bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image‐based Continuous Displacement Measurements Using an Improved Spectral Approach
Authors: Mortazavi F. , Lévesque M. , Villemure I. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTDigital Image Correlation algorithms capable of determining continuous displacement fields are receiving growing attention in the field of mechanical properties identification. In this paper, we develop an Improved Spectral Approach (ISA) to reconstruct continuous displacements based on their Fourier decomposition. This approach leads to a time and memory‐efficient algorithm, thanks to the fast Fourier transform. Moreover, the Fourier‐based decomposition enables accurate heterogeneous measurements. Improvements consist in increasing the accuracy and convergence rate as well as dealing with non‐periodic displacements and images. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is presented to quantify the noise sensitivity of the ISA from which useful information is retrieved. The approach is evaluated using synthetic images deformed by heterogeneous displacement fields. Comparisons show that the introduced modifications lead to lower uncertainties by one order of magnitude in the case of non‐periodic images and displacement field studied. Moreover, first‐order (SO1) and second‐order (SO2) subset‐based Digital Image Correlation algorithms are compared with the ISA. The comparisons herein reveal that the uncertainties of the ISA are 6–9 times smaller than those of the SO1 due to insufficiency of the first‐order shape function for the estimation of heterogeneous displacements, while being slightly smaller than those of the SO2. Moreover, as the image smoothness decreases, the uncertainties of the SO2 deviate from those of the ISA and the exact displacements. The presented approach shows great potentials for challenging applications such as strain measurements at microstructural levels.
A facies‐based depositional model for ancient and modern, tectonically–confined tidal straits
Authors: Longhitano Sergio G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractModern and ancient tidal straits are the least well understood of all tide‐dominated depositional systems. To provide an increased understanding of these systems, a facies‐based depositional model is assessed by comparing multibeam surveys of three present‐day tidally dominated seaways with a number of superbly exposed Neogene‐to‐Quaternary strait‐fill successions of Calabria (south Italy).The model points out the existence of four depositional zones, laterally adjacent from the narrowest strait centre to its terminations, distributed along symmetrical or asymmetrical seaways.These zones, whose signature is recorded in four facies associations in the Calabrian tidal straits, are as follows: (i) the strait‐centre zone, associated with the tidal current maxima and where sediments are scarce or absent; (ii) the dune‐bedded zone, where sediments form dune complexes due to tidal flow expansion; (iii) the strait‐end zone, where currents decelerate accumulating thinly bedded, fine‐grained deposits; and (iv) the strait‐margin zone, where sediment massflows descend tectonically active, steep margins towards the strait axis.In ancient, tectonically confined, narrow seaways, these facies generate a distinctive deepening‐upward vertical succession, where tidal currents are the dominant process in the sediment distribution.
Ensuring that blood transfusion sets administer an effective dose of functional blood components
Authors: Bashir S. , Nightingale M. J. , Cardigan R. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundProposed changes to ISO 1135‐4 will require that blood transfusion administration sets are demonstrated by the manufacturers to be suitable for the range of cellular and plasma blood components for which they are designated.AimsTo design a test protocol to asses the depletion of the blood components by transfusion sets and damage and activation of blood components during their passage through the set.MethodsTransfusion giving sets (CareFusion Ref no. 60895 180311 and Fresenius Ref no. 2900032) were assessed by comparing samples of the blood component taken prior to and after passage through the transfusion set in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. As well as depletion of red cells, platelets and FVIIIc, the following markers of damage/activation were assessed: red cells—supernatant haemolysis and potassium; FFP—prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 and fibrinopeptide A and platelets—pH, CD62P, CD63 and sP‐selectin.ResultsThe CareFusion and the Fresenius transfusion sets gave less than 5% depletion of blood components and caused negligible and clinically insignificant effects on red cells, platelet concentrates and FFP.ConclusionA practical test protocol has been established to assess the depletion, damage to and activation of the key constituents of commonly requested blood components. This protocol would provide a valuable addition to ISO 1135‐4 in assuring the suitability of transfusion sets.
