bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Protein A in the Evasion of Host Adaptive Immune Responses by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Falugi Fabiana , Kim Hwan Keun , Missiakas Dominique M. , Schneewind Olaf 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTHeritable defects in human B cell/antibody development are not associated with increased susceptibility toStaphylococcus aureusinfection. Protein A (SpA), a surface molecule ofS. aureus, binds the Fcγ domain of immunoglobulin (Ig) and cross-links the Fab domain of VH3-type B cell receptors (IgM). Here we generatedS. aureus spavariants harboring amino acid substitutions at four key residues in each of the five Ig-binding domains of SpA. Wild-typeS. aureusrequired SpA binding to Ig to resist phagocytosis and SpA-mediated B cell receptor cross-linking to block antibody development in mice. ThespaKKAAmutant, which cannot bind Ig or IgM, was phagocytosed and elicited B cell responses to key virulence antigens that protected animals against lethalS. aureuschallenge. The immune evasive attributes ofS. aureusSpA were abolished in µMT mice lacking mature B cells and antibodies. Thus, while wild-typeS. aureusescapes host immune surveillance, thespaKKAAvariant elicits adaptive responses that protect against recurrent infection.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureuscauses recurrent skin and bloodstream infections without eliciting immunity. Heritable defects in neutrophil and T cell function, but not B cell or antibody development, are associated with increased incidence ofS. aureusinfection, and efforts to develop antibody-basedS. aureusvaccines have thus far been unsuccessful. We show here that the Fcγ and VH3-type Fab binding activities of staphylococcal protein A (SpA) are essential forS. aureusescape from host immune surveillance in mice. The virulence attributes of SpA in mice required mature B cells and immunoglobulin. These results suggest that antibodies and B cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections and provide insights into the development of a vaccine againstS. aureus.
Is the case-mix of patients who self-present to ED similar to general practice and other acute-care facilities?
Authors: Harris Tim , McDonald Keith 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo benchmark walk-in presentations to emergency departments (ED) with those presenting to other local acute healthcare facilities.SettingA large teaching hospital with an annual ED census of 140 000 adult patients and surrounding associated acute healthcare providers.MethodsA random sample of 384 patients who self-presented to the ED was obtained. Benchmarking data were drawn from two general practices; the Tower Hamlets Community Services walk-in centre (co-located on-site with the ED) and the GP-run out-of-hours service.ResultsThe case-mix presenting to the ED was characterised by a higher proportion of injuries and chest pain, but fewer simple infections and non-traumatic musculoskeletal conditions as compared to other acute care facilities in our region.ConclusionsPatients with injuries and possible cardiac chest pain were more likely to attend the ED, and those with infection or musculoskeletal problems less likely, as compared with other acute healthcare facilities. The population presenting to the ED is distinct from that presenting to general practice, out-of-hours clinics, or walk-in centres.
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Neoadjuvant Study of the Tissue Effects of POMx Pills in Men with Prostate Cancer Before Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Freedland Stephen J. , Carducci Michael , Kroeger Nils , Partin Alan , Rao Jian-yu , Jin Yusheng , Kerkoutian Susan , Wu Hong , Li Yunfeng , Creel Patricia , Mundy Kelly , Gurganus Robin , Fedor Helen , King Serina A. , Zhang Yanjun , Heber David , Pantuck Allan J. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Pomegranates slow prostate cancer xenograft growth and prolong prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling times in single-arm human studies. Pomegranates' effects on human prostate tissue are understudied. We hypothesized that orally administered pomegranate extract (POMx; Pom Wonderful) would lower tissue 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker. Seventy men were randomized to two tablets, POMx or placebo, daily up to four weeks before radical prostatectomy. Tissue was analyzed for intraprostatic urolithin A, a pomegranate metabolite, benign and malignant 8-OHdG, and cancer pS6 kinase, NF-κB, and Ki67. Primary endpoint was differences in 8-OHdG, and the study was powered to detect 35% reduction. POMx was associated with 16% lower benign tissue 8-OHdG (P = 0.095), which was not statistically significant. POMx was well tolerated with no treatment-related withdrawals. There were no differences in baseline clinicopathological features between arms. Urolithin A was detected in 21 of the 33 patients in the POMx group versus 12 of the 35 in the placebo group (P = 0.031). Cancer pS6 kinase, NF-κB, Ki67, and serum PSA changes were similar between arms. POMx before surgery results in pomegranate metabolite accumulation in prostate tissues. Our primary endpoint in this modest-sized short-term trial was negative. Future larger longer studies are needed to more definitively test whether POMx reduces prostate oxidative stress, as well as further animal testing to better understand the multiple mechanisms through which POMx may alter prostate cancer biology. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1120–7. ©2013 AACR.
