scientists realized that cells are the basic building blocks of all life, they have been developing tools to look inside them to reveal the architectures and mechanisms that define their biological functions. Whereas “looking into cells” is typically said in reference to optical microscopy, high-resolution in-cell and on-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful method that offers exciting new possibilities for structural and functional studies in and on live cells. In contrast to conventional imaging techniques, in- and on-cell NMR methods do not provide spatial information on cellular biomolecules. Instead, they enable atomic-resolution insights into the native cell states of proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, and lipids. Here we review recent advances and developments in both fields and discuss emerging concepts that have been delineated with these methods.
The Measurement of Household Consumption Expenditures
Authors: Browning Martin , Crossley Thomas F. , Winter Joachim
Published: June 2014

Household-level data on consumer expenditures underpin a wide range of empirical research in modern economics, spanning micro- and macroeconomics. This research includes work on consumption and saving, on poverty and inequality, and on risk sharing and insurance. We review different ways in which such data can be collected or captured: traditional detailed budget surveys, less onerous survey procedures that might be included in more general surveys, and administrative or process data. We discuss the advantages and difficulties of each approach and suggest directions for future investigation.