Evaluation of azithromycin in systemic and toothpaste forms for the treatment of ciclosporin‐associated gingival overgrowth in dogs
Authors: Rosenberg Andrew , Rosenkrantz Wayne , Griffin Craig , Angus John , Keys Deborah 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundGingival overgrowth is an adverse effect of ciclosporin therapy. Azithromycin (AZI) in capsule and toothpaste form is an effective treatment for ciclosporin‐associated gingival overgrowth (CsAGO) in humans.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate AZI in a systemic and a toothpaste form for the treatment of CsAGO in dogs. The secondary objective was to determine which treatment is more effective.AnimalsThirty‐six client‐owned dogs with CsAGO.MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to the following four groups: AZI capsule; AZI toothpaste; placebo capsule; and placebo toothpaste. Treatments were for 4 weeks, and measurements of gingival sulcus depth, tooth length and subjective global scores were taken at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. The AZI dose was 10 mg/kg daily, and brushing (8.5% AZI) was once daily.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in gingival sulcus depth for the AZI capsule group at week 8 and for the AZI toothpaste group at weeks 2, 4 and 8. The mean decrease in gingival sulcus depth was significantly greater in active versus placebo groups (P = 0.0356). The tooth length and subjective global scores were not significantly different for any groups. Gastrointestinal adverse events occurred in all groups, but more frequently in the AZI capsule group.Conclusions and clinical importanceAzithromycin improved CsAGO in only one measured parameter, gingival sulcus depth. Only one dog in the AZI capsule group had complete resolution of CsAGO. Further studies are warranted. Azithromycin capsules were associated with the most gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Prioritization of subwatersheds based on flooding conditions using hydrological model, multivariate analysis and remote sensing technique
Authors: Darabi Hamid , Shahedi Kaka , Solaimani Karim , Miryaghoubzadeh Mirhasan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPrioritization of watersheds has gained more importance in natural resources management, particularly in the context of watershed management. Flooding potential is one of the main indices used to prioritize watersheds. The objective of this study is to investigate the Pol‐Doab Shazand Watershed flooding conditions as a result of land use change and prioritization of its subwatersheds using rainfall – runoff data. For this purpose, after computation of design flow with different return periods, factor analysis technique was applied to determine the best flow with proper return period towards evaluation and prioritization of subwatersheds. The results showed that the design flow with 25‐year return period (Q25) is suitable. The results indicate that subwatershed 22 is the highest priority because of large changes in peak flow, and subwatershed 2 given the lowest priority since changes in peak flow is the lowest.
Leptospira interrogans at the Human–Wildlife Interface in Northern Botswana: A Newly Identified Public Health Threat
Authors: Jobbins S. E. , Sanderson C. E. , Alexander K. A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryLeptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world. In northern Botswana, humans live in close proximity to a diversity of wildlife and peridomestic rodents and may be exposed to a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Little is known regarding the occurrence and epidemiology of L. interrogans in Africa despite the recognized global importance of this zoonotic disease and the threat it poses to public health. In Botswana, banded mongooses (Mungos mungo) live in close proximity to humans across protected and unprotected landscapes and may be a useful sentinel species for assessing the occurrence of zoonotic organisms, such as L. interrogans. We utilized PCR to screen banded mongoose kidneys for leptospiral DNA and identified 41.5% prevalence of renal carriage of L. interrogans (exact binomial 95% CI 27.7–56.7%, n = 41). Renal carriage was also detected in one Selous' mongoose (Paracynictis selousi). This is the first published confirmation of carriage of L. interrogans in either species. This is also the first report of L. interrogans occurrence in northern Botswana and the only report of this organism in a wildlife host in the country. Pathogenic Leptospira are usually transmitted indirectly to humans through soil or water contaminated with infected urine. Other avenues, such as direct contact between humans and wildlife, as well as consumption of mongooses and other wildlife as bushmeat, may pose additional exposure risk and must be considered in public health management of this newly identified zoonotic disease threat. There is a critical need to characterize host species involvement and pathogen transmission dynamics, including human–wildlife interactions that may increase human exposure potential and infection risk. We recommend that public health strategy be modified to include sensitization of medical practitioners to the presence of L. interrogans in the region, the potential for human infection, and implementation of clinical screening. This study illustrates the need for increased focus on neglected zoonotic diseases as they present an important threat to public health.