Nano-Architectural Alterations in Mucus Layer Fecal Colonocytes in Field Carcinogenesis: Potential for Screening
Authors: Roy Hemant K. , Damania Dhwanil P. , DelaCruz Mart , Kunte Dhananjay P. , Subramanian Hariharan , Crawford Susan E. , Tiwari Ashish K. , Wali Ramesh K. , Backman Vadim 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Current fecal tests (occult blood, methylation, DNA mutations) target minute amounts of tumor products among a large amount of fecal material and thus have suboptimal performance. Our group has focused on exploiting field carcinogenesis as a modality to amplify the neoplastic signal. Specifically, we have shown that endoscopically normal rectal brushings have striking nano-architectural alterations which are detectable using a novel optical technique, partial wave spectroscopic microscopy (PWS). We therefore wished to translate this approach to a fecal assay. We examined mucus layer fecal colonocytes (MLFC) at preneoplastic and neoplastic time points (confirmed with rat colonoscopy) in the azoxymethane (AOM)-treated rat model and conducted PWS analysis to derive the nano-architectural parameter, disorder strength (Ld). We confirmed these results with studies in a genetic model (the Pirc rat). We showed that MLFC appeared microscopically normal, consistent with field carcinogenesis. Ld was elevated at an early time point (5 weeks post-AOM injection, effect size = 0.40, P = 0.024) and plateaued before adenoma formation (10 weeks post-AOM, effect size = 0.66, P = 0.001), with no dramatic increase once tumors developed. We replicated these data in the preneoplastic Pirc rat with an effect size in the MLFC that replicated the rectal brushings (increase vs. age-matched controls of 62% vs. 74%, respectively). We provide the first demonstration of a biophotonics approach to fecal assay. Furthermore, targeting the nano-architectural changes of field carcinogenesis rather than the detection of tumor products may provide a novel paradigm for colorectal cancer screening. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1111–9. ©2013 AACR.
Characteristics of Intramural Scar in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy and Relation to Intramural Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Desjardins Benoit , Yokokawa Miki , Good Eric , Crawford Thomas , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Jongnarangsin Krit , Ghanbari Hamid , Oral Hakan , Pelosi Frank , Chugh Aman , Morady Fred , Bogun Frank 
Published: August 2013

Background—
Ventricular arrhythmias have been described to originate from intramural locations. Intramural scar can be assessed by delayed-enhanced MRI, but MRIs cannot be performed on every patient. The objective of this study was to assess the value of voltage mapping to detect MRI-defined intramural scar and to correlate the scar with ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods and Results—

In 15 consecutive patients (3 women; age 55±16 years; ejection fraction, 49±13%) with structural heart disease, intramural scar was detected by delayed-enhanced MRI. All patients underwent endocardial unipolar and bipolar voltage mapping guided by the registered intramural scar. Scar volume by MRI was 11.7±8 cm
3
with a scar thickness of 4.6±0.7 mm and a preserved endocardial/epicardial rim of 3.3±1.6 and 4.8±2.6 mm, respectively. Endocardial bipolar voltage was 1.6±1.73 mV at the scar, 2.12±2.15 mV in a 1 cm perimeter around the scar, and 2.83±3.39 mV in remote myocardium without scar. The corresponding unipolar voltage was 4.94±3.25, 6.59±3.81, and 8.32±3.39 mV, respectively (
P
<0.0001). Using receiver–operator characteristic curves, a unipolar cut-off value of 6.78 mV (area under the curve, 0.78) and a bipolar cut-off value of 1.55 mV (area under the curve, 0.69) best separated endocardial measurements overlying scar as compared with areas not overlying a scar. At least 1 intramural ventricular arrhythmia was eliminated in all but 2 patients in this series.

