bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei is not the cause of white feces syndrome in whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei
Authors: Tangprasittipap Amornrat , Srisala Jiraporn , Chouwdee Saisunee , Somboon Montagan , Chuchird Niti , Limsuwan Chalor , Srisuvan Thinnarat , Flegel Timothy W , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei was first described from Thailand in 2009 in farmed, indigenous giant tiger shrimp Penaeus (Penaeus) monodon. The natural reservoir for the parasite is still unknown. More recently, a microsporidian closely resembling it in morphology and tissue preference was found in Thai-farmed, exotic, whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei exhibiting white feces syndrome (WFS). Our objective was to compare the newly found pathogen with E. hepatopenaei and to determine its causal relationship with WFS.

Results
Generic primers used to amplify a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene for cloning and sequencing revealed that the new parasite from WFS ponds had 99% sequence identity to that of E. hepatopenaei, suggesting it was conspecific. Normal histological analysis using tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) revealed that relatively few tubule epithelial cells exhibited spores, suggesting that the infections were light. However, the H&E results were deceptive since nested PCR and in situ hybridization analysis based on the cloned ssu rRNA gene fragment revealed very heavy infections in tubule epithelial cells in the central region of the hepatopancreas in the absence of spores. Despite these results, high prevalence of E. hepatopenaei in shrimp from ponds not exhibiting WFS and a pond that had recovered from WFS indicated no direct causal association between these infections and WFS. This was supported by laboratory oral challenge trials that revealed direct horizontal transmission to uninfected shrimp but no signs of WFS.

Conclusions
The microsporidian newly found in P. vannamei is conspecific with previously described E. hepatopenaei and it is not causally associated with WFS. However, the deceptive severity of infections (much greater than previously reported in P. monodon) would undoubtedly have a negative effect on whiteleg shrimp growth and production efficiency and this could be exacerbated by the possibility of horizontal transmission revealed by laboratory challenge tests. Thus, it is recommended that the PCR and in situ hybridization methods developed herein be used to identify the natural reservoir species so they can be eliminated from the shrimp rearing system.
A case of eosinophilic esophagitis discovered with positron emission tomography imaging: a case report
Authors: Haslem Bryce D. , Samuelson Megan I. , Schey Ron 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Eosinophilic esophagitis was first reported in 1978, and since then it has been increasingly recognized as one of the major etiologies for dysphagia, food impaction, and food regurgitation. To the best of our knowledge, no case of eosinophilic esophagitis (excluding esophageal eosinophilia not responsive to proton pump inhibitor treatment) has previously been demonstrated on the basis of positron emission tomography imaging.