Heterogeneous responses of nucleus incertus neurons to corticotrophin‐releasing factor and coherent activity with hippocampal theta rhythm in the rat
Authors: Ma Sherie , Blasiak Anna , Olucha‐Bordonau Francisco E. , Verberne Anthony J. M. , Gundlach Andrew L. 
Published: May 2013

Key points
The nucleus incertus (NI) is a stress and arousal responsive, hindbrain region involved in ascending control of septohippocampal theta rhythm.
NI neurons express high levels of the neuropeptide relaxin‐3 and corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor‐1 (CRF‐R1).
We report the first in‐depth characterization of NI neurons, using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological techniques, which reveal a population of relaxin‐3‐containing NI neurons activated by CRF via postsynaptic CRF‐R1 and a non‐relaxin‐3 neuron population inhibited or unaffected by CRF.
Relaxin‐3 NI neurons exhibit strong phase‐locked firing with the ascending phase of hippocampal theta oscillations.
These findings suggest the NI is a heterogeneous neuronal population and key site of CRF action with the capacity to modulate cognition in response to stress.
Abstract  The nucleus incertus (NI) of the rat hindbrain is a putative node in the ascending control of the septohippocampal system and hippocampal theta rhythm and is stress and arousal responsive. NI contains GABA neurons that express multiple neuropeptides, including relaxin‐3 (RLN3) and neuropeptide receptors, including corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor‐1 (CRF‐R1), but the precise anatomical and physiological characteristics of NI neurons are unclear. Therefore, we examined the firing properties of NI neurons and their responses to CRF, the correlation of these responses with occurrence of relaxin‐3, and NI neuron morphology in the rat. Most NI neurons excited by intracerebroventricular CRF infusion were RLN3‐positive (9 of 10), whereas all inhibited cells were RLN3‐negative (8 of 8). The spontaneous firing of RLN3 (n= 6) but not non‐RLN3 neurons (n= 6) was strongly modulated and phase‐locked with the initial ascending phase of hippocampal theta oscillations. In brain slices, the majority of recorded NI neurons (15 of 19) displayed excitatory responses to CRF, which uniformly increased action potential frequency and membrane potential depolarization in the presence of tetrodotoxin, indicating a direct, postsynaptic action of CRF on NI neurons. This excitation was associated with reduction in the slow component of afterhyperpolarization and a strong depolarization. Quantitative analysis in naïve rats of validated CRF‐R1, RLN3 and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) immunoreactivity revealed 52% of NI neurons as CRF‐R1 positive, of which 53% were RLN3 positive, while 48% of NI neurons lacked CRF‐R1 and RLN3. All RLN3 neurons expressed CRF‐R1. CRF neurons that projected to the NI were identified in lateral preoptic hypothalamus, but not in paraventricular hypothalamus, bed nucleus of stria terminalis or central amygdala. Our findings suggest NI is an important site for CRF modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm via effects on GABA/RLN3 transmission.
Oxygen sensitivity of mitochondrial function in rat arterial chemoreceptor cells
Authors: Buckler Keith J. , Turner Philip J. 
Published: May 2013

Key points
Arterial chemoreceptors measure blood oxygen and are involved in the control of both breathing and the cardiovascular system.
Oxygen is mostly used by cells in their mitochondria to generate energy.
In this study we have investigated the effects of oxygen starvation (hypoxia) on the mitochondria of specialised oxygen sensing cells from arterial chemoreceptors.
Our data confirm that the mitochondria of these oxygen sensing cells are unusually sensitive to modest hypoxia. This effect seems to stem from a reduced affinity of the oxygen utilising enzyme cytochrome oxidase for oxygen.
These results are consistent with a functional adaptation of the mitochondria of oxygen sensing cells that may enable them to play a direct role in the oxygen sensing process itself.