Conclusions—
Intramural scar can be detected by unipolar and bipolar voltage, unipolar voltage being more useful. Mapping and ablation of intramural arrhythmias originating from an intramural focus can be accomplished.
Theses on Theory
Authors: Gresham Jacqueline 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
These thesis statements address the ghettoization of theory in the academic study of religion, noting not only the creation of specialized venues for the practice of theory (e.g., the conference section that the theses were originally written to directly address) as a symptomatic response, but also the further isolating effects engendered by the emergence of such discursive spaces. In response to these problems of marginalization, the theses go on to propose practical methods for tactical dissolution in hopes to contribute to the further integration of theory into the wider discipline.
Forging an External EU Migration Policy: From Externalisation of Border Management to a Comprehensive Policy?
Authors: Papagianni Georgia 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article presents a critical analysis of the new developments in the formation of an external dimension of EU migration policy. It seeks to offer comprehensive answers to why, how and who build(s) external migration policy. The author analyses the current institutional framework emphasising, first, the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, second, the variety of actors involved and the relations between them, and third, the innovative character of certain recent instruments. Next, the comprehensive and balanced character of the new policy is questioned. Its fundamental principles and objectives, as those are described in particular in the new Global Approach on Migration and Mobility, the so-called GAMM, are presented and examined in depth. Readmission agreements, visa facilitation agreements and mobility partnerships are used as case studies that provide a thorough review of the policy-making process and an assessment of the respective policy outcomes.
EU Migration Governance in Central Asia: Everybody’s Business – Nobody’s Business?
Authors: Korneev Oleg 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The EU has been involved in various migration governance initiatives in Central Asia with ambiguous impact. Among the reasons given to account for EU external governance failures in Central Asia figure poor EU local expertise , “awkwardness” of states in the region, low level of regional cooperation and high conflict potential among Central Asian states. This article identifies previously neglected challenges for EU migration governance in Central Asia due to the nature of international governors present in the field and to the character of relationships between them: strategic – the lack of donors’ coordination, and operational – limited coordination and often open competition between implementing partners. The article concludes by arguing that current EU actions in this field form a set of disparate initiatives that do not amount to a comprehensive policy seeking to impact migration in Central Asia but rather strive to broaden and strengthen EU presence in the region.
Stephanodiscus Ehr. species from Holocene sediments in the Faiyum Depression (Middle Egypt)
Authors: FLOWER R.J. , KEATINGS K. , HAMDAN M.A. , HASSAN F.A. 
Published: August 2013

Lake Qarun in the Egyptian Faiyum Depression is the shrunken remnant of a much larger lake. To investigate the sedimentary history of the former lake, several continuous lacustrine sediment cores were collected from now terrestrial locations within the basin. The suitability of these sediments for reconstructing past environmental changes was first assessed by describing the gross stratigraphies of three core sequences and secondly by evaluating taxonomic issues concerning sedimentary diatom species within the genus, Stephanodiscus Ehr. The stratigraphic descriptions show basal sections comprised of either coarse sand or weathered Ecocene limestone overlain by lacustrine sediments. Lower sections of the lacustrine sediments are diatom marls, and, in the two lakeside cores, these are laminated. These sections indicate that the lake initially formed by rapid in filling to a considerable depth with freshwater and the diatom-rich marls containing abundant Stephanodiscus and Aulacoseira Thwaites species. A new species and variety of Stephanodiscus, S. neoaegypticus and S. neoaegypticus var. fekrii, are described from the marl section in one core. Another species, S. galileenis Håkansson & Erhlich, was also present and is re-evaluated with reference to the published description. The importance of establishing a sound taxonomic foundation for palaeolimnological studies of Lake Qarun is stressed.