Case presentation
A 68-year-old Caucasian man presented with dysphagia to solids with recurrent regurgitation and weight loss of 7lb within the preceding 2 months. The patient attributed these symptoms to radiation therapy he had received 1 year earlier for squamous cell cancer of the lung. The patient underwent routine follow-up positron emission tomography imaging, which showed a hypermetabolic lesion in the posterior mediastinum and was increased at the level of the midesophagus.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of eosinophilic esophagitis demonstrated by positron emission tomography imaging and confirmed with endoscopic evaluation and biopsies both after positron emission tomography imaging and a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy. This could have an impact on the diagnostic evaluation of esophageal eosinophilic inflammation as well as eosinophilic infiltration of other gastrointestinal organs.
US in the assessment of acute scrotum
Authors: D’Andrea Alfredo , Coppolino Francesco , Cesarano Elviro , Russo Anna , Cappabianca Salvatore , Genovese Eugenio Annibale , Fonio Paolo , Macarini Luca 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe acute scrotum is a medical emergency . The acute scrotum is defined as scrotal pain, swelling, and redness of acute onset. Scrotal abnormalities can be divided into three groups , which are extra-testicular lesion, intra-testicular lesion and trauma. This is a retrospective analysis of 164 ultrasound examination performed in patient arriving in the emergency room for scrotal pain.The objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with the US features of the most common and some of the least common scrotal lesions.MethodsBetween January 2008 and January 2010, 164 patients aged few month and older with scrotal symptoms, who underwent scrotal ultrasonography (US), were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical presentation, outcome, and US results were analyzed. The presentation symptoms including scrotal pain, painless scrotal mass or swelling, and trauma.ResultsOf 164 patients, 125 (76%) presented with scrotal pain, 31 (19%) had painless scrotal mass or swelling and 8 (5%) had trauma. Of the 125 patients with scrotal pain, 72 had infection,10 had testicular torsion, 8 had testicular trauma, 18 had varicocele, 20 had hydrocele, 5 had cryptorchidism, 5 had scrotal sac and groin metastases, and 2 had unremarkable results. In the 8 patients who had history of scrotal trauma, US detected testicular rupture in 1 patients, scrotal haematomas in 2 patients .Of the 19 patients who presented with painless scrotal mass or swelling, 1 6 had extra-testicular lesions and 3 had intra-testicular lesions. All the extra-testicular lesions were benign. Of the 3 intra-testicular lesions, one was due to tuberculosis epididymo-orchitis, one was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and one was metastasis from liposarcomaConclusionsUS provides excellent anatomic detail; when color Doppler and Power Doppler imaging are added, testicular perfusion can be assessed
Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination
Authors: Ní Fhlathartaigh Mary , McMahon Jill , Reynolds Richard , Connolly David , Higgins Eibhlín , Counihan Timothy , FitzGerald Una 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Calreticulin (CRT) is a chaperone protein, which aids correct folding of glycosylated proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Under conditions of ER stress, CRT is upregulated and may be displayed on the surface of cells or be secreted. This ‘ecto-CRT’ may activate the innate immune response or it may aid clearance of apoptotic cells. Our and other studies have demonstrated upregulation of ER stress markers CHOP, BiP, ATF4, XBP1 and phosphorylated e-IF2 alpha (p-eIF2 alpha) in biopsy and post-mortem human multiple sclerosis (MS) samples. We extend this work by analysing changes in expression of CRT, BiP, CHOP, XBP1 and p-eIF2 alpha in a rat model of inflammatory demyelination. Demyelination was induced in the spinal cord by intradermal injection of recombinant mouse MOG mixed with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) at the base of the tail. Tissue samples were analysed by semi-quantitative scoring of immunohistochemically stained frozen tissue sections. Data generated following sampling of tissue from animals with spinal cord lesions, was compared to that obtained using tissue derived from IFA- or saline-injected controls. CRT present in rat serum and in a cohort of human serum derived from 14 multiple sclerosis patients and 11 healthy controls was measured by ELISA.

Results
Stained tissue scores revealed significantly (p<0.05) increased amounts of CRT, CHOP and p-eIF2 alpha in the lesion, lesion edge and normal-appearing white matter when compared to controls. CHOP and p-eIF2 alpha were also significantly raised in regions of grey matter and the central canal (p<0.05). Immunofluorescent dual-label staining confirmed expression of these markers in astrocytes, microglia or neurons. Dual staining of rat and human spinal cord lesions with Oil Red O and CRT antibody showed co-localisation of CRT with the rim of myelin fragments. ELISA testing of sera from control and EAE rats demonstrated significant down-regulation (p<0.05) of CRT in the serum of EAE animals, compared to saline and IFA controls. This contrasted with significantly increased amounts of CRT detected in the sera of MS patients (p<0.05), compared to controls.