Abstract  The mechanism of oxygen sensing in arterial chemoreceptors is unknown but has often been linked to mitochondrial function. A common criticism of this hypothesis is that mitochondrial function is insensitive to physiological levels of hypoxia. Here we investigate the effects of hypoxia (down to 0.5% O2) on mitochondrial function in neonatal rat type‐1 cells. The oxygen sensitivity of mitochondrial [NADH] was assessed by monitoring autofluorescence and increased in hypoxia with a P50 of 15 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 133.3 Pa) in normal Tyrode or 46 mm Hg in Ca2+‐free Tyrode. Hypoxia also depolarised mitochondrial membrane potential (ψm, measured using rhodamine 123) with a P50 of 3.1, 3.3 and 2.8 mm Hg in normal Tyrode, Ca2+‐free Tyrode and Tyrode containing the Ca2+ channel antagonist Ni2+, respectively. In the presence of oligomycin and low carbonyl cyanide 4‐(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP; 75 nm) ψm is maintained by electron transport working against an artificial proton leak. Under these conditions hypoxia depolarised ψm/inhibited electron transport with a P50 of 5.4 mm Hg. The effects of hypoxia upon cytochrome oxidase activity were investigated using rotenone, myxothiazol, antimycin A, oligomycin, ascorbate and the electron donor tetramethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine. Under these conditions ψm is maintained by complex IV activity alone. Hypoxia inhibited cytochrome oxidase activity (depolarised ψm) with a P50 of 2.6 mm Hg. In contrast hypoxia had little or no effect upon NADH (P50= 0.3 mm Hg), electron transport or cytochrome oxidase activity in sympathetic neurons. In summary, type‐1 cell mitochondria display extraordinary oxygen sensitivity commensurate with a role in oxygen sensing. The reasons for this highly unusual behaviour are as yet unexplained.
cyp51A
-Based Mechanisms of Aspergillus fumigatus Azole Drug Resistance Present in Clinical Samples from Germany
Authors: Bader Oliver , Weig Michael , Reichard Utz , Lugert Raimond , Kuhns Martin , Christner Martin , Held Jürgen , Peter Silke , Schumacher Ulrike , Buchheidt Dieter , Tintelnot Kathrin , Groß Uwe ,   MykoLabNet-D Partners
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Since the mid-1990s, a steady increase in the occurrence of itraconazole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates has been observed in clinical contexts, leading to therapeutic failure in the treatment of aspergillosis. This increase has been predominantly linked to a single allele of the
cyp51A
gene, termed TR/L98H, which is thought to have arisen through the use of agricultural azoles. Here, we investigated the current epidemiology of triazole-resistant
A. fumigatus
and underlying
cyp51A
mutations in clinical samples in Germany. From a total of 527 samples, 17 (3.2%) showed elevated MIC
0
values (the lowest concentrations with no visible growth) for at least one of the three substances (itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole) tested. The highest prevalence of resistant isolates was observed in cystic fibrosis patients (5.2%). Among resistant isolates, the TR/L98H mutation in
cyp51A
was the most prevalent, but isolates with the G54W and M220I substitutions and the novel F219C substitution were also found. The isolate with the G54W substitution was highly resistant to both itraconazole and posaconazole, while all others showed high-level resistance only to itraconazole. For the remaining six isolates, no mutations in
cyp51A
were found, indicating the presence of other mechanisms. With the exception of the strains carrying the F219C and M220I substitutions, many itraconazole-resistant strains also showed cross-resistance to voriconazole and posaconazole with moderately increased MIC
0
values. In conclusion, the prevalence of azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
in our clinical test set is lower than that previously reported for other countries. Although the TR/L98H mutation frequently occurs among triazole-resistant strains in Germany, it is not the only resistance mechanism present.