MLS and CALIOP Cloud Ice Measurements in the Upper Troposphere: A Constraint from Microwave on Cloud Microphysics
Authors: Wu Dong L. , Lambert Alyn , Read William G. , Eriksson Patrick , Gong Jie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study examines the consistency and microphysics assumptions among satellite ice water content (IWC) retrievals in the upper troposphere with collocated A-Train radiances from Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and lidar backscatters from Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). For the cases in which IWC values are small (<10 mg m−3), the cloud ice retrievals are constrained by both MLS 240- and 640-GHz radiances and CALIOP 532-nm backscatter β532. From the observed relationships between MLS cloud-induced radiance Tcir and the CALIOP backscatter integrated γ532 along the MLS line of sight, an empirical linear relation between cloud ice and the lidar backscatter is found: IWC/β532 = 0.58 ± 0.11. This lidar cloud ice relation is required to satisfy the cloud ice emission signals simultaneously observed at microwave frequencies, in which ice permittivity is relatively well known. This empirical relationship also produces IWC values that agree well with the CALIOP, version 3.0, retrieval at values <10 mg m−3. Because the microphysics assumption is critical in satellite cloud ice retrievals, the agreement found in the IWC–β532 relationships increase fidelity of the assumptions used by the lidar and microwave techniques for upper-tropospheric clouds.
Snow Temperature Changes within a Seasonal Snowpack and Their Relationship to Turbulent Fluxes of Sensible and Latent Heat
Authors: Burns Sean P. , Molotch Noah P. , Williams Mark W. , Knowles John F. , Seok Brian , Monson Russell K. , Turnipseed Andrew A. , Blanken Peter D. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Snowpack temperatures from a subalpine forest below Niwot Ridge, Colorado, are examined with respect to atmospheric conditions and the 30-min above-canopy and subcanopy eddy covariance fluxes of sensible Qh and latent Qe heat. In the lower snowpack, daily snow temperature changes greater than 1°C day−1 occurred about 1–2 times in late winter and early spring, which resulted in transitions to and from an isothermal snowpack. Though air temperature was a primary control on snowpack temperature, rapid snowpack warm-up events were sometimes preceded by strong downslope winds that kept the nighttime air (and canopy) temperature above freezing, thus increasing sensible heat and longwave radiative transfer from the canopy to the snowpack. There was an indication that water vapor condensation on the snow surface intensified the snowpack warm-up.
In late winter, subcanopy Qh was typically between −10 and 10 W m−2 and rarely had a magnitude larger than 20 W m−2. The direction of subcanopy Qh was closely related to the canopy temperature and only weakly dependent on the time of day. The daytime subcanopy Qh monthly frequency distribution was near normal, whereas the nighttime distribution was more peaked near zero with a large positive skewness. In contrast, above-canopy Qh was larger in magnitude (100–400 W m−2) and primarily warmed the forest–surface at night and cooled it during the day. Around midday, decoupling of subcanopy and above-canopy air led to an apparent cooling of the snow surface by sensible heat. Sources of uncertainty in the subcanopy eddy covariance flux measurements are suggested. Implications of the observed snowpack temperature changes for future climates are discussed.
Interpreting Energy and Tracer Spectra of Upper-Ocean Turbulence in the Submesoscale Range (1–200 km)
Authors: Callies Jörn , Ferrari Raffaele 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSubmesoscale (1–200 km) wavenumber spectra of kinetic and potential energy and tracer variance are obtained from in situ observations in the Gulf Stream region and in the eastern subtropical North Pacific. In the Gulf Stream region, steep kinetic energy spectra at scales between 200 and 20 km are consistent with predictions of interior quasigeostrophic–turbulence theory, both in the mixed layer and in the thermocline. At scales below 20 km, the spectra flatten out, consistent with a growing contribution of internal-wave energy at small scales. In the subtropical North Pacific, the energy spectra are flatter and inconsistent with predictions of interior quasigeostrophic–turbulence theory. The observed spectra and their dependence on depth are also inconsistent with predictions of surface quasigeostrophic–turbulence theory for the observed ocean stratification. It appears that unbalanced motions, most likely internal tides at large scales and the internal-wave continuum at small scales, dominate the energy spectrum throughout the submesoscale range. Spectra of temperature variance along density surfaces, which are not affected by internal tides, are also inconsistent with predictions of geostrophic-turbulence theories. Reasons for this inconsistency could be the injection of energy in the submesoscale range by small-scale baroclinic instabilities or modifications of the spectra by coupling between surface and interior dynamics or by ageostrophic frontal effects.