Conclusion
This data highlights the potential importance of CRT and other ER stress proteins in inflammatory demyelination.
Fixed-bed adsorption dynamics of Pb (II) adsorption from aqueous solution using nanostructured γ-alumina
Authors: Saadi Zahra , Saadi Reyhane , Fazaeli Reza 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In the present study, removal of metal ions Pb (II) using nanostructured γ-alumina was investigated in a fixed-bed column. Comparison of Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adams-Bohart models with experimental kinetic results was done, and model parameters were evaluated by linear regression analysis for Pb
2+ adsorption in different bed heights, initial concentrations, and flow rates. The obtained experimental data are in good agreement with Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models, but in the case of Adams-Bohart model, low correlation coefficient is observed.
Emerging applications of nanoparticles for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Sukumar Uday Kumar , Bhushan Bharat , Dubey Poornima , Matai Ishita , Sachdev Abhay , Packirisamy Gopinath 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, most of them being active tobacco smokers. Non small cell lung cancer accounts for around 85% to 90% of deaths, whereas the rest is contributed by small cell lung cancer. The extreme lethality of lung cancer arises due to lack of suitable diagnostic procedures for early detection of lung cancer and ineffective conventional therapeutic strategies. In course with desperate attempts to address these issues independently, a multifunctional nanotherapeutic or diagnostic system is being sought as a favorable solution. The manifestation of physiochemical properties of such nanoscale systems is tuned favorably to come up with a versatile cancer cell targeted diagnostic and therapeutic system. Apart from this, the aspect of being at nanoscale by itself confers the system with an advantage of passive accumulation at the site of tumor. This review provides a broad perspective of three major subclasses of such nanoscale therapeutic and diagnostic systems which include polymeric nanoparticles-based approaches, metal nanoparticles-based approaches, and bio-nanoparticles-based approaches. This review work also serves the purpose of gaining an insight into the pros and cons of each of these approaches with a prospective improvement in lung cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
When Raters Talk, Rubrics Fall Silent
Authors: Shirazi Masoumeh Ahmadi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The research reported here suggests that raters, when involved in writing assessment, are more concerned with their own criteria to set a basis for their judgment rather than the standards provided by scale descriptors. This study sampled think aloud of eight raters who scored 15 essays in accord with Test of Written English (TWE) holistic scoring guide. Verbal report data indicated that just less than five percent of the statements made by the raters are related to the issues assessed in TWE. These findings background the utility of holistic rating scale descriptors, foregrounding the raters' descriptors-independent judgments.
Modeling the effect of extrusion parameters on density of biomass pellet using artificial neural network
Authors: Zafari Abedin , Kianmehr Mohammad Hossein , Abdolahzadeh Rahman 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The relationships between the density of the biomass pellet and the related variables are very complicated and highly nonlinear, which make developing a single, general, and accurate mathematical model almost impossible. One of the most appropriate methods to solve these problems is the intelligent method. Shankar and Bandyopadhyay and Shankar et al. successfully used genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks to understand and optimize an extrusion process.

Results
The results showed that a four-layer perceptron network with training algorithm of back propagation, hyperbolic tangential activation function, and Delta training rule with ten neurons in the first hidden layer and four neurons in the second hidden layer had the best performance for the prediction of pellet density. The minimum root mean square error and coefficient of determination for the multilayer perceptron network were 0.01732 and 0.972, respectively. Also, the results of statistical analysis indicate that moisture content, speed of piston, and particle size significantly affected (P < 0.01) the density of pellets while the influence of die length was negligible (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
The results indicate that a properly trained neural network can be used to predict effect of input variable on pellet density. The ANN model was found to have higher predictive capability than the statistical model.
Ku70 and non-homologous end joining protect testicular cells from DNA damage
Authors: Ahmed Emad A. , Sfeir Agnel , Takai Hiroyuki , Scherthan Harry 
Published: July 2013