Glyceryl Trinitrate Complements Citrate and Ethanol in a Novel Antimicrobial Catheter Lock Solution To Eradicate Biofilm Organisms
Authors: Rosenblatt Joel , Reitzel Ruth , Dvorak Tanya , Jiang Ying , Hachem Ray Y. , Raad Issam I. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial catheter lock therapy is practiced to prevent lumenal-sourced infections of central venous catheters. Citrate has been used clinically as an anticoagulant in heparin-free catheter locks. Ethanol has also been widely studied as an antimicrobial lock solution component. This study reports on the synergy of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) with citrate and ethanol in rapidly eradicating methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
, methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Candida albicans
biofilms in an
in vitro
model for catheter biofilm colonization. GTN has a long history of intravenous use as a hypotensive agent. It is potentially attractive as a component of a catheter lock solution because its physiologic half-life is quite short and its metabolic pathways are known. A lock containing 7% citrate and 20% ethanol required 0.01% GTN to fully eradicate biofilms of all test organisms within 2 h in the model. This GTN concentration is below the levels where clinically significant hypotensive effects are expected.
Metabolism, Excretion, and Mass Balance of the HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitor Dolutegravir in Humans
Authors: Castellino Stephen , Moss Lee , Wagner David , Borland Julie , Song Ivy , Chen Shuguang , Lou Yu , Min Sherene S. , Goljer Igor , Culp Amanda , Piscitelli Stephen C. , Savina Paul M. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of dolutegravir, an unboosted, once-daily human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase inhibitor, were studied in healthy male subjects following single oral administration of [
14
C]dolutegravir at a dose of 20 mg (80 μCi). Dolutegravir was well tolerated, and absorption of dolutegravir from the suspension formulation was rapid (median time to peak concentration, 0.5 h), declining in a biphasic fashion. Dolutegravir and the radioactivity had similar terminal plasma half-lives (
t
1/2
) (15.6 versus 15.7 h), indicating metabolism was formation rate limited with no long-lived metabolites. Only minimal association with blood cellular components was noted with systemic radioactivity. Recovery was essentially complete (mean, 95.6%), with 64.0% and 31.6% of the dose recovered in feces and urine, respectively. Unchanged dolutegravir was the predominant circulating radioactive component in plasma and was consistent with minimal presystemic clearance. Dolutegravir was extensively metabolized. An inactive ether glucuronide, formed primarily via UGT1A1, was the principal biotransformation product at 18.9% of the dose excreted in urine and the principal metabolite in plasma. Two minor biotransformation pathways were oxidation by CYP3A4 (7.9% of the dose) and an oxidative defluorination and glutathione substitution (1.8% of the dose). No disproportionate human metabolites were observed.
Population-Based Survey of Filamentous Fungi and Antifungal Resistance in Spain (FILPOP Study)
Authors: Alastruey-Izquierdo A. , Mellado E. , Peláez T. , Pemán J. , Zapico S. , Alvarez M. , Rodríguez-Tudela J. L. , Cuenca-Estrella M. ,   FILPOP Study Group
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

A population-based survey was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of and antifungal resistance in Spanish clinical strains of filamentous fungi isolated from deep tissue samples, blood cultures, and respiratory samples. The study was conducted in two different periods (October 2010 and May 2011) to analyze seasonal variations. A total of 325 strains were isolated in 29 different hospitals. The average prevalence was 0.0016/1,000 inhabitants. Strains were identified by sequencing of DNA targets and susceptibility testing by the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing reference procedure. The most frequently isolated genus was
Aspergillus
, accounting for 86.3% of the isolates, followed by
Scedosporium
at 4.7%; the order Mucorales at 2.5%;
Penicillium
at 2.2%, and
Fusarium
at 1.2%. The most frequent species was
Aspergillus fumigatus
(48.5%), followed by
A. flavus
(8.4%),
A. terreus
(8.1%),
A. tubingensis
(6.8%), and
A. niger
(6.5%). Cryptic/sibling
Aspergillus
species accounted for 12% of the cases. Resistance to amphotericin B was found in 10.8% of the isolates tested, while extended-spectrum triazole resistance ranged from 10 to 12.7%, depending on the azole tested. Antifungal resistance was more common among emerging species such as those of
Scedosporium
and Mucorales and also among cryptic species of
Aspergillus
, with 40% of these isolates showing resistance to all of the antifungal compounds tested. Cryptic
Aspergillus
species seem to be underestimated, and their correct classification could be clinically relevant. The performance of antifungal susceptibility testing of the strains implicated in deep infections and multicentric studies is recommended to evaluate the incidence of these cryptic species in other geographic areas.