Diffusion-weighted MRI of metastatic liver lesions: is there a difference between hypervascular and hypovascular metastases?
Authors: Schmid-Tannwald Christine , Thomas Stephen , Ivancevic Marko K , Dahi Farid , Rist Carsten , Sethi Ila , Oto Aytekin 
Published: August 2013

Background Different perfusion characteristics and histopathologic features of liver metastasis may potentially lead to different diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) characteristics which can affect the performance of DW-MRI in their diagnosis. Purpose To compare ADC values of hypervascular and hypovascular metastases and the added value of DW-MRI to T2-weighted (T2-w) images in their detection. Material and Methods In this retrospective study, 46 patients (21 with hypervascular, 25 with hypovascular liver metastases) who had undergone abdominal MRI were included. Two independent observers first reviewed T2-w images only and then T2-w + DW-MR images and recorded number of metastases in each session. Lesion detection rate was compared using McNemar test. ADC of metastases in each patient was measured and compared between hypo- and hypervascular lesions using t-test. Results A total of 153 hypervascular and 187 hypovascular metastases were detected at consensus review. Two observers detected significantly more hypervascular metastases on T2-w + DW-MR image review session compared to T2-w image only review session (reader 1: 148 [96.7%] vs. 129 [84.3%], P = 0.002; reader 2: 125 [81.9%] vs. 113 [73.8%], P = 0.004). Detection rate of hypovascular metastases was similar between two sessions for both observers (reader 1: 180 [96.2%] vs. 184 [98.4%]; reader 2: 176 [94.1%] vs. 180 [96.2%], P > 0.05). The mean ADC value of hypervascular metastases was significantly lower than mean ADC value of hypovascular metastases (1.23+/−0.31 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.49+/−0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s) ( P = 0.001). Conclusion Liver metastases are not a homogenous group of lesions with uniform DW-MRI features. Hypervascular metastases demonstrate significantly lower ADC values compared to hypovascular metastases. DW-MRI improved detection of hypervascular metastases compared to T2-w images alone and is a useful adjunct to T2-w images for their detection.
Gelatin-apatite bone mimetic co-precipitates incorporated within biopolymer matrix to improve mechanical and biological properties useful for hard tissue repair
Authors: Won Jong-Eun , El-Fiqi Ahmed , Jegal Seung-Hwan , Han Cheol-Min , Lee Eun-Jung , Knowles Jonathan C , Kim Hae-Won 
Published: August 2013

Synthetic biopolymers are commonly used for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. Specifically targeting bone, the composite approach of utilizing inorganic components is considered promising in terms of improving mechanical and biological properties. We developed gelatin-apatite co-precipitates which mimic the native bone matrix composition within poly(lactide- co-caprolactone) (PLCL). Ionic reaction of calcium and phosphate with gelatin molecules enabled the co-precipitate formation of gelatin-apatite nanocrystals at varying ratios. The gelatin-apatite precipitates formed were carbonated apatite in nature, and were homogeneously distributed within the gelatin matrix. The incorporation of gelatin-apatite significantly improved the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation at break, and the improvement was more pronounced as the apatite content increased. Of note, the tensile strength increased to as high as 45 MPa (a four-fold increase vs. PLCL), the elastic modulus was increased up to 1500 MPa (a five-fold increase vs. PLCL), and the elongation rate was ∼240% (twice vs. PLCL). These results support the strengthening role of the gelatin-apatite precipitates within PLCL. The gelatin-apatite addition considerably enhanced the water affinity and the acellular mineral-forming ability in vitro in simulated body fluid; moreover, it stimulated cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, the GAp-PLCL nanocomposite composition is considered to have excellent mechanical and biological properties, which hold great potential for use as bone regenerative matrices.