Summary
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that generates haploid germ cells or spores and implements meiosis, a succession of two special cell divisions that are required for homologous chromosome segregation. During prophase to the first meiotic division, homologous recombination (HR) repairs Spo11-dependent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the presence of telomere movements to allow for chromosome pairing and segregation at the meiosis I division. In contrast to HR, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), the major DSB repair mechanism during the G1 cell cycle phase, is downregulated during early meiotic prophase. At somatic mammalian telomeres, the NHEJ factor Ku70/80 inhibits HR, as does the Rap1 component of the shelterin complex. Here, we investigated the role of Ku70 and Rap1 in meiotic telomere redistribution and genome protection in spermatogenesis by studying single and double knockout mice. Ku70−/− mice display reduced testis size and compromised spermatogenesis, whereas meiotic telomere dynamics and chromosomal bouquet formation occurred normally in Ku70−/− and Ku70−/−Rap1Δ/Δ knockout spermatocytes. Elevated mid-preleptotene frequencies were associated with significantly increased DNA damage in Ku-deficient B spermatogonia, and in differentiated Sertoli cells. Significantly elevated levels of γH2AX foci in Ku70−/− diplotene spermatocytes suggest compromised progression of DNA repair at a subset of DSBs. This might explain the elevated meiotic metaphase apoptosis that is present in Ku70-deficient stage XII testis tubules, indicating spindle assembly checkpoint activation. In summary, our data indicate that Ku70 is important for repairing DSBs in somatic cells and in late spermatocytes of the testis, thereby assuring the fidelity of spermatogenesis.
From dabbler to serious amateur musician and beyond: Clarifying a crucial step
Authors: Stebbins Robert A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Dabbling is casual leisure, a hedonic activity common in music as well as in a number of other free-time interests. In the past, dabbling has been inadequately conceptualized, one result being some misunderstanding about its nature and its contribution to leisure and even to professional work. By way of clarification we look first at the contemporary explanation of dabbling as set out according to the serious leisure perspective, a main analytic framework in the field of leisure studies. This explanation proceeds from two related articles written by Gates and Jorgensen. Next, dabbling as a leisure activity in music is considered in detail, particularly as it relates to children. This includes an examination of its nature and its role in initiating a leisure/work career in music, as experienced in the passage from dabbler to neophyte amateur and on possibly to professional.
They came for the kids and stayed for the teacher: The Desert Winds Community Steel Orchestra
Authors: Haskett Brandon L. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This descriptive report examines the motivations of adult beginners’ participation in a leisure activity, the Desert Winds Community Steel Orchestra (DWCSO) based in Phoenix, Arizona. The initial adult ensemble was formed in 1983 based on interest created through the Desert Winds Steel Orchestra, a sixth grade steel band. This study examines the second iteration of this ensemble that began in 1997. Motivational factors are divided into factors that contributed to joining the group and those that motivated members to continue participation. DWCSO participants noted children’s influence and musical curiosity as their impetus for joining the ensemble. They continued participating due to a desirable curriculum and methodology, socialization and enhanced sense of well-being.
Finding healing through songwriting: A song for Nicolette
Authors: Kumm Brian E. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to outline one person’s lived-experience of songwriting. Using data from an individual participant as an archetype of a larger Post-Intentional Phenomenological project, this songwriter’s experience is understood as both cathartic and transcendent. Illuminated by the phenomenological description of ‘gravitating-levitating’, songwriting served as a form of healing for both the participating songwriter and listeners of the resulting music. Salient intersections of community music and leisure are explored. Findings offer a glimpse into the complexities and insights of these phenomena as a lived-experience.
Community music and urban leisure: The Liverpool One Project
Authors: Lashua Brett D. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article reports on research that aimed to understand, through a collaborative music-making studio project, how young urban musicians might build a community that could transgress perceived cultural and racialized boundaries and ‘reclaim’ the city centre through their lyrics and performances. The Liverpool One Project involved sixteen weeks of studio-based activities with 23 young people (ages 18–25) to create an urban music (e.g., rap, hip hop, soul, R&B, grime and dubstep genres) digital mixtape. Drawing from participants’ lyrics and my ethnographic descriptions of studio conversations, I highlight the participants’ grasp of their sociological imaginations (Mills 1959): their ability to locate music and leisure at the intersections of biography, history and society. The sociological imagination further allows the crucial differentiation between individual ‘personal troubles’ and broader, structural ‘public issues’. The Liverpool One Project illustrated this critical ability, as participants (re)constructed and contested where they and urban music more generally ‘belong’ in Liverpool’s newly regenerated city centre.
Prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia: our experience of 44 cases
Authors: Zarrilli Federica , Sanna Veronica , Ingino Rosaria , Santamaria Rita , Rocino Angiola , Coppola Antonio , Di Minno Giovanni , Castaldo Giuseppe 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background: Haemophilia A and B (HA, HB) are the most frequent X-linked bleeding diseases; two-thirds of cases are severe.

Methods: We counselled 51 couples for prenatal diagnosis (PD) of haemophilia. In 7/51 (13.7%) cases, the couple decided not to undergo PD because counselling revealed that they were carriers of a mild form of the disease, while we performed 44 PD for severe HA (36 cases) or HB (8 cases). The indication for PD was a haemophilic child (30/44, 68.2%) or an affected family member (12/44, 27.3%); in two cases the non-carrier mother of isolated haemophilic patients requested PD because of the risk of mosaicism.

Results: We completed PD in 43/44 cases; in one case, the prenatal sample was contaminated by maternal DNA; however, molecular analysis revealed the female sex of the foetus. We performed PD for 16 of the 36 couples at risk of HA (44.4%) by analysing the intron (IVS)22 inversion; in 1/36 cases (2.8%) the mother had the IVS1 inversion, and in 8/36 (22.2%) the family mutation was identified by sequencing; in 11/36 (30.6%) cases the family mutation was unknown, and PD was performed by linkage (no recombination nor uninformative cases occurred). For HB, in 6/8 (75.0%) cases, PD was performed by DHPLC or by sequencing; in 2/8 cases we tested intragenic markers (again with no cases of recombination or uninformative families).

Conclusions: PD in well-equipped laboratories, and multidisciplinary counselling are an aid to planning reproductive and early therapeutic strategies in families with severe haemophilia.
Circle-valued Morse theory for complex hyperplane arrangements
Authors: Kohno Toshitake , Pajitnov Andrei 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Let 𝒜 be an essential complex hyperplane arrangement
in

ℂ

n

${\mathbb {C}}^n$

, and H denote the union of the hyperplanes.
We develop the real-valued and circle-valued Morse theory
on the space

M
=

ℂ

n

∖
H

$M={\mathbb {C}}^n\setminus H$

and prove, in particular, that
M has the homotopy type of a space
obtained from a manifold V fibered over a circle,
by attaching

|
χ
(
M
)
|

$\vert \chi (M)\vert $

cells of dimension n.
We compute the Novikov homology

H
^

*

(
M
,
ξ
)

$\hat{H}_*(M,\xi )$

for
a large class of homomorphisms

ξ
:

π
1

(
M
)

→
ℝ

$\xi :\pi _1(M)\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$

.
LCL Filter with Active Damping using PI and SSI Regulators in Synchronous Rotating Reference Frame Current Controller for DSTATCOM
Authors: Geddada Nagesh , Mishra Mahesh Kumar 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article proposes a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) with interface LCL (inductor-capacitor-inductor) filter for load compensation in three-phase four-wire distribution system. DSTATCOM, consisting of voltage source inverter (VSI), is connected in parallel to the load and injects currents corresponding to load reactive, harmonic powers. But this injected current consists of unnecessary high-frequency switching ripple generated by VSI. This LCL filter has superior switching ripple attenuation capability compared to L filter. Moreover, this can be achieved with small value of overall LCL filter inductance than L filter. Thus providing high slew rate for output current to track the desired reference current closely, reducing voltage drop across it, as well as cost and size of filter. However, one major concern with LCL filter is its resonating frequency (determined from its L, C, L values), which can create high-resonance oscillating currents and results in improper load compensation. Therefore, in this study, proper design of LCL filter with high switching ripple attenuation and a current controller with proportional integral (PI) plus harmonic compensation (HC) regulators along with active damping feature of LCL filter in synchronous rotating reference (dq0) frame are presented. HC regulator minimizes the steady-state error in the non-sinusoidal filter currents (fundamental and harmonic) which are tracked by the VSI. Active damping feature (obtained by capacitor current feedback control of LCL filter) is used to overcome resonance oscillations and provides proper control, operation of DSTATCOM under steady-state and dynamic load conditions. Stability studies for designed LCL filter and current controller using Bode and root locus plots are also performed and presented. Extensive simulation study, to understand the compensation performance of LCL filter DSTATCOM with two types of current controllers (PI and PI plus HC) under steady-state and dynamic load conditions, is carried out in PSCAD simulator and the corresponding results along with THDs of various parameters are presented.